N. Mahalingam Centre for Public Policy (NM CPP) was inaugurated at Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science on 02 May 2022, as part of the Centenary celebrations of Founder Chairman Arutchelvar Dr.N.Mahalingam, whose monumentals contributions to economy, society and governance has positively impacted the community at large. The inauguration was presided over by Shri Shankar Vanavarayar, Joint Correspondent of Kumaraguru Institutions in the presence of the Chief Guest Shri. Nitin Pai, Co-Founder and Director of Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.

Dr. Vijila Kennedy, Principal, KCLAS welcomed the gathering and Dr. Makkalanban, Head, Department of Political Science set the context and overview of the Centre. Shri Shankar Vanavarayar, in his presidential address, spoke on the relevance of establishing a Centre for Public Policy in an educational institution where students and students, academicians, policy makers and the general public can connect together leading to common good. He further reminiscences about the social values and thoughts on governance and policy making upheld by Arutchelvar Dr.N.Mahalingam, who was in the State Planning Commission for 2 terms. Shri. Nitin Pai, in his address referred to the unique ecosystem and model created by the private entrepreneurs of Coimbatore in multiple sectors that includes education, healthcare, transportation, water, sanitation which led to progress of the livelihood of the people in this region. He further emphasized that the visionary aspiration of individuals should be revived which is largely missing among the present day youth and hoped that this Centre for Public Policy shall bridge the gap. As part of the inauguration, a roundtable discussion on public policy and a discourse on public policy on sustainability in a tree planting ceremony were conducted.

NM CPP shall function as an independent public policy think tank associated with Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science, to advance public policy goals through developmental research, education and advocacy by engaging with government and policy influencers for the well being of people. The Centre will work with government, public policy makers, experts, practitioners to review and identify the current and future gaps for development. Experts, PhD scholars, Fellows and Interns will be engaged in evidence-based research to have diverse perspectives and build future capacity. The Centre shall be a platform to build conversations and dialogue through roundtables, summits, conferences and conclaves among policy makers, implementers and beneficiaries to enrich existing work with new insights for effective implementation in the larger society. The focus areas of NM CPP are aligned with the UN Sustainable goals that includes Social Policy, Labour Markets, Agriculture, Gender Equality, Sustainability and Climate Change, Health and Education. The Centre has partnered with regional, state government departments, think tanks, non-profit organizations and academic / research Institutions that includes Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru, Centre for Human Security Studies, Hyderabad, COVINTS, Bengaluru, IMPRI, New Delhi and Rashtram School of Public Leadership, Haryana. The Department of Political Science, KCLAS offering B.A. and M.A. in Political Science shall associate with the N. Mahalingam Centre of Public Policy to anchor and advance public policy for the larger good of the community and society.