Gabeshana Chakra is an academic initiative of scholars and social workers interested in the study of Odisha from multiple vantage points, in inter-disciplinary and comparative perspectives keeping in view people’s aspirations for equitable, just, secular,democratic and sustainable social transformation. Its annual conferences held in different parts of Odisha bring together researchers and activists to deliberate on specific themes based on their investigation and field experiences. It leads to publication of papers, policy proposals and books in Odia and English.
Started in 1994 at Utkal University Campus in VaniVihar, Bhubaneswar,Gabeshana Chakra has held conferences in Berhampur, Khariar, Baripada, Rayagada, Paradip, Rourkela, Keonjhar, Bhawanipatna, Rourkela, Angul, Cuttack and other towns of the State.The Silver Jubilee conference at Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies, Bhubaneswar in 2018 was a high point where a young generation of trained researchers took active part and gave the initiative a new momentum. It launched its research wing, Development Research Institute (DRI) in 2010to systematically engage in academic projects. The DRI regularly conducts seminars, undertakes research projects and publishes occasional papers, monographs and a journal.
About Development Research Institute (DRI)
Development Research Institute (DRI) is an initiative of Gabeshana Chakra, the organisation promoted by scholars, social activists , journalists and other intellectuals, in order to promote quality research on topics covering social studies and action on Odisha. These range from social movements, rights of the marginalised, especially, dalits, adivasis, women and unorganised labour to the issues relating to land rights, migration, bonded labour, environment and protection of natural resources. These are issues which have become an integral part of the history of Odisha’s progressin the last century. DRI has established a journal, Odisha Journal of Social Studies to provide a platform for the inspiring young scholars interested in sharing their research findings on Odisha. DRI also brings out Occasional Papers based on a lecture series on Odisha from time to time.