ArdorComm Media Bureau
February 24, 2026
We would like to understand a few key highlights about Coursera. Many people are aware of it, but for those who are not, how would you explain it?
Well, I would first ask them, how are you not aware of it? But that’s on a lighter note.
Broadly speaking, if we talk specifically about India, Coursera is one of the world’s largest online education platforms. India is our second-largest market, with close to 32 million learners, surpassing even Europe in terms of learner base.
Picking up from our earlier offline conversation, Coursera’s core philosophy is that education should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. Through this platform, we are revolutionizing the way education is delivered in India and globally.
Today, we are supporting governments in delivering last-mile connectivity in terms of education and skill-building. In India, we are not only focusing on learners but also on how technology is evolving. Coursera’s India Development Center is at the core of this transformation. We are building in India, for India, and for the world in terms of technology and innovation.
What is the purpose of coming to this part of the country? How is it different from the mainland?
As I mentioned earlier, India will truly be developed in every possible sense — what we call Viksit Bharat — only when we see a Viksit Northeast as well.
For us, being here is about ensuring last-mile connectivity in the northeastern part of India. I am expecting to meet leaders from the government and the public university ecosystem here to understand how we can collaborate and bring Coursera to the citizens and students of the Northeast.
How do you see the acceptance of courses taken by institutions or professionals? Is it more inclined toward new-age learning, or are traditional courses also in demand?
If I speak specifically about campuses, what we have seen so far is that they are looking at both domain-based learning, which we are strong in, and emerging technology courses.
Our edge lies in today’s emerging tech and future-oriented programs. We see both students and teachers taking courses in domain subjects as well as emerging technologies.
When we see forums like this bringing together technology partners, startups, academicians, and government representatives, how does such a forum help the community at large?
I think you have the whole ecosystem here — that’s how I would put it.
You have policymakers who are responsible for influencing and creating policies. Then you have stakeholders from campuses who have been very vocal about what they expect from the government and corporates.
When this entire ecosystem comes together in discussion forums and roundtables, they can reflect on different ideas. I personally picked up a few points from what the school education chairperson and others discussed earlier. There are key takeaways for me as well, and I am sure there are valuable takeaways for people from schools, colleges, and policy backgrounds.
Such discussions help in exchanging ideas and shaping collaborative action.
How does Coursera fit into this model? How do students generally enroll?
The re-engagement level on our platform is quite high. Broadly, we operate in two models.
One model is direct-to-consumer, where individuals visit the Coursera website, subscribe to courses, start learning, and move ahead in their careers based on their learning goals.
The second model involves working closely with campuses, governments, and corporates. In this case, they identify specific skill sets they want to impart to employees, citizens, or students to enhance employability.
For campuses, the focus is on strengthening curriculum and enhancing employability. For governments, it is about skilling citizens as well as students in colleges to make them future-ready.
If we are looking to create a talent pool driven by AI and other emerging technologies, governments have already started focusing on this. I believe we are at the right place at the right time. A lot of innovation is happening, and we are witnessing significant changes across governments, corporates, and institutions.
It was wonderful having you at today’s event. Any final thoughts?
Thank you so much for having me here. I must also appreciate ArdorComm Media for organizing phenomenal events across India over the past few years.
You bring together diverse groups of people in meaningful forums and help them ideate and exchange best practices. Whether it is through push or pull — I’ll leave that to you — but you are doing a phenomenal job. Congratulations once again.