The world around us is beset with challenges, and one among these is unequal and unfair treatment meted out to a large section of the population, which includes discrimination across gender and sexual orientation, caste and class, race and ethnicity as well as against persons with disabilities.

With the growing consensus in development studies and practice that aggregate economic growth is inept in advancing people’s well-being, there is a palpable and necessary call to action to dismantle these forms of belittling and demeaning gestures. Based on the express belief and commitment to the equality of human beings, IMPRI Center for Human Dignity and Development (CHDD) aims to provide an objective and subjective understanding of the above sets of challenges. We regard human dignity as supreme and that along with a dignified treatment meted out to each person, s/he deserves a dignified life and livelihood as well. Respect for human dignity requires commitment to creating enabling conditions under which individuals can develop a sense of self-worth and security. Unless this is ensured, the looming threats of violence and injustice will continue to impede efforts towards human development.

CHDD exhorts every fellow human being to stand in solidarity with inclusive development so that no one is denied the skills and confidence to build a world strong and prosperous in harmonious diversity.