Enlightening the Future of South Asia with Wisdom, Integrity, and Justice.
About the Institute
The Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies (SSISAS) is a distinguished, internationally recognized independent think tank dedicated to the critical study and ethical advancement of contemporary South Asia.
Through empirically grounded and interdisciplinary research, the Institute addresses the region’s most pressing issues—including political governance, socio-economic transformation, cultural vitality, and social justice. By integrating diverse perspectives, we aim to illuminate the complexities of South Asia and foster a deeper, more holistic understanding of its evolving realities.
Our mission is to generate knowledge that leads to policy outcomes that are not only sustainable and inclusive, but also grounded in justice, integrity, and long-term regional wellbeing.
Mission and Intellectual Ethos
The Institute was founded in honour of Sadhu Sundar Singh—a man of profound moral clarity, spiritual depth, and intercultural sensitivity. His legacy of intellectual rigor, contemplative wisdom, and public engagement continues to shape the ethos of our work.
Sadhu Sundar Singh modeled a life in which deep spiritual practice was inseparable from commitment to justice and compassion in the world. At the Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies, we strive to embody these values in both our academic inquiry and our social engagement.
Guided by his example, SSISAS is committed to producing knowledge that serves the public good—research that speaks to the urgent moral and structural challenges facing South Asia, and that contributes to building a more just, humane, and equitable society.
Research for Regional Transformation
At the Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies, we believe that knowledge is not only the foundation of understanding—it is also a driver of meaningful social change. In response to the urgent and evolving challenges facing the region, the Institute serves as both a research hub and a resource centre, developing strategic insights to support inclusive and sustainable regional development.
Our work brings together in-depth analysis, collaborative writing, and deliberately interdisciplinary research initiatives that address South Asia’s most pressing concerns. These include:
- Democratic governance
- Inclusive development
- Social justice
- Sustainable and equitable economies
- Environmental resilience
- Cultural continuity and renewal
We are committed to producing knowledge that is practically relevant, evaluative in nature, and capable of informing both local communities and high-level policy decisions. By translating research into actionable strategies, we aim to support decision-makers and civil society actors alike in advancing equitable and lasting transformation across South Asia.
Think Tank as a Policy Partner
The Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies plays a trusted and principled role in public policy across South Asia and beyond. While many institutions produce research, few possess both the ethical commitment and institutional relationships necessary to act as credible partners in policy decision-making.
Beyond the academic realm, SSISAS is regularly engaged by government ministries, international development agencies, and civil society networks for independent policy analysis, evidence-based recommendations, and impartial assessments. Our contributions are valued not only for their analytical depth but for their moral clarity and regional relevance.
We have provided expertise on a wide range of critical policy areas, including:
- Food security and agricultural policy
- Humanitarian response and refugee protection
- Disaster preparedness and crisis coordination
- Forced migration and displacement
- Climate change adaptation and resilience planning
In each of these domains, stakeholders turn to the Institute for guidance rooted in rigorous research, ethical insight, and a deep understanding of South Asia’s diverse and evolving contexts.
Partnerships Across Borders
The Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies works collaboratively with institutions and communities across South Asia and around the world. We actively partner with universities, research centres, and international development agencies to advance shared goals through research, dialogue, and knowledge exchange.
For us, partnership goes beyond institutional agreements—it reflects a deeper moral and intellectual commitment to social transformation. We view true partnership as a collaborative journey grounded in mutual respect, ethical purpose, and a shared aspiration for peace, equity, and inclusion.
Through these cross-border alliances, the Institute contributes knowledge that strengthens regional stability and supports global understanding. By fostering networks of cooperation rooted in trust and justice, we aim to advance not only academic inquiry but also practical solutions that serve the common good.
Enduring Commitment
At the heart of our mission is an enduring commitment to moral courage, intellectual integrity, and social responsibility. We strive to uphold the dignity of every person, inspired by the life and witness of Sadhu Sundar Singh, and to reflect that dignity in all aspects of our work.
In this spirit, the Sundar Singh Institute of South Asian Studies seeks to be a beacon of principled scholarship and compassionate engagement. We welcome scholars, practitioners, advocates, and all those dedicated to justice and peace to join us in building a South Asia that is equitable, resilient, inclusive, and globally connected.
Together, through knowledge and action, we can shape a future that honours the past, meets the challenges of the present, and embraces the possibilities of a more just world.