Professor Ramashray Roy, founding member and former Director of CSDS, passed away on 10th August 2020.

An eminent political scientist, Professor Roy was associated with the Centre for over several decades and served as its Director from 1976 to 1981. Prior to this, he also served as Director of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (1972-76) and as Honorary Director, Institute for Rural Development, Patna.

Professor Roy’s research interests were diverse and he authored over 30 books and several research papers on themes ranging from political philosophy to development studies, party system, Gandhian studies, Vedic philosophy, and Indian tradition and culture. He also taught at various universities including Delhi, Tokyo, Melbourne, Austin, California, and Los Angeles. His other academic achievements include being National Fellow of the Indian Council of Social Science Research, Senior Fellow of the Indian Council of Historical Research, and a Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla.

The Centre’s Faculty and Staff join Professor Roy’s family and the larger intellectual community in condoling this loss.