Welcome!
I’m Dr. Niraj Kumar, Dean of the School of Rural Management at XIM University, Bhubaneswar.
For over three decades, I’ve worked as a researcher, educator, and changemaker with one mission: advancing sustainability and inclusive growth. My expertise spans agribusiness, rural marketing, development communication and CSR, where knowledge turns into real-world impact.
This platform is for academics, corporate leaders, and development professionals who believe in driving change. Here, you’ll find opportunities to collaborate, insights to challenge your thinking, and solutions to move communities, businesses, and institutions forward.
Let’s not just talk about change - let’s make it happen.


In 30 years of experience:





Let’s Collaborate To Transform Through:
Testimonials
Professor Niraj Kumar has been an invaluable ally to the Odisha Forest Department. His contributions to various projects consistently exceed expectations, demonstrating a remarkable sensitivity to the needs of forest-dependent communities and the environment. Professor Kumar's training programs are outstanding, providing practical insights and invaluable tips directly applicable to participants' roles. His deep understanding of rural India and local governance renders him as an invaluable resource for government officers across domains.

Debidutta Biswal, IFS
PCCF & HoFF, Govt. of Odisha
Collaborating with Prof. Niraj on our project documenting rural transformations in India was a privilege. His academic prowess and leadership in partnering with our team were exceptional. Prof. Niraj's dedication ensured each case story was both accurate and impactful, resulting in an inspiring book that showcases his rigor and passion. His ability to bridge academic theory with practical application and storytelling expertise gave rural India's voices a platform to be heard and celebrated.

Manas Satpathy
PRADAN, India
Prof. Niraj Kumar has greatly enriched MFIN’s training collaboration with XIM University, Bhubaneswar. His approach stands out among outstanding resource persons @ XIM, fostering active engagement and leaving a lasting impact on participants. Beyond his expertise and commitment, Professor Kumar’s warm demeanor creates a conducive learning environment. I look forward to our next collaboration.

Sheetal Prasad
Vice President, MFIN
Collaborating with Niraj Ji has always been enriching. A professional imbued with energy and innovative ideas, he excels in action research. His expertise in Agribusiness and the Rural Market in India is exemplary. Prof. Kumar's publications in international journals, alongside the consistently outstanding feedback from his courses, including those at IIM Lucknow, underscore his formidable academic prowess.

Dr. Sanjeev Kapoor
Professor, IIM- Lucknow
As a forest officer in various leadership positions, I have collaborated with him on several important assignments, including the JICA-supported Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project. His invaluable academic contributions and exceptional tailored training programs were instrumental in the project's successful execution, which received the highest ratings in all five parameters during the ex-post evaluation. In addition to his expertise, Professor Kumar's compassion and humility make him a standout academic.

Arun K. Bansal
Former Addl DG Forests, India,
Member International Board PEFC, India