Hello Kids expansion plan
New Delhi, March 1. Hello Kids, India’s largest preschool chains based on the no-royalty model, has crossed a significant milestone by establishing 1,000 centres in India and Bangladesh. Under a new plan, Hello Kids now aims to cross 2,000 centres in the next three years and provide early childhood education to more than 100,000 children by year 2028. Currently predominantly in the southern cities of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, it is set to expand its footprint to major cities in northern and western states.
Founded in 2005 by edupreneur Pritam Kumar Agrawal, Hello Kids has grown from a single preschool in Bengaluru to a robust network of over 1000 franchised preschools across peninsular India and Bangladesh under Agrawal’s experiential leadership. His perseverance was boosted when his wife, Sunita Jain, a software engineer, came aboard the venture.
“As we expand further, we remain committed to providing safe, engaging, and stimulating environments for early learners, ensuring they build a strong foundation for the future,” Sunita Jain, Director-CEO of Hello Kids.
In 2022, Hello Kids was acknowledged as India’s most Respected Early Childhood Brand by an EducationWorld Grand Jury, and celebrated as Leading Preschool Chain at the Elets World Education Summit 2022.
Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program
New Delhi, February 18. Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), announced disbursement of scholarships valued at Rs.3.38 crore under its Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program. Launched last August (2024), the program attracted applications from 23 states countrywide. Scholarships were awarded to 783 talented and deserving students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
“This project supports underprivileged yet meritorious students to turn their dreams into reality, shaping a brighter future for themselves and the nation. Through the Hyundai Hope Scholarship Program we aim to level the playing field and empower underprivileged students to contribute to our nation’s social and economic progress,” said Gopalakrishnan Sivaramakrishnan, trustee of HMIF, speaking on the occasion.
PhysicsWallah awards
Noida, February 3. PhysicsWallah, (PW), the well-known online education platform, felicitated 1,581 students who emerged as top performers in the PW National Scholarship Admission Test (PWNSAT) 2024 open to students countrywide. The top three students in classes VII-XII received cash prizes of Rs.2 lakh, medals and trophies. A total amount of Rs.2.2 crore was awarded as prize money at the felicitation ceremony. PWNSAT 2024 attracted the participation of 1.55 million students.
“This Rs.250 crore scholarship amount isn’t just a number, it represents our commitment to enabling students’ future. The 1,581 students we are felicitating have worked hard, and this is our way of recognising their efforts. The real success will be when they achieve their dreams and help others do the same,” said Alakh Pandey, Founder-CEO of PW, addressing award winners.
ASDC-Steinbeis University concordat
New Delhi, February 21. The Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Steinbeis University, Germany, to introduce a 1+1 Master’s Program aimed at providing students with global exposure, industry-relevant education, and enhanced career opportunities.
The 1+1 Master’s Program offers students the opportunity to pursue one year of study at a partnering Indian university, followed by a second year at Steinbeis University, Germany, leading to dual-degree certification. Beyond academic excellence, the program is designed to facilitate postgrad placements in Germany, enabling students to acquire international work experience before returning to India.
“The 1+1 Master’s Program is designed to provide students not only academic excellence but also industry exposure that aligns with the evolving needs of the mobility sector. By integrating applied research, innovation, and hands-on learning, we aim to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an international environment,” said Dr. Prof. Bertram Lohmuller, Director, Steinbeis School, speaking at the MoU signing ceremony.
Plaksha’s D.S. Brar centre
New Delhi, February 6. Plaksha University, Mohali (estb.2021) a new-age technology university committed to reimagining higher education and research in India, launched the D.S. Brar Centre for Girls and Women in STEM, in collaboration with Bangalore-based IT major Mphasis Ltd.
The D.S. Brar Centre aspires to bridge the gender gap in STEM by offering a robust support network of role models across government, academia, and industry. The centre will also launch a women entrepreneurship program to ease access of women to accelerator bootcamps, masterclasses and mentorship sessions. “At Plaksha, we are dedicated to making STEM education accessible to all and aim to achieve 50 percent enrollment of women in our programs, setting a benchmark for equity and excellence in STEM education,” said Prof. Rudra Pratap, Vice Chancellor, Plaksha U, speaking on the occasion.
