IERARD is committed to continuously applying state-of-the-art scientific knowledge to further the development of social scientists, researchers and the academic population through training and counselling, knowledge dissemination and technology development. Currently, the Indian education system practices the score game that creates a cavity of fundamental thought systems. Hence, there is a scope for a wide range of populations under development regarding social, economic, health and environmental perspectives. We must address these vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and unprivileged social groups, to achieve the SDGs and become developed nations. Therefore, we aim to equip potential researchers with fundamental ideas and creativity to work for our society and the underprivileged population for their betterment and bring them into mainstream society. However, even sound principles need continuous practice upgrades based on the current knowledge. It is thus essential to deploy the best-known methods for skilling and counselling in the local context, which includes optimum utilization of local resources and people participation. I see this as the principle of Mahatma Gandhi advocated in his concept, now known as "Gram Swaraj".

I admire, embrace and participate in knowledge dissemination and the development process through people's participation, which germinates frugal resources for the need to make India a developed nation. In India's subcontinent, there is tremendous local diversity across the rural region. I hence call for a trans and multi-disciplinarity approach and ask capable and committed researchers and people who love to work for society to come and join us for upgrading of livelihood and participate in change from time to time to find appropriate solutions for the diverse needs of people of India.

Dr Devendra Prasad Singh
Director
Institute for Environmental Research and Rural Development
Patna, Bihar - 800013