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CNBC-Awaaz Udaan wraps debut season, gears up for bigger second run
Pan-India campus drive empowers youth with real-world career skills
MUMBAI: CNBC-Awaaz has wrapped up the first season of its campus initiative, Udaan Taiyari Kal Ki, with plans already in motion for a bigger and broader second edition.
Run in partnership with UTI Mutual Fund, the programme travelled across more than 10 cities and 18 leading institutions, including top management schools, aiming to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace readiness.
At its core, Udaan tackled a familiar challenge. While millions graduate each year, many step into the professional world underprepared for its financial, emotional and strategic demands. The initiative sought to change that by offering practical insights into investing basics, career planning, decision-making and mental resilience.
The scale was notable. Over 3,800 final-year postgraduate students participated directly, with sessions spanning cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. The impact extended further through television and digital platforms, turning the programme into a hybrid learning experience.
Each campus stop featured a mix of panel discussions, fireside chats and hands-on workshops, bringing newsroom-style conversations directly to students. The format struck a chord, with strong engagement reflecting a growing appetite for real-world skills beyond textbooks.
Reflecting on the journey, CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal said, “UDAAN is one of our most engaging and interactive IPs, built around empowering India’s youth. It felt good to be back on college campuses, engaging directly with students. These conversations go beyond classrooms, helping students gain real-world perspective and confidence as they step into their careers.”
From the partner’s perspective, the focus remained on financial awareness. UTI Mutual Fund MD and CEO Vetri Subramaniam said, “It is important to engage with students who are on the brink of their corporate journey. We need to guide them on financial investments so they can begin early and build long-term habits.”
Highlighting the broader vision, Network18 CEO of English and Business News Smriti Mehra said, “Through Udaan, CNBC-Awaaz is taking real-world knowledge directly to campuses while shaping the next generation of leaders. The response shows a clear need for platforms that go beyond academics.”
With its first season striking a strong chord, Udaan has positioned itself as more than just a campus event. As it gears up for Season 2, the initiative looks set to expand its footprint and continue preparing young India for the leap from campus to corporate life.
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Emami names Dhruv Aggarwal as chief growth officer
Former Bain partner steps in as FMCG firm sharpens growth playbook
MUMBAI: Emami Limited has appointed Dhruv Aggarwal as its chief growth officer, effective 25 March 2026, following the resignation of Giriraj Bagri.
Aggarwal joins the FMCG major from Bain & Company, where he most recently served as partner. With over two decades of experience across consulting and strategy, he brings a global perspective shaped by work across India, the US, the UK and Germany.
During his tenure at Bain, Aggarwal advised consumer, retail and media companies on large-scale transformations, business turnarounds and growth strategies. He was also closely involved with India’s startup ecosystem, guiding early-stage ventures on scaling and digital expansion, while supporting private equity and venture capital firms on investment decisions.
His earlier stints include a brief role at Barclays Capital and operational experience at Jindal Power, giving him a mix of financial and industry exposure.
Academically, Aggarwal holds an MBA from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and has also been associated with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a PhD candidate and teaching assistant.
The appointment comes at a time when Emami Limited is looking to sharpen its growth strategy in a competitive consumer market. With a seasoned strategist now at the helm of growth, the company appears set to double down on transformation and expansion in the months ahead.
