The origin of the Council may be traced to the felt need for a systematic study of the play of social dynamics in the process of growth and to bring the social aspect of development into focus and to relate them properly to economic growth at various stages.
— From The Stone that Speaketh, The Story of 57 Years by Durgabai Deshmukh
CSD continues to be inspired by the vision of its founders to build a just society based on the guiding principles of secularism and equality, identity and justice. CSD’s constitution clearly states, “The need for a systematic study of the play of social dynamics in the process of growth to bring the social aspects of development into focus and to relate them properly to economic growth at various stages. Through its research, advocacy and publication activities, CSD contributes to the knowledge on social issues, suggests changes and interventions needed to ensure that government policies and programmes result in moving towards a just, equitable and welfare-oriented social order, particularly in the amelioration of the socio-economic conditions of the poorest, deprived and marginalized sections of society.