WELCOME TO CHANAKYA CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
WELCOME TO CHANAKYA CENTRE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
Dharma is law in its widest sense—spiritual, moral, ethical and temporal. Every individual, whether the ruler or the ruled, is governed by his or her own dharma. To the extent that society respected dharma, society protected itself; to the extent society offended it, society undermined”
The wise man should restrain his senses like the crane and accomplish his purpose with due knowledge of his place, time and ability.
Of war, there is open war, concealed war and silent war.
A arrow shot by an archer may or may not kill a single person; but skillful intrigue, devised by a wise man, may kill even those who are in the womb (A sound strategy can destroy emerging and invisible threats).
The Chanakya Centre for Strategic Studies (CCSS) is a specialised, independent, and non-profit organisation dedicated to conducting research, providing analysis and developing solutions to complex societal challenges. The Centre serves as an intellectual hub that generates ideas and contributes to informed policy discussions across a wide range of sectors, including politics, economics, social development, digital literacy, skill development to power Atmanirbharta and environmental issues. Its work also addresses critical global concerns such as climate change, global security, human rights and international trade. The Centre firmly believes that the true strength of a nation lies not only in its resources but in the capability, equality and unity of its people.
The CCSS functions as a platform where scholars, practitioners and policy experts collaborate to examine the most pressing national and global challenges. Through rigorous research, policy dialogue, and public engagement, the centre works to generate ideas that support effective good governance, strengthen democratic institutions and enhance strategic awareness.
The CCSS operates through a network of distinguished specialists committed to producing objective analyses, policy-relevant insights and strategic ideas that support informed decision-making, sustainable development goals and both public and private sector initiatives. Its members include former senior policymakers, retired senior armed forces officers and eminent academicians.
The Centre’s work spans a wide range of areas, including governance, economic policy, diplomacy, national security, social development, environmental sustainability and emerging strategic challenges. In an increasingly interconnected and information-driven world, the CCSS also focuses on issues such as information warfare, perception management and the resilience of democratic societies.
As an intellectual hub, the CCSS seeks to foster informed debate and constructive dialogue among policymakers, academics, opinion-shapers and the broader public, particularly the younger generation. Through research publications, seminars, policy discussions and outreach initiatives, the Centre contributes to a deeper understanding of key issues shaping India and the world. Its research outputs are shared digitally with policymakers, legislators, opinion leaders and the younger generation for their consideration. Members interact digitally with students on significant topics.
Inspired by the intellectual legacy of Chanakya, whose ideas emphasised statecraft, strategic foresight, responsibilities of both citizens and government and pragmatic policy of good governance, the Centre seeks to contribute to thoughtful policy debates and national development.
The Chanakya Centre for Strategic Studies (CCSS) is a registered, non-profit-making trust with charitable objectives (Certificate No. – IN-DL 473788063844210). It has also been registered for undertaking CSR activities (Registration number CSR00107474). It was established under the aegis of the Angika Development Society, registered under the Society Registration Act of 1860.
Vision
To become an influnetial platform for strategic thought, policy research and informed public discourse, contributing to stronger democratic institutions, sound policymaking and a deeper understanding of national and global challenges.
Mission
The mission of the CCSS is to conduct rigorous research, generate innovative policy ideas and facilitate informed dialogue on critical social, economic, diplomatic, governance and security issues. The CCSS seeks to bridge the gap between research, policy and public understanding by promoting objective analysis and credible knowledge.
Objectives
Promote Strategic Research and Policy Analysis
To conduct independent, evidence-based research on issues of national and global importance and provide policy-relevant insights to support effective governance and decision-making.
Serve as an Intellectual Forum
To function as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, policymakers, experts and opinion-shapers across diverse fields such as politics, economics, security studies, information/cognitive warfare, environmental policy, human rights and international trade.
Inform and Educate the Public
To help citizens better understand complex governmental policy, strategic, economic, and social issues through accessible publications, discussions and outreach initiatives.
Facilitate Dialogue and Policy Engagement
To organise seminars, conferences and roundtable discussions that encourage constructive debate and contribute to a better understanding of public policies and the responsibilities of citizens.
Disseminate Knowledge
To publish research papers, policy briefs and analytical commentaries aimed at informing policymakers, academics and international audiences about India’s strategic perspectives and policy approaches.
Address Information and Cognitive Warfare
To study and analyse the growing challenges posed by information manipulation and cognitive warfare and to present accurate, fact-based analysis that helps counter misleading narratives and propaganda.
Strengthen Democratic Awareness and Resilience
To raise public awareness about the impact of misinformation and perception management and to help citizens develop the awareness necessary to safeguard democratic processes.
Activities
The CCSS organises seminars and discussions aimed at informing citizens the complexities of evolving situation having both challenges and opportunities and thereby contributing to the formulation of views on social, economic, diplomatic, governance and security issues. It also produces research papers, articles and analytical write-ups to disseminate ideas among the public, policymakers and international audiences, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation of India’s policies and strategic outlook.
In the contemporary era of information and cognitive warfare, the CCSS places particular emphasis on presenting facts clearly and objectively so that the public is not misled by narratives propagated by hostile actors. In today’s security environment, information/cognitive warfare has gained unprecedented significance due to the widespread use of multiple communication channels to influence perceptions, distort thinking and potentially manipulate actions.
While psychological operations have existed for decades, rapid technological advancement and the expansion of cyber connectivity have multiplied the tools available for such influence operations. To counter the harmful impact of information and cognitive warfare, the CCSS undertakes in-depth research on its implications, raises public awareness about its consequences and helps citizens recognise and resist misleading propaganda that can undermine democratic processes.
It published quarterly Chanakya Journal of CCSS from 2015 to 2020 on its own. Now it publishes the journal biannually in collaboration with the Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhi Nagar, Gujrat. It shares views with the concerned persons/groups through seminars as well as in digital mode.