Category education

New Delhi, Feb 19 : Ashoka University, India’s leading interdisciplinary research university, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with École normale supérieure PSL Paris, one of France’s most prestigious higher education and research institutions. The announcement was made at the High Level Academic and Scientific Meetings in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, marking an important step in strengthening India–France collaboration in higher education, research, and innovation.

The MoU was formally signed by Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR, and Frédéric Worms, Director, ENS-PSL. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and global knowledge exchange between two leading institutions known for integrating teaching and research across disciplines.

Ashoka University’s Memorandum of Understanding with École normale supérieure – PSL establishes a deep, long-term partnership spanning joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative academic programmes in the sciences and humanities. This MoU will create shared research ecosystems, foster co-taught courses and workshops, and open opportunities for Ashoka students and scholars to engage with ENS–PSL’s renowned scientific community in Paris. Together, the two institutions aim to build a vibrant Indo-French intellectual corridor that advances fundamental science, interdisciplinary inquiry, and innovation with global impact.

K VijayRaghavan, Chair, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University noted,

“France and India are already closely linked in science through bilateral structures such as the Indo-French Centre for Applied Mathematics (IFCAM), DST–India programmes in digital science and technology, and joint initiatives in neuroscience and engineering. Most recently, both countries have expanded this cooperation through new initiatives in AI, health, and digital science, including plans for Indo-French centres for AI in health and digital science and technology under the 2026 Year of Innovation”.

École normale supérieure – PSL is among France’s most prestigious higher education institutions and a globally recognised centre of academic excellence. Founded in 1794, the institution is known for its rigorous research culture and interdisciplinary approach, ENS-PSL has a distinguished legacy of producing leading scholars, scientists, and policymakers, including multiple Nobel laureates and Fields Medal winners.

For Ashoka University students, the partnership will play an important role in shaping research capabilities by providing access to advanced research networks, collaborative projects, and mentorship from internationally renowned scholars. The engagement is expected to strengthen Ashoka University students’ understanding of global techniques and methodologies used in research across multiple domains, thereby equipping them with better skills to carry deep research for better knowledge creation and innovation.

For students and experts of ENS-PSL, this collaboration will offer valuable opportunities to engage with India’s dynamic academic ecosystem, participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives, and gain deeper insights into diverse social, cultural, and scientific contexts of the country.

Both institutions are already connected through the Franco-Indian Campus in Life Sciences for Health, launched in 2022, and the MoU seeks further to deepen academic and research exchanges within this broader framework.

Frédéric Worms, Director, ENS-PSL, said,

“This agreement offers a unique opportunity to bring together École normale supérieure – PSL and Ashoka University, two institutions that share a similar academic model and a common commitment to excellence, interdisciplinarity, and the close articulation of teaching and research.”

Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Ashoka University, said,

“This partnership marks an important step in strengthening global academic collaboration at a time when AI is reshaping industries and societies. Through our engagement with ENS-PSL, we aim to drive high-impact research, foster meaningful academic exchange, and equip our students and faculty with deeper global perspectives.”

Manipal, Feb 19th: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has partnered with OpenAI to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools across teaching, research, and academic administration. This collaboration aims to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research productivity, and equip students and faculty with critical AI skills for a rapidly evolving global workforce. MAHE will implement AI-powered tools and resources across its academic programs to support personalised learning, boost critical thinking, and encourage ethical AI use. Faculty will also gain access to advanced AI tools for curriculum planning, research, and innovation.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, VSM (Retd.), MAHE, said, “MAHE has always been guided by academic excellence and innovation. Our partnership with OpenAI represents a strategic step toward embedding AI as a transformative enabler across teaching, research, and administration. By integrating advanced AI tools responsibly, we aim to enhance learning outcomes, accelerate research impact, and prepare our students for leadership in an AI-driven world.

The collaboration will focus on building AI literacy across disciplines, ensuring that students from Health Sciences, Technology & Science, Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, and allied fields gain practical exposure to AI applications relevant to their domains. MAHE will also promote interdisciplinary research and innovation using AI to address complex real-world challenges.  MAHE will also establish structured AI governance guidelines to ensure responsible, ethical, and transparent governance use of artificial intelligence across academic functions.

The partnership aligns with MAHE’s long-term digital transformation roadmap and reinforces its commitment to innovation, industry relevance, and societal impact. With this collaboration, MAHE reinforces its vision of becoming a globally benchmarked, AI-enabled university committed to shaping responsible innovation and future-ready leaders.

New Delhi, Feb 18th: Udaan, a large-scale Artificial Intelligence education initiative powered by Sunstone, has equipped over 10,000 students from Classes 11 and 12 with early, practical exposure to AI and emerging technologies. The initiative was conducted across three campuses in North India, bringing school students into real college learning environments and helping them experience how future skills are applied in practice.

The sessions were hosted at HiTech Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ghaziabad; IITM Murthal, Sonipat; and the Institute of Technology & Management (ITM), Dehradun. Students experienced campus life firsthand while gaining exposure to AI tools and real-world applications that are shaping modern careers.

With Artificial Intelligence rapidly transforming how students learn, work, and build careers, Udaan was designed to address a growing gap in early exposure to industry-relevant skills. The initiative reached students across academic streams, school boards including CBSE and State Boards, and both government and private institutions. By introducing AI at the school level, the programme aims to build awareness, confidence, and readiness for a technology-driven future.

Commenting on the initiative, Ankur Jain, Co-Founder and CBO, Sunstone, said, “AI is no longer a future skill. It is a present necessity. Through Udaan, we wanted students from every background to understand how AI can shape their learning journeys and future careers.”

During the programme, students participated in a structured learning experience that included interactive workshops on AI tools, hands-on lab sessions, and short assessments designed to reinforce practical understanding. They also received certificates of participation and gained insight into how AI tools are used by college students to enhance productivity, research, and problem-solving.

The initiative witnessed strong participation across regions. At HiTech Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ghaziabad, 3,200 students from 48 schools across Ghaziabad, Hapur, and nearby areas attended the sessions, with particularly strong engagement during hands-on lab exercises. IITM Murthal, Sonipat hosted 2,500 students from 40 schools, where practical demonstrations helped students understand real-world applications of AI beyond textbooks. At ITM Dehradun, 2,300 students from 37 schools participated, creating awareness around technology-driven learning and AI-enabled problem solving.

As part of Udaan, a Faculty Development Programme on Artificial Intelligence in Education was also conducted to ensure educators remain equipped to guide students in a technology-enabled learning environment. The sessions were led by experienced trainers and industry professionals who shared practical insights on AI tools, classroom integration, and evolving skill requirements in the digital era.

More than 100 school teachers participated in the programme, gaining hands-on exposure to AI-driven teaching approaches and modern learning tools. By strengthening educator capability alongside student learning, Udaan aims to create long-term impact and support the development of a future-ready education ecosystem.

Jamshedpur, Feb 18th: XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, widely regarded as one of the finest institutions for Human Resource Management in the Asia-Pacific region, continues to reaffirm its leadership in HR education through a bold curricular innovation. Building on its rich legacy of producing HR leaders who occupy C-suite roles across national and multinational corporations—and academics who contribute to some of the world’s leading universities—XLRI’s flagship two-year HRM programme has introduced structured second-year specialisations.

Rather than resting on its formidable alumni legacy, XLRI’s HR programme has consistently evolved in response to the changing nature of work, organisations, and society. The newly introduced specialisations enable students to deepen their expertise in chosen domains such as Organisation Development, Compensation, Future of Work, Labour & Social Justice, and Employee Well-being, among others.

The first year of the HRM programme continues to provide a strong general management foundation. Students develop a comprehensive business perspective through rigorous engagement with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Strategy, and Information Systems, alongside core HR courses spanning Performance Management, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, and Employee Relations. The second year now offers a deliberate choice: depth through specialisation or breadth through a wide range of electives across HR and allied disciplines such as Strategy, Economics, and Information Systems.

Speaking on the philosophy behind the change, Dr. (Fr.) Sebastian George, SJ, Director, XLRI Jamshedpur, said: “XLRI has always believed that relevance is the true test of academic excellence. The introduction of second-year specialisations reflects our commitment to preparing HR professionals who are not only grounded in strong values and business understanding but also capable of deep expertise in emerging and complex domains of people management.”

Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI, highlighted the academic intent behind the redesigned structure: “The new specialisation framework gives our students meaningful choice. Some may wish to develop deep functional expertise, while others may prefer a broader, integrative perspective. Our curriculum now enables both pathways, without compromising the rigour and intellectual depth that XLRI is known for.”

Elaborating on the student experience, Prof. R. K. Premarajan, Chairperson – HRM Committee noted: “HR roles today demand both strategic clarity and domain depth. By introducing specialisations, we are allowing students to align their learning journeys with their career aspirations—whether in advanced organisation development, rewards strategy, future-of-work challenges or socially responsible HR practice.”

With this initiative, XLRI reinforces its long-standing position as a thought leader in HR education—one that continuously re-imagines curricula to stay ahead of industry realities while remaining anchored in its mission of shaping responsible and impactful leaders. 

Bengaluru, Feb 17th: The ASME Engineering Education Seminar & Workshop on Drone Technology was held at REVA University as part of the Mechanical Engineering Education Summit (MEEd), focusing on bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry-led drone applications. Hosted in Bengaluru, a growing hub for aerospace, manufacturing, and deep-tech innovation, the seminar examined how engineering education must evolve to align with real-world deployment, regulatory requirements, and business-driven use cases in the drone ecosystem.

Organised by ASME Foundation India, the seminar emphasized  drone technology as an integrated, multidisciplinary system rather than a standalone technical skill. While access to basic drone assembly has become increasingly widespread, the seminar highlighted the growing demand for professionals who can combine mechanical design, electrical systems, digital intelligence, and business understanding to develop scalable, application-ready drone solutions. Through expert interactions and practical sessions, the programme highlighted the need for engineers to develop a broad, hands-on understanding of technology to build careers in drone manufacturing, testing, operations, and field deployment across sectors such as defence, agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Madhukar Sharma, president and director of ASME India Private Limited, described the necessity of platforms such as MEEd and IMECE in keeping engineering education up to date with the realities of current engineering practice. “ASME is a not-for-profit, member-driven global engineering society committed to advancing industry-relevant learning and responsible innovation,” Sharma said. “Initiatives such as MEEd and global platforms including IMECE bring together academia, industry, and emerging technologies to shape future-ready engineers. India hosting IMECE outside the U.S. for the first time last year reflects the country’s growing contribution to the global engineering ecosystem. We look forward to the next edition of ASME IMECE India scheduled in Chennai this September.”

Setting the context of the Foundation’s work in relation to the seminar, Ms. Avni Malhotra, deputy director of  ASME Foundation India, highlighted the importance of application led engineering education. “At the ASME Foundation India, we focus on ensuring that engineering education translates into real-world impact—especially in contexts where access and opportunity are limited,” said Malhotra. “Through initiatives like MEEd, we work to connect students and educators with industry realities, social challenges, and innovation pathways, so that technology is developed not in isolation, but with purpose and relevance.”

Emphasising the role of industry exposure in preparing students for a rapidly changing job market, Dr. KS Narayana Swamy, pro vice chancellor, REVA University, noted that seminars and workshops such as the ASME MEEd programme help students remain relevant amid technological disruption. “Engineering careers today demand far more than academic credentials,” Swamy said. “Students must build problem-solving ability, communication skills, and adaptability, while engaging closely with industry to understand evolving expectations and future career pathways.”

The seminar brought together professionals working closely with India’s growing drone and aerospace landscape. Industry leaders such as Mr. Abhishek Burman, co-founder and CEO, General Aeronautics Pvt Ltd; Mr. Zain Saeed, co-founder and COO, Enord; Dr. Ananda CM, program director for Civil Aircrafts and head of the Aerospace Electronics Division, NAL; and Dr. Subrata Nayak, R&D technical lead, ideaForge Technology Inc., shared insights drawn from real industry experience. During the sessions, speakers broke down how drones move from concept to real-world use, covering design decisions, manufacturing processes, certification requirements, deployment challenges, and the regulatory landscape. The discussions also highlighted the blend of technical expertise and cross-functional skills needed to build sustainable careers in UAV-related fields.

Academic insights were shared by Dr. M. Sivapragasam, professor, M. S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, and Dr. Manjunath S V, associate professor and head of the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering. They spoke about the need to better align academic curricula with industry expectations and to strengthen hands-on, experiential learning within engineering programmes.

The seminar also featured a hands-on workshop on Drone Technology in Mechanical Engineering Using ANSYS Simulation, conducted by Mr. Gokul Raj M, technical account manager at Infinipoint Technologies Pvt Ltd, and powered by ANSYS, part of Synopsys. The workshop gave participants a practical look at how simulation tools and AI-enabled UAV workflows are used in real engineering environments, from design validation to testing and operational planning. Two other workshops were also organised: Enabling Next-Generation Autonomous System Workflows: From Design to Deployment by MathWorks, led by Ms. Richa Singh, application engineer, MathWorks; and Physics-Informed Machine Learning for Drones/UAV by ASME Cyber Physical Systems India, conducted by Mr. Anand Nagarajan of Airbus and Mr. Unnat Mankad  of Baker Hughes.

Beyond the technical sessions, the seminar created space for open conversations between faculty members, students, and industry professionals on curriculum relevance, evolving skill expectations, and on-the-ground industry realities. Participants also used the platform to network with practitioners and technology experts, underlining the value of industry-connected learning pathways in drone technology and related engineering fields.

Over the past two years, the MEEd Summits in India have played a key role in bridging the gap between industry and academia, with support from the MEEd India Steering Committee,comprising industry leaders, vice chancellors, and leading researchers. The seminar was supported by technology and industry partners, including ANSYS (part of Synopsys), Infinipoint Technologies, and MathWorks, strengthening the programme’s focus on applied learning, AI driven engineering workflows, and career-oriented skill development.

Bhubaneswar, Feb 17th: Birla Global University (BGU) hosted a conclave on the theme “AI-Powered People Strategy: Balancing Technology and Empathy,” bringing together leading personalities from industry and academia to examine how Artificial Intelligence can enhance, not replace, the human dimension in Human Resource management.

The objective of the conclave was to explore how AI could augment the human touch in HR by reimagining talent practices, leadership behaviours, and organisational culture. The discussions delved into real-world applications of AI in recruitment, learning and development, performance management, and employee experience. The sessions also discussed the ethical, legal, and emotional implications of AI adoption for employees and managers.

The conclave featured an Inaugural Session, two Panel Discussions, and a Valedictory Session. The sub-themes included Human-Centred AI in Talent Management and Empathy, Well-being, and Psychological Contracts in an AI-Driven Workplace.

The event was graced by Satyanarayana Vinjamoori, Former Vice President (HR & Operations), ADP Private Ltd. and Board Member – Food 4 Thought Foundation; Richa Mehrotra, Director – Staffing, Alvarez & Marsal; Swetaali Pattnaik, CEO & Director, SAIntellect Solutions; Arya Vedabrata, Founder & CEO, ByteIQ Analytics; Hemant Rath, Principal Scientist & Distinguished Engineer, TCS; and  Sikha Nanda, HR Head, Integreon.

Speaking on the occasion, Richa Mehrotra, Keynote Speaker said, “AI-driven talent acquisition and workforce analytics must address concerns such as algorithmic bias, trust deficits, and change resistance through a ‘human-in-the-loop’ approach to ensure fairness and contextual sensitivity in HR practices.”

 Highlighting the importance of the conclave, Satyanarayana Vinjamoori , Chief Guest said, “AI has evolved over decades, and its present scale and accessibility call for responsible integration. Technology must complement, not replace, human judgment, and modern HR leadership must align mindset, skillset, and toolset.”

The conclave aimed to enrich students with a future-ready understanding of how AI was reshaping careers, skills, and people management practices. Through direct interaction with HR practitioners and experts, students gained practical insights into AI-enabled HR tools, emerging career pathways in HR analytics and people strategy, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI-driven decision-making.

The platform brought together HR practitioners, people analytics specialists, line managers, start-up founders, and consultants to exchange experiences and best practices in implementing AI-driven HR solutions. By fostering dialogue between industry and academia, the conclave encouraged thoughtful adoption of technology while preserving empathy, fairness, and human judgment in organisational decision-making.

Chandigarh University Students along with University Officials after receiving NASA Citizen Scientists certificates; initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Chandigarh, Feb 17th: Taking a giant leap in the global space-science research, the students of Chandigarh University have been designated as NASA Citizen Scientists under the internationally renowned International Asteroid Search Campaign (IASC), a prestigious citizen–science initiative by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently.

Kozhikode, Feb 17: As AI reshapes competitiveness and decision-making pipelines tighten across sectors, the premium boardroom-ready judgement has never been higher. Against this backdrop, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, in collaboration with TimesPro, has launched the fourth batch of the Strategic Management for CXOs to empower current and C-suite aspirants, and entrepreneurs with the skills and insights needed to enhance strategic thinking, interpret global market dynamics and excel in execution.

The 10-month blended learning journey features a distinct S.T.A.R. Curriculum advantage, structured around four critical dimensions aligned to organisational goals: Strategic Thinking, Technology Adoption, an All-Rounder Perspective and Responsible Managerial Competencies. The curriculum spans 18 contemporary modules, including business analytics, corporate strategy, digital transformation, AI and data science for leadership, cybersecurity and crisis management. Participants build future-ready, tech-enabled capabilities with a strong focus on decision-making, innovation and resilience, qualities professionals need to drive sustainable growth in today’s business ecosystem. The programme culminates in a capstone module and simulation, designed to test strategy and execution under real-world constraints.

McKinsey has highlighted how the advent of AI has compelled business professionals to re-examine value creation, productivity and growth at scale, noting that organisations with leading digital and AI capabilities can outperform lagging competitors by two to six times on total shareholder returns. The same perspective underscores the rising importance of capabilities such as cybersecurity risk management, data governance, analytics and machine learning in the new age of business. In parallel, India’s Global Capability Centres continue to face a shortage of experienced senior professionals who form the backbone of the GCC ecosystem, creating a leadership bottleneck and intensifying demand for future-ready business leadership across sectors.

Speaking at the announcement, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode said, “Strategy today sits at the intersection of market volatility, digital acceleration and responsible governance. With the fourth batch of our Strategic Management Programme for CXOs, we help senior professionals sharpen strategic judgement, interpret global signals and execute with discipline. The S.T.A.R. framework anchors learning in strategic thinking, technology adoption, an all-round perspective and responsible decision-making, capabilities that boardrooms demand now across industries worldwide.” 

Sridhar Nagarajachar, Business Head – Executive Education, TimesPro said, “Senior professionals cannot delegate digital literacy or strategic execution; they must own both. This programme with IIM Kozhikode gives CXOs a structured, practical route to lead AI-enabled transformation, strengthen cybersecurity and data governance and make better decisions under uncertainty. Through simulations, cases and the capstone, participants convert concepts into action, building resilience, innovation and measurable business impact for complex enterprises.”

The programme serves as a career catalyst for senior professionals who aim to recalibrate their competencies, lead large-scale organisational transformations and step confidently into broader enterprise mandates. This has attracted participation from senior professionals holding designations such as Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, Director Generals, Managers and Heads. Over 70 per cent of past learners brought more than 15 years of professional experience and represented diverse industries, including automotive, IT and ITES, healthcare and BFSI, among others.

The programme delivers a highly interactive learning experience through live lectures, simulations, case studies, in-class exercises and capstone simulations. The curriculum draws on globally respected academic research and real-world case studies from recognised sources, including Harvard Business School (HBS), Harvard Business Review (HBR) and Stanford. Faculty and experts will deliver sessions through TimesPro’s state-of-the-art Interactive Learning (IL) platform in Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode.

In addition, learners will participate in an exclusive three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode, designed to deepen learning, build meaningful peer connections and spark fresh perspectives. Applicants need a minimum of 10 years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree to apply. Upon successful completion, IIM Kozhikode will award participants the institute’s prestigious alumni status.

New Delhi, Feb 16:  Five students from the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) were felicitated by the Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 13 February at The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi, for their Systems Design project developed for the Taj Restaurant under the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). The recognition marked a significant moment for the university, highlighting the impact of industry-linked academic projects and the role of design-led thinking in addressing complex, real-world systems.

The project was undertaken by an interdisciplinary team comprising Harsh Warrier, Susnitha Sivaraju, Yashika Bhatt, Rashi Bhagre, and Ritika Malik under the mentorship of Binil Mohan, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Design, JKLU. The team collectively carried out the initial research for both the Taj Mahal and ITDC, forming the foundation for the design interventions proposed as part of the project. The final presentation was structured into three parts, reflecting a collaborative approach with clearly defined areas of contribution.

The first segment of the project focused on research related to the Taj Mahal, followed by the development of a solution framework by Harsh Warrier, Rashi Bhagre, and Susnitha Sivaraju. The second segment presented research for ITDC along with a detailed set of solutions developed by the same team members. The final segment highlighted the specific solution work and contributions undertaken by Ritika Malik.

“The felicitation is a proud moment for the university and underscores the impact of industry-linked, research-driven design education in addressing complex systems,” said A Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design, JKLU.

The recognition stands as a testament to the quality of work being carried out by students at the Institute of Design and reinforces the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, academic excellence, and strong engagement with industry partners.

The students were felicitated during the double commemoration event celebrating the 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of the Ashok Hotel. Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, also graced the ceremony with his presence.

Bodh Gaya, Feb 16: The Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya inaugurated the International Research Conference on Mindfulness (IRCM) 2026, the third edition of its flagship biennial conference dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research on mindfulness. Held over two days in a hybrid format, the conference brought together academicians, researchers, practitioners, and students from across India and abroad, including participants from Japan, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

The conference witnessed a global response, receiving over 255 paper submissions, reflecting a more than threefold increase from its previous edition. The strong participation underscores the growing relevance of mindfulness-based research across management, social sciences, and allied disciplines.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director, IIM Bodh Gaya, in the presence of conference conveners Dr. Remya Lathabhavan and Dr. Teena Bharti. Distinguished speakers, including Dr. Jyoti Bachani, Saint Mary’s College of California, Dr. Vishal Gupta, IIM Ahmedabad, and Dr. Ramya Tarakad Venkateswaran, IIM Calcutta, delivered keynote addresses emphasising the integration of contemplative practices with modern research to enhance organisational effectiveness and societal well-being.

In her address, Dr. Vinita S. Sahay underscored the enduring value of contemplative traditions, noting that the “acid test of the greater good is the test of time,” and describing mindfulness as a time-tested philosophy that continues to guide meaningful ways of living and leading. Dr. Jyoti Bachani stated, “Wisdom is eternal, while AI is ephemeral,” and highlighted the importance of convening such dialogue in Bodh Gaya, the land historically associated with the origins of mindfulness.

Organised around 12 thematic tracks, the conference explored mindfulness in leadership, organisational behaviour, finance, education, decision-making, and sustainability. Scholars presented empirical and conceptual work that examined how reflective awareness can bridge research gaps and generate solution-oriented outcomes across disciplines.

 Pre-conference workshops featured applied learning sessions. Mr. Shishir Arya, an IIT, IIM alumnus-turned mindfulness coach, conducted experiential sessions linking professional effectiveness with mindful living. Dr. Surbhi Dayal, faculty at IIM Indore and an expert in Madhubani art, facilitated an interdisciplinary dialogue connecting mindfulness, artistic expression, and lifestyle transformation. These workshops encouraged participants to align theoretical frameworks with lived emotional and cognitive experiences.

 The conference concluded with addresses by Dr. Oleg Medvedev, University of Waikato, New Zealand, Dr. Prachi Thakur, JAGSoM, India & Sunway University, Malaysia, and Dr. Yanki Hartijasti, Universitas Indonesia, who highlighted emerging global research collaborations and the role of mindfulness in shaping resilient institutions and societies. The valedictory session included an expression of gratitude to contributors, participants, and the organising committee for fostering a vibrant platform for dialogue and discovery.

 As the world accelerates in complexity, IRCM 2026 reaffirmed the importance of reflection, clarity, and conscious engagement. Mindfulness remains a core value of IIM Bodh Gaya, and the institute is committed to embedding it across teaching, research, and leadership development to nurture responsible, self-aware, and socially conscious leaders.