Herbalife India signs MoU with Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh; direct selling to become part of their curriculum in Business Administration

Bengaluru, 22 December 2023: Herbalife India, a premier global health and wellness company and community, today signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences in Solan, Himachal Pradesh to introduce the subject of direct selling as a part of its online Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA).

Today, the direct selling industry offers individuals the chance to become entrepreneurs and benefit from personal and career development. Skill enhancement is quintessential for growth, as it helps professionals to hone their leadership, sales and wider business abilities. This collaboration with the respected Shoolini University aims to focus on direct selling as an effective channel to market and showcase the direct selling industry in India as a catalyst for employment, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.

The MoU involves the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Direct Selling in Academics (CEDSA) at Shoolini University, in collaboration with Herbalife India. With this understanding between the two knowledge partners, the MBA and BBA curriculums at the university will now include a specialization in ‘Direct Selling Management’. The new restructured programs will commence from the next academic session in 2023-2024. The course will be a stepping stone towards familiarising students with the opportunities offered by this unique channel, as well as the corporate and entrepreneurial opportunities available across the industry.

Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife India commented, “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Shoolini University. The signing of the MOU demonstrates our commitment to promoting a better comprehension of the direct selling industry. As the industry continues to grow rapidly in India, there is a pressing need for a structured program focused on direct selling in the business administration curriculum. This strategic partnership will not only equip students with the necessary abilities and perceptions to flourish in this dynamic industry but also elevate the direct selling sector in India.” 

Mr. Ashish Khosla, Co-Founder and President of Marketing & Innovation, at Shoolini University, said “I am delighted to announce the formalisation of this exciting initiative between Shoolini University and Herbalife India. This cooperation marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering innovation, research, and holistic education. By joining forces with Herbalife, we aim to create a dynamic platform that combines academic expertise with industry insights, offering guidelines for unparalleled opportunities for growth and development in the fields of entrepreneurship, sales, and management.”

According to a report from World Federation of Direct Selling Association (WFDSA) last year, India has currently moved up to the 11th position in the global ranking for Direct Selling. The industry employs nearly six million people, which has significantly increased over the last couple of years. Despite socio-economic challenges, the sector has emerged resilient with career options for the youth and employing individuals from Tier 2 & 3 cities, including women.

As part of the larger collaboration, Shoolini University with Herbalife India will provide and facilitate the teaching modules to academic organisations wanting to introduce Direct Selling as a new subject to their curriculum.

In India, Herbalife, as one of the market leaders in direct selling, has been working with industry, academic institutions, businesses, and the government through best practices, advice and dialogue, and development activities to foster an environment conducive to the growth of the direct selling industry.