Category education

In a first-ever industry initiative, Telangana’s first private university, Anurag University and Actor Vijay Devarakonda join hands

Hyderabad, March 14, 2025:Anurag University, Telangana’s first private University celebrated its annual day ‘Synergy 2K25’ on Thursday night at its campus in Venkatapur in the city.

Film star, and youth icon Vijay Devarakonda was the chief guest at the celebration. Students in a large number assembled to feel the vibrance of Vijay Devarakonda.

I am impressed with your University, its performance, and its achievements so much so that I have decided to represent you, Vijay Devarakonda amidst the cheers from well over ten thousand gathered.

I will represent you as your brand ambassador to the outside world. Anurag University is the pride of Telangana as it is the state’s first private university, the actor declared.

I will come here every year to know your dreams, listen to your aspirations, and your stories and I will take your questions and answer them in whatever the best way I could. When I acted in Arjun Reddy, I was nobody, nobody knew me. The only love and support I got was from students like you. They cheered me, supported me, encouraged me. I can’t forget the students’ connection I had. It is now my responsibility to encourage you, inspire you to scale new heights, he announced.

I want all of you to promise me no matter what hardships you face, you will strive hard, achieve your dreams, and make your parents and Anurag University proud of you.

I took Acting seriously and focused on it as a career and could become an actor with all your love. If I can do it, you can too. Be a fearless dreamer. You give your 100%, the best of the best in the world will come to you, the universe will align with you, he inspired the audience, which they responded with whistles and cheers reverberating in the air.

Mr Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, Chairman of the Anurag Group, said Vijay Devarakonda is a Telangana muddu bidda, he is a youth icon, a symbol for hard work. You all must take inspiration from him. He assured the actor that students will support him in all his endeavours. The veteran educationist, Mr. Reddy sought the help of all the stakeholders in making Anurag University a name to reckon in the Indian educational landscape.

Mr. Anurag, Vice President of the University, said the actor is a youth heartthrob, a successful hero, producer, fashion brand owner, sports enthusiast, co-owner of a Volleyball Team, and supports various humanitarian causes. He is passionate about exploring new ideas and groundbreaking discoveries.

It is a monumental step for Anurag University. By welcoming Vijay Devarakonda into the 15000-strong family of Anurag, we are not just associating with a film icon, but with a symbol of dedication, hard work, and excellence, he added

Dr Archana Mantri, Vice Chancellor of the University, remarked that the actor shares the same values as the Anurag University, such as excellence, diversity, learning for life, empathy, and being limitless.

The announcement came as a big surprise and excitement to the gathering. As it was an industry first initiative. The crowd had double joy as they celebrated college day in their ethnic wear.

Vijay’s journey from Hyderabad to the national stage embodies the aspirations of countless young minds. His association with the University will undoubtedly inspire students to dream big and achieve greatness, not just in academics, but beyond classrooms and in more specific ways, the Vice Chancellor observed

We are proud to have him as our Brand Ambassador, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring,” CEO of Anurag University Ms Neelima added.

Our own Telugu Band Elysium enthralled the audience. Josh and energy was sky high as the students were immersed in high-decibel music and dance.

ITM School of Future Technology has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in technology through the outstanding achievements of its students at the SuperMind Innovation Hackathon and the PIWOT Innovation Challenge. These recent successes highlight the institution’s dedication to providing real-world learning experiences and cultivating problem-solving skills among its students.

The SuperMind Innovation Hackathon, organized by renowned YouTubers Ranveer Allahbadia and Hitesh Choudhary, challenged participants to build innovative solutions under intense pressure within a 24-hour timeframe. With 150 teams and over 400 participants from prestigious institutions like IIT Bombay, NMIMS, DY Patil, and SP Jain, the competition was fierce.

Sourabh Yadav and Param Vinayak Singh, first-year BTech CSE students from ITM School of Future Technology – School of FutureTech, showcased their technical expertise and problem-solving abilities by securing the Runner-Up position. Their AI-powered Horoscope App, titled “Soul,” impressed the judges, earning them a cash prize of ₹50,000. Their participation in this hackathon honed their skills in AI and web development while reinforcing the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and effective project presentation.

ITM School of Future Technology students also made a significant impact at the PIWOT Innovation Challenge, a highly competitive event organized by the IIT Alumni Association and Reliance Industries Limited. Inaugurated by Hon. CM Devendra Fadnavis, the hackathon saw an overwhelming participation of 307 teams, 1,000+ participants, and 15,700 total registrations.

Two teams from the ITM School of Future Technology demonstrated their innovative thinking and technical proficiency at this prestigious event. The first team, comprising Abdullah Haque, Tejas Solanki, Sudarshan Devadiga, and Devdarshan Saravanan, secured the Runner-Up position and won a cash prize of ₹50,000. Their project, a platform providing instant online medical assistance and ambulance services, addressed a critical real-world issue, showcasing their ability to leverage technology for impactful solutions.

This success is a reflection of our students’ dedication, creativity, and ability to think beyond the conventional. It is inspiring to see them push their limits and come up with solutions that can create real impact. At ITM School of Future Technology, we continuously strive to provide them with opportunities that challenge them to innovate and excel on global platforms,” said Dr. (name & designation )

Additionally, another team from the university, consisting of Tanay Sahajwalla, Anusri K, Prem Thatikonda, and Manmeet S, achieved an impressive 7th position and received a funding proposal from Venture Capitalist Mr. Sunil Khosla. This recognition opens up significant opportunities for further development and commercialization of their innovative solution.

Both hackathons provided invaluable learning experiences, allowing participants to enhance their skills in AI, web development, and high-pressure problem-solving. Competing against some of the best minds in the country, the students of ITM School of Future Technology showcased remarkable resilience, creativity, and teamwork, reinforcing the institution’s standing as a hub of innovation and excellence.

These achievements serve as a testament to ITM School of Future Technology’s emphasis on hands-on learning, critical thinking, and industry-relevant education. The institution remains dedicated to supporting its students in reaching new heights and excelling on both national and international platforms.

New Delhi, February 24, 2025: Saint Louis University (SLU) is delighted to announce the inclusion of the Indian Standard XII (CBSE and CISCE) examinations in its Credit by Exam program. This initiative aims to offer Indian students significant opportunities to earn college credits before commencing their undergraduate studies at SLU.

The Credit by Exam program at SLU allows undergraduate students to earn college credits through standardized examinations. It includes several recognized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and now, the CBSE and CISCE exams.

“We are elated to expand our Credit by Exam program to incorporate the Indian Standard XII examinations. The addition underlines our commitment to recognizing the diverse educational backgrounds of our students and offering them a supportive environment and resources they require to succeed. We look forward to welcoming more Indian students to our vibrant academic community,” said Mr. Robert Reddy, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management at Saint Louis University.

The inclusion of the Indian Standard exams in the Credit by Exam program offers several benefits for Indian students as SLU acknowledges the quality of these exams, providing a seamless transition into the university’s academic programs.

Including these exams in the Credit by Exam program ensures that the hard work and accomplishments of Indian students are recognized and rewarded. Furthermore, by earning credits through exams, students can save on tuition expenditures and potentially graduate earlier, making their education more affordable and efficient.

The initiative also opens more pathways for students from India to pursue higher education at SLU, enhancing their academic and career possibilities. By broadening access to SLU’s programs, more Indian students can benefit from the university’s high-quality education and conducive learning environment, ultimately contributing to their personal and professional growth.

“At SLU, we recognise the hard work and excellent academic preparation of Indian high school students. This initiative is our way of helping Indian families afford SLU education, ensuring that deserving students can benefit from our world-class academic environment,” said Mrs. Jean Marie Cox, Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Dean of Admission at Saint Louis University.

Saint Louis University is internationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and a holistic learning environment. With a diverse and inclusive community, SLU offers a broad range of programs and resources to empower students to achieve their academic and professional pursuits.

The university’s emphasis on offering a well-rounded educational experience ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of the modern world and emerge as change agents of the future.

Bengaluru 24th February 2025: JAIN Online, the e-learning arm of JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), has unveiled a 6-month Generative AI Certificate Program designed for aspiring learners and professionals seeking to upskill, transition their careers, or integrate AI into their work. This program will provide practical knowledge to help learners stay ahead in the rapidly advancing AI field and support entrepreneurs aiming to incorporate AI into their businesses.

Speaking about the program, Dr Raj Singh, Vice-Chancellor of JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), said, “The Generative AI Certificate Program is designed to equip learners with the skills needed to thrive in today’s AI-driven world. From understanding the basics to applying AI in real-world scenarios, this program will prepare individuals and businesses to harness the potential of AI effectively. As AI continues to shape industries, this program will offer a practical pathway to stay relevant and competitive.”

The AI job market has grown by 42% in the last two years, highlighting its role as a key economic driver. With AI hiring expected to grow by 14% in 2025, AI has become a vital part of India’s workforce today and in the future.

The program covers a range of topics, including an introduction to Generative AI, an overview of AI and Machine Learning, and the evolution of Generative AI. Learners will explore multi-modal AI, including image, audio, video generation, and 3D models. The program curriculum also focuses on creating applications and UI/UX designs using Generative AI without requiring coding expertise. Learners will identify automation opportunities to grow business efficiency, productivity, and accuracy by reducing repetitive tasks and human error. Additionally, the program will also help develop real-world AI applications across marketing, operations, design, coding, and more.

Manipal, Karnataka, February 24, 2025 – The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), initiated the third batch of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) today. This exclusive three-day residential program is hosted at the MAHE campus in Manipal and features a series of nine meticulously designed training modules aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of academic leaders.

The FICCI LDP has brought together a diverse group of academic leaders including Directors, Deans, Registrars, Senior Professors, etc from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The program is developed to orient professionals with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for managing the complexities of modern academia and shaping them to become ‘future-ready’.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Co-Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in his keynote address, highlighted the fundamentals of leadership, discussing its various layers and significance in personal, organizational, and societal contexts. Emphasizing the need for a structured approach to identifying and nurturing potential academic leaders, Lt. Gen. Venkatesh also addressed the challenges faced by stakeholders within the education ecosystem. These include stakeholder consciousness, managing expectations, budgeting and financing, industry partnerships, and regulatory compliance. He further highlighted the essential attributes expected of an academic leader in today’s rapidly evolving and transformative times. He emphasized the growing significance of developing a comprehensive sense in research, operational and strategic management, team-building skills, and proficiency in accreditation and ranking. He further underscored the critical importance of succession planning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure robust governance, innovation, and effective talent risk management, thereby ensuring readiness for future leadership transitions.

Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Saxena, Advisor, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Former Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, articulated the urgent need for developing readiness to embrace change. He stressed the importance of anticipating and preparing for future challenges to avert potential disasters, overcome stagnancy, and address systemic issues, which could otherwise lead to low enrollment and demoralization within the academic community. Prof. Saxena observed that the success of students and the relevance of HEIs hinge on recognizing the shifting dynamics of the job market. He pointed out the cyclical challenges that may at times persist until institutions adapt to these changes. He advocated for a continuous focus on adding value to students, industry, and society at large. He highlighted that the transformation in education begins with leadership at the top and permeates throughout the faculty and administrative levels.

Dr. Rajesh Pankaj, Director & Head – Education & Skills, FICCI, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the significant complementary efforts and benchmark standards set by private higher education institutions in India. These institutions, he noted, play a crucial role in equipping a global workforce with competent and relevant skills. Dr. Pankaj emphasized that the vision of the FICCI LDP is centered around capacity building within HEIs. He elaborated on how FICCI as an association is uniquely positioned to, integrate fresh insights from both industry and academia to forge structured leadership that meets critical benchmarks and significantly impacts HEIs.

The modules cover critical aspects of academic leadership including change management, talent management, research and innovation, technology integration, fostering a learning culture, financial sustainability, internationalization, and industry partnerships. These sessions are designed not only to enrich and upgrade the participants’ skill sets but also to immerse them in an environment that promotes substantial growth and networking opportunities. Participants will engage in real-time case studies, interactive sessions, and collaborative learning experiences that mirror the complexities and nuances of modern higher education.

This program masterfully blends theoretical foundations with practical insights to stimulate thoughtful discussion and inspire decisive action. Facilitated by esteemed leaders who are pioneers of change in their respective fields, its primary goal is to reimagine the role of academia in a transformative world. By focusing on critical areas such as technology integration, research innovation, and sustainable practices, the program is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the necessary tools to effectively shape the future of education.

The FICCI Leadership Development Program is a significant step toward empowering academic leaders to effectively lead and implement progressive policies, ensuring their institutions remain at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence.

Established in 1927, FICCI is India’s oldest and largest apex business organization, playing a pivotal role in propelling India’s economic growth and industrialization. As a non-government, not-for-profit organization, FICCI serves as the voice of India’s business and industry, facilitating dialogue, influencing policy, and building bridges across sectors.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be a University, is renowned for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational offerings. By hosting the LDP, MAHE underscores its commitment to fostering educational leadership that can drive significant impacts in the realms of higher education and beyond.

Mumbai, 21st February 2025: Blix Education, India’s leading STEM-focused toy platform has recently announced the launch of ‘Build-A-Machine’, a 7-in-1 mechanical engineering kit to promote hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The toy brings real-life mechanical systems to young learners’ fingertips while encouraging them to explore and engage through building and experimenting.

The ‘Build-A-Machine’ kit comes with 100+ high-quality pieces that make learning interactive for 5 years and above the age of children. It enables them to construct and explore a variety of mechanisms including Scotch Yoke, Scissor Lift, Rack and Pinion Lift, Power Press Machine, Giant Whee,l, and more. As a result, it combines education and fun to spark interest in STEM learning from an early age.

Elated with the launch announcement, Mr. Abbas Gabajiwala, founder and CEO of Blix said, “Our mission at Blix Education is to make STEM learning accessible, engaging, and fun for children. Build-A-Machine is designed to ignite curiosity and introduce kids to the fascinating world of engineering through hands-on play. It empowers young learners to explore and experiment.”

Built with a STEM-based approach, ‘Build-A-Machine’ has a distinctive feature that operates without batteries. This allows children to experience the movement and functionality of machines in a completely manual and immersive way.

The newly launched toy functions as an innovative learning tool that introduces children to core engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. By assembling different mechanical structures, they develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of real-world mechanics. The kit stimulates creativity and logical thinking, making it an ideal addition to classrooms and home learning environments.

Parents, educators, and young innovators can purchase the STEM toy from leading toy stores, educational retailers, and online marketplaces.

Mumbai, February 19th, 2025: The University of Southampton is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Eloise Phillips as Academic Provost for the new Delhi campus.

Prof Phillips will take up her post in May ahead of the campus welcoming its first students in August.

She played an important role in establishing the University of Birmingham’s flagship campus in Dubai where she is currently Head of Health, Wellbeing, and Human Science programmes. Previous to this, Eloise was an Associate Dean at Aston University.

Prof Phillips is a registered nurse and highly experienced advanced clinical practitioner. Across her career, she has worked globally in clinical practice, healthcare leadership and management, research, and academia.

The University of Southampton Delhi will become India’s first global top 100 university when the campus in Gurugram opens to provide high-quality education rooted in research excellence, innovation, and real-world opportunities for Indian students.

Prof Phillips said: “I was drawn to the University of Southampton for its mission to impact and transform students’ lives and the region, which aligns with my professional values and passion.

“I am honored to accept the role of Academic Provost and Associate Vice-President (International) at the University of Southampton Delhi and look forward to leading our international campus towards excellence in education, research, and knowledge exchange.

“India’s dynamic education landscape offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of higher education where I am committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment for students and staff.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice President of International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, added: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Eloise Phillips as Academic Provost of the University’s Delhi campus.

“Eloise joins us from the University of Birmingham Dubai campus and so has extensive experience of international campus development.

“We are looking forward to her leadership of the campus at this very exciting point in the development of the University, and in particular the launch of our Delhi campus in 2025.”

Noida, 19th February 2024: The Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated in grand passion and fervor at the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida Football Ground. Day one of the tournament was a spine-chilling display of sportsmanship, friendly rivalry, and competitiveness. All the teams participating put their best foot on the ground, and the match started to a dynamic and thrumming beginning.

IMS Noida was privileged to have Mr. Rohit Rana, a celebrity volleyball player, as the Chief Guest for the tournament. His motivational speech inspired players and spectators alike to their very hearts. Mr. Rana’s presence raised the bar for the event, upholding the tradition of sportsmanship and excellence in the sport of volleyball.

Apart from this, Prof. (Dr.) Vikash Dhawan, Director General, Iof MS Noida, and Mr. Chiraag Gupta, Vice President, of IMS Noida, also attended the event. They were the key motivational forces behind holding the tournament through their words of guidance and encouragement. The encouragement and guidance offered by them also encouraged the participants further, and the competitive spirit grew.

The long-awaited opening ceremony of the event began at 10:15 AM with a warm welcome of all the guests. Mr. Rohit Rana was also specially honored for his contribution to the sport. This was then followed by the Oath Ceremony where all the players took an oath of their commitment towards fair play and sportsmanship. A Cultural Program featuring vibrant performances created a lively atmosphere for the day. The official Opening Ceremony heralded the start of an exciting tournament.

“As someone who is a strong believer in youth activity and sports, it is great to see such enthusiasm and competitive spirit among the players. This tournament offers a great opportunity to nurture and develop the next generation of volleyball players,” said Prof. (Dr.) Vikash Dhawan, Director General of IMS Noida.

“Today’s competition is as much about victory as it is about inculcating values of teamwork, discipline, and enthusiasm for the sport in the participants. The calibre we see today is the best and I would wish to see some cliff-hanging experiences in the days to come,” said Mr. Chiraag Gupta, Vice President, IMS Noida.

As the matches opened, the pitch was ablaze. The two teams showed exquisite skill, passion, and unity, and they left the crowd dumbfounded by what they showed. The deafening crowds’ applause heightened the suspense, and Day 1 was a sportsmanlike achievement of passion.

With such a start fueled by adrenaline, the tournament will see more dramatic encounters and thrill in the days ahead. The fans are requested to keep cheering as the fight for the win continues.

Bengaluru, February 19: Stonehill International School’s Technofest, a two-day inter-school competition for students, came to a close with over 200 students from more than 25 schools participating in the event across six cities, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. The fest also served as an inclusive platform for students from diverse backgrounds to showcase their tech skills through events such as Hackathon, Makeathon, and Formula 1 RC car racing competitions.

Stonehill’s state-of-the-art design and tech labs were open to participants from government and private schools, including Oakridge International, Trio World Academy, Inventure Academy, The Gaudium School, Chaman Bhartiya School, Jain International Residential School, and Vijaybhoomi Singapore International School.

In the Makeathon, participants built products such as an automatic dog feeder, a gaming chair crafted entirely by hand tools, a tech dress with sensors, and smart shoes for the visually challenged. The Hackathon projects ranged from AI-based outfit prediction software and a stock market simulator to an epilepsy detection belt and a household chores planner. The newly introduced Formula 1 RC car racing event saw students designing and racing their cars on a track, creating a lot of excitement and enthusiasm among the participants and the spectators. It was a contest full of nail-biting moments as students cheered for their team, making it one of the highlights of the event.

Speaking about the event, Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, stated, “It was a real pleasure to be able to open our campus up to students from such diverse backgrounds and experiences and watch them come up with such creative, innovative ideas for addressing real-world issues.”

The participants appreciated the fest for the infrastructure, learning experience, and inclusive environment. Yogeshwaran from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Thiruporur, Tamil Nadu, whose team won the Makeathon senior category, said, “We were initially a bit intimidated to be amidst an international community, but the people at Stonehill made us feel at home. They encouraged and motivated us to perform in the contest. We are thankful for the opportunity.”

The purpose of Technofest is to motivate young people to develop inventive solutions for modern problems during a rigorous 24-hour timeframe.

New Delhi, February 18th, 2025: The University of Leeds (UoL), UK, and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), India, successfully co-hosted the 3rd International Health and Research Conference, bringing together global experts, academics, and professionals to drive innovation and collaboration in healthcare and medical research.

The conference was attended by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Shri K. Kailashnathan, who delivered a keynote addressing the audience during the inauguration. Additionally, Prof. Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds joined virtually to give her inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in advancing health sciences.

Speaking about the conference, Prof West said, “This convention brings together distinguished experts and thought leaders not only from India and the UK but also from across South and Southeast Asia. Through workshops, discussion forums, and seminars, we are presented with an exceptional opportunity to engage in insightful debates and exchange ideas that will foster meaningful collaborations between our institutions and nations.”

This initiative between SBV and the University of Leeds aimed to foster innovation and strengthen global bonds in health sciences. The agenda of the conference was to foster insightful discussions, expert panels, and presentations on key medical research and educational advancements. The convention featured a wide array of topics on key areas such as biomedical research, cardiac care, holistic medical education, and women’s leadership.

Speaking about the Convention, Prof. Nirmal Coumare, Director of Health, Hospitals and Outreach Services, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and Conference Chair said, “The Convention unfurled a significant platform that had showcased the vital elements in contemporary academic and research leadership, especially with a focus on the rapidly evolving health sciences. The Convention took care not only to integrate these values from the national perspectives, namely the United Kingdom and India but to incorporate holistic health and our quest for realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).”

Distinguished panelists came to engage in interactive sessions to enhance practical knowledge and skills while giving insights on grant writing, research methodologies, and the use of advanced technologies in health research. Such a diverse group of participants and panels helped to spur collaborative efforts, initiate partnerships, and unite to achieve common goals.

The 3rd International Health and Research Conference not only reinforced the importance of global cooperation but also provided early-career researchers with a unique opportunity to present their findings and engage with leading experts in the field.

The University of Leeds and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth remain committed to fostering research-driven healthcare advancements and look forward to continued collaborations in future editions of the conference.