LSE Research and Education Foundation India

LSE commits to creating new generations of thought leaders

View of the Mumbai skyline on a sunny day

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.

LSE maintains deep and long-running ties with India. 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.  

The LSE Research and Education Foundation India builds on this longstanding and enduring association through three key areas of work: 

  • The Foundation will nurture the next generation of thought leaders, regardless of social and economic background. 
  • We will build collaborations between LSE’s academic faculty and researchers in India to confront global challenges. 
  • 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, is an alumnus of the School and directs LSE’s Indian operations, including fundraising, governance, programme development, alumni relations and community engagement. He is a strategy advisor with more than 20 years' experience, delivering sustainable projects for public and private sector clients globally.

  

Recent Events

Graphic for an event celebrating the history of the Indian Constitution

75 Constitution of India 
24 March 2025

In collaboration with LSE South Asia Centre. Meeting with Professor Larry Kramer, President and Vice Chancellor of the LSE and Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, and Nasser Munjee, Chair, Senior Advisory Board, LSE South Asia Centre.

Book cover of Avinash Paliwal's book India's Near East

INDIA: The Eastern Front 
05 March 2025

A discussion with Sreeradha Datta, Dr Md Shariful Islam, Khin Zaw Win, and Dr Avinash Paliwal, author of India’s Near East: A New History. Co-chaired by Abhilash Puljal and Dr Nilanjan Sarkar, Deputy Director, LSE South Asia Centre.

 

Graphic showing the speakers for an event on Tech and Policy

Tech x Policy: Driving Inclusion in India
31 January 2025 

In association with Women in Tech and the LSE Alumni Association of Mumbai and Western India. A panel discussion and networking event with Divya Pinge, Neha Awasthi, Nikita Kwatra, Sonya Misquita and Abhilash Puljal. 

 

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