Whistling Woods International IIM Mumbai Form High-Impact Advisory Board for MBA in Media & Entertainment

Kochi, jan 1:- Whistling Woods International  & Indian Institute of Management Mumbai  proudly announces the formation of a prestigious Advisory Board for its upcoming MBA in Media & Entertainment.

Comprising distinguished industry leaders, the Advisory Board represents a wide spectrum of stalwarts from India’s M&E industry covering all areas from Cinema, Sports, TV, OTT, Animation, Games, Music, Events, Media & Communication. This powerhouse collective will guide the programme’s curriculum development, industry integration, and strategic direction  ensuring it stays at the cutting edge of industry trends and global best practices.

Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International, delightfully commented on the formation of the advisory board;

“We are honoured to have assembled an Advisory Board of such exceptional calibre and diversity. These industry titans represent the very best of Indian media and entertainment. Their collective insights will be instrumental in shaping a world-class MBA programme that prepares the next generation of leaders for this dynamic sector.”

Prof Manoj Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai added;

“The Advisory Board’s composition reflects the comprehensive nature of the MBA in Media & Entertainment programme. With leaders from every major vertical, students will gain unparalleled exposure to real-world challenges, emerging opportunities, and best practices across the media and entertainment landscape.”

Tanisha Chaudhary Wins First Place in Barqlexus Habeas Quizpus 2.0

Noida, jan 1:- Tanisha Chaudhary, a student of IMS Law College, has secured First Position and won the Gold Medal in the national-level law-based quiz competition “Barqlexus Habeas Quizpus 2.0, 2025.” The online competition was held on December 20th and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of leading law colleges and universities across the country. Amid intense competition, Tanisha Chaudhary showcased exceptional legal acumen, analytical ability, and subject knowledge to emerge as the winner. Her achievement has brought pride not only to IMS Law College but also to the entire region.

Expressing his happiness over the achievement, Mr. Rajiv Kumar Gupta, President, IMS Law College, congratulated Tanisha and said that her success is a result of her hard work, dedication, and strong understanding of legal studies. He wished her a bright future and expressed confidence that she would continue to bring laurels to the institution and society.

Professor (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan, Director General, IMS Law College, stated that such national-level achievements by students are a strong reflection of the institution’s academic excellence, disciplined learning environment, and continuous academic efforts. He emphasized that the institution aims not only to impart theoretical knowledge but also to prepare students for outstanding performance on competitive platforms. Such accomplishments inspire other students to enhance their skills and strive for excellence.

Prof. Vyas Kumar Yadav, Convener, IMS Ratio Racers Club, informed that Tanisha Chaudhary is an active member of the IMS Ratio Racers Club and a first-year B.A. LL.B. student. Her achievement has created an atmosphere of pride and celebration at IMS Law College. Faculty members also acknowledged that such successes reaffirm the institution’s commitment to quality legal education and student development.

Indian Education in 2025 Balances Scale and Impact, Shifts Focus to Holistic, Cradle-to-Career Outcomes in 2026

Mathew Sir's Picture

By:-Mr Jaison C Mathew, CEO, Christel House India

2025 has been a year of both scale and reflection for Indian education. On one hand, we are seeing unprecedented reach, with leading non-profits together now touching millions of children’s lives each year, complementing government efforts across rural, tribal, and urban-poor communities. At the policy level, there is a visible and sustained push towards strengthening the education ecosystem through programmes aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, which places strong emphasis on access, equity, quality, and holistic learning. At the same time, recent trends around enrolment remind us that access alone does not always translate into continuity in classrooms, particularly for children from marginalised backgrounds, and that sustained, on-ground support remains critical.

What gives us hope at Christel House India is how clearly the ecosystem is moving towards deeper, more holistic support for every child. The government’s accelerated implementation of NEP principles, such as the 5+3+3+4 learning structure, multidisciplinary education, emphasis on critical thinking, experiential learning, and early exposure to vocational skills, is creating meaningful opportunities for students to engage with learning in more relevant and future-ready ways. There is also a growing focus on integrating internships and real-world exposure into the academic journey, helping students connect education with employability and life skills from an early stage. At the same time, CSR partners and mission-driven NGOs are doubling down on the fundamentals, such as foundational learning, socio-emotional support, nutrition, transport, and first-generation counselling, which actually keep children in school and help them thrive.

As we look to 2026, our expectation is that the conversation will shift from the number of children we as a collective group of change makers were able to reach to discussing the number of children who truly crossed the finish line with dignity, skills, and confidence. Achieving this will require sharper execution, stronger collaboration between public systems and non-profits in high-need geographies, and sustained investment in long-term, cradle-to-career support models for the most vulnerable learners.

At Christel House India, we remain committed to being that end-to-end support system, and we walk with our students from kindergarten to careers, while partnering with governments, donors, CSR partners, and communities, to ensure that national progress does not leave behind the children who need it most.

Media Junction announces four-day public speaking workshop in Hyderabad, led by D. Ramchandram

Hyderabad, Jan 01: Media Junction, a specialist school for Public Speaking, announced its latest batch of a Four-Day Workshop on Effective Public Speaking. The four-day session will be held from October 17 to 20, from 6 pm to 9.30 pm, at the Premises of Media Junction, Ground Floor 4A, Parthani Towers, Golconda Cross Roads, Musheerabad, Hyderabad.

Public speaking enthusiasts and communications practitioner D. Ramchandram will conduct the Workshop.

Media Junction has pioneered this exclusive workshop on the subject uninterruptedly for the past 19 years.  The workshop is targeted at politicians, businessmen, startup leaders, corporate executives, professionals such as lawyers, doctors, Salespeople, marketing professionals, teaching professionals, IT professionals, and everybody.

For many, “Mike is a bomb”, informs D. Ramchandram, the public speaking trainer.  And they continue to suffer all through their life. Thankfully, there is a solution to this problem.  Everybody can speak well with a little bit of instruction and guidance.  Anyone can master public speaking, added Ram, who has hundreds of workshops to his credit.

“Public speaking is a skill, not a talent”. It can be easily acquired.  Please don’t assume that you need to be born a natural public speaker.  It is a learnable skill. You need this skill to promote your business/profession to customers, and investors.   You can’t outsource public speaking; as an entrepreneur, it’s up to you to be the face of your business. Speakers are leaders and leaders are speakers.

Media Junction gives you the guarantee that you will be able to speak confidently in four days. Give me the dumbest man/woman in the world, we can make him or her “say what he or she wants to say” informs Kalpana, Director of Media Junction.

The workshop teaches the art of Speech Making, Writing, Body Language, Impromptu Speeches, humorous speeches, Content Management for Speech Preparation etc and many such relevant subjects.

J.D. Birla Institute Signs MoU with IMA USA to Enable Global Career Pathways

Kolkata, jan 1:- J.D. Birla Institute  Kolkata, has taken a significant step towards strengthening professional education by signing a Memorandum of Understanding  with the Institute of Management Accountants  USA. With this collaboration, JDBI becomes the first college in Eastern India to formally partner with IMA, a globally recognised professional body in the field of management accounting and finance. The MoU marks the beginning of a strategic academic partnership aimed at equipping students with globally relevant skills and credentials.

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This milestone reinforces JDBI’s long-standing commitment to career-oriented education and its focus on preparing students for the evolving demands of the professional world. The association with IMA will introduce students to internationally recognised certifications such as Certified Management Accountant  Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis  and Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate  alongside their regular degree programmes.

With a legacy spanning over six decades, J.D. Birla Institute has established itself as a trusted name in higher education. Known for its academic rigour, disciplined learning environment, and emphasis on holistic development, JDBI has consistently nurtured generations of professionals who have gone on to excel in diverse fields. The institution’s illustrious alumni network, comprising industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academicians, stands as a testament to its institutional excellence and academic legacy.

Affiliated to the prestigious Jadavpur University, JDBI benefits from one of India’s most respected academic ecosystems. This affiliation ensures that students receive a strong theoretical foundation supported by robust evaluation standards, while also gaining access to contemporary, industry-oriented learning experiences. The collaboration with IMA seamlessly complements this academic strength by adding a global professional dimension to the curriculum.

JDBI’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern classrooms, digital learning tools, and industry-aligned teaching methodologies create an environment where students can thrive. The institute continuously upgrades its academic offerings to include emerging areas such as data analytics, financial strategy, digital transformation, and sustainable business practices, areas that align closely with the competencies promoted by IMA.

A defining feature of JDBI is its career-focused, professional orientation. The institute places strong emphasis on employability, skill development, and industry readiness. Through this MoU, students will gain early exposure to the management accounting profession, understand global business standards, and develop competencies that employers worldwide value. Workshops, seminars, faculty interaction, and awareness sessions will be conducted to integrate professional learning with academic studies from the very beginning.

The collaboration will directly benefit students by providing structured guidance, mentoring, scholarships, and access to IMA’s global resources. Students will be able to plan their professional journey early, aligning their academic learning with international certification pathways. This early integration significantly enhances confidence, clarity, and career direction.

More importantly, this partnership serves as a stepping stone to international careers. With IMA’s global presence across 150 countries, students trained under this collaboration will be well-positioned for opportunities in multinational organisations, global consulting firms, and leadership roles in finance and strategy.

To support aspiring students and parents, interactive sessions will begin in January, offering detailed insights into the programmes, certifications, and career opportunities enabled by this collaboration. With this landmark MoU, J.D. Birla Institute once again demonstrates its forward-looking vision, bridging academics and global professional excellence to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

ITM University Raipur Observes Human Rights Day with Academic and Community Outreach Initiatives

Raipur, Dec 30: ITM University Raipur organised a Human Rights Day academic-cum-awareness programme under the guidance of the  Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, and the university leadership, reaffirming its strong commitment to constitutional values, social responsibility and inclusive education. Faculty members and students from the School of Law, along with participants from other departments, actively took part in the programme, reflecting the university’s emphasis on interdisciplinary engagement with contemporary human rights issues.

Human Rights Day is observed globally on 10 December to mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. The occasion highlights the universal principles of dignity, equality and non-discrimination, and calls upon educational institutions to play a proactive role in advancing awareness, understanding and protection of fundamental human rights.

As part of the observance, ITM University Raipur conducted a special outreach and awareness campaign at Government Middle School, Uttla. During the programme, university faculty sensitised Class 8 students on the importance of human rights and child protection, with a particular focus on recognising signs of child abuse and understanding basic safety measures. The initiative aimed to empower young students with knowledge that can help them protect themselves and others.

The outreach programme included academic discussions, a teaching video and interactive sessions that encouraged students to relate human rights principles to real-life situations. Special emphasis was placed on child safety, personal responsibility and the relevance of constitutional mandates in everyday life, fostering awareness at an early age.

Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor, ITM University, Raipur said,

“Human rights education empowers individuals to uphold dignity, equality and justice, and inspires responsible citizenship from classrooms to communities.”

Local community representatives, including the Sarpanch of Gram Panchayat Uttla, appreciated the university’s initiative and expressed their support for continued collaboration in community-oriented educational programmes. The Human Rights Day observance strengthened awareness among both school students and university participants, inspiring them to act as responsible citizens and future professionals committed to justice, inclusivity and child safety.

Through this initiative, ITM University Raipur reaffirmed its resolve to integrate human rights education across its academic framework, outreach activities and co-curricular ecosystem, contributing meaningfully to social awareness and community development.

Whistling Woods International–IIM Mumbai Form High-Impact Advisory Board for MBA in Media & Entertainment

Bengaluru, Dec 30:- Whistling Woods International & Indian Institute of Management Mumbai  proudly announces the formation of a prestigious Advisory Board for its upcoming MBA in Media & Entertainment.

Comprising distinguished industry leaders, the Advisory Board represents a wide spectrum of stalwarts from India’s M&E industry covering all areas from Cinema, Sports, TV, OTT, Animation, Games, Music, Events, Media & Communication. This powerhouse collective will guide the programme’s curriculum development, industry integration, and strategic direction – ensuring it stays at the cutting edge of industry trends and global best practices.

Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International, delightfully commented on the formation of the advisory board, “We are honoured to have assembled an Advisory Board of such exceptional calibre and diversity. These industry titans represent the very best of Indian media and entertainment. Their collective insights will be instrumental in shaping a world-class MBA programme that prepares the next generation of leaders for this dynamic sector.”

Prof Manoj Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai added;

“The Advisory Board’s composition reflects the comprehensive nature of the MBA in Media & Entertainment programme. With leaders from every major vertical, students will gain unparalleled exposure to real-world challenges, emerging opportunities, and best practices across the media and entertainment landscape.”

Advisory Board Members

Shashikanth Someshwar, CEO, Weber Shandwick

Ashish Saksena, COO, BookMyShow

Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions

Ajit Andhare, COO, Producer, Viacom18 Studios

Ashish Pherwani, Partner – Media & Entertainment, Ernst & Young

Ashish Kulkarni, Founder, Punnaryug Artvision

Atul Churamani, MD, Turnkey Music and Publishing Private Limited

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder, Nodwin Gaming

Dinesh Vijan, Founder, Maddock Films

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman & CEO India SA, SVP Strategy, Africa, M. East & Asia, Universal Music Group

Gaurav Gandhi, VP, Amazon Prime Video – APAC & ANZ

Keitan Yadav, COO, Red Chillies VFX

Manvendra Shukul, CEO, Lakshya Digital, India Head – Keywords Studios

Nitish Mittersain, CEO & MD, Nazara Technologies

Prashant Khanna, Head – Sports & Live Experiences Production Technology & Services, JioStar

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & MD, Green Gold Animation PVT LTD

Rajan Navani, Chairman & MD, Jetline Group of Companies & CEO, Jetsynthesys

Roshan Abbas, Founder, Kommune India

Sameer Nair, MD, Applause Entertainment

Samit Garg, Co- Founder & MD, E Factor Experiences

Vinit Karnik, MD, WPP Media

The newly formed Advisory Board will meet regularly to provide strategic guidance, facilitate industry collaborations, mentor students, and ensure that the programme remains responsive to the rapidly evolving media and entertainment industry.

ITM BBA Highlights Strong Academic and Industry Initiatives in H2 2025

Dec  29:- The BBA iConnect program, at ITM Business School, under ITM Skills University recorded a highly engaging and productive academic term from July to December 2025, reflecting its continued commitment to holistic education, industry integration, and student development. The term featured a balanced mix of wellness initiatives, academic enrichment, corporate exposure, and cultural activities designed to prepare students for dynamic business careers.

The quarter commenced with Lifestyle and Wellness Management sessions led by industry experts Mr. Kapil Madhsare from 07 to 14 October 2025 and Ms. Madhuri Patil from 24 to 27 November 2025. These sessions emphasized emotional resilience, stress management, and mindful living, addressing the growing need for mental and physical wellbeing among management students. Students were introduced to practical tools for maintaining balanced routines and sustainable habits, reinforcing the idea that personal wellness is integral to professional effectiveness and leadership success.

Cultural engagement remained an important aspect of campus life, with students celebrating “Diwali Dazzle” on 13 October 2025. The event fostered collaboration, creativity, and a sense of community, strengthening peer bonds and enriching the overall student experience.

Strengthening academic and professional pathways, ITM Skills University signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 12 November 2025 with Strategic Educational Professional Pvt. Ltd. to promote the ACCA qualification. This collaboration aims to provide students with access to globally recognized credentials, enhancing their career prospects in finance and accounting.

A major academic highlight was “Aurora  The Economics Summit,” held on 14 and 15 November 2025 in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Satellite City, Navi Mumbai. The summit featured an expert panel discussion on global economic trends and their impact on the Indian economy, with seasoned professionals from finance, manufacturing, and strategic advisory sharing valuable insights. The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and included case study competitions and management challenges that encouraged analytical thinking, teamwork, and practical application of economic concepts.

Experiential learning was further strengthened through the National Immersion Program, during which Term VI students visited Himachal Pradesh from 23 November to 01 December 2025. The program included industrial visits to Baddi, market exposure in Delhi, and interactions with small business owners in Manali, providing students with firsthand insights into manufacturing, entrepreneurship, tourism-based enterprises, and sustainable business models.

The term concluded with a Mentor Meet and Specialisation Workshop held from 09 to 14 December 2025, guiding students in choosing specialisations aligned with their interests and career goals. Faculty mentoring, expert-led workshops, and active internship preparation with reputed organisations collectively reflected strong industry confidence in ITM BBA students.

“At ITM BBA, our focus extends beyond classrooms to nurturing resilient, industry-ready professionals through experiential learning, strong corporate engagement, and holistic development,” said Dr. Lakshmi Mohan, Director B-School, ITM Skills University.

Overall, the July–December 2025 term reinforced ITM BBA’s focus on experiential learning, industry relevance, and holistic student development, preparing learners to excel in an evolving global business environment.

The 4th Edition of Xylem Awards held honoring 2,500 students

Kozhikode,  Dec 29:- Xylem Learning, one of South India’s premier ed-tech institutions, successfully hosted the fourth edition of the Xylem Awards at the Calicut Trade Centre. The ceremony honoured more than 2,500 budding doctors and engineers, who have secured admissions to AIIMS, JIPMER, IITs, NITs and many such prestigious institutions in Kerala and outside. Over 10,000 students gathered at the event organized to honor the exceptional achievements of students who secured top ranks in various national and state-level competitive examinations. The gathering of these high achievers represent Xylem’s latest batch of successful candidates recognized for their outstanding performance in the NEET and JEE exams.

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During the ceremony, Xylem CEO Dr. S. Ananthu, alongside Directors Lijeesh Kumar and Vinesh Kumar, addressed the audience and reflected on the institution’s rapid growth. Since its inception five years ago, Xylem has expanded its reach significantly, currently supporting a vast community of over 3 million online learners and more than 35,000 offline students.

Renowned actors Asif Ali, Basil Joseph, Anarkali Marikar and influencers attended the event to motivate the students.

NMIMS Wins Three Prestigious Honours at Indian Pharmaceutical Congress 2025

The pharmaceutical sector is at a turning point. With artificial intelligence accelerating drug discovery, technologies reshaping healthcare delivery, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, the demand for pharmacy professionals who can think critically, innovate, and lead has never been higher. In this evolving landscape, the Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management (SPPSPTM), SVKM’s NMIMS, made a strong impression at the 74th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC 2025), earning three major honours.

Dr Meena at IPC 2025 (3)

The event, organised by the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India  was held at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre and centred on the theme, AI and Technology in Pharma: Educate, Innovate, Empower. It brought together academicians, researchers, and industry professionals from India and abroad to discuss how technology is influencing drug development, quality assurance, and healthcare delivery.

Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice-Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS, was conferred the APTI Fellowship Award in recognition of her contributions to pharmaceutical education. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Pharmacy education must evolve alongside changes in healthcare and technology. It goes beyond experiments and formulas to fostering curiosity, asking the right questions, and preparing students to address challenges we cannot yet foresee. This recognition is a reminder that while institutions shape individuals, educators also carry the responsibility of shaping institutions for the future. Our role is to help students think critically, remain curious, and stay grounded in purpose.”

SPPSPTM was also awarded the Education Excellence Award for its academic practices and curriculum design, recognising its focus on teaching quality, interdisciplinary learning, and student development. In another achievement, Mr. Keith D’Souza, a B.Pharm alumnus, received the APTI Certificate of Excellence after securing Rank 1 in GPAT and NIPER 2025.

Faculty members from the school actively participated in the Congress, engaging with peers and industry representatives over the three-day event. The recognitions mark a moment of academic acknowledgement for SPPSPTM at a time when pharmacy education is being shaped by rapid technological and sectoral change.