Events

DoCC welcomed students from EDHEC Business School as part of their Global Impact Project 2024. The cohort includes eight participants with diverse backgrounds who will work with civil society organisations across India, addressing critical issues such as water, education, animal rights, and women’s empowerment. In her welcome address Prof. Chandrika Parmar, Director of DoCC at SPJIMR, encouraged the students to embrace challenges with courage and heart. She emphasised the importance of breaking down barriers, defying expectations, and expanding one’s understanding of humanity and empathy through these experiences.

Mr. Mayeul Coulon-Berretrot, Scientific and Academic Cooperation Officer – French Embassy in India / Ambassade de France en Inde, and Nilesh Gaikwad, Country Manager – India, EDHEC Business School, joined the opening session. Mr. Berretrot discussed the project’s unique learning opportunity, which enabled students to understand real-world issues and contribute to the broader Indo-French cooperation. SPJIMR alumnus Sparsh Modi, Management trainee, Zepto addressed the cohort and shared valuable experiences from his social internship.

During orientation week, one of the themes covered was ‘The city and the slums’. The session, led by Ms. Tasnim Motorwala from Salaam Bombay Foundation and Mr. Fahim Vora from Be The Local Tours and Travels, sought to break stereotypes and preconceived notions of the slum. It was followed by a field trip to Dharavi. Mr. Fahim Vora, the co-founder of Be the Local Tours and Travels and himself a resident of Dharavi, led the tour, guiding the students through industrial, residential areas, and community spaces. He shared the entrepreneurial spirit that embodies Dharavi.

The students observed the wide range of economic activities, recycling units, pottery, leather workshops, and other micro-entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to Dharavi’s economy. The visit also provided insights into social issues related to sanitation, healthcare, education, and housing and an opportunity to observe urban life and community activities. One of the students observed, “This trip challenged a lot of our preconceived notions and burst myths about what a slum or favela means.”

SPJIMR looks forward to the positive impact and growth that will result from this incredible journey.