Goa Institute of Management (GIM), India Student Exchange Program at NSU
From March 6 to March 31, 2024, the Office of External Affairs (OEA) at North South University (NSU) had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Goa Institute of Management (GIM), India. This collaborative initiative, part of GIM’s signature Give Goa Project, centered on a 21-day research endeavor examining the efficacy of NGO intervention in ensuring decent work conditions in Bangladesh’s garment industry.
During their visit, the GIM team conducted extensive field research, visiting four prominent ready-made garment (RMG) factories—DBL Group, Plummy Fashion, Laariz Fashion, and Khawaja Attires—as well as two notable NGOs: the Bangladesh Institute of Social Research (BISR) Trust and Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK). Their itinerary also included a visit to UNICEF Bangladesh headquarters, where they explored maternity support facilities provided by the RMG sector for female workers.
Beyond fieldwork, the GIM students actively engaged in academic life at NSU, attending classes and contributing thoughtful perspectives to classroom discussions. Their presence enriched the learning environment and fostered meaningful exchange. Additionally, Dr. Kingshuk Sarkar from GIM served as a guest lecturer, offering sessions to NSU students that deepened understanding of labor economics and development policy.
The program concluded with a heartfelt farewell ceremony, where certificates were awarded to participants in recognition of their contributions and commitment. This event marked the end of a profoundly impactful journey—one that not only advanced research on labor conditions but also strengthened institutional ties between NSU and GIM.
This collaboration exemplifies the power of international academic partnerships in addressing pressing socio-economic challenges. It highlights NSU’s ongoing commitment to fostering global engagement, interdisciplinary research, and cross-cultural learning.
