by Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University

The less said about the recent strain on the Indian education sector, the better. Rapid scientific advancements and strides in technology have not only pushed the innovation quotient higher but also driven the need for universities to be different. Epic Indian education systems such as Takshashila or Nalanda which were once popular among the world have evolved today. However, some processes within today’s academic functioning still focus on passive learning styles – characterized by unidirectional lectures or monologues.

Universities need to evolve. To solve the problems of the world and to remain relevant, the university mode of education needs to be transformative– one that prioritizes interaction, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Pedagogy as such should no longer be construed as another buzzword but rather a fundamental shift aimed at equipping students with the skills needed for an unpredictable future. Academics around the world have therefore pondered over the question – how do we transform?

TECHNOLOGY-LED INTERACTIVE SPACES

In the corporate world, technology, automation, AI (Artificial Intelligence), and ML (Machine Learning) are no longer perceived as disruptors but rather tools to a means. Similarly, the education sector needs to relook at technology and have the right approach to be seen as an active learning interactive space institution dedicated to education. NTU Singapore for instance, leverages advanced tools like virtual reality, augmented reality, and real-time analytics, offering immersive learning experiences. This has enabled the creation of an interactive space that nurtures creativity and hones collaboration.

Traditionally classroom or chalk-duster environments tend to get boring. But with an interactive classroom not only is there a digital smart touchscreen but classrooms are more of environments encouraging discussion and problem-solving. The extent of what technology could do is not just limited to digital screens but other strategies such as gamified content, and leveraging AI in other scenarios. Such environments allow students to explore complex concepts—from simulating chemical reactions to delving into historical reenactments—in a highly engaging and participatory manner.

PARTICIPATIVE CLASSROOMS: UNLEASHING STUDENT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

Active learning thrives on participation, turning classrooms into dynamic arenas of intellectual engagement. A classroom with active learning space

promotes not just the transfer of knowledge but also provides learners with how such a process or technology can be put into perspective. That experience of real-world scenarios breaks the traditional boundaries of classrooms. Additionally, by integrating technology seamlessly into teaching, universities can ensure that students remain actively involved and well- prepared for the demands of the 21st-century workplace.

At Galgotias, for instance, most classrooms are not labeled per se. Rather they are knowledge centers or discussion centers – a place where questions and active learning are encouraged. In fact, in most pictures of Galgotias University, it is difficult to identify a teacher from the rest of the class. That is because there is no concept of front and last rows – there are roundtables and each roundtable holds an energetic discussion. Such a model ensures that students arrive prepared for questions, and discussions, and have already explored the foundational material beforehand. This method shifts the educator’s role from a dispenser of information to a facilitator of dialogue – sparking critical thinking and debate.

Case studies show how such environments enable students to retain information better and develop soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. By moving away from a didactic format and encouraging two-way interactions, participative classrooms have instilled more than knowledge. In India, such a model may take some catching up but academic partnerships have been encouraging so far.

BRIDGING ACADEMIA WITH INDUSTRY

Recently when Apple executive Greg Joswiak visited the Noida campus flanked with flags of 30 different countries, he was left slightly surprised. His instant remark was “Wow! How did you make that happen?” A critical component of active learning is its emphasis on bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice.

The academic world as we observe today focuses on Capstone projects and research thesis. However, the relevance of the problems researched in the academic world may not be on par with what the corporate industry is scouting for. This does not indicate how much research to focus on but where to focus on – the problems of today and tomorrow’s corporate world. In another recent activity at Galgotias, students not only got acquainted with the software aspects of the iOS interface but could learn the best practices directly from the horse’s mouth – industry experts.

Universities around the world are forging stronger partnerships with businesses, allowing students to work on live projects, internships, and real- world problem-solving. It may therefore be ideal for students to engage in multidisciplinary capstone projects in collaboration with industry leaders, preparing them for complex, integrated work environments. By integrating hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, educational institutions not only can enhance employability but also contribute immensely to the economic output.

CULTIVATING INTERCONNECTEDNESS

We live in times where concepts such as IoT (Internet of Things) and AI have gained precedence. We therefore need to scout for solutions that provide a semblance of connectedness between academia and industry. Only such a shift would ensure that we aren’t siloed but intertwined with the realities of the professional world.

In such a landscape, active learning instills a sense of interdependence and cross-cultural competence. This approach not only broadens students’ horizons but also enables them to appreciate the complexity of global issues such as sustainability, social justice, and technological ethics. Active learning is not merely an educational strategy—it is a cultural shift that redefines the role of higher education. It is through this reimagined pedagogy that universities will fulfill their mission of empowering minds and transforming societies.

“We were thrilled to showcase our latest innovations in e-mobility and energy storage at this prestigious event,” said Mr. Samarath Singh Kochar, Founder and CEO Trontek Electronics LTD. “As the global demand for sustainable energy solutions continues to grow, our products aim to meet these needs while ensuring safety, reliability, and superior performance. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of battery technology further solidified our position as leaders in this evolving industry.

“We recognized the critical role of reliable energy storage in the renewable energy sector,” added Mr. Kochar. “Our BESS solutions ensured energy independence and reliability for both commercial and residential setups.”

New Delhi, India – January 21st, 2025 – SGF India, a leading name in vegetarian dining, is excited to announce the opening of its 24/7 outlet in Amritsar. Famous for its vibrant street food culture and diverse culinary offerings, Amritsar now welcomes SGF’s distinctive flavors, including its celebrated soy chaaps, which have quickly become a favorite among food lovers.

SGF India is redefining vegetarian dining with a focus on healthy, protein-rich meals. The Amritsar outlet features the brand’s signature live tandoor counters, offering a range of mouthwatering soy chaaps, flavorful North Indian specialties, and refreshing coolers, all in a modern, inviting setting. To celebrate this launch, SGF India is offering a Buy One Get One (BOGO) promotion, giving foodies the perfect opportunity to explore the brand’s signature dishes.

Adding to the convenience and appeal, SGF India has partnered with Tree House Hotel on Queen’s Road to offer both dine-in and takeaway options. This collaboration enables SGF India to provide a seamless dining experience for locals and travelers alike. The hotel’s strategic location, just five minutes from the railway station and fifteen minutes from the iconic Golden Temple, makes it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts. Furthermore, SGF India is offering catering services for special occasions, gatherings and other events, ensuring a delightful and hassle-free experience for customers.

“Amritsar is known for its rich street food culture, and we are excited to bring SGF’s unique, nutritious offerings to the city. Our unique chaaps, a favorite among food lovers, will now be available around the clock, offering a delicious and health-conscious dining experience,” said Mr. Kewal Ashwani Ahuja, Founder & CEO of SGF India.

SGF India continues to expand its footprint, with an upcoming opening in Bhopal in January 2025, further strengthening its presence in the country. The brand remains committed to providing nutritious, flavorful meals in modern spaces, catering to health-conscious diners across India.

indē wild, the pioneering beauty brand founded by global entrepreneur and media personality Diipa Büller Khosla, announces the remarkable achievement of its signature ‘Champi Hair Oil’: attaining the coveted 1 Bestseller status on Nykaa, India’s premier beauty e-commerce platform. This milestone underscores the significant market demand for authentic, heritage-inspired beauty solutions that seamlessly blend traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern scientific formulations

Within 18 months of its launch on Nykaa, Champi Hair Oil surpassed 150,000 units sold, a testament to its exceptional consumer appeal. This success builds upon the brand’s existing momentum, having already captivated millions of customers globally. Featured in prominent publications such as Glamour’s ‘15 Best Hair Oils For Shine And Hydration’ and Beauty Matter USA, the oil’s efficacy is undeniable. Its potent, 100% natural formula, incorporating 16 clinically-proven ingredients including Hibiscus, Brahmi, Bhringraj, Amla, and Rosemary, alongside nourishing carrier oils such as Castor, Sesame, Coconut, Almond, Indian Argan, and Vitamin E, delivers visible results, leaving hair lustrous, strong, and healthy from root to tip.

Beyond its cosmetic benefits, Champi Hair Oil promotes holistic well-being. The traditional champi massage technique, integral to its application, stimulates scalp circulation and enhances relaxation, mitigating stress and anxiety. This unique combination of efficacy and self-care resonates deeply with consumers, with many praising its transformative effects.

indē wild’s trajectory is equally compelling.

Last September, the brand made history as the first Ayurvedistry™ brand – uniquely combining Ayurveda and biochemistry – to launch with Sephora in the U.K., solidifying its position as a global player in the clean beauty sector. This strategic partnership not only elevated the profile of authentic Indian beauty practices on the international stage but also underscored indē wild’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, diversity and authenticity.

Diipa Büller Khosla, Founder, indē wild states, “We are deeply honoured by the extraordinary response to Champi Hair Oil. This achievement validates our commitment to creating high-quality, ethically sourced products that resonate with a growing consumer base seeking efficacious and sustainable beauty solutions. The global hair oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032 which will increase the market size from $23.41 billion in 2024 to $43.02 billion by 2032.This burgeoning growth of the global hair oil market reflects a desire for exceptional quality, and we are proud to contribute to this growth by providing a product that elegantly marries traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific rigor.” She further emphasizes the brand’s unwavering dedication to clean and ethical beauty, ensuring the product remains free from harmful chemicals, synthetic fragrances, silicones, phthalates, microplastics and toxins.

indē wild’s remarkable journey—from a self-funded Indian startup to a multi-million-dollar enterprise partnering with global retail giants—illustrates the expansive global market opportunity for authentic, heritage-inspired beauty products. The company’s continued expansion promises to further elevate the visibility and accessibility of holistic Indian beauty practices worldwide. To date, indē wild’s product line has delighted 200,000 millions of customers and sold over 3 million units across India, Dubai, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, establishing the brand’s substantial presence in the global beauty market.

Mumbai, January 21, 2025: NHC Foods Limited, a prominent exporter of agricultural commodities and spices, has announced its financial results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended 31st December 2024.

For the quarter ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹208.33 Lakhs as compared to ₹43.03 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Quarter ended 31st December 2024 increased by 58% to ₹7352.97 Lakhs as compared to ₹4649.69 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.

For the Nine months ended 31st December 2024, the company’s PAT increased by 384% to ₹614.30 Lakhs as compared to ₹126.88 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year. Revenue from Operations for the Nine Months ended 31st December 2024 increased by 64% to ₹21,420 Lakhs as compared to ₹13,062 Lakhs in the corresponding period last year.

The performance of NHC Foods over the last three quarters highlights the company’s remarkable ability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite a volatile environment. The company reported profits of ₹200.88 Lakhs in Q1-FY25, ₹205.08 Lakhs in Q2-FY25, and ₹208.33 Lakhs in Q3-FY25, surpassing the ₹234.74 Lakhs achieved for the entire FY2024.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Satyam Joshi, Whole Time Director stated “NHC Foods’ performance during the quarter and nine-month period showcases its exceptional capability to achieve strong top-line and bottom-line growth despite operating in a challenging environment. The company’s focus on product and market expansion, along with strategic investments in manufacturing, technology and R&D, is set to create a stronger foundation for a brighter and sustainable future.”

“The successful completion of the recent Rights Issue stands as a testament to the confidence investors and stakeholders have in the company’s management and future growth prospects”, Mr. Satyam Joshi added.

As part of its expansion and brand-building strategy, NHC Foods has allocated sizable funds for establishing a state-of-the-art Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility and revamping its flagship spice brand, ‘SAAZ.’

The cutting-edge Sesame Seeds Cleaning and Hulling facility at Pardi in Gujarat is designed to meet the growing domestic and international demand for sesame-based products, particularly in key export markets such as Korea, Turkey, USA and Europe. The plant is expected to be operational within a year and is expected to drive substantial revenue growth. This investment highlights the company’s commitment to addressing global demand while enhancing domestic supply capabilities and is a significant step toward cementing its leadership position in the sesame industry.

On the product innovation side, NHC Foods’ flagship spice brand, “SAAZ,” is set for a comprehensive strategic revamp to strengthen its consumer brand portfolio. The initiative includes enhancing its presence across modern retail chains and leading e-commerce platforms like Big Basket, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Amazon. The company is planning a pilot launch in Rajkot, Gujarat, with the revamped product line expected to roll out in the market within 5–6 months.

The Board of Directors has also granted in-principle approval for NHC Foods to invest in Inwelco Science Pvt. Ltd., the parent company of Buyceps, a prominent health and wellness brand. With a revenue target of ₹100 crores in the next 2–3 years, this investment enables NHC Foods to tap into the growing demand for wellness products both in India and overseas markets.