Gurugram, Jan 18, 2025: Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurugram, has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Development Alternatives (DA) and TARA, the Society for Technology and Action for Rural Advancement to address sustainability challenges and support climate action through corporate sector involvement in India.
The MoU outlines collaborative initiatives such as certification programs, Management Development Programs (MDPs), webinars, workshops, impact assessments, and case studies. This partnership seeks to embed sustainability into Great Lakes’ academic programs through the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development (COE-SD).
The signing ceremony was graced by distinguished attendees, including Shrashtant Patara, CEO of Development Alternatives & IMEDF; Brig Yogesh Kapoor, Senior Advisor at Development Alternatives; Maj Gen Rahul Bhardwaj (Retd), COO of TARA; Kanika Verma, Lead - Green and Inclusive Entrepreneurship; and Shaila Sam, Head of Communications & Impact at DA.
Maj Gen Rahul Bhardwaj (Retd) said: "Through this strategic partnership, we aim to blend our on-ground expertise with academic rigor to develop initiatives that strengthen the nexus between sustainability, technology, and education, addressing rural advancement challenges effectively."
Dr Jones Mathew, Principal & Head, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurugram, said: "This collaboration is a high-energy partnership with immense potential for mutual benefits. We are confident it will elevate the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development and enable GLIM to set new benchmarks in integrating sustainability into our academic initiatives."
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Over the next five years, this partnership will focus on creating innovative solutions for climate crisis, sustainability, decarbonization, and climate action. Key objectives include training students and professionals, enhancing industry engagement, advancing research, and adapting frameworks between higher education institutions and the corporate sector. The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development at Great Lakes will spearhead the initiative, driving impactful programs and activities. This partnership represents a significant step towards shaping a sustainable future in India, with both organizations committed to innovation, collaboration, and meaningful change.
Founded in 2004, Great Lakes Institute of Management is a business school in India with campuses in Chennai and Gurgaon.
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