Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR), through its community-based education initiative Abhyudaya, recently hosted six undergraduate students from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), UK, for Project Saathi—a week-long cross-cultural immersion programme that brought together young people from vastly different backgrounds in a shared journey of learning, empathy, and collaboration.
Held in Mumbai from May 23 to 29, 2026, the programme marked the first collaboration of its kind between SPJIMR and MMU. By pairing visiting students with Abhyudaya’s “Sitaras”—high-potential students from underserved communities in Mumbai’s K-West ward (Andheri West)—the initiative created a unique platform for experiential learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful human connection.
Learning Beyond Borders
At the heart of Project Saathi was the belief that some of the most transformative lessons emerge through relationships rather than traditional instruction. Throughout the week, participants worked together one-on-one, engaging in community visits, cultural exploration, and creative projects that encouraged dialogue, reflection, and mutual understanding.
For the Sitaras, the programme opened a window to global perspectives, offering an opportunity to interact with international peers, develop friendships across cultures, and broaden their horizons. For the MMU students, the experience provided an immersive introduction to the social and economic realities of urban India, fostering deeper awareness of issues related to inclusion, opportunity, and social impact.
“Project Saathi demonstrates what education can achieve when it moves beyond the institution and into the world,” said Arati Nagaraj, Director, Abhyudaya. “For our Sitaras, being paired with peers from Manchester Met was a deeply affirming experience. It reinforced that their stories, intelligence, and potential are valued far beyond their immediate communities.”
A Week of Shared Experiences
The programme began with the Sitaras introducing Abhyudaya to their international counterparts, followed by ice-breaking sessions designed to build trust and camaraderie. Together, participants set objectives for the week: to explore and document cultural differences and similarities through creative projects, develop collaborative outputs, and present their learnings at the programme’s conclusion.
One of the most impactful elements of the experience was a series of home visits within the K-West ward. These visits offered MMU students firsthand exposure to the lived realities of families in the community, transforming abstract discussions around inequality, aspiration, and access into deeply personal encounters.
The week culminated in a showcase where each student pair presented the creative projects they had developed together, highlighting not only cultural insights but also the friendships and understanding forged through the collaboration. A farewell celebration at the Abhyudaya Centre brought the programme to a close.
A Shared Vision for Social Impact
The MMU delegation was led by Professor Liz Warren, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Metropolitan University, who visited the Abhyudaya Centre during the programme and interacted with participants.
Reflecting on the experience, Professor Warren described Project Saathi as a powerful example of education’s transformative potential.
“Seeing our students working alongside the remarkable Sitaras was truly special. The partnership between SPJIMR, the Abhyudaya initiative, and Manchester Met demonstrates the power of education to transform lives, businesses, and communities, and to create positive social impact,” she said.
