News Headline
The year of possibilities and learning: A quick review of how 2023 has been for The WorldGrad
Mumbai: The year 2023 has been a year of resurgence for the education sector. Our Indian students firmly shrugged off the challenges of the pandemic and returned to a familiar learning environment. However, one key difference from before is that students are now much more open and conversant with learning technologies than before. Additionally, they are able to identify the ideal use of technology as both physical and digital options are now available to them. As a leading provider of overseas study programs, the year was pivotal for The WorldGrad. Demand for international education surged to record levels, which had been bottled up for two years. In addition, Indian students moved overseas in large numbers, with an estimated 750,000 aspirants starting studies abroad in 2022-23. Many countries like Australia, the US, Canada, Germany, and the UK saw more Indian students joining their classrooms than China. At the same time, India has started attracting interest from numerous overseas providers to forge partnerships or open campuses, bringing quality education to student’s doorstep. All these developments have made the international education sector one of the most exciting segments since the downturn of ed-tech companies, which boomed during the pandemic.
The WorldGrad is at the forefront of innovative study abroad programs, bridging the gap between studying in India versus overseas. Our Smart Programs allow students to start their overseas degree from India and move abroad in 6-12 months when they are financially and academically ready to relocate. Our internationally accredited programs bring academic flexibility and help students overcome financial hurdles associated with studying overseas. Our programs are recognized for credit by overseas universities and equivalent to the first year of studies in Australia, the UK, and the US. We offer a robust portfolio of business and technology-related programs that lead to over 400 degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This alternative route to study has seen greater adoption in 2023 as aspirations continue to soar, but costs remain a concern for most families. Enrolments in our programs have grown by 300% since 2022, which reflects market sentiments and an increased appreciation among students to try other means of fulfilling their study goals. In 2023, we doubled our university partnerships and brought it close to 50, adding prestigious names like Drexel University, La Trobe University, State University of New York, and others.
This year, we also hit some major milestones in terms of student outcomes and success. Throughout 2021 and part of 2022, many of our students could not travel overseas due to restrictions. This completely changed in 2023, and we saw record progressions to overseas universities through our programs. Due to their strong academic foundation, many of our students received distinctions and commendations in their overseas programs. Of particular note is our strong alumni base studying at the University of Wollongong College, where our students have become valedictorians for two years running. Seeing the success of our students overseas reassures us of our purpose, motivates our academic and non-academic staff, and is a testimonial for our current students to the benefits of starting their studies in India and then progressing overseas with sufficient experience under their belts.
Looking ahead to 2024, The WorldGrad keenly awaits future cohorts of students joining us and moving overseas and seeing existing students transition into successful professionals. From an operational standpoint, we plan to integrate more technology and AI in all our processes, including student counseling, teaching, and progression-related matters, to scale up and improve the learning experience for our students. We are also working on an expanding portfolio that will include more employability-oriented programs for our students, the exact nature of which will be shared with the public shortly. That said, we expect our business to double next year in topline with a disproportionate growth in the bottom line.
The author of this article is The WorldGrad founder Abhinav Mital.
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.
