MBD Group Marks 70 Years of Growth and Impact
From a small Jalandhar bookshop to an EdTech giant, MBD Group marks its 70th anniversary with a focus on AI, robotics, and social impact.
MBD Group, a diversified business powerhouse, celebrated a monumental milestone today as it marked its 70th Establishment Day. What began as a modest bookshop in Jalandhar on September 30, 1956, founded by Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, has transformed over seven decades into a multi-industry conglomerate spanning printing, publishing, EdTech, hospitality, real estate, retail, food and beverage, robotics, and coding.
A Legacy Built on Evolution and Vision
The journey from a single storefront to a massive enterprise is a testament to the Group's ability to adapt to changing times. As the world moved from traditional print to digital landscapes, MBD Group pivoted alongside, ensuring its footprint expanded into the most cutting-edge sectors of the modern economy.
Reflecting on this historic achievement, Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson of MBD Group, stated: “Seventy years is a landmark in the journey of MBD Group and a reflection of the strong foundation laid by our founder, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra. Our journey has always been about building institutions for the long term and growing without losing sight of the people and communities connected with us.”
Driving the Future Through EdTech and AI
While the Group has diversified, education remains its beating heart. MBD has transitioned from being a provider of learning resources to a pioneer in technology-enabled and experiential learning. The Group is currently focused on bridging the digital divide through several high-impact initiatives:
- Robotics Lab on Wheels: Bringing hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, IoT, and automation directly to students in budget schools.
- AI-STEAM Initiatives: Introducing students to the world of Artificial Intelligence and future-ready skills.
- AASOKA Science Kit: A massive initiative launched to bring practical science learning to 25,000 students across 400 schools.
The Group has set an ambitious target to reach 1,000 schools and one lakh students over the next five years, ensuring that emerging technologies are not just for the elite, but accessible to all.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
A recent highlight of this commitment was the AI-STEAM Lab Championship held at MBD House on September 28. The competition challenged students to use technology to solve real-world problems, featuring a prize pool of ₹3.25 lakh. The event saw 16 schools compete, showcasing how hands-on learning can translate into genuine problem-solving skills.
Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of MBD Group, emphasized this mission: “From our early years in publishing and learning resources, the education landscape has evolved significantly with technology, and MBD has continued to evolve with it. Through Love to Learn and our other initiatives, we want to make emerging technologies and experiential learning more accessible to students across communities.”
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Beyond business success, the Group has maintained a deep-rooted commitment to social welfare through its CSR umbrella, My Best Deeds, and the Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust. Their philanthropic efforts have touched various vital sectors, including:
- Girl-child education and access to learning through the Love to Learn program.
- Empowerment of specially-abled children via Ashok Karya.
- Disaster relief and environmental conservation.
- Support for underserved and marginalized communities.
As MBD Group enters its eighth decade, its focus remains clear: integrating advanced technology with human-centric values to shape a better future for the next generation.