MAM
College Vidya launches online education day
MUMBAI: Talk about a smart move, India just got its own Online Education Day! In a first-of-its-kind initiative, College Vidya has declared October 25 as Online Education Day, turning its foundation day into a nationwide celebration of digital learning, inclusion, and innovation.
The idea? To honour the millions of learners, educators, and universities driving India’s online learning revolution, and to spotlight how technology has made higher education more accessible than ever. The Noida-based platform hopes the initiative will grow into an annual, sector-wide observance, with future recognition from national education bodies like UGC and AICTE.
For its debut edition, College Vidya invited online universities across India to join in with student stories, video messages, and scholarship collaborations, all echoing a shared vision of credible, learner-centric digital education.
“Online education has become the great equaliser, opening doors for millions who once stood outside the classroom,” said College Vidya founder and COO Rohit Gupta. “If electricity and the internet can reach every pincode, so should quality education. This day celebrates that belief.”
Beyond the celebrations, the platform continues to walk the talk, having disbursed Rs 4.7 crore in financial aid so far and recently announcing 50 per cent subsidies for transgender learners, making higher education truly inclusive.
With its lively ‘Learner Stories’ campaign and a symbolic cake-cutting spree across the country, College Vidya’s Online Education Day wasn’t just a nod to the digital age, it was a heartfelt reminder that learning has no limits when powered by connection, compassion, and a good Wi-Fi signal.
Brands
Nykaa eyes majority stake in Deepika Padukone’s 82°E brand
Deal could help scale premium label as Nykaa sharpens its beauty play
MUMBAI: Nykaa is in advanced discussions to acquire a majority stake in 82°E, the premium skincare label founded by Deepika Padukone, according to media reports.
The proposed deal signals Nykaa’s intent to deepen its House of Nykaa portfolio while giving 82°E the scale it has struggled to achieve independently. Padukone is expected to retain a minority stake if the transaction goes through.
For Nykaa, the play is both strategic and timely. With a customer base of over 42 million, the company is betting on its strong distribution, logistics, and repeat purchase ecosystem to revive the brand’s momentum. The two sides already share a working relationship, with Padukone serving as Nykaa’s global brand ambassador since September 2025.
Launched in late 2022, 82°E entered the market with a premium positioning but has faced headwinds. The brand reported revenue of Rs 14.7 crore in FY25, down 30 per cent year on year, alongside losses of Rs 12.26 crore. Industry observers have pointed to steep pricing, a somewhat diffused brand identity, and intense competition from digital-first labels as key challenges.
The potential acquisition also reflects a broader shift in India’s beauty and lifestyle space, where celebrity-led brands are increasingly partnering with larger corporates to unlock scale. Alia Bhatt’s Ed-a-Mamma, for instance, sold a majority stake to Reliance Retail, while Katrina Kaif’s Kay Beauty has emerged as a standout success within Nykaa’s portfolio, clocking Rs 132.4 crore in FY25 revenue.
Nykaa itself has been on a strong growth trajectory. Its parent, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, reported a 156 per cent jump in net profit to Rs 68 crore in the December 2025 quarter, with revenue reaching Rs 2,873 crore.
Nykaa has been steadily building its portfolio through acquisitions such as Dot & Key, Earth Rhythm and Nudge Wellness, signalling a clear push to own and scale homegrown brands.
If the 82°E deal materialises, it could mark a fresh chapter for the label, blending celebrity appeal with corporate muscle. For Nykaa, it is another calculated step in staying ahead in an increasingly crowded beauty aisle.
