Category education

MumbaI, Jan 21:Eros Innovation today announced its strategic foray into education with the launch of Eros AIVidya, a next-generation learning initiative designed to re-skill and empower the creative arts industry through ethically trained artificial intelligence.

Envisioned as a modern Gurukul for the AI age, Eros AIVidya integrates creativity, culture, and technology to enable students and professionals to become AI-augmented filmmakers, actors, writers, singers, composers, and digital creators. The platform leverages advanced AI tools purpose-built for the creative economy, while firmly prioritising ethical governance and creative rights.

The first Eros AIVidya Centre will be implemented in partnership with Achariya Educational Public Trust, which administers institutions affiliated with Pondicherry University.

AI for Creative Expression, Not Replacement

Eros AIVidya is founded on the principle that AI should amplify human creativity, not replace it. The platform is powered by Eros GenAI models, trained exclusively on licensed content, proprietary intellectual property, and culturally grounded datasets—ensuring responsible, transparent, and industry-compliant AI usage.

Learners will gain hands-on experience across key creative disciplines, including:

• Film direction, screenwriting, and story development

• Acting, performance augmentation, and digital avatars

• Music composition, voice synthesis, and sound design

• Virtual production, VFX, and immersive storytelling

• Ethical AI governance and creative-rights protection

The curriculum is closely aligned with real-world creative workflows, preparing learners for careers across cinema, OTT platforms, music, gaming, animation, and immersive media.

Achariya Named First Implementation Partner

As the inaugural physical implementation of the AIVidya model, Eros Innovation has partnered with Achariya Educational Public Trust, which administers Achariya College of Engineering Technology and Achariya Arts and Science College.

Through this collaboration, a Centre for Ethical AI & Creative Technologies will be established on the Achariya campus, serving as the launchpad for AIVidya’s academic and industry programs.

The Centre will feature:

• AI compute labs powered by Eros GenAI models

• Virtual production and immersive media studios

• Music, voice, and performance AI laboratories

• Faculty development programs, industry masterclasses, and live projects

• Accredited academic delivery under university norms

Academic governance will remain with Achariya institutions, while Eros AIVidya will lead curriculum design, AI infrastructure, and industry integration.

A Blueprint for India’s Creative-AI Talent Economy

Eros AIVidya is envisioned as a scalable national and global model, with plans to expand across institutions, disciplines, and regions. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving creative economy by combining:

• Ethical AI adoption

• Cultural and creative literacy

• Industry-ready skills

• Future employment pathways

Through this approach, Eros Innovation aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s ambition of becoming a global hub for creative, ethical, and culturally rooted AI talent.

Leadership Commentary

Ridhima Lulla, Co-Founder, Eros Innovation, said:

“Eros AIVidya represents our belief that the future of education lies at the intersection of creativity, ethics, and technology. Through ethically trained Eros GenAI models and strong academic partnerships like Achariya, we are building a new pathway for creators to thrive in the AI era—without compromising values, rights, or artistic integrity.”

Dr. J. Arawindhan, Managing Director, Achariya Group of Educational Institutions, said:

“This partnership with Eros Innovation enables us to establish an Immersive AI and Ethical Technology Centre at Achariya, integrating artificial intelligence and industry-led training into our academic ecosystem. Eros Innovation’s leadership in ethical AI and creative technologies gives this initiative strong industry relevance and reflects our commitment to preparing students with future-ready skills.”

Bengaluru, Jan 20: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Bengaluru Campus, is set to host the first-ever MAHETHON 2026. Branded as “Bengaluru’s biggest running festival,” this flagship sporting event will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The run will start and finish at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Yelahanka and will follow an AIMS-certified route, ensuring international measurement standards.

MAHETHON 2026, powered by Axis Bank, brings together fitness, sustainability, and community spirit. Designed as an inclusive platform, it welcomes runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants. Celebrating the theme “Run Green. Breathe Free” and the tagline “Bengaluru Runs for Earth,” the event highlights MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable practices.  It showcases the campus’s green initiatives, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable mobility, while encouraging participants to embrace healthier, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Elaborating on the vision behind this flagship event, Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MLHS, MAHE Manipal, and MAHE Bengaluru Campus, said,

 “MAHETHON 2026 is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that reflects our collective spirit of resilience and progress. We see this marathon as a bridge connecting the academic community with the vibrant energy of Bengaluru. By bringing together thousands of runners under the banner of health, sustainability, and ecology, we are taking a meaningful step toward building a fitter, more conscious, and ecologically aware society.”

Further reinforcing its pan-India commitment to health and sustainability, MAHE, Manipal, will host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, 08 February 2026, at KMC Greens, Manipal. Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon, together with Mahethon, underscores MAHE’s nationwide efforts to promote fitness as a shared social responsibility.

Race Categories and Highlights: MAHETHON 2026 features multiple race categories and highlights to suit all age groups and fitness levels:

• • Half Marathon (21.1K): The flagship race for endurance runners.
• 10K Run & 10K Forces Run: Open to the general public and armed/police forces.
• 5K Run: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
• 3K Fun Run: Designed for children and beginners to enjoy running.

“MAHETHON 2026 promises to be a celebration of community, camaraderie, and well-being, ensuring every participant enjoys a safe, supported, and seamless race-day experience,” said Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, who is spearheading the event.

Sambalpur, Jan 20: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the 6-day Business Accelerator Program for SC-ST entrepreneurs in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub, Ministry of MSME, GOI, from 19th to 24th January, 2026. The objective of this programme is to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem by building capacity and upskilling SC-ST entrepreneurs with essential business, financial, and digital skills, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event was graced by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Ex- IRS, CMD, Livelihood Alternatives, as the Chief Guest, Dr. Anupam Gayen, Zonal Head, NSIC, as the Guest of Honour, Ms. Nibedita Nayak, Former Chairperson, Odisha State Social Welfare Board, as the Keynote Speaker. 

The programme consists of 12 days of training, including 6 days of on-campus sessions at IIM Sambalpur and 6 days of online learning, followed by 6 months of handholding support for participating entrepreneurs. The first cohort of the Business Accelerator Programme included 25 participants from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The second cohort of the Business Accelerator Program will commence in February 2026, offering a 72-hour hybrid learning experience through virtual weekend sessions and a 6-day on-campus module at IIM Sambalpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur,

“IIM Sambalpur’s vision is to nurture responsible leaders with an entrepreneurial mind-set. Entrepreneurship is not just about creating wealth for oneself; it is about creating value for society, the nation, and the planet. India’s vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved by building only large corporations; we must nurture responsible entrepreneurs at the grassroots who innovate without harming the environment or displacing communities. Aligned with National Education Policy 2020, entrepreneurship must focus on knowledge creation, innovation, and responsible wealth generation through modern technology.”

Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest, Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Ex- IRS, CMD, Livelihood Alternatives, added,

“Developing robust business plans, refining ideas, and building capacity, along with understanding the fundamentals of what we produce, consume, and how we communicate, are essential to excel in entrepreneurship.”

 The Guest of Honour, Ms. Nibedita Nayak, Former Chairperson, Odisha State Social Welfare Board, highlighted,

“IIM Sambalpur stands at the confluence of knowledge, aspiration, and nation-building, and I congratulate IIM Sambalpur for introducing a programme that is not merely an academic initiative but a national milestone. Today, SC-ST entrepreneurship matters more than ever because inclusive growth is no longer a choice; it is an economic necessity.”

Through this initiative, IIM Sambalpur once again highlighted its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship by supporting SC-ST entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures, generating local employment, and contributing to India’s grassroots economic development.

Bengaluru, India, Jan 17:  Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, on the occasion of National Youth Day, announced the certification of 1,750 students in Uttar Pradesh under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s youth-skilling efforts in the state.

The certification ceremony was held at the City Group of Institutions in Lucknow, in the presence of Smt. Rajni Tiwari, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with academic leaders and programme partners.

With this cohort, the total number of students trained under Samsung Innovation Campus in Uttar Pradesh has reached 3,900, making it one of the fastest-growing states under the programme. Samsung announced its intent to skill 5,000 youth in Uttar Pradesh, as part of its broader national target of upskilling 20,000 students, a six-fold increase over the previous year. The programme is currently operational across 10 states.

Under the Lucknow initiative, students received industry-aligned training in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (950 students), Coding & Programming (550 students), Big Data (150 students), and Internet of Things (100 students).

“At Samsung, our firm belief is that the future of India will be defined by its youth. Samsung Innovation Campus is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing hands-on training in future-tech courses such as AI, IoT, or Big Data and Coding. The certification of 1,750 students in Lucknow underscores our commitment to support the Government of India’s skilling vision and empower young learners across Uttar Pradesh with industry-relevant capabilities. Samsung Innovation Campus is our flagship programme designed to empower the next generation and make them job-ready for the fourth Industrial revolution”, said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, CSR & Corporate Communications at Samsung Southwest Asia.

“As higher education evolves, it is essential that learning outcomes remain aligned with emerging economic and technological needs. Samsung Innovation Campus adds significant value by exposing students to advanced digital disciplines and experiential learning. Such collaborations strengthen our institutions and help create a knowledge-driven, competitive workforce for Uttar Pradesh. I commend Samsung’s commitment to empowering our youth and supporting the state’s vision of building a future-ready, skilled workforce. Our young people are the foundation of Uttar Pradesh’s progress and the driving force behind India’s growth story”, said Smt. Rajni Tiwari,  Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Launched in India in 2022, Samsung Innovation Campus focuses on expanding access to future-tech education, particularly in underserved and semi-urban regions. The programme is implemented in collaboration with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) through accredited training partners.

Nationally, the programme has recorded 44% women participation, underscoring Samsung’s focus on inclusive and equitable skilling. In addition to technical training, students receive soft-skills inputs and placement support to improve workplace readiness.

Together with initiatives such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST, Samsung Innovation Campus reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening and expanding India’s digital skilling goals.

By:  Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer, KidZania India.

“India‘s edutainment market is scaling toward INR 465 billion by 2030, and experiential learning has moved from being a nice-to-have to a must-have. When graduate employability sits at 54.81%, the government’s INR 1,28,650 crore education budget sends a clear message: skills aren’t taught in classrooms, they’re built through experience.

We’ve spent a decade at KidZania proving this works. Kids who engage in real-world role-play come out with genuine career confidence and employment readiness. But here’s the challenge: private sector innovation in immersive learning keeps hitting the same walls, constraints due to current GST classifications and infrastructure gaps that make scaling difficult.

The 2026 Budget is the moment to fix this. Reclassify experiential learning platforms as GST-exempt, enable public-private partnerships for skill centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and tie government incentives to actual employment outcomes. These are practical steps to make experiential learning the backbone of India‘s education system, not a premium add-on.

We have 250 million students and a closing window. The infrastructure we build now determines whether India becomes job-ready or skills-constrained.”

Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Law Hosts 3rd Vivekanand Legal Conclave 2025–26; Brings Together 40+ Universities Nationwide

Mumbai, Jan 16: Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Law successfully organised the 3rd Vivekanand Legal Conclave 2025–26, a three-day national-level academic event, under the theme ‘Gen Z for National Building‘, celebrating legal excellence, advocacy skills, and environmental consciousness. The conclave witnessed participation from over 40 universities across Mumbai, Pune, Rajasthan, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Aurangabad, positioning it as a significant national platform for legal education and collaboration.

The conclave was inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) Shri Abhay Oka, who highlighted the importance of academic platforms in preparing future legal professionals to address contemporary constitutional and environmental challenges. The theme of the conclave focused on Environmental Law, emphasising sustainable development, environmental protection, and constitutional balance.

Over three days, students competed in four inter-collegiate competitions, Moot Court, Client Counselling, Debate, and PIL Drafting, demonstrating strong research, advocacy, drafting skills, and legal reasoning rooted in environmental jurisprudence. Among key winners, KES Shri Jayantilal H. Patel College of Law, Mumbai won the 8th Shri Hashuji Advani Memorial Inter-Collegiate Moot Court Competition, with Adv. Balasaheb Apte College of Law as Runner-Up. Adv. Balasaheb Apte College of Law also emerged winners in the Client Counselling Competition, while Chembur Karnataka College of Law won the Debate Competition. The PIL Drafting Competition recognised outstanding legal writing on socially relevant issues.

“The Vivekanand Legal Conclave stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing future legal professionals who are deeply rooted in ethical values, driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, and equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspective required to serve the justice system with integrity and purpose.” said Dr. Jayshree Gautam Kanchanpurka, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Law.

Winners of the Moot Court Competition were awarded SCC Online yearly subscriptions, along with trophies, certificates, and prizes across competitions. The conclave concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony graced by Hon’ble Justice Shri Abhay Ahuja and Hon’ble Justice Shri Shreeram Shirsat of the Bombay High Court. Justice Ahuja commended the high quality of advocacy and preparation, while Justice Shirsat emphasised the role of such competitions in building confidence, clarity of thought, and respect for the rule of law.

Bestselling Author and former diplomat Amish Tripathi Receives Honorary Doctorate from the University of York, United Kingdom

Bestselling author and former diplomat Amish Tripathi has received an honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa by the University of York, UK, for his outstanding contribution to Indian literature and global cultural dialogue.

In a release, the University wrote the following of Amish Tripathi: Amish Tripathi is an author, former diplomat and broadcaster, and the fastest-selling author in Indian publishing history. His 12 books have sold more than eight million copies worldwide, and he is regularly listed among Forbes India’s most influential celebrities.

A seasoned broadcaster, he has hosted documentaries including the award-winning Legends of the Ramayan. He is also co-founder of Tara Gaming, which is developing India’s first AAA video game, Age of Bhaarat. He has previously served as Minister (Culture and Education) at the Indian High Commission to the UK.

In conferring the degree, the University of York commended Tripathi for his contribution to the global understanding of Indian culture, values, and traditions. The award was presented at the university’s winter graduation ceremony during the 2^nd week of January, 2026, attended by faculty, students, and distinguished guests from diverse backgrounds.

Three other notable achievers were also similarly recognised for their outstanding contributions to society. The are globally renowned mathematician, Professor Sir Simon Donaldson; internationally recognised ecologist, Professor Sue Hartley OBE; and Group Chief Executive Officer of Aviva, Dame Amanda Blanc DBE. The University of York confers the honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa on individuals whose achievements reflect exceptional distinction in their field and align with the University’s values.

The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, has opened the annual application window for the Global Youth Action Fund, an award open to students enrolled in a secondary school aged 12 to 19 who have developed projects or initiatives aimed at creating a positive social impact in their communities.

The Global Youth Action Fund will be open to students, or student groups, from both IB and non-IB schools. The window to apply for the grant will remain open until 30 January 2026.

The fund is open to young people who are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference. To date, the Global Youth Action Fund has awarded grants to over 290 projects led by more than 440 young people globally. Whether tackling climate change in Jakarta, advancing gender equity in Nairobi, or building digital inclusion in Lima, each project contributes to a shared movement of youth-led action and collective hope.

“Since its founding in 1968, the IB has been dedicated to building a better, more peaceful world,” said Dr. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnerships & Development Officer for the IB. “Young people today are showing great resilience and curiosity in the face of global challenges, starting from within their communities and working outwards to develop initiatives that drive meaningful change. We are delighted to support these young leaders in their inspiring efforts.”

The Global Youth Action fund is part of the IB’s commitment to support, elevate and empower youth voices. Designed to unite the global community in challenging moments, the Festival of Hope creates a space for young people to share their experiences and transform complex challenges into positivity and hope. Discover more pathways to action on the Festival of Hope website.

Every funded project must align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. Selection is based on:

• Purpose and vision – addressing meaningful global or local challenges.  
• Innovation and creativity – offering bold, original approaches to change.  
• Impact and sustainability – demonstrating measurable potential for long-term benefit.  
• Collaboration and leadership – engaging others to create shared solutions.  

Selected students will receive:

• Up to 3,000 USD in grant funding, as per project needs. Funding is dependent on what students request and what the IB Global Youth Action Fund committee decides. 
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with leading social entrepreneurs and other student awardees from around the world. 

“The most meaningful aspect of the programme was receiving firsthand insights from industry experts,” said Sadhika Kapoor, a student from Vietnam whose EcoPsych project promotes eco-friendly action in schools. “We felt genuinely honored to be in the presence of such highly accomplished individuals. Discovering that they began their changemaking journeys at the same age as us made them even more compelling role models.”

The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, visited the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) campus at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Mumbai, on January 15, to explore avenues for institutional collaboration and student exchange between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit was hosted by Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, IICT, along with Munjal Shroff, Governing Council Member, IICT, at the IICT–NFDC Campus.

During the visit, the Chief Minister was taken through a structured walkthrough of IICT’s academic and technology infrastructure. The programme included a curated audiovisual presentation at the Rangayan Preview Theatre, highlighting IICT’s vision, academic framework, and creative technology capabilities. This was followed by a live showcase at the Anubhuti Drishya Immersive Studio Lab, featuring demonstrations of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) applications, along with hands-on experiential interactions.

The visit also featured a Digital Twin demonstration at the Photogrammetry Studio, where a live 3D photogrammetry scan was conducted to create a digital avatar, showcasing the practical applications of immersive and emerging technologies.

A strategic discussion session followed, focusing on potential collaboration between IICT and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Key areas explored included student exchange and institutional cooperation, skill development and capacity building in AVGC and emerging creative technologies, digital heritage and cultural preservation through immersive tools, and the development of a collaborative startup incubation and innovation ecosystem aimed at empowering youth from the region.

Speaking during the interaction, the Chief Minister said,

“If we want Jammu and Kashmir to become an attractive destination for filmmaking, then human talent and post-production capability must be created locally, and that is where a relationship with an institution like IICT becomes important for us.”

Commenting on the visit, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, IICT, said,

“We are grateful to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir for visiting the IICT campus. The interaction was valuable, and we look forward to exploring meaningful collaborations that can benefit students and young talent from Jammu & Kashmir by enabling skill development, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.”

Following the discussions, the Chief Minister visited the NFDC Bharat Pavilion and Museum, which chronicles India’s cinematic and creative heritage. The visit underscored the museum’s role as a national cultural repository and a platform for preserving, presenting, and celebrating India’s film and creative legacy, before he proceeded to onward engagements at the NFDC campus.