Category education

Mumbai, October 31, 2025: Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool), today hosted the “Capacity Building Workshop on Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE)” for District Education Officers and DIET Members under the aegis of the Department of School Education and Literacy, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC).

The two-day workshop, being held on 30th – 31st October 2025, aims to strengthen district-level leadership by enhancing their understanding of innovation, creativity, design thinking, and entrepreneurship, in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Govind Kamble, State Project Co-ordinator, MPSM, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Dr. Sachin Kore, Director, VJTI, who graced the event as Guest of Honour. Also, present were Ministry officials Mr. Ajay Kakade and Mr. Sachin Bane, State Nodal Officers, along with senior faculty members from WeSchool.

Mr. Govind Kamble said, “Maharashtra has consistently been at the forefront of national education initiatives, from the Viksit Bharat program to several state-led innovation efforts. Over 73% of our eligible schools have already registered under Viksit Bharat, and with the continued commitment of our education officers and field teams, I am confident we will maintain this leadership by ensuring greater student participation and project submissions.”

He further added, “The state government is also introducing several new initiatives to nurture scientific curiosity, from strengthening science exhibitions to launching Vigyan Vaari, which aims to give students advancing to the state level an opportunity to visit institutions like NASA. I urge all district officers and educators to take the learnings from this IDE workshop back to their schools and encourage students to think innovatively and pursue excellence”

Dr. Sachin Kore remarked that “creativity is something AI cannot generate it must originate through human innovation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool said, “Only education has the power to truly transform a nation. At WeSchool, we believe innovation must begin with educators, those who shape young minds and drive systemic change. This workshop reflects our commitment to nurturing an innovation mindset among District Education Officers and DIET members, empowering them to become edupreneurs who can lead India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He further added, “Our DNA is experimentation. For decades, WeSchool has championed design thinking and entrepreneurship in education, and we are proud to collaborate with AICTE, the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell, and the Wadhwani Foundation to build a culture of creative problem-solving and co-creation across districts.”

Organized in collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation, renowned for its initiatives in entrepreneurship education, the IDE bootcamp marks Phase 1 of the IDE training program for PM SHRI schools, spanning 25 states and 2 union territories.

Over 60 participants from across districts attended the opening day, engaging in group activities, immersive working sessions, and hands-on workshops designed to ignite creative thinking and problem-solving. The sessions encouraged participants to explore the “why,” “what,” and “how” of innovation in education, while uncovering strategies to drive meaningful change and foster entrepreneurial thinking within their institutions.

The two-day bootcamp will conclude with participants presenting actionable frameworks to integrate IDE concepts into district-level initiatives, aligning with the broader national vision of “Innovation for All” under NEP 2020.

Sambalpur, 30th October, 2025: In alignment with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur (IIM Sambalpur), one of India’s leading management institutions, hosted the 10th edition of its flagship annual business conclave, MARMAGYA 10.0. The theme for this year’s conclave was “Navigating Businesses in a Multipolar World: Ideas for Viksit Bharat 2047.”  IIM Sambalpur is taking a milestone step with this event to inspire students to develop adaptive and globally relevant leadership skills while guiding businesses to collaborate with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The event was graced by Abhishek Naidu, Global Head of Operations at Google, as the Chief Guest, Atul Kharate, Chief Operating Officer at Indian Oil Adani Ventures, as the Guest of Honor, and Vardhaman Agarwal, Director at EY, as the Keynote Speaker.

The conclave brought together students, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the country, reflecting IIM Sambalpur’s commitment to fostering an Atmanirbhar Bharat through innovation, leadership, and collaboration. It also saw participation from senior representatives of leading organizations such as Google, EY, Indian Oil, Adani Ventures, Aditya Birla Group (UltraTech Cement), HCL Tech, ZOHO, Cushman & Wakefield, and several other prominent companies, highlighting its role as a premier platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the future of Indian business.

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can be achieved through three models. First, increasing women’s participation in the workforce which  is essential for economic growth , as highlighted by Claudia Goldin’s ( Nobel-laureates in Economics 2023). Second, inclusive model of governance  institutions,  highlighted by  Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, ( Nobel-laureates in Economics 2024). Third, innovation- and technology to create   fresh ideas, and creative transformation which is vital for a sustainable economy by Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion & Peter Howitt  (Nobel-laureates in Economics 2025)

Over the past decade, each edition of Marmagya has reflected the core of the business world, bridging the gap between academia and industry. From deep insights and strategic partnerships to operational excellence, this event provides a premier platform to foster the Make in India initiative.

On the transformative potential of AI, Chief Guest of the event, Abhishek Naidu, Global Head of Operations, Google, stated, “AI can empower education in underprivileged communities. IIM Sambalpur deserves praise for being the first IIM to integrate Data Science and AI into its curriculum.”

Guest of Honor, Atul Kharate, COO, Indian Oil Adani Ventures, remarked, “In the coming decade, India is set to become the third-largest crude oil processor, supplying petrochemical products globally. Growth in heavy industries and MSMEs is shaping a sustainable, strong economy.”

Keynote Speaker, Vardhaman Agarwal, Director, EY, said, “Marmagya is more than a business conclave- it is a leadership laboratory anchored in Innovation, Integrity, and Inclusiveness. IIM Sambalpur is shaping not just managers, but nation builders.”

This year, Marmagya began with an announcement where IIM Sambalpur introduced the Incubation Hub and Alumni Incubation Scheme as part of the Curtain Raiser for Marmagya 10.0 in Delhi, promoting entrepreneurial activities across the country. Over the past decade, the annual business conclave has evolved into a premier platform that brings together more than 26 visionary speakers and over 1,000 participants across various domains, including marketing, finance, operations, consulting, and technology reinforcing IIM Sambalpur’s core pillars of Innovation, Integrity, and Inclusiveness.

India, 30th October, 2025: With three campuses across France  including the world’s largest one dedicated to the pastry and confectionery arts  École Ducasse stands as the leading network of schools for culinary professions.

On the occasion of its participation in the 30th edition of the Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie, École Ducasse is celebrating its range of training programmes focused on chocolate and pastry: a comprehensive selection of courses designed to enhance skills and provide the very best teaching in line with Chef Alain Ducasse’s philosophy.

A Full Immersion in the Art of Chocolate

From bean to ganache, both students and professionals joining École Ducasse campuses dive into the fascinating world of cocoa through short and long training programmes. Led by renowned chef instructors, these courses cover every stage of chocolate transformation: tempering, moulding, coating, and the creation of bonbons, bars, entremets and artistic pieces.

“Chocolate is a living material both precise and poetic. Our mission is to teach how to master it without ever losing sight of the emotion it evokes,” explains Luc Debove, Executive Director of the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie.

The Most Comprehensive Training Catalogue on the Market

With over 40 years of expertise, the École Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie stands today as the world reference in the pastry and confectionery arts. Its training catalogue now encompasses every practice related to chocolate and pastry:

POST-BACCALAUREATE PROGRAMMES

These three-year courses are open to all high school graduates wishing to pursue academic studies combining theoretical and practical training in the sweet arts.

• Diplôme Supérieur des Arts Pâtissiers – three-year programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux), conferring the title of Chef Pâtissier registered with the RNCP;
• Bachelor in French Pastry Arts – three-year English-taught programme delivered at École Ducasse Paris Campus (Meudon).

CAREER-CHANGE PROGRAMMES

Designed for professionals seeking a new career path, these short- or medium-term courses provide hands-on learning and strong employability upon completion.

• Essentiels de la Pâtisserie Française – eight-week programme delivered at École Ducasse Paris Campus (Meudon);
• CAP Chocolaterie Confiserie – eight-month programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux);
• CAP Pâtissier – eight- or nine-month programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux);
• French Pastry Arts Diploma – 22-week English-taught programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux);
• French Chocolate & Confectionery Arts Diploma – two-month English-taught programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux).

EXPERT TRAINING PROGRAMMES

These intensive courses allow professionals to perfect their skills and acquire solid, advanced techniques.

• Diplôme des Arts Pâtissiers – ten-month programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux), open exclusively to holders of a CAP Métiers de bouche;
• Expert Diploma in French Pastry Arts – eight-week English-taught programme delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie (Yssingeaux).

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Delivered at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie by École Ducasse Chef Instructors and master artisans – Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, World Champions and Palace Pastry Chefs – these three-day courses are aimed at professionals wishing to refine their expertise throughout their careers in specific pastry and chocolate techniques.

• Chocolate in All Its Forms – led by Paul Occhipinti, Chocolatier and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier Confiseur, from 2 to 4 March 2026;
• Easter Creations and Chocolate Bonbons – led by Bertrand Balay, Chocolatier and Meilleur Ouvrier de France Chocolatier Confiseur, from 9 to 11 March 2026;
• Chocolate and Confectionery – led by Johan Giacchetti, Head Chocolatier at Le Bristol Paris, from 27 to 29 April 2026;
• Bean to Bar – led by Régis Bouet, Master Chocolatier-Confectioner and Cocoa Expert, from 18 to 21 May 2026;
• Chocolate Ganache – led by Régis Bouet, Master Chocolatier-Confectioner and Cocoa Expert, from 21 to 23 September 2026;
• Artistic Chocolate Creations – led by Stéphane Leroux, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier Confiseur, from 19 to 21 October 2026.

Gurugram, 29th October, 2025:  KIIT World School, in collaboration with Lions Club, Gurugram, organised a blood donation camp to raise awareness about the importance of voluntary blood donation and to encourage greater community participation in this life-saving cause.

The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, parents, and teachers, who came forward to contribute towards the noble cause. Their active involvement served as an inspiring example of how small individual efforts can make a big difference in saving lives.

Alongside the donation drive, an awareness session was conducted where experts addressed common myths surrounding blood donation. They also highlighted its health benefits and social significance, emphasizing that regular blood donation not only helps save others’ lives but also contributes positively to the donor’s own health.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Neelima Kamrah said, “Blood donation is one of the most selfless acts, directly linked to saving lives. This camp helped our students and parents understand the deeper value of compassion and humanity.”

Through this initiative, KIIT World School reinforced its commitment to fostering social responsibility and community service among its students.

Hyderabad, 29th October 2025: Sri B. Shafiullah, IFS., Secretary, Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society in a press statement today stated that, the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society (TGMREIS) organized “UDAAN 2025 Soaring Beyond Dreams Towards Excellence”, a grand felicitation ceremony to honour the outstanding achievements of TGMREIS students who have secured admissions in prestigious professional courses such as MBBS, BDS, IIT, and NIT.

The event was held at Kumram Bheemu Adivasi Bhavan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, in the esteemed presence of Sri Adluri Laxman Kumar, Minister for Minority Welfare, Government of Telangana, Janab Mohammed Ali Shabbir Sahab, Advisor to Government, and Janab Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi Sahab, Vice Chairman & President TGMREIS and Janab B. Shafiullah Sahab, IFS., Secretary to Government, Minorities Welfare Department & Secretary TGMREIS.

A total of 50 meritorious students were felicitated at the ceremony  including 11 students who secured admissions in IITs and NITs, 36 students in MBBS, and 3 students in BDS courses. As a token of appreciation, the achievers were presented with laptops, certificates, and mementos in recognition of their hard work and perseverance.

During the event, the TMREIS TIMES  A Newsletter of TGMREIS was also released, which is serving as a communication bridge between the institution, students, staff, and the parents. The Institutional Manual and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were also launched, designed to ensure uniformity, efficiency, and accountability across all TGMREIS institutions.

The event concluded with an inspiring note that “UDAAN 2025” stands as a beacon of hope, excellence, and empowerment, symbolizing the success and aspirations of TGMREIS students across Telangana.

Centurion University Achieves Global Recognition in Times Higher Education World University(WUR) Rankings 2026

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, 22nd October, 2025: Centurion University, Odisha has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a global rank of 1501+ and a national rank of 98 in the prestigious World University Rankings (WUR) 2026 published by Times Higher Education (THE). This accomplishment marks a major leap for the University, which had previously featured in THE’s “Reporter List” and SDG rankings for two consecutive years.

This global recognition reflects University’s growing excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, reaffirming its status as one of India’s most progressive universities focused on skill-integrated and inclusive education. Nationally, Centurion University is now among the top 100 universities in India, positioning itself alongside leading public and private institutions and state universities. Centurion University’s global rank signifies steady progress and strong alignment with national and international benchmarks in teaching quality, research impact, and knowledge transfer. Centurion University’s unique “Skill-integrated Higher Education” model and its emphasis on rural innovation and social entrepreneurship continue to set it apart within India’s higher education landscape.

At the global level, Centurion University continues to strengthen its alignment with international academic and research standards, emphasizing impact-oriented innovation and social transformation. The University’s active engagement with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and initiatives such as Gram Tarang Employability Training Services, Centurion’s Industry Sponsored Laboratories, and startup ecosystems have significantly contributed to this recognition. This achievement underscores Centurion University’s mission to bridge the gap between academics, skills, and industry, empowering youth especially from underserved regions with education that leads to employability, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

“Moving from the Reporter List to a globally ranked position marks a defining moment for Centurion University. This recognition validates our mission to bridge academics with skills, research with real-world relevance, and growth with inclusion,” said the Vice Chancellor. “Our focus remains on creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and lead social transformation.”

Indian Neonatology Team Publishes Pivotal Study in Lancet Clinical Medicine Showing Many Newborn Infections Can Be Treated With Shorter Antibiotic Courses

Hyderabad, 20th October 2025: A team of Indian neonatologists (i.e., newborn specialist doctors), including Dr Saikiran D, a Consultant Neonatologist at Fernandez Hospital, has published an important study in the UK-based journal, Lancet Clinical Medicine, which shows that shorter antibiotic courses are often as effective as traditional longer courses for common serious newborn infections.

Antibiotics save lives, but using them too often or too long can cause antibiotic resistance that makes infections harder to treat. It also exposes vulnerable newborns to side effects, longer hospital stays, and higher costs. Premature and sick newborns receive antibiotics more frequently and for longer periods than older children and adults. Doctors have long suspected that shorter antibiotic courses may be sufficient in many cases, but strong and credible evidence has been limited until now.

During this study, researchers systematically reviewed and statistically combined data comparing different antibiotic durations for serious newborn infections. The authors also studied strategies that depend on “biomarkers”, which will help doctors to see if an infection is reducing and decide if they can stop the antibiotic course. Certain blood tests indicate the presence of infection, and these clues are called “biomarkers”.

Key findings of this important study

• About 7 days of antibiotics may be enough in most cases, instead of the usually recommended 10–14 days, without added risk.
• Stopping treatment when the “biomarker” blood tests turn negative typically leads to shorter antibiotic courses that are effective and adequate for many newborn infections.
• Evidence comparing antibiotic courses of 3–4 days vs 5–7 days was unclear, highlighting the need for further research studies.
• There were insufficient data to draw firm conclusions for urinary infection, meningitis, and fungal infections. Thus, these are priority areas for future research.

It is possible to safely use shorter antibiotic courses for proven blood infections in newborns, and if widely adopted, it could help fight antibiotic resistance, reduce hospital infections, and improve resource use, especially in hospital settings that have patient overload or limited facilities.

-Imperial College London has partnered with Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) – a cutting-edge hub for innovation, research and public engagement

10th October 2025: A partnership between Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) and Imperial will drive the exchange of talent and knowledge between the UK and India, with the development of new facilities, a joint fellowship programme, and public engagement activities.

The announcement was made as Imperial’s President Professor Hugh Brady joins a UK delegation led by the British Prime Minister, who is making his first official visit to India, alongside Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru. Through this new partnership, the two organisations plan to co-develop cutting-edge open research facilities on-site at SGB, boost UK-India and global talent exchange through a joint Fellowship, and explore public engagement, research and education collaborations based on shared expertise and facilities. By joining forces, the two organisations will train the innovators of the future and cultivate the next generation of talent.

The new partnership between SGB and Imperial sees a commitment to grow the international impact of the Science Gallery’s Public Lab Complex and co-develop a new portfolio of initiatives spanning innovation and discovery challenges, science and technology fellowships, and public engagement.

Professor Hugh Brady, President of Imperial, said: “This exciting partnership is a launchpad for UK-India innovation and scientific collaboration. Imperial’s innovation and incubation expertise will create a unique lab and convening space with Science Gallery Bengaluru where cutting-edge solutions to global issues will be discovered, designed and delivered. “

“Our participation in the Prime Minister’s first India visit signals the role Imperial plays in strengthening UK-India partnerships, following the launch of our Imperial Global India hub earlier this year. By joining forces across continents, we are deepening research and innovation collaboration between the two countries, and building bridges that will empower the next generation of scientists, thinkers, leaders and changemakers.”

Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at Science Gallery Bengaluru said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Imperial College London to co-develop our Public Lab Complex. This is an important step in creating shared spaces where inquiry, creativity, and learning thrive across borders. We are excited about what we can build together.”

”Together we want to drive locally rooted and globally relevant innovation through community-engaged science that encourages researchers to draw in diverse perspectives and influences to shape and inspire their ideas. This will equip the next generation of innovators and scientific leaders to translate their research into real-world impactful applications and bring us closer to solving shared global challenges.”

The Public Lab Complex is partially and generously supported at present by Tata Trusts, TTK Prestige, and the Samagata Foundation. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies and a SGB Board Member, said: “As a founding patron of Science Gallery Bengaluru, I’m heartened by this partnership with Imperial College London. “It brings together shared values of curiosity, creativity, and public engagement in science. Bengaluru has always been a city that embraces new ideas, and this collaboration will further empower young people to explore, question, and co-create solutions for our collective future.”

Shared Imperial and SGB future ambitions

This commitment was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) at Imperial and Dr Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director at the Science Gallery Bengaluru.

Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President (Strategic Engagement) of Imperial said: “We are especially pleased to strengthen our relationship with Science Gallery Bengaluru following the official launch of Imperial Global India that convened hundreds of researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and alumni in this beautiful and fitting scientific exhibition space in May 2025.”  “Imperial Global India represents our commitment to co-creating partnerships within India’s dynamic science and technology ecosystem. It is the latest addition to our international network that spans San Francisco, Singapore and Accra. With this initiative in Bengaluru, we are moving forward in our ambition to co-develop programmes that foster impactful two-way exchanges of ideas, talent and innovation between the UK and India.”

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Science is international by definition. We can aim higher and go further when we work together. This is especially true for the UK and India, where deep links in areas like life sciences are bolstered by our deepening trade relationship, and our unique historical and cultural bonds – all of which are being highlighted by the Prime Minister’s landmark trade mission to India, this week.”

“Imperial deepening its ties with Bengaluru will enable its international community of students, researchers and innovators to work with their India-based counterparts, on efforts that could drive growth, unlock investment, and deliver breakthroughs from health to energy, and beyond. It also boosts a formidable global network the University is building, across the world.”

Imperial’s reputation for cutting edge convergence science research, combined with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s dynamic public engagement expertise and platforms, will power programmes and spaces where early-career researchers and emerging innovators can experiment, collaborate, and connect across boundaries.

Proposed joint initiatives being explored include:

Diversifying and expanding the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex with five existing areas: the Nature Lab, the Materials Lab, the Food Lab, the New Media Lab, and the Theory Lab. Activities will be supported through accompanying research spaces already constructed within Science Gallery Bengaluru such as a dark room, tissue culture room, and microscopy.

Co-developing programmes that create a bridge between the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s Public Lab Complex and the WestTech London innovation ecosystem and Imperial Schools of Convergence Science.

A reciprocal Fellowship and Apprenticeship programme where a cohort of talented individuals from India, the UK and across the world, from different disciplines, will work on creative approaches to develop open-ended experiments and problem solving that expand the horizons of science and technology.
Co-creating an annual programme of public and community engagement events that align with Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ‘Late Labs’ and ‘Science with Society’ initiatives.

Connecting London and Bengaluru ecosystems

This knowledge bridge between the WestTech London innovation ecosystem, which currently houses 1,000 frontier innovation businesses who turned over £9 billion in 2023, and Bengaluru, home to over 400 industrial R&D units, will give fellows the opportunity to develop their skills in two of the world’s most vibrant environments for innovators, including the Advanced Hackspace (pictured).

Journalist-Turned-Poet Garima Mishra’s KavitaKAFE Turns Pune into a Hub of Hindi Poetry and Community Healing

Pune, India, 9 October 2025: Celebrated journalist-turned-poet Garima Mishra is transforming Pune’s cultural landscape with KavitaKAFE, an initiative dedicated to bringing Hindi poetry back into everyday life as a medium of expression, connection, and healing.

Garima’s bond with Hindi began in her childhood, growing up in a North Indian household immersed in the language’s rhythm and soul. Her journalistic career spanning nearly two decades with The Indian Express earned her recognition for empathetic storytelling, including the Express Excellence Award in 2015. Yet her first love—poetry in Hindi—remained a constant inspiration.

In October 2024, Garima founded KavitaKAFE, envisioning a space where poetry could thrive beyond classrooms and anthologies. Partnering with Monalisa Kalagram, a vibrant community arts hub in Pune, KavitaKAFE has grown into a cultural movement, engaging audiences through sessions like Aarambh, Baatcheet, Kavya-Katha, and Suno-Sunao, which bring together participants from diverse professions and generations.

“KavitaKAFE isn’t just about poetry; it’s about fostering empathy, community, and shared experience,” said Garima Mishra. “Through words, music, and performance, we are connecting people and creating spaces where emotions can be expressed freely.”

Expanding its impact, KavitaKAFE launched Healing Verses in March 2025, an outreach program using poetry and music as therapy. The initiative reaches elderly residents at Vrindavan Old-Age Home, cancer patients at Cipla Palliative Care, visually impaired students at Poona Blind School, geriatric patients at Aaji Care, and disabled soldiers at QMTI, providing emotional support and a sense of connection through artistic expression.

Garima’s poetry has garnered international recognition, featuring on Canadian radio CIUT.FM and in Norway-based bilingual magazine Ghudsavar. She has also judged competitions for All India Radio’s Akashvani, performed at open mics, devotional events, and cultural programs across Pune, and is currently working on her debut Hindi poetry book.

In March 2025, Garima was awarded the Pride of Maharashtra Award for her contributions to arts and society, highlighting her role as a cultural leader committed to Hindi language revival and community engagement.

Looking ahead, KavitaKAFE plans to merge poetry with dance, music, books, and visual arts to create immersive experiences for Pune’s literary and artistic community. The next session, Udaan (उड़ान), is scheduled for 2 November 2025 at Monalisa Kalagram, continuing the mission of keeping Hindi poetry expressive and alive.

IIT Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India,09 October 2025: The Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, in collaboration with the International Centre for Frugal Innovation (ICFI), the Netherlands, and the Transdisciplinary Research Cluster on Frugality Studies (TRCFS), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), successfully organized a three-day international workshop on “Heuristics in Frugal Innovation”.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including academicians and scientists from universities and research institutions, entrepreneurs, software developers, and experts from social enterprises and user-driven communities. It served as a truly transdisciplinary platform, with participation from India, the Netherlands, Kenya, and Mexico, as well as representatives from leading institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), IIT Guwahati, Adobe, and Galgotias University.

The primary objective of the workshop was to build a shared understanding of heuristics in frugal innovation and to deliberate on the development of theoretical frameworks in this emerging field. The discussions also explored pathways for future collaborations, joint research projects, and publication initiatives including a proposed book series documenting the proceedings.

Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, addressed the gathering and underscored the role of frugal innovation in shaping sustainable futures in his welcome speech. He remarked, “Frugal innovations and transdisciplinary research are critical for sustainable development and essential to achieve the vision of Vikshit Bharat.”

Prof. Peter Knorringa, Academic Director, ICFI, Netherlands, emphasized the long-term significance of the collaboration, noting: “This workshop will help us move closer to our goal of developing a heuristics laboratory for frugal innovation, built through the joint efforts of academicians from India and the Netherlands.”

Prof. Naveen Kumar Navani, Dean of Academic Affairs, IIT Roorkee, announced that the institute will soon introduce new academic courses on frugal innovation, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to this emerging field, thereby setting a precedent for institutions across India.

Prof. Saradindu Bhaduri, Coordinator, TRCFS & Professor, Centre for Studies in Science Policy-JNU, added that JNU and IIT Roorkee will work together to develop new academic programs related to frugal innovation, further strengthening institutional partnerships.

Prof. Apurbba Kumar Sharma, Head of the Department of Design, IIT Roorkee, reaffirmed IIT Roorkee’s commitment to nurturing frugal innovation, noting that student groups are already engaged in projects under faculty guidance.

The workshop concluded on an optimistic note, with a shared vision of advancing frugality studies as a cornerstone of sustainable, socially inclusive, and globally relevant innovation.