Category education

Global financial markets have never been more complex. Volatility, rapid information flow, and international interconnectivity make decision-making a real test of skill, patience, and intuition. While classroom learning provides foundational knowledge, students often step into their first jobs unprepared for the real-time pressures of trading floors. Recognising that traditional lectures alone cannot fully prepare students for fast-paced market realities, students from SVKM’s NMIMS took on the Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge 2025, a month-long competition that replicates live market conditions for participants worldwide. Over five weeks, 2,695 university teams from across the globe competed, applying strategy, risk management, and portfolio construction in real time through Bloomberg Terminals.

The Challenge tested participants on live trading strategies, risk assessment, portfolio construction, and decision-making under real-time market pressures. NMIMS teams delivered a strong performance on the global leaderboard. Bombay Bulls, representing the Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics, Mumbai, secured Rank 40. Bull Riders, from the School of Business Management, Indore, finished at Rank 51, while Equilords, representing the Anil Surendra Modi School of Commerce, Navi Mumbai, achieved Rank 63, earning all three teams a place in the Global Top 100. Additionally, the NMIMS Hyderabad campus received a participation certificate and ranked 137th globally.

Commenting on the achievement,  Dr Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS University, said,

“The Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge offers a rare opportunity for students to apply classroom concepts in a simulated yet realistic market environment. Performances like these reflect the growing emphasis on experiential learning across NMIMS schools and the ability of our students to think strategically, manage risk, and respond decisively under pressure.”

As Indian students increasingly engage with global platforms, performances at international competitions such as the Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge underline the value of hands-on exposure in building market-ready talent. SVKM’s NMIMS continues to strengthen experiential learning frameworks that bridge academic knowledge with real-world financial markets.

Higher education worldwide is entering a period of profound transformation. Rapid technological change is no longer a peripheral influence it is actively reshaping how we teach, learn, work, communicate, and even understand ourselves as social beings. Technology has evolved from being an enabling tool to a decisive force, redefining socio-cultural norms and educational expectations. In this new reality, learning is no longer purely an individual cognitive activity; it is simultaneously personal, social, and deeply collaborative.

This transformation is not unique to India. Globally, universities are responding to a complex mix of forces reshaping higher education systems. Key drivers include the demand for efficiency, rapid technological advances, evolving employer expectations, changing student aspirations, growing emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation, and a global commitment to sustainable growth.

The need for efficiency is unavoidable. Higher education institutions operate under constrained resources and rising expectations. The central challenge is to optimise the use of financial, human, and physical resources while maximising learning outcomes, research productivity, and societal impact. This calls for smarter governance, data-driven decision-making, and technology-enabled administrative systems.

Technological advances are the most visible drivers of change. Breakthroughs in information and communication technologies  biotechnology, genetics, and nanotechnology are transforming every discipline. Among these, ICT has a uniquely pervasive influence reshaping knowledge creation, dissemination, and consumption across classrooms, laboratories, boardrooms, and living rooms. Industrial history from steam power to electricity, automation, and now microprocessor-driven systems reveals a pattern: each revolution displaced certain types of labour while creating new skill demands. Today, Industry 4.0, powered by the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, represents a qualitatively different shift, transforming both industry and higher education.

One pressing challenge is not whether students should use AI tools, but how to train them to use these tools wisely. Universities must develop students’ ability to critically evaluate AI outputs, discern what can be trusted, and identify what requires deeper scrutiny. Equally important is faculty development: teachers must become experts in both their disciplines and AI-augmented pedagogies that enhance learning rather than replace critical thinking.

As technology reshapes work, future jobs will become increasingly cognitively complex and ethically demanding. Machines will handle routine analysis and synthesis, leaving humans to make judgments requiring contextual understanding, values, and responsibility. Universities must prepare graduates to navigate ambiguity, make ethical decisions, and integrate knowledge across domains.

Finally, student expectations especially those of Gen Z are evolving rapidly. Students are asking deeper questions: “How can I make the world a better place? How do we design a sustainable future? How can I innovate responsibly?” Higher education in 2026 must align employability with purpose, innovation with ethics, and excellence with sustainability.

We hope this perspective proves valuable for publication. For additional inputs, clarifications, faculty perspectives, or institutional information from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, please feel free to reach out.

Hyderabad, Dec 29:- KL Deemed to be University successfully conducted its XV Convocation Ceremony, marking a defining moment in the academic journey of over 5,000 graduating students from the 2025 academic year. Organised at the University’s Vaddeswaram campus, the ceremony reflected the scale, diversity, and academic depth of the institution’s vibrant higher-education ecosystem.

The convocation unfolded in an ambience charged with emotion, excitement, and pride, as graduating students, parents, and faculty came together to celebrate years of perseverance and achievement.

The ceremony was graced by Prof. Vinod K. Singh, President of the National Academy of Sciences, India, who attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation Address. Dr. Shripad Banavalli, Coordinator, Tata Memorial Centre  Rural Outreach Program, participated as the Guest of Honour.

Degrees were conferred upon 184 doctoral scholars, over 700 postgraduate students, and more than 4,500 undergraduate students, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines including engineering, management, sciences, law, pharmacy, agriculture, architecture, and the humanities. The graduating cohort included 340 MBA, 105 M.Tech, 40 Law, 3,200 B.Tech, 12 Architecture, 48 B.Pharmacy, 330 BCA, 325 BBA, 37 B.Com, 18 B.Sc 25 BA, 180 B.Sc  14 M.Pharmacy, 32 M.Sc  and 220 MCA graduates.

Academic merits and sustained excellence were formally recognised during the ceremony, with 44 students receiving Gold Medals and 40 students being awarded Silver Medals, along with cash prizes, for outstanding performance in the preceding academic year.

Addressing the graduating students, Hon’ble Chancellor Er. Koneru Satyanarayana said, “Education does not end at convocation; it begins there. The true measure of learning lies in how graduates apply their knowledge with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to creating value for society.”

Vice-Chancellor Dr. G. Parthasaradhi Varma said;

 “The XV Convocation highlights our commitment to excellence in education, research, and holistic learning, preparing graduates for responsible professional and societal leadership.”

In his Convocation Address, Prof. Vinod K. Singh urged graduates to look beyond short-term milestones and consciously build careers grounded in purpose, integrity, and discipline. Emphasising ethical conduct, punctuality, and social responsibility, he encouraged students to contribute meaningfully to national development and public good.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shripad Banavali drew from his life experiences in medicine to highlight the importance of aligning one’s profession with purpose, curiosity, and compassion. He called upon graduates to think independently, serve society with sustained commitment, and prioritise personal well-being while pursuing long-term impact.

 Sharing experience, a B.Tech graduate said;

 “My journey at KL Deemed-to-be University has been truly enriching and filled with meaningful learning experiences. The constant support of my professors helped me grow both academically and personally. As I bid farewell to my friends and teachers, I carry with me deep gratitude for the past and optimism for the future.” Reflecting on her experience, an MBA graduate shared, “The placement-focused guidance significantly strengthened my professional readiness. As I graduate today, I already hold offers from my dream companies. I step forward with gratitude, resilience, and a strong foundation to pursue my career with confidence.”

The proceedings included the formal conferment of degrees and awards upon graduating students. The ceremony concluded in a warm and celebratory atmosphere, as graduates and families marked the occasion with applause and shared moments of pride.

Delhi & Gurugram Dominate Law Entrance CLAT 2026 with All India Rank 2, 7, 8, 9 in  10; Produce Delhi & Haryana State Toppers

New Delhi / Gurugram, Dec 27: The CLAT 2026 results have once again highlighted the growing role of the Delhi–Gurugram region in shaping India’s next generation of legal professionals. As competition intensifies nationwide and law increasingly emerges as a first-choice career, students trained in Delhi and Gurugram have delivered one of the strongest city-wise performances in this year’s Common Law Admission Test.

According to officially declared results, students from LegalEdge’s Delhi and Gurugram centres together secured four All India Ranks in the Top 10  AIR 2 and AIR 8 from Delhi, and AIR 7 and AIR 9 from Gurugram.

Significantly, the Gurugram centre also produced Haryana Topper 1 and Haryana Topper 2, corresponding to AIR 7 and AIR 9, underscoring the depth of preparation emerging from the NCR belt. LegalEdge centres in these two cities accounted for 14 ranks in the Top 100. With counselling currently underway, over 300 selections into National Law Universities (NLUs) are expected from Delhi and Gurugram alone.

Top CLAT 2026 Performers from Delhi & Gurugram: –

• AIR 2 – Parv Jain (Delhi | Delhi Topper 1)
• AIR 7 – Gauransh Vats (Gurugram | Haryana Topper 1)
• AIR 8 – Argh Jain (Delhi | Delhi Topper 2)
• AIR 9 – Manvi Yadav (Gurugram | Haryana Topper 2)

Among the top achievers are Parv Jain (AIR 2) and Argh Jain (AIR 8), twin brothers both mentored at the LegalEdge Delhi centre. Students of DPS School, the twins opted for a long-term preparation route, enrolling in a structured two-year classroom programme immediately after Class 10. Their preparation journey reflects a growing trend among serious law aspirants who are choosing early academic planning over last-minute preparation cycles.

Reflecting on their experience, the students highlighted consistency and academic structure as key factors. “Starting early helped us build strong fundamentals. The discipline of classroom learning, regular mock analysis, and close mentor interaction played a decisive role,” they shared. Their parents echoed the importance of process-led preparation, noting that a clear academic roadmap helped the students grow not only in performance but also in confidence and emotional maturity.

Commenting on the results, Vikaas Wahi, Director, LegalEdge Delhi & Gurugram, said:

“At LegalEdge Delhi & Gurugram, our focus has never been only on ranks, but on the journey of every student and the trust every parent places in us. We consciously work towards creating the right academic environment — one that combines structure, mentorship, emotional support, and consistency. When students feel guided and confident, outcomes follow naturally. Our student-to-selection ratio of nearly 4:1 reflects this sustained, student-first approach rather than a numbers-driven mindset.”

Other top performers from the region also highlighted sustained mentorship as a key differentiator. AIR 7 Gauransh Vats, Haryana Topper 1, credited focused one-to-one mentoring and mock strategy discussions for his steady progress, while AIR 9 Manvi Yadav, Haryana Topper 2, emphasised the role of a supportive academic environment and regular guidance in maintaining exam readiness throughout the preparation cycle.

The performance from Delhi and Gurugram aligns with broader national trends. Over 92,000 candidates registered for CLAT 2026, with nearly 75,000 appearing for the undergraduate examination alone, reflecting a 17% rise in participation over previous years. With limited NLU seats available, the data points to law consolidating its position as a high-stakes, aspirational career choice among Indian students.

At a national level, LegalEdge’s CLAT 2026 outcomes reflect consistent performance across centres, with AIR 1, 2, 3 and 7 AIRs in the Top 10, 9 State Toppers, 51 ranks in the Top 100, reinforcing the role of structured, classroom-led preparation in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Mumbai, Dec 26:- As India continues to invest in infrastructure and urban development, the need for specialised talent to support execution, quality and operational efficiency is increasingly becoming urgent for the CRIP sector. Responding to this emerging skills gap, NICMAR University, Pune campus has announced the launch of two new one-year postgraduate diploma programmes: Asset and Facilities Management  and Ready-Mix Concrete Management  in the upcoming academic year.

According to various reports, there is an estimated 15-20% increase demand in asset and facility management industry by 2030. Similarly, India’s RMC market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate  of 8% from 2023 to 2027. Both are being driven by the government’s increased focus on infrastructure projects, including smart cities, highways, and affordable housing schemes.

With the country’s continued drive to add and improve large-scale physical assets such as airports, metros, commercial complexes and industrial parks, sector experts have repeatedly flagged the lack of trained asset and facilities managers capable of ensuring long-term performance, safety and sustainability of these investments. The PGD in Asset and Facilities Management seeks to address this gap by preparing professionals to manage the post-construction lifecycle of built assets, covering areas such as operations planning, maintenance systems, compliance, energy efficiency and user-centric facility performance.

At the same time, infrastructure expansion has brought renewed focus on construction quality and durability, particularly in high-volume projects such as highways, metro corridors and urban housing. Industry assessments point to a shortage of professionals with specialised expertise in ready mix concrete production, quality assurance and supply-chain coordination. The PGD in Ready Mix Concrete Management has been structured to build capability in concrete technology, plant operations, quality control and logistics management, with the aim of strengthening consistency and performance across construction projects.

Speaking about the launch of these two new courses, Dr Tapash Kumar Ganguli, Director-General NICMAR said, 

“By consulting with industry partners and practitioners, these two new programmes at NICMAR University, Pune Campus  Asset and Facilities Management and Ready-Mix Concrete Management  have been developed to align training with on-ground requirements. The curriculum emphasises applied learning, case-based instruction and exposure to real-world project environments, reflecting the increasing demand for technically grounded managers rather than purely theoretical qualifications.”

Education and infrastructure experts note that as India’s infrastructure ambitions scale up, the success of projects will depend not only on capital expenditure and engineering design, but also on the availability of specialised managerial talent across the value chain. Programmes such as asset management and ready-mix concrete management are expected to play a critical role in improving execution outcomes, reducing lifecycle costs and enhancing the resilience of built infrastructure.

With the introduction of these two new programmes, NICMAR aims to strengthen its focus on niche, industry-aligned education that supports India’s long-term infrastructure development goals.

India,  Dec 26:- In a historic first for India’s legal education landscape, Geetali Gupta from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has secured All India Rank 1 in the Common Law Admission Test 2026, becoming the first girl in 5 years to top the national law entrance examination. She has also set an all-time national record by scoring 112.75 out of 120, the highest marks ever recorded in the history of the CLAT exam, translating to nearly 94 per cent.

While female participation in CLAT has increased steadily over the years, with girls forming a significant proportion of applicants, the top rank has remained elusive for women, particularly at the AIR 1 level. Geetali’s success, therefore, carries wider significance  marking a breakthrough for gender representation in elite legal education.

A student of Toprankers LegalEdge’s Classroom Contact Program, Geetali was prepared exclusively through the institute’s classroom-based ecosystem, following a structured and mentor-led approach to preparation.

Speaking about her journey, Geetali said, “I am a bona fide Classroom Contact Program Student of Toprankers LegalEdge & I am proud of it. I prepared for CLAT exclusively through LegalEdge’s classroom programme. Harsh Sir, Utkarsh Sir, Saurabh Sir, Suyukti Ma’am, and Sukanya Ma’am’s guidance shaped my entire preparation. I am thankful to my parents, brother & the entire LegalEdge family for guiding and helping me to achieve this fleet.

Her parents highlighted the role of a strong academic support system, especially for students preparing outside metropolitan centres. Her mother, Bharti Gupta, said, “Geetali prepared for CLAT through LegalEdge’s Classroom Contact Program. We exclusively credit the Toprankers LegalEdge mentors & teachers for her outstanding success.”

Her father, Mr. Jagdeep Gupta, added, “Geetali prepared for CLAT exclusively through Toprankers LegalEdge’s Classroom contact Program. We sincerely thank LegalEdge mentors, especially Harsh Sir, for their success. They have a great ecosystem for students and CLAT preparations.”

Commenting on the result, Harsh Gagrani, Co-founder and Chief Academic Officer of Toprankers LegalEdge, said, “This result validates our academic process. For us, AIR 1 is as important as the last student who worked hard to improve their rank. We have always prioritised right guidance and hard work, and we will continue to do so in the future.”

Education observers note that Geetali’s achievement reflects a broader shift underway in competitive exam preparation, particularly for girls from tier-2, tier-3, and tier-4 cities, where access to structured mentoring and classroom learning can play a decisive role.

CLAT is one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations, serving as the gateway to the country’s premier National Law Universities  Every year, tens of thousands of aspirants compete for a limited number of seats, making a top rank statistically rare. For Geetali Gupta, the first girl in 15 years to top CLAT, and the highest score ever achieved in the exam’s history  a moment that is likely to inspire a new generation of law aspirants across India.

Dec 26:-Delhi Public School, Hinjawadi proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Sports Day 2025 at the Major Dhyan Chand Ground, celebrating physical excellence, resilience, and the school’s philosophy of nurturing a Success Mindset among students from Pre-Primary to Grade 7.

The programme was organised in thoughtfully planned slots, and the celebration was elevated by the presence of several eminent sportspersons whose journeys reflect perseverance, discipline, and purpose. The school was honoured by the gracious presence of Suyash Jadhav, Arjuna Awardee and internationally acclaimed para-swimmer; Neha Sapte, international rifle shooter and Shiv Chhatrapati Krida Puraskar awardee; Krushna Tanpure, India’s first para triathlete to win a world-level medal and a national champion; and Geetali Pande, former national-level basketball player and senior physical education professional. Their collective presence inspired students, parents, and staff alike.

Students displayed confidence, coordination, and true sportsmanship through a vibrant and well-curated programme that included march past, oath-taking ceremony, age-appropriate races, sprint and obstacle events, yoga display, lathi-kathi, martial arts, rope and pole mallakhamb, rifle drill, relay races, fire jump drill, and synchronized group performances.

In her address, Principal Learner Dr. Jaya Parekh emphasized that success is not defined solely by medals or podium finishes, but by consistent effort, resilience, integrity, and the courage to strive for personal improvement. She reiterated the school’s commitment to holistic development through experiential and value-based learning.

Sharing his thoughts, Chief Learner and Director Siddharth Rajgarhia remarked;

“Sports provide one of the most powerful classrooms for life. Through discipline, teamwork, resilience, and respect for effort, children learn lessons that no textbook alone can teach. At DPS Hinjawadi, our focus is on building a success mindset, where every child learns to strive, persevere, and grow with character. This Sports Day reflects our commitment to nurturing confident, balanced, and future-ready learners.”

The 2nd Annual Sports Day 2025 concluded with prize distribution and a shared sense of pride and motivation, reinforcing DPS Hinjawadi’s vision of shaping confident, disciplined, and value-driven learners, prepared not just for competitions but for life beyond the classroom.

Delhi Public School Hinjawadi

Delhi Public School Hinjawadi stands proudly under the esteemed aegis of the 75-year legacy of the Delhi Public School Society, a name synonymous with academic excellence, values, and holistic education. Rooted in this rich heritage, DPS Hinjawadi is committed to redefining excellence in the educational landscape through a progressive, child-centric, and future-ready approach.

The school’s vision is strengthened by the leadership of Mr. Gautam Rajgarhia and Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia, and the academic stewardship of Principal Learner, Dr. Jaya Parekh. Their years of experience, clarity of purpose, and passion for transformative education guide the school in creating an environment where every child grows with competence, character, and a success mindset.

Rooted in strong values and powered by progressive practices, DPS Hinjawadi believes in nurturing competence with character—developing children who are academically capable, emotionally balanced, socially responsible, and morally grounded. The school cultivates a success mindset that encourages students to set ambitious goals, persevere through challenges, and believe in their ability to shape their own future.

Set on a serene green campus, DPS Hinjawadi provides a learning environment filled with unlimited possibilities. Through innovative teaching methods, a robust curriculum, and a focus on deep conceptual understanding, the school ensures that every child’s unique potential is recognized, supported, and celebrated.

A blend of academics, sports, arts, technology, and life skills forms the backbone of holistic development at DPS Hinjawadi. With a safe, nurturing, and student-centered approach, the school inspires children to think critically, act responsibly, and grow confidently.

DPS Hinjawadi is a place where children discover who they are, what they can become, and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world.

Mumbai, Dec 24:- Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research Mumbai brought together its illustrious alumni, faculty members, students, and leaders from across generations at the Annual Alumni Meet 2025, an evening that celebrated shared memories, leadership journeys, and the enduring bond between the institute and its alumni.

One of the most evocative moments of the evening was the recreation of the iconic “Ambika Sheraton,” a small chai tapri located just outside the erstwhile Sion campus of Welingkar Institute, fondly remembered by former students and faculty alike. Known for its endless cups of chai and conversations that shaped friendships and ideas, the Ambika Sheraton was recreated in the WeSchool foyer, creating a wave of nostalgia and reaffirming the institution’s belief that some of the strongest institutional bonds are also reinforced outside classrooms, over conversations and connections.

The celebrations began with a special “Match of Legends” cricket match. The friendly match brought together alumni, faculty, and students, symbolising teamwork, sportsmanship, and the vibrant spirit that continues to define the WeSchool community.

A key highlight of the evening was the Power Hour Fireside Chat with distinguished Alumni and an inspiring talk by Captain Raghu Raman, who addressed alumni and students on leadership, organisational culture, and the challenges of scaling institutions. Drawing from his experience across the armed forces and the corporate world, Captain Raman emphasised the role of people, behaviour, and example-driven leadership. 

Captain Raghu Raman, leadership consultant, Adani Group, said,

“Institutions are not built by funds; they are built by people. You should never ever ask someone to do something that you cannot demonstrate physically. Troops will not do what you tell them to do. Troops will do what you do. Layer after layer of governance and bureaucracy slows organisations down, and very often 50% to 60% percent of our energy goes into battling internal issues rather than external challenges. If organisations want to scale, leaders must create a shared reality where people know each other as human beings and not just as designations, because leadership is about behaviour, example, and the stories people choose to follow.”

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research said,

“ WeSchool’s growth did not happen by default but by design, driven by co-creation, co-production, and the belief that we may be constrained by land, but we are never constrained by mind.” He attributed WeSchool’s success in a big way to the WeSchool alumni who have stood like pillars of strength. He also fondly acknowledged alumni associated with and working at WeSchool as well as the global alumni present for the alumni meet.

The evening also featured student performances, Alumni awards, alumni networking, and a rooftop celebration with music and dinner, bringing the formal celebrations to a warm and energetic close while reinforcing the institution’s commitment to lifelong alumni engagement.

The Annual Alumni Meet 2025 culminated with the Pride of Welingkar Awards, recognising alumni who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, entrepreneurship, social impact, and sustained contribution across industries and geographies.

The Corporate Excellence Award recipients included Nitin Nabar Shriram Balasubramaniam, Amit Kapur Mayuresh Kore Avishek Purkayastha Kedar Rele Shreyas Dukle  Shekhar Joshi Sharad Sadadekar  Bhushan Soman Abhijit Kulkarni Siddhi Shah Rahul Dedhia and Nilesh Rathod

The Women Leader Award was presented to Vaishali Srivastava  Tina Kabra Shiksha Sethia  Sonali Puri  Renuka Gowda Swapna Sundaram Iyer and Rohini Remje

The Entrepreneurial Success Award winners included Gaurav Kumar Dr. Nishant S. Mehta Aasim Merchant  Avanti UbhayakarNinad Thakre Rishabh Nagwekkar and Siddhant Khare 

The Social Entrepreneurship Award was conferred on Tanul Mohod while the Super Achievers’ Award was presented to Dr. Sanjay Salunkhe 

Dec 24:- Symbiosis Ishanya Bhavan became a space where young voices were not coached to impress but encouraged to think. The TED-Ed Student Talks  December 2025 Edition, guided by VSPEAK Institute, unfolded as a quiet yet powerful reminder that the future does not shout it reflects, questions, and speaks with intention.

More than a student event, the programme stood as an example of what happens when education prioritises expression as a life skill rather than an extracurricular activity.

From Ideas to Insight: The TED-Ed Approach

The TED-Ed Student Talks programme follows a 13-module experiential journey for students aged 8 to 18. Instead of beginning with stage presence or delivery techniques, students start with curiosity.

They explore questions drawn from personal experiences, social observations, and emotional understanding. Through research, writing, peer feedback, and mentoring, these ideas evolve into talks that are thoughtful rather than rehearsed.

At Symbiosis Ishanya Bhavan, this process was evident. The stage felt calm, the audience attentive, and the ideas sincere. Students spoke to be understood not applauded.

A Two-Half Format That Honoured Every Voice

The December 2025 edition was presented across two halves, allowing space for depth and reflection. This structure avoided overload and ensured that each idea received the attention it deserved.

The result was an environment defined by listening rather than performance where silence carried as much weight as words.

First Half: Values, Wellbeing, and Conscious Growth

The first half of the event was led by Chief Guest Mrs. Nanditha Chauhan, model, speaker, and nutritionist, crowned Mrs. Maharashtra 2024 and First Runner-Up, Mrs. India 2025. Her journey of discipline, balance, and self-growth resonated strongly with the student speakers, reinforcing the importance of wellbeing alongside ambition.

She was joined by Guests of Honour Ms. Venicia Reneesh, Dr. Pratik Mungekar, Dr. Selvakumari Sankaranarayanan, and Ms. Desiree Dhami, whose presence reflected the values of holistic education, creativity, leadership, and global perspective.

Second Half: Resilience in Real Time

The second half featured Chief Guest Ms. Prisha Tapre, whose journey embodied courage and consistency.

At just 16 years old, she completed a solo swim across the English Channel in 11 hours and 48 minutes an achievement shaped by years of training, mental strength, and belief. Beyond the physical milestone, she used her success to support child nutrition initiatives, reminding students that achievement gains meaning when it serves a larger purpose.

Her story left a lasting impression, especially on young girls in the audience, as a reminder that preparation and patience build extraordinary outcomes.

The Students Who Carried the Conversation

At the heart of the event were 27 student speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to the stage:

• Aarav Shah – Why Failure Is the First Step to Growth
• Ananya Kulkarni – The Power of Listening in a Noisy World
• Rohan Deshpande – Redefining Success Beyond Marks and Medals
• Siya Mehta – Social Media: Connection or Comparison?
• Advait Joshi – Curiosity as the Engine of Learning
• Kavya Nair – Emotional Intelligence: A Life Skill
• Reyansh Patil – Small Habits That Shape Big Futures
• Isha Malhotra – Self-Worth in the Age of Validation
• Arjun Kulkarni – Technology with Responsibility
• Nandini Rao – The Courage to Be Yourself
• Vedant Gokhale – Discipline Over Motivation
• Aditi Banerjee – Mental Health Is Not a Taboo
• Mihir Kulkarni – Financial Awareness Starts Early
• Tanvi Deshpande – Kindness as a Leadership Strength
• Kunal Sharma – Learning Beyond Textbooks
• Riya Shetty – Confidence Is Built, Not Born
• Yash Agrawal – Decision-Making in Everyday Life
• Pihu Jain – The Impact of Words on Young Minds
• Omkar Bhosale – Resilience Through Change
• Shreya Sengupta – Why Empathy Matters More Than Ever
• Atharva Kulkarni – Purpose Over Pressure
• Meher Kapadia – Creativity as a Problem-Solving Tool
• Sarthak Mishra – Facing Fear with Preparation
• Diya Iyer – Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing
• Pranav Kulkarni – Responsibility as Young Citizens
• Alisha Fernandes – Finding Your Voice Early in Life
• Siddharth Chavan – Hope as a Conscious Choice

Together, these talks explored mental health, empathy, leadership, financial literacy, technology, identity, and resilience revealing a generation both aware and articulate.

The Mentors and Institutions Behind the Stage

Committed mentors and institutions shaped the programme.

Mr. Virendra Nirmalkar, TED-Ed Mentor and Founder of VSPEAK Institute, guided students with a focus on clarity, authenticity, and responsibility.

Ms. Puja Talesara Bhandari, Founder of Leadership Demystified, introduced conscious leadership principles rooted in Swabhava honouring individual strengths.

Ms. Ira Ghosh, Director of Research and Learning and Primary School Principal at Victorious Kidss Educares, reinforced the importance of safe, non-judgemental spaces for expression.

Support from Victorious Kidss Educares, RHYTHM Music Academy, Design Mediaa, and Stay Featured ensured a well-rounded TED-Ed experience.

Why This Moment Matters

The TED-Ed Student Talks   December 2025 Edition did not attempt to define the future. It allowed it to speak calmly, clearly, and with intent.

At Symbiosis Ishanya Bhavan, students were not evaluated or ranked. They were heard.

And sometimes, that is where Real education goes beyond textbooks; it’s about developing critical thinking, practical skills, and character. Focus on inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning begins.

Jaipur, Dec 24:- Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur, successfully hosted the Malaysia Immersion Program 2025, a flagship international initiative aimed at fostering psychological immersion and cross-cultural collaboration among future global leaders. Conducted in partnership with University Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia, the program offered students a rich blend of academic rigor, cultural exchange, and experiential learning from December 18 to 24, 2025.

Anchored in the theme “Foundation of Happiness,” the immersion program moved beyond conventional classroom learning by integrating mindfulness, cultural intelligence, and global perspectives. The journey began with yoga and Art of Living sessions, setting a strong foundation for holistic development and emotional well-being. Academic sessions led by distinguished faculty explored topics such as consumer happiness, mindfulness, neuromarketing, and leadership psychology, helping participants understand how cultural contexts influence human behavior and decision-making.

A key highlight of the program was the meaningful intercultural engagement between Indian and Malaysian students. Collaborative discussions, presentations, and shared experiences fostered empathy, adaptability, and mutual respect. Cultural immersion activities, including visits to Jaipur’s heritage sites, further enriched participants’ understanding of India’s traditions and social fabric.

The program was meticulously coordinated by the International Relations Committee  underscoring Jaipuria Institute of Management’s strong commitment to global exposure and experiential education. The immersive journey concluded with reflective sessions and a heartfelt farewell, reinforcing the institute’s vision of nurturing globally aware, psychologically resilient, and culturally sensitive professionals. Jaipuria Institute of Management continues to strengthen its global academic ecosystem, positioning itself as a hub for transformative international learning.

A thought-provoking session on happiness was conducted by Dr. Prabhat Pankaj, renowned Happiness Guru and Director of Academics, Jaipuria Campus, emphasizing well-being and self-awareness. The program was led by Dr. Daneshwar Sharma, Director  Dr. Varun Chotia, Dean  Academics; Dr. Aparna Mendiratta, Chairperson  International Relations Committee; Dr. Oum Kumari R, Co-Chair  International Relations Committee; and Dr. Navin Kumar, Assistant Professor  Marketing. Together, they highlighted the importance of holistic education, cross-cultural learning, and global leadership development.

The proceedings were seamlessly coordinated under the guidance of Mr. Avinash Kumar, Assistant Manager  International Relations Committee, along with the IRC Junior Coordinators, ensuring the smooth execution of all academic and cultural engagements.