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But momentum without prepara- needs. Students
tion can quickly lose direction. We also have access to
need to invest — not just in infra- alumni mentors,
structure or projects — but in educa- seed funding and
tion, innovation, public health, and incubation facili-
governance that includes and uplifts. ties.
That’s the kind of preparedness that
builds lasting progress. R&D and innovation
are widely perceived
Nipun Goenka as Indian academia’s
infirmity. What’s your
Pro-Chancellor, GD Goenka University, institutional response
Gurugram to create new knowl-
edge?
We are fully aware
management sciences alum
of the University of Warwick that R&D and
A (UK), followed by advanced innovation are
certification from the Chartered critical pillars
for the advance-
Institute of Marketing (UK), Nipun Nipun Goenka (centre right)
ment of education
Goenka is Pro-Chancellor of GD and creation of new knowledge. In
Goenka University, Gurugram contemporise GDG University’s syllabus/
and Managing Director of the curriculum? response, we have made a conscious
effort to develop a culture of inquiry,
GD Goenka Group of institutions To contemporise our syllabus and
comprising 150 GD Goenka K-12 curriculum, we have undertaken exploration, and problem-solving
in all our institutions. Our higher
schools, 150 Toddler House and La several key initiatives that align with
Petite preschools, 90 GD Goenka global educational trends and the education institutions, especially GD
Goenka University, are equipped
Healthcare Academy centres, GD National Education Policy (NEP)
Goenka World Institute and the GD 2020. Our major focus has been on with dedicated research cells, inno-
vation labs, and incubation centres
Goenka University. integrating skill-based learning, criti-
cal thinking, and interdisciplinary that support faculty and students in
What are the major objectives set for GD approaches across grade levels. We pursuing original research, publish-
Goenka University until India’s Freedom are increasingly embedding digital ing in reputed journals, and working
on industry-linked projects.
Centenary in 2047? literacy, coding, AI fundamentals,
In alignment with the Indian govern- financial literacy, and sustainabil- What’s your prescription for transforming
ment’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision of ity education into our academic
a developed, self-reliant and innova- framework to prepare students for India into a $30 trillion GDP economy by
2047?
tive India, the GD Goenka Group real-workplace challenges.
which includes G.D. Goenka Uni- To achieve the goal of a $30 trillion
GDP economy by 2047, India must
versity and the G.D. Goenka World How satisfied are you with your connect
Institute and over 150 GDG schools with Indian industry and business? place education at the heart of its
transformation. A thriving, knowl-
countrywide, we intend to build a Our endeavour is to provide a
nationwide network of high quality holistic education that empowers edge-driven workforce is essential
for driving innovation, improving
education institutions to foster inno- our students to become innovators,
vation, research, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs, inventors, global productivity, and enhancing global
competitiveness. Policy formulators,
future-ready skills, tech integration, leaders who can confront the chal-
critical thinking and socially respon- lenges of the future with equanimity industry, and educational institu-
tions must ensure that India’s educa-
sible future global leaders to support and élan.
India’s growth and achievement Towards this purpose, it is impor- tion system is adaptable, inclusive,
and future-focused, enabling our
of all United Nations’ Sustainable tant for them to experience applica-
Developmental Goals tion of knowledge in the real world. youth to excel in an ever-evolving
Therefore we have initiated active global landscape.
How satisfied are you with your progress collaborations with industry for How optimistic are you about India’s
thus far? internships at school and university
Quite satisfied. Over the past several levels; initiated joint labs, research, future growth and development?
Highly optimistic. With our youth-
years, GD Goenka Group has blos- projects, interface with industry;
somed into one of India’s largest invited guest lecturers from various ful population, expanding digital
infrastructure, and progressive policy
education networks with an aggre- walks of life. Moreover curricula are
gate enrolment of 1 lakh children and regularly updated with industry in- initiatives like the National Educa-
tion Policy (NEP) 2020 and Digital
young people mentored by 15,000 put through invitations, curriculum
educators. review committees, and profession- India, as the world’s fourth largest
als on our Board of Studies keep us economy, India is well-positioned to
What are your major initiatives to abreast of business and industry become a global leader in innovation,
education, and entrepreneurship.
JULY 2025 EDUCATIONWORLD 59