“The PGPDM at SPJIMR has been a truly transformative experience for me. With a decade in government and public policy, I joined this program to learn how to create a bigger impact with my work. The expert faculty have given me a deeper understanding of key concepts, from design thinking to systems thinking, and have even improved my academic writing. I’m optimistic about my group’s projects, including a tech solution for local governments and an innovative project for the sports industry. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to understand the non-profit sector, address social issues, and drive meaningful change.”

Aditya Madan, Chief Liaison Officer, IIT Ropar, Technology and Innovation Foundation (TIF) – AWaDH

“The PGPDM course was a turning point in my career. Its unique design, tailored for the development sector, touched on every important area and prepared me for a leadership role. The program gave me the ability to connect the dots across different themes and larger policy frameworks. It sharpened my high-level view while also deepening my understanding of on-the-ground realities. I was able to implement classroom learning directly in my work. The interdisciplinary learning and peer discussions broadened my perspective, and the course has equipped me with the clarity, tools, and confidence to design impactful solutions for education and social change.”

Shilpa Hulsurkar, Head, Fundraising and Partnerships, Vowels of the People Association

“My experience with PGPDM has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling since the day I joined. As I progressed, I realised how thoughtfully the programme is designed for social development professionals—offering key concepts that are practical, insightful, and relevant to real-world challenges. The rich knowledge shared by SPJIMR’s distinguished faculty, coupled with the diverse peer group from varied geographies and thematic areas, makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The programme has significantly sharpened my understanding of the social sector and strengthened my ability to contribute meaningfully in the CSR space.”

Vikas Chand Sharma, Senior Manager, CSR, Corporate Communications and Events, PPG Asian Paints Pvt Ltd

“When I joined PGPDM, I didn’t know it would impact me so deeply. From the very beginning, the programme felt different—it wasn’t just about classes, it was about real challenges, conversations, and learning. The classroom discussions pushed me to think in new ways and gave me the chance to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. What really stood out for me was the environment at SPJIMR—supportive, yet challenging enough to make me pause and reflect on where I was heading. For me, PGPDM doesn’t just make professionals—it creates seeds of change in the development sector. The program gave me clarity, courage, and a sense of purpose. It taught me to dream big, but more importantly, to believe in those dreams, inspiring me to take the bold step of leaving my job and starting my own organisation—Ecobasket. Looking back, I can say PGPDM didn’t just change my career—it changed me.”

Gulshan Bhatt, Director, Ecobasket Consultancy Pvt Ltd.

“Some of the courses I enjoyed a lot at PGPDM were Design and Systems Thinking, Qualitative Research, Understanding Society & Governance, Public Policy and Theory of Change. Even the explorations through films and books during the Manthan sessions opened up new ways of thinking. The Development Management Project was both a challenging and deeply satisfying opportunity to explore potential solutions to problems that I wanted to work on. What made the journey truly special, though, were the people — my peers, fellow participants in the programme from diverse backgrounds, an excellent faculty that wholeheartedly mentors students, and the super-supportive programme team. PGPDM helped me connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas and form lifelong friendships. Most of our conversations went beyond studies and helped deepen my understanding not only of my work but also of my own.”

Nikhil Lata Gajanan, Creative Lead Communications, Good Business Lab.

“As the Head of Operations at Educate Girls, a non-profit organisation, I’ve spent over ten years working to improve education in rural India. While working closely with communities, I often wondered how I could do more and make a bigger difference. The PGPDM programme gave me the exact tools to achieve that. This programme helped professionals like me apply management principles to our work, enabling us to take our efforts to the next level. The courses on advocacy and networking, design thinking, fundraising, governance, negotiation, and many more have truly helped me sharpen my skills and bring a positive change in my organisation. I’m truly thankful to SPJIMR for creating a programme that encourages us to use what we learn to create a better society.”

Kripa S, Head, Operations, Educate Girls

“PGPDM pushed me to think beyond and really ask why something works, and for whom? The professors are truly spectacular, bringing rich real-world expertise. The programme encouraged me to ask tough questions in class and in the field, listen carefully to communities, and let their stories guide the solutions we designed. By working with real partners on water, farming, AI, and health projects, I learned how to move smoothly from field visits to leadership meetings while staying rooted in people’s lived realities. Along the way, I also learned how to balance a demanding job, personal life, and a rigorous course – a mental drill that has stayed with me well beyond the classroom.”

Srishti Chattwal, Consultant, CSR and Sustainability, Wattr.ai

“When I joined PGPDM, I was passionate about India’s living folklore traditions, but I didn’t know how to turn that passion into a reality. I soon found that the programme became the starting point for what is now the Centre for Contemporary Folklore. The PGPDM coursework gave me the tools, confidence, and language to create something real. My peers, who came from many different backgrounds and causes, always challenged and broadened my perspective. Looking back, PGPDM truly helped me lay the foundation for things I love. I am very grateful to SPJIMR for creating a place where ideas and people can grow.”

Dheeraj Dubey, Founder, Centre for Contemporary Folklore

“For me, PGPDM was deeply transformative, reshaping my approach to social sector work and challenging me to move beyond grassroots engagement to adopt a more strategic, systems-driven, and impact-oriented perspective. Through immersive peer learning and invaluable faculty mentorship, I gained the confidence to design interventions with lasting institutional impact. Whereas I joined PGPDM when I was a Trustee of ACAR, the transformative experience at SPJIMR inspired me to found the new organisation, EQUERA Institute for Inclusive and Sustainable Development Foundation, in July 2025. Today, we champion community-led advocacy for sanitation workers’ rights, unorganised labour, women’s leadership, social protection, and access to justice.”

Prachi Salve, Director, EQUERA Institute for Inclusive and Sustainable Development Foundation

“The PGPDM programme was a transformative part of my journey. It empowered me with the insights and confidence to take on complex challenges in the development sector. Today, as Director of Operations at Head Held High Foundation, I lead projects in 22 states and use the programme’s insights daily. Mentoring PGPDM students has been equally enriching; their fresh ideas push me to keep learning. As a recruiter, I’ve seen the immense value of PGPDM graduates, who bring the right mix of empathy, problem solving skills, and execution ability. Encouraging my team members to pursue PGPDM has proven to be an investment in both their growth and our mission’s impact. PGPDM is not just an academic programme, it is an experience that shapes leaders for meaningful change.”

Kumar Manjunath, Director, Operations, Head Held High Foundation