Shri Somanath S, Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of the Space Commission and the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Jagrut Kotecha, CEO of PepsiCo Inc. was SBM’s special guest and was conferred the  Distinguished Alumnus Award 2024.

The Chief Guest was joined on the dais by Dr. Jayant Gandhi, Secretary of the SVKM Trust and Nominee of the Honourable Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS, who presided over the ceremony as also Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ashish Daptardar, Additional Registrar, and Dr. Chandrima Sikdar, Associate Dean of Programmes and Student Learning Experience at SBM.

Addressing students at the event, Shri Somanath S. emphasized, “We must realise the potential of our nation and organise ourselves towards that. With the success of Chandrayaan 3, we have made a significant mark. It has made a huge impact not only in India but globally. This accomplishment at frugal costs talks of our engineering capabilities. We owe the ability of our space sector to 60 years of hard work and the guidance of visionaries. As India moves towards becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world, I strongly believe our mastery of technology will drive our nation to the top.”

Reminiscing his student days at NMIMS, Mr. Jagrut Kotecha shared, “Life has come a full circle today. Thirty years ago, I was part of a similar ceremony. NMIMS laid the foundation for my business and management acumen, moral compass, entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for learning. It is good to see that even today, these are still embedded in the programs. I urge each one of you to never stop learning, networking, and thirdly always do things the right way.”

In his inspiring address to the graduates, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor stated, “This day marks the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities. As you look forward to your future, it is important to remember the lessons you have learnt and the experiences that have shaped you. Always remember that wherever you go and whatever you do, your actions will be like your fingerprints – proof of where you have been and what you have touched. You are going out in the world with excellent NMIMS credentials. Let’s take the first step forward towards a future with courage, determination and a commitment to excellence.”

Dr. Chandrima Sikdar presented the review of the Full-Time MBA programs of the SBM. Dr Jayant Gandhi, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt conferred the degrees on the graduating students and Shri Somanath S. gave away awards to the meritorious students. The event also witnessed the release of the Roster of Events, Convocation Brochure, and NMIMS Management Review.

The academic year 2023-2024 was one of notable achievements for SBM. It became the first B-School in Western India to be reaccredited by the AACSB. It was ranked 83rd among the 100 Global B-Schools in the FT – Masters in Management 2023 Rankings and 21st as per the National Institute Ranking Framework 2023 (NIRF 2023). 2023 saw 166 companies visit SBM’s campus for the MBA program, 46 for MBA HR and 32 for MBA Pharmaceutical Management programs.

Research and collaboration were at the forefront in the academic year 2023-2024. Nearly 40 research publications were published in journals of national and international repute, with 9 papers published in ABDC A category journals. Special mention was made of goes to Dr. Sachin Mathur, Associate Professor and Dr. Mayank Joshipura, who published the highest impact factor paper for the year in a 12.5 Impact Factor journal.

The memorable convocation ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Meena Chintamaneni. Quoting the late President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, she recalled, “He had said at one of our convocations, ‘If you imbibe four things – great aim, seeking knowledge, hard work and perseverance – success can’t elude you.’ Every graduate should remember this as they embark on their careers.” The Convocation ceremony concluded in the midst of cheer, excitement and optimism for the graduating students, as they transitioned to becoming SBM’s alumni.

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The partner universities for the Open Asia ERASMUS Project included Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, India; University of Tampere, Finland; VU Amsterdam University, Netherlands; University of Malaya, University of Malaysia Sabah & University of Malaysia Sarawak- all from Malaysia; International School for Social and Business Studies and European Policy Development & Research Institute both from Slovenia.

Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor of NMIMS was the Convenor of the conference, and Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro Vice Chancellor of NMIMS, and Dr. Olesea Sirbu, Vice-rector for International Relations at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, served as the Co-Convenors. Meena Saxena, Director, International Linkages NMIMS University, is the ERASMUS Open Asia, Project Coordinator.

Extending a warm welcome to all the dignitaries, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, said, “The Open Science Forum is vital for researchers in tackling the problem of biased journal publications. About 60-70% of research faces hurdles in getting published due to this bias. With this forum, researchers can openly discuss their hypotheses, avoiding wasted time on unproductive topics. These interventions will promote open science and promote a positive shift in research culture. NMIMS is fully committed to embracing the OSF framework to drive forward a culture of open science and innovation.”

 The two-day conference saw participants take part in discussions on various aspects of Open Science, including the Open Science experience across various countries, national policy development, community engagement, the significance of artificial intelligence in Open Science, commercial and open-source software, data-sharing, and open-access publishing.

Dr. Man Mohan Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence, Institute of Chemical Technology, was the Chief Guest at the conference. Sharing a unique perspective, Dr. Sharma, said, “In universities, we have what is called spiritual freedom to pursue ideas. Research, contrary to normal belief, is unstructured because you don’t know the result. Open science encourages curiosity-driven research. It’s about trying new things without knowing the outcome. Failures are harbingers of success. If you want to do something original and you have that curiosity, how do you strike at a new idea? That treatment is not going to come without open science.”

 Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Former Secretary of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) emphasised the importance of adopting an open science policy to create a vibrant environment through a vision for India’s Science, Technology and Innovation. He said this approach was crucial to align with the global transition from a closed to an open science world.

In an era marked by unprecedented technological advancements and complex societal challenges, the traditional paradigms of scientific research and knowledge dissemination are rapidly evolving. In India, the Open Science movement, symbolising the principles of transparency, collaboration, and accessibility crucial for addressing the intricate problems facing our world today, has begun to gain traction over the past few years. Open Access journals have proven pivotal in promoting Indian researchers in both, international and national databases, with central repositories boosting accessibility to scholarly publications.

According to Dr. Olesea Sirbu, “International collaboration is essential in advancing scientific research and ensuring its accessibility to all levels of society. This Open Science conference is an opportunity to strengthen ties between institutions and promote a culture of openness and inclusivity to encourage new opportunities for discovery and address global challenges in the field.”

Always at the forefront of emerging trends and innovation, faculty at SVKM’s NMIMS are actively involved in activities that support the implementation of open science, which includes collaborating on projects that align with the principles of open science, publishing in open-access journals, and utilising open-source software for research purposes.

Some faculty members of various schools and disciplines at SVKM’s NMIMS are working on research projects in compliance with the open science policy. For example, Dr. Kapil Juvale from the (SPPSPTM) is working in collaboration with the Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative (DNDi), Geneva, to develop therapeutics for neglected diseases such as leishmaniasis.

Meanwhile, numerous faculty members at NMIMS publish their research in open-access journals, which enables immediate access to their work without any restrictions. The number of publications from NMIMS faculty in open-access journals has been rising of late.

At NMIMS, efforts are also on to transition from proprietary software to free open-source software. This is being done to support research, data management, and bibliography management. The Open Asia Project promotes Open Science principles among participating institutions, promoting transparency, collaboration, and innovation in scientific research. The conference, titled, ‘Unlocking Knowledge: A Conference on Open Science’, paved the way for a more inclusive and impactful scientific community throughout India by bringing scientists, researchers, and scholars together to explore the progressive potential of Open Science through discussions on project objectives, strategies, and future collaborations.

As part of the ERASMUS Open Asia Project, NMIMS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Tampere, Finland. The signing ceremony, which also marked the end of the event, took place on March 22, 2024, and proved to be a milestone in international academic cooperation.

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The event commenced with a warm welcome of the delegation from the leadership of SVKM, Committee Member Shri Nayan Patel, and NMIMS, Vice-Chancellor Dr Ramesh Bhat, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sharad Mhaiskar, MPSTME Dean, Dr Alka Mahajan and witnessed the presence of approximately 30 – 32 delegates from Baden-Württemberg, several NMIMS faculty members and students.

In his opening remarks, VC Dr Ramesh Bhat emphasised the significance of international collaboration in shaping the future of education and innovation. He said, “MPSTME, as an engineering school, is at the forefront of academic excellence, opportunities for innovation, and cutting-edge research. This, coupled with the diversity, size, and energy of Mumbai, along with it being the financial capital of India, means a plethora of opportunities for collaboration with other institutions for the achievement of a shared vision of imparting quality education.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr Florian Stegmann expressed a keen desire to understand the skilling initiatives in Maharashtra and explore new opportunities for collaboration. He said, “I am personally very interested to learn how students use AI and 3D printing technology in the NMIMS labs for their research. We also look forward to engaging in a mutually beneficial exchange of labour migration after signing a joint declaration with the Government of Maharashtra following the visit of their esteemed Minister of Education to Baden-Württemberg last year.”

Following the introductory session, the delegation embarked on a comprehensive tour of various cutting-edge labs on the MPSTME campus, including the Sensor IoT Lab, 3D Printing Lab, Pneumatics Lab, Hydraulics Lab, ARVR Lab (Augmented Reality Virtual Reality), Robotics Lab, and AI Lab, where students and faculty showcased their innovative projects and research projects. This interaction gave the delegates an insight into the academic rigour, experiential learning, and skill-building opportunities fostered at MPSTME.

The visit culminated in a summary interaction session discussing the key takeaways from the event. The German delegates and their hosts from NMIMS identified possible areas of partnership and charted a course for future engagements between MPSTME and the institutions in Baden-Württemberg.

The visit of the delegation from Baden-Württemberg marked a significant milestone in the journey of strengthening educational ties between Maharashtra and Germany.

About NMIMS MPSTME

Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering (MPSTME) is a constituent school of SVKM’s NMIMS MPSTME was established in 2006 and it has campuses located in Mumbai & Shirpur. School of Technology Management & Engineering (STME) has campuses located in Navi Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Indore. MPSTME, a top engineering school in Mumbai, was essentially established to serve the need to create an innovative and integrated space for technology education interspersed with sound management practices that converged with the changing industry as well as societal needs. The school’s 5 programs are accredited by ABET, which is the global gold standard for quality assurance in technical education.

• AICTE Approved Programs
• “Excellence Award” for Student Section by International Society of Automation (ISA) USA, 2023
• 2^nd Top Engineering Colleges in Maharashtra by CSR-GHRDC, 2023
• 4^th Top Private Engineering Institute by Education World, 2023
• 5^th Private Engineering College by OPEN Magazine, 2023

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The event saw the unveiling of the pre-release of the case study book (with ISBN), titled, “ESG: Delivering & Creating Resilient Stakeholder Value – Case Studies on the Best Practices in ESG & Sustainability” under the guidance of the esteemed Director of SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru, Dr. Narayani Ramachandran, Dr Kavitha Desai, Programme Chair – BBA, and Prof. Dileep G. Menon, Programme Chair – B Com Programme from the campus.

The event was graced by Mr. Krishnan Ravindran, Director, PwC Academy; Mr. Nishant Priyadarshi, Chief Business Officer, Upgrad Campus; Mr. Veena Haran, Partnerships Director, Evolve Careers; Mr. Andrew Harding, Chief Executive – Management Accounting, AICPA & CIMA; and many other industry leaders and experts across the country

With its focus on creating well-rounded professionals with a grasp of the latest demands of the industry, SVKM’s NMIMS has always been at the forefront of adopting emerging trends not only in academia but also in the world of business.

As a result, the curriculum at SVKM’s NMIMS Bengaluru campus incorporates essential subjects such as sustainable finance, green markets, sustainable marketing practices, workplace diversity, and inclusion; helping students with the knowledge and skills demanded by contemporary industry standards.

Experts and industry leaders gathered at the event discussed ESG and its role for educators, the future of ESG, and innovation and inclusion in the business world. They endorsed innovations within academia to keep up with the growing trend of ESG. Lastly, a key discussion was held on the theme, ‘The Evolving Landscape of Finance: A Global Perspective.’

Addressing the conclave, Dr. Narayani Ramachandran spoke about how ESG implementation had become a crucial business need. She discussed the current trends in sustainable business practices and also emphasised on green collar careers for students. After unveiling the book, ‘ESG: Delivering & Creating Resilient Stakeholder Value’, she briefly discussed some of the case studies covered in the book and highlighted the importance of the collaboration with AICPA & CIMA.

Meanwhile, the case studies featured in the book covered diverse sectors such as consumer goods, animal rights advocacy, sustainable fashion, corporate gifting, e-waste management, tourism, and banking, embodying real-world applications of ESG principles. Each study highlighted the positive impact of adopting eco-conscious practices and showcased innovative approaches towards achieving ESG goals. By sharing these impactful stories, the conclave proved to be a platform for knowledge exchange and promoting the integration of sustainable practices across industries.

Speaking at the event Dr. Narayani Ramachandran said, “Academia must embrace the implementation of ESG parameters. Our collaboration with AICPA and CIMA is an important step in that direction. The distinguished industry leaders associated with CIMA and AICPA have implemented numerous initiatives in their respective fields to foster a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.”

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Dr. Siddhartha Gosh, Director, NMIMS Hyderabad; Dr. Mohammed Arab, Associate Dean, School of Law, NMIMS Hyderabad, Mrs. Maya Sukumaran, Principal, Gitanjali Senior School, and  Mr. Tarun Shrama, VP, Univariety  graced the event.

The engaging panel discussion was moderated by Dr. Molly Chaturvedi, Associate Professor, School of Commerce, NMIMS Hyderabad. They discussed and provided their insights on the remarkable shift in the education system from knowledge-based to skill-based pedagogies post-COVID-19 pandemic. A skill-based education system was also one of the core proposals within the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. They further also discussed the government’s role in uplifting rural education and various government initiatives providing education opportunities to all.

The panel unanimously agreed that a skills-based education would help develop creativity, problem-solving approach, networking skills and critical thinking skills among students. Dr. Mohammed Arab, providing insights from his rich experience, opined that the introduction of Moot Court activities in legal education institutions would develop analytical skills among aspiring legal professionals. He also emphasised the role of parents in students’ academic endeavours.

Mrs. Maya Sukumaran reflected upon student-centric learning and the role of education institutions in students’ holistic development. Mr. Tarun Shrama stressed upon the implementation of the National Education Policy and its benefits for students. He underlined the Choice Based Credits System proposed in the policy which will allow students to choose skill-based courses over contemporary education. He further highlighted the importance of technology in education.

The event also saw that the counsellors from University have address a session on ‘Study Abroad Industry and Scope’. They also engaged with NMIMS Hyderabad students in a group activity and a learning session. Dr. Siddhartha Ghosh presented an impactful presentation on ‘About NMIMS’ to the counsellors, which introduced the NMIMS Hyderabad campus and the courses offered by it.

Speaking about the event, Dr Shweta Kadam, Associate Professor, NMIMS Hyderabad, said, “The Global Career Counsellor Immersion Workshop held at NMIMS Hyderabad was a transformative experience. The panel discussion provided diverse and insightful perspectives on the shift in the education system. It was an effective initiative to bring together educators, counsellors and students to initiate knowledge exchange and networking

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SVKM’s NMIMS believes in providing its students with a global mindset, and this is evident in NMIMS’s more than 55 partnerships with renowned foreign universities like Virginia Tech, Purdue University, University of Bristol, The University of Queensland and Monash University, to name a few. The students have been benefitting from the unique learning opportunities offered by these collaborations.

Distinguished representatives from renowned academic institutions, including Queen Mary University of London, Arizona State University in the USA, Australian National University in Australia, University of Nottingham in the UK, IE Business School in Spain, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in USA, University of Edinburgh in the UK, Western University in Canada, EDHEC Business School in France, and Domus Academy Milano in Italy. The fair was aimed at students from class VIII to postgraduates seeking flourishing academic and career opportunities abroad. Student attendees at the event received detailed information about the various undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by these universities. The event covered a wide range of streams, including Engineering, Sciences, Pharmacy, Architecture, Commerce, Management, Economics, Marketing, Research, Liberal Arts, and Law among others, and the various programs provided by these universities.

The counselling sessions held at the fair were very helpful in clarifying the admission process for students. They provided valuable information about the different scholarships available to them and how to apply for them. The session also included tips on how to prepare for entrance tests.

The study abroad fair proved to be an excellent platform for the 600+ students from diverse academic backgrounds at the fair to connect with delegates and subject matter experts from across the globe and explore promising career opportunities in their fields. It was in line with NMIMS’ objective to become a global centre of excellence and provide its students with opportunities to study at the best foreign universities.

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Dignitaries from NMIMS University and the University of Essex graced the momentous agreement-signing event. While the NMIMS leadership present included Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Amita Vaidya, Director, Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics and esteemed faculty members, Dr. Akshay Damani, Dr. Sunny Oswal, Dr. Minu Mehta, Dr. Charu Bhurat, Prof. Nahid Fatema, Dr. Pallavi Gupta and Dr. Niladri Bahchi, the dignitaries from the University of Essex who were present at the occasion were Prof Anthony Forster, Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Annecy Lax, Dean of Education Partnerships;  Mr. Sandeep Sharma, Director, Indian Subcontinent Region and Ms Vaishnavi Kotiyal, Regional Advisor.

The collaboration agreement will provide students pursuing undergraduate programmes such as B.Com., BBA, B.Sc. Finance and B.Sc. Economics with dynamic undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities.

Students could pursue the first two years of their Bachelor’s degree at the NMIMS University and complete their remaining one year of graduation at the University of Essex. Students can also opt to complete their Bachelor’s at NMIMS University and pursue the prestigious one-year Master’s programme at the University of Essex.

The acclaimed University of Essex has a rich teaching and research excellence legacy. The University ranks among the top ten research institutions for research power in computer science, economics and econometrics, law, politics and international studies, and sociology, and top 25 for business and management, philosophy and sport and exercise sciences according to Times Higher Education. Committed to student success, the educational institute is ranked 56th among 1,400 Universities in the globally recognised Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

The signing of the agreement marks the beginning of a significant and long-term academic collaboration between the two prominent educational institutions with a rich history and legacy. Both universities have committed to having mutual cooperation and positive discussions to develop dynamic academic opportunities for aspiring students in India. The significant development is also part of NMIMS’ vision of the internationalisation of education.

Welcoming signing the progression agreement, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro Vice Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS said, “NMIMS University has a rich legacy of providing enterprising educational opportunities to its students. We are focused on inculcating a global perspective among our students by providing them with opportunities for international exposure. Through the partnership with the University of Essex, we wish to help our students to widen their horizons and gain multicultural experiences.”

Commending the partnership with NMIMS University, Professor Anthony Forster, Vice Chancellor, University of Essex, said, “NMIMS University is one of the most reputed and prestigious educational institutions in India. The University of Essex looks forward to having an excellent partnership with NMIMS University and together we are keen to develop unique pathways for eager students to pursue courses in the areas of business, economics, health, genomics, life sciences, tourism and hospitality at the University of Essex.”

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The program commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Siddhartha Ghosh, Director of NMIMS Hyderabad, highlighting the significance of Bharatiya Bhasha Diwas and its relevance in today’s globalized world. He emphasized the need to protect and promote indigenous languages, which are integral to our cultural heritage.

The event featured a variety of cultural performances, cultural songs and music videos for the audience showcasing the beauty and richness of different Indian languages. The highlight of the event was a captivating medley of folk dances from different regions of India. The vibrant costumes, energetic steps, and lively music enthralled the audience.

The Bharatiya Bhasha Diwas celebration at NMIMS Hyderabad was a resounding success. The event served as a platform to promote linguistic diversity, foster cultural understanding, and encourage the appreciation of our indigenous languages. It also provided an opportunity for students and faculty to connect with their roots and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a message to continue promoting and celebrating the diverse linguistic landscape of India. The positive response and enthusiastic participation from the NMIMS community highlighted the importance of such initiatives in fostering a sense of national pride and cultural identity.

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MRU is the largest social sciences specialized university in Lithuania. University experts conducted sessions on various aspects related to International academic exchange programs such as ERASMUS + mobility & Joint study programs and the International Partnerships; MRU International Office; Integration of international students and facilitation of Internationalization at Home; Review of MRU Study quality assurance framework and practice; Academic Recognition at MRU.

About 500 MRU students each year participate in international exchange (studies and internships) via Erasmus, Nordplus or other international programmes.

Harmony Project a multi-institutional and multi-country consortium of 11 universities which began in January 2021 and is scheduled to end in January 2024, provides an excellent opportunity for peer–learning of internationalisation strategies.

EU HARMONY Consortium Member Universities

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 From living independently in a new country, to marketing for and organising an intercultural event, the three weeks spent at the Harmony Bootcamp, have been nothing less than an experience of a lifetime. A total of 21 students from India, Vietnam, and Bangladesh were invited to attend a fully funded student bootcamp of three weeks’ duration, from 2^nd to 21^st July 2023, organized by Erasmus+ program of the European Union. These students were shortlisted in the Digital Storytelling Competition conducted at the university level.

Throughout the three weeks of the bootcamp, students were accommodated in the dormitory of Varna University of Management in Dobrich, Bulgaria, which is a small, calm, and peaceful city. The environment is completely opposite to what one would see in a fast-paced city like Mumbai. Wherever you looked, you would find people peacefully enjoying a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop, reading a newspaper, cycling around, taking their pets on a walk, taking a stroll in the park, etc. There was no hurry, no urgency to reach places, no rush. This was largely because it was the time of summer holidays, when the number of people staying in the city is less, as most Bulgarians spend their time out of the country.

Classes conducted:

During the three weeks, several classes were conducted on the topics of (i) Event Management, (ii) Intercultural Communication and Competence, and (iii) Leadership, which were conducted by some of the top faculty of Varna University of Management, Bulgaria.

1. Event Management:

Conducted by Professor Irina Petkova, this was a 4-day module, where students learnt everything right from the basics of event planning (types, size, scale, roles, scope), to how marketing of an event takes place, pre and post event planning, and more.

Throughout the classes, students were given group assignments and presentations to work on. These team activities were a great way to interact with and get to know the fellow students. For most of the students, this was also the first time we were working with students from different countries.

2. Intercultural Communication and Competence:

Conducted by Dr. Nedka Dimitrova, this was a 5-day module that took place in the second week of the bootcamp. During the classes, students would engage in meaningful discussions surrounding the topics of elements of culture that shape people’s thinking, behaviour, and actions. We touched upon the topics of stereotypes, norms, beliefs, attitudes of people across different cultures, and more.

At the end of the module, students were divided into groups of three for a group project and presentation, in which we recognised various cultural differences between different countries, which included cross-cultural communication barriers, auto and hetero-stereotypes, and so on.

3. Leadership:

Conducted by Dr. Violina Ratcheva, this was a 4-day module conducted in the last week of the bootcamp. These classes were a culmination of learning different leadership styles, as well as gaining an understanding of how different people perceive leadership differently and the qualities that are envisioned in a leader

Study Trips:

On weekends, we were taken on study trips to beautiful locations in Bulgaria like Cape Kaliakra, Nessebar, Balchik, Castle Ravadinovo, Albena Beach, and more. Every place that we visited had a cultural significance and historical importance. We were accompanied by tour guides during these trips, who at every step of the way gave us insights and pieces of useful information about the places that we were visiting.

‘Delight in Diversity’ – intercultural event:

At the end of the bootcamp, the students organized an intercultural event called ‘Delight in Diversity’, at an open theatre in Dobrich, Bulgaria. In this event, we showcased the cultures of India, Vietnam, Bangladesh through interactive stalls and live performances.

1. Marketing and pre-event:

We were allocated a budget within which we had to ensure that we cover all the expenses of the event. We divided ourselves into broadly four teams- marketing, logistics, finance, arts and crafts. Information about this event was published in almost all local media in Dobrich:

[a] https://www.focus-news.net/novini/regioni/Naslada-v-mnogoobrazieto-e-finalut-v-Dobrich-na-Studentski-obuchitelen-lager-1755959

[b] https://novini247.com/novini/na-19-yuli-2023-sryada-v-leten-teatar-dobrich-shte_6585588.html

[c] https://dobrudjabg.com/novina/mejdunaroden-festival-na-kulturite-naslada-v-mnogoobrazieto-shte-provedat-chujdestranni-studenti-na-vum/89039

[d] https://darik.bg/mezdunaroden-festival-na-kulturite-naslada-v-mnogoobrazieto-ste-se-provede-v-dobrich-na-19-uli

In the final days leading up to the event, students dressed up in their traditional attires, handed out posters and flyers, and conducted a flashmob on the streets of Dobrich, which was watched and appreciated by many.

2. The event:

From interactive stalls showcasing the artefacts and traditions of the three countries, to spectacular live performances that made the audience immerse themselves in the cultures of Asia, the ‘Delight in Diversity’ event, staying true to its name, was a blend of delightful experiences and rich showcase of cultural diversity.

Key learnings and takeaways:

The kind of international and intercultural exposure that this bootcamp has given the students, is invaluable and one that we will treasure for the rest of our lives! This experience has not only made the students culturally more aware but has triggered an urge to continue learning and exploring different cultures. Living and studying with students from across the globe has been one of the best parts of this journey. We not only learned the nuances of event management and leadership in theory, but also practised and applied our learnings by organising the ‘Delight in Diversity’ event.

Each student brought with themselves a unique set of skills and values, and we are extremely grateful that we not only had the opportunity to interact with, but also learn from each one of them. This experience has played a key role in contributing to our academic and personal growth. We am extremely grateful to Erasmus+ for organising this wonderful bootcamp, and to Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies for giving us the platform to be a part of this life-changing experience.

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