
CIRCULATED WITH THE ECONOMIC TIMES, AHMEDABAD WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025
AN ADVERTORIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
AN OPTIMAL MEDIA SOLUTIONS INITIATIVE, A DIVISION OF TIMES INTERNET LIMITED
POWERED BY
Celebrating Excellence of
Gujarat’s Education Stalwarts
The focus of this research was to highlight the Times Education Icons for 2024 within their respective classifi cations
S
ilver Oak University proudly adds
another feather to its cap with
the felicitation of the prestigious
Times Education Icon Gujarat 2024
Award for “Excellence in Innovation.”
The award was presented during a
grand ceremony held at The Leela
Gandhinagar, celebrating institutions
that push the boundaries of academic
quality and innovation in education.
The accolade was presented by none
other than Anand Kumar, one of the
renowned mathematician and founder
of Super 30, at a grand ceremony held
in Ahmedabad.
Silver Oak University’s commit-
ment to fostering cutting-edge re-
search and creating a future-ready
curriculum has earned it this well-
deserved recognition. With a focus
on blending traditional knowledge
systems with modern advancements,
the university has consistently raised
the bar in higher education. This
recognition underscores Silver Oak
University’s relentless pursuit of
innovation and its dedication to cre-
ating an ecosystem that nurtures cre-
ativity, critical thinking, and societal
impact. In addition to its achievements
in design education, Silver Oak Uni-
versity has established itself as one of
a leaders in research and innovation.
The university has completed numer-
ous research papers spanning diverse
fields such as technology, sustainabil-
ity, healthcare, and social sciences,
contributing to the advancement of
knowledge across disciplines. From
its advanced curriculum to its empha-
sis on holistic student development,
the university continues to empower
learners and shape future leaders.
Representing Silver Oak Universi-
ty at the event, Executive President
Poonam Agrawal and Director Sakshi
Agrawal received the award on behalf
of the university. Their leadership and
vision has been instrumental in driv-
ing the university’s mission to deliver
transformative education that con-
tinue to steer the university toward
achieving greater milestones in educa-
tion and research.
As Silver Oak University continues
its journey of distinction, this award
serves as both an acknowledgment of
its achievements and a motivation to
set new benchmarks in education and
innovation.
E
stablished in 2023-24, Little
Marvels Preschool has quickly
emerged as one of the trailblaz-
ers in early childhood education.
Nestled in the tranquil surroundings
of Shela-Bopal, it is the visionary cre-
ation of Shanti Asiatic, designed to
meet the dynamic needs of post-pan-
demic learners.
The pandemic reshaped how chil-
dren interact with the world,
altering their developmental
needs. Understanding these
changes, Little Marvels Pre-
school has been thoughtfully
designed to provide a nurtur-
ing, open, and joyful learning
environment. Here, children
grow emotionally, so-
cially, and intellectu-
ally while embracing
their unique identi-
ties.
The preschool
boasts a state-of-
the-art campus
that encourag-
es curiosity,
creativity, and
confidence. With
a unique focus on
education and care,
Little Marvels
blends innovative
learning methodol-
ogies with a com-
passionate approach,
ensuring holistic devel-
opment for every child.
At Little
M a r v e l s ,
education
transcends
t r a d i t i o n a l
boundaries. It
is a sanctuary
where young
minds explore cognitive and
creative horizons, prepar-
ing them for a vibrant, ev-
er-evolving world. Every aspect of the
preschool reflects its commitment to
fostering a child-centric, progressive
learning experience.
This dedication has
been recognized on a
grand scale. Little Mar-
vels Preschool was re-
cently honored with the
Emerging Preschool
of the Year Award by
Times Education Icons, solidifying its
reputation as one of a leaders in early
education in Ahmedabad.
T
he Design Education sector has witnessed remark-
able growth over the past decade, with Bhanwar
Rathore Design Studio (BRDS) playing a
pivotal role in raising awareness among
students and parents about promising
careers in Design and Architecture.
Founded in 2005 by Bhanwar
Rathore, BRDS has become one of
India’s leading consultancy
in Arts, Design, and Portfolio
preparation. With approximately
87 centers across the country
and an international presence
in Dubai, BRDS helps over
8,000 students each year secure
admission to some of the top Design
Colleges, making it the go-to choice
for coaching in Design entrance
exams.
Moreover, BRDS also works in the
segment of accessible Design Educa-
tion by offering a range of professional,
industry-driven specialised courses such
as Fashion & Interior Design catering to a
diverse audience, including school and
college students, homemakers, and
working professionals. With
its inclusive approach
to design education,
BRDS has made a ca-
reer in design acces-
sible to individuals
from all walks of life.
The institute’s pro-
grams are tailored to
inspire students to see Design not only as a passion but
also as a profession. This unique philosophy distinguishes
BRDS as one of the trailblazers in India’s design education
landscape.
Bhanwar Rathore, the visionary behind BRDS,
is amongst leading figures in Design Education
Industry. A graduate of NIFT Gandhinagar, he
began his career as a fashion designer at Arvind
Mills before pursuing higher studies, obtaining
both a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Fashion Design
and specialisations from IIT Delhi and IIM
Ahmedabad. With nearly two decades of
experience, he has mentored over 60,000 students,
shaping the future of design education in India.
Honoured with numerous national and in-
ternational accolades, Rathore has been rec-
ognized as one of India’s foremost design ed-
ucation experts. For seven consecutive years
(2018-2024), he has received prestigious awards,
while BRDS has been repeatedly acknowledged
as proficient in its field, earning titles such as
Best Design & Architecture Coaching Institute
and Best Fashion & Interior Design Institute
in Gujarat.
Today, Bhanwar Rathore Design Stu-
dio remains a beacon for aspiring
designers, offering quality
education and favour-
able opportunities,
making it one of
the preferred des-
tination for any-
one pursuing a
career in Design
& Architecture.
W
hen students are
taught to believe
in themselves, edu-
cating them becomes a lot
easier.
Shree Swaminarayan
Gurukul, one such academ-
ic institution believes that
every human being is em-
powered to develop to the
best potential by rousing the
awareness of his or her true
self. This idea to empower
students is one of the key dis-
tinguishing features of the
school. Recenet prevailing
ensures that its approach,
teachings and techniques
are in tune with the trends.
“We understand that it
requires a ‘gurukul’ kind
of atmosphere about shar-
ing and caring, where the
values of love, freedom,
sincerity and justice are
experienced and lived out
by pupils, eventually striv-
ing for distinctiveness to
achieve his / her potential
in the years of learning. The
greatest gift one can give
to a child is to teach him
to know and master him-
self with the help of good
sanskar. A child’s physical,
intellectual and spiritual
growth requires conducive
environment, and this is
what we offer to our stu-
dents,” said the school.
The idea of starting this
novel academic initiative
was taken ahead in 1995
under the blessings and
guidance of Swami Bhak-
tikishordas with the bless-
ings of Akshar Niwasi Pu-
jya Painter Swamiji and
people from Vapi. Today
‘Gurukul’ is a well-known
name in South Gujarat.
Distinguished institu-
tion that started with 120
students and five teach-
ers, has today grown into
a sought-after centre for
learning in the region,
that focuses on providing
a child with a meaningful
blend of contemporary ex-
posure mingled with Indi-
an values. Ancient Indian
wisdom and modern scien-
tific temper are merged for
the physical, intellectual
emotional and spiritual
development of students.
The school is equipped with
modern amenities and out-
standing facilities.
Shree Swaminarayan
Gurukul are fully aware
that education is not about
mere passing of exams so we
spare no effort in shaping
our students personalities
to enable them to grow into
enriched men and women.
Keeping in view their
goals towards all round de-
velopment of the child, a va-
riety of non-academic skills
like music, dance, art and
craft, karate, skating etc
form an integral part of the
curriculum, besides physi-
cal education activities like
football, basketball, bad-
minton, chess, carom.
Shree Swaminarayan
Gurukul’s vision propels
their overall endeavour
and we have a lot to accom-
plish in the near future to-
wards making a glorious
tomorrow for our children.
Silver Oak University Bags the Coveted
Times Education Icon Award for Innovation
Little Marvels Preschool: Redefi ning
Early Education in Ahmedabad
Designing Careers, Building Futures
The story of Bhanwar Rathore Design Studio (BRDS)
Bhanwar Rathore
Brijmohan Chiripal,
Chairman, Little Marvels
Preschool
ALPHA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Value For Money School
LITTLE MARVELS
Emerging Preschool of the Year
SILVER OAK UNIVERSITY
Excellence in Innovation
SKIPS UNIVERSITY
Emerging University of the Year
ST. KABIR SCHOOL
Excellent CBSE School
ST. KABIR SCHOOL
Excellent GSEB School
SWAMINARAYAN GURUKUL, VAPI
Excellence in CBSE School in Vapi
VEDANT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Excellence in Co-Curricular Activities
SWAMINARAYAN SCHOOL, SURAT
Excellence in Academics
SHANTI ASIATIC SCHOOL, BOPAL
Excellence in Academics
SHANTI ASIATIC SCHOOL, VASTRAL
Excellence in Academics
DIVINE CHILD SCHOOL, MEHSANA
Excellence in Academics
DIVYAPATH SCHOOL
Holistic Approach in School Education
GENEVA LIBERAL SCHOOL
Emerging International School
of the Year
DIVINE CHILD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Excellence in Academics
BHANWAR RATHORE DESIGN STUDIO
Excellent Institute for Design
and Architecture
GFE BUSINESS SERVICES
Leadership Excellence in Export Import
Business Trainings &
Global Networking
RINKAL PATEL (CREATIVE HIVE STUDIO)
Excellence in Supporting and Promoting
Brilliant Art and Painting Students
SATYAMEVA JAYATE
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Excellence in Inclusive Education
(for supporting Diversity and Inclusion)
MAHATMA VALLEY PRE SCHOOL,
MITHAKHALI
Excellent Pre School for Practical Learning
MAHATMA VALLEY PRE SCHOOL,
MOTERA
Excellent Pre School for
Innovative Learning
NARAYANA EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Excellent JEE & NEET
Preparation Institute
INSTITUTE OF ADVANCE NETWORK
TECHNOLOGY (IANT)
Excellence in IT Training & Certification
KALOL TALUKA KELAVANI MANDAL
SANCHALIT (C. I. PATEL HIGHER
SECONDARY SCHOOL)
Excellence in Academics and
Outdoor Activities
G D GOENKA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,
AHMEDABAD
Fastest Growing School of the Year
SILVER OAK INSTITUTE OF DESIGN
Excellence in Promoting Indian Arts and
Crafts through Design Education
VEDANT INTERNATIONAL PRESCHOOL
Innovation in Teaching
LEARNOMINE ACADEMY
Emerging Multimedia and Animation
Coaching Institute
POWER OF ABACUS
Excellence in Coaching Abacus and
Vedic Maths
LITTLE CHAMP NURSERY
Excellence in Holistic
Learning Approach
SANGEETA PATEL
(ARMY PUBLIC SCHOOL)
Visionary Leader & Social Contributor
SARVAJANIK UNIVERSITY
Excellence in Serving the
Educational Needs
GLOBAL COLLIANCE OVERSEAS
EDUCATION PVT LTD
Excellence in Overseas Education
J G INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Excellence in International
School Education
J G UNIVERSITY
Excellence in Industry Embedded
Curriculum & Delivery
BHANWAR RATHORE DESIGN STUDIO
Excellent Institute for Fashion and
Interior Design
ANANDA GLOBAL SCHOOL
Changemaker School
Nurturing young mind with holistic, ancient and
contemporary wisdom
Turn to Page 2 for the Research Methodology
!
Sakshi Agrawal and Poonam Agrawal receiving the award from Anand Kumar
Swami Dharmatanaydas
Swami Bhaktikishordas