HSNC University, Mumbai Partners With Thunderbird School Of Management, Arizona State University In Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative

HSNC University, Mumbai signed an agreement offering the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative to individuals attending the University, including faculty and staff, students and the greater communities they serve.

Maya M Updated: Friday, March 28, 2025, 03:52 PM IST
From L: Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown, Director General and Dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University; Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University; Dr. Hemata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University and Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner. |

From L: Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown, Director General and Dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University; Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University; Dr. Hemata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University and Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner. |

Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate University (HSNC University), Mumbai, a State Public University, has taken global education to the next level by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thunderbird School of Global Management (Thunderbird) and the Arizona State University (ASU) in an effort to launch the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative across its three campuses in Mumbai viz, at Worli, Chruchgate and Colaba.

Through the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, students at HSNC University, Mumbai will have access to online, global education in 40 different languages, at absolutely no cost. This comes as a dream opportunity for HSNC University students who stand for quality global education.  Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University and Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown, Director General and Dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University signed the MoU in the august presence of Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University and Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner.

HSNC University, Mumbai signed an agreement offering the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative to individuals attending the University, including faculty and staff, students and the greater communities they serve.

Partnering with HSNC University, which has a rich, industry-synced curriculum with futuristic teaching methods, has opened a new gateway for the  Global Initiative in India.

The MoU signing has opened up new avenues students at HSNC University. Thunderbird will offer three online educational programs in India for personal and professional development with special focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.

These include:

1. Foundational program: Content for learners with any level of education

2. Intermediate program: Content at the high school or undergraduate education level

3. Advanced program: Content at the graduate education level

One of the program's most innovative features is its flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace and time. This approach not only accommodates different learning styles but also enables learners to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.

The Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp Foundational course of the Global Initiative is designed to inspire the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in learners and will be immensely useful to HSNC University students.

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University, expressed pride in the university’s partnership with Thunderbird School of Global Management and Arizona State University, highlighting the opportunity to offer globally recognised courses in India. He said “HSNC University is committed to enabling and empowering students by democratising access to global education and careers”.

"I am delighted to see the remarkable partnership between Thunderbird School of Global Management, a leader in global education at Arizona State University, and the visionary HSNC University, as they join forces in support of the 100 Million Learners Global Initiative. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to nurturing global leadership and facilitating knowledge exchange across borders, empowering learners from all walks of life," said Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University. "This is an initiative much needed in India and it will help drive entrepreneurship and innovation across our society. Together, we are embarking on a transformative path that will shape the future of education and develop a generation of leaders equipped to navigate the complexities and thrive in our interconnected world," she added.

Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University and Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown at the MoU signing ceremony |

"This is the boldest and most ambitious initiative for global education in the history of higher education. The "Najafi 100 million Learners" program is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, offering a unique opportunity for lifelong learning, and all at no cost to the learner. This inclusivity underscores the program's mission to empower individuals with knowledge and skills, building a global community of educated, capable citizens, I want to thank HSNC University, our partner in India for their commitment to transparently develop activities that benefit the education sector and the community in general in India," said Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown, Director General and Dean of Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

She added that, "Najafi 100 Million Learners initiative is an ambitious project and India, with its supercharged youth population is a hotbed of industry relevant education”.

Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner who was also present during the MoU signing ceremony, congratulated both parties on the MoU and added that, "This very important MoU is being signed by two leading institutions in their fields - HSNC University and Thunderbird School of Global Management."

About HSNC University: HSNC University is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) with Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan as its Chancellor; eminent industrialist, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani as its Provost and 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) amongst 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). 

The Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative is powered by Thunderbird School of Global Management, reputed as the vanguard in global leadership and management education (ranked No. 1 in the world in international trade by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) International Trade Rankings for the last three consecutive years) and Arizona State University (ranked No. 1 for innovation in the US for eight consecutive years by US News & World Report).

Published on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 06:54 PM IST

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