Serving as Managing Director, Sakshi Bansal supports a visionary educational ecosystem where SAGE University Indore recently secured a historic NAAC A+ accreditation in its first cycle. Through dedicated incubation centers, the group actively transforms young learners into patent-holding innovators and future industry leaders.

Sakshi Bansal serves as the Managing Director of the Sage Group, where she oversees Sage University Indore and the Sage International Schools in Bhopal. The group currently has around 50,000 students enrolled across its educational institutions, and she is responsible for supervising their overall operations and academic ecosystem.

Apart from her role in education, she is also the Chief Growth Officer at Intex Technologies, a Delhi-based company engaged in the manufacturing and selling of electronic products. Intex is a three decade old brand in the electronics industry, and her role there focuses on driving growth and expansion.

Sage Group, founded by her father, is a family-led enterprise that has expanded into diverse sectors including real estate, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and industry. The organization operates across multiple domains, reflecting its diversified business presence.

Through her dual leadership roles, she balances responsibilities in higher education management and corporate growth strategy, contributing to both institutional development and industrial expansion.

Sakshi Bansal shares that she is sitting at Sage University Indore, which is located on a hill and spread across 100 acres. She explains that the campus houses 15 institutes that operate within it. The university offers engineering, management, commerce, agriculture, design, performing arts, computer applications, advanced computing, legal studies, and many more courses.

She emphasizes that whatever a student aspires to become, the university provides the platform to pursue it. If someone wants to become a lawyer, there are programs in law and legal studies. If someone wants to become a dancer, there is performing arts. If someone wants to become a designer, there is the Institute of Design. If someone wants to become an entrepreneur, there is the Institute of Management. According to her, students can come to Sage University Indore to fulfill their dreams and turn their passion into their profession.

She further states that more than 800 individuals are currently working tirelessly at Sage University to provide the best possible education to students. The institution does not focus merely on achieving a particular mark or securing a specific salary package. Instead, the focus is on helping students become better human beings. The aim is to equip students with the ability to earn when they reach the age of 50, meaning they are taught the skill of earning and understanding how to sustain themselves.

Along with that, students are guided on how to live harmoniously within a family and how to carry values and ethics in their lives. Principles, ethics, and dealing with people are considered essential aspects of development. She highlights that spirituality is given significant importance, with spiritual classes and meditation sessions conducted so that a student can grow into a complete human being. She believes this is what the true focus of education should be.

Managing Director Sakshi Bansal explains that Sage University Indore began in 2017 with just 100 students in its first year. From that beginning, by 2025, the university has grown to more than 15,000 students studying and working on campus. She describes this as part of the Sage Group’s motto that growth should be exponential. This growth, she notes, has been possible because the institution pays close attention to every single student. Whether it is training, placement, or the student progression index, each student is mapped individually.

Their aptitude, attitude, skills, and technical education are assessed carefully. Students range from those entering after 10th or 12th grade in diploma programs to those pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs. The age group spans from 18 years to 40 years at Sage University Indore. Each student is tracked from the moment they enter the university.

If a student has weaker skills in mathematics or English, they are trained accordingly. After six months or one semester, progress is mapped again to determine improvement. This continuous tracking and training ensure that students are ready when campus placements arrive and fully prepared when they step out after graduation.

She also describes the presence of the Sage Student Ambassador Cell, a council run entirely by students. It has 200 members who take decisions regarding various student-related activities across the university. Student clubs, branding groups, placement groups, and research initiatives are actively handled by students themselves. Students communicate directly with companies and contribute to placement processes.

Sakshi Bansal shares with pride that 18-year-old students from the pharmacy institute have secured a patent under the guidance of their professors. Three students together achieved this milestone, which she describes as incredible. She notes that this is just the beginning, as several other students have filed patents and received grants.

Following patent grants, many students are building startups, securing funding, and working toward transforming their ideas into companies and even aspiring to build unicorn ventures. She assures that Sage University is there to support them. The Sage Incubation Center is registered with MHRD, MeitY, AICTE, and other government bodies, which provide support to the startups emerging from the university.

Sakshi Bansal poses a series of possibilities to students: whether they want to become entrepreneurs, advocates, judges, forensic scientists, computer software engineers, AI engineers, designers, agriculturists, or pursue any other profession. She emphasizes that whatever one wants to become, Sage University Indore provides the opportunity and environment to achieve it.

She explains that the Sage Group operates two CBSE schools under the name Sage International. One school is located in Ayodhya Nagar, Bhopal, and the other in Danish Kunj, Bhopal. These schools were started in 2018 and 2020 respectively, and currently there are more than 6,000 students studying in them. She highlights that from the very beginning, strong focus has been given to students starting right from Montessori education. She proudly shares that the school has produced a 10th class CBSE topper and has become the youngest school in Madhya Pradesh to achieve this milestone. She expresses great happiness recalling when this news came in 2025.

She further states that there have been many MOUs signed by Sage International School to enhance learning exposure. If students wish to explore the universe through a telescope and understand what exists in the cosmos, they have that opportunity. If they want to learn robotics, there is a dedicated robotics lab. If they want to experience simulations such as standing on the moon and walking like an astronaut, such facilities are available. There is an AI lab and an Apple lab, along with multiple other laboratories where students can gain high-quality, practical education.

Along with academics, equal emphasis is placed on sports infrastructure. The school provides a swimming pool, football grounds, volleyball grounds, lawn tennis courts, badminton courts, and various indoor games facilities. She explains that the institution aims to provide overall development and holistic education. She encourages parents to visit the school campus, mentioning that when one enters the premises, it feels like entering a hotel. That is the kind of environment they intended to create. She mentions that when the school was established in Bhopal, it became the youngest school to introduce fully air-conditioned classrooms and buses. The intention was to create a comfortable environment where students can think about their life and future without discomfort.

Beyond academics and sports, she emphasizes the importance of spirituality. Similar to Sage University, Sage International School also conducts sessions with spiritual gurus who guide and train students. Skill classes are organized where students, both male and female, are taught various professional and practical skills. They are educated about life skills as well as spiritual values. The vision is to shape a complete individual. A student can study at Sage International School from the age of three up to eighteen. From eighteen to twenty-two or twenty-three, they can continue at Sage University in Bhopal or Indore, as there are two universities under the group.

She further explains that after completing education, if a student wishes to work, there are multiple opportunities within the Sage ecosystem itself. They can work in real estate under the group, in the universities, or in healthcare at Apollo Sage Hospital. Those interested in electrical infrastructure can work at Agrawal Power Private Limited. She concludes by stating that once a person becomes associated with the Sage Group, they remain connected for a lifetime, as there are numerous opportunities across its various sectors. She ends with gratitude.

Sakshi Bansal proudly states that Sage University Indore became the first university and the youngest university in India to receive NAAC A+ accreditation in its very first cycle. She considers this a significant milestone for the institution and a reflection of the standards and quality maintained at the university level.

Sharing about herself, Sakshi Bansal says that she was born in Bhopal in 1996 and mentions that she will turn 30 this year. She describes her childhood as beautiful and deeply memorable. She grew up in a joint family where she lived with her tau, tai, their two sons, her mother, father, elder sister, grandfather, and grandmother. Living in such a closely connected household shaped many of her fondest memories. She recalls celebrating Holi and Diwali with her cousins and siblings, memories she believes no one can ever replace.

She remembers her father telling her tai (aunty) to make sure that the children were properly fed, her mother taking care of them when her grandparents were around, and the affectionate pampering from her dada and dadi. She also fondly recalls moments when, after being scolded by her parents, she would go to her grandparents to complain about them. These moments, according to her, form the most precious memories of her childhood.

Her early education was completed in Bhopal. For higher studies, she went to Bombay to pursue her BBA. After that, she moved to Singapore and studied at Singapore Management University, which she describes as one of the best universities in the world, where she completed her Master’s in Management. After finishing her education abroad, she returned to India and joined the family business. Upon joining, she looked after multiple aspects of the organization, including human resources, real estate, and other operational factors.

Later, her sister also joined the group. Her sister looks after the Bhopal University and manages the Sage Group of Institutions. Being an architect by profession, her sister also oversees the development of buildings in real estate projects and other areas, including the hospital under the group.

Sakshi Bansal reflects on an important practice that her parents introduced during her childhood, which she believes played a significant role in shaping her mindset. Depending on the age group they were in, her parents would give her and her sister one page from a book to read every day—books that contained a learning on each page.

Each page would have a paragraph, sometimes from Harvard essays or other insightful sources, and after reading it, they were required to write in their own words what they understood. In the evening, when her father returned from work, he would sit with both daughters and review what they had written. This habit instilled in them a discipline of reading regularly and, more importantly, thinking deeply about what they read. She believes that this continuous exercise strengthened their ability to analyze and improved their thinking process.

She further shares that her father always emphasized that coming first was not important, but understanding things deeply was essential. According to him, one should have at least some knowledge about every area, especially if the goal is to become an entrepreneur.

A researcher may have a strategy focused solely on their specialized stream, but an entrepreneur who wants to run a business must possess a broad understanding of multiple domains. She explains that while specialized professionals can always be hired, an entrepreneur must have common sense and basic knowledge of finance, HR, and overall functioning. She considers this holistic thinking and practical understanding as one of the most valuable lessons her parents taught her from childhood.

Sakshi Bansal reflects that throughout her 30 years of life, she has learned many lessons and continues to learn from different people around her. She believes that no single person possesses every quality. As her father often says, only Lord Krishna embodied every virtue completely, but in real life one can learn something valuable from each individual. She strongly believes in observing people and absorbing different strengths from them.

From her father, she has learned the ability to think ten years ahead. She explains that whenever he speaks about something today, he already has clarity in his mind about where he wants to see that decision in one year, five years, or even ten years. She describes his strong intuition and gut feeling as exceptional. Through him, she has learned to trust her instincts and to make present-day decisions based on long-term vision. According to her, this quality is extremely important in business because foresight and strategic thinking determine sustainable growth.

From her mother, she has learned sacrifice and patience within a family structure. She shares that managing a family requires balance—sometimes one has to be strict, and at other times soft and understanding. Only then can a family function harmoniously. Observing her mother taught her that patience is essential, especially when bringing everyone together and maintaining unity within the household.

Speaking about her husband, Keshav Bansal, she mentions that he owns his own company, works with his father, and at the age of 22 had owned an IPL team. From him, she has learned how to make every person feel special. She considers this a rare and unique quality.

She observes that most people primarily think about themselves—about what is happening for them or what they are receiving. However, her husband thinks about how he can make the people in his life feel valued and special—whether it is his sister, wife, mother, father, uncle, or aunt. She notes that he does a lot for family members while simultaneously managing his business responsibilities. Seeing this inspires her to ask herself why she cannot do the same. From him, she has learned the importance of giving wholeheartedly to family and showing care through actions.

She summarizes that from her father she gained business vision and long-term thinking, from her mother she learned patience and family balance, and from her husband she learned the importance of making loved ones feel special and valued. Along with the spirituality instilled by her parents, she feels that these combined influences have given her a strong and clear mindset about where she wants to go in the future.

Sakshi Bansal believes that in life everyone faces down days. There are times when issues arise within the family, and there are times when challenges surface at work. She acknowledges that such phases are natural and part of every individual’s life. For herself, she has developed certain approaches that help her handle both professional and personal difficulties.

When she feels low in business or encounters professional setbacks, she focuses on one central question: why did she start? She reminds herself of the original purpose behind beginning the work.

She says that at the time of starting anything, there is always a vision in mind—an image of where one wants to see oneself or the company in the future. However, along the way, difficulties emerge. There may be misunderstandings with a boss, conflicts with juniors, confusion about work, or various other challenges that everyone experiences at some point.

During such moments, she consciously returns to her starting point and reflects on the purpose behind her decision. By remembering her original goal, she regains confidence, strength, and courage. It reminds her that the larger objective is still ahead and not yet achieved, and that becomes the motivation to continue moving forward.

On the personal front, she acknowledges that relationships also go through fluctuations. There may be disagreements with a husband, differences with a sister, father, or any family member. In such emotionally intense moments, she turns toward spirituality. She listens to spiritual gurus such as the Brahma Kumaris, Baba Shivanand, and Paramahansa Yogananda. Watching and listening to their videos helps her process her emotions.

She explains that when emotions are high—when there is anger, irritation, or inner disturbance—the first step should be calming oneself. Rather than simply counting to ten to control anger, she prefers immersing herself in spiritual guidance. Through those teachings, she often finds answers that directly resonate with her situation. She feels personally connected to the insights shared in those videos, and gradually her emotional state settles.

After spending time listening and reflecting, she finds that within ten minutes she begins to calm down. Once calm, she starts seeing new solutions. Sometimes she feels prompted to make a call and apologize, or reconsider how to communicate better. This combination of remembering her purpose in professional life and seeking spiritual grounding in personal matters forms her method of handling difficult phases. She applies this approach in both professional and personal situations whenever she feels down.

Sakshi Bansal shares a message for all SAGEians, stating that currently more than 5,000 SAGEians are working within the SAGE Group, and there is significant growth ahead. She encourages anyone who wishes to become a part of SAGE to connect with any existing SAGEian around them. According to her, if someone knows even one person working in the SAGE Group, they can approach them directly.

She further explains that even if there is no SAGEian nearby, interested individuals can visit the official websites and apply there. However, she emphasizes that if someone connects with a SAGEian, that person can directly inform the HR department about where and how the candidate can apply, guiding them properly and helping them move forward in their career path.

Addressing students, she says that if they want to study at the university or are already studying there, they should actively participate in university life. They should attend classes regularly, take part in activities, and engage in events. She highlights that if a student becomes part of this ecosystem, they can definitely achieve what they aspire to become. However, she clearly states that the student must take the first step.

Speaking to parents whose children are currently studying at SAGE, she begins by expressing gratitude for trusting SAGE University with their children. She thanks them for placing their faith in the institution. She then requests that once the student is under the university’s guidance, parents should support the instructions given by the institution.

If the university says that the student should attend classes, parents should reinforce the same. If the university advises that the student should pursue certain academic or developmental activities, parents should encourage them as well. She emphasizes that the institution understands what works best for students and therefore asks parents to continue trusting the SAGE Group.

For parents whose children have not yet joined, she invites them to visit the campus and see for themselves. She mentions that there are at least 20 laboratories established across different institutes, each designed for specific disciplines. She highlights the extensive work being done in Artificial Intelligence and mentions that the university is fully aligned with NEP 2020, the National Education Policy. She encourages parents to visit and experience the positive and welcoming environment of the campus.

Concluding her message, she states that for the past 40 years, people have given immense love and support to the SAGE Group, and she expresses hope that this trust and affection will continue in the future.

Sakshi Bansal addresses all her dear SAGEians by acknowledging the discipline and structure with which they work. She observes that they make plans for one year, five years, and even ten years. They prepare daily visions, create daily plans, generate daily reports, and share updates in groups. She recognizes the effort and the extensive amount of work that goes into these structured processes.

Her central message, however, is simple yet powerful: whatever work is done, it should be done with happiness. She emphasizes the importance of remaining happy. According to her, life will continue with its ups and downs. Difficulties will come and they will go. But if a person loses their smile even for one hour, then that hour of life is wasted and gone forever. She encourages everyone to do everything required—if one has to show anger outwardly, they can show anger; if one has to cry, they can cry; if one has to shout to get work done, they can do that as well. She openly shares that she also does these things when required. However, internally, one must remain happy.

She explains that inner happiness is essential because if a person is not happy within, they cannot make a child happy, cannot bring positivity to their work, and cannot keep their family happy. Inner emotional balance becomes the foundation for everything else.

To support this inner well-being, she reminds SAGEians that every month spiritual and motivational sessions are organized on campus. Guruji visits regularly, and employees can speak to them. N. Raghuraman, a motivational speaker and columnist for 32 years in a prominent media company, also visits and interacts with them. Learned individuals who are not part of the SAGE ecosystem also come and provide honest and clear feedback. She encourages everyone to utilize these opportunities.

She refers to this approach as “Psychology 2.0” and urges SAGEians to take advantage of these facilities, remain emotionally strong, and most importantly, stay happy. She concludes her message with gratitude.