eBOOK BW EDUCATION MAY 2022

Photograph by Ritesh Sharma  KAVISH GADIA,
Co-founder & CEO,
Stones2Milestones

“This world needs more entrepreneurs an entrepreneur to be a
and it’s the responsibility of source of inspiration, en-
ergy and drive unto them-
entrepreneurs to inspire more people selves. By being grateful
to become entrepreneurs” to all the good that’s hap-
pening in this journey
many more lives to listen the Operating System for of vision and technology independent of the mag-
to their heart first. learning English for this stack, we see this happen- nitude of challenges is
world with our full stack ing sooner than five years. what keeps one going. I
Where do you see your offering from pedagogy, have found the exercise
content, AI-based recom- What is your mantra for of sitting in silence every
firm five years from mendation engine and as- morning and expressing
sessment tool. In five years success and what are gratitude the most power-
now? from now, we would be the ful exercise to keep going.
In a world where com- Gold Standard for learn- your suggestions for It’s now 13 years and my
mand over English as a ing English in this world third venture, I have never
language does provide an across all such countries aspiring edupreneurs? felt fatigued. This world
individual a learning, so- and ages. Currently we The biggest virtue is grati- needs more entrepreneurs
cial and economic edge, serve over 200,000 users tude. As an entrepreneur, and it’s the responsibility
we as a company would from age three to 10 in In- we have our own share of of entrepreneurs to inspire
take our work to the world dia. With the power of our challenges as this is the more people to become en-
that aspires to learn in incredible team, clarity most uncertain and un- trepreneurs.
English while it’s not their chartered path that an in-
mother tongue. We are dividual can take. Hence
it’s the responsibility of

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4400UNDER INTERVIEW Kounal Gupta

“FOCUS ON increased responsibili-
VALUE CREATION” ties towards achieving
your goals?
Kounal Gupta, Founder & CEO, Henry Harvin Education There is no pressure. I
says the prestigious award encourages them to keep adding simply consider it as an
acknowledgment of ef-
value to the lives of customers forts made in the past and
a motivation to keep creat-
How critical were the ing value.
last couple of months
for your business? Where do you see your
It was a rollercoaster ride. firm five years from
Our goals remained the now?
same, only the time frame We see Henry Harvin rank-
got changed. Goals set for ing in the top 100 edtech
the year were supposed to brands in the world with
be achieved in a quarter, a vast portfolio of over 100
those set for a quarter were programmes having expe-
to be achieved in a month, rience of catering to more
and those set for a week than 10 million students.
were to be accomplished
in a week. But I really en- What is your mantra for
joyed it! success and what are
your suggestions for
aspiring edupreneurs?
Just break down this
phrase ‘Focus on value cre-
ation’ and concentrate on
each word one at a time, viz.

What motivates you in lockdown and not the cons.  KOUNAL GUPTA, Focus: Meditate daily and
Founder & CEO keep your focus strong on
the times of crisis, do How does it feel to re- your goals.
ceive such an apprecia- Henry Harvin Education
you see it as an oppor- tion like a 40 under 40 On: Youshouldberunning
award? to the lives of our custom- on time. Time should not
tunity or a challenge? It feels great and encourag- ers and focus on our expan- be running out on you.
Definitely, we see it as an es us to keep adding value sion plans.
opportunity. In fact, from Value: While making dif-
the very first day when the After having this ferent strategies, always
lockdown was announced, feather added to your consider the value.
we have been sending in- cap, are you reeling
spirational and positive under the pressure of Creation: The balance
emails to our audience, sheet of one’s content con-
requesting our audience sumption should be heavy
to focus on the pros of this on the creator side rather
than the consumer side.
“Five years from now, we see Henry
Harvin ranking in the top 100 edtech My suggestion to aspir-
brands in the world with a vast portfolio ing edupreneurs is to keep
delivery quality a top prior-
of over 100 programmes” ity no matter what!

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BW EDUCATION MAY 2022 53 WWW.BWEDUCATION.COM

INTERVIEW Mayank Kumar

“WE ARE MOVING4400UNDER
BRICK BY BRICK”

Mayank Kumar, Co-founder & MD, upGrad shares how an entrepreneur needs to be
clear in his mind about the ‘one customer’

How critical were the ing Q4—Jan, Feb, and tion in Digital Marketing bling to make sense of and
March—the pre-Covid-19 and Communication with respond to the coronavi-
last couple of months quarter and Q1—April, MICA has grown by 70 rus threat, we end up over-
May, and June—the post- per cent in terms of both looking the opportunities
for your business? Covid-19 quarter for the revenues and learner base. such a crisis often throws
Today one cannot over- below data). While all ver- Perhaps the programme at us. It presents us with
emphasise the impor- ticals have grown in Q4 vs has grown to be the leader things that we otherwise
tance of skilling for mid- Q1, the MBA vertical has with around 40 per cent of would not be looking at,
career professionals in grown by 63 per cent in the market share. and here is where motiva-
an era where the half-life terms of revenue and 82 tion plays a pivotal role. It
of knowledge is reducing per cent in terms of learner Do you see the current drives me to push myself
more rapidly than ever. base, making it the biggest and look beyond what is
There is a massive upsurge winner. The Data Science crisis as an opportunity given and is available to
in the traffic that we have vertical continues to grow me.
been witnessing on our with the Master of Science or a challenge?
platform as individuals’ in Data Science, having We operate in times when How does it feel to bag
priorities are now being grown by more than 60 the pandemic has dis-
re-calibrated and they are per cent in terms of both turbed routines across ge- a BW Education top 40
now looking at engaging revenue and learner base, ographies and has affected
in meaningful learning, making it our best-selling most businesses terribly. under 40 award?
to prepare themselves for data science programme The ripple effects and the Honestly, it is an hon-
the future. Moreover, we in this quarter. Closer to social and economic im- our for me to receive this
have witnessed significant home, our PG Certifica- pact will be far-reaching award which I accept
uptake in terms of revenue and long-term. However, with immense humility
as well (we are consider- while the world is scram- and pride. It feels great
to see your efforts being
“We are in a position to command acknowledged and ap-
an average revenue per unit preciated. It took us years
(ARPU) of Rs 2.5 lakh, which is to make upGrad what it is
today, and we still have a
highest across the Indian online long way to go. This is yet
education space” another stepping-stone to-
wards achieving our vision
and creating the careers of
tomorrow.

After having this

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Photograph by Ritesh Sharma  MAYANK KUMAR taking future-forward de-
Co-founder & MD cisions in order to build an
feather added to your effort in order to maintain upGrad accurate product. Initial-
the status quo and drive ly, it is important for any
cap, are you reeling performance and sus- and career services that entrepreneur or an edu-
tainable growth which in shall enhance their em- preneur to be clear in his
under the pressure of turn, shall take upGrad to ployability quotient and mind about the ‘one cus-
greater heights. help them achieve mean- tomer’ -- from designing
increased responsibili- ingful outcomes, at large. the product to structuring
Where do you see your We are moving brick by the marketing campaign,
ties towards achieving brick to change the face of and to reaching out to the
firm after five years? online higher education target audience. Such cal-
your goals? We at upGrad want to be and make upGrad achieve culated moves shall fetch
I would not say pressure, a lifelong learning partner global recognition. him multiple benefits and
but indeed, it adds more for the working profes- will deliver the desired re-
responsibilities. I believe, sionals and individuals, What is your advice to sults. Moreover, any start-
entrepreneurs start their with the right programme aspiring edupreneurs? up during its early phase
journey to solve a pain guidance, right feedback, I believe, we must focus on is low on resources with a
point that they are pas- doing the right things and limited marketing budget.
sionate about. Therefore, Therefore, the best people
what I have been doing un- who will put the good word
til now will require more out for you and your prod-
ucts, are satisfied custom-
ers. Being an entrepreneur
lets you to follow your own
path and solve some of so-
ciety’s toughest challenges
by creating result-oriented
solutions.

Companies like up-
Grad have spent Rs 100
crore in building its tech
platform over the years
and creating a learning
platform that enables
learners with a world-
class education, without
even having them to step
out of their comfort zone.
We have onboarded more
than 34,500 paid learners
so far, and in a price-sensi-
tive country like India, we
are in a position to com-
mand an average revenue
per unit (ARPU) of Rs
2.5 lakh, which is highest
across the Indian online
education space.

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INTERVIEW Moulshree Dubey

“MY MANTRA IS4400UNDER
PERSEVERANCE”

Moulshree Dubey, CEO, Pietech emphasises that once you have a
goal, you should continue to work towards it

How have the last few Is the current crisis an most through our work, and developing a creator
our ideas, our innova- mindset. This remote
months been for your opportunity or is it a tions, is what allows us to learning during the past
take our civilisation and few months have been
business? challenge? country to the next level. challenging because
The last couple of months As I work with a lot of Recycle, reclaim and re- people are struggling on
have been challenging as students who are com- design resources are the the personal level as well.
we struggled with the idea ing from very poor back- R’s we focusing on to de-
of cost-cutting measures grounds, I am able to velop and adjust to the How does it feel to re-
to support the organisa- empathise with them. shape and shift caused
tion. We were successful During crisis these in this pandemic. These ceive a BW 40 under 40
in not introducing any people are the most af- days I see a different level
layoffs or salary reduction fected, and therefore I of intellectual rendez- award?
for our employees. We re- see it as my duty to help vous display by faculties It’s a privilege and hon-
alised the importance of them in any possible way who are engaging them- our to be in the elite club
maintaining our human I can. I see this crisis as a selves in researching of BW Education top 40
capital and realised how challenge and an oppor- and exploring new ways under 40. I am thrilled to
we can facilitate educa- tunity to help the ones to upgrade education have shared this with em-
tion with the lack of physi- most in need. By help- inent education leaders
cal classrooms. By focus- ing the ones who need it across the country. I am
ing on our human capital,
we are ensuring a world- “The decision-making approach needs
class education for our to be experimental and I prefer
students. Where many developing a framework for
organisations have failed
to take care of their em- interpreting, designing and analysing
ployees, we take pride in experiments relevant for managing
the fact that our in-house
projects for organics have human resources”
resulted in reduced over-
all costs for the organisa-
tion. The future of our
education depends on in-
novation and productive
skills.

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tinue to bring new heights
to education in my com-
munity, my state and my
country. Developing qual-
ity education with maxi-
mum practical exposure
has been my ideology. It
has given me a platform to
promote technology and
engineering to help com-
bat climate changes and
promote more environ-
mentally friendly tech-
nologies and lifestyles.

Where do you see your

firm five years down the

line?
In the next five years we
will focus on achieving
our goal of Super 240. We
aim to create the new cen-
tre of excellence for engi-
neering in Chhattisgarh.
With the pace of change
accelerating, we need to
break down the barriers
existing between educa-
tion and the real world.
We will be focusing on de-
veloping student-centric
learning modules. Flex-
ibility in learning is the
keyword that will govern
our forthcoming ideas.

extremely grateful to BW and Technology (Pietech) After having this What is your mantra for
Businessworld and all and Chhattisgarh for let-
the jury members for this ting me work for the up- feather added to your success and what are
recognition. I take great gradation of 26+ villages
pride in accepting it as a across the state and few cap, are you reeling your suggestions for
collective responsibility other districts across the
to build and shape a new country. Being a struc- under the pressure of aspiring edupreneurs?
educational wave and to tural engineer, I will try My mantra for success is
work harder as a team to to restructure the faults increased responsibili- perseverance. Once you
build a global education in our traditional ap- have a goal, you should
and edtech platform. I proaches and will contin- ties towards achieving continue to work towards
dedicate this award to ue expanding horizons of it and not let anyone dis-
the team of Professional education across Chhat- your goals? tract or discourage you.
Institute of Engineering tisgarh and beyond. I always see my goals as The decision-making
something to strive for in approach needs to be ex-
my life. Since winning the perimental and I prefer
award I feel my goals have developing a framework
shifted again. I thank you for interpreting, design-
for the opportunity to up- ing and analysing experi-
date my goals. I will con- ments relevant for manag-
ing human resources.

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INTERVIEW Pooja Verma

4400UNDER

“PERSISTENCE
IS KEY TO
SUCCESS”

Pooja Verma, Co-founder & CEO, Whisskers shares her experience on being listed in
the elite club of top 40 under 40

How does it feel to bag a realities, etc. where we under the pressure of What’s your roadmap
are trying to balance be-
40 under 40 award? tween the urgent vs. the increased responsibili- for reaching the top-
It surely feels great! When important things, awards
Neha and I had left Google, are not really on the top 10 ties towards achieving notch in your area?
all we knew was that we things on the wish list. But As a digital marketing
wanted to impact the it definitely feels good to your goals? agency in the education
Indian SMEs and equip know that while we were On the contrary, it ac- sector, we have always
them to use digital plat- busy building businesses tually has made it a lot grown by word of mouth.
forms to grow effectively. and changing the world, more fun because such The plan is to continue to
But it was still a blank slate we reached a certain stage accolades add speed to deliver great services and
for us. From then to now, where we were honoured growth, and anything ensure that the parents
over the last six years, hav- with such a prestigious that can skyrocket us and students find the right
ing worked with over 200 award that makes us a part further towards our fit for themselves from the
SMEs and building their of the premier league. goals only ensures we multitude of education
digital portfolios, it has stay at our toes longer, products in the market
been quite a rollercoaster After having this and fight the odds while lately. And to be able to
ride. And industry vali- building digital business- scale up effectively, we are
dation like this definitely feather added to your es in India, especially in also building automation
pushes and motivates us the much-needed and products that will reduce
further to achieve greater cap, are you reeling fast-changing education the manual intervention
heights in creating digital sector.
impact.
“The plan is to continue to deliver great
Were you expecting to services and ensure that the parents
and students find the right fit for
be a part of this premier themselves from the multitude of
education products in the market
league? lately”
Usually out of the 200
things that needs an entre-
preneur’s attention almost
on a daily basis, from peo-
ple, clients, team, process-
es, finances, growth, inno-
vation, expansion, market

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considerably and will fine and handholding small happened not because of it’s an open field. The In-
tune our processes even roadside businesses like the regular reasons like dian education system is
further, thus gearing up craftsmen, small grocery finances, market realities, probably one of the old-
for growth. stores that are still using team conf licts, product est ones that has hardly
phone calls to take orders issues etc., but because witnessed any evolution
What are your CSR ini- from the neighbourhood, someone gave up too early. over the last few decades,
nurseries, local one-shop So whether it is innovating to say the least. Which
tiatives? furniture manufacturers, to stay relevant or pivot- means we have a long road
So far, it had been a little etc., to build their digital ing to cater to the market ahead, from up-skilling
early for us to dedicat- presence and grow their needs, or testing, trying the students so they make
edly have a team or re- businesses online. and failing constantly be- a better life, so they can
sources for CSR, but now, fore something actually learn the new technolo-
Whisskers Foundation What are your sugges- works, you just need to gies, using digital medi-
is in the making under keep at it. Find that one ums effectively, catering
which we plan to help tions for aspiring edu- problem that you know to the huge rural audience
small businesses that are you will solve for the world, so they can have access to
run by not so fortunate preneurs? and once you do, make quality education, there
businessmen, to adapt to Falling is an event but sure you do all that it takes are still hundreds of un-
the digital platforms so not getting up is a choice. to achieve your goals. touched problems within
they can start generating Persistence is thus the key these itself, which edu-
business online as well. to success as an entrepre- Going slow sometimes preneurs of today should
This will focus on digi- neur. Some great busi- is okay, but we should keep pick up.
tal training, educating nesses that could have going. For edupreneurs,
gotten built but still failed,

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INTERVIEW Pratham Barot

“FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE4400UNDER
BUSINESS GROWTH”

Pratham Barot, Founder & CEO, Zell Education suggests that aspir-
ing edupreneurs need to innovate and make use of technology to
reach maximum students

How does it feel to re- our past business perfor- What’s your roadmap tier-3 cities. This is just
mance, our value chain to ensure that basic en-
ceive such an apprecia- and our honest efforts to for reaching the top- trepreneurial training
bring in a change in up- reaches beyond the metro
tion like a 40 under 40 skilling education. notch in your area? cities.
We are focused on sus-
award? After having this tainable business growth. What is your mantra for
It always feels extremely For our current skill
humbling and an hon- feather added to your training programmes, success and what are
our to receive such an we are making strategic
appreciation. As I had cap, are you reeling investments in securing your suggestions for
mentioned in my thank the best of academic tal-
you speech — our or- under the pressure of ent and creating state-of- aspiring edupreneurs?
ganisation has unshake- the-art edtech infra for We firmly advocate that
able faith in what we are increased responsibili- continuously improving any skill training pro-
striving towards achiev- our teaching process and gramme that does not
ing and 40 under 40 just ties towards achieving user experience, which create a billable (employ-
validates our belief in our will help us achieve expo- able) resource from day
work and ourselves. your goals? nential business growth. one is a waste of time,
Receiving recognition effort and money for stu-
Were you expecting to from a prestigious plat- We are in touch with dents, teachers and train-
form like BW Education few reputed foreign uni- ing organisations. We
be a part of this premier certainly validates that versities to offer dual cer- are very conscious about
we are on the right path. tification and degree pro- developing meaningful
league? However, there is defi- grammes in the finance, training programmes
Over the last five years, nitely a sense of increased analytics and marketing that have ensured busi-
Zell Education has re- responsibility to achieve domain. We are also ex- ness success for us so far.
ceived many recognitions our business goals and at ploring our entry into
on different platforms for the same time, to ensure global markets for our My one simple sug-
building a skill-ready increased attention to current flagship finance & gestion for aspiring edu-
workforce. While apply- value building, enhancing accounting programmes. preneurs would be to
ing for 40 under 40, I user experience and de- innovate and make use
was reasonably confident veloping meaningful skill What are your CSR ini- of technology to reach
that the jury will consider training programmes to maximum students, en-
ensure job readiness. tiatives? sure high standards of
We are planning to de- user experience and cre-
“We are making strategic velop online self-paced ate meaningful, afforda-
investments in securing the best training modules. For ble training programmes.
of academic talent and creating the first time, micro and And most of all, enjoy the
state-of-the-art edtech infra for small entrepreneurs will journey and process. You
co-promote this with the are definitely going to
continuously improving our help of the government have a unique ride of a
teaching process and user and NGOs in tier-2 and lifetime!

experience”

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INTERVIEW Rameswar Mandali

“REACHING OUT TO4400UNDER
SKILL SEEKERS”

Rameswar Mandali, CEO and Founder, SKILL MONKS says that an
edupreneur must have passion, persistence and dedication for the
business idea she works on

How does it feel to re- jury would appreciate the vision. This recognition talks we have been able
impact we could create in inspires us and gives a lot to offer career guidance
ceive such an appre- building India’s human of confidence to our exist- in the IT domain for over
capital. Our mission is ing investors and also to 4,000 students in the
ciation like a 40 under helping graduates and the new investors who are last six months in tier-2
working professionals likely to join in the days to towns. We are also happy
40 award? in career discovery and come. to share that during Covid
I am very glad that BW right training partner times we were able to re-
Education and an elite discovery through scien- What’s your roadmap lease low cost loans worth
jury has selected us for tific means to lead them Rs 1,800,000 through our
this award. It is a great to happy careers. We are for reaching the top- skill financing partners to
feeling and thanks for the glad that the jury has rec- skill seekers who needed
trust and faith reposed by ognised our efforts and notch in your area? financial help to realise
a renowned media house also placed faith in our Our vision is to be the their career dreams.
like Businessworld in our business proposition. preferred one-stop solu-
product, vision and the tion for diverse skilling What is your mantra for
business model. It is re- After receiving this needs. We started with
affirmation of the faith IT upskills/reskills/fresh success and what are
we have in our idea and accolade, do you an- skills and launching Gov-
business and winning ernment Job Prep and your suggestions for
this offered great encour- ticipate more pressure Exam Prep verticals in
agement, support and Q3. We reach out to skill aspiring edupreneurs?
confidence for the SKILL when it comes to meet- seekers through our novel Customer satisfaction is
MONKS team. interventions like Edviser at the core of our business
ing your goals? talks, tech talks, content model and addressing
Were you expecting It is a great encourage- and corporate connect. their real problems is key
ment for me and the team Through our college and to success. An edupre-
this accolade? and at the same time this industry connect we are neur must have passion,
We were confident about award puts great respon- trying to bridge the gap persistence and dedica-
our model and we be- sibility on us to strive between academia and tion for the business idea
lieved that BW and the towards fulfilling our the industry at an early he/she works on and he/
stage. We are also work- she should strive to build a
“Through our Edviser talks we ing on forward linkages great team. Also, in these
have been able to offer with corporates to hire turbulent times being
career guidance in the IT from the talent pool we nimble-footed to pivot
domain for over 4,000 create through our skill- and experiment is equally
ing partners. important.
students in the last six months
in tier-2 towns” What are your CSR ini-

tiatives?
Through our Edviser

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INTERVIEW Reekrit Serai

4400UNDER

“SELFLESS
DEVOTION TO
WORK”

To survive in education, you have to have a missionary zeal, says Reekrit Serai,
Managing Director, Satluj Group of Schools

How does it feel to bag a of parents who have en- recognising my work in I feel in terms of deliver-
trusted us with the future education and for includ- ing an exceptional experi-
40 under 40 award? of their children. Our Sat- ing me in this prestigious ence for them. And being
It is humbling, to say lujians have weathered club of achievers. included in this list, I feel
the least. I would like to the Covid storm like brave that my personal commit-
thank BW Businessworld, hearts and we can’t wait After winning this ment and responsibility
headed by Dr. Annurag to welcome them back to towards improving In-
Batra, for including me school soon. award, are you reeling dia’s education scenario
in this prestigious club of does increase a tad bit.
achievers. I want to thank Were you expecting this under the pressure of
the jury, headed by Dr. Do you have a roadmap
Anil Sahasrabudhe, Lata accolade? increased responsibili-
Vaidyanathan and all the Actually, I wasn’t. I have for reaching the top po-
members, for considering never aspired to be a part ties towards achieving
me. This honour is dedi- of any list of achievers as sition in your field?
cated to Late S. Pritam I have tried to stay away your goals? For me, the ultimate aim
Singh Serai, the Founder from titles as much as To a certain extent, yes. is to spread world-class
and my grandfather, Sat- I can and focus only on But, rather than reeling education to students
luj Group of Schools, who work. For me, education under this pressure, I am across the country, by
inspired me to become is in my blood. It is who I motivated even more to connecting them with the
an author first and then am. And I’m grateful to achieve the goals I had in world and ensuring that
a teacher. And my father, BW Businessworld for mind. Since we are deal- they are future-ready, so
Krit Serai, who inspires ing with thousands of that India improves upon
me to challenge myself in students and staff at Sat-
new ways every day. My luj on a daily basis, there
mother, wife (Radhika), is a sense of responsibility
my daughter (Reemyra)
and my little brother are “My ultimate aim is to spread world-
my amazing team, with- class education to students across
out whom I can’t function the country, by connecting them with
– you are my backbone, the world and ensuring that they are
something I can’t reiter-
ate often enough. I am future-ready”
grateful to the thousands

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mit and nurture students
from economically disad-
vantaged sections without
charging any fee and work
with their parents to cre-
ate a brighter future for
these talented children.
In addition to this, there
are many other societal
causes we support, such
as supporting multiple
NGOs, spreading aware-
ness about disabilities
and diseases, campaign-
ing for the environment,
investing in innovation in
education to improve the
teaching learning process
and many more.

its global competitive- And what about CSR nights, 24/7, 365 days a What is your mantra for
ness. And I am precisely year. This line of work
focused on this by con- initiatives? isn’t suitable for someone success?
stantly improving upon Education falls under the looking to make a quick Mostly, living up to our
the academic standards gambit of CSR for other buck. You have to devote organisation’s motto
within Satluj Group organisations. But, since yourself to the service of coined by our Founder,
of Schools, the various I am from the education the nation, by devoting “You shall live with ef-
edtech startups I have in- industry, I consider my yourself to your students, fort.” And by following the
vested in and mentored, work to be more than just and in my case, teachers adage “Mann neeva maat
and by expanding the Sat- a source of income, but a and support staff as well. uchi” (humility and high
luj footprint across India lifestyle I have adopted. morality).
by opening more schools To survive in education, Apart from this self-
via franchising and direct you have to have a mis- less devotion to the service I feel that with selfless
investment. sionary zeal – very early of the nation as educators, devotion to your work, hu-
mornings and very late we make sure that we ad- mility, high morality and
a relentless focus on im-
proving quality (whether
in one’s personal or pro-
fessional life in terms of
everything one is involved
in, including relation-
ships), one can achieve
success whilst doing any-
thing in life.

I don’t consider my-
self a success, because
I don’t aspire to be suc-
cessful, but useful for so-
ciety and the upliftment
of our country. If you ask
me this question 20 years
from now, my answer will
remain the same. I have a
long way to go and I have
only just begun.

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INTERVIEW Rishab Mehta

“GENERATING VALUE FOR4400UNDER
KEY STAKEHOLDERS”

Rishab Mehta, Founder & CEO, GrayQuest Finance says their
entire mission is focused on increasing the accessibility and
affordability of education in India

How does it feel to re- some of whom I personally ecosystem. We are in the vate institutions in India.
know and admire for their process of rapidly scal-
ceive a 40 under 40 work in the education eco- ing up our team as well What is your mantra for
system, it is truly a privi- as increasing our speed
award? lege to share the same dais of product development. success and what are
I want to thank the illus- with them. GrayQuest has always
trious BW awards jury for been a pioneer in this seg- your suggestions for
recognising our work at As of now, are you reel- ment, whether it is creat-
GrayQuest Finance and ing India’s first rewards aspiring edupreneurs?
including us in this list ing under the pressure programme for students Our mantra is simple –
with so many other achiev- or adding complimentary to generate value. Every
ers. We work with India’s of increased responsi- insurance benefits for par- single GrayQuester tries
leading educational in- ents who pay through our to create the maximum
stitutions to provide their bilities towards achiev- facility. We will continue possible value for our two
customers with affordable to invest in new initiatives key stakeholders, educa-
fee payment options. We ing your goals? that offer our customers tional institutions and our
see this as an important I am personally very ex- a truly delightful fee pay- learner community. Each
validation of our work. The cited to have this opportu- ment experience. day, we strive to create
award is truly deserved by nity of leading GrayQuest and discover possibilities
all my colleagues who have and taking our services to What are your CSR ini- to improve the GrayQuest
successfully helped us impact more than 10,000 experience for our stake-
scale to offer our monthly educational institutions tiatives? holders and make our
payment facility across and provide our seam- The entire mission of service more valuable for
2,500+ educational insti- less, affordable, accessible GrayQuest is focused on them. We hope that some-
tutions in the country. monthly fee payment op- creating a positive so- day our efforts to generate
tions to more than 1 mil- cioeconomic impact by value for our stakeholders’
Were you expecting to lion students/parents by increasing the accessibil- ends up having a positive
2024. ity and affordability of impact on the ecosystem
be a part of this premier education in India. Our at large.
What is your roadmap monthly payment mode
league? is making it financially My advice for aspir-
It was a chance interac- for reaching the top- convenient for more than ing entrepreneurs is in
tion that led us to engage 5 lakh learners to pay for line with what we follow
with BW Businessworld notch in your area? their education, without at GrayQuest. Identify
regarding our participa- We have recently raised being charged anything key stakeholders in your
tion in this league. How- equity from some of the extra. Going forward, we industry, understand
ever, after seeing my peers, most marquee investors aspire to do more in this their aspirations and pain
from both the educational area including creating points and try and gener-
and financial services structures where the un- ate as much value for them
derprivileged are given as possible. Try and go the
“Our monthly payment mode is access to the same qual- extra mile and before you
making it financially convenient ity of education that is of- notice, you will be in a po-
for more than 5 lakh learners to fered by the leading pri- sition where the ecosys-
pay for their education, without tem rewards you for your
being charged anything extra” efforts.

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INTERVIEW Sagar Bahadur

4400UNDER

“GET OUT OF
YOUR COMFORT

ZONE”

Sagar Bahadur, Principal Advisor, Strategic Initiatives – India, The University of
Queensland says that budding edupreneurs must not be afraid of change

How does it feel to bag individuals like me who your goals? organisations to think in-
work as professionals novatively and instill the
a 40 under 40 award? within organisations and Firstly, I gratefully ac- confidence that we can
I must say that I am hum- strive to change the status knowledge that the award still create value within
bled, honoured and at quo. In traditional setups, is an absolute ‘feather in the set structures of or-
the same time excited to it is often challenging to my cap’ and has given me ganisations.
receive the BW 40 under cause disruptions and a very close insight into
40 award. Finding myself I am glad, in whatever the rapid disruptions in Any roadmap for
included in the galaxy of small way, I have been the education space, some
such talented, dynamic able to succeed. I am sure of which have been dem- reaching the top-notch
and bright, young edu- this will motivate many onstrated by the other
prenuers is indeed a privi- others within organisa- winners. I am not exactly in your area?
lege, to say the least. Also, tions to create change. under pressure but yes, I The best part about edu-
to be the only professional am certainly going to try cation is that its scope is
and a non-founder on the After having this feath- harder to contribute fur- limitless. There can be
list is overwhelming. I ther in the field of interna- so many motivations for
would also like to thank er added to your cap, tional education, taking people in this field and I
the jury and BW Busi- inspiration from the faith feel the topmost is when
nessworld who have con- are you reeling under shown by the jury. I think you can change the world
sidered me to be worthy I would also like to guide through education. I
of this acknowledgement. the pressure of in- others who work within personally feel that it is
through collaboration
creased responsibili-

ties towards achieving

Were you expecting to “To create adequate impact, I would
require belief, purpose, discipline,
be a part of this pre-
persistence, the right set of mentors,
mier league? future-ready educational and work
To be honest – no! While
most of my fellow col- skills”
leagues on this league are
successful founders and
CEOs and are immensely
changing how education
is seen in India and the
world; I am thankful to
the jury for recognising

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and not competition that persistence, the right set What are your sugges- ahead. Getting out of
education will grow ex- of mentors, future-ready your comfort zone can
ponentially and change educational and work tions for aspiring en- lead to so much satis-
this world for the better. skills. faction and increased
trepreneurs? self-confidence. It can
For me, ‘Borderless At 34, I must hone I firmly believe that great also teach you skills and
Education For All’ is a my educational qualifi- things never come from improve your resilience
dream. In my short ca- cations. I have recently comfort zones. The mo- as you prove to yourself
reer span, I have been graduated from the ment you decide to do that you can take on chal-
fortunate to study the one-year Executive Pro- something great, you lenges.
education systems of gramme from IIM Cal- also have to face the fact
many countries, similar- cutta and am currently that you will be bumped My two cents here –
ities, best practices and pursuing the PGP from out of your comfort zone. time is the most valuable
further opportunities. ULCA Anderson and in Because that is the only thing you have so be very
To create adequate im- the next two years I plan way you can do it. Don’t careful how you spend
pact, I would require be- to go for a degree from an be afraid of the change. the first and last two
lief, purpose, discipline, Ivy League University. Instead, be excited about hours of each day.
the great possibilities

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INTERVIEW Shivani Malhotra

“IMPARTING FUTURE-4400UNDER
READY SKILLS”

Edupreneurs have the huge responsibility of shaping the future of India, says
Shivani Malhotra, Director – School Strategy, Vega Schools

How does it feel to re- that are making a “true” ready skills” such as criti- blending scholastics with
difference to the society. cal thinking, problem co-scholastics, where the
ceive such an apprecia- Hence we were hopeful solving, design thinking, projects at the end of each
of achieving this feat as a collaboration and envi- term are a concrete ex-
tion like a 40 under 40 validation of what we are ronmental sensitivity to ample of cross-functional
trying to do at Vega. create “children of the integration to gain a more
award? new world”. We under- holistic and practical un-
It feels great! When one’s After having this stand that the biggest leap derstanding of various
hard work is recognised that schools in our coun- concepts taught in the
and appreciated, it does feather added to your try need to make is the class rather than rote
give a sense of pride and shift from teaching con- learning.
achievement. At Vega, cap, are you reeling tent (importing content)
for the last five years, we which is known as Depth What is your roadmap
have been trying to live under the pressure of of Knowledge 1 (DOK 1)
our dream of revolution- to Depth of Knowledge for reaching the top-
ising education with our increased responsibili- 4 (DOK 4) which means
innovative pedagogy of getting learners to apply notch in your area?
problem-based learning ties towards achieving what they learn in order to We have a ver y clear
(PBL). An acknowledge- find new and better ways growth path charted out
ment of the same by a your goals? of doing things. for ourselves over the next
strong and credible plat- This “feather in our cap” years wherein we have
form like BW, encourages encourages us to relent- We have an “open planned to build multiple
us immensely to continue lessly follow our passion classroom” concept, no progressive schools in
working towards chang- and continue doing the textbook policy and an various parts of the coun-
ing the face of education stellar work that we do integrated approach of try to spread the light of
in this country. at Vega. Even before the “innovation in education”.
emergence of the New
Were you expecting this Education Policy 2020,
we have been focussing
accolade? on imparting “future-
We have always had a firm
belief in the genuineness “Resilience, trust in your capability
and sanctity of our initia- and ingenuity of your intention to
tives to promote progres- lead a “revolution” or disrupt the
sive education at Vega. We “normal” will always yield the desired
also had tremendous faith
in the honourable and il- results later on”
lustrious jury’s ability to
identify and appreciate
education institutions

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our grade IV learners
conducted basic literacy
classes for children from
an underserved commu-
nity in Fazilpur village,
Gurgaon and created
desks for their anganwa-
di. After doing a needs as-
sessment, our older learn-
ers created interactive
toys using electric circuits
for children in this same
community. Similarly our
grade 1 learners are now
creating an end product
which is a first-aid box
with mask, sanitiser, etc.,
completely made by them,
for giving to the domestic
help staff in their societ-
ies.

Thus, by engaging
learners actively from
early childhood years
through Shram, we hope
to create proactive, mind-
ful and productive citi-
zens of the future.

We will remain commit- What are your CSR ini- by those who need it the What is your mantra for
ted to strengthening our most. We have successful-
pedagogy of PBL by hiring tiatives? ly integrated our commu- success and what are
and onboarding world- At Vega we view social nity outreach programme
class educators, investing responsibility as an in- – Shram into our school your suggestions for
in building our people ca- trinsic value that every PBL curriculum. Start-
pability through training, child should develop. This ing with our youngest aspiring edupreneurs?
coaching and mentoring, thinking feeds directly pre-nursery learners (2 Whenever you start any-
coupled with a fearless, into our PBL pedagogy years and above) we have thing that is different from
open and transparent of taking a question, and woven in an element of the “run of the mill” you
culture to make Vega the through inquiry, innova- social responsibility into will struggle to prove your-
best school and the best tion, critical thinking and each grade level project. self for the first few years.
workplace. collaboration, creating a However resilience, trust
product that can be used For example, last year, in your capability and in-
genuity of your intention
to lead a “revolution” or
disrupt the “normal” will
always yield the desired re-
sults later on. Edupreneurs
have the huge responsibil-
ity of shaping the future
of this country. Hence be-
ing true to the profession
and delivering impactful,
progressive education is a
huge opportunity for to-
day’s edupreneur.

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INTERVIEW Sriram Venkata Somayajula

4400UNDER

“WE ARE
ON THE
RIGHT
PATH”

Sriram Venkata Somayajula, Co-found-
er & CEO, IndigoLearn.com talks about
how a crisis always presents him and his

team with opportunities

How critical were the ing e-learning; it reinforc- right for the future of the potential which we are
es our belief that we are on organisations. working towards.
last couple of months the right path.
How does it feel to re- Where do you see your
for your business? What motivates you in ceive such an appre- firm five years down
We were hoping to get the times of crisis, do ciation like a 40 under the line?
back to normal life earlier, you see it as an oppor- 40 award? We see ourselves as a glob-
but unfortunately Covid- tunity or a challenge? It is a privilege and an al e-university for Finance
related issues continue to Crises always present us honour to be receiving and Accounting domains
exist even today. The pe- with opportunities. They this award, especially with hundreds of thou-
riod has been fairly chal- test our perseverance and coming from someone sands of students across
lenging as exams were get- grit towards what we be- of the stature of Dr. Anil the world.
ting postponed, affecting lieve. They make us take Sahasrabuddhe and BW
student intake. However, hard decisions that are Businessworld. What is your mantra
it is also encouraging as we for success and what
see more students adopt- After having this are your suggestions
feather added to your for aspiring entrepre-
“We see ourselves as a global cap, are you reeling neurs?
e-university for Finance and under the pressure of Stay focussed and cut out
increased responsibil- the noise and follow your
Accounting domains with ities towards achiev- passion. Even if you do not
hundreds of thousands of ing your goals? get immediate monetary
students across the world” Actually there is no pres- rewards, you journey will
sure, rather we see this as still be fulfilling.
a recognition of our past
efforts as well as future

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INTERVIEW Sumesh Nair

4400 “WE WEREUNDER
QUICK TO
ADAPT”

Sumesh Nair, Co-founder, Board Infinity says the key is to think that
the best version of yourself is yet to come

How critical have the ward, and I like to see chal- founders are incidental to and towns out there. We
lenges as opportunities the growth of a venture, want to build more depth
last couple of months that could be solved. This it’s the people they bring in into our current markets
has always been the case who create history. I would through our online chan-
been for your business? whether it’s a crisis or a no like to see this award as a nels with our current set of
I think the current situ- crisis period. We went into gift to our team and all products and expand into
ation forced us to adapt the lockdown for months other supporters who have newer ones and build our
to new ways of working, with the thought that helped us in the last three India story very well for
and slowly and steadily many stellar companies years. the next five years.
within a span of two to were formed in the worst
three months uncertain- of crisis periods where After receiving this ac- What is your mantra for
ties started fading away. apparently consumer de-
It was also a period where mand was rock bottom. colade, are you reeling success and what are
we grew and the ability We thought that being in
to manage growth going the edtech industry, we under the pressure of your suggestions for
remote was a crucial skill have nothing to lose but
that we developed. The things to gain if we were increased responsibili- aspiring edupreneurs?
team was always on their quick to adapt. I view success as a very
toes to deliver the best ex- ties towards achieving relative term, the key is
perience for customers. to think that the best ver-
your goals? sion of yourself is yet to
Do you see this crisis How does it feel to win a I personally prefer being come and to stay agile and
calm under pressure. We humble to get there. Prob-
as an opportunity or a 40 under 40 award? have always set ambitious ably one or two things
This award is a testament goals for ourselves and that really helped to reach
challenge? to all the great work our that benchmark always wherever I am today is to
I am an eternal optimist, team is doing and the cus- keeps moving upward. be resilient, caring, empa-
it’s very difficult for me to tomer success we are deliv- We have a long way to go, thetic, result-oriented and
give up on things if there is ering. I always believe that and we just feel that we are authentic in what I do.
a possibility to move for- getting started. So rather
than pressure it is the ex- I suggest many folks
“We want to build more depth citement to grow forward should start companies
into our current markets that my team and I have in the education space,
mostly. but do groundwork on the
through our online channels problem being solved and
with our current set of Where do you see your get clarity on how big you
want to build it -- that will
products and expand into firm after five years? define your path on how to
newer ones” We are currently cater- build. All the best to every
ing to customers in 180 aspiring edupreneur who
cities and towns in India, is reading this.
probably less than one
per cent of the total cities

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INTERVIEW Sunil Sathyavolu

“BE AN ASSET TO YOUR TEAM”4400UNDER

Every crisis is an opportunity, be ready to face it and do the needful, says
Sunil Sathyavolu, Co-founder, EdSense

How critical have the left many with no options cap, are you reeling teachers to focus on their
but to reinvent themselves. professional development
last couple of months Kudos to our team for sup- under the pressure of and make personalisation
porting us by delivering possible for each child. It
been for your business? high-quality work during increased responsibili- will enhance teacher ef-
The last few months have the crisis and kudos to all fectiveness with the true
been quite critical for Ed- those amazing teachers in ties towards achieving power of digitisation.
Sense. What everyone taking up this challenge so Also, EdSense will play a
is seeing is how learning positively, learning tech- your goals? vital role in taking a holis-
continues despite the pan- nology, and making sure I’m not under pressure for tic approach with the right
demic. What usually goes learning continues. sure, I feel responsible and blend of academics and
unnoticed is the efforts go- charged up as this brings psychology.
ing behind the scenes by all How does it feel to re- larger visibility to my work
the academicians and edu- and what we do at Ed- What is your advice to
cational leaders to ensure ceive such an apprecia- Sense. This is India’s finest
learning happens. firewall for a successful en- aspiring edupreneurs?
tion like a 40 under 40 trepreneur and feels like I Be agile, adaptable, posi-
Do you see the current have cleared my exam and tive and true to yourself.
award? this sets high standards for Don’t rely on information,
crisis as an opportunity This is a reminder of my re- aspiring entrepreneurs to convert that to knowledge,
sponsibility to stay focused join this club and do more, be an asset to your team. It
or a challenge? on this national duty. For so I’m happy to be one is always important to re-
Every crisis is an oppor- me, education is a nation- among the best. main humane and make
tunity and unfortunately building activity and this sure you win over people.
no crisis sends an alert recognition by BW Busi- Where do you see your Finally, lead, follow or get
before arrival. You got to nessworld is the biggest out of the way.
be ready to face it and do motivation at this junc- firm five years down
the needful. It’s easier said ture, and joining the elite
than done but for us, we club with an august group the line?
are already in this mode is an absolute honour. This EdSense will emerge as
as we built the most ad- makes it even more special India’s top blended learn-
vanced blended learning as the jury consists of In- ing platform empowering
platform and we always dia’s finest and eminent
believe this is how things academicians.
are supposed to happen,
learning via synchronous After having this
and asynchronous learn-
ing methods. Yes this crisis feather added to your

“EdSense will emerge as India’s
top blended learning platform
empowering teachers to focus

on their professional
development and make
personalisation possible for

each child”

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4400UNDER INTERVIEW Tushar Bansal

“MAKING THE willingness to learn and
RIGHT CAREER work hard with your head
down, you will be able to
CHOICES” reach your goal. Such as-
surances are a catalyst to
What to learn is as important as how to learn, says Tushar Bansal, your goal and make you
Co-founder and CEO, Avtaar Education push yourself even more.

How critical have the Do you see the current the learners where they Where do you see your
like and when they want. firm five years from now?
last few months been crisis as an opportunity We want to help students
How does it feel to re- make the right career
for your business? or a challenge? choices and be well-in-
ceive such an apprecia- formed, we are not chasing
Imagine this – we are I am an eternal optimist numbers on popularity. If
launching a business com- and believer in the growth tion like a 40 under 40 even one kid comes back to
pletely remotely! You can mindset. The one thing me and says the app helped
imagine how critical times that is going to be constant award? him/her make the right
would have been. If I have in our lives is uncertainty Honestly, I am honoured choice, I will have great
to sum up the recent few and change. As Simon to be part of such an elite personal satisfaction.
months, then all that ever Sinek says, we need to club which was hand- Once we create a prod-
existed in our minds is fi- have an infinite mindset to picked by an illustrious uct that our users love,
nally turning into reality. make use of the time, re- jury. It is a big boost to my then scaling up is a good
It is an exciting time for my sources and situation and confidence that I am on the problem to have.
company Avtaar Educa- put our best foot forward. right track. It is exhilarat-
tion as we focus on build- We are also closely moni- ing to see so many people What is your advice to
ing our team, go deeper toring the impact of Covid in my past reach out and
on our user research, have on education and learning congratulate me on this aspiring edupreneurs?
even run a few experi- mindsets, predicting what milestone. I am now more Pick a problem that you
ments and have succeeded will be the new normal in charged up to continue on are really passionate about
in shipping a prototype. the post-Covid era. One my path and really make even if you don’t have all
We have been learning thing is sure – this crisis an impact on every person the skills and not vice
something about our cus- has definitely given a boost I meet. I want to follow the versa. Think about that
tomers every day and con- to rethink and reimagine footsteps of thought lead- problem, feel it and get
stantly try to incorporate the education sector, not ers like late Sir Ken Rob- ready to dedicate your en-
the feedback in real-time. just in terms of edtech and inson and reimagine what tire life towards it, rather
The silver lining of Covid National Education Policy, has to be taught for the en- than making a quick buck.
times is that edtech is now but what to learn is as im- tire world. I have found my Education is a field that is
seeing an uplift for good, portant as how to learn. I ikigai (reason for being). very selfless and requires
as remote learning turned foresee a rise of digitally a lot of patience to see the
out to be the only saviour native learning spaces After receiving this ac- impact cycle, unlike other
for kids, parents, teachers that will give immersive sectors that have instant
and schools. experiences by meeting colade, are you reeling gratification. Another
area where edupreneurs
“I foresee a rise of digitally native under the pressure of are falling into a trap is
learning spaces that will give over abuse of technology.
immersive experiences by increased responsibili- Edtech is an industry that
is supercharged to scale
meeting the learners where they ties towards achieving with technology, and not
like and when they want” use technology as the only
your goals? mode of learning. Finally,
I am under pressure al- have integrity and com-
ways because there is so passion towards your
much to do. But I do not team and customers. Suc-
feel weighed down by it, cess is just a result of your
in fact it is quite the op- collective actions.
posite. I believe if you
have the right intent,

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4400 INTERVIEW VinayakGarg

UNDER “ENTREPRENEURSHIP
IS ABOUT SOLVING
PROBLEMS”

Vinayak Garg, Founder & CEO, Lazy Gardener spoke about how his team took this
pandemic as an opportunity and a challenge

being recognised as some-
one who is helping people
by spreading the knowl-
edge I have gained.

What is your take on

entrepreneurship?
I believe entrepreneurship
is about solving problems.
The greatest opportunities
often arise at the toughest
times and my focus will
always remain to create 1
million home gardeners by
2022.

How critical were the kitchens, etc. People are tunity or a challenge? Where do you see your
also considering this as We took this pandemic and
last couple of months a stress-buster activity. lockdown as an opportu- firm five years down the
Sometimes looking at our nity and a challenge. We
for your business? customers sharing their had also started doing live line?
Luckily for us, during the experiences of harvesting masterclasses for people While LazyGardener has
lockdown we saw more their first batch of toma- sharing tips and tricks on created a good customer
people interested in home toes or seeing their first how to grow plants and base in India that is fast
gardening. Since ages peo- flower bloom or smelling greens and maintaining growing, we are looking to
ple have always consid- fresh mint is unparalleled. them. We have seen an expand our reach in at least
ered nature to have a very increase in the number of six more countries. We also
therapeutic effect on the What motivates you in people trying to grow ba- have 10 new innovative
minds and this lockdown sic vegetables and micro- products for the garden-
period has made them the times of crisis, do greens and adding greens ing industry in the pipe-
grow plants indoors – in to their home decor since line. Our aim is to make
their balconies, windows, you see it as an oppor- they all have been working LazyGardener a one-stop
from home. company for everything
“The greatest opportunities gardening.
often arise at the toughest How does it feel to re-
times and my focus will always What is your mantra for
remain to create 1 million home ceive such an appre-
success?
gardeners by 2022” ciation like a 40 under I believe that you fail only
when you give up. I have
40 award? always followed this man-
I feel very honoured to tra and it has given me the
receive this award and for strength to push through
tough times.

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INTERVIEW Vineet Patwari

“LISTEN TO YOUR4400UNDER
CUSTOMERS”

We are moving in the right direction of leveraging technology to spread financial education,
says Vineet Patwari, Co-founder & CEO, Elearnmarkets.com

How critical were the in interest in both financial cial markets. Since April, firm five years down the
markets and online educa- the number of new trading
last few months for your tion during the lockdown, accounts and new mutual line?
the last couple of months fund folios added went up We are currently serving
business? have been extremely criti- significantly. Moreover, 500,000 verified regis-
The last few months cal for our growth. the paradigm shift in the tered learners. We wish to
amidst lockdown have Indian context with re- impact the financial well-
been extremely exciting What motivates you in spect to financialisation being of 10 million people
for Elearnmarkets.com. In the times of crisis, do of savings, is leading to over the next five years.
FY21, the average month- you see it as an oppor- super-fast growth in eq- We also wish to penetrate
ly user acquisition went tunity or a challenge? uity culture in the country. deeply to the real Bharat by
up threefold and average The Covid-19 pandemic This has translated into in- building content in all ma-
monthly revenue went up has acted as a catalyst in creased interest in learn- jor vernacular languages
almost twofold as com- the growth of Indian finan- ing about trading, invest- of India. We also have a
pared to last year. Since ing and various financial dream to build an online
there has been a huge surge products or concepts like BFSI university.
mutual funds, insurance,
“We are currently serving financial planning, wealth What is your mantra for
500,000 verified registered management and so on.
learners and wish to impact the success and what are
financial wellbeing of 10 million How does it feel to re-
people over the next five years” your suggestions for
ceive such an apprecia-
aspiring edupreneurs?
tion like a 40 under 40 Listen to your customers
very seriously. They will
award? give you insights to help
The prestigious 40 Under you build an amazing
40 award is a reminder that product. So, never stop lis-
we have a huge responsi- tening to your customers.
bility to continue doing the Educating people is a very
hard work to educate India noble profession. When
financially. I am humbled you leverage technology,
by the generosity of the your reach goes to a very
jury to have selected me. different scale. That makes
It’s a testimony to the fact your responsibility much
that we are moving in the larger. Be empathetic
right direction of leverag- to the end users’ needs.
ing technology to spread You need to design your
financial education and product, delivery mecha-
financial literacy. nism and content format
to suit the needs of your
Where do you see your target audience.

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BUDGET 2022

EDUCATION / OVERVIEW

T HE 2021-22 Budget allocation
for the education sector had been
among the lowest in the last three
years, being slashed by nearly Rs
6,000 crore with school education
taking the lowest hit. While 2021-22
Budget allocation for the education
sector was Rs 93,000 crore, the Re-
vised Estimates showed the expend-
iture declined to Rs 88,002 crore.
In Budget 2022, for the first time, education expendi-
ture was set to cross Rs 1 trillion, with the government
set to spend Rs 104,278 crore in the coming fiscal. Of
the total budget, Rs 63,449.37 crore was allocated for
schools, compared to Rs 54,873.66 crore last year, and
Rs 40,828.35 crore for higher education, compared to
Rs 38,350.65 crore last year.

The allocation for the Pradhan Matri Poshan Shakti
Nirman, or the Midday Meal Scheme until last year,
dropped from Rs 11,500 crore to Rs 10,234 crore this
year. Meanwhile, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the

THE GREAT
DIGITISATION

DRIVE
CONTINUES

Digitisation is at the forefront of the Union Budget
for the education sector. The allocation of Rs 1.04 lakh crore, an

11.86 per cent increase from the previous year, is the highest
funding given to the education sector till date
By Vasudha Mukherjee

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of Technology (NIT) along with the Indian Institute of
Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur increased
by 10.9 per, from Rs 3,935 crore last year to Rs 4,364
crore this year.

Large-scale Digitisation

Digitisation is the way to go, but it brings with it con-

cerns such as device shortages, connectivity and net-

work issues that would need to be addressed, especially

in rural areas. This is not a new concern, it only got am-

plified during the 2020-21 lockdown. The Union Budget

included provisions for sub-sectors, specifically for elec-

tronics, by providing duty concessions to parts of the

transformer of mobile phone chargers and camera lens

of mobile camera mod-

Of the total ule and other items,
to enable domestic

outlay, Rs manufacturing of high

63,449.37 crore growth electronics.
Customs duties were

was allocated calibrated to provide a

for schools, graded rate structure
to facilitate domes-

compared to Rs tic manufacturing of

54,873.66 crore wearable devices, smart
devices and electronic

last year, and smart meters. This also

Photographs by INDIAPICTUREBUDGET Rs 40,828.35 indicated that develop-
ing electronics in In-
central government’s flagship programme for universal
education retained Rs 37,383.36 crore, an increase from crore for higher dia had the potential
last year’s allocation of Rs 31,050.16 crore.
education, to address the device
The budgetary allocation for the National Council of shortage issues across
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) increased
by Rs 10 crore over last year. Allocation for teacher train- compared to Rs the nation, especially
ing and adult education declined from Rs 250 crore in
2021-22 to Rs 127 crore in 2022-23. 38,350.65 crore when it concerns the
education of children
For higher education, the allocation of grants to Cen-
tral universities increased from Rs 7,643.26 crore last last year in rural areas. Large-
year to Rs 9,420.00 crore this year. The budget for In-
dian Institutes of Technology (IITs) increased by 10.53 scale digitisation also
per cent to Rs 658.9 crore and Indian Institutes of Man-
agements by 37.38 per cent to Rs 177.9 crore in 2022-23, meant accommodating
in comparison to last year. The allocation for IITs saw
a hike of nearly 38 per cent, up from Rs 393.35 crore to everyone’s needs, which was addressed through Union
Rs 542.52 crore. The outlay for the National Institute
Budget 2022 as well as the new National Education

Policy (NEP 2020), through the inclusion of regional

languages in education.

Reflecting on this, Aakash Chaudhry, Managing

Director, Aakash Educational Services urged deeper

collaboration between the public and private sectors.

He said, “By developing syllabus in different languages,

focusing on skilling, reskilling and upskilling, the

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BUDGET 2022

EDUCATION / OVERVIEW

KEY EDUCATION nWorlduniversitieswillbeallowed
HIGHLIGHTS toofferfinancialservicesand
nOneclass-OneTVchannel’ technologycourseswithoutIndian
SKILL programmeofPMeVIDYA regulations.
DEVELOPMENT tobeexpandedfrom12 to nAICTEtoleadimprovementsin
200TVchannels.Toprovide urbanplanningcourses.
1.DigitalEcosystemfor supplementaryeducationin nFiveacademicinstitutions
SkillingandLivelihood regionallanguagesfromclass1-12 onurbanplanningtoreceive
(DESH-Stacke-portal)will nVirtuallabsandskillinge-labsto endowmentofRs 250croreeachto
belaunchedtoempower besetuptopromotecriticalthinking bemadecentresofexcellence.
citizenstoskill,reskillor skillsandsimulatedlearning nSyllabiofagriculturaluniversities
upskillthroughonline environment. toberevisedtomeetneedsof
training. nHigh-qualitye-contentwillbe natural,zero-budget&organic
2.Startupswillbe developedfordeliverythrough farming.
promotedtofacilitate DigitalTeachers.
‘DroneShakti’andfor nDigitalUniversityforworld-class EDUCATION CESS
Drone-As-A-Service qualityuniversaleducationwith
(DrAAS). personalisedlearningexperienceto •Anysurchargeorcessonincome
beestablished. andprofitsnotallowableasbusiness
expenditure.

government has demonstrated its commitment towards while online learning was inevitable due to the Covid-19

breaking the glass ceiling and encouraging education pandemic, it would never be as effective as offline learn-

in regional languages. Collaboration between public ing, which brought out the best in students in terms of

universities and institutions will create a network of learning outcomes and performance. He explained,

hub-and-spoke models with competitive mechanisms “Online education can only play a supplementary role

building a resilient mechanism for education delivery. in education. I would have loved to see a greater focus

The Budget addressed last-mile delivery reach with on improving the teaching and learning processes in

a strong focus on empowering teachers through our schools vis-a-vis infrastructure and tech-enabled

digitisation and the necessity to train students in sync curriculum as well. I hope there will be policy changes

with global standards.” in that direction.”

While digitisation is the solution, tech cannot replace

teachers, especially in the early stages of education. Hits and Misses

“Overall, this is a progressive Budget as it accelerated For many, the Budget missed the mark by not address-

the government’s efforts towards inclusive and sus- ing the large-scale unemployment of teachers, lack of

tainable development. As an educator, I welcome the provisions towards research grants, students loans

emphasis on creating and replacing teachers

digital and free-to-air As upskilling becomes important, with tech. Mona Lisa
channels of education. Bal, Chairperson, KiiT
the much-appreciated launch of
However, the Budget International School

appeared to circumvent Digital Desh e-portal for skilling, summed up the gaps,
physical schooling,” ob- and explained, “While
served Sumeet Mehta, upskilling and reskilling will be key to the budget has finally

Co-founder and CEO, adapting to the shifting dynamics of recognised the learning
LEAD. loss during the pandem-
the next normal
He pointed out that ic, the need to develop

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MONA LISA BAL, KiiT International critical thinking among students. Access to high-quality
School e-content can help enhance the quality of education
"The need to develop the digital received by students.
infrastructure of the country was not
adequately focused on” “Adding regional languages is a positive step towards
wholesome education. A digital university to provide
access to students for world-class quality education with
ISTE Standards will be beneficial in the long run. How-
ever, the much-needed increase in budget allotment for
the sector was missed. Further constructive measures
towards digitisation and resuming physical classes are
needed,” added Bal.

Budget 2022, at best, is the start of a much larger
conversation on the state of education in India. The
focus of the Budget was on building and improving the
technological infrastructure to support education, but
implementation remains to be seen.

VINESH MENON, Ampersand Group Implementation is Key
"Adding education reforms as an
eighth engine to the PM Gati Shakti Over the years, the government has introduced many
initiative would be a masterstroke" schemes and initiatives, the success of which lies in their
implementation. With the new NEP 2020 being in that
the digital infrastructure of the country was not ad- stage, it can be said that appropriate guidance, direc-
equately focused on. The economically disadvantaged tion, resources and encouragement is required for any
students have lost essential years of education and the scheme to succeed, especially in a large and diverse na-
introduction of supplementary teachers was highly tion such as India. Therefore, while the Budget seems
necessary.” to focus on creating quality education for all, there are
still many uncertainties ahead.
Supplementary education can help bridge the gap to a
large extent. The increase of ‘One Class One TV Channel’ “Budget 2022 was well framed across all sectors with
from 12 to 200 TV channels to provide supplementary adequate attention given to education. We appreciate
education in regional languages was a welcome move the decision to relook the syllabus for agricultural uni-
but will not nearly be enough. The education system, versities to meet recent industry needs in skilling and
pedagogies and assessments must adapt to the chang- suggest attention be paid towards the areas of digital
ing times. education delivery and relay. Expanding PM eVidya
deserves applause and adding a way to measure learn-
As upskilling becomes important, the much-appre- ing outcomes would greatly enhance its value. Similarly,
ciated launch of Digital Desh e-portal for skilling, up- digital universities with bespoke models would work
skilling and reskilling will be key to adapting to the more efficiently with better connectivity in villages.
shifting dynamics of the next normal. Setting up virtual Adding education reforms as an eighth engine to the PM
labs and skilling e-labs would be valuable in developing Gati Shakti initiative would be a masterstroke,” com-
mented Vinesh Menon, CEO, Human Development &
Social Impact Solutions, Ampersand Group.

Union Budget 2022 did not address many longstand-
ing concerns of the sector. Instead, the focus was on im-
mediate concern, which was to minimise and account
for the learning loss occurring due to the pandemic. The
large allocation of funds reflected the importance of
education and was likely to set the benchmark for future
budgets. While having screens do the jobs of teachers
was not ideal, it was a step towards bridging the learning
gap. These platforms are expected to lay the foundation
on which education of the next decade can be built.

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MOST OPENING ESSAY
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

“TOP 15 MOST INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN IN EDUCATION”

Progress means to move forward or to achieve something. Striving for equal-
ity and creating an inclusive society has come a long way, but there is still much
progress to be made. The women of grit who have made it to this list have blazed

a trail in their domains and inspired other women with their journey

Gender-based are leading by example. versities and institutions. Businessworld. The list
discrimi- For a long time, teaching Women are discouraged was narrowed down from
nation has was considered to be the from joining traditionally more than hundred candi-
plagued the only proper field of formal male-fields and this can dates. We started by look-
world as far as memory employment outside the be incredibly harmful for ing towards our leaders,
goes. Despite the rapid home network. A women’s society’s development as those who are in positions
technological develop- natural instinct to nur- we lose talented individu- to make national-level
ment and growth, tack- ture children allowed this als. The Global Gender changes. Annpurna Devi,
ling social issues remains to be a respectable job. Gap Report- 2021 by the Minister of State for Edu-
a global challenge. For However, to be ambitious World Economic Forum cation, is the leading wom-
every step forward, there and to take on positions of also found that only 22.3 an figure for education in
are those who wish to re- power was still a struggle. per cent of women in In- India. Education veteran,
turn to a more oppressive Furthermore, certain dia participate in the la- Lata Vaidyanathan, Di-
era, citing ‘tradition’ as the subjects and field are still bour market, translating rector, TERI Prakriti
excuse. However, in every male-dominated and even to a gender gap of 72 per School, Delhi is still edu-
generation there are those after pursuing education, cent. There is an immense cating young minds and
women who refused to go women are less likely to amount of potential lost. promoting child centric
unheard. Those who work participate in the job mar- Therefore it is critical to education. Punam Sah-
to reach their highest po- ket. According to the All have more inf luential gal, Former Director, IIM
tential, lifting others along India Survey on Higher women in education to Lucknow (Noida Cam-
with them. The Most In- Education (AISHE) report break this bias. pus), continues to promote
fluential Women’s List in 2019-20, women account management education.
Education features wom- for over 43 per cent of all Methodology Neharika Vohra, Found-
en today who are continu- Science, Technology, En- The BW Team has com- ing Vice-Chancellor, Delhi
ously proving that success gineering and Mathemat- piled a list of 15 influential Skill and Entrepreneur-
is comes from hardwork ics (STEM) graduates in women in India, breaking ship University, shows that
and discipline, not gender. India. This is the one of the bias in education and learning never ends and
the highest in the world. business of education. there are still new avenues
Most Influential Wom- However, only 14 per cent This list came together in education to be found.
en in Education looks spe- of them go on to pursue after many discussions
cifically at women in the scientific research in uni- among senior staff at BW This year, Jawaharlal
field of education, who Nehru University appoint-

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Photographs by LEMONO empowerment through
education. Mamta Saikia,
ed its first woman Vice tor, K J Somaiya Institute and Swaroop Rawal, Edu- CEO, Bharti Foundation,
Chancellor, Santishree of Management Studies & cator join this list. Byju’s is Neerja Birla, Founder and
Dhulipudi Pandit. Women Research, Mumbai; Vinita perhaps the highest values Chairperson, Mpower,
are still making history by S Sahay, Director, Indian ed-tech in the world today and Sudha Murty, Chair-
taking on leadership roles. Institute of Management, and it redefining online person, Infosys Founda-
While these appointments Bodh Gaya; and Dilafroze education. Rawal on the tion, are change-makers in
show certain progress, it is Qazi, Founder & Vice other hand, already has education. They are taking
also a reminder of the ad- Chairperson, Srinagar had an illustrious career on the responsibility to be
ditional work every wom- School of Management are on the screen before fol- the change they want to
en leader in education has among our unsung heroes lowing her other passion see in the world.
had to do for their efforts who have changes the lives for education.
to be recognised. Higher of thousands of students. It is an impossible task
education leaders, Ananya We are fortunate to to choose a handful of
Mukherjee, Vice-Chan- Recognising those who have many disrupter who names among the many
cellor, Shiv Nadar Uni- have disrupted the educa- are driving change by sup- influential leaders striving
versity; Archana Shukla, tion ecosystem and broken porting education in rural for progress and change.
Director, IIM Lucknow; biases surrounding gender areas, fighting to remove The Top 15 Most Influen-
Monica Khanna, Direc- stereotypes, Divya Gokul- social stigmas and work- tial Women list aims to
nath, Co-Founder, Byju’s ing to create economic honour some of our exem-
plary women, who contin-
ue to inspire us through
their resilience, hard work
and disruption in the edu-
cation ecosystem. Moving
beyond gender roles, fight-
ing biases and bringing
others along with them,
our influencers show the
potential that women
bring when provided the
right opportunity and sup-
port. One can only imag-
ine the talent, innovation
and development waiting
to be unlocked through
quality education. This
education must include
more than just subject
wise knowledge, it must
build confidence, encour-
age curiosity and most im-
portantly, gender must not
play a role in determining
the quality, accessibility
and motivation to educate.

The Top 15 Most
Inf luential Women
have been featured in
the ensuing pages in no
particular order.

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MOST INTERVIEW
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

DILAFROSE QAZI:
A TRUE FIGHTER

At the height of militancy in Kashmir, Dilafrose Qazi chose to emancipate
people through education, starting with a part-time course for women, teaching

tailoring, cooking, shorthand, etc.

Arole model for tial. Nudging them, she Cchairperson of a college. out my journey. I’ve faced
many, 59 years says, “Your character and The only thing I had in bullets that tried to extin-
old Dilafrose strength will shape the fu- mind was to give purpose guish my cause. Nonethe-
Qazi is the ture generations.” to peoples’ lives in such less, I persisted
Founder and Vice-Chair- hopeless times. I never
person of Srinagar School Qazi has also opened thought that this would How did it feel to be
of Management- College two free primary schools become such a huge insti-
of Engineering. Time and and a secondary school in tution. nominated for the No-
again she has proved her Kashmir. Besides educa-
dedication towards her tion, she has worked in What made you want to bel Peace Prize?
work in the field of educa- several other areas too, I was surprised when I
tion, amid militancy-rid- like relief work. Her efforts start this endeavour? got the letter. Apart from
den Kashmir. were recognised when she At the time when the cir- education, I worked in
was among 90 women cumstances in Kashmir the areas of relief work,
When Qazi was from India figuring in the were bleak, people were vocational training, skill
26-year-old, she was told list of 1,000 women nomi- losing their livelihoods development, women’s ed-
by militants to shut down nated for Nobel Peace and youth was either join- ucation and employment.
her polytechnic college. Prize. Excerpts: ing the fringe elements or But I had no idea that my
However, she stood her falling into depression. So, work would be recognised
ground. Presently, she is When you began your I decided to emancipate by the Nobel Peace Prize
one of the most successful them through education committee, I just felt that
women in the valley and career, did you ever and skill development, al- God has acknowledged my
runs one of the largest pri- though on a meagre scale. service.
vate engineering colleges imagine that you would
in Jammu and Kashmir Can you tell us about Education has evolved
(J&K). one day be the Founder
your journey? significantly. What
Qazi knows that life and Vice-Chairperson It’s hard to talk about my
is not easy for everyone, journey in just a few words. changes would you like
but she reminds each of SSM College of Engi- I have faced the wrath of
one, especially women, of terrorists, religious leaders to see happen?
their strength and poten- neering? and separatists through- I wanted to make this
I started my career at the college a world-class seat
most unpredictable time of learning. I wanted the
when militancy was at its youth of Kashmir to have
peak in Kashmir. I had
no idea I would be vice-

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BWBWEDEUDCUACTAITOINONMaMrcAhY-2A0p2r2il 280252 85 education par excellence
so they could be on the
right track of personal and
societal upliftment. Sad-
ly, my countless enemies
didn’t share the same ide-
ology. They more or suc-
ceeded in sabotaging my
cause.

What keeps you moti-
vated, given the sen-
sitive area you come
from?
My conviction is my moti-
vation. When my enemies
put hurdles in my way,
I feel like coming back
stronger because my ser-
vice is greater than their
short-term goals.

We recently celebrated
International Women’s
Day. What message
would you spread to all
the women out there?
Life is not easy for anyone.
But believe me, women
are stronger than men in
every way, biologically and
emotionally. You are the
epitome of civilisations to
come. Your character and
strength will shape future
generations. Stand up for
yourselves and other wom-
en. It is us who will uplift
each other. If the women
of a nation are educated,
the whole country is edu-
cated. Step out of your
comfort zone and broaden
your horizon. Be kind and
generous, be flexible but be
strong at the same time. Be
as assertive for your rights,
don’t beg for them.

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MOST INTERVIEW
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

Divya Gokulnath:
An Ed-tech Maestro

Gokulnath’s focus has been on boosting an ecosystem to make education accessible, engaging
and possible through technology for all especially a country like India

T he world’s education accessible and but the skill and will to do back and today, I consider
largest ed- engaging for all through good. myself a teacher first and
tech company technology. We believe entrepreneur second. I
and India’s that our journey has just What have been the key am fortunate to have been
most loved school learn- started and there is so able to impact the lives of
ing app, Byju’s was co- much more to do to fur- highlights of your jour- students around the world,
founded by Divya Gokul- ther build and strengthen empowering them with
nath in 2011. A supporter this ecosystem. The sector ney? engaging, personalised
of sustainable growth, she is full of opportunities to It has to be when I decided and effective learning.
firmly believes, it isn’t the disrupt and influence, to to stay back and teach at
gender that defines a busi- create value, and to bring Byju’s. I had first heard In fact in late 2020, we
ness but the skill and will change and touch lives -- about Byju’s from a friend launched our social impact
to do good. Excerpts: and that is what attracts while preparing for com- initiative, Education For
people towards it. petitive exams. While I All, to further our mission
The Indian ed-tech was awaiting results for my of creating equal learning
I believe if you keep entrance exam in universi- opportunities. The initia-
sector has seen ups value creation and im- ties abroad, I got a chance tive aims to democratise
pact at the heart of a busi- to take my first class for education and empower
and downs and re- ness, it does not matter if Byju’s students. I was only children from some of the
it is led by men or women. 21 years old, and I wore most remote geographies
mains very competi- When you truly believe a saree to look a bit older and underserved commu-
in what you do, when you than the students. Taking nities in India. Till now,
tive. What’s your view are solving problems for these sessions made me re- we have impacted over 3.4
real needs and doing it alise that my real passion million children in rural
on this? with passion and convic- was ‘teaching’. I found that and remote areas of India.
We are fortunate to be tion, your stakeholders helping students explore By 2025, we hope to reach
a part of a sector with a will find value in your of- the academic world was 10 million.
positive relevance, one ferings. It isn’t the gender an extremely rewarding
that creates impact and that defines a business experience. Since then What kind of workplace
empowers people. Since there has been no looking
inception, we have been
working towards building
an ecosystem that makes

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BWBWEDEUDCUACTAITOINONMaMrcAhY-2A0p2r2il 280272 87 bias do you see still ex-

isting in industry?
I firmly believe that gen-
der diversity in the work-
place — be it in any sector
— must be an indispens-
able part of the corporate
agenda that is imbibed
from inception, and not as
an afterthought.

The much-needed
corporate balance can be
attained if it is thought
about consciously from the
inception of the company.
It is much easier to ensure
diversity if the core team
has a good representation,
as women are more likely
to bring in other women
in leadership roles in their
team. We are living in a
time where more women
have resumed leadership
roles than ever before and
that is an empowering
feeling.

What does it take to be

a successful entrepre-

neur?
I think entrepreneurship
is a rare mindset, not a
skill. If you choose some-
thing you’re truly passion-
ate about, then think big
on the transformation
you can create. Be bull-
ish about the goals you set
but be flexible in how you
execute them. Also, there
is a need to build a sup-
port system around you
because it’s not a straight
ride up. The more people
there are to support you
the smoother it will be
as you face your journey.
Finally, I strongly believe
that failures are just step-
ping stones — fail fast, win
big, and don’t take no for
an answer.

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MOST
INFLUENTIAL
WOMEN

Annpurna Devi: A Solid Leader

Annpurna Devi began her political career in 1996 as a Member

of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. She is also a Member of Par-

liament in Lok Sabha.

Annpurna Devi, an Indian second Lok Sabha member from
politician, who is the cur- Jharkhand to have joined the Union
rent Minister of State for cabinet after tribal affairs minister
Education, won a popu- Arjun Munda.

lar mandate because of her immense Annpurna Devi believes that

contribution towards social welfare the teaching and learning of Indian

Photograph by PIB and working for the betterment of languages should be integrated into

people in need. schools and higher educational in-

A 4-time MLA from Jharkhand stitutions. Talking about education,

and Bihar, Devi is currently serv- Devi completed her education at

ing her first term as MP. Devi is the Ranchi University, Jharkhand.

Archana Shukla: A Nurturer

An expert in the field of organisational behaviour, Shukla has
28 years of experience in teaching, training and research.

Professor Archana Shukla Kanpur and has more than 30 years among other issues. She also believes
became the Director of of teaching, training and research that the focus at IIMs has always been
the Indian Institute of experience in the field. She has also on creating leaders and not just mere
Management, Lucknow, authored a book on knowledge man- job seekers.
in 2019. Prior to this, she taught or- agement architecture.
ganisation Behaviour in the Human
Resources Management Group at A strong-headed academic,
the institute. Shukla puts her views across on
the state of management education
Shukla obtained her PhD in in the country, its challenges, the
organisational behaviour from IIT- changing needs of the industry,

Ananya Mukherjee: A People Centric Approach

After a pretigious academic career abroad, Ananya Mukherjee to
India to lead students in an inclusive and people-centric manner

Ananya Mukherjee is the third ic at the University of British Colum- where she led the largest liberal arts
Vice-Chancellor to lead Shiv bia (UBC), Okanagan, Canada. faculty in Canada, with 23,000 stu-
Nadar University. Before tak- dents from 123 countries.
ing on this role, Mukherjee A widely recognised academic
was Provost and Vice-President Academ- leader, having held senior positions Mukherjee obtained her doc-
in two of Canada’s largest universi- toral degree (Political Economy &
ties in Ontario and British Colum- Public Policy) from the University
bia, Mukherjee has also spent more of Southern California, the US, and
than two decades at York University her BA and MA degrees (Econom-
in Toronto. At York University, she ics) from Jadavpur University, India.
was the Dean of the Faculty of Lib- Her work focuses on inclusive and
eral Arts and Professional Studies, people-centred development.

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WOMEN

Mamta Saikia: Providing Free, Quality Education

Under the leadership of Mamta Saikia, Bharti Foundation,
part of Bharti Enterprises, is striving to ensure education for
all, across the nation

Mamta Saikia is the Chief free education to around 40,000 2019 Influencer Leader by the As-
Executive Officer of Bhar- children from marginalised com- sociation to Advance Collegiate
ti Foundation. She has led munities in rural areas, through its Schools of Business (AACSB) In-
the development of the or- 183 schools across six Indian states. ternational. She was also among
ganisation’s education programmes at the 100 Women Achievers of India
primary, elementary and senior second- Describing the impact of the (2015-16) under an initiative by the
ary schools. Under her leadership, the programme, Saikia comments, “We Ministry of Women & Child Devel-
Satya Bharti School Programme, the flag- are very proud of our students, es- opment.
ship initiative of the Foundation, provides pecially our girls. It just shows that if
you support them at an early stage, it She has also been conferred the
gives them the agency to take charge Karmaveer Puraskaar: National
of their future”. Citizen Awards for Social Justice
& Action, instituted by Jeroninio
She has served as the Chair of Almeida, founder of ICONGO.
SAFRG and has been honoured as

LATA VAIDYANATHAN: A TREASURE
The career of this veteran educationist spans three-and-a-half

Ldecades. She was honoured with the
ata Vaidyanathan is a ‘National Award to Teachers’ in
veteran educationist and the year 2003 by the President of
currently the Director, India. She is also the recipient of
TERI Prakriti School. She
was the Principal of Bhartiya Vidya Dr Radhakrishnan Award, ‘Bharat

Bhawan’s school at Chandigarh, the ShiromaniAward’,‘MadhavGourav

founderPrincipalofEicherSchoolat Ratna Achievement Award’, ‘Inter-

ParwanooandthePrincipalofMod- national Lifetime Achievement ist of the Year Award-2013’ and ‘Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Patanjali
ern School Barakhamba Road, New Award-2009’, ‘Global Warming Re- Trust-2014’.

Delhi, for 14 years. duction Award-2009’, ‘Education-

Punam Sahgal: Expert in Organisation Behaviour

From an academic to consultant, Punam Sahgal, past Director, IIM-L (Noida Campus),

makes the most furthering academics and learning
Punam Sahgal is an educationist.
She is a professor of Organisa- al Sciences and has more than three design of
tion Behaviour at the Indian decades of experience in teaching, HR sys-
consulting, research and training tems and
processes
Institute of Management, Luc- She has formerly been a visiting

know, Noida Campus. She has also held scholar at Kellogg Graduate School a n d a s -

the position of Director at the same insti- ofManagement,theUS,andhasalso sessment.

tute. Sahgal holds a Masters in Psychol- held the position of Vice President She has

ogy from Delhi University and a PhD in (HR), National Institute for Smart authored and co-authored four

Management from the Faculty of Man- Governance, New Delhi. books and several research articles

agement Studies, Delhi University. Sahgal Sahgal has consulted widely and actively writes about education,

is an Accredited Sensitivity Trainer from with corporates and international management, policies and social

theIndianSocietyforAppliedBehaviour- agencies in organisational change, issues.

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MONICA KHANNA:
A BELIEVER IN A
GOOD DEED A DAY

As Director, K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies &
Research, Mumbai, Monica Khanna’s only thought has been to

do justice by her students in their academic journey

Mo n i c a The purpose of brought to the forefront. the young minds.
Khanna The softer aspects should On the policy side,
started her education be given conscious focus,
career in In an information over- since technology is now a Khanna states, “there
academics with K J So- loaded society, Khanna given factor in education. should be support provid-
maiya Institute of Man- believes that the concept ed to the academic insti-
agement as a lecturer in and purpose of education Education is evolving tutes by suitable govern-
the year1995. Prior to this, needs to be redefined from and has to move beyond ment and private agencies
she had four-year industry the school level itself. The the walls of the classroom for upgradation of the ped-
experience with Siemens educational system should in today’s always-online agogical tools and faculty
Limited, Mumbai. give freedom and flexibil- environment. Khanna is trainings on a continuous
ity to the young kids to ex- of the mindset that young basis”. Many learning tools
Khanna grew through plore their potential rather students should be given are technology based — all
the ranks at the institute than the marks and mug- an opportunity to solve these enhancements cost
and became In-charge ging focus. The changes live problems in their sur- money to the educational
Director in April 2015 and can happen at the higher roundings and commu- institutes. In order to
subsequently full-time education level only if nity. Such group projects compensate for these in-
Director since December these changes are brought can engage them and also vestments, Khanna says
2016. Speaking about her about at the school level become hotbeds for entre- that there should be gen-
trajectory she states, “The itself. Awareness and ap- preneurial ideas as the stu- erous scholarship schemes
journey has been full of preciation of the environ- dents mature. These proj- provided to the needy and
surprises at every twist ment and beauty of nature, ects need not be completed meritorious students. In-
and turn. As faculty we our symbiotic relationship within one academic year dustry and alumni could
get to meet students com- with the animal and plant but can be worked upon come forward to support
ing from different back- world, sense of coopera- year-on-year. India is a di- these initiatives. Also,
grounds and mindsets tion, dignity of labour, in- verse country with many faculty should be encour-
and to help them achieve clusivity, values and good socio economic dispari- aged to interact with the
their goals is really a very governance – these are the ties — these would be real community and industry
satisfying feeling.” concepts that should be experiential learnings for so that real live knowledge

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feelings and remove focus
from the self alone.

Photograph by Ritesh Sharma the dots would connect our self and society is- Current Projects
somewhere subsequently. sues would get resolved if
enhancements and re- It’s a bit philosophical but we can start thinking of Khanna is actively guid-
search opportunities can that’s how I think.” the greater good that the ing her PhD students
take place. educated can contribute and is involved in teach-
She advises young towards.” ing, research and funded
Personal Philosophy professionals and stu- research projects at the
Life is a daily learning and dents to use the oppor- The fact that we can moment. She has been
one must keep moving tunities that they have use our knowledge and involved in setting up
with the flow and times got to make a difference experience to create a dif- the technology-based
– is Khanna’s mantra for not only in their lives ference in someone else’s pedagogical tools like the
success. She elaborates, but in that of an under- life is a the motivating Bloomberg Lab, Media
“Very often we may find privileged person also factor. She also believes Analytics Lab, Simula-
that situations and things – not just with money, that “a good deed a day tion Lab (planning) at the
are not as per our expecta- but time and attention can keep the doctor away” institute. Khanna also
tions – but one must keep also. She states, “A lot of as it helps to create happy participates in discussions
on doing our duties and around how to plan for the
new National Education
Policy and future oppor-
tunities in the Higher
Education in a rapidly
changing environment. As
an academician, Khanna
believes that this chance
of “being close to the cus-
tomer” on first hand and
daily basis has provided
her an opportunity to be a
keen and close observer of
how society has changed
and how one should keep
updating their knowledge
base continuously and
evolve pedagogical meth-
ods.

Khanna aims to cre-
ate a global quality man-
agement education in
India.

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AN ADVOCATE FOR
MENTAL HEALTH

Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Education
Trust, is a multifaceted educationist and tackles the stigma around the issue head-on

Neerja Birla mentally, emotionally and therapeutic interventions. Mpower is making strides
is the chair- scholastically. ABWA’s is It also has a differentiat- in the mental health and
person of currently ranked the 3rd ed learning programme Wellbeing space. Mpower
The Aditya Best International School for students with special was born from the re-
Birla World Academy in all of India, it is the needs. Today, TABIS is the alisation that the stigma
(A BWA), board mem- only school in the world 2nd ranked special needs against mental health
ber of the Pratham and to feature in the book – school in India and the 1st was too deep-rooted and
Make-a-Wish Founda- The Commonwealth at ranked in Mumbai and because there is a severe
tion and is actively in- 70: From Westminster to Maharashtra. scarcity of mental health
volved in non-profit or- the World. facilities and treatments
ganisations Muktangan, Other verticals are in India.
Save the Children and Similarly, The Aditya the Aditya Birla Educa-
Seva Sadan. She founded Birla Integrated School tion Trust, Aditya Birla Through Mpower,
Mpower to focus on im- (TABIS) was created as Education Academy Birla wants people to un-
proving, removing stigma an inclusive school that (ABEA) Ujaas, deal- derstand that mental ill-
and creating awareness on specialises in providing ing with several facets nesses do not discriminate
mental health. all-round development of education, access between people – anyone
to students with learning and empowerment. can get afflicted by one.
In her school years, difficulties via individu- So, why should there be
Neerja Birla always felt alised educational plans, Mpower: Idea and Ex- discrimination in the care
that the education system bespoke curriculum, co- that people receive? She
was not child-centric. It curricular activities and ecution further states that the in-
concentrated more on Birla’s latest venture,
rote learning and doing
well in exams with a few “People suffering from mental disorders
extra-curricular activi- can lead extremely productive lives and
ties thrown in. The focus be contributing members of society with
was only on academic
excellence, whereas she respect and dignity. At its core, the
believed it needed to be motivation for starting Mpower was
more holistic. simple enough: Mental wellbeing is not

ABWA was a result of an option; it is a necessity”
this thought process. It
was an attempt to create
a more wholesome learn-
ing environment where
children could flourish

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adequacy of the mental Some of the initiatives healthcare at the district till the age of 18 and focus
healthcare infrastructure under Mpower are: level, and promote com- on critical learning and vo-
in India always was and re- The BMC-Mpower 1on1 munity participation in cational skills rather than
mains a critical one. While Helpline: A collaboration mental health services. rote learning. For Birla
14 per cent of India’s popu- between Mpower, the Bri- this is a welcome change.
lation of 1.35 billion suffers hanmumbai Municipal Project Oorja: A collab- The important thing is
from mental health issues, Corporation (BMC) and orative project between that going forward, edu-
the country is grossly ill- the Government of Maha- Mpower and the BMC cation must help children
equipped to cater to their rashtra. It is a 24x7, toll- for mental health inter- learn life skills that will
needs. The treatment free helpline to address the ventions in BMC schools help them in the long run
gap for mental disorders mental health concerns of across Mumbai to bring to face challenges in the
is as high as 83 per cent. people. about an improvement in real world.
“Knowing that the gap the mental wellbeing of
is only going to widen The Mpower eClinic: students and integrate a She adds, “As an edu-
with time, Mpower was A one-stop multidisci- mental health curriculum cationist and mental
launched as an effort to do plinary mental health so- with the school education. health activist, I’ve always
our bit to bridge this enor- lution to bridge the mental Project Saksham: A joint believed that education for
mous gap. People suffering healthcare gap in tier-2 effort between Mumbai the next generation must
from mental disorders can cities of India and make Police and Mpower to give prioritise mental health.
lead extremely productive it more accessible and af- mental health support to Now, mental health edu-
lives and be contributing fordable. women who are victims cation needs to be an in-
members of society with of violence or rape. It also tegral part of the school
respect and dignity. At Project Samvedna: A imparts specialised train- curriculum.”
its core, the motivation collaboration between ing to police personnel to
for starting Mpower was Mpower and the Govern- be the crucial first point of Following through on
simple enough: Mental ment of Maharashtra to contact for victims. her vision, Mpower has
wellbeing is not an option; ensure the availability introduced the Minds
it is a necessity.” and accessibility of mental Project Mann: It’s a joint Matter Curriculum – a
Initiative with the CISF of- progressive mental health
fering mental health inter- literacy curriculum for
ventions to CISF person- schools (grade 1 to 12) that
nel, whose jobs and lives views success in terms of
entail dealing with a lot of behavioural changes and
stress. a gradual, demonstrated
understanding of men-
There are major plans tal health and wellness
in the pipeline to take among students.
Mpower to every nook
and corner of the country, Describing her idea of
especially to rural India success, Birla says, “The
where there are very little definition of success is dif-
or no mental healthcare ferent for different people.
services available. My personal mantra for
success is to work hard and
Ingraining mental play hard. I believe in try-
ing to live a balanced life,
health in education which for me it is about
The National Education filling each of my buckets
Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) – emotional, social, physi-
itself is a colossal attempt cal and spiritual. It is also
to transform and democ- about knowing my Ikigai
ratise the Indian educa- in each of these spheres
tion system by 2030 in of my professional and
strategic phases. It will en- personal life. Success is a
sure free education for all journey in itself, not just
the end goal.”

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NEHARIKA VOHRA: A VOICE FOR
INCLUSIVITY, EMPOWERMENT

Vohra aims to provide skill-based education to students for their over-all development. She
has started concrete initiatives to enable students move ahead in life

Founding Vice- Vice-Chancellor. and is still nurturing the board of several interna-
Chancellor, Vohra served as profes- students, without ever tional journals.
Delhi Skill and having to look back. Vohra
Entrepreneur- sor in the Organisational has always stood up for Vohra also believes in
ship University, Vohra is a Behaviour at IIM-A for what she believes in and providing equality and
specialist in behavioural 21 years. She has been in- offers what is best for the opportunities for every-
science who tirelessly volved in the Centre for aspirants. one, irrespective of their
works for students’ welfare Innovation and Incuba- gender, for bringing about
to provide the best support tion in Entrepreneurship While speaking about a change in the society.
to future aspirants. (CIIE) at IIM-Ahmed- gender intersectionality, While taking a strong
abad, that was set up in Vohra says, “It’s always stand against gender bias,
In the year 2020, the association with the Gov- been with us — rural, gen- Vohra says, “Biases exist
Delhi government’s new ernment of India and the der, caste, religion, sexual at several levels, many of
Skill and Entrepreneur- State Government to fund orientation, educated or these being unconscious,
ship University appointed and promote the start-up not educated, all of these and they do end up driv-
its first Vice-Chancellor. ecosystem in the country, are intersectionalities at ing our behaviour. That
Within a month of pass- and is currently the Direc- which various groups have is why it makes sense that
ing the order to set up the tor of the Centre. found themselves. The we all shine the light inside
university, the state gov- pandemic possibly just for ourselves and say this
ernment appointed Vohra Vohra is a source created another category is where I am biased, and
at the Indian Institute of inspiration to many of people who have been ask ourselves, ‘can I look at
of Management (IIM)- young women across the more vulnerable during it differently?’. We all have
Ahmedabad as its first world. She has fulfilled the the Covid-19 because of biases and need to break
dreams of several people the widespread lockdowns them.”
and so on.”
Meanwhile, Vohra has
She has extensive published over 70 peer-
experience with the cor- reviewed research papers
porate sector as a consul- in top-level international
tant, coach, mentor and and national journals
independent director. She and authored 3 books
has won the best instruc- and developed teaching
tor award and has been material that is used in
the Chairperson of IIM- several countries. She has
Ahmedabad’s Doctoral guided 12 PhD students
Programme (Fellow Pro- at IIM-A and has been an
gramme in Management), academic advisor in five
editor of Vikalpa, and has national-level educational
been part of the editorial institutes.

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SANTISHREE DHULIPUDI PANDIT: MAKING HISTORY

Photograph by Jawaharlal Nehru University In an historic moment this year, Jawaharlal Nehru University
appointed Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit as its first woman Vice-
Chancellor

Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is Savitribai Phule University, Maha- Hyderabad; the Indian Association
the first woman Vice-Chancellor rashtra of American Studies; the All India
at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Political Science Association, the
Prior to this appointment, she Pandit was born in St Petersberg, Bhandarkar Oriental Research In-
held the position of Vice-Chancellor at Russia (USSR), on July 15, 1962. stitute, and the Indian Secular Soci-
She started her career in the field of ety, among others.
teaching in 1988 at Goa University in
1993, she moved to Pune University. She has authored two books:
Parliament and Foreign Policy in
Pandit holds an MPhil and PhD India (1990) and Restructuring En-
degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Uni- vironmental Governance in Asia-
versity and is a member of several Ethics and Policy (2003).
organisations, such as the Ameri-
can Studies Research Institute,

SUDHA MURTY: A WONDER WOMAN

An intelligent and dedicated Murty has inspired millions of

women to chase their dreams and to never stop working hard to

Sachieve them. nical books, travelogues, collections
udha Murty is the chair- of short stories and non-fictional
person of the Infosys Foun- pieces, and books for children in
dation. She is an Indian English and Kannada. Her books
businesswoman, teacher,
author and social worker. Murty be- havebeentranslatedintoallthema-

came the first female engineer hired jor Indian languages. in remote areas across India. The focus
areas of the foundation are education,
at Tata Engineering and Locomotive Under her leadership, Infosys healthcare, rural development, art & cul-
ture, mid-day meal schemes and water
Company. She taught engineering Foundation has supported several projects.

and started the Infosys Foundation. initiatives that help the underprivi-

Murty has written novels, tech- leged members of society, working

DR SWAROOP RAWAL: A DEDICATED EDUCATOR

Conducting workshops with audiences ranging from students and

teachers to social workers, Swaroop contributes to the understanding

of teaching in modern India.
Dr Swaroop Rawal, ac-
tress of Ye Jo Hai Zinda- mitted Person of the Year in Inclu-
gi fame, is a path-break- sive Education’ at the 4th Interna-
ing educator in India. tional Early Childhood Conference
in 2016. She was one of the top 10

She holds a PhD degree in education finalists for the Global Teacher Prize

from the University of Worcester. conducted by Varkey Foundation,

She has travelled throughout India amongst 10,000 nominations from

to empower teachers and impart life 179 countries. She has also written

skills to students in government pri- a book: Learning Disabilities in a

mary schools. Nutshell: Dyslexia, Dysgraphia,

Rawal was awarded, ‘Most Com- Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia.

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VINITA S SAHAY: SUCCESS
VTHISRUOAULGISHATTEIOANM GOALS,

Sahay, Director, IIM- Bodh Gaya , has helped found two IIMs, and overseen

their phenomenal rise

In a professional be an educator. “Through at IIM-Bodh Gaya, we as Education should be
journey spanning this noble profession, I get a team try to visualise it Holistic: It should cater to
more than two-and- the opportunity to shape collectively. Once we can mental, physical, emotion-
a-half decades, Vi- several lives on a daily visualise it in its complete al as well as spiritual de-

nita S Sahay considers her- basis. I understand that essence, then it is easier to velopment of students. A
self fortunate to have been
part of the founding team being the Director of this achieve.” great job has been done in
of institutes of national prestigious institute is a Sahay advises students terms of technological and
importance twice. Dur- huge responsibility that process innovations and
ing 2012-18, Sahay was God has bestowed on me. to be “a dreamer”. Dare to advancements. Whether
the Founder and Chair- Each day when I wake up, I dream and then decide these innovations and ad-
person, Phd Programmes, remind myself of this fact, what to do. She says, “You vancements are leading to
at the Indian Institute of and that keeps me moti- are limitless. You are the holistic development of the
Management (IIM), Rai- vated and grounded at the creator of your own des- students at an individual
pur. Within six years, they same time.” tiny.” level and sustainable de-
were able to build a strong velopment of the society at
team of over 75 Research Being at the helm of To educators and par- the collective level, are yet
scholars. these leading institutes, ents is, she asks them to be to be determined.
she has valuable inputs to mindful of their respon-
Since 2018, she has share regarding manage- sibilities towards their Back to our roots:
been the founding Direc- ment education, employ- students and children Without undermining the
tor of IIM-Bodh Gaya, and ability and success. respectively. “Each indi- contribution of the west-
vidual is talented in their ern world, our own indig-
own unique way. Our pri-
has witnessed the growth On Success and Staying mary responsibility is to enous culture has a lot of

of the institute from be- Motivated make them aware of who wisdom. It’s time students
ing a one-person army to Walt Disney once said,“If they are and help them use start embracing and tak-
a team of over 78 profes- you can dream it, you their talents for the larger ing pride in their own cul-
sionals, with around 500 can do it”. This is Sahay’s goodness,” she says. tures and traditions. There
students across three pro- mantra for success. She is a need to revisit the an-
grammes — the flagship says, “I make sincere at- Evolving Education cient texts and revive that
MBA along with five-year tempt to involve my team Her insight into the needs glory again.

Integrated programme in in collective setting of vi- of education can’t be ig- Focus on Life skills:

Management as well as sion and goals. I believe in nored. Some of the chang- We need to educate our

Phd Programmes. the power of visualisation. es that Sahay would like to students with much need-

She considers it a great Before any new project see for our future genera- ed life skills – how to han-

blessing and privilege to or initiative is taken up tion are: dle stress and failures, how

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to negotiate and convince make our students em- that Covid-19 pandemic.” fect of digitalisation of
effectively, how to develop ployable. The skills and Also, digitalisation of education is that it is re-
networks, how to brand technologies will keep on education has several ad- sulting in technological
oneself, etc. These skills changing and will have to vantages in terms of ease addiction among young
are essential life skills but be updated, but as long as of sharing and collabora- students. Newer research
are not taught in schools students have that ability tion. However, this mind- has started showing how
and colleges. to unlearn and relearn, less use of digitalisation this addiction is lead-
our job as educators are has resulted in dehuman- ing to physical and men-
Providing opportuni- done.” isation within education. tal ill-health of students.
ties and encouragement: With the boom of ed-tech More importantly, these
There is no dearth of talent Wary of Digitisation startups and online cours- changes are very difficult
in our country. What our Digitisation seems to be es, education has become to reverse. She adds,“I sin-
students need are oppor- the buzzword in educa- cheap and accessible to cerely wish that we realise
tunities, encouragement tion. However, overturn- wider masses, but we are this before it is too late.”
and motivation to get their ing a whole system should missing out on personal But she expresses opti-
hands dirty. There should be carefully calculated touch, warmth and nur- mism about future when
be plenty of avenues to ex- step. Sahay warns against turing essence of human she says, “I am excited at
plore, try, learn, fail and shifting most of education interactions. Education the wonderful opportuni-
succeed for our students. online, stating, “I believe is not just about concepts ties globalisation of edu-
This may require some that the rapid digitalisa- and theories; it is much cation has brought to us.
policy changes at the gov- tion of education is both a more than that. Sooner Today knowledge literally
ernment level too, but the boon and bane. Of course, or later, we need to realise has no boundaries for any-
groundwork can begin in without this digitisation, this. one who has a will and de-
schools and colleges. we couldn’t have survived termination to learn. The
Another harmful ef- sky is the limit.”
She says, “We need to

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-SCHOOL / RANKINGS
TOP B-SCHOOLS — OVERALL

Leadership Leadership Knowledge Insititutional Transition Return of TOTAL
Excellence (15) Creation Capabilities from Investment Finance(5)
(25) (25) Knowledge (RoI)
Force to Work
Force (30)

Rank 2021 Gobal Intellectual Innovation & Faculty Industry
Name Interface Capital Incubation Infrastruc- Linkages
ture Placement
City Zone 100
15 5 10 10 15 10 10 20 5
Ahmedabad/ West/ 15 5 10 10 15 10 10 20 5 100
1 IIMAhmedabad*, IIMBengaluru* Bengaluru South
East 15 5 9.8 9.8 15 9.8 9.9 20 5 99.3
2 IIM Calcutta* Calcutta North 15 5 9.6 9.8 14.7 9.8 9.9 19.8 5 98.6

3 IIM Lucknow* Lucknow

4 Xavier School of Management Jamshedpur East 14.8 4.8 9.6 9.8 14.8 9.8 9.8 19.8 5 98.2
(XLRI)*

5 Management Development Gurugram North 14.6 5 9.6 9.6 14.6 9.7 9.8 19.6 4.8 97.3
Institute^

6 S.P. Jain Institute of Mumbai West 14.6 4.8 9.6 9.6 14.6 9.7 9.8 19.5 4.8 97
Management & Research

7 FMS - Faculty of Management New Delhi North 14.6 4.8 9.5 9.6 14.7 9.6 9.7 19.3 4.8 96.6
Studies, DU*

8 IIM Indore* Indore Central 14.5 4.8 9.5 9.6 14.3 9.6 9.9 19.2 4.8 96.2
South 14.4 4.8 9.5 9.6 14.2 9.6 9.6 19.2 4.8 95.7
9 IIM Kozhikode* Kozhikode

NMIMS (SVKM's Narsee Monjee Mumbai West 14.4 4.8 9.5 9.5 14.2 9.5 9.8 19.2 4.8 95.7

10 Institute of Management

Studies)

11 Indian Institute of Foreign New Delhi North 14.3 4.8 9.5 9.5 14.3 9.5 9.5 19 4.8 95.2
Trade* North 14.3 4.7 9.4 9.7 14.1 9.4 9.4 19 4.7 94.7
East 14.2 4.7 9.6 9.5 14 9.4 9.4 18.8 4.7 94.3
12 IMT - Institute of Management Ghaziabad North 14.2 4.8 9.4 9.4 14 9.3 9.3 18.7 4.7 93.8
Technology West 14.2 4.6 9.3 9.4 13.9 9.3 9.3 18.7 4.7 93.4
North 14.2 4.6 9.3 9.3 13.8 9.3 9.3 18.6 4.6 93
13 Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar West 14.1 4.6 9.3 9.3 13.7 9.3 9.3 18.5 4.6 92.7
(XIM)* South 14.1 4.5 9.2 9.2 13.7 9.2 9.2 18.5 4.6 92.2

14 International Management Delhi
Institute

15 Symbiosis Institute of Business Pune
Management

16 IIM Udaipur* Rajasthan

17 Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Mumbai
Management Studies*

18 T.A. Pai Management Institute Manipal
(TAPMI)

*GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE; ^ AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTE

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TOP B-SCHOOLS — OVERALL

Leadership Leadership Knowledge Insititutional Transition Return of TOTAL
Excellence (15) Creation Capabilities from Investment Finance(5)
(25) (25) Knowledge (RoI)
Force to Work
Force (30)

Rank 2021 Gobal Intellectual Innovation & Faculty Industry
Name Interface Capital Incubation Infrastruc- Linkages
ture Placement
City Zone 100
15 5 10 10 15 10 10 20 5
K J Somaiya Institute of Mumbai West 14 4.5 9.3 9.2 13.6 9.2 9.2 18.4 4.5 91.9
19 Management Studies & Hyderabad 4.5 9.1 9.2 13.5 9.1 9.1 18.3 4.5 91.2
South 13.9 4.4 9.2 9 13.5 9 9 18.2 4.5 90.6
Research

20 The ICFAI Business School

Shailesh J.Mehta School of Mumbai West 13.8
21 Management SJMSoM, IIT

Bombay*

22 National Institute of Industrial Mumbai West 13.7 4.4 9.3 9 13.3 9 9 18.1 4.5 90.3
Engineering*

Symbiosis Centre for Pune West 13.7 4.2 9 9 13.4 8.9 8.9 18 4.5 89.6
23 Management & Human

Resource Development

24 Department of Management New Delhi North 14 4.3 8.9 8.7 13.4 8.5 8.8 18.4 4.7 89.7
Studies, DMS IIT Delhi* South 13.9 4.1 8.9 8.7 13.3 8.5 8.7 18.4 4.6 89.1
North 13.9 4.1 8.9 8.6 13.3 8.4 8.7 18.3 4.5 88.7
25 Great Lakes Institute of Chennai East 13.8 3.9 8.8 8.7 13.2 8.5 8.7 18.3 4.6 88.5
Management West 13.8 3.9 8.8 8.6 13.2 8.4 8.7 18.2 4.6 88.2
West 13.7 3.8 8.8 8.7 13.3 8.3 8.5 18.2 4.5 87.8
26 Birla Institute of Management Greater Noida South 13.7 3.8 8.7 8.6 13.1 8.3 8.6 18.1 4.6 87.5
Technology Central 13.6 3.9 8.7 8.6 13.1 8.3 8.6 18.1 4.5 87.4

27 Vinod Gupta School of Kharagpur
Management*

28 Goa Institute of Management Goa

29 Institute of Management, Nirma Ahmedabad
University

30 IIM Tiruchirappalli* Tiruchirappalli 

31 IIM Raipur* Raipur

Prin. L.N. Welingkar Institute of West 13.6 3.8 8.7 8.5 13 8.2 8.7 18 4.5 87
32 Management Development and Mumbai

Research

33 School of Business (Woxsen Hyderabad South 13.6 3.8 8 8.5 13 8.2 8.6 18 4.5 86.2
University) 3.8 8.1 8.5 12.9 8.1 8.6 17.9 4.5 85.9
3.7 8 8.5 12.9 8.1 8.6 17.9 4.5 85.8
34 IIM Sambalpur* Orrissa East 13.5 3.7 8 8.4 12.8 8.2 8.5 17.8 4.5 85.4
North 13.6
35 FORE School of Management New Delhi

36 IFMR (Institute for Financial Chittoor North 13.5
Management & Research)

*GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE

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-SCHOOL / RANKINGS
TOP B-SCHOOLS — OVERALL

Leadership Leadership Knowledge Insititutional Transition Return of TOTAL
Excellence (15) Creation Capabilities from Investment Finance(5)
(25) (25) Knowledge (RoI)
Force to Work
Force (30)

Rank 2021 Gobal Intellectual Innovation & Faculty Industry
Name Interface Capital Incubation Infrastruc- Linkages
ture Placement
City Zone 100
15 5 10 10 15 10 10 20 5
37 IFIM Business School Bengaluru South 13.5 3.6 8.1 8.4 12.8 8.1 8.5 17.7 4.5 85.2

38 Loyola Institute of Business Chennai South 13.5 3.6 7.9 8.3 12.7 8 8.6 17.6 4.5 84.7
Administration

39 Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of New Delhi North 13.4 3.5 7.9 8.3 12.7 8 8.6 17.7 4.4 84.5
Management North 13.3 3.5 7.8 8.2 12.6 7.9 8.5 17.6 4.4 83.8
South 13.3 3.4 7.8 8.2 12.6 7.9 8.4 17.6 4.4 83.6
40 Amity Business School Noida East 13.2 3.4 7.8 8.2 12.5 7.8 8.4 17.5 4.3 83.1
South 13.2 3.4 7.7 8.1 12.7 7.7 8.4 17.5 4.3 83
41 Institute of Management, Christ Bengaluru South 13.2 3.4 7.7 8.1 12.7 7.8 8.2 17.4 4.3 82.8
University West 13.1 3.3 7.8 8.1 12.5 7.8 8.2 17.4 4.4 82.6

42 IIM Ranchi* Ranchi

43 Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Coimbatore
University

44 Institute of Management Hyderabad
Technology

45 Institute of Management Nagpur
Technology

46 BITS Birla Institute of Pilani North 13.1 3.3 7.6 8.3 12.6 7.6 8.3 17.4 4.2 82.4
Technology & Science

47 Balaji Institute of Modern Pune West 13 3.3 7.6 8.3 12.5 7.6 8.2 17.3 4.3 82.1
Management (BIMM)

SDMIMD (Shri Dharmasthala South 12.9 3.3 7.6 8.1 12.4 7.6 8.2 17.2 4.2 81.5
48 Manjunatheshwara Institute for Mysore
West 12.9 3.2 7.5 8.2 12.3 7.5 8.1 17.2 4.3 81.2
Management Development) South 12.7 3.2 7.5 8.1 12.3 7.7 8 17.1 4.2 80.8
South 12.8 3.1 7.4 8.2 12.2 7.5 8.2 17.2 4.1 80.7
49 SIES College of Management Navi Mumbai South 12.7 3.1 7.3 8 12.2 7.6 7.9 17.1 4.1 80
Studies South 12.6 3.2 7.3 7.9 12.2 7.4 7.8 17 4.1 79.5
North 12.5 3.2 7.2 7.8 12.1 7.3 7.9 17.1 4.1 79.2
50 Rajagiri Centre for Business Kochi
Studies

51 P.S.G. Institute of Management Coimbatore
(PSG College of Technology)

52 BITS (Birla Institute of Hyderabad
Technology & Science) Pilani

53 Institute of Public Enterprise Hyderabad

54 Great Lakes Institute of Gurugram
Management

*GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE

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