The Retailers Association of India (RAI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (KCLAS). The agreement marks an important step towards strengthening collaboration between India’s retail industry and higher education institutions.
Focus on Future-Ready Retail Talent
The MoU was signed in the presence of Shankar Vanavarayar, President, Kumaraguru Institutions, and Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India. The signing formed part of a structured programme centred on the future of retail, innovation, and talent development.
The partnership aims to build sustained engagement between industry and academia. It will focus on knowledge exchange, student exposure, faculty interaction, research collaboration, and co-created initiatives aligned with the evolving needs of India’s retail ecosystem.
Collaboration Roadmap for 2026–2027
During the event, RAI and KCLAS unveiled a collaboration calendar for 2026–2027. The roadmap includes industry sessions, student-led initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and thought-leadership forums. Together, these engagements are designed to strengthen practical learning and industry relevance.
Industry Perspective on the Partnership
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar Rajagopalan, CEO, Retailers Association of India, said, “Through this MoU, RAI is deepening its engagement with academic institutions to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving retail landscape. At the same time, it allows the industry to tap into new thinking and emerging perspectives that students bring. Retail must not only train future professionals, but also remain open to learning from the next generation shaping its future.”
Academic Vision and Long-Term Impact
The MoU aligns with RAI’s broader mission to support the long-term growth and professionalism of the retail sector by investing in future-ready talent and promoting industry-relevant education.
Addressing the gathering, Shankar Vanavarayar, President, Kumaraguru Institutions, said, “At Kumaraguru, we believe education must remain deeply connected to the world it seeks to serve. Our partnership with the Retailers Association of India is a step towards creating meaningful learning ecosystems where industry insight, academic rigour, and entrepreneurial thinking come together. This MoU will enable our students and faculty to engage directly with the retail sector, encouraging innovation, applied research, and future-ready skills that are essential for India’s economic and social progress.”
Shared Vision for Retail Growth
This partnership reflects a shared commitment between RAI and Kumaraguru Institutions to nurture talent, drive innovation, and contribute to India’s retail growth through structured and long-term collaboration.
