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Universitas 21 Global to offer e-MBA programme in India
MUMBAI: AsiaPac’s premier university Universitas 21 Global, headquartered in Singapore, has launched its first e-MBA programme in India by opening admissions for aspirants. In India, Universitas 21 Global will be represented by Akademia and Taliem.
Universitas 21 Global, which claims to integrate the Internet to deliver a world-class education experience for its global students will provide students with a global perspective and an opportunity to network with peers from around the world. This marks a paradigm shift from the brick-and-mortar education formula, says an official release.
While launching the online university for admission, Universitas 21 Global CEO Dr Mukesh Aghi said: “The university aims to capture a largely unmet market for higher education and will address an estimated US$111 billion global demand for higher education.”
“With India fast emerging as a dynamic economy with increased focus on knowledge-based activities, there is a surge in demand for professionals who are in tune with modern business practices. In this scenario, professionals and students need to stay abreast with the latest in the world of business in order to remain competitive and relevant. Universitas 21 Global is all set to offer a relevant business education programme in India to help aspirants seeking an international business curriculum,” Dr Aghi added.
A joint venture between Thomson Learning and Universitas 21, Universitas 21 Global is a consortium of 17 world-renowned universities. The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2002 revenues of US$7.8 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers.
In 2002, five of Universitas 21’s member universities were ranked among the top 20 MBA schools by Asia Inc, including the National University of Singapore, University of New South Wales, University of Queensland, University of Hong Kong and University of Melbourne. Other member universities are recognised as being among the top business schools ranked by The Financial Times, the Economist Intelligence Unit and The Wall Street Journal.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
