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to innovate tomorrow. We invest in real-time problem-
solving, collaboration with industry, and hands-on
projects to stimulate the type of research and knowledge
creation that can genuinely drive change.

What’s your prescription for transforming India into a $30 tril-
lion GDP economy by 2047?
To achieve this transformation, we need to look at educa-
tion as the cornerstone of change. India’s potential lies in
its talent, and we must empower that talent with the right
tools and resources. We need to invest in nurturing en-
trepreneurial minds who will build the future, as well as
integrating tech and innovation into every aspect of busi-
ness and governance. Creating a robust, forward-thinking
education system that teaches not just theoretical knowl-
edge but also practical, solution-driven approaches will be
key to unlocking this growth.
Swati Ganeti (centre left) & Founder Pratham Mittal
is rooted in practical application — ensuring students How optimistic are you about India’s future growth and develop-
don’t just learn theory but actually build, implement, and ment?
iterate their ideas. I am very optimistic, especially after seeing the talent
We have introduced courses like Dropshipping, Con- that pours into our undergrad programme. Our students
tent Creation Challenge to building real AI tools, consult- are solving real-world problems, from dementia care-
ing for local businesses, and managing a live Trading solutions to sustainable fashion, AI innovations, and
Fund so that students are immersed in hands-on learning more. Their passion, energy, and drive to build a better
from day one. Industry treks, on-site visits to top-ranked future for India blow me away. With the right resources,
companies, and international immersions in corporates guidance, and continuous exposure to latest technologies,
in Japan, Singapore, UK, US bridge the gap between they’re ready to take on the world. The potential I see in
classroom and boardrooms. them makes me very hopeful about India’s future. And I
Also with CEOs, CMOs, and CTOs from corporates believe with the next generation leaders, we will witness
such as Google, Microsoft, Zomato, Airtel, Apple, and Kia a major transformation in the global order in the years
serving as faculty, our students’ learning experience is ahead.
dynamic, deeply experiential, and globally relevant.
Dr. Supriya Pattanayak
How satisfied are you with your connect with Indian industry
and business? Vice Chancellor, Centurion University of Technology and Management,
As an institution where CEOs and industry leaders teach Odisha
directly in the classroom, our connection with Indian
industry is deep and ever-expanding. That said, we’re not n alumna of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences,
“satisfied” — because satisfaction implies we’ve peaked. Mumbai, NIMHANS, Bangalore and RMIT
In Masters’ Union, we believe there’s always room to AUniversity, Australia, Dr. (Prof.) Supriya
grow. We’ve already built relationships with over 500 Pattanayak is the highly qualified and experienced Vice
industry leaders across sectors, and we continue to ex- Chancellor of Centurion University of Technology and
pand this network to reflect the ever-changing business Management (CUTM), Odisha, which bills itself as
landscape. ‘India’s largest skills university’ with 20,000 students.
So far, our students have interacted with hundreds of
industry leaders across sectors — from tech and consult- Dr. Supriya Pattanayak (centre right)
ing to consumer brands and venture capital. Just to name
a few, they’ve worked with and learned from profes-
sionals at Google, Microsoft, Zomato, Blinkit, Flipkart,
Mamaearth, Chaayos, Bain, McKinsey, Cred, Meta, Kia,
Kore.ai, Razorpay, and Kae Capital, among many others.
These engagements happen through live projects, master-
classes, internships, placements, and on-campus sessions.
R&D and innovation are widely perceived as Indian academia’s
infirmity. What’s your institutional response to create new
knowledge?
I agree with this sentiment to an extent. I’ve always felt
that our academic framework lags behind what the world
demands. At Masters’ Union, we bridge this gap by ensur-
ing that we are not just educating our students on what
was taught yesterday, but equipping them with the tools

JULY 2025 EDUCATIONWORLD 67