The conclave specifically celebrated the rise of grassroots leadership among rural women, aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants shared insights on how localized leadership is driving micro-enterprise and employability. A standout moment of the evening was a community ramp walk, where women showcased products made through READ India’s skilling programs. This display served as a powerful testament to the organization’s “Community First” approach, proving that vocational training and local empowerment are creating tangible pathways to economic independence.

The post Empowering Rural India: Dr. Lata Suresh Addresses READ India Conclave appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.

NAGPUR, January 29, 2026 : Imagine a village where every development plan is backed by expert research, where local youth are trained like professional managers, and where government schemes reach the right person at the right time. This is the vision behind a new partnership between the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, Tata Motors Foundation (TMF), and the Government of Maharashtra.

The three organizations have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch IVDP 2.0 (Integrated Village Development Programme 2.0). The goal is simple: to turn rural Maharashtra into a model of success using modern management techniques.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Bhimaraya Metri (Director, IIM Nagpur) and Vinod Kulkarni (CEO, Tata Motors Foundation). The ceremony took place in the presence of Priya Khan from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Government of Maharashtra, and Prof. Anoop Kumar, IAS (Retd.) and currently Professor of Practice at IIM Nagpur. On this momentous occasion, Col. Makarand Alur (CAO, IIM Nagpur) and Prof. Neelkanth Dhone were also present.

While the Tata Motors Foundation provides the funding and the government provides administrative support and leadership, IIM Nagpur will serve as the Knowledge Partner for the project. Additionally, IIM Nagpur will work alongside YASHADA (the State’s training institute) to train field staff, ensuring that government schemes reach the doorsteps of the underprivileged without delay.

Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, stated: “We don’t want our expertise to stay only inside classrooms. Through this initiative, IIM Nagpur is going directly to the doorsteps of farmers and rural families. We are bringing world-class management to the village level to ensure every child gets a better education and every farmer gets better support”.

Mr. Vinod Kulkarni noted that to enhance the quality and scientific rigor of this initiative, they are seeking IIM Nagpur’s engagement in providing inputs to strengthen and refine the planning process for Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) formulation, validating the final GPDPs, and undertaking a comprehensive impact assessment after three years of implementation.

Prof. Anoop Kumar added that the institute’s role is to ensure these villages become self-reliant. “We are creating a ‘success formula’ that can be used to develop any village in India, starting right here in Maharashtra”.

Priya Khan emphasized the State Government’s commitment to aligning flagship programs with ground-level needs. “This collaboration ensures that the IVDP 2.0 model remains transparent, efficient, and perfectly aligned with our state’s development priorities”.

CAPTION:

Dr Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur; Vinod Kulkarni, CEO, Tata Motors Foundation; Priya Khan from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) Maharashtra; after signing the MOU. Prof. Anoop Kumar, Col. Makarand Alur and Prof. Neelkanth Dhone also seen in the picture.

The post IIM Nagpur to Help Transform Maharashtra’s Villages appeared first on newsmantra.in l Latest news on Politics, World, Bollywood, Sports, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Trending news | News Mantra.