Category education

Bengaluru,  Jan 7: Quest Global, the world’s largest independent pure-play engineering services company, today announced the latest progress of its long-standing “Education for Underserved” initiative in collaboration with NGO partner Uthishta. As part of this initiative, Quest Global has been supporting six Government Junior Technical Schools (JTS) in Karnataka, reinforcing its decade-long commitment to enhancing access to foundational technical education for students from underserved communities.

Launched in 2013 with a single school in Hubballi, this commitment has been significantly scaled in 2023 to include all six Government JTS institutions across Ballari, Bhadravati, Hubballi, Bagalkot, Kalburgi, and Mangalore.  This expansion reflects the sustained impact of Quest Global’s community initiatives and its mission to create long-term value through education and skill development. Since then, the initiative has directly benefited over 800 students across all six Government JTS institutions. These schools have received comprehensive support to address gaps in infrastructure, including science labs and libraries, learning resources, technology access, furniture, scholarships, and holistic student development.

These sustained efforts have led to a shift in the mindset of parents and the community, resulting in an increase in the attendance rate and a 17% rise in admissions. This has enabled hundreds of students to successfully transition to higher education after 10^th standard.   Quest Global is also proud to support JTS alumni pursuing Engineering degrees by providing scholarships to those who qualify through the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET). Notably, 70% of fresh engineering graduates who received this scholarship support have secured employment with leading technology firms, including Quest Global. Additionally, many students have also started pursuing post-graduation courses, and some of them are also taking internship opportunities, underscoring the program’s success in creating a strong education-to-employment pathway.

“Inclusive education is integral to our community endeavours,” said Ajit Prabhu, Co-founder & CEO, Quest Global.

 “By strengthening Junior Technical Schools and creating clear pathways to higher education, we are not only opening doors for students from underserved communities but also shaping the future of India’s engineering talent. These young minds represent the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow, and our commitment is to ensure they have the resources, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

“Through this partnership with Quest Global, we are not just improving facilities, we are unlocking potential, raising aspirations, and laying a strong foundation for equitable access to technical education. It’s deeply rewarding to see students from underserved backgrounds thrive and even return as professionals to the very ecosystem that nurtured them” said Rijesh K, Trustee, Uthishta.

As part of this initiative, Quest Global has rolled out a comprehensive set of interventions aimed at strengthening education outcomes and student preparedness across the six government JTS institutions in Karnataka. These include:

• Installation of all-in-one desktop systems equipped with MS Office and UPS support, complemented by trained faculty to enhance digital literacy

• Infrastructure enhancements, including new desks, benches, book racks, waterproofing, and painting to improve the learning environment

• Distribution of essential resources such as uniforms, school bags, tool kits, and sports equipment

• Merit-based scholarships for top-performing students in Grades 8 to 10 across all six JTS institutions

• Skills development workshops focusing on communication skills, self-awareness, career counselling, and strengthened parent–teacher engagement

Through these sustained efforts, Quest Global remains committed to scaling its impact and driving meaningful, long-term improvements in education quality and community development in the regions it serves.

Hyderabad,  Jan 7:- Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, successfully hosted SPLASH 2025, the 13th edition of its annual art, craft and literature competition, engaging students from over 995 schools across the country. Inspired by Axis Bank’s brand philosophy  dil se open, this year’s edition witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 2.66 lakh students on the theme ‘Dreams’, encouraging these young minds to unleash their imagination and creativity.

In the southern region, the Bank conducted the competition across 308 schools in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Guntur, Bagalkot, Vishakhapatnam, Cuddapah, and Nellore to name a few. Over 1.01 lakh students participated, submitting entries under two sub-themes: ‘A Day in My Dream Life’ for the 7-10 years age group, and ‘The Future as I Dream It’ for those aged 11-14 years. 

Aligned with the theme, Axis Bank also launched the ‘AI Dream Generator’, an interactive digital tool designed to help children bring their dreams to life. From flying cars and talking animals to building cities on the moon, children can enter their dreams and choose their favourite medium art, craft, or literature to see their imagination come to life.

The competition will culminate with six national winners and six national runners-up, who will be awarded INR 1 lakh and INR 50,000 each, respectively. They will also have the opportunity to attend a special Art and Craft Workshop at Tashkeel, Dubai. The artwork of these winners will be showcased at the Museum of Art and Photography  Bengaluru. Additionally, the top 400 qualifiers will receive exciting goodies and vouchers from partner brands like Ixigo and American Tourister.

Hyderabad, Jan o7: KLH Global Business School has achieved a series of significant sporting milestones, reflecting its sustained commitment to competitive university sport and its emphasis on discipline, preparation, and performance, alongside academic pursuits.

Among the notable accomplishments, Dhanush Srikanth, a first-year BBA student, has been nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award for Air Rifle Shooting, in recognition of his consistent performances, commitment to training, and disciplined approach to sport. Adding to this achievement, M. Venkat Rami Reddy, another BBA student, secured the Gold Medal in the 800-metre event for running at the Khelo India University Games 2025, held in Rajasthan. Further strengthening the institution’s sporting record, Mogli Venkata Ram Reddy earned a bronze medal in the 800-metre event at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025, bringing international recognition to the university’s student-athlete community.

This momentum continued in tennis, where KLH GBS students delivered a commendable performance at the South Zone Inter-University Tennis Tournament 2025, a competition that drew participation from leading universities across South India and was conducted through a demanding knockout format. This team comprised KLH GBS students, along with students from the KL Vijayawada and KLH Aziznagar campuses.

In the women’s category, Muruga Sera Anjum, a third-year BBA student from KLH GBS, played a decisive role, while the men’s competition witnessed impactful performances from Nashik Reddy, a third-year BBA student, and Dheeraj Reddy, a second-year BBA student. Their collective efforts resulted in one Winner position and two Runners-Up finishes. In recognition of these performances, all three students have been selected for the All-India Inter-University Team and the Khelo India University Games 2026, marking their progression to the national competitive stage.

Commenting on the achievement, Er. Koneru Lakshman Havish, Vice President, KL Deemed to be University, stated,

“Inter-university competition demands sustained preparation, discipline, and mental resilience. The achievements recorded by our students ranging from national nominations to podium finishes and team selections reflect their commitment to excellence and their ability to balance academic responsibility with competitive sport.”

KLH Global Business School views these outcomes as a reflection of sustained sporting engagement and structured preparation. Beyond medals and selections, the achievements signify the fulfilment derived from disciplined effort and competitive integrity, as students progress to higher levels of representation while upholding the values associated with university sport.

Bengaluru, Jan 06: Centre for Teacher Accreditation (CENTA®), the world’s largest professional platform for teachers, has successfully concluded the 10th edition of International TPO (International Teaching Professionals’ Open), marking a decade of the world’s largest and most inclusive competition for teachers. This year, International TPO drew more than 200,000 registrations from over 100 countries and brought together 3,000 teachers for the global Finals.

Originating in India and now held globally, International TPO 2025 continued to attract strong participation from Indian teachers while also witnessing significant international engagement. Educators from emerging economies across Asia and Africa, and the GCC, formed a substantial share of this year’s global cohort, reflecting the growing relevance of CENTA’s India-led model of professional standards and assessment.

International TPO 2025 assessed educators on their teaching competencies, including subject expertise, pedagogy, classroom practice, and continuous professional development. Participants qualified through CENTA’s multiple pathways: learning on the CENTA app, performance in the CENTA Teaching Quotient (TQ) assessment, or nominations from school leaders, parents, colleges, and significant government departments. This year, two Indian State Governments – Jharkhand and Odisha nominated teachers, signalling rising institutional recognition of CENTA’s frameworks.

With the global Finals now completed, the results of the international competition will be announced on January 31, 2026. Prize winners will receive cash awards totalling to INR 30 lakhs (USD 35,000), global certifications, fellowships, and media recognition.

Ratan Sharma, a finalist from D.B.M.S. English School, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, said,

“The experience went beyond an examination. Simulating real classroom scenarios, handling a distracted class, and teaching concepts authentically became powerful moments of self-reflection. It reinforced that such platforms are not just about winning, but about learning, evolving, and becoming better educators.”

International TPO 2025 was conducted in partnership with leading global institutions such as the University of California Santa Cruz, and Oxford University Press. These partners support awards such as the Oxford Teachers Academy Certification, opportunities to participate in the UCSC Science Internship Program, and the chance to shadow leading scientists.

Speaking about the impact of TPO, Ramya Venkataraman, Founder and CEO of CENTA, said,

“Across the world, we are facing a critical challenge in ensuring quality education for every child. A big part of this challenge is the lack of recognition and support for teachers as skilled professionals. Through CENTA and TPO, we are working to close this gap by building a platform that recognises teacher competencies, creates career opportunities, and puts teachers at the heart of education reform. As we mark ten years of this journey, I am inspired to see teachers in India leading with passion, skill, and purpose on a global stage.”

International TPO 2025 aligns with the objectives of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST), promoting performance-based recognition and continuous professional development. CENTA’s approach enables measurable and scalable improvement in teaching quality, impacting student outcomes and national growth.

With a community of 1.9 million teachers across 170+ countries and more than twenty million learning engagements annually, CENTA is building a professional ecosystem that drives aspiration, growth, and transformation in education.

Bengaluru, Jan 06: The Education News Network (ENN) proudly honoured Mrs Rajeshwari BC, Principal of Embassy Academy, Devanhalli, with the prestigious “Dynamic Principal 2025” award, recognizing her visionary leadership, progressive educational practices, and steadfast commitment to holistic student development.

An esteemed jury presented the award at the 13th National Conference on K–12 Leadership and India School Merit Awards 2025, to be held on December 5, 2025, at The Taj, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, in the presence of leading educators and institutional heads from across India.

The Education News Network is a pioneering daily digital education news platform and a proud arm of EducationToday, one of India’s most respected magazines dedicated to K–12 education. This exclusive recognition celebrates handpicked education leaders who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and transformative impact within their institutions.

Under the leadership of Mrs Rajeshwari B. C., Embassy Academy, Devanhalli has emerged as a progressive learning institution, recognized for its student-centric approach, strong academic foundations, emphasis on values-based education, and focus on nurturing confident, future-ready learners. Her efforts have played a key role in fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The Education News Network congratulated Mrs Rajeshwari B.C. on this well-deserved honor and acknowledged her meaningful contributions to advancing leadership excellence in Indian education.

Public Speaking is emerging as a career deal-breaker

Despite strong academic credentials, youth struggle to express themselves

Hyderabad, Jan 6: In an increasingly competitive academic and professional environment, experts caution that public speaking has become a decisive factor in a youth’s career success. While degrees and technical knowledge remain important, the inability to communicate confidently is emerging as a major stumbling block in career progression for young Indians.

Public speaking today goes far beyond stage performances. It plays a crucial role in elocution contests, debates, youth festivals, panel discussions, group discussions, and job interviews. Young individuals who struggle to express themselves often fail to gain recognition, despite having strong academic or professional credentials.

“Many talented youths lose opportunities not because they lack ability, but because they cannot present their competence convincingly,” says a communication expert. “In interviews and group discussions, silence is often mistaken for lack of confidence or leadership potential.”

Recruiters and institutions increasingly evaluate how candidates articulate ideas, respond to questions, and handle pressure situations. Youth who cannot speak up confidently often remain invisible, while more articulate peers move ahead faster in careers and leadership roles.

Public speaking also shapes leadership development. Participation in debates, panels, student bodies, and public forums helps youth gain confidence, recognition, and influence. Those who master communication skills early stand out, while others with equal or greater knowledge struggle to be noticed.

Recognising this growing challenge, Media Junction, a Hyderabad-based specialist school for public speaking, is organising a Four-Day Practical Workshop on Public Speaking from January 8 to 11, between 6:00 pm and 9:30 pm, at Parthani Towers, Golconda Cross Roads, Musheerabad, Hyderabad.

The workshop is designed to help participants overcome stage fear, build confidence, and communicate effectively through hands-on practice and personalised guidance. To ensure individual attention, only 15 participants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Public speaking is not a talent one is born with; it is a learnable skill,” adds D. Kalpana, Director of Media Junction. With the right training and practice, youth can transform their knowledge into confidence and visibility.

IGMPI Expands Academic Portfolio with Advanced Cybersecurity & Information Security Diploma Programmes

New Delhi, Jan 03 :  The Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India (IGMPI), a recognised vocational institute under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has strengthened its academic portfolio with the launch of upgraded Post Graduate and Executive Diploma programmes in Cybersecurity Technology and Information Security. The expansion comes at a time when India faces an unprecedented rise in cyber threats and an acute shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals.

With digital transformation accelerating across sectors- banking, healthcare, manufacturing, public services, and critical infrastructure- the demand for skilled security professionals has grown exponentially. IGMPI’s enhanced programmes aim to bridge this talent gap by offering industry-aligned, job-ready training for students, working professionals, and career-switchers.

“As threats evolve and digital ecosystems grow in complexity, the need for well-trained cybersecurity and information-security professionals has never been greater,” said Dr. Syed S. Abbas, Director, IGMPI. “By strengthening our diploma programmes, we aim to prepare a new generation of security experts capable of safeguarding organisations, data systems, and national digital infrastructure while aligning with global standards.”

Programme Highlights –

Cybersecurity Technology Diploma offers hands-on training in:

• Network defence strategies

• Ethical hacking methodologies

• Cloud security architecture

• Incident response and threat containment

• Malware detection and analysis

• Training includes live simulations, real-world tools, and practical case studies to build operational expertise.

Information Security Diploma

Designed to develop competencies in:

• Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)

• ISO/IEC 27001 compliance

• Organisational risk assessment

• Security audit processes

• Data protection policies and governance frameworks
  The programme focuses on building enterprise-level security and compliance capabilities.

Flexible Learning Options

Both programmes are offered in:

• Part-time mode with online live classes for working professionals

• Full-time mode for students and fresh graduates

This blended-learning format ensures accessibility without compromising rigour or industry relevance.

Strengthening India’s Cyber Workforce

With these enhanced programmes, IGMPI reinforces its commitment to building India’s human capital in critical and emerging domains. The institution continues to prioritise outcome-based education, practical skill development, and strong industry alignment.

President Murmu Announces ‘Skill the Nation Challenge’ to Boost AI Awareness and Future-Ready Learning; Jayant Chaudhary nominates three others after completing his SOAR AI Certification

Mumbai, Jan 03:  President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, announced the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, urging citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s AI learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR  Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, is enabling accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses for school students, educators, working professionals and lifelong learners.

Designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational, SOAR has already, over just last six months, reached more than 1.59 lakh learners across the country who have enrolled in the AI course, with thousands successfully completing certifications and building confidence in AI awareness, understanding and application.

Demonstrating leadership by example, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ learning module, symbolising a commitment to lifelong learning and AI readiness. He has further nominated Shri Nara Lokesh Rao, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Real-Time Governance and Human Resources Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh; Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, IAS, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prasar Bharati, and Mr. Nitin Narang President of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement for AI awareness and capability building.

Commenting on the occasion, Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary said,

“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. Through the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are — has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story.”

“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. I am glad to have personally completed the SOAR AI learning module, and it has further strengthened my belief that learning must begin from leadership itself. It gives me great satisfaction to nominate my fellow colleagues to join this movement, so together we can inspire every citizen to embrace AI learning and prepare for an empowered, future-ready India,” he further added.

A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received the AI course certificates on the occasion, by the President of India.

Importantly, the initiative has received enthusiastic participation from 15 Members of Parliament who have completed the SOAR AI course module, reflecting strong leadership commitment towards AI readiness within India’s highest democratic institution.

New Delhi, Jan 2: Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), one of India’s most influential institutions in commerce and economics education, formally commenced its centenary celebrations on Friday with a landmark Curtain Raiser ceremony at its North Campus, bringing together academic leaders, policymakers, and distinguished alumni from across sectors.

As SRCC enters its 100th year (1926 2026), the institution reflected on a legacy that has closely tracked the evolution of India’s economic and governance architecture. The centenary curtain raiser outlined a year- long programme of academic conclaves, policy dialogues, alumni engagements, and global collaborations aimed at positioning SRCC for the demands of the next century.

Tribute to Founder and Institutional Legacy

The event was presided over by Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice Chancellor of the University of Delhi, who attended as Chief Guest, along with Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body. The ceremony opened with a floral tribute to Sir Shri Ram, the visionary industrialist who founded the institution in 1920 as The Commercial School to nurture indigenous business leadership in pre-Independence India.

A commemorative coffee table book, Timeless Frames, chronicling SRCC’s journey from its early years in Daryaganj to its emergence as a globally recognised centre of excellence, was also released on the occasion.

Vice Chancellor highlights SRCC’s Nation Building Role

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yogesh Singh described SRCC as a “globally recognised academic brand” and said the college’s contribution went far beyond rankings or reputation.

“Hundred years is long enough to build institutions, shape generations and influence the journey of a nation. SRCC has done all three,” he said, adding that the University of Delhi took pride in the college’s role in producing economists, administrators, judges, and business leaders who continue to shape India’s growth story.

Referring to India’s recent economic milestone of becoming the 4th largest economy, the Vice Chancellor said the country’s emergence as a USD 4 trillion economy underscored the importance of institutions like SRCC in producing world class economists, entrepreneurs, and policy thinkers. He urged the college to focus its next phase on entrepreneurship, business incubation, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and digital finance.

“Institutions like SRCC must now prepare leaders who create enterprises, not just join them, and who see leadership as a moral responsibility,” he said.

Chairman’s Address

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman, SRCC Governing Body, said the centenary curtain raiser marked both a moment of reflection and a roadmap for the future. Recalling SRCC’s journey from its modest beginnings in Daryaganj to becoming one of India’s foremost centres for commerce and economics education, he said the occasion was an opportunity to recognise achievements while planning ahead.

Paying tribute to late Arun Jaitley for his enduring contribution to the institution, Mr. Shriram said SRCC’s greatest strength lay in its people, its faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Outlining the path forward, he said the college would focus on academic excellence, research, infrastructure expansion, AI enabled learning, entrepreneurship, inclusion, sustainability, and deeper alumni engagement. “Our responsibility now is to ensure that SRCC not only preserves its legacy, but remains relevant, ethical, and nationally significant in the century to come,” he said.

Principal emphasises values and purpose

Welcoming the guests, Prof. Simrit Kaur, Principal, SRCC, said the centenary was a collective achievement shaped by generations of faculty, students, administrators, and alumni.

“For a hundred years, SRCC has stood for purpose over profit and ethics over expediency,” she said, adding that the college remained committed to nurturing socially responsible leaders grounded in ethical business practices, sustainability, and national service. She also acknowledged the continued support of the University leadership and the Governing Body in strengthening the institution’s academic and research framework.

Distinguished alumni reflect on SRCC’s impact

Several eminent alumni and well-wishers attended the ceremony, underscoring SRCC’s enduring influence across public life, industry, and civil society.

Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of late Arun Jaitley, former Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, recalled the profound impact SRCC had on his life and public journey. “He often spoke about the formative years he spent at this college and how deeply it shaped his thinking and values,” she said. Congratulating SRCC on completing 100 years, she added, “This is a proud moment. I wish the college many more centuries of producing leaders who excel in their own spaces and serve the nation with distinction.”

Justice A.K. Sikri, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, was also present at the event.

Sunit Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India, said SRCC’s alumni success across sectors was rooted in its academic culture. “It is a matter of great pride that SRCC alumni are doing exceptionally well in every field. Much of this credit goes to the college’s versatile, forward-looking faculty,” he said.

Sminu Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal SAW Limited and Founder Chairperson of Svayam, reflected on the institution’s inclusive ethos. “I feel extremely proud to be part of SRCC. As a person on a wheelchair, the college gave me the opportunity to study in an accessible and enabling environment, something that stayed with me throughout my life,” she said.

Vijay Goel, alumnus and former Union Minister, said SRCC played a defining role in shaping his life and leadership journey. “Whatever I am today, I owe to Shri Ram College of Commerce. The values of leadership, discipline, teamwork, and public engagement that I learnt here through academics, sports, student politics, NCC and NSS shaped not just my career, but my character,” he said.

Neeraj Ghei, Co-founder and Promoter of Select Citywalk and Select Synergies and Services Private Limited, highlighted the institution’s role in shaping professional confidence. “SRCC instils a sense of discipline, curiosity and integrity that stays with you long after you leave the campus. It prepares you not just for careers, but for leadership,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the illumination of the heritage campus, symbolising the dawn of SRCC’s next century, followed by a cultural presentation featuring a Kathak Bharatanatyam jugalbandi and a musical tribute reflecting the eras the institution has witnessed.