Learn beyond the classroom.
Learn beyond the classroom.
Saloni Bharech Garg, the Branding & Marketing Director at Medicaps University, Indore, possesses a unique blend of business acumen and creative flair.
Her academic journey began at Mayo College, Ajmer, a prestigious girls' school in Rajasthan, where she honed her skills in commerce during her high school years. Following her schooling, she pursued a Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Narsee Monjee College in Mumbai.
However, Saloni soon discovered a deeper calling inside her for creative expression beyond the traditional business path. Realizing that an MBA wasn't the right fit for her, she embarked on a series of courses that nurtured her artistic inclinations. This introspection led her to discover the world of branding, a field with limited recognition in India at the time (around 8-9 years ago). Embracing this nascent field, Saloni went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Branding from Polimoda: The Fashion School in Florence, Italy.
Upon returning to India, Saloni spent a year gaining valuable experience at an agency. While there, her strong business background fueled a desire in her to forge her own path and make independent decisions. This yearning led her back to her hometown of Guwahati, Assam, where she spent the next 3-4 years freelancing. Her diverse clientele included businesses from lifestyle and hospitality to fashion and even an art gallery in Mumbai.
Four years later, life took another exciting turn for her when she got married, and came to Indore. While freelancing continued there, it was on a smaller scale compared to her previous endeavors. This was when fate intervened. Medicaps University, Indore, recognized the need for a dedicated Branding and Marketing Department. The university, with its impressive 11,000 students body and rich history of achievements, lacked a proper platform to communicate its value proposition. Saloni, with her unique skill set, emerged as the perfect candidate for the role.
As the newly appointed Marketing and Branding Head, Saloni embarked on a comprehensive transformation project. She spearheaded initiatives in social media marketing, digital marketing, Google Ads, in-house event promotions, and of course, the rebranding of the university.
Saloni tells us that, established 23 years ago, Medicaps University has witnessed remarkable growth. From its humble beginnings, it has blossomed into a vibrant institution with over 11,500 students. The faculty strength has also grown impressively, boasting over 500 members, supported by a dedicated non-teaching staff of 200. Today, the university offers a diverse range of programs in Engineering, Management, Pharmacy, Agriculture, and most recently, Law (offered at a new campus located a kilometer away from the main campus).
Saloni emphasizes the university's unwavering commitment to ethical values. She highlights their strict policy against any form of unethical practices during admissions, a testament to their integrity. This focus on ethical conduct, coupled with a strong emphasis on discipline, is a key factor that attracts students and parents to Medicaps University.
Looking ahead, Saloni acknowledges the evolving needs of the new generation of students. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic education that goes beyond the confines of the classroom. Medicaps University actively fosters international exposure, provides top-notch facilities for extracurricular activities, and even boasts an incubation center to nurture entrepreneurial dreams. In essence, Saloni believes that "At Medicaps, the knowledge extends far beyond the classroom." The university strives to equip students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the globalized world.
Saloni's vision for Medicaps University extends beyond branding. She aspires to elevate the university to global recognition. This ambition translates into daily efforts to attract highly knowledgeable and influential faculty. Their goal is to create an environment where exceptional professors coupled with cutting-edge technology facilitate the most effective transmission of knowledge.
Saloni's own life journey has been richly diverse. Born in Guwahati, Assam, where her family still resides, her childhood was spent in various locations – Mussoorie, Ajmer, Mumbai, and Florence (Italy) for her studies. This constant movement instilled a sense of independence and self-reliance in her at a young age, a trait nurtured during her boarding school days in Mussoorie.
Despite hailing from a family where working women weren't the norm, Saloni's parents have been a pillar of support to her. While acknowledging their role in her success, she also credits her own determination to leverage the knowledge she acquired. One vivid childhood memory she cherishes is the transformation from a pampered child to a self-sufficient young woman during her boarding school years. These experiences shaped her into the disciplined and independent individual she is today.
When asked about her role models, Saloni readily acknowledges her parents as the ones. She sees a reflection of her father's achievement-oriented spirit in herself, while also inheriting her mother's loving and caring nature. Beyond family, she admires Lulu Raghavan, a branding expert at Landor and Fitch.
A quote by Jackie Kennedy resonates deeply with Saloni: "Anything that happens in the world, evil or good, it all starts with the words that have been said." In her line of work, she recognizes the immense power of words and emphasizes the importance of choosing them carefully.
Challenges have been a constant companion in Saloni's journey. During her agency stint in Mumbai, she encountered limited understanding of branding. People often confused it with marketing. Convincing clients of branding's significance proved to be an initial hurdle. As a freelancer, she grappled with deciding appropriate fees. She eventually opted for hourly rates, believing that time is a valuable commodity. This approach, she feels, is particularly relevant for those in the creative field.
Saloni's message to students is clear: College years are formative and crucial in shaping one's personality. She implores students to actively participate in college activities, gain practical experience through internships, build strong connections, and actively seek knowledge beyond the classroom walls.