Inauguration of CHRIST (Deemed to be) University- LabourNet Academic Research Endeavour (CLARE)

One of its kind industry-academia collaboration in India, CHRIST- LabourNet Academic Research Endeavour (CLARE), was officially inaugurated on the 12^th of July 2019. This collaboration between the School of Business Studies and Social Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be) University and LabourNet is a practice-oriented research initiative that aims to co-produce new knowledge in terms of understanding the informal economy.

With  constantly changing dynamics in the work order, the necessity for such a collaboration is crucial in a knowledge-based society such as ours. With the help of organic industry support and extensively established academic research, the potential for such a collaboration is massive. CLARE strives to provide academic insights into the efforts of LabourNet through practice-oriented research, impact reporting, drafting of proposals, data analysis and case studies.

The occasion was graced by Dr Jyothi Kumar, Dean of the School of Business Studies and Social Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed To Be) University; Dr Anil Pinto, Registrar, CHRIST (Deemed to be) University; Dr Gayathri Vasudevan, Chairperson, LabourNet; Mr Rajesh A R, CEO and Managing Director, LabourNet; Dr Padmini Ram, Head, CLARE. Also present were Ms.Jalajakshi, Head of Consulting, LabourNet; Mr. Pawas Mishra, Head of Business Advisory Group, LabourNet; Vinod G G, CFO, LabourNet, the research associates of CLARE and the faculty of Social Sciences, CHRIST(Deemed To Be) University.

CHRIST University- LabourNet Academic Research Endeavour (CLARE)

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jyothi Kumar addressed the gathering, giving an insight into the process that culminated into the research endeavour. She remarked on the potential impact the venture could have in transferring societal knowledge among the students. Dr Anil Pinto spoke on the changing face of Indian social science research – a dynamic where the governing bodies turn to universities for expertise and input. Commenting on the draft National Education Policy, he welcomed the changes and said that there is room for curriculums that encourage students to have parallel, socially conscious life, outside the campus. Thus, even the academicians had an incentive to not only share their skills with students but also with society.  Dr Gayathri Vasudevan described her plan for the consultancy to branch out and reach an equilibrium where academic research and industry resources could join forces and allow citizens to make real changes for all.

Mr Rajesh A R spoke about how academicians can contribute towards the development of novel models of community mobilization and participation. In addition to CHRIST (Deemed to be) University’s motto of Excellence and Service, Synergy and Passion was expressed as equally important contributors to the success of CLARE. Dr Padmini Ram in her concluding remarks spoke of the team’s vision of developing CLARE into a benchmark institution for research on the informal economy in the country.