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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
City gets country's first univ-certified course to skill neurodivergent adults
It all started with a question that Sangitaa Advani, a parent of an adult with Down Syndrome, asked herself some years ago: "How can my daughter wake up every day to a full and purposeful life?" What began as one family's journey led to the creation of Skill Shakti Community, a step-by-step, structured programme where neurodivergent adults can build skills, grow peer relationships, and learn to earn, in the self-paced way that they learn best. Now, that model has found institutional recognition. HSNC University, Mumbai (which oversees HR and KC colleges, among others), has recently partnered with Skill Shakti Community to launch InclusivEd, India's first university-certified Certificate and Diploma programme in applied life and career skills for neurodivergent adults. The certification will empower adult learners who have autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, or other learning differences, to get formal academic recognition for the first time. "HSNC University has taken a truly progressive step," says Advani about the pilot programme which allows self-paced and flexible learning. "It's a credible path to real inclusion, contribution, and dignity," she says, adding a university certification makes neurodivergent learners feel included and get a sense of belonging. It also gives their families a feeling of comfort and direction, especially given how much Indians value education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Finally, employers know that InclusivEd diploma holders have been coached, are capable, and ready to contribute, in roles that play to their strengths. The certification is mapped to the National Education Policy 2020, which recognised the role of internships as part of earning academic credits, and leaves room for skill-based modular learning which is flexible in both pace and format. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "Certifications like this will improve access and open new opportunities," says corporate diversity consultant Rakhee Lalvani. "When you move from charity to actually enabling people, the whole mindset changes." While the diploma (which entails earning 80 credits) implies that the learner can carry out tasks autonomously, solve simple problems in routine work, and apply judgment, there is also the option of a foundation certificate (20 credits) which means the learner has been coached in essential life skills and basic digital literacy. These options prepare the individual for various career opportunities. "This kind of move will also help people appreciate that the world has a place for everyone," adds Lalvani. In fact, some neurodivergent individuals flourish in methodical, repetitive work, for instance, in professional kitchens and hospitality settings that might not appeal to other 'neurotypical' people. At a time when the world is throttling diversity and inclusion, the pilot certification is moving in the opposite direction. While smaller companies tend to be more receptive, bigger companies have the right intent but don't always know where to begin. "We have found the most success when employers are open and partner with us to truly understand the neurodivergent individual so we can customise employment in a way that its meaningful for the individual and a value-add for the company," says Indira Bodani who founded Gateway School in Mumbai. Skill Shakti Community has been helping its InclusivEd cohort set up micro-businesses using digital tools and visual programmes that help bypass certain learning challenges such as dyslexia, among others. Each of the learners runs a business via Instagram and also interns in industry. For example, Bhoomi Soni makes Jain date-balls, Vir Kapoor makes baked goodies, and Tina Melwani makes chocolates. All three also intern at Taj Group of hotels. Rushil Kirpalani makes surreal paintings, is a model, and currently interns at Deloitte, India. Who can join the InclusivEd pilot? Neurodivergent adults above 16 years of age, who are functionally literate, can use a phone and laptop at a basic level, and are ready to learn in a peer community. A friendly personal interview helps assess if the programme is the right fit for them, says Advani. While felicitating the first 11 neurodivergent learners at the recent inaugural, HSNC Vice Chancellor Dr Hemlata Bagla said, "At HSNC University, we believe excellence wears many faces. InclusivEd is our promise to make education accessible, adaptable, and deeply human." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Mumbai boasts country's 1st univ-certified course offering life and career skills to neurodivergent adults
It all started with a question that Sangitaa Advani, a parent of an adult with Down Syndrome, asked herself some years ago: "How can my daughter wake up every day to a full and purposeful life?" What began as one family's journey led to the creation of Skill Shakti Community, a step-by-step, structured programme where neurodivergent adults can build skills, grow peer relationships, and learn to earn, in the self-paced way that they learn best. Now, that model has found institutional recognition. HSNC University, Mumbai (which oversees HR and KC colleges, among others), has recently partnered with Skill Shakti Community to launch InclusivEd, India's first university-certified Certificate and Diploma programme in applied life and career skills for neurodivergent adults. The certification will empower adult learners who have autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, intellectual disability, or other learning differences, to get formal academic recognition for the first time. "HSNC University has taken a truly progressive step," says Advani about the pilot programme which allows self-paced and flexible learning. "It's a credible path to real inclusion, contribution, and dignity," she says, adding a university certification makes neurodivergent learners feel included and get a sense of belonging. It also gives their families a feeling of comfort and direction, especially given how much Indians value education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Finally, employers know that InclusivEd diploma holders have been coached, are capable, and ready to contribute, in roles that play to their strengths. The certification is mapped to the National Education Policy 2020, which recognised the role of internships as part of earning academic credits, and leaves room for skill-based modular learning which is flexible in both pace and format. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "Certifications like this will improve access and open new opportunities," says corporate diversity consultant Rakhee Lalvani. "When you move from charity to actually enabling people, the whole mindset changes." While the diploma (which entails earning 80 credits) implies that the learner can carry out tasks autonomously, solve simple problems in routine work, and apply judgment, there is also the option of a foundation certificate (20 credits) which means the learner has been coached in essential life skills and basic digital literacy. These options prepare the individual for various career opportunities. "This kind of move will also help people appreciate that the world has a place for everyone," adds Lalvani. In fact, some neurodivergent individuals flourish in methodical, repetitive work, for instance, in professional kitchens and hospitality settings that might not appeal to other 'neurotypical' people. At a time when the world is throttling diversity and inclusion, the pilot certification is moving in the opposite direction. While smaller companies tend to be more receptive, bigger companies have the right intent but don't always know where to begin. "We have found the most success when employers are open and partner with us to truly understand the neurodivergent individual so we can customise employment in a way that its meaningful for the individual and a value-add for the company," says Indira Bodani who founded Gateway School in Mumbai. Skill Shakti Community has been helping its InclusivEd cohort set up micro-businesses using digital tools and visual programs that help bypass certain learning challenges such as dyslexia, among others. Each of the learners runs a business via Instagram and also interns in industry. For example, Bhoomi Soni makes Jain date-balls, Vir Kapoor makes baked goodies, and Tina Melwani makes chocolates. All three also intern at Taj Group of hotels. Rushil Kirpalani makes surreal paintings, is a model, and currently interns at Deloitte, India. Who can join the InclusivEd pilot? Neurodivergent adults above 16 years of age, who are functionally literate, can use a phone and laptop at a basic level, and are ready to learn in a peer community. A friendly personal interview helps assess if the programme is the right fit for them, says Advani. While felicitating the first 11 neurodivergent learners at the recent inaugural, HSNC Vice Chancellor Dr Hemlata Bagla said, "At HSNC University, we believe excellence wears many faces. InclusivEd is our promise to make education accessible, adaptable, and deeply human." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HSNC University, a cluster varsity in south Mumbai, plans to expand its campus by including 5 more colleges
Mumbai: One of the city's two cluster universities located in south Mumbai, which is a little over five years old, plans to extend its campus in the suburbs. HSNC University, a state public university, which currently comprises HR, KC and Bombay Teachers' Training College in Churchgate and Colaba, is planning to onboard Bandra's RD National, MMK and Thadomal Shahani Engineering College (TSEC) and south Mumbai's KC Law College and KM Kundnani College of Pharmacy soon. The university has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to state govt. Once permission is granted, these colleges will cease to be Mumbai University-affiliated institutes. A govt representative confirmed the receipt of the proposal from the university and said the state is considering it. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai When contacted, HSNC University vice-chancellor Hemlata Bagla confirmed that they have submitted a DPR, a blueprint of the university's roadmap after the inclusion of five new colleges, to govt and are awaiting its nod. The three constituent colleges of the cluster university had a combined student strength of 8,000, which has now gone to up to 12,000 with the launch of new courses and research centres, said Bagla, adding that with the inclusion of five more colleges, the number is likely to double. Last year, Dr Homi Bhabha State University (HBSU), which started with four constituent colleges as a cluster, brought the Institute of Forensic Science and Sydenham Institute of Management Studies and Research under its wing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo HBSU and all its constituents are govt institutes. The Bandra campus of the Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate Board, the sponsoring body of the HSNC University, which houses one arts, science and commerce college (National), one only-commerce college (MMK), and an engineering college (TSEC), are also established colleges, with a total strength of over 15,000. In fact, RD National College is the first college set up by the board. Neha Jagtiani, National College principal and also the director of the board's Bandra campus, said the alignment with the varsity will give them a great degree of autonomy to introduce new and emerging courses and also to increase fees to offer better facilities to students. For instance, she said, the college has been trying to start an undergraduate degree in data science for the last two years, but is unable to, as MU is yet to open the course for its non-autonomous colleges. " "Being part of a smaller university gives us more flexibility for all practical purposes, right from starting new programmes, syllabus revision to introducing contemporary evaluation format that will contribute to the cause of the students' overall efficiencies and align with the requirements of the recruiters," said GT Thampi, TSEC principal.
Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Mumbai University closes admission registration; commerce, allied courses most popular
As Mumbai University (MU) closed admission registration for Under Graduate (UG) degree courses, more than 2.5 lakh students have completed pre-admission online registration. This year, the university has received more than 8.1 lakh applications with students applying for admission to various courses of their choice. The course-wise data of applications received by MU shows that commerce and allied courses continue to remain most popular among students with the highest number of applications received. First merit lists for UG admissions will be out on Tuesday evening by respective colleges. More than 3.8 lakh applications have been received for commerce and allied courses offered by MU and affiliated colleges. While traditional commerce course ( has received more than 1.5 lakh applications, various professional courses offered under the commerce stream have much bigger share when combined. There are more than 2.3 lakh applications received for various professional courses in commerce stream. In science stream, however, this gap in number of applications between traditional and professional courses is much bigger. While traditional BSc has received nearly 3,5000 applications, various professional courses under science stream have received more than 7,6000 applications combined with new-age courses such as data science and artificial intelligence gaining momentum. Whereas in Arts stream, for traditional BA course, less than 5,0000 applications have been received. While professional courses under Arts stream such as BAMMC and Psychology are considered much popular, they have received a smaller number of applications. More than 34000 applications have been received for BAMMC whereas, for psychology 5490 applications have been received. Notably, there are a few courses offered by MU which have received admission applications in single digit numbers. Such courses are Bachelor of Performing Arts, Bachelor of Fine Art, and Bachelor of Engineering in Printing and Packaging Technology. HSNC University declares first merit list Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate (HSNC) University declared its first merit list on Monday. The private university in Mumbai includes popular colleges such as KC and HR, located in Churchgate. At both colleges, there is marginal increase in the cut-off scores, compared to last year. Col Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University, said, 'We are witnessing a significant surge in student interest across diverse domains—from financial markets on one hand to psychology, especially when combined with subjects like sociology, political science, and English. While science enrollments which saw a temporary dip last two years , the number of forms filled has surprisingly doubled compared to last year.'
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.
