The Al-Beruni Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion (ABCSSI) was established in 2007 at Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, under the University Grants Commission (UGC) X Plan of the Government of India. The Centre was created with the vision of promoting critical understanding and scholarly engagement with issues of social exclusion, marginalization, discrimination, inequality, and inclusive development affecting disadvantaged and vulnerable sections of society.

In 2014, the Centre was renamed in honour of Al-Beruni, the eminent medieval scholar, historian, philosopher, and polymath whose pioneering studies of Indian society, culture, and civilization continue to inspire interdisciplinary approaches to understanding diversity, pluralism, and social systems.

Today, ABCSSI serves as a premier academic and research centre dedicated to advancing knowledge on social inclusion through interdisciplinary teaching, research, documentation, policy engagement, and community outreach. The Centre focuses on the lived experiences and developmental challenges of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with particular emphasis on religious minorities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), women, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, and other marginalized communities.

The Centre undertakes both qualitative and quantitative research to examine issues of exclusion, identity, poverty, inequality, social justice, and inclusive growth. Its evidence-based research contributes to informed policymaking, academic discourse, and the formulation of strategies aimed at fostering equitable and sustainable development.

Over the years, ABCSSI has developed a valuable repository of research studies, policy papers, databases, reports, dissertations, publications, and academic resources relating to marginalized communities. These resources serve scholars, students, researchers, policymakers, government agencies, civil society organizations, and development practitioners across the country.

Recognizing the rapidly changing social and economic landscape, the Centre continuously expands and reorients its research agenda to address emerging challenges arising from globalization, technological transformation, changing livelihood patterns, and evolving development paradigms. Through its academic and outreach initiatives, the Centre actively contributes to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, promoting equity, equality, dignity, empowerment, social justice, and participatory development.

Vision

To emerge as a Centre of Excellence in Social Inclusion Studies by generating high-quality knowledge, developing evidence-based policy frameworks, and implementing impactful outreach initiatives that promote equality, dignity, social justice, and opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.

Objectives

• Promote interdisciplinary research on social exclusion, discrimination, inclusion, and marginalization.
• Offer academic programmes that advance social justice, equity, diversity, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
• Undertake need-based research on Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) in alignment with NEP 2020.
• Prepare policy papers, research reports, and recommendations supporting inclusive development and affirmative action.
• Organize seminars, conferences, workshops, lectures, and academic events to disseminate knowledge on social inclusion.
• Foster collaboration with universities, research institutions, policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive repository of research resources and databases on marginalized communities.
• Design and implement community outreach, capacity-building, and empowerment programmes for disadvantaged groups.

Thrust Areas

• Social exclusion, discrimination, and marginalization of religious minorities, particularly Muslims, with emphasis on the intersectionality of caste, class, gender, region, and livelihood.
• Educational, social, economic, and developmental issues affecting Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs).
• Gender equality, women's empowerment, and inclusive participation in social, political, and economic development.
• Rights, dignity, accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities and transgender communities.
• Livelihood transformation, emerging economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment among marginalized communities.
• Inclusive development, affirmative action, public policy, governance, and social justice.

New Initiatives (Planned / Ongoing)

• Establishing a comprehensive knowledge and information hub on minorities and other socially excluded communities.
• Expanding community outreach through awareness campaigns, extension activities, and capacity-building programmes.
• Organizing community-based programmes in collaboration with academic departments, government agencies, and civil society organizations.
• Promoting research and outreach initiatives focused on persons with disabilities, transgender communities, women, and gender justice.
• Strengthening the Village Adoption Programme (Rural & Tribal) to understand grassroots realities and promote inclusive development through active community engagement.
• Undertaking participatory research and intervention programmes for socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
• Introducing certificate and diploma programmes on inclusive development, social justice, youth empowerment, women's empowerment, Dalit studies, Tribal studies, minority studies, and related themes.
• Promoting collaborative research with national and international universities, research organizations, and policy institutions.
• Publishing scholarly books, research reports, policy briefs, and a peer-reviewed research journal on Inclusive Policy and Social Inclusion Studies.
• Developing multilingual knowledge resources in English, Urdu, and Telugu to enhance public awareness regarding rights, inclusion, equality, and opportunities.

Commitment to Inclusive Development

Through its integrated approach to teaching, research, policy engagement, documentation, and community outreach, the Al-Beruni Centre for the Study of Social Inclusion (ABCSSI) continues to play a significant role in advancing the ideals of equality, justice, dignity, and empowerment.

The Centre remains committed to supporting the national mission of Viksit Bharat 2047 by ensuring that the voices, aspirations, and rights of marginalized and disadvantaged communities become an integral part of India's inclusive growth and sustainable development journey.