Young Innovators’ Expo 2026 Successfully Concludes At Marwadi University In Collaboration With DST, Government of India

Marwadi University, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, successfully organized the Young Innovators’ Expo 2026. The event served as a dynamic platform to nurture innovation, creativity, and scientific thinking among school students from the Saurashtra region.

The expo witnessed enthusiastic participation from 269 students representing around 25 schools from Rajkot, Morbi, and Gondal. A total of 140 unique innovation projects were presented and demonstrated by the young innovators, reflecting their curiosity, problem-solving ability, and commitment to addressing real-world challenges.

The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Mr. Dikshit H. Patel, District Education Officer, and Rajkot, who provided motivational inputs and encouraged students to pursue innovation, research, and scientific inquiry from an early age. University leadership and faculty members were also present to welcome the participants and mentor teachers.

Projects were evaluated by an expert jury based on innovation, creativity, societal relevance, environmental impact, and feasibility. To encourage and recognize outstanding innovations, cash prizes and awards were conferred to the top-performing teams and projects.

Winners of Young Innovators’ Expo 2026

• First Prize: Saket Ganatra and Rohan Pinara, Saint Paul’s School

• Second Prize: Utsav Patel, Saint Paul’s School

• Third Prize: Vishw Jalu and Param Meheta, Dholakiya School

In addition to the top three awards, 10 projects were recognized under Special Category Awards, including: Social Impact, Sustainability & Green Innovation, Grassroot Innovation, Frugal Engineering, Assistive Technology, Digital / Smart Solutions, Use of Recycled or Waste Materials, Conceptual Innovation, Effective Use of Science & Technology, Best Presentation & Communication of Idea

A key highlight of the expo was an expert talk on “Harnessing Technologies Through IPRs” delivered by Mr. Karan Puri, Associate Vice President, Ennoble IP, which introduced students and mentor teachers to the importance of Intellectual Property Rights and patent protection. The Patent Filing Workshop further sensitized participants about converting innovative ideas into protected intellectual assets.

The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by Dr. Sumit Vyas, Project Director, Regional Science Centre, Rajkot, who inspired students to continue their journey of innovation and scientific exploration. The felicitation of winners and participants added a celebratory conclusion to the event.

Young Innovators’ Expo 2026 has emerged as a trend-setting initiative in the Saurashtra–Kutch region, promoting innovation and creativity at the school level. The event strongly aligns with the Vision and Mission of Marwadi University and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing experiential learning and innovation-driven education.

Marwadi University expressed its sincere gratitude to the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for funding and supporting this initiative, enabling the University to extend its innovation ecosystem to school students and strengthen its societal responsibility.

Through this collaborative effort, Marwadi University and DST aim to inspire young minds, nurture grassroots innovation, and build a strong foundation for future scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The organizes of the event express sincere thanks to Trusty Shri Dhruv Marwadi and DST, Government of India for providing financial and logistic support.

Four Signals From Republic Day Sales 2026: Unicommerce Analysis

Republic Day Sales 2026 offer a clear view into how India’s e-commerce market is maturing beyond discount-driven spikes towards structurally driven growth. An analysis by Unicommerce, based on over 27 million order items processed on its Uniware platform during the 2025 and 2026 Republic Day Sales periods, highlights four signals shaping the sector’s trajectory.
Tier 3 Cities Are Now Volume Leaders

Smaller cities emerged as key growth drivers. Tier 3 cities, led by Kolar (Karnataka), Rohtak (Haryana), Kamrup (Assam), Ernakulam (Kerala) and Khordha (Odisha) among others accounted for nearly 40% of total order items, with order volumes growing over 19% YoY. Healthy food volumes more than doubled in Tier 2 cities, while Tier 3 markets contributed around 43% of total food and beverage orders, underscoring the deepening reach of e-commerce beyond metros.
Repeat consumption driving growth

Order volumes grew 16.9% year-on-year, while GMV rose 11.9%, driven by higher order frequency rather than ticket size alone. FMCG & Agriculture and Beauty & Wellness were the fastest-growing categories, with nearly 80% and ~53% YoY growth respectively. Demand was led by healthy and everyday items such as dry fruits, millet-based products, packaged healthy snacks, and organic staples, and face serums, body washes along with other grooming products—reflecting a shift towards habit-driven, repeat consumption.
Speed and Automation Are Driving Conversions

Channel trends highlighted rising expectations for faster fulfillment. Quick commerce led growth with a ~25% YoY increase in order volumes, followed by brand-owned websites at 23%, while marketplaces continued to process the largest share of orders. Brands increasingly relied on automation to manage real-time inventory, routing, and customer engagement, reinforcing that execution quality is now as critical as pricing in driving sales performance.

AI-Led Engagement Is Closing the Conversion Gap

Brands leveraged AI and automation to convert high-intent demand during the Republic Day sale period this year. Insights from Unicommerce’s Convertway platform show over 2.5 million customer communications across SMS, WhatsApp, and RCS, driving improvement in conversion rates. AI Voice Agent ‘Catalyst’ further enabled last-mile order completion, with over 1.2 lakh calls made during the sales period—generating over ten times revenue for brands compared to the cost they incurred, making it a high-yield channel and highlighting the growing role of AI in shaping sale outcomes.

Together, these four signals point to an inflection in India’s e-commerce growth: repeat consumption driving growth, execution and technology-led expansion, smaller-city participation, faster fulfillment, and AI engagement emerging as the key growth levers in 2026.

About Unicommerce

Unicommerce’s solutions serve all the key processes of an e-commerce business. Uniware simplifies the backend operations of e-commerce businesses, including inventory management, order processing across multiple channels, warehouse operations, and seamless handling of return inventory. Shipway, a full-stack logistics management platform, offers courier aggregation and shipping automation. Convertway is an AI-enabled marketing automation platform designed to boost conversions and sales.

Unicommerce serves 7500+ clients across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Some of its marquee clients include FabIndia, Lenskart, Timex, TCNS, Mamaearth, Sugar, Emami, Urban Company, Cello, Symphony, Healthkart, GNC, boAt, Portronics, TMRW, Mensa, Landmark Group and many more. Unicommerce’s flagship platform, Uniware, achieved an annualised transaction run rate of over 1 billion order items in Q3 FY25.

Unicommerce’s product suite is sector and size-agnostic and designed to meet the business needs of various types and sizes of retail and e-commerce enterprises, both online and offline. Incorporated in 2012, Unicommerce is ISO 27001 (standard for information security management system) & ISO 27701 (standard for data privacy controls) certified. It is listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited.

Chris Hemsworth And Elsa Pataky’s Family-Friendly Abu Dhabi Itinerary

Looking back on their recent visits to Abu Dhabi, Chris Hemsworth shared how it’s the perfect choice for family travel, with days that mix high-energy fun with quality time you’ll remember for years to come.

“I love travelling to Abu Dhabi with the kids because there’s so much on offer. From action-packed thrills to calm, immersive and educational moments, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Experiencing nature, culture, and adventure together reminds us of what really matters: time shared, moments made, memories locked in.”

For Elsa Pataky, the easy mix of experiences makes travelling here so enjoyable as a family: “Abu Dhabi has this beautiful balance: thrilling adventures for the kids, cultural experiences for the adults, and endless opportunities for the whole family to connect and enjoy time together.”

Here’s where Chris and Elsa went on their latest visit

CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Try indoor climbing and skydiving on Yas Island. During their visit, Chris and Elsa’s family tried it all, with routes for all ages and experience Challenge yourself in the skydiving chamber or try to tackle progressively harder climbing routes, from beginner level to advanced.

Surf Abu Dhabi

On Hudayriyat Island, Surf Abu Dhabi offers controlled wave conditions suitable for first-time surfers and almost every age. Sessions can be tailored to different abilities, so it’s an easy way for parents and children to try a new sport in a relaxed, with plenty of options for food and drinks.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The fast-paced rides and indoor attractions are designed for all ages, making it easy for families to spend an entire day together. Families can move between high-energy experiences and gentler rides, entertaining little ones alongside adults with a need for speed.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Explore themed lands inspired by well-known characters, from Batman to Scooby Doo and The Flintstones, with rides and interactive experiences designed for all ages. It’s a colourful and fun space for families looking for a full day of entertainment together.

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

Art meets innovation with this interactive environment where immersive digital art installations respond to your every move. The unique spaces encourage curiosity and exploration, making it a natural stop for families looking to slow their pace and enjoy creative moments.

Yas Waterworld

Inspired by Emirati pearl-diving heritage, Yas Waterworld has a wide range of slides, wave pools and family-friendly rides. With 60+ attractions designed for different age groups, there’s space for both high-energy fun and relaxed downtime.

Beyond Chris and Elsa’s itinerary, families can explore new cultural highlights, like Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, or take a short trip to Al Ain Region, where culture, nature and heritage offer even more ways to spend time together—just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi City or Dubai.

For more ideas and to plan your visit: visitabudhabi.ae

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/

Mercedes-Benz Unveils Maybach GLS 600 SUV Priced At INR 2.75 Cr; Inaugurates India's First Maybach Lounge- Viva Star In Bengaluru

* Mercedes-Benz India launches the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 SUV in Bengaluru priced at INR 2.75 crores all-India ex-showroom. This luxurious SUV for the first time will be ‘Made in India’, outside of the USA

* Bengaluru city becomes the first city to have a ‘Maybach Lounge’ and ‘Maybach Icons of Luxury’ store together, in India

* India now breaks into Mercedes-Maybach’s Top 5 markets, globally

“The innovation capital of India, Bengaluru remains a key market for Mercedes-Benz buoyed by growing demand for topend luxury vehicles from young aspirational customers. Inaugurating India’s most exquisite ultra-luxurious ‘Maybach Lounge’ in Bengaluru, underscores the rising demand for ultra-luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Maybach. 

* Bengaluru has emerged as one of the top 3 cities for billionaires in India and the luxury consumption is growing strongly. Mercedes-Benz aims to tap this burgeoning potential of Bengaluru, with elevated customer experience and world-class retail infrastructure curated by Viva Star. With this luxury facility we strengthen our footprint in the city and confident of curating the most desirable luxury experience for our discerning customers,” says Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India.

* Viva Star inaugurates a new luxury sales and state-of-art service facility in Bengaluru, strengthening Mercedes-Benz’s footprint in Karnataka

* The showroom introduces the first ‘Maybach Lounge’ in Karnataka, complemented by the innovative Maybach Retail Kit and dedicated luxury consultation spaces

* Carrying an investment of ~INR 200 million, Viva Star was completed in record 5 months, reflecting faster market readiness and customer proximity of Mercedes-Benz

* Viva Star is located in South Bengaluru’s upscale neighbourhood that offers good connectivity for customers

* The luxury sales facility spans a covered area of 10,400 sq. ft. across four levels

* The new sales facility offers 6 car display positions, 1 delivery bay

* The after sales facility spans a covered area of 16,600 sq. ft., offering 19 working bays and premium service infrastructure

* While the sales facility features a 60 kW fast charger, Viva Star’s service facility has a 180 kW fast charger, supporting BEV customers

*Key highlights: Exclusive Customer Lounge, Private Consultation and Semiprivate Consultation Areas. An exclusive Hospitality Counter, Shop Wall for display of accessories and boutique elements. Key Presenter for Exclusive Deliveries | Exclusive Driver Lounge

*Mercedes-Benz will inaugurate 20 new luxury touchpoints in 2026 in 3 new cities, that includes new dealerships and upgrading existing facilities

India’s most desirable luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India today, inaugurated a state-of-art new luxury sales and service facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka- Viva Star. The new dealership further strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s presence in Bengaluru and in Karnataka. The new luxury facility, operated by Viva Star, reflects Mercedes-Benz’s continued commitment to discerning customers, aligned to its ‘Go to Customer’ strategy. The new dealership was inaugurated by Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Prasad Deshpande, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz Viva Star.

Karnataka’s first excusive ‘Maybach Lounge’:

Viva Star Bengaluru features Karnataka’s first ‘Mercedes-Maybach Lounge’, offering exclusively curated Maybach brand experience for top-end customers and luxury car connoisseurs. The ‘Maybach Lounge’ introduces an innovative and first-of-its kind Maybach shop-in-shop concept in Karnataka, complemented by dedicated Maybach retail elements, through the unique Maybach Retail Kit. Maybach Retail Kit presents the exclusive ‘manufaktur’ range of customization options to Maybach customers. The Maybach Retail Kits are handmade and engineered in Germany. The Maybach Retail Kit offers an elevated consultation experience to customers with luxurious white glove presentation of customization samples.

The newly inaugurated Viva Star Bengaluru facility presents luxury retail showroom and a modern service centre, offering customers seamless ownership journey. The facility is supported by curated customer consultation spaces and a dedicated handover experience, aimed at elevating customer experience.

Strategically located in South Bengaluru’s high visibility, well-established and upscale neighbourhood, Viva Star offers customers good connectivity, proximity to prime residential areas and presence of luxury brands. The facility was completed in just 5 months, reflecting swift network execution and a sharp focus on customer convenience and customer experience.

The luxury sales facility spans a covered area of 10,400 sq. ft. across multiple floors. The showroom features six car display positions along with a dedicated handover bay. The facility is supported by a trained team strength of 74 professionals including sales and service and operates as a 1S and 2S facility.

The showroom integrates luxury experience touchpoints such as private and semi-private consultation spaces, curated lifestyle boutique elements and a dedicated handover bay supported by a Key Presenter for exclusive deliveries.

Prasad Deshpande, Managing Director, Viva Star, commented, “Viva Star is proud to commence our much-coveted journey with Mercedes-Benz, the global automotive icon that is the cornerstone for luxury, prestige and desirability. We are thrilled with the inauguration of Bengaluru’s latest luxury destination, promising to create new standards in luxury sales and service facility. This facility has been designed to deliver a premium customer experience through curated consultation spaces, a dedicated handover experience and a modern service set-up focused on quality, efficiency and personalized care. We are confident this facility will add significant value to Mercedes-Benz customers in Bengaluru, and we will continue to evaluate expansion opportunities in nearby markets, basis market potential.”

Key highlights of Viva Star Bengaluru Service Facility:

The Bengaluru service facility is designed to deliver luxury service quality, quicker turnaround times and a hassle-free ownership experience. The service facility spans a covered area of 16,600 sq. ft. and is supported by a team of certified technicians to deliver personalized care.

The service facility offers 19 working bays across PMGR, Body & Paint and supporting bays, enabling comprehensive aftersales capability. Customers can expect end-to-end service coverage including preventive maintenance and general repairs along with complete body and paint jobs, ensuring support right from vehicle reception till handover. The facility also has a dedicated spare parts area to support efficient availability of genuine parts.

Enhancing customer convenience, the service facility offers an exclusive customer lounge, Express Prime Bay and a dedicated delivery bay. The facility is EV-ready and includes an EV charger with 180 kW charging capacity.

Voltas Celebrates Republic Day By Making Everyday Comfort More Accessible For Indian Households

· Celebrating the spirit of transformation, this Republic Day, with flexible EMI options and attractive card-led benefits

· Offers valid from 21st January to 31st January 2026

Voltas Limited, India’s No. 1 Air Conditioning brand from the house of Tata’s, has announced its Republic Day Offers, aimed at empowering Indian households with greater financial flexibility and ease of ownership. Aligned with the spirit of Republic Day, symbolizing equality, access, and progress, the initiative makes it simpler for consumers to upgrade to energy-efficient and advanced appliances through structured EMI and card-based schemes.

Recognising that financial pressure is one of the most common barriers to upgrading essential home infrastructure, Voltas is offering flexible payment options such as fixed monthly instalments, long-tenure repayment plans, zero down payment options, and simplified credit card EMI schemes. Available from 21st January to 31st January 2026, the Republic Day offers are valid for Voltas and Voltas Beko products across air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, air coolers and more, supported by a wide network of banking and NBFC partners.

Republic Day Consumer Finance Offer Highlights:

· Smart EMI Card Schemes: Multiple EMI tenures ranging from 3 to 18 months, offering flexibility based on consumer preference.

· Low-Cost EMI (LCEMI) Options: Reduced interest burden, with partial subvention borne by the brand on select tenures.

· Zero Down Payment Schemes: Available on select products of Voltas and Voltas Beko through partner NBFCs, lowering the entry barrier for purchase.

· Attractive Cashback Benefits: Cashback offers across select credit cards, with higher benefits at Voltas Brand Stores. In fact, in some models of Voltas Beko products, the company provides upto Rs 4000 cashback.

· Fixed EMI Plans: Structured monthly payouts starting at Rs. 1088 on select appliance categories. Further, the fixed 18*6 long EMI will also be available on some appliance categories.

· Wide Partner Network: Supported by leading banks, aggregators, and NBFCs including Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank, IDFC First Bank, TVS Credit, Home Credit, and others.

· Warranty: For select Voltas Beko products, provides a five-year warranty.

“With the launch of our Republic Day offers, we aim to enhance everyday comfort and convenience for every Indian household. This season, our efforts have been focused on making Indian homes more comfortable, modern and convenient - reflecting the aspirations of a new India,” said Mr. Mukundan Menon, Managing Director, Voltas.

He added, “At Voltas, we believe that access to a bouquet of products will help in making this aspiration a success. By offering flexible payment solutions, we aim to remove the financial barriers that often come in the way of upgrading to energy-efficient and technologically advanced appliances. Convenience today is not only about superior products - but also about simplifying the journey of ownership. With greater affordability, smarter features, and easier access, we aspire to extend the promise of comfort and convenience to our consumers, in the spirit of an inclusive and self‑reliant India.”

As part of its Republic Day celebrations, Voltas is extending enhanced convenience to customers through attractive consumer finance card schemes. These financing options enable consumers to purchase appliances through easy monthly instalments instead of paying the full amount upfront. Offered in collaboration with leading banks, credit card issuers, and NBFC partners, the schemes provide added value through:

· Low or zero down payment options

· Reduced interest rates or subsidised EMI plans

· Instant or deferred cashback benefits

· Flexible repayment tenures tailored to customer needs

These consumer‑friendly finance solutions are designed to help households manage their budgets efficiently while upgrading to modern, energy‑efficient appliances. By making affordability a key focus during national occasions such as Republic Day, Voltas continues to make technology‑led comfort more accessible to homes across India.

These exclusive offers are available for a limited period across all authorized Voltas and Voltas Beko brand outlets, as well as select retail partners and digital platforms. As the nation celebrates its constitutional values, Voltas reiterates its dedication to supporting everyday India, empowering homes to be more comfortable, resilient, and prepared for the future.

About Voltas Limited:

Voltas Limited is a premier air conditioning and engineering solutions provider and a projects specialist. Founded in India in 1954, Voltas Limited is part of the Tata Group, and in addition to Room Air Conditioners, Voltas also produces and sells Air Coolers, Water Heaters, Fans, Water Dispensers and Water Coolers, Commercial Refrigeration, Commercial Air Conditioning products. Voltas is one of the leading companies in the consumer durables within the Tata group and is the undisputed market leader in room air conditioners in India, with a footprint of over 30,000 touch points. Voltas has also launched a wide range of Home Appliances under the Voltas Beko brand name, through its equal partnership Joint Venture with Beko, a leader in Home Appliances in Europe.

Milky Mist Signs MoU With Maharashtra Government At Davos For Large-Scale Milk Processing & Dairy Products

India’s leading value-added dairy firm Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra to set up a large-scale milk processing and dairy products manufacturing facility in the state. The MoU was signed at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The agreement was executed by Dr. K. Rathnam, CEO of Milky Mist, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion plans beyond southern India.

Under the MoU, Milky Mist will establish a 10 LLPD milk processing plant, expandable up to 25 LLPD, with a diverse product portfolio including paneer, yogurts, curd, mozzarella cheese, ice cream, butter, ghee etc. The project will be developed on a land parcel measuring 1, 94,866 square metres (approximately 48.15 acres), with the land allotted by MIDC.

The total project investment is estimated at ₹1,130 crore and is expected to generate direct employment for about 800 people, providing a significant boost to local livelihoods and the regional dairy ecosystem. The project will be implemented in a phase manner. Milk procurement for the facility will be sourced within the state.

Founded in 1997 by entrepreneur T. Sathish Kumar, Milky Mist has grown into one of India’s leading value-added dairy companies, known for its strong farmer linkages, technology-driven operations and premium dairy offerings across domestic and international markets.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr. K. Rathnam said, “This MoU reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India’s dairy value chain while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers and communities. Maharashtra’s progressive policies, robust infrastructure and strong milk-producing regions make it an ideal partner for our next phase of growth.” The plant in Maharashtra will help the company at to expand its strong market presence in western India.

About Milky Mist

Led by Sathishkumar T, Milky Mist is, exclusively focused on value-added dairy products and caters to evolving consumer preferences from breakfast to dinner. The company has expanded its portfolio beyond traditional dairy offerings to include cheese, butter, ghee, yogurt, ice cream, ultrahigh temperature (UHT) products, frozen foods, ready-to-eat (RTE), and ready-to-cook (RTC) items, as well as chocolates. The company operates a fully automated processing facility in Perundurai, Erode, Tamil Nadu, focussing on higher throughput, quality products and improved production timelines and its own integrated logistics model. They offer their products under the umbrella brand ‘Milky Mist’, and sub-brands such as ‘SmartChef’, ‘Capella’, and ‘Misty Lite’—along with recently acquired brands ‘Briyas’ and ‘Asal’. Milky Mist continues to focus on continuous innovation and maintain a commitment to quality, helping us stay competitive in the dairy industry.

London To Nagpur Shopfloor: Why Globally Educated Youth Are Choosing Retail Training

In an age where young Indians chase global corporate jobs and polished office titles, a surprising career pivot is quietly playing out on India’s retail shopfloors — even foreign-qualified graduates are choosing frontline retail training to get job-ready.

It’s not because they ran out of options. It’s because many are figuring out something early: degrees open doors, but don’t always prepare you for the moment when a customer is standing in front of you — impatient, uncertain, comparing brands, and expecting answers in seconds.

This shift is becoming visible in Samsung’s DOST Sales Programme, which has steadily grown into a structured route for young professionals to learn the business from the ground up. The 2026 cohort reflects that change clearly — with participants coming from diverse academic backgrounds, including graduates with international education, choosing hands-on retail experience as a foundation for long-term careers.

So, what exactly is DOST? Put simply, it is a structured retail skilling programme that trains youth for organised sales roles through a mix of classroom learning and on-ground store exposure. Participants learn customer handling, product understanding, communication, and the basics of retail operations — skills that often decide whether a fresher stays stuck at entry-level or grows.

India’s retail market today is no longer about simply “selling”. It’s about solving. Customers arrive with online reviews, price comparisons, and strong opinions. And the shopfloor executive isn’t just a salesperson anymore — they are a guide, problem-solver, and trust-builder in a fast-moving consumer environment.

For Quazi Faizan Afroz Akhlaque Uz Zama (27), an MBA graduate from Amravati University currently training in Amravati, the programme has been less about theory and more about learning real-time decision-making.

“Through training and hands-on exposure, I learned how to communicate with customers, manage situations, and make informed decisions in real time,” he said. “Understanding customer behaviour and product differentiation has helped me approach conversations with clarity and confidence.”

But the headline moments in this year’s cohort come from those with global exposure. Take Rashneet Kaur Chhabra (26) — a graduate of University College London (UCL) with a Master’s degree in Architecture focused on Bio-Integrated Design — now training in Pune.

It’s not a conventional move. But she says it’s a necessary one.

“The diversity of the programme — across age, background, and experience — helped me understand business from a very human perspective,” she said. “In India, retail is deeply rooted in relationships and cultural understanding. Building trust and personal connection with customers is central, and that’s a lesson I will carry into global markets.”

Her experience captures what many young professionals are discovering: real confidence is built on the shopfloor — not in a classroom. It comes from conversations you can’t script, objections you can’t predict, and pressure situations you can’t pause.

The international footprint of the cohort also includes participants like Tushar, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Technology, Sydney, underlining a growing view among youth — that frontline experience can be a serious career accelerator, not a temporary stop.

Beyond individual journeys, programmes like DOST Sales reflect a broader shift in what employability now means in India. While companies across sectors often speak about “future-ready talent”, the challenge is real: many graduates are qualified but not fully prepared for high-pressure customer environments, performance-driven roles, and rapid on-the-spot problem-solving.

That’s where structured retail skilling programmes can have a larger social impact — turning education into experience, and experience into opportunity. For many young Indians, especially first-generation professionals, the shopfloor is not just a workplace — it is where confidence is built, careers take shape, and ambition becomes practical.

“With its industry-first, five-month training framework, Samsung DOST is addressing a critical need for job-ready talent in the retail ecosystem. The sharp rise in enrolments this year, including candidates with global education exposure, reflects the growing relevance of the programme. At a time when digital transformation is reshaping retail, DOST is helping build a skilled workforce equipped for the future,” said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, CSR & Corporate Communications, Samsung Southwest Asia.

As India’s organised retail economy expands, the demand for professionals who can combine product knowledge with customer trust-building is only rising. And for an increasing number of globally-educated young Indians, starting at the ground level is no longer seen as “small”.

It’s seen as smart. Because in today’s economy, the fastest way to learn isn’t always through a job title.

Sometimes, it begins by proving yourself — one customer at a time.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/london-to-nagpur-shopfloor-why-globally-educated-youth-are-choosing-retail-training

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news,  visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/