The vision that guided the founding members of CDS aligns with the ideals expressed in the preamble to our Constitution, which seeks to ensure Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens. This vision integrates the individual citizen — the fundamental unit of Indian polity — with the dignity and integrity of the nation as supreme. The Constitution enshrines the rights, responsibilities, and duties of every citizen. Active citizen participation directly influences the quality of democratic governance, making citizen development the key to national prosperity.

CDS Believes That:

• Citizenship development must be rooted in values and aimed at educating citizens on their rights, responsibilities, and duties.
• Quality citizenship education is essential to ensure meaningful participation in the democratic process. This education should be inclusive, spanning all age groups and undertaken nationwide, fostering morally sound, productive, and responsible citizens.
• A movement to implement the principles of the Constitution is vital to invigorate the democratic process, accelerate economic growth, and enhance social harmony.
• There is an urgent need to train a large number of trainers to act as resource persons for this cause.

In furthering its mission, CDS has established the Centre for Research and Training in Citizenship Development (CRTC), which has developed a broad spectrum of action programs focused on education, research, training, national ethos, and fieldwork. CRTC prepares course materials and organizes seminars, workshops, and orientation courses on various aspects of Citizenship Development, including:

• Value-Oriented Education
• Value-Based Customer Service for Bankers
• Value-Based Public Service
• Protection of Consumer Rights
• Human Rights and Environmental Education

Over the years, CDS has successfully organized numerous seminars and workshops to promote citizenship values, including:

• Value Education in Schools: Training educators and school teachers in imparting human values.
• Disseminating the Culture of the Constitution: Programs aimed at university students and faculty.
• Orientation Programs for Elected Representatives: From Panchayats to Parliament, promoting the Constitution’s values.
• Promoting Business Sector Engagement: Encouraging businesses to align with constitutional values and citizens’ fundamental duties.
• Consumer Awareness and Protection: Ensuring citizens understand and can exercise their rights.
• Vocational Training for Rural Women: Empowering women in rural areas through skill development.
• Zero Tolerance for Crime Against Women: Encouraging social respect and sensitivity towards women.
• Human Rights Awareness: Promoting a deeper understanding of human rights.
• Value-Based Public Administration: Focusing on ethical governance by civil servants.
• The Role of Media and Civil Society: Encouraging media’s role in promoting citizenship values.
• Environmental Protection and Scientific Excellence: Advocating for a clean, sustainable environment.

CDS Publications and Initiatives:

As part of its outreach, CDS has developed the Delhi Citizen’s Guide, a much-needed resource for citizens. This guide serves as a ready reckoner, providing valuable information for emergency situations and everyday needs. The content is carefully verified and compiled from various government departments to ensure its authenticity.

CDS successfully organized a significant event on March 10, 2018, titled “India Every Two Minutes: Facing the Challenges of Gender Violence” at IILM, New Delhi, to highlight pressing social issues and promote awareness.

CDS Office Bearers

Prominent Personalities as Ex-Office Bearers of the Citizenship Development Society:

• Justice Shri P.N. Bhagwati
  Former Chief Justice of India
• Justice Venkataramiah
  Former Chief Justice of India
• Justice J.S. Verma
  Former Chief Justice of India
• Justice Shri Ranganath Misra
  Former Chief Justice of India
• Justice Shri R.C. Lahoti
  Former Chief Justice of India
• Justice Shri K.B. Asthana
  Former Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court & Member
• Justice Shri V.K. Tarkunde
  Former Justice, Bombay High Court
• Dr. K.B. Lall
  Last I.C.S. Officer of India
• Dr. Subhash C Kashyap
  Former Secretary General, Lok Sabha, and Constitutional Expert
• Dr. P.N. Kirpal
  Retired Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Education
• Prof. M.V. Mathur
  Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur
• Shri R.S. Srivastava
  Retired Director, Govt. of India, and United Nations Expert
• Dr. Hamid Ansari
  Member, Governing Council of CDS and Former Vice President of India

Present Office Bearers of CDS:

• Dr. S.Y. Quraishi
  President (Former Chief Election Commissioner of India)
• Shri S.D. Tripathi
  Vice President (Ex-Director, Govt. of India)
• Shri R. Venkataramani
  Vice President (Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India)

Shri S.G. Raoot
Member Secretary (Former Joint Adviser, Planning Commission, Govt. of India)