Dreamtime Learning, a pioneering force in transformative education, founded by renowned educator Lina Ashar, has secured undisclosed amount pre-series A funding from Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai’s Gruhas. This investment marks a significant milestone in Dreamtime Learning’s journey, and further solidifies its commitment to revolutionizing education for the future.

Ms. Lina Ashar, Founder, Dreamtime Learning; Mr. Nikhil Kamath, Investor and Entrepreneur

With this funding, Dreamtime Learning aims to accelerate its mission of redefining education beyond conventional boundaries. It aims to foster a new paradigm of conscious learning, where critical thinking, adaptability, and entrepreneurial problem-solving replace outdated industrial-age methods.

Positioned at the forefront of education transformation, Dreamtime Learning is poised to redefine learning through innovation, accessibility, and transformative experiences-ensuring every learner is equipped with the self-leadership, adaptability, and critical thinking skills needed for the future. India K-12 segment growth was valued at US$ 48.9 billion in 2023. It is, currently, estimated to grow at a rate of 10.7%. Projected to reach an impressive US$ 125.8 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by tech integration, hybrid learning models, government initiatives like NEP 2020, increased private investments, and a rising demand for skill-based learning. Additionally, there is a steadfast focus on purpose-driven, conscious education, emphasizing holistic development, emotional intelligence, and values-based learning.

Over the past two years, Dreamtime Learning has achieved significant milestones, including launching India’s first Micro-School Network in Hyderabad. It has also introduced a futuristic online school, catering to learners in 40+ countries with a personalized, real-world curriculum. Additionally, Dreamtime Learning has partnered with 60+ schools under its ‘Poweredby Dreamtime Learning’ initiative, providing cutting-edge curriculum solutions to institutions worldwide.

The capital secured will be strategically deployed to scale Dreamtime Learning’s innovative micro-school model across the metro cities and in accordance with the expansion of its global online school serving over 40 countries. They will also use this money toward improving efficiency operations that enhance student-learning experiences. Additionally, Dreamtime Learning aims to deepen its footprint in the B2B education sector with its “Powered by Dreamtime” initiative.

Lina Ashar, Founder of Dreamtime Learning, expressed her excitement, “This investment is not just about financial growth-it is a validation of our mission to revolutionise education. Dreamtime Learning is built on the principles of self-mastery, adaptability, and curiosity-qualities that truly prepare learners for the future. With the backing of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai lead Gruhas, we are set to scale our impact and reshape education for a rapidly evolving world. Nikhil is a role model for learners and parents alike, demonstrating that non-traditional learning pathways can lead to groundbreaking success.”

Nikhil Kamath, Investor and Entrepreneur, said, “Education needs to evolve with the world-learning today should be dynamic, relevant, and build real-world skills. The traditional system focuses too much on memorization and not enough on adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The future belongs to those who can learn, unlearn, and relearn at speed. As technology and industries shift, education needs to move beyond rigid structures and encourage curiosity, self-mastery, and independent thinking. The focus should be on preparing kids for what’s coming next, not just what worked in the past.”

Sudipta Saha, Founding Chief Business Officer at Dreamtime Learning, added, “This funding reaffirms our belief in the power of innovation and adaptability in education. Both Nikhil and Lina are pioneers in their respective fields-while many focus on fine-tuning existing systems, they are imagining and building what doesn’t exist yet. This alignment will enable Dreamtime Learning to set new benchmarks in future-ready education while staying true to our mission of delivering world-class learning solutions.”

About Dreamtime Learning
Dreamtime Learning, founded by Ms. Lina Ashar, the visionary behind Billabong High and Kangaroo Kids, is a next-generation education ecosystem that seamlessly integrates technology, neuroscience, and innovative pedagogy. From online learning and tech-driven micro-schools to community-based after-school programs and B2B preschool solutions, Dreamtime Learning is committed to shaping the future of education.

Dreamtime Learning Hub

Dreamtime Learning School

India’s campuses are evolving, and so is the way students interact with them. In a move that brings together payments, access, security, and digital-first experiences, NoPaperForms – the company behind Meritto, India’s leading Vertical SaaS and Embedded Payments platform for educational organizations has launched Collexo Pixi, a smart student ID card that seamlessly integrates digital payments, campus access, transit, and rewards into a single, all-in-one solution.

NoPaperForms Launches Collexo Pixi

Issued by Transcorp and powered by RuPay, Collexo Pixi extends beyond traditional student ID cards to create a more connected, seamless, and rewarding experience for students across India. Built on Collexo’s unified suite of payments and financial products, Pixi goes beyond traditional ID cards, reimagining how students navigate their academic and social lives. Acting as their everyday companion, it seamlessly integrates secure access, payments, and rewards into one unified card.

The powerful Digital ID Authentication feature bridges the gap between secure access, student identity, and status. Students or their parents can load the card and use it for both online and offline payments across the country. Additionally, the card is National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) enabled, allowing students to use it for public transport, metro, and bus systems across multiple cities. Every transaction made with Pixi also unlocks exclusive rewards, enhancing the overall student experience. Students also receive Pixi Perks-a welcome benefit worth INR 15,000 at the time of joining.

The launch of Collexo Pixi comes at a time when digital payments and smart campus solutions are seeing rapid adoption. India’s education technology and digital payments market is projected to surpass $5 billion by 2026, driven by an increasing shift towards cashless, automated, and student-first ecosystems. With an initial rollout targeting 500,000 students by the end of this year, Collexo Pixi is set to redefine how students interact with their campuses, transit systems, and financial transactions.

Reflecting on the broader vision behind Pixi, Naveen Goyal, Founder & CEO of Meritto (NoPaperForms), stated, “At NoPaperForms, we have always focused on solving for the education industry-our mission has always been to empower students and institutions with technology that transforms experiences and outcomes. With Meritto, we transformed student enrollment. With Collexo, we made fee payment seamless and efficient. Now, with Pixi, we are taking that same commitment to convenience and experience beyond enrollment, making everyday student life smoother, smarter, and more connected.”

Commenting on the partnership, Ayan Agarwal, CEO- Payment Systems, Transcorp, said, “Students are the future of our economy, and the experiences they have today will shape the way they engage with financial systems tomorrow. Transcorp’s partnership with NoPaperForms for Collexo Pixi is a step towards this vision-ensuring that students across India have access to a smart, digital-first payment and access system that integrates effortlessly into their academic lives and beyond. Pixi is setting a new benchmark in how students interact with campuses, transit, and financial ecosystems, preparing them to be responsible participants in the economy of the future.“

As India’s campuses continue to embrace digital-first solutions, NoPaperForms remains at the forefront, driving smarter, more efficient, and experience-driven innovations for students and institutions alike.

About Meritto

Meritto is the flagship product of NoPaperForms. It is the Operating System for Student Recruitment and Enrollment, enabling educational organizations to grow their revenue, boost productivity, optimize marketing spend, enhance student experiences, and increase enrollments. Meritto serves over 1,200 clients across Higher Ed, EdTech, K-12, Study Abroad Consultants, Coaching, and Upskilling sectors.

Collexo is a unified suite of financial products purpose-built for educational organizations. Whether it’s automating fee collection and settlements, offering multiple payment options, collecting fees upfront, optimizing cash flow, or parent communication, Collexo’s unified solution does it all. With Pixi as its latest innovation, Collexo continues to simplify operations while enhancing the student experience.

www.nopaperforms.com

www.meritto.com

www.collexo.com/pixi

In an era where traditional rote learning is giving way to experiential, hands-on education, Suchitra Academy International School has embraced Project-Based Learning (PBL) as a core teaching methodology from Grades I to VII. This student-centered approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing young learners for the challenges of the real world.

Students explain their PBL project to parents, demonstrating problem-solving and innovation at Suchitra Academy’s PBL Presentation Day!

With a focus on real-world problem-solving, PBL goes beyond textbooks, allowing students to explore, experiment, and engage in meaningful projects that mirror real-life scenarios. This methodology not only strengthens academic concepts but also instills independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Bridging Learning with Reality

At Suchitra Academy International School, PBL transforms classrooms into innovation hubs where students work on projects that connect classroom theories to practical applications. Whether solving environmental issues, engineering prototypes, or developing community service initiatives, students engage in projects that spark curiosity and critical inquiry.

“Students learn best when they see the relevance of what they study. Our PBL framework ensures that learning is meaningful, interactive, and applicable beyond the classroom walls,” shares a senior educator at the school.

21st-Century Skill Development

Today’s students need more than academic knowledge-they require skills that prepare them for an evolving world. Through collaborative projects, research-based learning, and interdisciplinary connections, PBL equips students with:

Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Encouraging students to analyze, question, and innovate solutions to real-world challenges.

Communication & Collaboration – Engaging in group projects fosters teamwork and effective communication, essential for future workplaces.

Creativity & Innovation – With access to Maker Space activities such as coding, prototyping, and engineering, students bring ideas to life through hands-on experimentation.

Independent Learning & Social Responsibility

One of the hallmarks of PBL is that students own their learning journey. Through research, reflection, and experimentation, they gain confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of subjects.

Additionally, many projects address sustainability, community service, and ethical problem-solving, fostering socially responsible global citizens. From eco-friendly initiatives to social awareness campaigns, students learn to be change-makers in their communities.

Interdisciplinary Learning in Action

Unlike traditional learning that segments subjects, PBL fosters interdisciplinary connections. A science experiment could incorporate mathematical data analysis, while a history project might involve creative storytelling and technology integration. This cross-disciplinary approach mirrors real-world problem-solving, making learning more engaging and holistic.

Shaping the Future, One Project at a Time

By embedding Project-Based Learning into the curriculum, Suchitra Academy International School is shaping a generation of students who are not just knowledge-seekers but knowledge-creators.

With every project, they take a step toward becoming independent thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, and responsible global citizens.

PBL isn’t just a teaching methodology-it’s an educational revolution that nurtures future-ready learners.

Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), and renowned actress Madhuri Dixit came together to falicitate and recognise individuals and organizations driving change in mental health at the Mpowering Minds Summit 2025, organized by Mpower under ABET.

Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder ABET, and Madhuri Dixit felicitate mental health change-makers at Mpowers Mpowering Minds 2025 Mental Health Summit

This year’s honorees included Policybazaar (Digital Voice for Change), The Banyan (Impactful Outreach Campaign), Rishab Rikhiram Sharma & Sunny Kumari (Healing through Art), IIT Guwahati & Jaipur Engineering College & Research Centre University (Mental Well-being Educational Institute Champions), and Dr. Sid Warrier & Nikhil Taneja(Yuva Mental Wellness Stars). Their contributions span digital advocacy, grassroots outreach, artistic healing, and institutional mental health initiatives-each playing a vital role in reshaping India’s mental health landscape.

Mrs. Neerja Birla expressed gratitude for Madhuri Dixit’s presence, stating, “Mental health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The time for conversation is over-the time for action is now. Recognizing these changemakers is crucial, as their work is shaping the future of mental well-being in India. To build a truly ‘Viksit Bharat 2047‘, mental health must be as much a priority as physical health.”

Madhuri Dixit echoed this sentiment, adding,“It is truly inspiring to see the incredible work led by Mrs. Neerja Birla in the field of mental health. As we all know, mental well-being is just as important as physical health and deserves the attention it needs. To all the changemakers-congratulations! And to every caregiver, thank you for your compassion, your support, and for being a pillar of strength. A world where everyone has someone who truly listens is a world where no one suffers alone.”

The summit also served as a platform for global experts from Harvard Medical School, the World Economic Forum, and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia, alongside leading psychiatrists and policymakers, to discuss urgent mental health challenges among India’s youth. The event featured the launch of the Mpower Research Report: “Unveiling the Silent Struggle“, which revealed alarming trends such as rising academic anxiety, social isolation, and sleep disorders among students. It also marked the introduction of the Global Mental Health Consortium, a cross-sector initiative aimed at systemic policy reform, increased funding, and sustainable mental health frameworks.

By bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, and grassroots advocates, Mpowering Minds 2025 reinforced a critical message: mental health must no longer be sidelined. This summit was not just a discussion-it was a call to action, ensuring mental well-being remains central to India’s development agenda.

About Mpower
Mpower, an initiative of Aditya Birla Education Trust is a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to transforming Indias approach to mental health. Founded 8 years ago, Mpower has emerged as a leading force in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and delivering holistic mental health care. With a robust team of over 200 trained professionals, Mpower impacts more than 121 million lives across seven cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Pune, as well as in Pilani, Goa, Kalyan, and Hyderabad. Operating through five key verticals-Movement, Clinical Care, Outreach, Academia, and Mpower 1 on 1-Mpower offers a comprehensive range of services. The Movement focuses on changing cultural perceptions and alleviating stigma. Clinical Care provides world-class mental health services through the Centre, the Foundation, and the Cell, catering to various needs from holistic care to affordable support for the underprivileged. The Outreach vertical drives awareness and capacity-building through IGNITE Programs for schools, colleges, NGOs, and corporates. Academia equips individuals and professionals with skills to handle mental health crises and foster empathy. The Helpline offers 24/7 multilingual support, while special projects like Samvedana enhance mental health care in primary health centers. Mpower’s integrated approach and collaboration with government agencies underscore its commitment to creating a supportive and stigma-free mental health landscape.

Shriram Finance, a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India, offers compelling fixed deposit interest rates, allowing potential investors to make the most out of their hard-earned money in a stable way.

Unveiling Shrirams Fixed Deposit Interest Rates

Shriram Fixed Deposit is a popular investment choice for individuals seeking a reliable avenue to grow their savings. With a range of tenure options, ranging from 12 to 60 months, and attractive interest rates that go up to 9.40%* p.a. (inclusive of 0.50%* p.a. for senior citizens and 0.10%* p.a. for women depositors), FD from Shriram Finance provides a flexible and rewarding investment opportunity.

Features and Benefits of Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit

Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit can be a wise choice for investors looking to grow their wealth without any significant risk of market volatility. Here are some of the features that make Shriram Fixed Deposit stand out in the NBFC sector:

• High Interest Rates: Unlike market-linked investments, Shriram FD is considered comparatively low-risk and provides stable returns. Interest rates on Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit go as high as 9.40%* p.a. (inclusive of an additional 0.50%* p.a. for senior citizens and 0.10%* p.a. for women depositors).

• Flexible Tenure: Investors can choose an FD tenure ranging from 12 to 60 months, allowing them better control over their finances.

• Periodic Interest Payouts: With Shriram FD, customers can opt for periodic interest payouts-monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, and on-maturity-helping them have a steady income stream.

• High Credit Ratings: Shriram Unnati Fixed Deposit is rated “[ICRA]AA+ (Stable)” by ICRA and “IND AA+/Stable” by India Ratings and Research, making it a reliable investment avenue for investors.

Begin Your FD Investment Journey with Shriram Finance

Besides appealing interest rates, high credit ratings and flexible tenure options, fixed deposit from Shriram Finance is also easy to open and manage with the company’s seamless online platform. Investors can easily track their investments and renew their FD on the website.

About Shriram Finance

Shriram Finance is a leading diversified financial services company in India, offering a wide range of financial products and services across consumer, wholesale, and business finance segments. The company has a strong presence pan India with a network of 3,196 branches and an employee strength of 79,405 with an AUM of Rs. 254,469 crores. With a focus on financial inclusion and customer-centricity, Shriram Finance continues to empower individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals.

Disclaimer: With regards to deposit-taking activity of Shriram Finance Limited (‘SFL’), viewers may refer to detailed information and T&C provided in our application form available at https://www.shriramfinance.in/downloads. The Company is having a valid Certificate of Registration dated 31st January 2023 issued by the Bank under section 45-IA of the RBI Act. However, the Reserve Bank of India does not accept any responsibility or guarantee about the present position as to the financial soundness of the company or for the correctness of any of the statements or representations made or opinions expressed by the company and for repayment of deposits/discharge of the liabilities by the company.

The 2025 Car of the Year has been awarded to the Skoda Kylaq and the 2025 car&bike Motorcycle of the Year is the Bajaj Freedom. Since its inception in 2006, the car&bike Awards have grown to clearly stand out amongst the clutter of automotive awards in India, by being the most scientifically judged and fair. Two separate juries of eminent, experienced, and multi-skilled jurors evaluated and judged the two product categories: cars and bikes.

The 2025 car&bike Awards and Jury Round was spearheaded by car&bike Editor-in-Chief Girish Karkera. The car jury also included International Racing Driver Parth Ghorpade, Auto Expert Bhuvan Chowdhary, car&bike Senior Editor Shams Raza Naqvi and car&bike Assistant Editors Seshan Vijayraghavan and Bilal Firfiray.

Car of the Year – Jan Buras, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing & Digital, Skoda Auto Volkswagon India Pvt. Ltd.

The two-wheeler jury was led by car&bike Senior Editor Preetam Bora, and included Two-Wheeler Expert & Content Creator Sagar Sheldekar, Former Auto Journalist and Head of Business, BigRock Dirt Park, Ashok George, Motorcycle Expert Pushkar Patil, Auto Expert Ogden Fernandes, car&bike Assistant Editor Janak Sorap, along with actor and auto enthusiast Satyadeep Mishra.

“Last year was a significantly challenging one for the automotive industry. But the juggernaut didn’t slow down as the Indian auto industry continued to churn out numbers on the sales chart. With more new models launched we even had a bigger challenge to pick the best ones. But thanks to our experienced jury and our audit partners we were able to ensure the deserving get their due. Not necessarily populist but definitely credible,” said Girish Karkera, Editor-in-Chief, car&bike.

To pick the best designs amongst the scores of nominations, a third exclusive jury for design included Director and Dean of Strate School of Design, Thomas Dal, Co-founder of Studio34 Designart, Aashish B. Chaudhary and Owner of C Design, Punit Chaphekar.

Viewers Choice Bike – Kunal Joshi, Corporate Communications, Hero MotoCorp (Left) Rahul Madan, Brand Manager – Xtreme, Hero MotoCorp (Centre)

The winners were selected among nearly 60 nominations which were put through stringent assessments by the two juries at the Madras International Circuit, Chennai. After a thorough and elaborate assessment, followed by voting, the winners were chosen, with the votes and data being validated by Divergent Insights, the validation partners.

The awards ceremony was held at JW Marriott, Aerocity, New Delhi, amidst a gathering of some of the most illustrious leaders of the Indian Automobile industry. Winners of the top honours, including Car of the Year, Motorcycle of the Year and Scooter of the Year, among others, were felicitated during the awards ceremony.

The car&bike Awards also have the distinction of having India’s most voted for Viewers’ Choice categories. The car&bike Viewers’ Choice Car, Motorcycle of the Year are sought-after trophies at each year’s event. The 2025 car&bike Awards Viewers’ Choice Car of the Year is the Mahindra Thar Roxx, car&bike Viewers’ Choice Motorcycle of the Year is the Hero Xtreme 125R. At the Special Citations category, the 2025 car&bike Manufacturer of the Year is Tata Motors and the 2025 car&bike Engine of the Year goes to the Nissan X-Trail.

Full List of Winners

Urbanisation has resulted in overpopulated cities, stretched infrastructure, and lower living standards in most countries, including India. Cities continue to be centers of economic activity, but the demand for housing, transport, and basic services keeps mounting. The only way to achieve this is to improve urban infrastructure and revive and develop rural regions, encouraging balanced development in areas.

Urban-Rural Balance: Learning from Global Models to Decongest Cities

Case Study: Spains Rural Renewal Investment

Spain is an excellent case study in rural regeneration. Over the last few years, the government in Spain has invested heavily in infrastructure, digital connectivity, and economic incentives to persuade people to return to rural locations. Examples are:

• Grant and tax relief for businesses to relocate to the countryside.

• Installation of high-speed internet and digital connectivity to bring remote working possibility.

• The revival of agriculture and craft sectors with the maintenance of traditional ways and the development of sustainable employment.

Thus, Spain has experienced a reverse migration trend, as individuals and families moved to rural regions from populated urban areas to achieve an improved standard of living. This shift relieved the pressure on the towns and strengthened the languid rural economies.

Relevance to India: The Way to Equitable Development

India can replicate this strategy to reduce city congestion, given its extensive rural terrain and ever-growing urban population. Here, I feel could be possible measures, which include:

• Economic Incentives: Attract industries, entrepreneurship, and qualified professionals to the countryside with tax incentives and advantages.

• Infrastructure Development: Creating roads, digital connectivity, and stable utilities to make rural life appealing and viable.

• Job Facilitation: Facilitating agro-based industries, rural tourism, and small-scale industries to provide employment opportunities beyond urban areas.

• Smart Villages: Developing well-planned townships with education, health, and recreation complexes for overall development.

Rethinking Rural Growth

• Strong communities arent just built in cities-strong communities are all about opportunities, everywhere. Empowering the countryside is the secret ingredient of a balanced future, and heres the recipe:

• Self-sufficient communities – Planned townships that combine housing, schools, and business centers to trigger local development.

• Advanced infrastructure: Roads, piped water, and clean energy choices that bring basic services to underserved areas.

• Smart housing solutions – Affordable, sustainable housing that makes rural living possible and desirable.

A Smarter Future

Conquering city congestion is not just about smarter cities; its about reimagining where and how development happens. Investment in the countryside can create a future where cities flourish without overflowing and villages are thriving economic hubs.

A stronger, more balanced tomorrow begins with building where it matters.

The author of this article is Mr Sujit Mule, Managing Director of Rachana Construction Ltd.