Category education

Bhubaneswar, 7th October 2025: ODM Educational Group successfully organised DIGIFEST 2025, the first-ever digital festival in Odisha. The event was held across various ODM campuses, bringing together young innovators to showcase their digital skills and future-ready capabilities.

The event aims to highlight the indispensable importance of digital literacy for students in academic and professional success. As the world rapidly transitions toward an AI-driven economy, initiatives like DIGIFEST ensure students develop computational thinking, problem-solving abilities, and technological fluency skills essential for the 21st century. The festival also addressed the growing demand for STEM education while fostering creativity and innovation among young minds.

Mr Swoyan Satyendu, CEO of ODM Educational Group, said, “DIGIFEST 2025 represents a paradigm shift in how education embraces technology. This festival demonstrates our commitment to nurturing digital natives who will lead tomorrow’s technological revolution.”

Mr N. P. Haris, CEO of Cybersquare, remarked, “The digital transformation in education is not just about adopting new tools; it’s about reimagining how students learn, create, and solve problems. DIGIFEST 2025 perfectly exemplifies this vision by providing a platform where theoretical knowledge meets practical application.”

The festival witnessed unprecedented participation from six ODM schools across the nation, each contributing unique technical demonstrations. ODM International School, Angul, showcased expertise in technical presentations, website development, visual coding games, and documentary filmmaking. ODM International School, Durgapur, presented a comprehensive display of AI, IoT, and robotics innovations alongside programming competitions and mobile application development.

ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar, demonstrated remarkable skills in artificial intelligence, IoT applications, robotics, and multimedia production. ODM Global School focused on robotics demonstrations, visual coding, and website development, while ODM Sapphire Global School impressed audiences with individual and group presentations, visual coding, robotics, and Python programming. ODM International School, Gurgaon, hosted age-appropriate competitions ranging from elementary-level presentations to advanced programming challenges, ensuring inclusive participation across all academic levels.

Dr. Satyabrata Minaketan, Chairman of ODM Educational Group, stated, “Witnessing these young minds transform abstract concepts into tangible solutions fills me with immense pride. DIGIFEST 2025 validates our educational philosophy that learning should be experiential, collaborative, and aligned with global technological trends.”

DIGIFEST 2025 firmly establishes ODM Educational Group as a pioneer in technology-integrated education, setting new benchmarks for digital learning in eastern India. The festival’s success highlights the group’s dedication to equipping students for a digitally driven future while upholding academic excellence. As institutions nationwide seek to enhance digital capabilities, DIGIFEST stands as an inspiring model for integrating innovation with traditional learning methodologies.

The inaugural festival marks the beginning of an annual tradition that will continue to grow with ODM, fostering technological excellence and nurturing the next generation of digital leaders across Odisha and beyond.

IIT Roorkee Hosts Inaugural Session of the XIIth Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)

Roorkee, October 7th, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) inaugurated the XIIth Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) today, bringing together leading scientists, researchers, and policymakers from across the world to deliberate on sustainable water resource management, hydrological innovations, and climate resilience. The Assembly features over 627 participants from 49 countries and 682 scientific contributions, making it one of the largest gatherings in IAHS history. The week-long event will foster global collaboration through plenary discussions, workshops, and networking to advance water sustainability and climate adaptation.

The Chief Guest, Shri Anand Bardhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, inaugurated the session and commended IIT Roorkee and IAHS for their global contributions to advancing hydrological research and its societal applications. “Hydrology is central to climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Institutions like IIT Roorkee play a vital role in bridging global knowledge with local solutions that empower communities and policymakers alike,” said Shri Anand Bardhan, Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand.

The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and the IIT Roorkee Kulgeet, followed by addresses from key dignitaries including Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, Prof. Salvatore Grimaldi, President, IAHS, Dr. V.M. Tiwari, Vice President, INSA and Director, CSIR-NEIST, Prof. Sumit Sen, Chairperson, IAHS SA 2025, and Prof. Ankit Agarwal, Convener, IAHS SA 2025. The IAHS Scientific Assembly at IIT Roorkee reflects our commitment to solving global water challenges through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. It reinforces India’s leadership in hydrological research and sustainable water management. I am confident that these six days assembly will inspire new ideas, enduring partnerships, and transformative innovations contributing meaningfully to both hydrology and society at large, said Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee. The session also featured the release of the Proceedings of the IAHS Scientific Assembly 2025, marking the beginning of a week-long scientific deliberation that includes technical sessions, exhibitions, and international collaborations. 

New Delhi, September 29, 2025: MSM Unify, a Laul Global company, has officially launched MSMGrad in India, positioning the country as the launchpad for a global career and higher education ecosystem. Designed for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals, MSMGrad combines expert-led learning, industry mentorship, real-world projects, and direct employer access to convert learning into tangible career outcomes.

MSMGrad, the higher education and career platform from MSM Unify, offers a comprehensive suite of Indian and global degrees, certifications, and career pathways. The initiative begins in India, with plans to expand internationally, creating new opportunities for learners to access world-class education and employment prospects.

This launch builds on MSM Unify’s extensive experience in delivering impactful skilling programs, having trained tens of thousands of students globally. Many of its graduates have secured positions with leading Indian and international companies and reported significant career growth. MSMGrad is now set to scale that impact in India, aiming to set new benchmarks in employability and workforce readiness.

Aligned with national initiatives such as Skill India and Digital India, MSMGrad enables Indian learners to access internationally recognized certifications in high-demand fields such as:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Cloud Computing

• Cybersecurity

• Data Science

• Fintech & Blockchain

• Software Development

• Digital Marketing

With demand for these skills rapidly increasing across India’s corporate, startup, and IT ecosystems, MSMGrad ensures its learners are equipped for both domestic and global opportunities.

The platform is also expanding into key areas such as Business, Entrepreneurship, and Healthcare, opening doors for Indian students across technology, management, and applied sectors.

To strengthen its international reach, MSMGrad is actively partnering with global universities to bring world-class academic programs to India. These collaborations aim to bridge the gap in affordability and accessibility, allowing Indian learners to earn top-tier qualifications without the need to study abroad.

“India is the heartbeat of MSMGrad,” said Sanjay Laul, Founder and CEO of MSM Unify. “We are launching here first because India represents the largest pool of young talent in the world. Our mission is to equip this generation with skills that drive careers, empower industries, and strengthen the nation. Within three years, MSMGrad will also expand to at least 15 countries, but India will always remain at the center of our growth story.”

MSMGrad is a key component of MSM Unify’s broader mission to empower 5 million learners globally and reflects its vision of nation-building through education and workforce development. The platform will offer:

• Certification programs

• Online Indian degrees

• International degrees from partner universities

By integrating edtech innovation, global academic partnerships, and industry-aligned curriculum, MSMGrad aims to make education more affordable, accessible, and globally relevant.

Starting in India, MSMGrad will expand to new regions, guided by Laul Global’s vision of education as a force for transformational growth — first in India, and then around the world.

India, September 26, 2025: Education in Ireland, the national brand representing Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) worldwide, today announced the return of its flagship roadshow in India, scheduled from October 4–12, 2025. 

The initiative will bring 21 leading Irish universities and colleges to five major Indian cities- starting in Chennai on October 4th, followed by Bengaluru on October 5th, Kochi on October 8th, Pune on October 11th, and concluding in Mumbai on October 12th– with the aim of offering insights into Ireland’s globally recognized higher education system and vibrant student life.

The fairs are part of Education in Ireland’s nationwide campaign, #StudyEmeraldIsle, which seeks to provide a comprehensive, one-stop guidance platform on higher education opportunities in Ireland. At the fairs, students and parents will gain direct access to representatives and academics from a wide range of Irish institutions as well as officials from the Irish Visa Office, who will host dedicated sessions to simplify the visa application process.

Students attending the fairs will have the opportunity to:

• Explore a wide portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in technology, healthcare, sustainability, arts and humanities, business and finance, innovation, and much more.
• Gain insights into research opportunities, industry-linked programmes, and scholarships.
• Understand Ireland’s post-study work environment, which has made it a launchpad for global careers.
• Access personalised, one-on-one consultations with university representatives and visa officials, and gain in-depth understanding of programmes from academics.

Ireland has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing study destinations for Indian students, with more than 10,000 Indian students enrolling in Irish institutions in 2024, a number that has doubled over the past five years. The country’s strong academic reputation, career-focused programs, vibrant research ecosystem, and post-study stay back option have cemented its position as a highly sought-after choice among Indian aspirants.

Speaking about the fairs, Ms. Elizabeth McHenry, Regional Manager – Asia, Education in Ireland, stated, “Ireland is committed to offering world-class education in an environment that is innovative, globally connected, and welcoming to international students. With these fairs, we want to give Indian students and their families first-hand access to our institutions to enable them to explore how Ireland can shape their academic and professional futures. From cutting-edge programmes and scholarships to our strong post-study work pathways, Ireland continues to be one of the most exciting and rewarding education destinations worldwide.”

India, September 25th, 2025: In a country where children under 5 spend over 2 hours daily on screens, twice the WHO’s recommended limit, a Mumbai-based initiative is daring to dream bigger: one million children who choose books over digital devices.

Can a nation of a billion nurture a million young readers to pick up books and read like second nature? That’s the vision behind India’s tech-enabled, app-based book rental service, neOwn and its newly launched Million Readers Movement. The movement has already drawn backing from voices across entertainment, business and literature.

At the heart of the campaign is a simple idea: every adult has the power to influence a child’s reading habit. A parent reading aloud before bedtime, a teacher introducing a story outside the syllabus, an author sharing a childhood favourite, or even a friend gifting a book instead of sweets, each small act adds up. The movement hopes these acts will ignite a cultural shift where reading becomes as natural in Indian households as cricket or cinema.

The Movement was launched by Shri Buddhichand Maroo, founder of Shemaroo Entertainment and the iconic Shemaroo Book Library, who became the first pledgee. In 1962, at just 22 years old, he founded the Shemaroo Book Library with a simple vision: make quality books accessible to every family. For over six decades, the library has created and supported a reading culture that shaped distinguished professionals and leaders across India.

Since then, influential voices from diverse fields have joined the cause. Industry leaders like Arjun Vaidya (founder of Dr. Vaidya’s (accquired) and co- founder V3 Ventures), award-winning children’s author Mallika Ravikumar, corporate governance and ESG pioneer Shri Shailesh Haribhakti and Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada have taken the pledge. Their support reflects a shared belief that reading is the foundation for developing critical thinking and innovation in the next generation.

“India’s children are drowning in digital content, but starving for stories,” says Kranti Gada, founder of neOwn. “Children deserve to discover reading as adventure, imagination and discovery, not just another task competing with their favorite apps.”

She adds, “ Every child deserves the transformative power of reading. This is perhaps the greatest gift we can give our children, the chance to fall in love with reading. Together, we can raise a generation of imaginative, confident, and resilient leaders for India’s tomorrow.“

Unlike digital content that demands passive consumption, the Million Readers Movement champions sustained engagement with books, novels, stories, and curiosity-driven non-fiction that help children think critically, focus deeply, and engage meaningfully with complex ideas. In an era where AI can generate instant answers, the uniquely human ability to wrestle with ideas, sit with uncertainty, and develop nuanced understanding becomes even more crucial. The goal is not just to reduce screen time, but to raise a generation of thoughtful and creative leaders who can navigate complexity and build tomorrow’s India.

The initiative focuses on children aged 0–14, but its real audience is every adult who can help make books part of children’s everyday lives. Early supporters are committing to weekly actions, from sharing stories of their own favourite books to encouraging kids to swap screens for pages.

The philosophy is clear: reading should spark curiosity, not feel like an obligation. If India can embed books in the same cultural space as movies, music and sport, then the next generation will carry forward not just knowledge, but imagination and empathy.

The neOwn app makes reading accessible and affordable by delivering thousands of curated children’s books to households nationwide, removing common barriers like cost and clutter. By combining doorstep delivery with a constantly growing catalogue, neOwn is helping revive the joy of reading for a screen-dominated generation.

Gurugram, 24TH SEPTEMBER 2025: KIIT College of Engineering, Sohna Road, organized an Internal Hackathon as part of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025. The event, held under the theme “Think. Create. Innovate.”, provided a platform for students to present innovative ideas and prototypes aimed at solving real-world challenges through technology.

The hackathon was conducted in two phases; an Idea Presentation round, followed by the Prototype Presentation round. During both sessions, students showcased projects ranging from AI-based healthcare chatbots to advanced road network models designed to address Indian traffic challenges.

The Guests of Honour included industry experts from Vastav Intellect, Vikas Lifecare Limited, and Expedia. Dr. S.K. Dhawan from Vikas Lifecare Limited shared insights on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting how a simple idea, backed by hard work and persistence, can evolve into a successful business generating employment opportunities. Venkatesh Bharti from Vastav Intellect emphasized the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), urging students to secure their innovations through patents and copyrights to protect their originality.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Neelima Kamrah, Registrar of KIIT College of Engineering, said, “Hackathons encourage students to think differently and find innovative solutions to pressing problems. Such initiatives help them align their skills with industry requirements and prepare them to meet future challenges with confidence.”

The internal hackathon served as a preliminary round to identify and mentor teams from KIIT College of Engineering for participation in the national-level Smart India Hackathon 2025.

22 Sept, 2025; Sambalpur: Following the announcement made in May 2025, IIM Sambalpur launched these two cutting-edge programmes in Delhi, and has now welcomed the inaugural batch of its first-ever B.S. Programme in Data Science & AI and B.S. Programme in Management & Public Policy at the Sambalpur campus in Odisha.

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur has launched its two cutting-edge new undergraduate programmes: “Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy” and “Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” in May 2025. The course curriculum is aligned with the world’s top universities such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon University, all of which offer BS programs with similar names.

The inaugural batch welcomed 178 students across the two programmes, 88 in Data Science & AI and 90 in Management & Public Policy. Representing more than 20 states of India, including Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Lakshadweep, the batch reflects strong regional diversity. The B.S. in Data Science & AI programme has enrolled 69 male and 19 female students, while the B.S. in Management & Public Policy has 51 male and 39 female students, ensuring a healthy gender balance.

Admission Process

Admissions were made through JEE (Main) 2025 for Data Science & AI, with the highest admitted rank being 44,645, and through CUET (UG) 2025 for Management & Public Policy, where the top scorers achieved a 99.80 percentile. The academic credentials of the cohort are equally impressive, with an average Class 12th score of 90.5% for Data Science & AI students and 88.2% for those in Management & Public Policy.

Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Amit Sareen, Managing Director, Accenture and Anjan A, Vice President, North Trust were present as the Guests of honour. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur along with faculty and students were also present during the event.

The event also featured expert speaker sessions in which the esteemed speakers were Vivek Agarwal, Country Director, Tony Blair Institute; Harpreet Singh, Head –Counterparty Credit Risk, BFSI Sector; Gangadhar Yasam, Head of IT Strategy, Ford Motor Company; Divay Pranav, Business Strategy & Partnerships, Hyundai Motors; Arpit Bajpai, Co-Founder, Neurosensum, were present as key note speakers in the event.

During his inaugural address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “This is a historic step for IIM Sambalpur. By launching these B.S. programmes, we are investing in young minds who will become leaders in technology, policy, and society. These programmes will not only prepare students with academic excellence but also instil in them the values of integrity, innovation, and responsibility towards nation-building. Anchored in the core values of Integrity and Innovation, the programmes provides strong roots in data analysis, critical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. The cross-functional courses are designed to develop responsible leaders who can address intricate societal and industrial challenges with innovation, compassion, and a global perspective. This degree program is pioneering and will be adopted by other top management institutes.”

Apart from that, Prof. Jaiswal advised students and said, “Students need to nurture four kinds of intelligence for holistic growth. First is IQ, which sharpens the intellect. Second is EQ, which teaches them to manage their emotions effectively. Third is PQ, which emphasizes the importance of good health, physical fitness, and preferring naturopathy. And Finally, SQ – the spiritual quotient – which helps them reflect on the deeper purpose of life”.

While addressing the students, Chief Guest, Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network, said, “Congratulation to IIM Sambalpur for excellent NIRF rankings 2025 and for successful inauguration of the first batch of the B.S. Programme. IIM Sambalpur continues to be a hub of creativity and inspiration, opening new avenues for the younger generation. The four-year B.S. Programme holds immense potential to transform students into accomplished professional, well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation. He further emphasized that, while striving for academic excellence, ratings and rankings, it is equally important not to overlook spiritual growth and physical well-being. He added that students must focus on the four Cs, as the absence of any one of them makes progress incomplete and less fulfilling”.

The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots level.

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.

The inaugural marks a new chapter in IIM Sambalpur’s journey to shape responsible leaders with a balance of academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. Notably, IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management & Public Policy programme through CUET, both prestigious national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency.

IIM Sambalpur has reached a significant milestone this year, climbing 16 positions in the NIRF ranking 2025. Speaking on the institute’s accreditation journey, Prof. Soumya Guha Deb, Dean (Ranking & Accreditation), highlighted the strategic initiatives and sustained efforts that have contributed to this remarkable achievement.

Prof. Diwahar S Nadar and Prof. Rohit Gupta introduced the B.S. Programmes. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Diptiranjan Mahapatra, Dean, (Academics), while the vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Diwahar S Nadar.

Patna, September 21: The message of peace and inner harmony rang out at British Lingua, Boring Road, Patna, on Saturday as acclaimed author and educator Dr Birbal Jha addressed a gathering of young people on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. Serving as the chief speaker, Dr Jha urged the youth to embrace peace as a daily practice and a pathway to prosperity.

“Peace is not a commodity to be bought; it is a skill to be cultivated,” the Youngest Living Legend of Mithila, Dr Birbal Jha told the audience, stressing that small acts of kindness can spark greater harmony. “True peace begins with something as simple as bringing a smile to another’s face. While we cannot see our own smile without a mirror, the joy reflected in others is unmistakable.”

Calling inner calm the key to personal growth, the English Litterateur Dr Birbal said, “The pursuit of inner peace is, in fact, the pursuit of prosperity. A mind at peace radiates energy, fosters understanding, and transforms relationships.” Dr Jha urged young people to shed negativity—“Distance yourself from arrogance, envy, greed, and ego. A sincere pursuit of peace naturally leads to happiness.”
Dr Jha drew from diverse traditions to underline the universality of his message. “The Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, and the Quran converge on a simple truth: treat others as you wish to be treated,” Dr Jha said. Quoting the Dalai Lama, he reminded the gathering, “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.”
Forgiveness, Dr Birbal stressed, is a mark of strength. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong,” Dr Jha said, citing Mahatma Gandhi. “Conflict, when handled wisely, can be transformative and productive. Settle disputes at the peace table before they escalate.”
Rejecting the notion that peace means passivity, Dr Birbal Jha, known as ‘Living Literary Legend of Bihar’, urged the audience to act with moral courage. “Speak now or forever hold your peace,” Dr Jha said. “Confront challenges mindfully and resolve issues with empathy.”
As India moves toward a future of global leadership, Dr Jha called on the youth to become ambassadors of harmony. “Each smile, each act of kindness, and each moment of forgiveness plants the seeds for a more harmonious world,” Dr Jha concluded.
The programme, attended by students and young professionals, ended with a pledge to practice daily acts of peace, echoing Dr Jha’s belief that “life without serenity is life half-lived.”

By – Neeraj Kansal Founder & CEO of Crack Academy

In today’s highly competitive academic landscape, education has become one of the most significant investments for a brighter future. However, for many talented students, especially those from financially weaker backgrounds, the rising cost of quality education often acts as a barrier to achieving their aspirations. This is where scholarships play a transformative role, empowering meritorious students to pursue their dreams without being held back by financial constraints.

Scholarships serve as gateways to equal opportunities, enabling deserving students to access the best educational resources, mentorship, and guidance. They not only provide financial relief but also act as a motivational driver, encouraging students to excel academically and perform to their full potential.

In recent years, many educational institutions have introduced structured scholarship programs designed to support both merit and need. For instance, some institutes offer 100% scholarships to top-performing students, 75% to the next set of achievers, and 50% to a broader group of aspirants. These initiatives are particularly impactful for students preparing for competitive examinations like NEET, JEE, UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways, where early preparation and guided learning can make a significant difference.

Beyond financial assistance, scholarships instill a sense of confidence, responsibility, and ambition among students. They encourage young minds to dream big and work harder, fostering an ecosystem where talent is recognized and nurtured, irrespective of economic status.

As India steadily moves towards becoming a knowledge-driven economy, promoting scholarships for meritorious and financially weak students is crucial. By removing financial hurdles and unlocking opportunities, these initiatives help shape future doctors, engineers, administrators, and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to society.

In essence, scholarships are not just financial aid; they are catalysts of change, empowering young aspirants to turn their dreams into reality.

Noida, 20 September: Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida successfully organized an Internal Hackathon (Peace Code for Smart India Hackathon). The School of IT organized this two-day event, in which 20 teams with a total of 120 students participated.

On the initial day, the participants exhibited their coding and problem-solving abilities through solving real-time challenges in a high-intensity coding session. The second day was spent in project presentations and certificate distribution.

Prof. (Dr.) Vikas Dhawan, Director General, IMS Noida, stated that internal hackathons are a great platform to train students for international competitions. He said that these sorts of efforts encourage students to confront upcoming technological challenges and perform well at national platforms such as the Smart India Hackathon, along with improving teamwork, leadership, and innovative ideas.

Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Gupta, Head, School of IT, emphasized that the hackathon not only put to test technical skills but also collaboration, imagination, and self-esteem among students, which helped them deliver better in future Smart India Hackathon events. He expressed that awareness was brought towards programming and coding rounds on day one, while the second day was oriented towards innovative prototypes against problem statements of Smart India Hackathon.

Prof. (Dr.) Neelam Saxena, Dean, IMS Noida, stated that the Internal Hackathon is an excellent platform for students to express their technical abilities and look for solutions to everyday challenges. Dr. Anita Pati, Deputy HoD, reported that the event was successfully organized under the guidance of Dr. Jyoti Kumari Tripathi. Additional support was provided by Prof. Jitendra, Prof. Swecchandan, Prof. Anshushrav Mudgal, and some other faculty members.