The "Kodikara Award" was originally introduced by RCSS in 1996 and the number of awards given has varied over the years. Named in honour of Prof. Shelton U. Kodikara, the founding Executive Director of RCSS, the Kodikara Award encourages rigorous research by a younger generation of South Asian academics and professionals on relevant themes of strategic interest in South Asia.
The primary objective is to address the main areas of research interest of the RCSS by sponsoring policy-relevant studies. It intends to encourage rigorous research particularly targeted to younger generations of scholars who can bring into focus fresh perspectives and new ideas. The aim is to strengthen research interests and expertise on relevant subjects at the base level. The grants are offered on the basis of in-depth studies focused on South Asian strategic and international issues coupled with a problem-approach. The output research under this programme is published as RCSS Policy Studies, in a monograph.
The themes proposed for securing the grant must have a South Asian focus and relevance.. These themes include: SAARC: Relevance and Future; South Asian Economic Cooperation; South Asia and China; US Pivot to Asia: Implications for Asia-Pacific; South Asian Political Culture; The Role of Religion and National Policies.
National of all South Asian countries– Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka –within the age limit of 35 years are eligible to receive the grant. Candidates should have a Master's degree in International Relations, Strategic Studies, Political Science, Economics, History, Anthropology, Journalism, International law. The programme is mainly targeted to South Asian scholars and other professionals based in the region.
