Nalanda Diary

During the last quarter, SMS School remained actively engaged in advancing scholarship, dialogue, and practice-oriented learning rooted in sustainability, innovation, and community-centric development. Faculty contributions through high-quality research publications reflected the School’s commitment to aligning management thought with contemporary challenges such as sustainable development, public health, and environmental governance.

The quarter was marked by strong national and international academic engagement. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and SMS faculty represented Nalanda University at global forums on rural transformation, energy transition, and Global South cooperation, reinforcing the University’s role in policy-relevant and comparative development discourse. On campus, distinguished lectures by eminent thought leaders enriched student learning, blending managerial perspectives with grassroots realities, including interactions with farmers and entrepreneurs.

Student participation in conferences, summits, and academic events further highlighted experiential learning and leadership development. Collectively, these efforts reflect SMS’s dedication to shaping socially responsible managers while contributing meaningfully to Nalanda University’s broader vision of sustainable, inclusive, and globally connected education.

Faculty Publications/ Journal Articles

• Poddar, A., Bagadeem, S., & Magry, M. A. (2025). Aligning corporate social responsibility with sustainable development goals in India across pandemic phases. Discover Sustainability, 6(1), 1355. (As corresponding author).
• Kumar, R., Kumar, M., Kumar, R., Garg, V., Kumar, A., & Pippal, P. S. (2025). Assessment of fluoride and nitrate contamination in groundwater and their health implications in the marble City of Kishangarh, Rajasthan, India. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Applied Sciences, 1-15.

Virtual Address on Rural Transformation

October 2025 | Vice Chancellor virtually addressed the Conference on Rural Transformation in China, South and Southeast Asia (CRT-CSSEA) and the launch of the Global South Network for Comparative Rural Studies (GSN-CRS), hosted by China Agricultural University, highlighting shared pathways for rural futures and Nalanda University’s commitment to community-centred development through initiatives such as Sahbhāgita.

Panel Participation on Energy Transition

13 November 2025 | Dr. Muneer A. Magry participated as a panellist in a roundtable discussion on “Energy Transition: Aspiring towards a Collaborative Global Low Carbon Economy—2030 & Beyond” during the 12th India and Sustainability Standards (ISS) 2025 Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

International Conference Representation

November 2025 | Dr. Muneer A. Magry represented Nalanda University as a speaker at the CRT-CSSEA Conference and the launch of the Global South Network for Comparative Rural Studies (GSN-CRS), hosted by China Agricultural University, contributing to international dialogue on rural transformation across Asia.

Distinguished Lectures and Expert Interactions

October 10, 2025 | SMS hosted Shri Vivek Wadhwa, eminent entrepreneur and global thought leader, for an interactive session with students, during which he highlighted India’s potential to lead innovation in emerging technologies and appreciated Nalanda University’s Net Zero Campus vision.

October 8, 2025 | The School also organised a Distinguished Lecture on “The Role of Co-operatives in the Making of Viksit Bharat” by Shri Satish Marathe, senior leader of Sahakar Bharati and Director on the Boards of RBI and NABARD, with active participation from farmers of neighbouring villages, enriching the dialogue with grassroots perspectives.

Student Participation and Academic Exposure

Students of the School actively engaged in national platforms, with participation in Van Shakti 2025 and the Corporate Philanthropy & Leadership Summit at IIM Nagpur, presentation of a research paper on CSR and climate action at an international conference, and service as rapporteurs at the 12th India and Sustainability Standards Conference, New Delhi, reflecting strong experiential learning and policy-oriented exposure.