CISCE organises National Pre-Yoga Olympiad in Kolkata; gears up to select candidates for the upcoming NCERT National Yoga Olympiad

CISCE organises National Pre-Yoga Olympiad

Kolkata, 23rd May 2023: The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is delighted to announce the National Pre-Yoga Olympiad, taking place from 22nd to 24th May 2023, at Kolkata’s prestigious South City International School. It offers a platform for students to showcase their yoga skills and represent CISCE in the NCERT Yoga Olympiad.

CISCE conducted Regional Yoga Olympiad from 1st April to 10th May 2023 in 13 regions across India and UAE. Out of 2,200 participants from the affiliated schools, 208 students were selected to represent their region at CISCE’s National Pre-Yoga Olympiad. The finalists were divided into different groups based on their gender and grade level. From each region, four girls from classes VI to VIII formed Group 1A, and four boys from the same classes constituted Group 1B. At the same time, Group 2A consisted of four girls from classes IX and X, and Group 2B included four boys from classes IX and X.

During the three-day event, the selected 208 participants will be assessed by a panel of three judges from leading educational institutions, schools, and yoga institutes across the country. The judges will assess students on various postures, including standing, sitting, prone, and supine positions. After a comprehensive evaluation of their skills and techniques, 16 students will be selected. The winners, accompanied by one female coach and one male coach, will represent CISCE in the NCERT Yoga Olympiad, to be held in Bhopal from 18th to June 20th 2023. They will compete against talented individuals from different regions, showcasing their abilities at the national level.

The esteemed Chairman of CISCE, Dr. G. Immanuel, will inaugurate the event, highlighting CISCE’s commitment to promoting physical well-being and holistic education among students. In a statement, he said, “Yoga is not only a physical exercise but a means to foster mental and spiritual well-being. We are honoured to witness the talent and dedication of young yogis who have shown exceptional commitment to this ancient practice. Our Pre-Olympiad on regional and national levels serves as a platform to inspire and motivate the participants to reach new heights in their yoga practices.”

On the final day of the National Pre-Yoga Olympiad, May 24th, 2023, Mr. Gerry Arathoon, Chief Executive & Secretary of CISCE, will preside over the prize distribution ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, he said, ” Students from affiliated schools across 13 regions in India as well as UAE are participating in our Yoga Olympiad events. We selected 16 students from each region in the Regional Yoga Olympiad. Our National Pre-Yoga Olympiad will not only showcases the physical prowess of these young athletes but also highlight the values of discipline, focus, and inner harmony that yoga instils. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students who have been selected in the regional olympiads and wish them the best of luck in their upcoming competitions.”

Electrosteel empowers students through computer literacy programme in Tirupati district

Electrosteel empowers students

Tirupati, 22nd May 2023: In this dynamic world, familiarity with technology has become an essential skill. In keeping with the vision of promoting digital education in rural India, Electrosteel Castings Limited a pioneer in manufacturing of Ductile Iron Pipes and Fittings in India recently initiated Computer Literacy Training under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to empower students residing in villages around Srikalahasthi in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh. ECL-Srikalahasthi, conducted Computer Literacy Programmes for around 140 students at Zilla Parishad (ZP) High School, Thondamanadu village, Tirupati district, for classes 6 to 9 students from June 2022 to April 2023. The training programme has been envisaged as a continuous CSR activity to be conducted year-round in different schools in Tirupati district. The next training programme will be conducted at ZP High School on 23-24 at Rachagunneri village, where 200–250 students are studying. The school is currently catering to students from 6 villages in Tirupati district.

Electrosteel set up the computer learning infrastructure with desktops at ZP High School along with identifying trainers from Softline Institute of Computer Education from Srikalahasthi. Periodically computer quiz contests and tests were organized to assess the students’ knowledge. ZP High School is one of the best government schools in Tirupati District and imparts lessons in English medium. At the end of every programme a test will be conducted along with a valedictory function and the top performing students will be awarded with digital tablets. The computer literacy programme at Thondamanadu village received immense support and appreciation from the villagers, students, and parents.

Commenting on this initiative, Mr Suresh Khandelwal, Chief Operating Officer-Srikalahasthi works said: “We have taken up this as part of our CSR Programme considering the importance of technology in the current socio-economic scenario. The programme has been designed to teach basic computer skills like MS Office applications, navigating websites, e-mail and other social media sites etc. We are committed to improving the livelihood of students and their families and to enable students to get better employment opportunities in the future.

Expressing gratitude to the company, a student at the computer literacy programme, said: “We are grateful to the company for this opportunity. This will definitely support our education and employment journey immensely.”

Over the years, the company has focused on many initiatives with the objective of improving the livelihood of village communities through active CSR in the areas of Health, Education, Empowerment, Infrastructure Development and Sports.

14 Young authors at Manav Rachna International School, Sector 51, Gurugram launch their first book titled ‘Confetti

14 Young authors at Manav Rachna International School,

The momentous event was graced by esteemed guest of honor, Ms. Swati Sengupta – a renowned author and former journalist along with Mr. Rajesh Kalra – Chairman of MRIS Sector 51, Gurugram & Ludhiana, Mr. Gaurav Rai – Executive Director of MRIS Sector 51, Gurugram & Ludhiana, Ms. Sanyogita Sharma – Director, MRIS, Ms. Pooja Puri – Principal and renowned authors. The Student Council members extended a warm welcome to the guests, setting the tone for the evening.

At MRIS, it is believed that in today’s technology-driven world, children must develop dynamic writing skills and a deep passion for reading. The Young Authors Felt Pen Program serves as a platform to nurture these talents. Confetti is the 11th book published by the young authors at MRIS under the YAFP program after the successful launch of Vivid, Starlight, Limitless, Over the Moon, Spring Tide, Textures, Bew, Sequined and Symphony.

During the launch, the budding authors from the school shared their experiences of writing their stories, which will now become a part of the MRIS curriculum. Authors expressed their joy in writing for the second time, reminiscing about their earlier book, ‘Over the Moon.’ MRIS strives to empower every child with a voice, instilling in them the ability to write for self-expression, fostering a love for reading, and nurturing their passion to become extraordinary storytellers.

Ms. Sengupta addressed the young authors, discussing their potential and writing abilities, inspiring and motivating them for their future endeavors. Additionally, there was an engaging session where the YAFP authors had the opportunity to interact with renowned authors present at the ceremony.

Ms. Pooja Puri congratulated the students and their parents quoting, “the love for learning is developed at a very young age and the love for reading & writing can be created at any age, because that’s the beauty of literature. I am proud to see how these young litterateurs have manifested their dream with the support of the mentors and their friends at School.”

Mr. Gaurav Rai motivated the young authors saying, “This is the second book released by the students of MRIS 51 Gurugram and I am overjoyed to see the inclination towards reading & writing amongst today’s generation. Right guidance and true passion are the keys to success in any field you choose to follow.”

Manav Rachna is committed to nurturing young talent and promoting a lifelong love for literature and storytelling among students. The schools are truly dedicated to providing a platform for creativity and self-expression, empowering students to become confident writers and avid readers.

LEAD Super 100 students 10 times better than CBSE average in scoring above 95%

Bangalore, 20th May 2023 The 2023 batch of Class 10 students of LEAD, India’s largest School Edtech company, has achieved the highest levels of academic excellence in the CBSE Board exams, thereby setting new records for their schools. More than 20% of students from the LEAD Super 100 program – a specially curated coaching and mentoring program for meritorious students in India’s small towns – scored above 95%, versus only 2% of students across CBSE schools. Even among the broader set of LEAD Partner schools, 92 students have scored more than 90%. This is a testament to the potential of students from small towns and affordable fee schools that LEAD serves. When given the opportunity of excellent education, these students have performed at the same level as their peers in India’s metros and high-fee schools.

Top scorers Sanskruti Yuvraj Shinde studying in Zainabia English Medium School, Katphal, Maharashtra scored 98.6%; Bidya Priyadarshini Santi studying in Shree Gurukul English Medium School, Keonjhar, Orissa scored 98.2%; and Nijagun Mallikarjun Gaddad and Sparsh Mukesh Gariya from LEAD School in Akkalkot and Karmala, Maharashtra have both scored 96.4%.

Sumeet Mehta, LEAD Co-founder and CEO, said, “My heartfelt congratulations to the 2023 graduating cohort of LEAD CBSE Class 10 students! The learning growth and academic success achieved by these students reaffirm that with the right School Edtech system, students in small towns across India can achieve excellence in academics on par with their peers in metros and big cities. We are happy to have played a part in their incredible achievement and remain dedicated to empowering students to reach new heights of success.”

This extraordinary academic achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of LEAD’s Integrated School Edtech system, which prioritizes conceptual understanding of subjects, and builds critical 21st century skills such as Communication, Collaboration and Critical Thinking. LEAD’s NEP-aligned, multimodal curriculum has been built in line with international best practices and research, and uses innovative technology to identify remedial needs and personalize learning for students, thereby boosting student confidence and performance.

Sanskruti Yuvraj Shinde, student of Zainabia English Medium School, Katphal, said, “I am delighted to have scored so well in the CBSE Class 10 board examination, which is a big academic milestone for every student. This achievement would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my school teachers, my parents and LEAD. LEAD’s curriculum and classroom teaching methods have helped me understand concepts and subjects better, and have transformed my educational journey.”

Mrs. Insia Nasikwala, Principal, Zainabia English Medium School, Katphal, said, “We are immensely proud of Sanskruti for her outstanding performance in the CBSE Class 10 examinations. Sanskruti’s remarkable results are a testament to her hard work and determination, and the comprehensive educational support provided by LEAD. LEAD’s rigorous Class 10 system includes deep practice and timely remedials that have helped improve student conceptual clarity across subjects.”

LEAD offers an advanced CBSE curriculum for schools across India as well as state board programs for schools in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan. LEAD’s curriculum is fully aligned to the latest guidelines prescribed by the respective boards and ensures that every child’s education is truly holistic and includes national-level exposure.

NEXT Education partners with Anant International School, Chennai, to enhance their digital learning programs

 NEXT Education partners

New Delhi,20th May 2023: In its mission to revolutionize the education sector, Next Education, a fastest-growing, technology-driven company revolutionizing the K-12 education sector in India, has collaborated with the Anant International School, Chennai. The collaboration is in accordance with the school’s belief in creating a congenial environment to enable students to imbibe the latest technological education and in-demand 21st-century skill sets to succeed in a diverse society.

Next Education has assisted in the educational transformation of the school through the digital implementation of academics by offering its latest software programs. Next Education operates a vast network of schools and is committed to continuously expanding it. With a vision to enhance the learning experience for children, the organization aims to double its student reach within the next three years. The goal is to use cutting-edge digital learning tools to engage and excite students while closing the gap between learners with different levels of knowledge.

The school has partnered with Next Education to implement an AI-based learning platform that provides customized instruction and evaluations to students. The platform helps identify areas of weakness in students and suggests practice modules and courses based on learning styles and aptitudes. Additionally, the company’s customized learning solutions assist students who require additional support to make significant academic progress.

Next Education’s products and services are raising pedagogical standards and increasing teacher efficacy, which aids students in achieving academic success. The school has access to a comprehensive and integrated cloud-based platform that provides academic and administrative support. The Academic Partnership Program from Next Education has helped the school increase parent satisfaction by continuously enhancing the calibre of teacher instruction. The school has implemented cutting-edge software programs like TeachNext, Next OS, Next Books, and Next Assessment to precisely monitor students’ progress while offering an unmatched learning experience. To facilitate practical and experiential learning, the school is utilizing ultra-modern facilities like the Robotics Lab, Science Lab, Math Lab, and English Lab. Furthermore, the curriculum developed is helping to increase student attendance due to its interesting and participatory nature.

Beas Dev Ralhan, Co-founder & CEO of Next Education India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Witnessing the impact of our programs and technological solutions on the educational landscape is an exhilarating experience. Our AI-driven education ecosystem continues to expand throughout the country as we collaborate with numerous stakeholders to enhance student learning and elevate teacher training with the latest teaching programs. Our collaboration with Anant International School, Chennai, is a testament to our dedication to fostering innovative learning experiences and preparing students across various partnered schools for success in the ever-changing world by imparting future-ready learnings.”

Arnicka Bahaadur, MD, Anant International School, said, “We firmly believe that every determined child deserves access to an excellent education. At our school, we prioritise unlocking the boundless potential of our young visionaries and guiding them towards their goals. We cultivate a deep passion for learning among our students, empowering them to explore novel and thrilling experiences while providing them with a strong base for their future endeavours. By utilising Next Education’s cutting-edge and intelligent programs, we are equipping our children with the necessary skills and mindset to flourish and achieve remarkable success in their future.”

KidZania India organizes Mommy Zummit to celebrate the power of motherhood

KidZania India organizes Mommy Zummit

20th May 2023 KidZania India celebrated the occasion of Mother’s Day by hosting its third edition of “Mommy Zummit” in honor of all the Zuper mothers. The event took place on Sunday, 14th May 2023 at both its Mumbai and Delhi NCR parks, in association with Mompreneur Circle, India’s most trusted community for married women and mothers in business.

Over 100+ mothers and mom bloggers attended this invite-only event at each of the parks. The event started with some recreational activities for mothers. Like every year, the Mommy Zummit included a panel discussion where women experts from different fields shared the nuisances of their industry, experiences, challenges and guidance through real-life stories and situations. The esteemed panelists included a mix of experts such as authors, entrepreneurs, academicians, influencers, and medical practitioners, amongst others. The invited mothers came along with their children who explored the role-play activities in the parks.

The panel at KidZania Delhi NCR explored the theme ‘Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Mothers Returning Back to Work’. It featured Dr. Mahima Bakshi, a maternal child consultant and author, Tina Walia, an image stylist and life coach, Anisha Kapur Shetty, CEO & Founder of My Thrift Baby Loot, Sonam M Puri, a media educator and parenting blogger, and was moderated by Founder & CEO Mompreneur Circle, Latika Wadhwa. The esteemed panel delved into the challenges that mothers face when juggling work and raising children and highlighted insights from inspiring real-life stories of women who have shattered the glass ceiling. Attendees learned about support systems available for mothers to succeed in their careers and ace motherhood with grace and power, all at the same time.

‘Future of Empowering Mothers in the Era of Digital Transformation’ was the topic of discussion at KidZania Mumbai. Ms. Maya Bhatia, Director at BM English Speaking Institute Pvt. Ltd., Ms. Shreya Prakash, Co-founder & CEO at FlexiBees, Ms Ritcha Verma, Blogger & Marketing Consultant Content Creator and moderated by Ms. Poonam Wadera, discussed how mothers have and can leverage the access to digital media to convert their innate skills & talents to commercially viable business ideas. The panel dived into the pros and cons of this medium and shared certain best practices to build a sustainable economic model.

The event partnership also saw RadioCity as the radio partner and INOX as the venue partner. The gifting partners, Oleev Oil and Mad Over Donuts shared some exiting goodies for each of the mothers who was present for the session.

Speaking of the event Mr. Rahul Dhamdhere, Chief Marketing Officer, KidZania India, said, “As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are delighted to host the third edition of Mommy Zummit, a special event dedicated to honoring the superheroes of our lives – the Zuper mothers. At KidZania, we recognize and appreciate the hard work and dedication that mothers put into nurturing their children and families and see ourselves as their partners to empower our future generations. Through Mommy Zummit, we also aim to create a memorable experience for mothers and their children, where they can bond, learn, and have fun together. Moms are a critical community that we aim to nurture and events like Mommy Zummit are an excellent way to be part of their journey.”

Having done three successful editions with KidZania India, Ms. Latika Wadhwa commented, “I would like to thank KidZania India for associating with us for the third year. Events like Mommy Zummit helps us put our vision of reaching out to moms, empowering, and supporting them that makes true. I would also like to thank all the panelists and the mothers who took time to attend the event this Mother’s Day. I look forward to having more such meaningful sessions for our community this year. A special shoutout to my entire team for their relentless contribution for the event.”

Oxford University and XED announce Senior Executive Leadership Programme

India,20th May 2023: XED, the leading Ed-tech firm in Asia catering to the learning needs of executives and senior leaders, has partnered with Oxford University’s Saïd Business School to launch the “Senior Executive Leadership Programme” (SELP) for senior leaders and C-suite executives”. Participants will learn from critically-acclaimed faculty from the elite Oxford University, providing them a global edge with some of the finest content and academic expertise.

The Oxford Senior Executive Leadership Programme (SELP) is an intensive nine-month learning experience tailored to CXOs and senior leaders seeking to enhance their operational and strategic skills from a global perspective, enabling them to navigate emerging business challenges. The programme includes intensive in-class learning at Oxford’s UK Campus, industry immersion in Dubai and live-online modules. On successful completion of the programme, aspirants will join the Oxford Business Alumni Network and gain a certificate at the graduation ceremony at Oxford, UK.

Commenting on the association Mr. John Kallelil, CEO, XED said, “The Oxford Senior Executive Leadership Programme (SELP is the Saïd Business School’s flagship leadership development programme designed for senior leaders. In today’s highly disruptive business landscape, senior leaders face a variety of challenges, from globalisation and innovative disruption to sustainability and the future of work. This programme is designed to help senior leaders develop the skills and mindset needed to lead their organisations through these challenges and turn them into powerful opportunities. We are pleased to partner with Oxford University and make this exclusive programme available to some of the finest industry leaders and influencers”.

Mr. Paul Fisher, Programme Director for Oxford SELP, Associate Fellow, Saïd Business School said, “We are delighted to announce the first cohort of the Senior Executive Leadership Programme. The nine-month programme takes leaders through an intense journey providing them with the tools and strategies to boost performance and impact at a personal, professional and societal level. This programme is not only a transformational journey for senior leaders, but also an important tool that provides the framework to build flexible, adaptable and visionary leadership that can seamlessly navigate change.”

Admissions to the first batch of Oxford SELP are open with stringent eligibility criteria. Senior-level professionals/CXOs with a minimum of ten years of experience are welcome to apply.

ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Organised Life Beyond Ophthalmology at AIOC Conference 2023

ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Organised

New Delhi,19th May 2023 ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharmaceutical company in India specialising in eye care, took the initiative to organise the cultural extravaganza LBO “Dhamaal” as part of the 81st All India Ophthalmological Conference (AIOC) 2023. The event served as a highlight of the conference that took place in Kochi at the esteemed Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre, located within the luxurious Grand Hyatt in Kochi.

Leveraging the talents and passions of over 8000 eye doctors in India, LBO (Life Beyond Ophthalmology) is a vibrant Facebook group that transcends the boundaries of their profession. Founded in 2019 by Dr Harshul Tak, a renowned eye surgeon from Jaipur, LBO has evolved from a modest gathering of 100 doctors to a thriving community. Not confining their talents to the digital realm, LBO also organizes physical shows at various ophthalmic medical conferences throughout India. Supporting and sponsoring this exceptional group is ENTOD Pharmaceuticals. Their exclusive partnership enables LBO to continue fostering creativity, collaboration, and a sense of community among eye doctors nationwide.

The captivating event brought together the finest talents of Indian ophthalmologists, dazzling the audience with a spectacular display of artistry and entertainment. This glamorous affair featured mesmerizing dance performances (solo and group), high-energy live bands, stunning painting displays and a breath-taking fashion show that left the audience in awe. The fashion show, curated by professional ramp choreographers, showcased the style and grace of eye doctors, complemented by the expertise of skilled makeup artists and renowned fashion designers.

“Dhamaal” showcased the vibrant cultural spirit and diverse talents of eye doctors, providing a platform for them to express their artistic prowess. ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, with its unwavering commitment to supporting the eye care community, takes pride in organising this cultural programme to enhance the conference experience and celebrate the multifaceted talents of ophthalmologists. We extend our gratitude to the more than 1500 eye doctors from across India who graced the event, making it a resounding success. We look forward to further collaborations and initiatives that enrich the lives of eye doctors and contribute to the advancement of ophthalmology” said Mr Nikkhil K Masurkar, Executive Director of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

This extraordinary event served as a grand showcase of the immense talents possessed by Indian eye doctors. The stage was set ablaze with their awe-inspiring performances, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. More than 1500 eye doctors from all corners of India graced the event, coming together to celebrate their shared passion for creativity and create unforgettable memories.

“We are thrilled to have witnessed the incredible cultural extravaganza ‘Dhamaal’ organised as part of the 81st All India Ophthalmological Conference. The success of ‘Dhamaal’ is a testament to the talent, passion and dedication of Indian ophthalmologists. We extend our sincere appreciation to ENTOD Pharmaceuticals for their dedicated efforts in organizing this cultural program, as well as their ongoing commitment to supporting the eye care community. The collaboration between ENTOD Pharmaceuticals and Life Beyond Ophthalmology (LBO) has fostered a sense of camaraderie and unity among ophthalmologists, further enriching the conference experience ” Dr. Harshul Tak, Director at Rawat Eye & Phaco Surgery Centre, Jaipur.

Girls from Satya Bharti School Senior Secondary Schools continue to raise the bar as they top Class 12th and 10th CBSE board examination

Punjab,19th May 2023 It was a remarkable moment for Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, as the students of Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary Schools in rural Punjab scored well in Class 12th and 10th CBSE Board Examination.

The overall pass percentage of 89.3% for 12th and 89.4% for 10th these underprivileged students from the rural heartlands of Punjab has proven that they are no less than anyone if given the right environment and support.

It was a proud moment for Bharti Foundation as the girl students across five Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary Schools in Punjab scored the top three positions for 12th and 10th. In Class 12th, Mehakdeep Bawa from Jhaneri, Sangrur and Anmolpreet Kaur from Sherpurkalan, Ludhiana scored the highest, 96.6% followed by Shakina from Rauni, Ludhiana scored 94.8%. In Class 10th, Shehnaj Khan from Rauni, Ludhiana was declared topper with 96.6% followed by Arshpreet Kaur with 95.2% and Amandeep Kaur at the third position with 94%, both from Sherpur Kalan, Ludhiana.

Speaking on the occasion Ms. Mamta Saikia, Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Foundation said “The success of students from Satya Bharti Adarsh Senior Secondary Schools is special as many of them are coming from challenging backgrounds of rural Punjab. The results have reaffirmed the Foundation’s belief that holistic development of children can lead to positive outcomes in many folds. And this year it is even more special as our girl students have continued to make the school and their community proud with their outstanding performance in CBSE board examination. I would like to congratulate the students and teachers for the successful outcome and thank the community and Government of Punjab for consistently supporting and motivating our schools.”

Satya Bharti School children come from marginalized communities and their achievements especially that of girls are special to the surrounding communities. Considering the fact that most of these students have withstood various social and economic pressures but despite the adversities, the children have proved their potential in the board examination. It is a dream come true to most of them and their family members as they stand as exemplars in the community.

These Schools provide opportunities for holistic development of children in rural India. The school curriculum has been designed weaving in innovative teaching methodologies for effective understanding of concepts by the children. Both classroom as well as out-of-class activities encompass interventions that help students develop attitudes, values and skills for life. While innovative Teaching Learning Material (TLM) enhances the classroom experience, special programs like The Physical Education Curriculum (PEC) makes the outdoor learning more meaningful along with computer aided learning, digital classrooms and advanced technology labs. Currently 173 Satya Bharti Schools are operational across the villages of Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Of the 173 schools, five schools are senior secondary schools run in public private partnership mode under Punjab Government’s Adarsh Scheme.

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus launches 5 Pico Satellites under the leadership of Moon Man of India

BITS Pilani Dubai Campus

Pune(S.N): Under the leadership and guidance of the Moon Man of India, Padma Shri Awardee and former Director of Indian Space Research Organization’s Satellite Centre Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, and in collaboration with UAE-based Edutech4Space, a pioneer in the field of space technology education, BITS Pilani Dubai Campus (BPDC), one of the UAE’s leading technology and engineering universities has recently launched and tested 5 Pico Satellites using Drone Satellite Launch Vehicle (DSLV) at Sanad Academy, Dubai. This effort marks a significant first step towards Project MAHASAT.

Students were thrilled as the Pico Satellites started transmitting real time data of temperature, humidity, pressure, air quality, UV intensity, and orientation. The data were projected on a large smart board for the visitors, giving them the ambience of a mission control centre.

Present at the launch were dignitaries from the UAE, Chief Guest, Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, Dr. Srinivasan Madapusi, Director of BPDC, faculty members and students of BPDC.

A team of 30 undergraduate students from BPDC studying in diverse streams such as Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology etc came together and managed to launch the Pico Satellites within 6 weeks of the announcement of Project MAHASAT.

Dr Annadurai who is overseeing the Project MAHASAT and guiding BPDC students said, “With the emergence of advancements in space technology, availability of trained manpower is going to be crucial. A very concrete academic plan has been devised wherein students of BPDC will be trained to make significant contributions in the field of Space technology of UAE and India. The university will also have its own Ground Station in near future which will enable students to communicate with their satellites, collect data, analyse it, and create predictions on weather, pollution levels, disaster management etc.”

Speaking at the launch Dr. Madapusi said, “Pico Satellites are the future of space exploration, and they’re already making waves in the classrooms across the world. While their low cost and relatively quick turnaround time makes them invaluable from an education perspective, they also have the power to engage students in a project from its initial paper design to building and testing to launch. Further, this is an excellent training ground for developing interdisciplinary skills and systems level thinking that are critical for the future. Through this hands-on experience in development, management, and mission training, BPDC is giving next-generation scientists a chance to learn valuable skills that will forge UAE’s plans to become the regional hub for commercial space activities and advanced research and development”.

Ms. Shrisudha Viswanathan, Founder & CEO of Edutech4Space, said, “We had an intensive training with upcoming engineers & future scientists of BPDC from the time we started the project MAHASAT. Using Drone Satellite Launch Vehicle (DSLV) to carry the 5 Pico Satellites to an altitude of 100 meters is a unique attempt in GCC. With this success we are now geared to move for Phase 2 which is, ground station installation at BPDC before we finally build the Engineering model and flight model of cubesat.”

Echoing the excitement of the team, Samarth Kalpesh Kumar Brahmbhatt, 2nd Year Electronics student of BPDC said, “Being a part of this team has been a whole new and an amazing opportunity of learning. Creating the processor of this satellite was my favorite part and made me feel like I am a space scientist. We are grateful for being given an opportunity to participate in this; it has been an amazing experience so far. I am truly thankful to BPDC and Edutech4Space.”

Another team member, Hansa Kannan, a 1st-year Biotech Engineering student of BPDC said “During the span of six weeks, I have been immersed in a realm of science that has completely transformed my perspective. It has been an incredible journey, and I am truly grateful to BPDC for igniting my passion and providing me with invaluable guidance to pursue my aspirations and dreams.”