Category education

The Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC), in collaboration with the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), today announced a national initiative to strengthen India’s Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) ecosystem at a ceremony held at the Calcutta Press Club Maidan Tent.

As the centerpiece of the event, Ms. Shaleni Biswas, Managing Director, EasyNotes Stationery Pvt. Ltd., was formally appointed as the Torch Bearer of the MEPSC–BRC Pre-School Facilitators & Caregivers Program. Supported by EasyNotes and powered by Nalanda Learning Systems as the Implementation Partner, the pan-India program aims to train thousands of pre-school facilitators and caregivers through structured, competency-based modules aligned with inclusive early learning needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sumanta Rudra, Director, Bhaktivedanta Research Center, said,

“Today marks an important milestone in reimagining early childhood education in India. Ms. Shaleni Biswas brings exceptional clarity and commitment, and her leadership will inspire educators nationwide.”

Accepting the honour, Ms. Shaleni Biswas stated,

“I am deeply honoured to champion this mission. Strengthening a child’s foundation years is one of the most meaningful contributions to society. This initiative will empower caregivers, uplift educators, and bring quality early education to every corner of India.”

Prabhu Aradhya (Bhagvan Das), Spiritual Mentor & Leadership Coach, added,

“Service to children is service to humanity. By nurturing caregivers, we nurture society. I congratulate BRC, MEPSC, and all partners for this noble endeavour.”

Tamal Mukherjee, Founder Director, Nalanda Learning Systems, said,

“This collaboration brings together skill development, technology, and strong on-ground execution. We are committed to ensuring scale, quality, and measurable impact across all states.”

The MEPSC–BRC initiative represents a significant step toward building an inclusive ECCE framework and professionalizing early childhood education across India.

New Delhi, Dec 15: DPS Vasant Vihar shimmered in a dazzling palette of colours on Thursday and Friday as the school unveiled its grand art festival ‘Artopia  A Euphony of Hues’, celebrating imagination, innovation and self-expression. Students from Nursery to Class 5 took centre stage, presenting an extraordinary range of creative work that transformed the campus into a multi-sensory artistic landscape.

In a unique concept, each class was assigned a distinct colour of the rainbow, turning the school’s landscape into immersive colour-based zones. Children enthusiastically showcased hands-on art activities, crafts and displays of both traditional and contemporary techniques all echoing their assigned hues.

The event also featured a dynamic Art Trail, guiding visitors through a series of thoughtfully curated stations that highlighted the breadth of artistic exploration nurtured by the school. The rich array of experiences included the Art Walk, Origami Stories, Clay Creations, Dance and Art Integration Showcase, Mini Artist Studio, Illusion Alert, Mural Avenue, Texture Trail, Digital Art, Contemporary Corner, Pattern Play Corner, Nature-Inspired Mosaic, Recycled Craft Displays, Story-in-Art Exhibits, Print-Making Studio, Block Print Bazaar, Handprint Mural Wall, Paper Crafts, Colour Riddles Corner, 3D Printing Station, Live Painting and more. Visitors were equally charmed by the many stations led by children themselves who demonstrated techniques, explained concepts and guided peers and parents with confidence and joy.

On day one, the event was graced by the acclaimed Padma Bhushan awardee, Mr. Jatin Das. To nurture love for the environment as well as for learning and creativity, he added, “Handle paper with the same love, care and respect as you would handle a person or your pet.”

The school Principal, Mr. Anil Kumar expressed his delight at the students’ curiosity and inventiveness and remarked, “This festival embodies our belief in art as a joyful journey of expression and learning. These children express with colour what many express with words and both are equally powerful forms of communication.”

The Headmistress said, “The year long planning and vision of the teachers is reflective in the great learning marvel that has unfolded today. I applaud the collective efforts of the teachers, students and parents in bringing Artopia to life.”

On day two, the school was honoured to also host renowned painter, Satadru Sovan Banduri, a multi-disciplinary Indian artist as well as dignitaries associated with French language in India, Ms. Clothilde Sautrel, Attachée for Cooperation in French Language, North India and Mr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Attaché and National Coordinator, Cooperation in French Language and Education. They praised the school’s vision and the global spirit reflected in the festival.

Running parallel to the visual arts celebration was ‘Dashavatara’, an inter-school performing arts competition that brought together 26 schools from across Delhi. Through dance-drama, participants presented captivating interpretations of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu seamlessly blending classical sensibilities with contemporary storytelling. Additionally, the music department organised an inter-school singing competition. The Indian vocalists sang songs on the theme ‘Devotion’ where participants expressed devotion to their country and the Almighty. Western vocalists mesmerised the audience with their soulful renditions on the theme ‘Songs of Humanity’, blending melody with emotions. The performances enlivened the campus, adding rhythm and narrative depth to the already vibrant atmosphere of the day.

Children expressed their excitement with infectious enthusiasm. “I tried the puzzle corner and the patterns looked so cool. It felt like solving a secret code with colours,” said Samaira Jain, a Class 2 student. Viyanca Madhwani from Class 5 added, “The digital corner with 3D Printing fascinated me. I got to create an object from my digital design. It felt like drawing but with superpowers.” Their delight mirrored the energy that pulsed through Artopia.

Artopia drew to a graceful close, leaving hearts stirred by the ingenuity on display. Young minds walked home inspired while parents and mentors admired the inventive flair that unfolded throughout the event. The gathering ultimately stood as a shining example of how open-ended exploration can uplift every learner’s journey.

Dec 13:-Venue Bella Vista Campus, ASCI, Hyderabad  The Administrative Staff College of India  Hyderabad, and the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on December 12, 2025, at the ASCI Bella Vista Campus, Lok Bhavan Road, Hyderabad.

This partnership aims to foster synergy between the two institutions in the areas of training, research and knowledge creation, with a shared commitment to advancing capacity building in governance and public administration. The collaboration covers a wide range of initiatives, Capacity-Building Programmes, Research Projects, Consultancy Assignments, Faculty Exchange, Mission Karmayogi initiatives, Resource Sharing, and other mutually agreed activities.

The MoU establishes a framework for enhanced professional, academic and scholarly engagement in the domains of public policy, governance, administration, data analytics, data protection, digital transformation, crime analysis and related fields. It seeks to promote the generation and dissemination of knowledge based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.

The MoU was signed by Dr. O. P. Singh, Registrar & Secretary, ASCI, and Dr. J. S. Tomar, Deputy Director General, NSSTA, MoSPI. Dr. Janardhan Reddy, IAS (Retd.), DoRS ASCI; Dr. Valli Manickam, DoTP ASCI; Dr. Subodh Kandamuthan, Dean LDP, ASCI; Shri Santosh Kumar Gupta, Director, NSSTA; and officers from ASCI, Hyderabad, were present during the event.

Significance of the MoU;

The collaboration aims to organize joint programmes such as lectures, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, symposia, webinars and training programmes in identified areas of mutual interest and expertise. It also envisages the publication of proceedings of these events, including background papers, compendiums, white papers, journals, dossiers and policy documents on emerging and relevant themes.

Both institutions will mutually share infrastructure, resources and expertise for the execution of these programmes. The collaboration may also include arrangements for field visits and other academic engagements that contribute to strengthening learning and research outcomes.

Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Dec 13: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee successfully conducted the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 – Hardware Edition as a Nodal Centre for the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. The five-day national event (8–12 December) brought together top hardware innovators from across India to develop implementable solutions to critical national challenges.

The Smart India Hackathon, launched by the Government of India and guided by the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has grown into one of the world’s largest open-innovation platforms for students. It empowers young minds to solve real-life challenges posed by ministries, industries, and public-sector organisations. SIH plays a pivotal role in advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and the national innovation mission by encouraging indigenous design, rapid prototyping, and technology-led problem-solving. The Government’s continued support for SIH reflects its commitment to positioning India’s youth at the forefront of hardware, software, and deep-tech innovation.

This year, IIT Roorkee hosted five major hardware problem statements issued by two key ministries:

· Ministry of Home Affairs (NSG & BSF): Surveillance during extreme weather; Handheld radio set with satellite-based personal tracking.

· Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW): Sugarcane maturity prediction device; Low-cost cotton-picking machinery; Advanced jute ribboner machine for in-situ retting.

A total of 23 shortlisted teams from leading institutions across Tamil Nadu, Haryana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh participated in the event. They represented institutions such as the University College of Engineering, Kancheepuram, Chennai Institute of Technology, IIIT Sonipat, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, and Samrat Ashok Technological Institute, among others. Teams worked intensively through day-and-night sessions involving design, prototyping, simulation, testing, and continuous mentoring by ministry representatives, including the National Security Guard, Border Security Force, and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

The Grand Finale concluded today with final evaluations and the valedictory ceremony. Winners for each problem statement category are structured as follows (to be filled upon official declaration):

PS-wise Winners (Hardware Edition – IIT Roorkee Nodal Centre)

PS ID: SIH25196 – Surveillance during extreme weather conditions (MHA–NSG)

Joint Winners: Impact Innovators and Fenix

Solution Highlight: Developed an all-terrain, weather-resilient surveillance system integrating thermal imaging, autonomous drone patrol, and real-time alert analytics. The solution ensures continuous monitoring even in heavy rain, fog, or low-visibility conditions, supporting NSG teams with faster response and enhanced situational awareness.

PS ID: SIH25255 – Handheld Radio Set with Satellite Personal Tracking System (MHA–BSF)

Winner: Megatron

Solution Highlight: Built a rugged handheld radio device equipped with low-power satellite communication and GPS-based personal tracking. The system offers encrypted voice communication, SOS beaconing, and real-time location sharing—significantly improving border patrol safety and coordination during operations.

PS ID: SIH25264 – Prediction of Optimum Maturity of Sugarcane Crop (MoA&FW)

Winner: Farmedge

Solution Highlight: Designed a portable, farmer-friendly digital scanner that uses multispectral sensing and AI models to predict sugarcane maturity. The device gives instant field-level insights on harvest readiness, improving yield quality, reducing losses, and enabling data-driven decision-making for farmers.

PS ID: SIH25266 – Low-Cost Machinery for Cotton Picking (MoA&FW)

Winner: Mindsmiths

Solution Highlight: Created an affordable semi-automated cotton picking machine with soft-grip mechanical arms and debris-reduction technology. The innovation boosts picking speed, minimizes waste, and reduces labor dependency – offering a scalable solution for small and marginal cotton farmers.

PS ID: SIH25267 – Jute Ribboner Machine for Enhanced In-situ Retting (MoA&FW)

Winner: Caffeinated Coders

Solution Highlight: Engineered a lightweight, energy-efficient jute ribboner machine capable of uniform ribbon formation to accelerate in-situ retting. The solution improves fibre quality, reduces manual effort, and supports sustainable jute production by optimizing the traditional retting process.

Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, congratulated the participants and said, “SIH 2025 demonstrates the remarkable innovation capability of India’s youth. IIT Roorkee is proud to enable this national platform and support the development of hardware solutions that will contribute to India’s technological growth and competitiveness.”

The Chief Guest for the valedictory ceremony, Prof. V. K. Malik, Dean SRIC, IIT Roorkee, said, “The solutions developed during this five-day finale demonstrate exceptional clarity, commitment, and technical depth. The participating teams have shown how real-world challenges can be addressed through indigenous hardware innovation, and we are proud to serve as a platform for such national talent.”

Prof. Varun Sharma (SPOC, SIH 2025) and Faculty Coordinator Tinkering Lab, IIT Roorkee shared, “The passion, discipline, and engineering depth exhibited by students across the five-day event were exemplary. The ideas presented reflect the next generation of indigenous hardware innovation.”

With the successful hosting of SIH 2025 – Hardware Edition, IIT Roorkee reinforces its leadership in fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and empowering young technologists to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth.

New Delhi, Dec 12: Leverage Edu, part of Leverage.biz, a global education, jobs talent mobility platform, released new data showing a sharp rise in student interest in Dubai, with applications from India and neighbouring countries growing nearly 40 times since 2023. The findings, drawn from its platform activity across the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and wider GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), highlight Dubai’s fast-rising role as a preferred study abroad destination for Indian students, driven by affordability, proximity, globally recognised programmes, and strong career pathways. For Leverage Edu, this surge has translated into a significantly larger Dubai share within its overall business, rising from 3-4% last year to roughly 11% this year, equivalent to more than 1,000 students.

According to KHDA, Indian students now account for roughly 42% of all international higher-education enrolments in Dubai, underscoring the rapid expansion of the India-Dubai education corridor. Leverage Edu’s platform, which saw more than 50 million student users in the past 12 months and has over 1 million app downloads, is driving substantial interest toward Dubai’s universities, with its data and insights enabling institutions to better understand and respond to global student demand.

Dubai has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional study abroad destinations such as the US and the UK for Indian families. Several international branch campuses in Dubai now offer globally recognised postgraduate programmes at AED 50,000-85,000 per year, significantly lower than their parent campuses abroad. When combined with generally lower living costs than London or major US cities, families can expect roughly 20-40% lower total annual costs in Dubai, though exact savings vary by programme, university, scholarships, and housing preferences.

The Emirate’s proximity to India, robust safety standards, and strong student-support systems further reinforce its attractiveness. Leading universities such as Middlesex University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, University of Birmingham Dubai, and University of Wollongong Dubai have been central to this momentum, offering internationally aligned curricula with industry linkages and internship pathways.

Leverage Edu’s data indicates that postgraduate programmes account for over 70% of applications, with Business and Management representing about two-thirds of total interest, followed by Data Science, Analytics, and AI, together accounting for nearly 80% of interest.

Alongside academic fit, students are responding to Dubai’s employment ecosystem. Internship-linked programmes supported through regulated MOHRE pathways, allow students to gain structured work experience during their studies often leading to industry exposure and early traction in the region’s job market. Employers in Dubai are hiring most actively in AI and data roles, hospitality, tourism, and finance, sectors where the city is scaling rapidly and where student demand directly aligns.

“We’ve seen a clear shift in student sentiment over the past couple of years, with Dubai now coming up in nearly every other counselling conversation. Students aren’t just getting a degree, they’re gaining early exposure to one of the world’s most dynamic job markets, with internship and employment opportunities that many traditional study-abroad hubs cannot match. The 40x surge in applications reflects a growing recognition that quality education, career readiness, and affordability can coexist. At Leverage Edu, we’re proud to be the bridge enabling thousands of Indian students to access this opportunity and build futures that are both globally competitive and rooted in the thriving GCC ecosystem,” said Akshay Chaturvedi, Founder and CEO, Leverage Edu.

Leverage Edu is translating this market opportunity into end-to-end support for Indian students exploring education opportunities in Dubai. From AI-driven university matching and application assessment to personalized counselling, scholarship and financing guidance, visa and documentation assistance, and on-ground support for housing and pre-departure, the platform ensures a seamless experience. It combines artificial intelligence with expert counsellors to address key concerns

around affordability, cultural familiarity, and safety, factors that significantly influence student decision-making.

The company is also strengthening the experience for universities through deeper intelligence and technology. Its data insights give campuses a real-time view of what students from India and other focus markets are prioritising: programme formats, career pathways, affordability thresholds and decision triggers. This allows institutions to fine-tune their offerings and communication to better align with global demand. Univalley.ai, Leverage’s proprietary admissions platform, amplifies this further by helping campuses process applications up to 10x faster, predict enrolment probability and accelerate offer cycles.

The momentum is not limited to Dubai. With Saudi Arabia investing heavily in new STEM and research-led programmes under Vision 2030, the wider Middle East is emerging as a growing hub for global education and innovation, opening up a broader set of opportunities for Indian students in the region.

Anudip Foundation and DBS Bank India inaugurate DeepTech Training Centre in Airoli, Maharashtra to empower underserved youth

Chandigarh, Dec 12: Anudip Foundation for Social Welfare, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of economically and socially vulnerable youth, in partnership with DBS Bank India, inaugurated its new DeepTech Training Centre at Airoli, Navi Mumbai. This signified a major milestone in their three-year initiative to skill and empower 2,400 young individuals from underserved communities across Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, and Chennai. The programme aims to achieve a minimum 70% placement rate, with expected monthly salaries ranging between ₹22,000 to ₹25,000, significantly contributing to economic upliftment.

The DeepTech Programme for Underserved Youth, supported by DBS Bank India, addresses the growing skills gap in India’s technology sector by offering industry-aligned training in non-programming digital technologies, communication, career readiness and soft skills. Delivered through a blended learning model powered by AI tools, gamification, and a Moodle-based LMS, the programme prepares learners for the digital workforce, with third-party assessments by Mettl ensuring standardised evaluation and job readiness.

Senior leadership members of the Anudip Foundation and members from DBS Bank India also graced the occasion, providing guidance and strong encouragement to the learners. The welcome address eloquently articulated the unified vision of advancing digital inclusion and cultivating robust career opportunities for underserved youth. During the beneficiary engagement segment, students adeptly showcased their projects, unequivocally demonstrating their technical proficiency and the programme’s nascent yet significant impact.

Nekzaad Vakil, Executive Director, Group Strategic Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India, said, 

“We are proud to partner with Anudip Foundation on the inauguration of the DeepTech Training Centre in Airoli. This aligns with our larger efforts and commitment towards fostering inclusion and empowering underserved youth with future-ready skills. We believe that addressing critical skills gaps can create pathways to sustainable careers. By supporting the development of advanced technological capabilities among the next generation, we aim to contribute to creating economic opportunities and building resilient communities.”

Monisha Banerjee, CEO, Anudip Foundation said,

 “At Anudip, we believe success begins with access. By providing market-driven skills, mentoring, and employment opportunities, we enable young people from underserved communities to build brighter futures.”

DBS Bank India is committed to creating impact beyond banking. Its efforts are further reinforced by the DBS Foundation, which actively aims to uplift the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Asia. This includes providing essential needs and fostering inclusion for vulnerable communities through grants, mentorship, and capacity-building programmes. The DBS Foundation also supports Businesses for Impact (social enterprises and SMEs with innovative solutions for creating positive social impact and forging strategic partnerships) to catalyse the growth of the ecosystem.

Dec 12:-Drama O’Clock 2025 at DPS Hinjawadi concluded with exceptional acclaim, celebrating student artistry and the school’s unwavering Success Mindset philosophy. Students from Grades 3 to 7 captivated the audience with compelling performances of Alice in Wonderland and The Canterville Ghost, demonstrating remarkable confidence, disciplined preparation and imaginative expression.

The event was graced by distinguished guests Mr. Saurabh Aher, noted FTII-trained actor; Ms. Payal Kawale, an accomplished theatre practitioner; and Mr. Umed Patil, a multifaceted actor and director.

Principal Dr. Jaya Parekh, known for her visionary leadership and commitment to building future-ready learners, applauded the performers for their perseverance and willingness to step beyond comfort zones, qualities that epitomise the Success Mindset cultivated at DPS Hinjawadi.

Parents shared resounding appreciation, describing the event as “mesmerising,” “professionally executed,” and “a transformative experience for children.” Many expressed admiration for the students’ eloquence, stage confidence, and the school’s meticulous organisation, affirming that the production surpassed expectations.

Mr. Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief Learner and Director, shared his reflections on the event, stating,

“Drama O’Clock reflects our belief that every child carries immense potential. When we give them the right stage and the right culture, they rise with confidence and show us what true excellence looks like.”

Drama O’Clock 2025 stands as a powerful reminder of what young learners can achieve when nurtured with belief, opportunity, and a culture rooted in consistent, courageous effort.

Delhi Public School Hinjawadi

Delhi Public School (DPS) 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.

ISRO Chief & DRDO Leader Join Odisha Governor to Award Degrees to Graduates at Centurion University’s 13^th Convocation

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Dec 11:  In a powerful celebration of skill-driven education and national progress, Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), India’s first fully functional Skill University, conferred degrees on 3,059 graduates, including 39 PhD scholars, at its grand 13^th Convocation. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha and Visitor Centurion University, together with Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO, and Dr. B. K. Das, Director General (ECS), DRDO.

Among the 3,059 awardees were students from the 2025 batch and 183 from previous years, further strengthening the university’s reputation for producing industry-ready professionals through its distinctive skill-integrated learning model.

Outstanding performers were felicitated with top honours. Onyinye Francisca Ajaka received the Visitor’s Gold Medal for excellence in B. Tech Mechanical Engineering (Marine), Sangita Ghosh was awarded the Dhiren Patnaik Memorial Gold Medal as Best Female Graduate in Master of Pharmacy, Saket Raj earned the Peter Renwick Memorial Gold Medal for all-round excellence in Management, and Arpita Mohapatra received the Debendra Pradhan Memorial Gold Medal as Best Graduate in Allied Healthcare Sciences. Seventeen students were conferred University Gold Medals and 33 received Merit Awards.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati lauded Centurion’s unique hands-on learning model and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in shaping India’s technological and social landscape. I urge you to remain steadfast in your pursuit of knowledge and use it to drive inclusive growth,” mentioned Dr Kambhampati.

Vice-Chancellor Dr (Prof) Supriya Pattanayak highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainable development and empowerment of underserved communities through innovative, skill-based education. “Centurion University stands as a beacon of inclusion and excellence, dedicated to building a just and equitable society through education,” she remarked.

Dr. V. Narayanan praised the alignment of Centurion’s approach with national priorities in science, technology, and self-reliance. “Centurion University’s emphasis on hands-on learning and innovation aligns closely with India’s vision for a progressive and technologically empowered future. I am confident that the graduates passing out today will contribute meaningfully across diverse fields,” he added.

Dr. B. K. Das called upon the young graduates to advance with ambition rooted in values and ethics. “India is growing stronger each day, a great nation advancing in innovation, development, and global influence. Graduates, move ahead with ambition, but keep your values, ethics, and roots close. The world is waiting for you to step up, to roar with confidence, and to transform lives through your work.” He noted.

The event was graced by Professor Mukti Kanta Mishra, President; Professor D. N. Rao, Vice-President; Professor Anita Patra, Registrar; Dr. Biswajit Mishra, Pro-Vice Chancellor; faculty members, proud parents, and distinguished guests.

In 2025, Centurion University has been recognised with the Prakriti Mitra Puraskar by the Government of Odisha, a ‘Highly Commendable’ certificate in the Nature Positive category at the Green Gown Awards International, and strong rankings in Times Higher Education Impact, Interdisciplinary Science, and World University Rankings. It also secured top positions in the Outlook-ICARE Rankings, including 1st among Skill Universities in India.

Reaffirming its vision, Centurion University continues to shape future-ready professionals equipped with skills, values, and the drive to create lasting societal impact.

Dec 11: Shiv Nadar University Delhi-NCR, an Institution of Eminence, brought together experts, practitioners and students for a conference on Cooperatives, Development and Higher Education at New Delhi’s India Habitat Centre. The day-long programme explored the symbiotic linkages between institutions of higher education, co-operatives, NGOs and Foundations in bringing about transformative socio-economic change. The conference, aligned with the United Nations’ celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives, featured Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Among the dignitaries who attended the event included Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive, National Cooperative Union of India and Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, National Dairy Development Board, Dr. Vivek Kunj, of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and several others.

Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Co-operatives, Government of India, said, “Higher education institutions need to build ties with cooperatives and provide them lab-to-field facilities. Educational institutes can partner with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive, integrated cooperative infrastructure and bring a seamless end-to-end ecosystem where all of us are partners in the growth of  rural India”  ”

Speaking at the event, Professor Ananya Mukherjee, Vice-Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi-NCR, said;

“This conference reflects our belief that higher education plays a vital role in enabling inclusive and sustainable development, and our aspirations of Viksit Bharat.  I am delighted that we had academics, practitioners, and   leaders joined us from all across the country. This conference makes a perfect opportunity for us to explore new initiatives, and I have no doubt that we will find new ways of collaborating across different stakeholders.”

Many of the speakers emphasised the transformative role played by women in India’s cooperative sector, one of the largest in the world. The event reinforced the university’s position as an active convenor of dialogue between the government, academia and the world of practice.

Vivekanand Education Society and University of Mumbai Sign MoU for Centre of Excellence in Sindhi Language, Heritage and Culture Studies

Mumbai, Dec 11: Vivekanand Education Society (VES) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Mumbai to establish a Centre of Excellence in Sindhi Language, Heritage, and Cultural Studies, which will include a dedicated Vivekanand Education Society Sindhi Research and Development Centre (SRDC). The MoU was signed at the University of Mumbai by Advocate Shri Rajesh Gehani, Secretary, VES, and Registrar Dr. Prasad Karande in the presence of Dr. Shri Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai, and Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Ajay Bhamare.

The initiative aims to preserve and promote the Sindhi language, culture, and heritage while strengthening institutional collaboration between VES and the University of Mumbai. The proposed Centre will be housed in a 12,000 sq. ft. facility in a new building at the University of Mumbai and is aligned with the Government of India’s broader mission to advance Sindhi languages. Through academic programmes, research initiatives, and community engagement, the Centre will work toward expanding access to heritage language education and scholarship.

This is a historic milestone for Sindhi’s and a long-awaited opportunity for them to take concrete steps to preserve their language and literature,” said Advocate Shri Rajesh Gehani, Secretary, Vivekanand Education Society. “The centre will enable linguistic analysis and study, digitisation of manuscripts, conversion and transliteration of Sindhi texts into digital formats in Arabic and Devanagari, audio rendering of Sindhi books into audio books, creation of audio-visual educational and research materials, as well as the recording and preservation of oral traditions. It will also support documentation of Sindhi culture, traditions and heritage; archival and preservation activities; academic conferences, seminars and workshops; along with educational and training programs. This model can be replicated in all other states in India, as Sindhi’s are present across the country.”

Vice-Chancellor, Mumbai University, Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni noted that “the Sindhi language carries a rich cultural legacy and heritage that must reach newer generations with due academic and research support. This initiative is not just an infrastructural expansion but a firm step towards the conservation of linguistic heritage,” he said, expressing confidence that the Department will evolve into a national and international hub for research and cultural outreach. “

This landmark collaboration between the University of Mumbai and Vivekanand Education Society (VES), through the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Sindhi Languages, Heritage and Cultural Studies; along with the dedicated Vivekanand Education Society Sindhi Research and Development Centre (SRDC); marks a significant step forward in elevating, preserving, and advancing the Sindhi language and its rich cultural legacy.