Category education

For 30 years, Dr. Diptimayee Mohanty has been at the helm of Aryavart Ancient Academy, shaping an educational environment that seamlessly blends Gurukul traditions—discipline, wisdom, and holistic values—with the modern CBSE curriculum.

Her leadership has empowered thousands of students, especially those from modest backgrounds, helping them overcome personal and societal challenges to reach their full potential. Every achievement of her students stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and personal growth.

Under Dr. Mohanty’s guidance, Aryavart Ancient Academy has become more than a school—it is a place where tradition meets modern education, fostering resilience, character, and lifelong learning. Her legacy is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and vision can transform lives through education.

As part of the ongoing celebrations of Odia Pakhya, Shishu Katha Diwas was observed today with the aim of nurturing creativity among children and strengthening their connection with the Odia language.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

‘ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପକ୍ଷ’ ଅବସରରେ ଶିଶୁମାନଙ୍କ ସୃଜନଶୀଳ ପ୍ରତିଭାର ବିକାଶ ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ମାତୃଭାଷାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ପରମ୍ପରା ସହ ଅନୁପ୍ରାଣିତ କରିବା ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ‘ଶିଶୁ କଥା ଦିବସ’ ଓ ‘ବର୍ଣ୍ଣବୋଧ ବଣ୍ଟନ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହେଉଛି। ଶୈଶବର କଳ୍ପନାପ୍ରସୂତ ଜଗତକୁ ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଗଳ୍ପର ରଙ୍ଗରେ ରଞ୍ଜିତ କରିବା ସହ ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ଆମ ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଓ… pic.twitter.com/xLHOYOkOr6

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 7, 2026

The initiative focuses on encouraging children to engage with storytelling, helping them develop imagination while fostering a deeper appreciation for their mother tongue. Various activities were organized to make learning interactive and meaningful, bringing together students, teachers, and community members.

In addition to storytelling sessions, Varnabodha—basic learning materials designed to introduce young learners to the Odia language—were distributed among children. The effort seeks to build a strong foundation in language skills while also introducing them to the richness of Odisha’s literary and cultural traditions.

Organizers emphasized that storytelling plays a vital role in shaping young minds by passing down values, traditions, and cultural identity. By connecting children with folk tales and traditional narratives, the program aims to keep Odisha’s heritage alive for future generations.

The event also highlighted the importance of collective participation. Parents, educators, and communities were encouraged to actively engage with children, motivating them to read, listen, and express themselves in their native language.

Through such initiatives, Shishu Katha Diwas serves as a meaningful step toward preserving linguistic heritage while inspiring the next generation to stay rooted in culture and creativity.

New Delhi, Apr 2: In a landmark move to prepare students for a technology-driven future, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students in Classes 3 to 8, starting from the 2026–27 academic year.

The initiative aims to equip young learners with critical problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a foundational understanding of AI concepts. By introducing these subjects early, the board hopes to nurture creativity, analytical thinking, and digital literacy among students.

The curriculum will include age-appropriate modules that help children understand how computers solve problems, interpret data, and make decisions. Teachers will receive comprehensive training and support materials to ensure these concepts are delivered effectively in classrooms.

Education officials believe that integrating computational thinking and AI into school education will not only make students comfortable with digital tools but also foster curiosity and innovation. This step is part of a broader effort to modernize education in India, emphasizing critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and skills for the 21st century.

With this rollout, students across India will gain early exposure to future-ready skills, enabling them to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence and creativity.

New Delhi, April 1:  NICMAR Delhi-NCR hosted the concluding round of the Regional Finale of Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge in the national capital, bringing together some of the brightest student innovators shaping the future of India’s built environment.

After a rigorous multi-city journey spanning 11 cities, the top three teams from Delhi, Lucknow and Chandigarh competed at the Delhi finale. The regional competition tested participants on real-world infrastructure challenges, innovation under pressure, and practical problem-solving.

Underscoring the evolving nature of engineering and infrastructure education, where classroom knowledge meets on-ground application, the margin between each competing team narrowed significantly at each stage of the competition, highlighting the high calibre talent and competitiveness of the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge.

Congratulating the winners, Dr Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director General, NICMAR said,

“The Delhi Regional Finale marks the end of our three-city intermediary round and congratulations to all the winners who will now head to Mumbai for the Grand Finale. The Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge set the stage where ideas were tested, challenged and strengthened for real-world infrastructure impact. Across the entirety of this competition, we noticed the clear level of thinking, from concept to execution, and are confident that India’s next generation is ready to take on the future of the built environment.” 

Winners of Delhi Regional Finale:

1st Place: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

2nd Place: Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana

3rd Place: Dayalbagh Educational Institute

Additionally, the competition was evaluated by an eminent panel of industry experts, which included Mr. Aniruddha Kumar, Vice President – Kalpataru Power Transmission Limited; Mr. Sharad Shukla, AVP – Gamlaa Bioscapes Private Limited; Mr. Anuj Agarwal Operations Head (Vesta and Premium) – Livspace.

After a successful completion of the all the Regional Finales held at Pune, Hyderabad and Delhi, the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge now enters the Grand Finale, to be held at the Maximum City, Mumbai. Winners from all the three Regional Finale will compete for the ultimate prize while identifying India’s most promising infrastructure innovators and young minds capable of addressing the country’s rapidly evolving urban and infrastructure challenges.

Bhubaneswar, March 29: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday emphasized the crucial role of value-based education in shaping a peaceful and progressive society, urging teachers to focus on character development alongside academic knowledge.

Addressing the inauguration of the value education programme for teachers at the Ramakrishna Mission’s Vivekananda Hall, the governor quoted Swami Vivekananda, saying that education is not merely the accumulation of information but the manifestation of inner perfection, strength, and character.

He lauded the Ramakrishna Mission for its long-standing contributions to education, social service, and spiritual growth. “Inspired by the ideals of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, the mission has consistently promoted a balanced system of education that nurtures intellectual, moral, and spiritual development,” he added.

Highlighting India’s rich civilisational heritage, Governor Kambhampati noted that traditional education emphasized values such as truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence. “These are not just ideals but principles to be practiced in daily life,” he remarked.

Referring to today’s global challenges marked by conflicts and instability, he stressed the importance of fostering understanding, tolerance, and dialogue. The governor concluded by underlining the pivotal role teachers play in shaping students into ethical, responsible, and socially conscious citizens.

The University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications recently announced the winners of the Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition. 

The annual competition tests students’ ability to produce clear, concise, accurate and compelling stories about sports. The first-place winner received a $2,500 cash award, second place $2,000, third place $1,500 and fourth place $1,000.

The winners, with their year in school, major(s), hometown and award-winning entries, are:

First place: Kevin Artiles Fernandez, senior, accounting, and sports media and communication, Havana, Cuba; “Reagan Raabe and a journey back from rock bottom,” “Ryan Tan: The evolution of an esports competitor”

 Second place: Ben Beecham, senior, advertising and public relations, and sports media and communication, Papillion, Nebraska; “‘It was really special’: Arkansas’ Gage Wood record pitching sends Murray State home,” “USA Triathlon event brings athletes’ grit and smiles to Omaha’s Cunningham Lake”
Third place: Danny Berg, junior, broadcasting, and sports media and communication, Chicago, Illinois; “Nebraska volleyball’s dream season comes to a whimpering end,” “What student athletes really carry and who helps them carry it”

Fourth place: Anthony Rubek, senior, journalism, and sports media and communication, La Vista, Nebraska; “Nebraska alumni honored to represent Huskers again,” “Las Vegas Bowl loss sets Nebraska up for make-or-break offseason”

Each student submitted two published sports stories and their resume to be reviewed by judges. This year’s judges were Amie Just, sports columnist for the Lincoln Journal Star; Max Olson, college football reporter for ESPN; and Mitch Sherman, staff writer for The Athletic.
Established in 2001, the competition is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in the journalism college.

PhD scholar receives award for excellence in research

Mar 28, Bengaluru: “Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at the 51st Convocation of IIM Bangalore. As you enter a rapidly evolving business environment, remember that lasting success is built through consistent choices, not just moments of acceleration. The real test of leadership lies in balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation. It is possible to have it all, but not always at the same time – prioritization and resilience act as the key. I wish you the wisdom to play the long game and create meaningful, enduring impact”, said Chief Guest Ms Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, during her special address at IIM Bangalore’s Convocation ceremony, this evening. 

Ms Padalkar explained the graduating students that life should go beyond the fast pace of the sprint to make way for a more resilient and enduring marathon. She explained that institutions and careers are not built in sprints but through a process of evolution of a long distance race, with doses of energy, ambition, confidence and courage, and that leadership was about integrating multiple lenses. She also emphasized on the importance of precision meeting persuasion, trust built over years and slowing down to accelerate, to have sustainable careers. 

Ms Padalkar also shared that three key decisions proved to be the turning points in her own life – choosing finance as her career, returning to India to build a life in the financial capital Mumbai, and choosing the life partner that she did. 

Ms Vibha Padalkar advised the students that the ability to anticipate, discipline to pause and wisdom to choose deliberately, will stand them in good stead in the long run. “IIMB has honed your decision making skills. So, as you enter a new phase of your lives, remember that you need to run fast when it matters, slow down when it counts and stay in the long race.”

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27th March 2026. A total of 785 students from various programmes graduated, this evening. Degrees were awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) received the Master of Management Studies (Public Policy) degree. One PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research, while gold medals were awarded for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank.

The students graduated from the prestigious institution this year in the presence of the Chief Guest, Board Members, Director-in-charge, Deans, faculty, alumni and staff of the Institute, alongside proud smiles and loud cheers from their families.

Gold medallists and PhD award winner: This year, a total of nine students have won gold medals. Moreover, a PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) 2024-2026,Manasi Anju Mertia is the First Rank Holder, whileDhvit Jayen Mehtais the Second Rank Holder. 

Mayur Dattatray Khule is the Gold Medallist for Best All Round Performance for Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026 combined.

For the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026, Bharat Mundra is the First Rank Holder.

In Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) 2025-2026, Aysha Shaba PP is the First Rank Holder andRajasilpi SP is the Best All Round Performer.  

In Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) 2024-2026,Lakshmi R is the First Rank Holder, while Biswaranjan Mishra is the Best All Round Performer.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM), Anirudh has won the gold medal for Best Academic Performance.

The Institute Research Award 2026 was won by Divya Dwivedi, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student of the Information Systems area of the graduating batch. The award seeks to inspire the school’s Doctoral students to achieve greater heights in terms of research quality and productivity.  

Address by Prof. Malavika R Harita, Member, IIMB Board of Governors

The day’s events also included an inspiring address by Prof. Malavika R. Harita, Founder & CEO, Brand Circle, and Member, IIMB Board of Governors. She made mention of IIMB’s new Centres such as the Centre for Digital Public Goods as well as the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, the newly set up IIMB Development Foundation – the Institute’s fundraising and development arm, and the Institute’s collaborations with leading national and global organizations which play a significant role in enhancing the Institute’s reputation. She also highlighted IIMB’s achievements in terms of placements and the Institute’s position in prestigious national as well as global rankings.

“Be focussed on gaining knowledge, stay authentic, relevant and original, and create the impact you want to”, she advised the budding managers and entrepreneurs.”

Director’s address

Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, highlighted some of the achievements of the Institute as well as of faculty, students and alumni, and shared details on IIMB’s programmes, centres, events, digital learning initiatives, rankings, placements, entrepreneurship, and more. 

“With a vision to elevate undergraduate education in India with the same academic rigour that defines our postgraduate offerings, we introduced two undergraduate offerings: BSc Honors in Economics, and BSc Honors in Data Science.”

While sharing his message, Prof. Dinesh Kumar commended the Institute for its initiatives on sustainability, inclusivity as well as nation building, apart from academics and research. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion convened important conversations on accessibility and universal design, and student-led efforts play an important role in our outreach.”

“Sustainability remains our key priority. We released our Sustainability Report on World Environment Day and introduced a new core course on Responsible Business and Sustainability. These efforts were accompanied by practical steps toward greener campus operations, including the introduction of an EV fleet on campus, donated by the PGP 1998 batch. IIM Bangalore won the Award for Excellence in Biodiversity Management and the Award for Excellence in Social Welfare and Community Services, at the ELCITA Sustainability Awards 2025.”

He also congratulated IIMB’s incubation centre, NSRCEL, on completing 25 years of supporting entrepreneurs in November last year. 

Prof. Dinesh Kumar also shared three Zen stories to emphasize on the importance of mindfulness to the graduating students. “The destination is not so important, but the journey is, and the journey has to be full of happiness. Be compassionate, which again is necessary to make life happier. Also, make integrity your life motto. These three elements will go a long may in making your lives happier.”

“Consider IIMB to be your home – come back, share your life stories and be an inspiration to the entire country.”

As the graduating students get a step closer to their dreams – with new beginnings, hopes and possibilities in the horizon – the campus today was witness to moments full of emotional farewells, group photos, selfies and other celebrations.

Manipal, Mar 27: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE),  an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, proudly announces the successful certification of its Biosafety Level-3 (BSL–3) Laboratory by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, marking a significant milestone in the MAHE’s sustained commitment to excellence in biomedical research, infectious disease preparedness, and global health security. This achievement substantially enhances MAHE’s research, diagnostic, and training capabilities. The certification underscores MAHE’s adherence to internationally accepted biosafety and biosecurity standards and reflects its unwavering commitment to the highest levels of laboratory safety and scientific integrity. With this milestone, MAHE further consolidates its position as a leading centre for advanced research, diagnostics, and capacity building in infectious diseases.

The newly certified facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced biosafety engineering. It features specialised containment architecture, negative pressure environments with directional airflow, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems, secure access controls, and stringent operational protocols. The certification process involved a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation encompassing laboratory design, engineering controls, biosafety management systems, standard operating procedures, personnel training and competency, and emergency preparedness. 

The establishment and certification of this advanced facility were accomplished under the leadership of Dr Chiranjay Mukhopadhyay, Director, Manipal Institute of Virology (MIV), Manipal, with strong collaborative support from Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), and Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal. The facility will serve as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, virologists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts. In addition to enabling cutting-edge research, it will play a vital role in strengthening national and regional preparedness by offering specialised training in biosafety practices, high–containment laboratory operations, and outbreak response strategies. 

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The certification of the BSL–3 laboratory is a proud and defining moment for MAHE. It reflects our unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and public health. Notably, this is among the first stand-alone, state-of-the-art BSL–3 facilities within a premier private university in India, poised to serve the nation at a broader level and contribute to the national BSL–3 consortium in the future.” 

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.) MAHE stated, “This advanced facility will empower our researchers to undertake critical studies on airborne and high-risk pathogens and to conduct critical work such as pathogen isolation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular diagnostics, vaccine and drug development, host–pathogen interaction studies, aerosol transmission research, and evaluation of biosafety protocols. It reinforces MAHE’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and public health, while strengthening India’s biomedical research ecosystem and contributing to global infectious disease preparedness.”

Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, added, “This facility will foster high-quality, multi-institutional and multidisciplinary research, and is poised to emerge as a centre of excellence for advanced infectious disease research in southern India.”

With this achievement, MAHE joins a select group of institutions in India equipped with certified BSL–3 laboratories, further reinforcing its leadership in biomedical innovation, infectious disease research, and global health security.

A new chapter in the educational journey of young children is set to begin on April 2 with the celebration of Pravesh Utsav and Khadichuan, organized in line with the National Education Policy.

ଜାତୀୟ ଶିକ୍ଷା ନୀତି ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଆସନ୍ତା ଏପ୍ରିଲ ୨ ତାରିଖରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହେବାକୁ ଯାଉଥିବା ‘ପ୍ରବେଶ ଉତ୍ସବ ଓ ଖଡ଼ିଛୁଆଁ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଆମ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କ ଶୈକ୍ଷିକ ଭବିଷ୍ୟତର ଏକ ନୂତନ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହେବାକୁ ଯାଉଛି। ଶିଶୁ ବାଟିକା ଓ ପ୍ରଥମ ଶ୍ରେଣୀରେ ନାମ ଲେଖାଇବାକୁ ଥିବା ଯୋଗ୍ୟ କୁନି କୁନି ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ମାନ୍ୟବର… pic.twitter.com/ZWMTRg3z0Y

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) March 24, 2026

This special initiative aims to warmly welcome eligible children enrolling in Shishu Vatika (pre-primary) and Class 1, marking their first step into formal education. The program reflects a strong commitment to nurturing early childhood learning and building a solid academic foundation.

In a heartfelt gesture, invitation letters from the Hon’ble Chief Minister are being personally delivered to parents by government officials and public representatives. This outreach highlights the importance of community participation in ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

The event is not just a ceremonial beginning but a meaningful effort to inspire families and encourage enrollment at the foundational level. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of society in shaping an educated and empowered younger generation.

Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in this noble initiative and contribute to creating a bright educational future for children. By doing so, they play a vital role in building a progressive and prosperous Odisha.

Libraries are undergoing a major transformation in the digital age, evolving from traditional book storage spaces into dynamic, technology-driven knowledge hubs. Digital libraries are now playing a key role in reshaping how information is accessed, shared, and preserved across education, research, and public learning systems.

Pic Credit: Pexel

A digital library is a collection of information resources—such as e-books, journals, research papers, audio-visual content, and archives—stored in electronic form and made accessible through computers and mobile devices. The primary aim is to make knowledge available anytime and anywhere, removing the limitations of physical location and opening access to a wider audience.

Experts say the objectives of digital libraries go beyond convenience. They are designed to preserve rare documents, improve information retrieval through advanced search systems, and support education and research by providing instant access to reliable academic content. They also help reduce costs associated with printing, storage, and physical maintenance of books.

In recent years, digital libraries have gained significant importance, especially with the expansion of online education and remote learning. Educational institutions, universities, and government initiatives have increasingly adopted digital platforms to ensure students and researchers can access updated learning materials without barriers.

In India, initiatives such as the National Digital Library of India have made millions of academic resources available to students across the country. Similarly, universities and public library systems are integrating digital catalogues and e-learning tools to enhance accessibility and improve learning outcomes.

Globally, institutions like the World Digital Library and academic databases such as JSTOR have expanded access to historical documents, research papers, and scholarly publications, supporting global knowledge exchange.

Digital libraries also play a crucial role in bridging the information gap between urban and rural learners. With the help of internet connectivity and mobile technology, students in remote areas can now access the same educational resources as those in major cities.

The rise of mobile applications such as Kindle has further simplified access to digital books and reading materials, making learning more flexible and personalized.

However, experts also point out challenges such as the digital divide, limited internet access in rural areas, and the need for digital literacy training. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure equal and effective use of digital library systems.

Overall, digital libraries represent a major step forward in modern education systems. By combining technology with knowledge sharing, they are helping build a more accessible, efficient, and inclusive learning environment for the future.