About CISSA

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Who We Are?

Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) is a dynamic network of experts from diverse disciplines who share a collective vision of leveraging the power of science and innovation towards social good. Bringing together scientists, engineers, doctors, educators, social workers, and communicators, CISSA serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, knowledge dissemination, and community empowerment. Through collaborative action, meaningful dialogue, and innovative initiatives, the organization drives measurable change across diverse fields

Rooted in the wisdom of the past and strengthened by the rigor of modern science, CISSA works to bridge ancient knowledge systems with contemporary scholarship. Its programs emphasize public participation, grassroots engagement, large-scale exhibitions, capacity-building training, and international seminars—each reflecting the organization’s steadfast commitment to inspire, inform, and innovate.

Vision

A world where
  • Natural, historic, cultural and spiritual resources are abundant, diverse, pristine, well managed and protected.
A scientific community that
  • Appreciates the importance of sustaining and enhancing the worlds’ natural, historic, cultural and spiritual resources.
  • Resists the use of science and technology developments as tools for exploitation and oppression of people, communities or nations.
  • Values traditional wisdom and spirituality in solving the problems of the modern world.
  • Promotes social action towards sustainable development.
A Society
  • Endowed with scientific temper and motivated for social action towards justice and sustainability.

Mission

  • Promote ethical management of the world’s natural resources for the benefit of people, fauna and flora as envisaged in ‘Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam’ (all world is one family) and well-being of present and future generations.
  • Initiate effort to meet the needs of all, cutting across regions and social hierarchies and strive to give a proper orientation to Science and Technology, to ensure social, economic and gender justice and sustain the natural equilibrium.
  • Promote cross-disciplinary and trans- cultural approach for research, awareness and action so that each discipline of modern science gets linked to the corresponding indigenous stream and a holistic paradigm evolves.
  • Globalizing Indian vision on science, conservation and life styles.
  • Nurture the complementary nature of science and spirituality with necessary action plans.
  • Perform to achieve self reliance in areas of science, technology and development.
  • Promote science, communication and education at all levels with special emphasis on the use of regional languages.
  • Promote social action at the grass root level to accomplish sustainable development.
  • Act to secure changes in government policy, corporate practices and consumer choices that will protect and improve the health of our environment.

Our Objectives

Sustainable Development
and Society
  • Promote sustainable development through campaigns, movements, and people-driven programs.
  • Encourage eco-friendly technologies, village industries, and sustainable farming for food security and ecological balance.
  • Address social challenges such as healthcare, mental wellness, gender equity, environment, and socio-economic development.
Science, Technology,
and Innovation
  • Prevent unethical applications of science and technology.
  • Conduct cross-disciplinary and transcultural research, sharing results with policymakers, media, and the public.
  • Advocate self-reliance in science and technology with reforms in curriculum, policy, and training.
  • Foster entrepreneurship among youth, women, and farmers.
Knowledge, Heritage,
and Culture
  • Validate and preserve indigenous knowledge systems through scientific methods and protect their intellectual property rights.
  • Showcase India’s contributions to science across diverse disciplines.
  • Highlight the complementary nature of science and spirituality in human development.
Education, Awareness, and Communication
  • Strengthen science communication through books, periodicals, digital media, and regional languages.
  • Organize seminars, workshops, conferences, and exhibitions to promote scientific literacy and sustainable practices.
  • Conduct training and courses for students, professionals, and the general public.
  • Build public understanding, appreciation, and critical evaluation of science and technology.
Collaboration
and Recognition
  • Collaborate with national and international organizations and institutions in related fields.
  • Recognize and honor the contributions of scientists, engineers, doctors, and social activists.

Philosophy

Achieving sustainable development requires managing change across many fronts and at multiple levels. To meet this challenge, innovation plays a vital role driving new ideas, creating better tools and products, and fostering social, environmental, and economic progress.
Addressing today’s environmental and developmental issues calls for bold, interdisciplinary, and transcultural research that combines the best of modern science with traditional wisdom.
By moving beyond reductionist approaches and embracing whole-systems thinking needed to better understand the complex dynamics of our world. This holistic perspective opens the door to meaningful solutions, laying the foundation for a healthier planet, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.

The Beginning

The Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) was founded by a community of dedicated professionals from diverse disciplines. Situated at the center of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, CISSA was legally established on September 16, 2006, and is registered under the Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act of 1955. Its 20 founding members include doctors, engineers, scientists, teachers, social workers, and policymakers—individuals united by a shared vision for a better world.

CISSA was formally inaugurated on September 16, 2006, in Thiruvananthapuram by Dr. G. G. Gangadharan, President of CISSA and Medical Director of the Institute of Ayurveda and Integrated Medicine, FRLHT, Bengaluru. In his address, Dr. Gangadharan emphasized the organization’s philosophy and underscored its relevance in a rapidly globalizing world where societies face numerous challenges. At the event, CISSA’s General Secretary, Dr. C. Suresh Kumar, shared the journey of ideas, concepts, and collective action that led to the establishment of the organization.

CISSA runs solely on the sheer dedication and selfless commitment of its members who are a strong volunteer-based network that is proactively involved in socially pertinent as well as environmentally crucial areas. The core activities of the organization include Environment and Sustainable Development,

Food and Agriculture, Clean Energy Solutions, Traditional Indian Knowledge like Ayurveda and Yoga, Public Health, as well as Disaster Management. By their relentless work in such crucial areas, CISSA not only advocates innovation but also spreads awareness and offers implementable solutions towards the vision of a sustainable and equitable tomorrow.

Founding Members

  • Dr. G.G. Gangadharan
  • Mr. Ajith Venniyoor
  • Mr. P.R.J. Pradeep,
  • Mr. K.S. Sumesh,
  • Dr. A. Biju Kumar
  • Mr. V.V. Vinod
  • Er. V.R. Sabu
  • Dr. S. Sunil Kumar
  • Dr. C. Suresh Kumar
  • Mr. R. Hari Kumar
  • Mr. J. Radhakrishnan