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LSE Research and Education Foundation India

A panel of alumni talk during an event in India

Creating new generations of thought leaders

LSE’s commitment to creating new generations of thought leaders draws on the School’s world-leading expertise in the social sciences. Expanding our provision for academic support and providing more experiential learning is an integral part of our strategy.

Established in 2021, the LSE Research and Education Foundation India reinforces the School’s presence in India and advances our commitment to transformative education in the world’s most populous nation.

Named the top university in the United Kingdom by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide in both 2025 and 2026, LSE is a world-leading centre of education and research which maintains deep and long-running ties with India.

Black and white images of B R Ambedkar (right) and Harold Laski (left)
B R Ambedkar (right) and Harold Laski (left)

The architect of the Constitution of India, Dr B R Ambedkar, studied for his PhD here, and several LSE faculty members – most notably Professor Harold Laski – were among the strongest supporters of the Indian independence movement in London from the 1920s onward. In the words of former Director Ralf Dahrendorf, the relationship between LSE and India is ‘a story of soul mates’.

The LSE Research and Education Foundation India builds on this longstanding and enduring association. Over the next few years, we will work with faculty, students, alumni and supporters to develop innovative ways of learning, creating and collaborating with partners to thrive in this rapidly changing world.

The Foundation’s vision has three pillars that collectively aim for a blend of education, research and academic engagement

  • Empowering Students through Education: The Foundation will advance LSE’s vision to be a catalyst for empowerment through education by nurturing the next generation of thought leaders regardless of social and economic background.
  • Collaborative Research: We will build collaborations between LSE’s academic faculty and researchers in India to combine intellectual capital to confront global challenges. Platform for
  • Intellectual Exchange: We will host high quality academic events which will foster global interdisciplinary perspectives.

Leadership

  • Profile image of Mike Ferguson in front of a bookcase

    Mike Ferguson is Co-Director of the LSE Foundation India and LSE’s Chief Financial Officer. He spearheads strategic planning and resource management for the Foundation. He also has a lead responsibility for the School’s overall financial strategy and planning, financial operations and compliance. He is a chartered accountant with over 30 years’ experience working in higher education.

  • Profile image of Abjulash Pujal

    Abhilash Puljal, Co-Director of the LSE Foundation India and LSE alumnus, directs LSE’s Indian operations, encompassing fundraising, governance, programme development, alumni relations and community engagement. He has more than 20 years experience delivering sustainable projects for public and private sector clients globally and a proven track record in government, international relations, organisational design, and economic development.

Scholarship

In September 2026, the Foundation will award the first LSE Foundation India Scholarship, made possible by the Tata Social Welfare Trust Corpus Fund. The scholarship reflects a commitment shared by LSE and the Tata Trusts to widening access to education. The Scholarship will enable a deserving Indian student, selected on the basis of both merit and financial need, to study at the LSE.

Recent Events

  • Graphic advertising a women's event hosted by LSE Research and Education Foundation

    Resilience & Reinvention: How Women Can Build Thriving Careers and Businesses in Disruptive Times

    26 February 2026

    A dynamic panel of women leaders explored how women can build resilience, adapt with confidence, and create thriving careers and businesses in disruptive times. Co-presented with LSE Generate.

  • Group photo from the Women's Network event in India

    First LSE Women’s Network Event in India

    27 September 2025

    The LSE Women’s Network has successfully launched it initative in India in collaboration with the Foundation, at an event that saw 45 LSE alumni gather in New Delhi.

  • Graphic advertising a book discussion event looking at Beatrice Webb

    “Beatrice Webb: A Portrait of a Reformist,” by Thamizhachi Thangapandian

    25 July 2025

    Presented in partnership with the British Council, this book discussion explored the life of LSE co-founder Beatrice Potter Webb.

Contact information

The LSE Research and Education Foundation India is registered as a Charity under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013.
With CIN: U80904MH2021NPL352932. Company limited by guarantee.
PAN: AAECL4719Q | 12AB: AAECL4719Q24MB01 | 80G: AAECL4719Q24MB02
The LSE Research and Education Foundation India
The Capital, Level 7, Plot C-70, G Block
Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
Mumbai, 400051
India
Email: a.puljal@lse.ac.uk