Goa, Feb 22 : The SLRI Conclave, held in Goa, brought together a group of passionate individuals determined to ignite transformation—leaders who believed in the power of rural immersion. Their mission was simple: to rethink student leadership development by embedding young minds into the heart of rural India.

Dr. V Padmanabhan, a professor at the Goa Institute of Management, spearheaded this initiative. His vision was to bridge the gap between urban education and rural realities, ensuring students learned leadership through hands-on experiences rather than textbooks.

Among the panel of experts was Shrish Kalyani, a champion of rural empowerment, who worked tirelessly with Transform Rural India. He inspired students by sharing real-life challenges and success stories, proving that impactful leadership begins at the grassroots.

Dr. Asmita Naik Africawala, a seasoned researcher from Ambuja Foundation, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in rural development. She guided students in analyzing field observations, helping them translate insights into meaningful action.

The team was further strengthened by Ms. Nandita Banerjee, an HR expert from ASER Centre, Pratham Education Foundation. She stressed the significance of human resource development in education and motivated students to work toward sustainable educational reforms in rural areas.

Naresh Kumar Nain, a dedicated program director from Manjari Foundation, took students on a field visit, showcasing how self-sustaining community programs could uplift rural livelihoods. His hands-on approach inspired them to implement innovative leadership strategies.

As the session concluded at the Goa Institute of Management, students left with a newfound purpose. The panelists had ignited a passion for rural leadership, proving that immersion and empathy were the true catalysts for change.