Ahmedabad, Gujarat – At a time in 2026 when management education is increasingly being measured by outcomes alone, Narayana Business School (NBS), Ahmedabad, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SMIT Foundation, a registered non-governmental organisation dedicated to social empowerment, skill development, and community service.
The agreement formalises a long-term collaboration aimed at integrating structured social initiatives, research, and community engagement into management education.
The partnership was born out of a shared belief that professional education cannot exist in isolation from the society it serves. By bringing together academic rigour and grassroots engagement, the collaboration aims to create learning experiences that are grounded in real-world challenges while contributing meaningfully to community development.
Key Areas of Collaboration
The MoU outlines several areas of joint engagement, including:
Training and Awareness Programmes:
SMIT Foundation will conduct structured training sessions and awareness campaigns for NBS students on key social issues, promoting informed participation and social sensitivity.
Joint Social Initiatives and Community Outreach:
Both institutions will co-organise fieldwork, community engagement activities, and social drives aimed at addressing pressing societal needs.
Student Participation and Practical Exposure:
NBS students will actively participate in SMIT Foundation–led initiatives, gaining hands-on experience in social work, community engagement, and impact-driven projects.
Resource and Infrastructure Support:
NBS will provide logistical and infrastructural support, including campus facilities and volunteer participation, to facilitate the successful execution of social programmes.
Research Collaboration on Social Issues:
The partnership will also focus on joint research initiatives related to social development and community impact. Faculty and students from NBS will collaborate with SMIT Foundation on data collection, analysis, case studies, and reports aimed at generating actionable insights and policy-relevant recommendations.
Knowledge and Expertise Exchange:
Both parties will share insights, methodologies, and best practices to enhance the effectiveness and reach of their respective initiatives.
Expected Outcomes Of The MoU:
The collaboration is expected to create multi-dimensional outcomes, including:
- Enhanced student awareness of social realities and community challenges
- Practical exposure that complements academic learning
- Research-backed insights into social development and capacity building
- Strengthened culture of social responsibility within management education
By engaging directly with social initiatives, students will gain a deeper understanding of inclusive growth, ethical decision-making, and leadership beyond profit-centric frameworks.
About SMIT Foundation:
SMIT Foundation is a registered NGO dedicated to spreading awareness, enabling skill development, and supporting social empowerment initiatives across communities. Guided by its ethos of “Spread the Smile,” the Foundation works on issues related to health, education, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, and community well-being.
With hands-on experience at the grassroots level, SMIT Foundation brings practical insight into social challenges, making it an ideal partner for academic institutions seeking to translate learning into action.
Long-Term Vision of the MoU Between NBS and SMIT Foundation:
Both institutions have committed to structured planning, documentation, and evaluation of initiatives to ensure sustained impact and continuous learning. For NBS, the collaboration is not an add-on activity but an extension of its broader educational approach. By integrating social responsibility into academic and extracurricular frameworks, the institution ensures that students develop empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical awareness alongside managerial skills.
Conclusion: NBS Ahmedabad and SMIT Foundation Join Hands
Narayana Business School listed in Outlook India’s Iconic Institutions to look out for in 2026 is a premier B school offering MBA/PGDM programs integrated with industry 5.0 practices, real world learning and 100% placement assistance. This collaboration signals the continued focus of the B school on developing professionals who are not only competent managers, but also conscious socially responsible citizens. As the boundaries between business, society, and responsibility continue to blur, such partnerships play a critical role in shaping leaders who can navigate complexity with empathy and purpose.
