Solan, December 7
Herbalife India, a premier global health and wellness company, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shoolini University to introduce the subject of direct selling as a part of its online MBA and BBA programmes.
The MoU provides for reorganising and restructuring the Centre of Excellence for Direct Selling in Academics (CEDSA) at Shoolini University, in collaboration with Herbalife India. With this understanding between the two knowledge partners, the MBA and BBA curriculums at the university will now come in with a specialisation in ‘Direct Selling Management’.
The new restructured programmes will commence from the next academic session in 2023-2024. The course will be a stepping stone towards familiarising students with the corporate and entrepreneurial opportunities present in the industry.
Mr Ashish Khosla, Co Founder and President Marketing and Innovation, Shoolini University, said : “I am delighted to announce the formalisation of a strategic partnership between Shoolini University and Herbalife International Pvt Ltd India through the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering innovation, research, and holistic education. By joining forces with Herbalife, we aim to create a dynamic platform that combines academic expertise with industry insights, offering guidelines for unparalleled opportunities of growth and development in the fields of inclusive entrepreneurship, sales, health and wellness.”
Ajay Khanna, SVP and MD, Herbalife India commented on the collaboration, saying, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Shoolini University. The signing of the MOU is a testament to our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the direct selling industry. The industry is rapidly expanding in India, where the country has risen to the 11th globally. Hence, the demand for a structured program dedicated to direct selling in the MBA curriculum is the need of the hour. This strategic alliance will not only equip the students with the skills and insights they need to excel in this dynamic industry but will also take the direct selling sector in India to new heights. ”
According to a report from World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA) last year, India has currently moved up to the 11th position in the global ranking for Direct Selling. The industry employs nearly six million people, which has significantly increased over the last couple of years. Despite socio-economic challenges, the sector has emerged resilient with career options for the youth and employing individuals from Tier 2 and 3 cities, including women.
As part of the larger collaboration, Shoolini University with Herbalife India will provide and facilitate the teaching modules to academic organizations willing to introduce Direct Selling as a promising subject to their curriculum.
The direct selling industry offers professionals the chance to pursue full-time career development and entrepreneurship. Skill enhancement is quintessential for growth, as it facilitates professionals to hone their leadership and sales abilities. This collaboration aims to promote the Direct Selling industry in India as a catalyst for employment, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.
