Bridge of Friendship and Business: How HSE GSB University Students Discovered India Through Culture, Values, and Partnership with NSB Business school
In April 2026, a new cohort of 30 undergraduate and graduate students from the HSE Graduate School of Business traveled to India. For them, this trip was not just an educational module but a true discovery of a country of contrasts, opportunities, and human warmth — a symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and intercultural dialogue.
Over ten days — from April 15 to 24, 2026 — participants immersed themselves in the intense rhythm of Indian business, visiting 11 large and small enterprises, while simultaneously delving into the depths of ancient traditions. Two cities — futuristic Bangalore and majestic Mysuru — offered students a holistic view of a country where past and future coexist inseparably.
Industrial Tour: From IT Giants to a Brewery
he program was designed to showcase business cycles from the inside — from raw material supply to store shelves, from idea to international contract.
- Infosys — Students saw the legendary campus of one of the world’s largest IT companies, which started with a capital of just $250 and today sets the standards for digital transformation across all continents.
- DHL — A tour of the logistics hub provided insight into how global supply chains operate in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
- World Trade Center, Bengaluru — this is more than just a building; it is a vast platform for international networking. The center serves as a key business hub, connecting local companies with a global network. Students witnessed how Indian business integrates into the world economy.
- SEG Automotive — a visit to this high-tech enterprise deserves special mention. SEG Automotive is a global leader in the production of starters and generators for the automotive industry, serving all major automakers worldwide, from Mercedes and BMW to AvtoVAZ. Students explored the full production cycle of components for hybrid and conventional engines, learning about quality standards, automation, and the sustainable manufacturing principles the company implements. The tour demonstrated how India is becoming a hub for automotive engineering.
- Jockey KR Pet Unit — a visit to the production facility of the legendary brand revealed the secrets behind the clothing worn by millions worldwide. Students saw the entire process — from fabric cutting to finished product packaging — and assessed how a global brand adapts to local market specifics.
- Carlsberg India Pvt Ltd — a true immersion into production. Students traced the complete journey of a popular beverage: from brewing and quality control to bottling, packaging, and distribution. This provided hands-on insight into food production operations and finished goods logistics.
- ELCIA — a meeting that showcased the ecosystem fueling India's "Silicon Valley."
Startups and Small Businesses: Living Entrepreneurship
Of particular interest to students was getting acquainted with India’s startup movement and small business sector. A highlight of the program was the success story of a Cloud Kitchen, presented by Dr. Yedunandan, founder of Jaika Ventures. This real-world case of building a profitable food delivery business from scratch sparked a flurry of questions: students eagerly inquired about the economic model, quality management, customer acquisition, and achieving operational profitability.
Additionally, the group visited a small traditional wooden toy factory, where they not only observed but also personally participated in the creation process — from concept to finished toy. This experience vividly demonstrated how a craft business can thrive with heart and soul, offering insights into how even a small-scale manufacturing operation can be competitive.
Cultural Code: Theater, Palaces, and a Laser Show
The school's program was designed as a dialogue of cultures. Students did not just learn about India — they lived it:
- attended a traditional shadow puppet theater;
- witnessed a grand laser show at the Isha Foundation;
- marveled at the architectural grandeur of the Mysuru palaces;
- immersed themselves in local life and folklore at the Janapadaloka Ramnagara ethnic park and museum.
A special event was the meeting with NSB students. HSE students had the opportunity to try on traditional Indian costumes and engage with their Indian peers. Young people from India and Russia openly exchanged experiences, discussing their academic programs and learning methods.
Heartfelt Gratitude to Our Partners
The HSE Graduate School of Business extends its sincere appreciation to our Indian colleagues for their warm welcome and flawless organization. Special thanks go to President Sridhara Murthy for making the Spring School possible and for continuously enhancing the program. We are also deeply grateful to Dr. A.V. Rao and Mr. Veda Mouly for their constant support, guidance, and resolution of all logistical matters throughout the trip.
This Spring School was more than just an educational program; it became a symbol of lasting friendship between countries, universities, and young people who will build the business of the future — without borders, but with profound respect for each other’s culture and values.
Deputy Director of the Graduate School of Business, Director of the GSB Learning Analytics and Quality Assurance Center, Associate Professor of the Department of Business Informatics
From the very first moment of our arrival, we were embraced by an extraordinary level of warmth, care, and professionalism that made each of us feel genuinely welcomed. The thoughtful organization of the program, the seamless logistics, and the personal attention extended to every member of our group reflected the very highest standards of academic hospitality. This visit has left a profound and lasting impression on all of us, and we will carry its memory with great fondness for years to come.
manager, International Office
Beyond the exceptionally rich and substantive program, as well as the flawless organization of the Spring School, this trip allowed me to realize something fundamentally important: constructive partnership can transform into sincere friendship and deep mutual respect. In every decision made, in the organization of each meeting and every event, genuine values found their true embodiment — not in words, but in deeds. The amazing, distinctive culture of India, and a people for whom words are inseparable from action, have left an indelible mark on my soul.
Safiya Nizamova
4th-year student, GSB Bachelor's Program in Business Administration
The trip to Bangalore as part of the immersive learning program was a truly unforgettable and inspiring experience. Over these days, we visited enterprises and offices of companies such as Infosys, DHL, Carlsberg India, Orkla India (MTR), KMF/Nandini, Jockey India, SEG Automotive, and the World Trade Center in Bangalore. The program was not limited to industrial visits. In addition, we attended lectures, participated in cultural events, practiced yoga, watched puppet shows, and even traveled to the Isha Foundation. At every site, we were met by open and welcoming professionals ready for genuine dialogue. We asked questions, exchanged opinions, and held meaningful discussions. Infosys left a particularly strong impression on me: the scale and atmosphere of the company made me think that this is exactly the kind of environment where I would like to build my career. Overall, this trip fundamentally changed my perspective on many things.
Maria Alexandrova
1st-year student, GSB Master's Program in International Management
The trip to India was a truly practice-oriented experience for me. The schedule included 11 company visits, during which professionals from various fields meticulously explained the specifics of their industries and the challenges they face. It was particularly important for me to visit actual production facilities and talk to representatives from different sectors to form my own opinion about Indian markets. I was amazed by the speed at which companies are introducing innovations and how openly they talk about it. The NSB team designed a balanced program, so despite its intensity (we were busy from 8 AM to 8 PM), we could absorb the information quite easily. The cultural program is a distinct advantage of this program, as over 10 days I managed to experience complete immersion in the local context. I want to return to India again and again, both as a tourist and from a professional perspective, because the potential shown to us continues to impress.
Beata Belova
4th-year student, GSB Bachelor's Program in Marketing and Market Analytics
This trip was my first real immersion into how business works beyond the textbooks. I saw the IT industry on a scale I had only read about before — seeing Infosys and WTC Bangalore from the inside as representatives of India's technology sector was especially interesting. Bangalore showed me that international opportunities are open to us; we just need to look in unexpected directions.
Sofia Trusova
4th-year student, GSB Bachelor's Program in Business Administration
India turned out to be completely different from how it is often portrayed on television. It is a very vibrant, lively, and multifaceted country. We were taken to various companies and production facilities, introduced to the culture, and every day we learned something new. The trip was intense and gave me a sea of impressions. After such journeys, you start to see the world differently! Particularly valuable was getting to know the smart and driven NSB students— true like-minded people whom, in our regular academic lives, we most likely would never have crossed paths with.
Anastasia Alimova
2nd-year student, GSB Bachelor's Program in Business Informatics
This trip was incredibly intense, filled with emotions and useful knowledge. It was especially interesting to see how different industries are structured from the inside: from IT and logistics to food production and automotive components. I particularly remember the visits to Electronic City, where we learned how a whole technology ecosystem operates through ELCIA and ELCITA. Students from all HSE programs were able to find something useful for themselves that can be applied in their studies and future professional careers.
Danil Malyushin
1st-year student, GSB Master's Program in Marketing: Digital Technology and Marketing Communications
Ten days in Bangalore and Mysuru — and I still can't fully comprehend how much we managed to do. Bangalore greeted us with endless traffic, the scents of sandalwood and musk, the contrast between glass offices and colorful streets. It was here that I understood that India is a civilization apart! But, perhaps, what I remember most strongly are the people: from the very first day, President of NSB Bangalore Dr. Sridara Murthy, Dr. A.V. Rao, Mr. Veda Mouly, and the school's teachers created such an atmosphere that we felt like welcome guests. Company representatives, in turn, didn't just conduct tours — they openly shared their experiences and answered any questions, even the most uncomfortable ones. These are, without a doubt, some of the most intense and memorable days of my entire studies — and I am immensely happy and grateful to the Graduate School of Business that we were able to experience such impressions.
Diana Sungatullina
4th-year student, GSB Bachelor's Program in Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics
The Spring Business School was a truly bright and inspiring experience for me. The trip to India was a real revelation! The program allowed me to see the country from many different angles: from business and technology to culture and daily life. Getting to know how both local and global companies operate was especially valuable. An equally important part of the program was immersing myself in the country's culture. India amazed me with its vibrancy and contrasts, organically combining high-tech with profound spirituality. I am sincerely grateful to the Center for International Exchanges of the Graduate School of Business and NSB Bangalore for the opportunity to be part of this program and for its richness, thoughtfulness, and high level of organization. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who wants to broaden their professional and cultural horizons!
