Divya Gokulnath: Educationist, Entrepreneur Find out how the Byju's co-founder started her journey as an educationist and get insights on her perception of the global education space

By Puneet Kapani

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Divya Gokulnath, Co-founder Byju's

Divya Gokulnath is a leading name in edtech space as being the co-founder of Byju's, one of the world's leading edtech startups and an educationist herself for over a decade. In her conversation with Entrepreneur India, she talks about her personal experiences with teaching and how she expects a golden age of teaching to come back due to technology.

Education and teaching

Gokulnath shared that she started teaching ever since she was in college. It didn't stem out from a business perspective, but merely something she really liked to do. With her learning beginning with biology and math, she specialized in biotech and explored a new way of learning while preparing for GRE.

Studying with Byju helped her see education in a new light as well as starting her official teaching career in some of the first batches. Divya remembers the first time she took a class. "I had to wear a saree to look older." She still believes in innovation needed to give new opportunities to children to fall in love with learning which she believes every child deserves.

The online-offline hybrid education

In light of the pandemic, the arena of online learning was truly explored. Byju's eventually adopted a completely digital space of learning which makes one wonder if one is sufficient in an absolute way. Divya dismisses these notions and agrees that there are some facets of learning which can only be done offline.

A lot of core subjects and knowledge can be imparted online provided students are old enough to grasp it completely through such an environment. Thus, she calls the future of learning a blend or hybrid of online and offline education. Gokulnath said: "A hybrid learning system is aimed to combine the best aspects of the online and offline systems to help a student become a wholesome learner."

The future of edtech

The education sector is the only one that doesn't chart as high as the $100-billion companies as is common in other sectors. "It is quite surprising that a sector as important and impactful as education does not have a $100-billion company. Especially the pandemic has put a spotlight on edtech across the world. There is a lot of scope and several edtech startups are taking off in India and a lot of interest from investors. But there's so much that can be done," Gokulnath exclaimed.

Gokulnath assured, "There is a lot of potential here and a golden age of teaching can actually come back because of technology."

Having made her mark with various plunges she took in the education industry, Gokulnath emphasizes the need for an interpersonal connection between students and teachers. With awareness for online learning, she thinks the skills for creating, problem-solving, and collaborating are the most important ones that need to be harnessed.

.

Wavy Line
Puneet Kapani

Former Features Editor

Puneet Kapani, former features editor for Entrepreneur India, is self-driven and passionate about happenings and nuances of the world. She writes on lifestyle, gadgets, beauty, wellness, entertainment and technology updates around the globe. She has previously worked with L’Officiel India magazine, FHM Magazine and Times Internet. 

Catch a glimpse of her work at @PuneetKapani on LinkedIn and @puneetkapani on Instagram.

Related Topics

Leadership

5 Traits and Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs in 2023

Entrepreneurship has become the new trending topic in the business world. In 2023, the entrepreneurial world is expected to flourish more than ever, and it will take a certain set of skills to be a successful entrepreneur. This article highlights what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in 2023.

News and Trends

Attron Automotive Raises INR 4.75 Crore Funding

The company plans to use the funds to support its key growth initiatives, including the setup of an assembly line, establishment of a prototyping facility, team expansion, and research and development efforts to drive innovation in existing and new technologies

Growing a Business

A Teen Turned His Roblox Side Hustle Into a Multimillion-Dollar Company — Now He's Working With Karlie Kloss and Elton John

Rush Bogin, an 18-year-old fashion designer, learned firsthand how finding market gaps and listening to customer feedback can bring major success.

Leadership

How to Identify and Handle Toxic Business Leadership

Toxic business leaders are the danger of modern corporate life. Unfortunately, they may hide behind good reputations. Let's discuss four signs of toxic leadership and strategies to deal with it.

News and Trends

RBI Continues To Keep Repo Rate Unchanged At 6.50 Per Cent

The previous change in the key rate took place in February 2023 when RBI hiked the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.50 per cent.