Institute for Sustainable Development and Governance - ISDG

Institute for Sustainable Development and Governance - ISDG ISDG Trivandrum is the governance and development programme of the Centre for Communication and Development Studies, Pune.

Initiative for Sustainable Development and Governance (ISDG) which became operational in 2012 is the governance and development programme of the Centre for Communication and Development Studies. ISDG focuses on policy research and capacity development and seeks to strengthen democratic governance, sustainable human development and inclusive participation of people in all spheres of governance. ISD

G, as the governance and development arm of CCDS, invests its efforts in three specific areas:

a) Participatory Urban Governance with a focus on urban poverty, budget transparency and accountability and people's participation;

b) Policy and Budget Analysis and Advocacy and Social Watch of governance institutions; and

c) Youth and Women's empowerment. Though in the first year, most of the work of the ISDG was focused in Kerala, ISDG is expected grow as a national level strategic resource centre with specific focus on advocacy, research and capacity development in the area of urban governance and poverty, as well as the initiatives for youth and women's empowerment. Focus areas
Budget and Social Analysis
ISDG functions as the secretariat of the Social Accountability and Budget Analysis Network (SABAN) which is a network of civil society organizations, researchers, activists and media persons across Kerala to promote and advocate transparency and accountability in governance with particular reference to the budgetary process. The objective of the network is to facilitate research & documentation and media advocacy. This initiative is an effort in bringing the budget to closer to the people, to enhance the understanding of the layman about the intricacies of the budget. Under Budget Watch Kerala various capacity building initiatives will be undertaken. Participatory Urban Governance
As part of this focus area, ISDG aims to undertake a study on how urban poor participate in governance currently. It is recognized that it is essential to give them a voice in the decisions that affect their lives, and enable them to access their fundamental rights and basic services. It also aims to make local governance institutions transparent, accountable and inclusive. The process will make visible the inequalities and deprivations rampant in growing urban centres and the extent to which the poor are excluded from the benefits of development and the processes of governance. The needs and aspirations of poor and vulnerable citizens in urban areas will be firmly placed on the agenda of political leaders and the local administrative machinery. Youth and Women Empowerment
Youth and Women empowerment programmes on vocational training, capacity building, awareness creation are envisaged to be carried out.

19/10/2025
“Good Governance is When Doors Open at the Sound of Footsteps” – S.M. VijayanandGood governance is truly experienced by ...
03/10/2025

“Good Governance is When Doors Open at the Sound of Footsteps” – S.M. Vijayanand

Good governance is truly experienced by society not when one enters an office seeking service, but when one returns with satisfaction. Governance should function like doors that open at the sound of footsteps—that is what people expect from local governments, said former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand.

He was inaugurating the two-day training program organized for those aspiring to contest in the upcoming local body elections, jointly conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Development and Governance (ISDG), Kerala Civil Society, and Christ University Nodal Office.

Though politics is part of development, there is no place for divisive politics in local governance, he said. Consensus-building is the real developmental politics here. Service should be delivered with a smile. Priority must be given to economic development rooted in social justice. To ensure that the queue for services remains free from political interference, officials, elected representatives, and civil society all share equal responsibility.

At the event, Vijayanand released the book “To Learn and Train to Become a Local Government Representative” by handing a copy to Dr. P.P. Balan, former Director of KILA.

The session was presided over by Kerala Civil Society Chief Coordinator John Joseph. Others who led the training included Local Self Government Department Superintending Engineer K.C. Subramanian, Dr. Aravindakshan Pillai, Christ University Nodal Office Coordinator Dr. Godwin, K.V. Anilkumar, and ISDG Program Coordinator Anilkumar P.Y.

The valedictory session and certificate distribution was held on October 1, led by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan.

2025 ലെ തദ്ദേശഭരണ തെരെഞ്ഞെടുപ്പിന് മുന്നോടിയായി സ്ഥാനാർത്ഥി ആകുവാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നവർക്കും സാമൂഹിക പ്രവർത്തകർക്കുമായി 2025 ...
28/09/2025

2025 ലെ തദ്ദേശഭരണ തെരെഞ്ഞെടുപ്പിന് മുന്നോടിയായി സ്ഥാനാർത്ഥി ആകുവാൻ ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നവർക്കും സാമൂഹിക പ്രവർത്തകർക്കുമായി 2025 സെപ്റ്റംബർ 30|ഒക്ടോബർ ഒന്ന് തിയതിയിൽ തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത് സംഘടിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ആദ്യ പരിശീലനത്തിനും തുടർന്നുള്ള പരിശീലനത്തിനുമായി തയ്യാറാക്കിയ
തദ്ദേശഭരണ ജനസേവനപ്രതിനിധിയാകാൻ പഠിക്കാം പരിശീലിക്കാം എന്ന പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ
കവർ പേജ് പ്രകാശനത്തിൽ പങ്കാളിയാകുന്നു

🎓 Wrapping up an enriching journey!Our interns have successfully completed ISDG’s internship programme on Localising the...
09/06/2025

🎓 Wrapping up an enriching journey!
Our interns have successfully completed ISDG’s internship programme on Localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From field visits to survey design, data analysis, and presentations — they immersed themselves in the realities of grassroots governance.

📘 Their comprehensive reports are now published on our ISDG website.
Here’s to these young changemakers and the impact they’ll continue to make! 🌍✨

Honouring a Legacy of Truth and CourageThe inaugural Bodhigram–BRP Media Award & Memorial was held on June 4, 2025, at t...
09/06/2025

Honouring a Legacy of Truth and Courage
The inaugural Bodhigram–BRP Media Award & Memorial was held on June 4, 2025, at the Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram — celebrating the life and ideals of veteran journalist B.R.P. Bhaskar.

The BRP Media Award was presented to M.B. Babu, Senior Reporter at Mathrubhumi, for his fearless journalism and commitment to the marginalised.

Powerful words from P.V. Rajagopal, Sunny M. Kapikkad, R. Rajagopal, G. Shankar, Dr. Iris, and K. Abu Baker helped us reflect on BRP’s enduring contributions to journalism and democracy.

Organised by Bodhigram in collaboration with ISDG, the event reminded us that good journalism is not just about reporting facts — it’s about standing by people and principles.

🕊️ Voice from the Ground | A Dialogue with P.V. RajagopalOn June 4th, ISDG hosted an inspiring conversation with Shri P....
09/06/2025

🕊️ Voice from the Ground | A Dialogue with P.V. Rajagopal

On June 4th, ISDG hosted an inspiring conversation with Shri P.V. Rajagopal, Gandhian, peace architect, and founder of Ekta Parishad. The dialogue brought together youth, activists, scholars, and civil society representatives to reflect on non-violence, grassroots advocacy, and participatory democracy.

From the power of people-led movements to the importance of listening to voices from the margins, Rajaji reminded us that real democracy is built from the ground up.

We thank all participants who made the event truly meaningful.

✨ “Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice.” – P.V. Rajagopal

🌍✨ From navigating the shifting tides of global political economy to exploring pathways in advocacy, the ISDG - Bodhigra...
23/05/2025

🌍✨ From navigating the shifting tides of global political economy to exploring pathways in advocacy, the ISDG - Bodhigram Foundation Orientation Workshop on Public Policy and Governance was an enriching journey of learning, reflection, and dialogue.

Led by John Samuel, the three-day workshop brought together young minds at Bodhigram Campus to unpack the public policy ecosystem, governance frameworks, and policy advocacy strategies through participatory sessions, open forums, and collective reflection.

Here’s to nurturing future leaders in policy and governance! 💡🗳️📚

Land. Justice. Peace. Media.Join us for a day of dialogue and recognition, organized by the Institute for Sustainable De...
21/05/2025

Land. Justice. Peace. Media.

Join us for a day of dialogue and recognition, organized by the Institute for Sustainable Development and Governance (ISDG), as we welcome P. V. Rajagopal, Gandhian and founder of Ekta Parishad, for two inspiring events in Thiruvananthapuram.

Morning Session:
Voices from the Ground: A Dialogue with P. V. Rajagopal
📍ISDG, Near Wilcrest Point, Golf Links Rd, Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram
🗓 June 4, 2025 | 🕥 10:30 AM
An Interaction with P. V. Rajagopal
On non-violence, grassroots movements, and the future of justice and peace in India.

Afternoon Session:
Bodhigram - BRP Media Awards Distribution Ceremony
📍 Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram
🗓 June 4, 2025 | 🕞 3:30 PM
Honouring socially committed journalism.
🎖️ Award is named after Shri B.R. P. Bhaskar, one of the most accomplished and respected journalists India has seen.

✨ “You cannot build peace without justice, and justice cannot exist without listening to the people.” – P. V. Rajagopal
📝 “Journalism must serve the people, not the powerful.” - B.R. P. Bhaskar

ISDG - Bodhigram Foundation Leadership Camp. Registration Form Link in Bio
06/05/2025

ISDG - Bodhigram Foundation Leadership Camp. Registration Form Link in Bio

Bodhigram BRP Media Awards 2025 - Entries Invited!
15/04/2025

Bodhigram BRP Media Awards 2025 - Entries Invited!

Address

Thiruvananthapuram
695003

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+914713592055

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