Latest news with #Bagla
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
KC, HR degree college degree announces first merit list
MUMBAI: HR College of Commerce and Economics and Kishinchand Chellaram (KC) College in Churchgate, which comes under the Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate (HSNC) University, released their first merit lists on Monday for first-year (FY) degree admission for 2025-26. Both institutes saw a marginal difference in the cut-offs in the first merit compared to the last academic year. KC College's FY Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) merit list ended at 96.33%, compared to 96% from last year. The cut-offs for Bachelor of Arts (BA) course remained the same this year as the previous year, at 96.2% and the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in biotechnology and computer science degrees have marginally pushed the cut-offs by less than a percentage point. In HR College of Commerce, the FY BCom list ended at 95% this year, one percentage point lower than last year. As many as six courses have reduced cut-offs this year at HR College. Self-financed courses in both colleges were high in demand with cut-offs for courses like BCom in Banking and Insurance (BBI), Accounting and Finance (BAF), and BA in Media and Mass Communication (BAMMC), Bachelor in Management Studies (BMS) remaining over 93-95% across courses in both institutes. Hemlata K Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, Mumbai, said there was a significant surge in student interest across diverse domains—from financial markets to psychology, especially when combined with subjects like sociology, political science, and English. 'While science enrolments saw a temporary dip last two years, the number of forms this year has surprisingly doubled compared to last year. This could be a sign of a revived interest in STEM disciplines and a deeper awareness among students about the future relevance of these fields,' said Bagla. She added that applications for law programmes, BBA, BMS, and BCA have also doubled this year.
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Business Standard
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Large investor concentration in smallcap funds at 14-month low, shows data
The share of investments held by the top 10 investors across smallcap mutual fund schemes has been on a decline, falling to a 14-month low in March 2025, shows an analysis of data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi). The median smallcap scheme has 2.03 per cent of its investments coming from the top 10 investors, compared to 2.43 per cent a year ago. The reduction comes as smallcaps have fallen twice as much as largecaps in the recent market decline. The BSE SmallCap index is down 16.6 per cent compared to 6.6 per cent fall in the BSE Sensex from their respective all-time highs. The reduction in investor concentration gains significance as smallcap companies tend to see a decline in liquidity during downturns. This can affect a scheme's ability to exit stocks. Lower concentration reduces the risk of having to sell positions at a lower price to meet redemptions, potentially worsening the decline for those remaining in the fund. The median is the middle value of the 30 smallcap funds for which data is available. Some funds have significantly higher concentration. This includes the ITI Small Cap Fund (19.92 per cent from top 10 investors) and Trust MF Small Cap Fund (22.83 per cent from the top 10). Stress tests show that the Trust Small Cap MF scheme can liquidate 50 per cent within a single day (compared to a median of seven days for other schemes), said Trust Mutual Fund chief executive officer (CEO) Sandeep Bagla. The Trust MF fund was launched only in November 2024. It is also smaller in size than other funds. Both these factors may have contributed to the relatively higher weight of larger investors, said Bagla. Some of the initial investors are often entities writing checks worth ₹5 crore or more which come in through wealth managers and other large distributors. The large initial investments would translate into greater concentration for a smaller fund. The concentration declines as more investors come in, according to Bagla. Indeed, disclosures show that concentration of the top 10 investors was as high as 29.37 per cent in November 2024, and has come down since to 22.83 per cent even as the assets rose from ₹405.1 crore to ₹817.1 crore as of March-end. 'We do not have concerns on liquidity,' said Bagla. A query sent to ITI did not elicit a response. ITI Small Cap Fund can, similarly, liquidate 50 per cent of its portfolio in two days even under stress conditions compared to the median seven days. The median days for 50 per cent liquidation for the smallcap segment were similar to the 6.5 days seen in February. Kartik Jhaveri, director, Transcend Capital, said that advisors and distributors generally avoid new funds till they build a track record. While concentration can be one more metric to consider, others like historical volatility and performance tend to take precedence, he said. 'Investors tend to focus on returns,' he said. Smallcap funds are sitting on nearly 7.4 per cent cash as a percentage of total assets in March, though it has come down from the 9 per cent level seen in February. In other words, smallcap schemes are sitting on funds worth ₹21,720 crore as of March and they can be deployed on declines or used to meet redemptions.
Business Standard
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
HSNC University Marks One-Year Milestone of 'Streetpreneurship 2024', Celebrating the Enduring Impact of Street-level Innovation
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 22: A year ago, the quadrangle of HSNC University's Worli campus was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Mumbai's street economy through Streetpreneurship 2024, an initiative that brought together the wisdom of the streets and the energy of the classroom. One year on, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University & Director, Niranjan Hiranandani School of Management & Real Estate (NHSMRE) offered an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the trail-blazing initiative. "Streetpreneurship was more than an event--it was a movement. Designed and conceptualised as a one-of-its-kind 25-day challenge after months of brainstorming & thoughtful planning, it empowered local street vendors through collaboration with student teams which worked side-by-side to build business visibility, operational efficiency and long-term growth strategies," Dr. Bagla reflected with a smile. Inspired by case studies such as the Harvard Business School visit to Mumbai's Dabbawalas, Dr. Bagla underscored the importance of combining academic learning with real-world entrepreneurial grit. "Street vendors are the backbone of our economy, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. This challenge was about equipping them with skills and support while also offering our students a rare opportunity to learn from the grassroots up," Dr. Bagla explained. "Start-ups are receiving a boost nationally and the new National Education Policy (NEP) also puts emphasis on setting up innovation and incubation centers in higher education institutions across the country. Our University students took it up a notch higher with the conception, launch and successful execution of this 25-day Streetpreneurship Challenge," Dr. Bagla affirmed passionately. "Our goal was to create an immersive learning experience for our students while also supporting local street vendors. The success of the Streetpreneur Challenge has far exceeded our expectations, proving the incredible power of community engagement," Dr. Bagla shared. A Three-Phase Learning Model The Streetpreneurship Challenge saw 20 student teams each 'adopt' a street vendor. In Phase 1, students observed and assisted the vendors with new trends & strategies while learning first-hand about the challenges and innovations that power the informal economy. In Phase 2, the University hosted StreetFlea, a one-day market event where the vendors showcased their businesses on campus, drawing significant footfall and impressive sales. Phase 3 concluded with student presentations to a panel of mentors and experts, summarising their interventions, branding strategies, learnings and business innovations. Technology as the Game-changer: Social Media, A Digital Storefront, Cashless Payments, Managing Stock and Supplies with Simple Tech The impact went far beyond academic credits. Many of the vendors involved have since expanded their operations, upgraded their packaging & branding and entered the digital economy with student support in setting up QR-code based payments, Instagram pages (with customer reviews, hastags and geotags) and YouTube channels. A vendor selling handmade jewellery has listed products on Meesho, Flipkart and Amazon and is selling globally. These vendors also started using simple apps to keep track of what they have and what they need to tools helped vendors make sure they don't run out of popular products and reduce waste, especially in food businesses where freshness is key. Real Stories, Real Impact Vendors like Rajesh Gupta, who sells time-saving kitchen gadgets near Crawford Market, shared insights into grassroots entrepreneurship and the stark realities of operating in an informal system. His candid reflections on daily challenges struck a chord with students, revealing the complex systems of resilience behind every street stall. Moved by the resilience of street vendors, a student questioned why their determination often goes unrecognised. This sparked a student-led effort to document their stories through interviews, photography and social media--bridging the cultural and psychological gap between academia and the informal economy. In a powerful blend of creativity and advocacy, HSNC University student teams displayed thought-provoking placards with compelling visuals at key junctions like CST station, urging passersby with a simple yet meaningful message: "Please don't bargain with street vendors. They work to survive, not to save." Dharti Patel, an MBA student who moved from Bangalore to study at HSNC University, recalled a vendor telling her, "I don't need a big shop to feel successful--just enough to feed my family and sleep in peace." She added, "That taught us what no textbook ever could--sometimes, enough is everything". "People often think we just sell snacks--but we're running businesses, every single day. We've learned to be resourceful with whatever little we have, persistent even when no one stops by and adaptable when things change. We know our customers, build our reputation one plate at a time and tell our story without words," Rajubhai from the chaat stall shrugged. While working with vendors across bustling markets like Colaba Causeway, Chor Bazaar, Andheri, Bandra and Dadar, HSNC University students gained first-hand insights into pricing strategies, supply chains, customer engagement, persuasion, eye-catching displays, makeshift carts with built-in stoves, market demand, crisis management on the go and adaptability--real-world lessons rarely found in textbooks but deeply experienced on the streets. Their ingenuity spoke volumes. StreetFlea: A Marketplace of Ideas In April 2024, HSNC University wrapped up its 25-day Streetpreneurship Challenge with StreetFlea--a vibrant open-air pop-up market that brought these street vendors to center stage. More than just a showcase, it celebrated grassroots innovation with stalls offering diverse cuisines, books, handicrafts, utility items and more--turning the campus into a bustling hub of creativity, culture and commerce. For instance, a chaat stall at the StreetFlea offered a zesty twist on the classic panipuri--eight puris with eight unique pani flavours for just Rs40, while offering stuffing variations (aloo, sprouts, cheese-corn and spicy chana-boondi) and creating a fun, value-packed taste experience. The student team behind the stall introduced smart pricing strategies, upselling pani shots and snack combos, while using bold branding, hygiene enhancements and social media buzz to drive footfall. Their efforts not only boosted customer trust and repeat visits--especially among health-conscious youth--but also led to the innovative idea of a multi-layered, spill-proof, eco-friendly panipuri takeaway box, tailored for high-rise urban living and office-goers. Activities like surprise flashmobs, arcade games, photo-booth and lemon spoon races added a carnival-like atmosphere, increasing visibility and footfall while reinforcing the community spirit of the event. "StreetFlea showcased the powerful synergy between hands-on entrepreneurship and academic insight," Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla emphasised. "It provided our students with a rare experiential learning opportunity, while also spotlighting the business acumen and entrepreneurial expertise of local street vendors. The remarkable sales achieved in just one day reflect the tangible impact such collaborations can have in empowering micro-enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth," Dr. Bagla concluded. A Blueprint for Inclusive Innovation Beyond sales and footfall, Streetpreneurship-2024 served as a sociological intervention, bridging divides between the formal and informal, elite and working-class, academic and experiential. It offered a platform where informal entrepreneurs could grow without institutional capital, proving that innovation doesn't require a boardroom or a business degree. But the real shift came when these vendors were invited into hallowed academic spaces--not as subjects of study, but as speakers, creators and innovators in their own right. Many expressed quiet joy and disbelief, saying it was the first time they felt truly seen. "We never thought we would be welcomed here," one vendor said, eyes shining. "It feels good to finally be we actually do matter." "Working with street vendors taught us real-world business lessons you don't always get in classrooms--how to stay agile, connect directly with customers and create value with limited resources. These entrepreneurs understand their audience deeply, adapt quickly and innovate constantly. It's been a powerful reminder that some of the smartest business thinking happens on the street," Pallavi Gupta noted. "The behind-the-scenes of StreetFlea was a whirlwind of organised chaos, creative sparks, fiery debates, coffee-fuelled teamwork and intense discussions that would somehow drift into jugaad startup ideas or where to eat next. We were fixing banners at the last minute, brainstorming at midnight and juggling ideas and espresso shots like seasoned pros. Those intense 25 days weren't just about pulling off an event--they were about building friendships, learning on the go and creating unforgettable memories," Krish Budhwani, a BBA student from NHSMRE reminisced fondly. Looking Ahead With over 10 million street vendors in India contributing to nearly 14% of urban informal employment, the potential of street entrepreneurship is enormous. HSNC University's initiative presents a scalable model for academic institutions nationwide to engage with the informal sector meaningfully. In a world that celebrates innovation and agility, perhaps it's time we shift our gaze beyond boardrooms and business schools. The future of entrepreneurship might not lie solely in start-ups and unicorns, but in the quiet brilliance of those who build something out of nothing--armed with a dream, a patch of pavement and an unyielding will to survive. HSNC University's Streetpreneurship event stands as a stark reminder that India's greatest innovators might not be in tech parks or boardrooms--but on the pavements, under umbrellas or behind carts, quietly rewriting the rules of business. About HSNC University: Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate University (HSNC University), Mumbai, a State Public University was set up in 2020 and is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan as its Chancellor; eminent lawyer Mr. Anil Harish as its Provost and Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla as its Vice Chancellor. HSNC University, Mumbai comprises renowned Mumbai colleges such as Hassaram Rijhumal College of Commerce & Economics (H.R. College) as its lead college with Kishinchand Chellaram College of Arts, Science & Commerce (K.C College) and Bombay Teachers' Training College (BTTC) among its constituent colleges. With over 12,390 students enrolled currently, HSNC University has significantly enhanced its academic portfolio in just five years while launching seven schools: Niranjan Hiranandani School of Management & Real Estate (NHSMRE); D.M. Harish School of Law (DMHSL); Chellaram School of Yoga & Wellness (CSYOW); School of Applied Sciences (SAS); School of Performing Arts (SOPA); School of Humanities & Social Science (SHSS) & School of Interdisciplinary Studies (SIS). HSNC University, Mumbai has a rich, industry-synced curriculum with futuristic teaching methods and is set to build partnerships with the industry. The aim is not only to learn from the requirements of the market and have industry collaborators willing to orient students towards the same but also to ensure internships and the best placements for its graduating students. HSNC University, Mumbai aims to set new paradigms in education by harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of the young dynamic population of India and guiding them on the path of learning, knowledge, research, innovation, service to society and entrepreneurship. In a short span of time, HSNC University is already making a significant mark in the field of higher education in Mumbai and across the country. With a focus on relevant and contemporary programs of study, it is quickly establishing itself as a key player in shaping the future of education. For more information, visit Contact Information: Press Relations- Ms. Maya M.
