Dr. Rajiv Thakur, professor of geography, was formally invited by the Government of Kerala, India, to speak at the Kerala Urban Conclave 2025, an international gathering of policymakers, scholars, and urban development leaders.
Dr. Thakur served in the high-level policy session titled, “Growth Drivers for Urban Kerala.” The invitation recognizes his significant scholarly contributions to urban and regional planning, sustainable development, resource management, and governance—areas he has explored through his edited volumes published by Springer Nature in 2020 and 2021.
International Platform with Global Impact
Kerala is widely recognized as one of India’s most progressive and rapidly urbanizing states, distinguished by its world-leading literacy rates, strong public health outcomes, gender equity initiatives, and long-standing commitment to decentralized and participatory governance.
The Kerala Urban Conclave, hosted by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration, brought together local government leaders, national and international experts, researchers and civil society organizations to collectively shape the next decade of urban policy for the region.
Benefits for MSU–West Plains Students and Community
University officials emphasize that Dr. Thakur’s participation directly aligns with MSU–West Plains’ public affairs mission to foster global citizenship and enhance educational excellence. His engagement is expected to contribute to curriculum enhancement, global learning opportunities, student career readiness, and engagement in the community and on the West Plains campus.
“This is an opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative policy environments in the world and bring those insights back to our students and community,” Dr. Thakur said. “Kerala offers a rich model of participatory planning and sustainable development that can inform global conversations—including those happening here in southern Missouri.”
Strengthening MSU–West Plains’ Global Reach
“Dr. Thakur’s invitation is an important recognition of his expertise and the university’s growing commitment to global engagement,” said Zora Mulligan, MSU-WP chancellor. “His participation will provide our students with expanded perspectives and strengthen our academic connections internationally.”