K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM), Mumbai, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRAAM (Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement). GRAAM is an independent public policy think tank focused on research, governance, and community development. Together, the two institutions will support joint research, student internships, and capacity-building programmes.
KJSIM brings strengths in research and leadership development. GRAAM brings deep expertise in public policy and grassroots-level community development. The partnership will combine academic rigour and field-based experience to advance evidence-based and community-informed solutions.
The scope of the partnership includes joint research and publications in development and public policy, as well as faculty exchange and collaborative knowledge creation. It also consists of consultancy assignments in governance and social development. For students, the MoU opens up internships with hands-on field exposure and new Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) courses. These initiatives aim to strengthen knowledge exchange and prepare students and faculty to engage with real societal challenges.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Raman Ramachandran, Director & Dean, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, said:
“At K J Somaiya Institute of Management, we believe that management education must create value not only for organisations but also for society. This partnership with GRAAM enables our students and faculty to co-create solutions grounded in research and responsive to real community needs. It also reflects our commitment to developing leaders who are capable of creating measurable and meaningful social impact.”
Dr. Basavaraju R. Shreshta, Executive Director, GRAAM, said:
“Addressing today’s development challenges requires stronger collaboration between academia and organisations working on the ground. Through this partnership with K J Somaiya Institute of Management, we at GRAAM look forward to working with young talent and making a meaningful difference in society through collaborative research, internship and immersion to policy challenges and solutions.”
Collaborations between academic institutions and grassroots organisations bridge research and real-world impact. Through this MoU, KJSIM and GRAAM commit to working together on research, learning, and initiatives that create lasting value for students, communities and society at large.
