Category education

Patna, August 22: A one-day seminar on ‘Job Avenues and Employability Skills’ was organized on Friday at Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya under the chairpersonship of Principal Prof. Vijay Lakshmi. The event featured Dr. Birbal Jha, noted linguist and founder of British Lingua, as the chief speaker.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jha said that in today’s society, women play a vital dual role—within the family and in the professional sphere. In this context, education becomes not only a means of personal development but also a powerful tool for empowerment and self-reliance. “With the right guidance at the right time, and by developing appropriate skills, young women can elevate their careers to new heights,” he remarked.

Dr. Jha urged students to introspect and choose careers based on their interests and capabilities. He emphasized that career selection should not be limited to just securing a job but should be seen as a life-defining decision.

Also addressing the seminar was aviation expert and founder of Millennium Air Hostess Academy, Mr. Manish Kumar, who spoke in detail about the growing opportunities in the aviation sector. He noted that with the continuous expansion of airports and airline fleets in India, there is a significant rise in employment prospects in the industry. He highlighted career paths such as air hostess, ground staff, and travel management.

The seminar aimed to introduce students to diverse career options and equip them with the skills necessary for employment. A large number of students participated in the session and engaged in meaningful discussions with the speakers.

The seminar was held under the guidance of Dr. Urvashi Gautam, in-charge of the Placement Cell of the college. She stated that such programs help build students’ confidence and prepare them to thrive in a competitive environment.

Noida. IMS Noida, located in Sector 62, successfully concluded its orientation program for MBA and MCA students. Spanning from July 24 to August 12, the three-week initiative brought together subject matter experts and industry leaders who mentored students on moral values, leadership, teamwork, career planning, communication, and emerging industry trends. The program also included an array of engaging activities such as workshops, guest lectures, group discussions, case studies, and interactive industry sessions.

Professor (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan, Director General of IMS Noida, motivated the students by emphasizing that the true value of higher education lies not only in acquiring knowledge but also in fostering overall personality development. He noted that in today’s highly competitive and ever-evolving world, academic qualifications alone are insufficient—attributes such as leadership, creative thinking, effective communication, moral integrity, and social responsibility are equally vital. He encouraged students to embrace a positive outlook and maintain a spirit of continuous learning to successfully navigate future challenges.

Professor (Dr.) Neelam Saxena, Dean of IMS, emphasized that knowledge should not be confined to classrooms but should be applied to real-life situations. “If we approach every challenge as a learning and growth opportunity, life becomes more rewarding,” she said. Concluding the event, she urged students to focus not only on their academic performance but also on active participation in social, cultural, and personal development activities so they can face any challenge in the future with confidence and competence.

Professor (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head of the IMS School of IT, informed that a total of 15 industry experts took part in this special training program, which ran for three weeks. These experts not only discussed current industrial trends and technological advancements in detail but also provided guidance on essential skills, innovations, and strategies required to address future challenges effectively.

By – Dr Birbal Jha

Every generation inherits both the challenges and opportunities of its time. But the youth of today stand at a unique crossroads—where the pace of change is lightning fast, and the demands of the future are knocking louder than ever. In such a time, what can guide the youth to not just survive but thrive? The answer lies in a powerful threefold formula: English for livelihood, Indian culture for identity, and ethics for social progress.

As I often say, let English be your ladder to livelihood, Indian culture your root of identity, and ethics your compass for social progress. In a globalised world, English is no longer just a subject in schools—it is the passport to opportunities, the bridge that connects dreams to reality. Mastering it can open the doors to jobs, entrepreneurship, and international networks. Master English to open global doors, embrace Indian culture to know who you are, and uphold ethics to lead the world forward.

Yet, career success without cultural grounding can leave one rootless. Indian culture is more than tradition; it is a living heritage of values, resilience, and unity. Knowing where you come from gives you the confidence to face where you’re going. That’s why I believe, A prosperous youth is one who earns with skill, stands tall in cultural pride, and walks straight on the path of ethics.

But there’s a third and perhaps most vital pillar—ethics. Skills can get you a job; culture can give you identity; but ethics will decide how you use both. Without ethics, power can be dangerous, success can be hollow, and progress can be unsustainable. As I often remind the young, English equips your career, culture enriches your soul, and ethics empower your society—grow in all three, and you’ll never shrink in life.

On International Youth Day, this message becomes even more important: Your words in English can earn you bread, your cultural values can earn you respect, and your ethics can earn you immortality. Youth is the golden hour to set the course of your life, to learn the skills that will sustain you, to nurture the cultural values that will shape you, and to practice the ethics that will define you.

The future belongs to those who are globally competent yet culturally proud, ambitious yet ethical. As I often put it, “Be a youth who speaks the language of the world, carries the culture of India, and lives by the principles of humanity.” Because, while fluency in English may make you employable, fluency in ethics will make you unforgettable.

And when youth combine skills with culture and ethics, they don’t just create careers—they create history. They don’t just build lives—they build nations. As I sum it up: English can take you to the world, Indian culture can keep you grounded, and ethics can take you beyond yourself.

So, dear youth—learn with passion, live with pride, and lead with integrity. The world is waiting for your light.

11^th Aug 2025, Delhi: The Indian Institute of Management  (IIM) Jammu hosted a landmark Roundtable Conference on 08^th Aug 2025 at Delnet, Delhi bringing together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders. The Roundtable Conference focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry, addressing workforce evolution, and leveraging technology to prepare students for future employment.

The Roundtable Conference was graced by Ms. Vandana Bhatnagar, Member, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, and Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along with other eminent dignitaries from the industry. The event commenced with participant registration, a lamp-lighting ceremony, and an introductory video on IIM Jammu, setting the tone for a series of insightful discussions.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, underscored the Institute’s impressive growth journey and its steadfast focus on integrating academic excellence with practical, real-world exposure through strong industry linkages. He stressed that such partnerships are vital in creating a dynamic and future-ready education ecosystem, one that nurtures graduates who are both intellectually robust and industry-prepared. Reflecting on India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, he emphasized the significance of initiatives like Project YUVA, launched in collaboration with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, in fostering employment generation through entrepreneurship. He urged all stakeholders to align their personal and institutional aspirations with the broader mission of national growth and nation building.

He reiterated that IIM Jammu has achieved the rare distinction of securing two prestigious international accreditations—BGA Institutional Accreditation and EFMD Programme Accreditation for its MBA programme—in the same year. He highlighted that this milestone places IIM Jammu among the top five IIMs nationwide and makes it the only second- and third-generation IIM to hold both rare achievements, reinforcing its position as an emerging global hub of excellence in management education.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, in his introductory remarks, outlined the Roundtable Conference as a pivotal platform for bridging academic insights with industry practices. He stressed the importance of such forums in aligning educational frameworks with the dynamic and evolving demands of the workforce.

The Delhi Roundtable Conference held on 08th Aug 2025 featured three insightful panel discussions that brought together industry leaders and experts to address critical issues shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

The first panel of the Delhi Roundtable Conference, titled, “The Power of Networking: How Industry Interactions Can Open Doors”, was moderated by Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Professor of Practice at IIM Jammu. The panel brought together distinguished industry leaders including Mr. Bhupinder

Singh Popli, Executive Director (HR), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL); Ms. Aanchal Tandon, HR Leader, HCL Technologies; Mr. Ankur Sharma, Assistant General Manager – HR, Woodland; Dr. Rajesh Goel, CEO and Director – Casting Business, Revent Group; Mr. Rishi Seth, Senior Director – Growth and Strategic Initiatives: APAC, Middle East, and GCCs, Fractal; Mr. Deepak Bansal, Global TA Head, Royal Cyber Inc.; and Mr. Sandeep Singh Sasan, HRO Domestic & International & Australia Division Coordinator, DRAIPL. The discussion focused on how strategic networking and sustained industry engagement can unlock opportunities, strengthen collaborations, and open pathways for professional growth.

The second panel of the Delhi Roundtable Conference, titled, “Sustainability & Social Impact: How Youth Can Make a Difference”, was moderated by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu. The panel featured distinguished speakers including Mr. Sandeep Mohanty, Senior Deputy General Manager (HR & Admin) / HRBP India & South East Asia; Mr. Amarr Malhotra, Talent

Research Partner, Optum; Mr. Nitin Khindria, Chief Human Resources Officer, Omega Seiki Mobility; Ms. Nimisha Nigam Pathak, Senior HR Professional, Samsung Electronics; and Ms. Manisha Tuli, Senior Assistant Vice President, Invest India. The discussion highlighted the pivotal role of youth in advancing sustainable practices, fostering social responsibility, and creating meaningful community impact.

The third panel of the Delhi Roundtable Conference, titled, “Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow: Industry Needs in Young Talent”, was moderated by Prof. P.P. Maheshwari, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu. The panel brought together eminent industry leaders including Mr. Ovais Rehman, Associate Director, Wipro Limited; Mr. Heeresh Girdhar, Head of Human Resources, Swadeshi

Civil Infrastructure Private Limited; Mr. Anil Tyagi, Director, Kusum Group of Companies; Mr. Syed Farhan, Founder and CEO, Cosette Network Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Neeraj Narang, Global HCM Product

Strategy Senior Director, Oracle; Dr. Jia Kounddal, Group Head, Panasonic India; and Ms. Riddhima Bajaj, CHRO, Micromatic Grinding Technology Pvt. Ltd. The discussion explored evolving industry expectations from young professionals, the skills and mindset required for future leadership, and effective strategies to bridge academic learning with workplace readiness.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Placements, IIM Jammu. The event culminated with the National Anthem. Present on the occasion were; Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu; Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Placements, IIM Jammu; Prof. P. P. Maheshwari, Professor of Practice; Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Professor of Practice, IIM Jammu; Shri Ankush Varma, Placement Officer, IIM Jammu along with industry experts, and students from the Industry Interaction Cell and Placement Committee of IIM Jammu.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu hosted its Alumni City Meet in Delhi at Delnet on 8th August 2025. The evening brought together alumni from various batches for a memorable gathering marked by camaraderie, knowledge-sharing, and networking. The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by an introductory video on IIM Jammu, and insightful addresses by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, and Prof. Vinod C. Durge, Chairperson Alumni Relations, IIM Jammu, highlighting the institute’s decade-long journey of excellence.

Mr. Arepally Jeevan Kumar, President, and Mr. Lokesh Kumar Kethireddi, Vice-President, Alumni Association, IIM Jammu both from the first batch—joined the event online, extending their greetings and sharing their vision for strengthening alumni engagement. Alumni introductions, an engaging networking dinner, and shared memories further strengthened the bond between the institute and its alumni community, reaffirming IIM Jammu’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections.

The Delhi Roundtable Conference further reinforced academia–industry collaboration, paving the way for actionable outcomes that benefit both students and the corporate sector. IIM Jammu remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering partnerships that fuel innovation and shape the future of education and professional growth.

Manipal, August 9, 2025: Bioincubator of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, is set to host the prestigious Manipal Start-Up Expo 2025 on August 25, 2025, at the Advanced Research Centre Campus, Manipal. M-GOKB, a Technology Business Incubator established by MAHE and supported by Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society (KITS), Government of Karnataka, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, serves as the driving force behind this initiative, dedicated to fostering and scaling start-ups by providing a nurturing ecosystem for technology-based innovation and supporting the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to product commercialization. This flagship event promises to be a dynamic showcase of India’s most innovative minds and breakthrough technologies.

The expo is organized jointly by the Manipal-Government of Karnataka Bioincubator (MGOKB), Manipal Universal Technology Business Incubator (MUTBI), MIDAS (Medical Instruments, Devices and Allied Services) DST MAHE HUB, Innovation Center, MCHP (Manipal College of Health Professions), MCOPS (Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Science), and DBMS (Department of Basic Medical Sciences) MAHE. The initiative is further strengthened through active organizational collaboration with TiE Mangaluru, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), GCSE – Saraswat Chamber, POWER Group Manipal, and the State Bank of India.

The expo will feature a power-packed lineup of keynote sessions from distinguished industry leaders, including Dr. K. Mohan Velu, Scientist G, DEBEL/DRDO, who will address “Innovation of Biomedical Devices in Defense”; Dr. Rajkumar Aland, Senior Vice President, Bioplus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., presenting on “Nutraceutical Dosage Forms – Development & Challenges”; and Mr. Sankeern Pai, Business Development Head, Hangyo Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd., exploring “Beyond the Scoop: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability in a Traditional Industry.”

Visioned as a comprehensive platform to accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship, the expo invites start-ups, MSMEs, student innovators, and ecosystem enablers to showcase their novel ideas, technologies, and products. With dedicated tracks for Start-ups/MSMEs, Student Innovators, and Delegates, the event aims to foster strategic partnerships, spark meaningful dialogue, and catalyze investment opportunities across India’s innovation landscape.

The day-long event will feature an array of engaging activities including start-up pitch sessions, interactive exhibitions, networking zones, and opportunities for meaningful engagement with investors, venture capitalists, industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from DBT, DST, BIRAC, KTech, and leading academic institutions.

The expo reinforces MAHE’s position as a leading institution committed to fostering entrepreneurial excellence and strengthening collaborative networks that drive India’s innovation economy forward. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and investment communities, the expo creates an unprecedented opportunity for knowledge transfer, partnership formation, and the acceleration of breakthrough technologies.

Start-ups, innovators, corporates, institutions, and ecosystem players are invited to register by August 10, 2025, to be part of this high-impact innovation showcase that promises to shape the future of India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Kolkata, 9th August 2025: The Association of Minority Professional Academic Institutes (AMPAI) has announced that the CEE-AMPAI-MASTERS-WB-2025 examination will be held on 24 August 2025 across 10 centers in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Tripura.

CEE-AMPAI-2025-WB is a state-recognized examination conducted under the supervision of the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal as per Government order. The examination will be held in Asansol, Jamshedpur, Agartala, Siliguri, Patna, JIS College of Engineering-Kalyani, Guru Nanak Institute of Technology- Kolkata, Narula Institute of Technology-Kolkata, Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Technology & Sports Complex – Kolkata & Khalsa High School – Kolkata.

The exam enables admission to the two-year regular M.Tech, M.Pharm, MBA and MCA programmes across five AMPAI-affiliated colleges in West Bengal.

While preference is given to Sikh minority candidates, the remaining seats will be opened to students from any religion, caste, or category across India, subject to eligibility. The eligible criteria for M. Tech, M.Pharma, MBA & MCA is available on:

https://www.ampai.in/ampai-pg/eligibility.php

The results of CEE–AMPAI–WB–2025 have been declared. The merit list and the status of examinees are now available at www.ampai.in.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Sohan Singh, Secretary, CEE AMPAI, said, “This exam is not just a gateway to higher education but a step toward inclusive academic empowerment. Our mission is to ensure that meritorious students from minority communities and beyond get equal access to quality technical education.”

Online applications are invited upon payment of ₹200. Detailed information is available on the official website: www.ampai.in till 20 August 2025.

VIBGYOR marks the successful conclusion of a multi-city elite basketball camp led by Spanish basketball icons Marta Canella and Bernat Canut

6 August 2025: The VIBGYOR Group of Schools, one of India’s premier K-12 education networks, in collaboration with Olympia Sportz & Events, has successfully concluded the Marta & Bernat International Hoops – India 2025 — a first-of-its-kind, elite basketball training camp led by Marta Canella and World Cup silver medalist coach Bernat Canut Font. Held from 22 July to 3 August 2025, the elite programme spanned Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, delivering high-performance coaching to over 350+ student-athletes between the ages of 10 and 18.

Led by coach Bernat Canut Font (FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup silver medallist) and Marta Canella, the camp was designed to sharpen advanced skills, tactical awareness, and the mental discipline needed to succeed in competitive basketball. Unlike traditional school-level sports events, this was an immersive, world-class training experience. Students underwent rigorous drills, live gameplay simulations, real-time feedback, and one-on-one mentoring from two of Europe’s most respected basketball professionals. Each participant walked away not just with a certificate and autographed memorabilia, but with a renewed sense of confidence and aspiration.

Speaking on the collaboration, Shaji Kuttiani, Director of Sports and Events at VIBGYOR Group of Schools, said, “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students to be personally trained by an Olympic athlete and a globally renowned coach. Marta Canella and Bernat Canut Font brought not just world-class skill, but powerful stories of perseverance, discipline and teamwork that deeply resonated with every young athlete. By opening the camp to students beyond our own campuses, we were able to spark a wider culture of sporting excellence and inspire the next generation to aim higher, both on and off the court.”

“Basketball in India holds immense untapped potential, and camps like these help accelerate its growth. Interacting with global athletes gave students a fresh perspective on the sport. It’s a meaningful step toward nurturing a stronger basketball culture in schools and beyond”, Kevin Mathew Lalu, Head of Basketball, VIBGYOR Group of Schools, added.

What set this initiative apart was its scale and inclusivity. While the core training camp travelled across four major cities, Canella and Canut also extended the impact by visiting VIBGYOR campus in Nagpur. There, they conducted exclusive motivational sessions, inspiring hundreds more students through stories of grit, perseverance, and global sporting success. Their words, grounded in lived experience, struck a powerful chord with young audiences—many of whom were engaging with international athletes for the first time.

Speaking about the camp, Marta Canella said, “The passion and energy I witnessed in these young athletes was incredible. Coaching them reminded me why sport is such a powerful force, not just for competition, but for growth and connection.”

“The students came with drive, focus and an eagerness to learn. It was a joy to work with them and see their confidence grow over just three days,” Coach Bernat Canut Font added.

With this initiative, VIBGYOR once again demonstrated its commitment to holistic education — blending academics with real-world exposure, and empowering students to dream, train, and perform at a global level. The successful conclusion of this multi-city tour marks a bold step forward in redefining what school sports can achieve in India.

Mumbai, 05 August 2025: Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC), a pioneer in 3D Animation, VFX, and Digital Design education, is proud to present two special sessions featuring Mr. Pranay Agarwal, Head of Creative Operations at DNEG India, a distinguished alumnus of MAAC. These exclusive in-person sessions were scheduled for 24th July in Lucknow and 25th July in Kanpur, offering MAAC students an exclusive opportunity to learn directly from a leader shaping the future of global visual effects.

Mr. Pranay Agarwal is widely regarded for his ability to build and lead high-performance VFX teams on some of the most ambitious projects. Beginning his journey at DNEG in 2011 as a compositor, his exceptional technical acumen and leadership saw him rise swiftly to Head of the Compositing Department in 2017 and, more recently, to Head of Creative Operations. With a deep understanding of VFX pipelines, business operations, and cross-site project management, Mr. Pranay Agarwal consistently drives both creative excellence and seamless execution on large-scale international collaborations. His contributions have been instrumental in landmark projects including the highly anticipated Ramayana, India’s biggest cinematic venture currently in production and already making waves globally, as well as Fast & Furious 9, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Tenet, Uncharted, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, Fighter, Sky Force, Munjya, Heads of State, Dune: Part One & Two, Murderbot, and several others that have redefined benchmarks in both Hollywood and Indian cinema.

During these sessions, students had the unique opportunity to hear Mr. Pranay Agarwal share inspiring insights into the evolution of the VFX industry and the importance of adaptability in creative careers. He demonstrated a behind-the-scenes look at project workflows, emphasising collaborative strategies and practical approaches to creative problem-solving. Pranay also offered candid advice for students aspiring to have global careers in animation and VFX, drawing on his journey from MAAC classrooms to leading one of the world’s top VFX studios.

Hosting a globally respected VFX leader and MAAC alumnus like Pranay Agarwal is a testament to MAAC’s mission of bridging academic excellence with direct industry mentorship. MAAC continues to provide students with real-world insights and best practices, ensuring they graduate prepared for the evolving demands of the global Media & Entertainment industry.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail, Aptech Limited, and Brand Custodian, MAAC, says, “Welcoming Pranay Agarwal, an alumnus whose influence reaches from MAAC classrooms to Hollywood’s grandest stages, perfectly embodies our commitment to nurturing industry-ready talent. His journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved with dedication, technical excellence, and a love for creative storytelling.”

Mr. Pranay Agarwal, Head of Creative Operations at DNEG India adds, “Returning to MAAC as a speaker is both an honour and a full-circle moment in my journey. It’s incredibly rewarding to engage with the next generation of talent and share insights from my experience. I hope to inspire students to pursue their passions with purpose, embrace every challenge as an opportunity, and recognise their potential to shape the future of cinema and digital artistry, both in India and on the global stage. These sessions were designed not just to inform, but to ignite ambition, demonstrating how technical excellence, perseverance, and a deep love for storytelling can create real-world impact.”

Manipal, August 4, 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University, inaugurated the prestigious two-day International Symposium “Science Beyond Boundary: Invention, Discovery, Innovation and Society – Rasayan 21.” The symposium, jointly organized by MAHE and Chirantan Rasayan Sanstha (CRS), brought together over 200 world-renowned scientists, researchers, and thought leaders to explore transformative research addressing critical global challenges.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, who officially opened the symposium. The event was attended by distinguished guests including Prof. J.B. Joshi, Chancellor of ICT Mumbai; Prof. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor of BITS Pilani; Prof. Vudhichai Parasuk, President of the Thailand Chemical Society; Prof. Sajan D. George, Convener and Director of Manipal Institute of Applied Physics; Prof. C.V. Yelamaggad, Secretary of CRS; and Prof. Braja Gopal Bag, President of CRS.

A special message of support was received from Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India. He stated: “Science flourishes when it transcends boundaries—where invention transforms possibility, discovery expands knowledge, and innovation propels progress.” He reiterated India’s strategic roadmap to become a developed nation through integrated Science, Technology, Innovation, and Research (STIR) missions that promote convergence between academia, industry, and start-ups

A highlight of the symposium was the remote address by Prof. Ehud Keinan, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), who emphasized the transformative potential of science when it operates beyond disciplinary and geopolitical boundaries.

The symposium serves as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovations that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. The event aims to foster collaborative dialogue between scientists, innovators, industry experts, and policymakers to address pressing global challenges ranging from climate and energy to food, health, and sustainable technologies.

A central feature of Rasayan 21 was the CRS Awards Ceremony, recognizing 36 scientists from academic institutions, R&D organizations, and industries. Notable honors included the CRS Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Prof. J.B. Joshi and the CRS Leadership Award to Prof. Ramgopal Rao.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, emphasized the symposium’s significance, stating, “Rasayan 21 embodies our commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems that bridge academia and industry. This gathering creates a shared vision for research with real-world impact, demonstrating how science, when conducted with purpose and shared with society, becomes a transformative force for addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.”

The symposium features keynote addresses and panel discussions spanning chemical sciences, materials science, environmental sustainability, biomedical applications, artificial intelligence, and clean energy technologies. The second day will continue with scientific sessions and a roundtable on “Research for Society: Challenges and Opportunities in the Indian and Global Context.”

This initiative reinforces MAHE’s position as a leading institution committed to advancing scientific research and strengthening international collaborations for societal benefit.

Educators Come Together for a More Human, Equitable, and Future-Ready Classroom at the First-Ever SEEK Summit by Rangeet

Mumbai, August 1st, 2025 — In a world where curriculums and classrooms cannot keep up with the challenges of the future the Rangeet SEEK Summit arrived as a timely and necessary pause — a space to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine how we prepare children for life.

Held at Kohinoor Banquet, Dadar East, the summit brought together over 100 counsellors and education officers from government, government-aided, and private schools across Mumbai — many of whom are currently implementing or preparing to adopt the Social Emotional and Ecological Knowledge (SEEK)© curriculum, developed by Rangeet.

Through shared stories, real challenges, and collaborative design sessions, the event marked the launch of the SEEKer Community, a growing network of educators dedicated to infusing social, emotional, ecological, and digital media addiction awareness into the very fabric of everyday learning.

A Summit Rooted in Empathy, Energy, and Action

The day began on a note of connection. Instead of just badges, each participant received a card with an animal or character illustration, a playful touch that determined their seating and tribe for the day. This simple gesture laid the groundwork for a day that championed empathy, voice, and community.

An address was delivered by Dr Prachi Jambhekar – Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Education), BMC. Educators then took centre stage, candidly sharing the emotional and behavioral challenges they navigate in modern classrooms. Their reflections, framed through Rangeet’s Circle of Control activity — set the stage for a grounded panel discussion on “‘How Can We Work Together To Prepare Children For The Future?” moderated by Sandeep Mishra and featuring Sonia Relia, Education Expert & Author, Principal Ajay Singh, Podar Hindi School, Delnaz Delina, Counsellor, Cathedral and John Connon School, and Farida Lambay, Co-Founder & Trustee, Pratham Mumbai Education Initiative.

From policy discussions to real-world examples, the session reinforced that equipping students with a breadth of skills like critical thinking, creativity, and confidence along with nurturing the wellbeing of teachers and learners alike, fosters an environment where both can flourish.

Happy Teachers make for Happy Classrooms

The most moving segments of the day came from the teachers themselves — those who have been using SEEK in their classrooms. They shared stories of students learning to express feelings, show kindness, take responsibility for the planet, and feel more prepared for an unpredictable future.

The storytelling didn’t stop there. “Worry Wart,” a short SEEK story about a little boy who carries his worries in his hat everyday, was read aloud, followed by an open mic where teachers spoke about the pressures they silently carry. It was an emotional moment, a reminder that teachers too need safe spaces and support systems.

That’s when Rangeet introduced its next innovation: a teacher wellbeing chatbot, developed in collaboration with Mon Brokman of Behavioural Foresight – an expert in performance and mental resilience who works with professional athletes.

From Reflection to Action: The Birth of the SEEK Community

As the event moved into its final segment, participants were invited to co-create what a supportive SEEKer community could look like. Facilitated group discussions culminated in a “Tree of Change” activity, where each teacher wrote down one personal commitment or reflection— a step they would take to build more compassionate classrooms. These were added to the Tree of Change: a growing installation of collective intent and action. The summit concluded with heartfelt thanks and a group photo, followed by a lunch where the conversations only deepened.

A word from Simran Mulchandani, CEO and Co-founder of Rangeet, shared, “Teaching is the second most stressful profession. Every day is a performance in front of judgemental students; a race to complete the portion; pressure from parents and administrators which ends with teachers getting squished in the middle. The SEEK Summit showed us that when you give teachers the space to connect, reflect, and co-create, they come alive. And when teachers feel valued, children thrive.”

Further Karishma Menon, Co-founder of Rangeet and Director of Curriculum, added “Teachers are more than the guides of a classroom. They’re friends, counselors and parents to the children they teach. We ask a lot from them, sometimes forgetting they have their own lives, hopes and dreams. What if we could build a community that shares the load, one that uplifts, supports and truly values them? My hope is that this summit is just the first of many meaningful steps in that direction, because communities are not built overnight, they’re nurtured.”

Rushva Parihar, Head of the OmniActive Improving Lives Foundation added “We are thinking ‘what can we do for children?’ but we have to also think: ‘What can we do for teachers?’ Teachers have to be counselors, career guides and therapists. But who is doing all this for teachers? Mental health is a big buzz word, but always used in the context of improving the mental health of students. However, if we have to improve their mental health, then we have to first think: ‘What can help the teachers?’”

What’s Next?

The SEEKer Community is now live, with ongoing conversations and support continuing via a dedicated WhatsApp group. Rangeet will continue to engage, co-create, and learn with teachers — ensuring that the change sparked at the summit evolves into long-term, scalable impact, starting with Rangeet’s goals of impacting 100 million children globally by 2030.

As India contemplates its educational priorities, the SEEK Summit made one thing clear: when we make space for empathy, wellbeing, and real-world readiness, we don’t just prepare children for the future — we prepare the future itself.