SPJIMR's Abhyudaya Launches Cross-Cultural Exchange with Manchester Met — S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research

Event summary

SPJIMR's Abhyudaya initiative hosted six Manchester Met undergraduates for a week-long cultural immersion program in Mumbai from May 23–29, 2026.
The program paired UK students with 'Sitaras'—high-potential youth from underserved Mumbai communities—for collaborative projects and community engagement.
Arati Nagaraj, Director of Abhyudaya, emphasized the program's role in affirming the value of Sitaras' potential beyond their immediate communities.
Manchester Met's Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Liz Warren highlighted the partnership's potential to transform lives and create positive social impact.

The big picture

SPJIMR's collaboration with Manchester Met underscores a growing trend in higher education toward socially engaged management programs that bridge cultural divides. This initiative aligns with broader industry shifts toward experiential learning and global partnerships aimed at fostering societal impact. The program's success could influence how other business schools approach community-based education and cross-cultural exchange.

What we're watching

Program Scalability: Whether SPJIMR can expand Project Saathi to other global institutions and communities.
Impact Measurement: How SPJIMR will quantify the long-term social and educational outcomes of this initiative.
Partnership Dynamics: The pace at which similar cross-cultural programs will be developed with other international universities.