SASTRA Deemed University Partners with Annapurna Finance for Employee Skill Development

SASTRA Deemed University, based in Thanjavur, has officially entered into a strategic partnership with Bhubaneswar-based Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd. to bolster professional development through a new collaborative training initiative. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to bridge the gap between academic expertise and industry requirements by delivering structured, high-impact learning programmes to the company's workforce.

The collaboration is set to launch in the fourth week of November 2026. During the initial phase of this programme, more than 200 employees of Annapurna Finance located across Tamil Nadu are expected to participate in the training sessions, which are designed to enhance their operational effectiveness and professional competencies.

Customised Training Modules for Financial Professionals

The training curriculum will be developed and delivered by the School of Management at SASTRA Deemed University. These modules are specifically tailored to address the evolving needs of the financial services sector, ensuring that participants gain practical knowledge relevant to their daily roles. Key areas of focus for the programme include leadership development, financial management, and customer centricity. Furthermore, the curriculum will address critical modern industry requirements, such as digital transformation and regulatory compliance.

The formal signing ceremony was attended by key leadership from both institutions. Dr. S. Vaidhyasubramaniam, Vice-Chancellor of SASTRA Deemed University, represented the university, while the delegation from Annapurna Finance Pvt. Ltd. was led by Mr. Subrat Sabyasachi Roy, Head of Strategy. Other notable attendees included Dr. R. Chandramouli, Registrar of SASTRA, and Dr. S. Selvabaskar, Dean of the School of Management.

Strategic Focus on Industry-Academia Collaboration

During the event, Dr. Vaidhyasubramaniam noted that the partnership reflects the university's ongoing commitment to fostering industry-academia engagement. He emphasized that such initiatives are vital for effective workforce development and broader nation-building efforts. By leveraging the academic resources of the university, the partnership aims to provide employees with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern financial landscape.

Mr. Subrat Sabyasachi Roy of Annapurna Finance highlighted the necessity of continuous upskilling within the financial inclusion sector. He noted that the training is expected to empower employees to better serve low-income communities while effectively meeting the changing demands of the industry. The programme serves as a significant milestone for both organizations as they work toward enhancing professional standards and organizational growth.