Dr Bhimaraya Metri, director of IIM Nagpur, commended the new partnership. This MoU is a turning point in our efforts towards nation-building through empowering grassroots. We hope that through collaboration with YASHADA, we can imbue the Panchayati Raj workers with the best of IIM Nagpur's academic rigour. Dr Metri emphasised the importance of empowered local governance in India's inclusive and sustainable development.

The partnership provides a platform for designing customised executive development programs with a focus on leadership, communication, digital transformation, project management and village development planning.

The State Rural Development Institute's Director, Retired Indian Administrative Service officer Dr. Mallinath Kalshetty of Yashada, Pune, emphasised this partnership with IIM Nagpur is a significant step in enhancing the administrative and leadership abilities of our Panchayati Raj members. By leveraging YASHADA's grassroots experience and IIM Nagpur's scholarly strength, we are creating the foundation for more efficient, accountable and visionary local governance in Maharashtra. The Memorandum of Understanding lays the platform for a long-term, symbiotic relationship. The presented guests were Dr Sapan Kumar Singh from IIM Nagpur, Professor Neelkanth Dhone and Retired CAO Lt Col Makarand Alur.