Category education

Rohtak, September 09-2024: IIM Rohtak hosted the prestigious passing out ceremony for the 5th batch of its Post Graduate Programme in Management for Executives (PGPx) and Executive Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management (ePGDSM) on 08th September 2024. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Sangram Singh, Indian wrestler, actor, and motivational speaker, Mr. Mukul Choudhary, CEO of Jamshedpur Football Club and Chief of Sports Excellence Centres at Tata Steel, and Mr. Rajkiran Kanagala, President & Chief Business Officer at TCI Group.

The PGPx programme is designed for experienced professionals. It delivers cutting-edge leadership and management education using a case-study-driven pedagogy and is well-suited to develop professionals who can thrive in today’s complex and evolving business landscape. Since its launch in 2018, the ePGDSM programme has been a pioneering initiative that addresses the professionalization of sports management in India. IIM Rohtak is the first and only IIM in India to offer a sports management diploma, positioning the institute at the forefront of innovation in management education. Commencing the proceedings, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak, offered his best wishes to all graduates as they embark on their professional journeys. He reiterated the institute’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in business and sports through a focus on academic excellence and practical exposure.

The graduating professionals included 64 participants from the ePGPx program, representing a diverse range of industries such as Ministry of Jal Shakti, Indian Oil Corporation, Tata Motors, HSBC, Infosys, Capgemini, Boeing, and Wipro. The ePGDSM participant comprised professionals from reputed organizations such as Tata Steel, Indian Railways, Sports Authority of Goa, and SG Cricket, preparing them to make a significant impact in India’s growing sports sector. Outstanding achievers of the ePGDSM batch included Shreya Saxena, who represented India at the 16th USIC World Railway Championship and secured an individual bronze medal, and Raghav Jamwal, who earned third place at the Grappling Asian Championships Astana 2023.

The distinguished guests shared words of wisdom with the audience. In his address, Mr. Sangram Singh shared his inspirational journey in sports, urging participants to remain determined and focused on their goals. Mr. Mukul Choudhary emphasized the growing importance of professional management in both the sports and corporate sectors, underlining the need for skilled managers to navigate today’s complex environments. Mr. Rajkiran Kanagala provided valuable insights into leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape, encouraging graduates to lead with vision and adaptability.

IIM Rohtak, a premier institute of national importance, has over 1500 students enrolled in various programs and recently achieved AMBA accreditation, placing it among the top 2% of management institutes worldwide. The institute is renowned for its high-quality research output, ranking among the top five IIMs in per capita research. This passing out ceremony marked the successful completion of the 5th batch of both PGPx and ePGDSM, reinforcing the institute’s reputation for excellence in executive education and sports management.

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, 6th September 2024: The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), an institution with a rich legacy of 177 years, celebrated Teachers’ Day with grandeur at the OP Jain Auditorium, Department of Civil Engineering. The event paid homage to the late Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a visionary educator and the second President of India. The celebration was graced by the presence of Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, Prof. U.P. Singh, Deputy Director, Prof. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Dean of Faculty Affairs, along with other esteemed Deans, Associate Deans, and Heads of Departments.

On this special occasion, IIT Roorkee recognized and honored faculty members who have demonstrated outstanding dedication and excellence in teaching and research. These awards underscore the institute’s commitment to fostering academic brilliance and innovation, which have been the hallmarks of IIT Roorkee throughout its long and illustrious history.

Prof. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Dean of Faculty Affairs, IIT Roorkee, also shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying, “Our teachers are the backbone of this institution. Their dedication and passion are what make IIT Roorkee a leader in education and research. I congratulate all the award winners for their exceptional work and their invaluable contributions to the lives of our students and the broader society.”

The following faculty members were honored with the Excellence in Teaching and Research Awards for 2024:

Undergraduate (UG) Category:

· Prof. Shiv Kumar Gupta, Department of Mathematics (more than 80 students)

· Prof. Nikhil Kumar Singh, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (31-80 students)

· Prof. Sudheer Kumar Tiwari, Department of Earth Sciences (Young Faculty, 31 or more students)

Postgraduate (PG) Category:

· Prof. Gopinath Packirisamy, Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering (10 or more students)

· Prof. Sourabh Arora, Department of Management Studies (Young Faculty, 10 or more students)

Lifetime Teaching Achievement Award:

· Prof. Pradeep Kumar, Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering

In addition, Prof. Manil T. Mohan, Department of Mathematics, was honored with the Prof. Bal Krishna Outstanding Teacher Award (2024), while Prof. Yogesh Kumar Sharma, Department of Physics, received the Ramkumar Prize for Outstanding Teaching & Research (2024).

IIT Roorkee also recognized the efforts of those faculty members who featured in the top five in various UG and PG categories but did not receive awards. As a token of appreciation for their exemplary work, these faculty members will be given appreciation letters acknowledging their significant contributions to the institute’s academic environment.

Prof. U.P. Singh, Deputy Director, IIT Roorkee, remarked, “Our faculty’s dedication drives IIT Roorkee’s success. I congratulate the awardees for their exceptional contributions to education and research, helping maintain our institution’s excellence.”

IIT Roorkee’s journey of 177 years is marked by a legacy of producing some of the most prominent alumni who have made significant contributions to society, industry, and academia. From pioneers in engineering to leaders in innovation, IIT Roorkee’s alumni have been instrumental in shaping the future of technology and education in India and across the globe. The institute’s commitment to excellence in education is reflected in its continuous efforts to nurture talent and foster an environment of innovation and research.

Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “IIT Roorkee has always been a beacon of knowledge, nurturing minds that go on to make significant contributions to society. Today, we honor those educators who not only impart knowledge but also inspire, encourage, and ignite curiosity in their students. Their relentless pursuit of excellence is what drives our institution forward, maintaining its stature as a premier institute of higher learning.”

The Excellence in Teaching Award, which includes a Citation, a memento, and a cash prize of ₹1.0 lakh, was presented to the deserving faculty members as a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to excellence.

As IIT Roorkee continues its journey of academic excellence, it remains steadfast in its mission to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society. The institute’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and societal impact will continue to inspire future generations of educators and students alike.

Bengaluru, 6th Sept 2024: To commemorate Teachers Day, Teach For India, an organisation working towards educational equity for children organized its Leaders Week. The event brought together over 200 influential figures from diverse fields to inspire and empower students in low-income communities across India.

Renowned leaders including Narayan Murthy, Dr. Ritesh Malik- Young Global Leader, World Economic Forum, Aditya Ghosh-Co-Founder & Board Member, Akasa Air, Deep Kalra- Founder & CEO, MakemyTrip, Aakash Chaudhry -Co- Founder, Aakash Educational Services Limited, Narendra Babu- CTO, PayU, Sonia Singh – Former Editor at NDTV, Susan Thomas – IRS, Krish Ashok – Global Head, Advisory Consulting AI. Cloud TCS & culinary influencer, and celebrities like Sanjana Saghi, Lakshmi Manchu, Varun Grover and Ketaki Mategaonkar visited Teach For India classrooms in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata. They shared their personal journeys, offered valuable insights, and conducted engaging workshops on leadership, problem-solving, skill-building, gender equality, journalism, and personal finance.

Leaders Week is also a special event to celebrate Teach For India’s 15-year anniversary by recognizing the movement in which 5000 Fellows and Alumni have transformed the lives of ~50 million children across the country.

On this special occasion, Shaheen Mistri, Founder and CEO of Teach For India expressed her joy for the overwhelming response, “It has been exciting to witness so many leaders, experts in their field, stepping back into our classrooms and being a huge source of motivation for our students. Our classrooms hold the future of India and it has been a privilege to see the shared inspiration between our students and leaders. This Teachers Day is truly special for us and we want to thank every person who chose to join the movement towards educational equity.”

Mr. Narayan Murthy, adds on his visit to a classroom in Bengaluru, “It was special to go back to school. I loved interacting with the students and seeing their immense potential and curiosity. I truly believe that I owe whatever little I have achieved to my parents and teachers. With Teach For India’s Fellows incharge I am excited for the future.”

– Prominent speakers give expert career tips to students of Cambridge International School.

Following the three successful career counselling sessions, Crack Academy continues mentoring students with its fourth session at Cambridge International School in Moga, Punjab. The session brought together over 300 students from classes IX to XII, providing valuable insights and expert guidance to align their career paths with their aspirations and interests.

The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Crack Academy’s co-founder, Rishi Bhargava, who provided career-related tips to the students. Along with them, notable figures like ADC Moga Charumita, Additional Commissioner General Shubhi Angra, SP Investigation Dr Bal Krishna, and social worker Jaspreet Kaur Dhillon helped shape the students’ career decisions. At the same time, the school’s chairman, Davinder Pal Singh, expressed his gratitude for the event.

The workshop aimed to emphasize the value of quality education and encourage students to focus on achieving academic excellence within Punjab rather than seeking opportunities abroad. The session highlighted the importance of aiming for prestigious officer positions locally and choosing a career path that aligns with individual interests and passions.

Rishi Bhargava, Co-Founder of Crack Academy and an M.Sc., M.Phil., and MBA graduate, shared valuable insights with the students about various study opportunities in the US for those planning to pursue further education after high school. He emphasized, “It’s essential to follow a career path you are genuinely passionate about. If studying abroad is your goal, consider doing so after completing your graduation to enhance your job prospects.

ADC Charumita addressed the students by reflecting on how the perception of studying abroad has shifted. She noted, “In the past, going abroad was often seen as a last resort for those struggling academically, whereas now it is considered a primary option. By investing the same effort into opportunities within our own country, asserting that success can be achieved here with dedication.” Additional Commissioner General Shubhi Angra further emphasized the necessity of career counselling sessions and how workshops like these are important for guiding students.

During the event, Crack Academy’s Career counselling coordinator, Dr. Madhu Sharma, also emphasized various strategies for competitive exams and provided career-related tips to students in different fields.

Navya Sehgal, a student of Class X, expressed, “These career counselling sessions are incredibly beneficial for us, and we hope that more will be organized in the future. We appreciate Crack Academy for organizing this insightful session and all esteemed speakers for sharing their valuable insights and helping us shape our career paths.”

The session culminated by guiding students and inspiring them to make informed decisions about their future. The session ensured that all students build successful careers while contributing to the growth of their community.

New Delhi, 5th September 2024: Pacific D21 Mall, Dwarka, in collaboration with Daakroom, successfully celebrated Teacher’s Day on the theme “Thank You, Dear Teacher.” The event witnessed an enthusiastic response from visitors coming together to express their gratitude towards their teachers through creative letter writing and meaningful activities.

The two-day event saw participants indulge in various activities designed to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers. Attendees wrote letters to their favourite teachers, crafted personalized bookmarks, and engaged in magnet design and letter colouring sessions.

A special highlight of the celebration was the signature analysis session conducted by Nidhi Gupta, a renowned calligraphist and handwriting expert.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Abhishek Bansal, Executive Director of Pacific Group, said, “The value of teachers in shaping our lives is immeasurable, and this event was a heartfelt tribute to their notable contributions. Through creative and meaningful activities, we aimed to provide visitors with a platform to express their gratitude and acknowledge teachers’ profound impact on our lives.”

As a special gesture, each participant received a special magnet, beautifully designed with a Teacher’s Day theme, to appreciate their participation in the event. The atmosphere was filled with creativity, joy, and a strong sense of community as everyone came together to celebrate the spirit of teaching.

September 04, 2024: This Teacher’s Day, Orchids The International School celebrated the extraordinary work of educators worldwide. A special video, “Champion-Makers,” showcased the dedication and passion of our teachers in nurturing young minds. This heartfelt tribute offered a glimpse into the daily life at Orchids, highlighting how our educators inspire, guide, and support students in various subjects and activities. The video serves as a testament to the transformative impact teachers can have, shaping lives and fostering a thriving learning environment.

Enlightening on the “Champion-Makers”, Abhishek Kumar Yadav, Chief Marketing Officer at Orchids The International School said, “Teachers are the core form of the school. They are the ones who cradle the little ones like mothers and guide the older students with unwavering dedication, passion, and care. With this small tribute, we would like to take a closer look at how we can say thank you and recognize the immense role that teachers play in nurturing the growth of our children.”

Orchids The International School is highly committed to enrich the holistic development of the students. The school emphasizes academic excellence and makes sure to enact the all-round development of the students. Orchids’ is fully aware that teachers are instrumental in every step – from instilling a love for learning in students to character and life-skills building. The investment in quality education to enable every student to be successful in the ever-changing world, combined with a positive and dynamic learning environment, is nurtured at this school. Great teachers make great students, and those great students create a better world-that is essentially what this campaign is highlighting about what this school believes in.

Bengaluru, September 03, 2024 – In a display of intellectual rigour and serious research at the high school level, 28 students, including children from government, and tribal schools, showcased their research projects to mentors and educationists at the Prayoga Institute for Education Research, during the Anveshana Project Showcase. The event held at Prayoga’s state-of-the-art campus on Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru saw the presence of esteemed guests including the chief guest Shri. Anil Swarup, Former Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India and Dr. P R Krishnaswamy, Member, Advisory Board, Prayoga and a renowned scientist, along with several other renowned dignitaries.

The Anveshana program, for classes 9 to 12, introduces students to scientific research, developing their competencies and attitudes toward science. During their presentations, the students demonstrated their abilities to defend and respond to critical questions from the panel, and this experience illustrated their understanding and innovative approaches to real-world scientific challenges.

Addressing the audience, the chief guest Shri. Anil Swarup, Former Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India expressed, “My heartiest congratulations and compliments to such talented kids and their parents. The event was truly exceptional, showcasing the students’ understanding of scientific concepts, their ability to analyze and their impressive communication skills. In my 38 years as a civil servant, I have never encountered such bright and insightful school students. The impressive work being done at Prayoga needs to be spread far and wide, for the larger welfare of the society and I am confident that these outstanding projects will highlight the impactful research conducted at Prayoga.”

Reflecting on the success of the event, Vallish Herur, Managing Trustee, Prayoga, stated, “It is necessary to nurture the spirit of innovation at a young age and enable an ecosystem for young researchers. The Anveshana Program has affirmed time and again that student researchers can redefine scientific understanding with the right mentorship and resources. Our students have put in immense effort and dedication towards these projects. We believe that their work will make an indelible impact on science, and the student’s ability to handle unpredictable outcomes adeptly. It is a matter of national pride when articles authored by our Anveshana students are published in prestigious global research journals.”

The notable projects showcased during the event highlighted diverse scientific research with real-world applications in health, environment, and science, with projects that identified harmful chemicals in everyday items, created eco-friendly nanoparticles from tea leaves for medical use, studied mineral-microbe interactions during milk fermentation, and analysed lake sediment for better water management. A few other projects focused on medical diagnostics and calcium levels in cells, amongst several other projects.

Previous research projects under the Anveshana Program undertaken by the students have been recognized and published in renowned peer-reviewed journals like the Journal of Emerging Investigators – Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA, Journal of Chromatographic Science, Oxford University Press amongst several other international prestigious journals.

One of the participating students, Pushpavathi, Grade 10, Sai Krushna Vidya Mandir, Hosadoddi Village, remarked, “Anveshana has not only strengthened my grasp over science subjects, it has taught me essential life skills such as teamwork and the importance of creative thinking. As opposed to just sitting in the classroom and listening to the teacher, Anveshana has enabled me to do experiments on my own and take ownership of my learning of science. I feel elated that an article from my Anveshana project was recently published in the American Journal of Student Research, and I am grateful to Prayoga for their invaluable guidance and support throughout my research journey.”

Alongside this, a Teacher Empowerment Program workshop was organised as a part of Kriya, an initiative by Prayoga that aims to transform schools into mature experiential learning centres. This workshop is intended to equip teachers with enhanced pedagogical knowledge and resource development capabilities. Over 60 teachers participated from 67 government schools across Karnataka transforming the learning experience of 6765 students.

Prayoga is developing and promoting pedagogies where creating solutions is a part of a student ‘s learning journey. The Anveshana Research Program has not only provided the students with a platform to demonstrate their knowledge and skills but also encouraged a collaborative learning environment. Through such initiatives, Prayoga continues to achieve its vision of nurturing scientific curiosity and developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Hyderabad, 2nd September 2024: Recognizing its unwavering commitment towards enhancing the educational landscape in the state of Rajasthan, Honda India Foundation, the CSR arm for all Honda group of companies in India was awarded with the prestigious “BHAMASHAH AWARD’’ by the Government of Rajasthan for the 4th consecutive year.

Representing excellence and innovation, the 28th Bhamashah Samman 2024 was organized on 1st Sept’24, in the august presence of Shri. Madan Dilawar, Hon’ble Minister of School Education & Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Rajasthan and other government dignitaries of the state. The award was received by Ms. Anu Mehta, General Manager, General Affairs & CSR, Honda Cars India Ltd. on behalf of Honda India Foundation.

The Honda India Foundation has been actively engaged in various educational initiatives aimed at empowering students and creating a brighter future for the youth in the rural areas of Rajasthan.

Major Projects Undertaken for Promotion of Education in Rajasthan:

• Infrastructure Development: Invested in Setting up Digital lab for the youth of Rajasthan

• Educational Resources: Provided educational materials and learning aids to facilitate a more encouraging learning environment

• Teacher Training: Organized training programs for teachers, equipping them with innovative teaching methods and strategies

• Extracurricular Activities: Initiated various extracurricular programs, including sports, music, arts, and cultural events, to foster holistic development among students

Honda’s initiatives have had a remarkable impact, leading to significant increase in enrollment rates at schools, a notable decrease in dropout rates, and substantial improvements in academic performance.

Both students and teachers have expressed deep appreciation for the positive changes these programs have brought into their lives.

New Delhi, 2nd September 2024: BITS Pilani, a renowned institution known for its commitment to innovation, has announced the appointment of Prof Souri Banerjee as the New Director for their Dubai campus. He assumed his role in August 2024 and will be serving as the Director for the next 5 years. He took over from Prof Srinivasan Madapusi who has served as director of Dubai Campus since July 2021.

Professor Banerjee began his career at BITS Pilani, Pilani campus in 2004. In 2008, he became the founding Department Head of Physics at the Hyderabad campus. Prior to being appointed Dean of Faculty Affairs in 2018, he worked for the institute for five years as the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs in 2013, overseeing all faculty affairs at all BITS Pilani locations.

He has served in several postdoctoral positions at the University of Electro-Communications and Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, and was a Visiting Professor at the University of Electro-Communications. He also served as a Research Scientist at the Central Research Laboratory, HITACHI, Tokyo.

Welcoming Professor Banerjee to BITS Pilani, Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice Chancellor for BITS Pilani, said, “We are pleased to have Prof. Souri Banerjee on board and wish him all success in his new assignment. I am confident that his leadership and expertise will be instrumental in further enhancing our academic programs and research initiatives.

He further added, “I also take this opportunity to thank Prof Srinivasan Madapusi who has been extremely successful in his tenure. With his dynamic leadership, the campus has achieved significant milestones and grown manifold, taking the campus and BITS Pilani to greater heights.”

Professor Souri Banerjee obtained his Ph.D. in Condensed Matter Physics from the Indian Association for Cultivation of Science, Kolkata in 1997. After completing his PhD, he held a small stint at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai and was also awarded the prestigious JSPS Foreign Research Fellow two times (2012 & 2018) in recognition of his contributions to device physics.

Marking the World Distance Learning Day

31st August 2024, New Delhi: Distance education, now termed as or taken over by ‘online education’ or ‘digital education’, has truly revolutionised the way we connect with, interact with, and learn with educators, peers, or others, bringing resources or institutions to our doorsteps unprecedently, unpredictably, and impactfully.

It has caused remarkable changes in our society, altering the landscape of education and making it available to anyone, regardless of where they are in the world. People around the world can now connect in previously inconceivable ways. Indeed, the concept of distance as a barrier has been eliminated. This remarkable form of instruction has resulted in the “death of distance.”

There was a time when distance education was synonymous with correspondence courses. Students had to rely on post offices, writing postcards, and waiting for weeks, if not months, for their educational materials. The very idea of this seems almost archaic now. Post offices have given way to pixels; postcards have been replaced by emails, and postal services by instant communication.

In the past, individuals from rural areas had to migrate to urban to receive higher education. Today, that is no longer necessary. From the comfort of their villages, students can access the websites of prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Pennsylvania. British Lingua has also embraced this change, taking the initiative to impart online education, connecting people from every corner of the globe.

Years ago, if someone wished to learn English, they often had to travel long distances, sometimes across countries. Today, people residing in the Middle East and other distant regions can connect with British Lingua to receive top-notch Spoken English training. What was once a daunting task—getting training from a high-profile teacher whose native language is English—is now easily achievable, even for someone living in a remote village. Online education has made this possible.

Not only is online education more accessible, but it is also cost-effective and democratic. High-quality education is no longer a privilege of the few but a right available to all. World Distance Learning Day holds profound significance in this context, as it highlights the convenience and flexibility that this mode of education offers.

Education is now at the doorstep of every person willing to learn, thanks to the advent of online education. It offers personalized and individualized learning experiences, something that was once a distant dream. In the past, tuition teachers could not reach every student individually, but now, education reaches everyone, regardless of their location.

The advent of Artificial Intelligence has further enhanced this learning experience. With just a single click, students can access a wealth of knowledge. Pronunciation, once a challenging aspect of language learning, is now easily mastered with the help of technology available on every smartphone. Picking up foreign accents, once an onerous task, has become accessible, thanks to online education.

In a nutshell, this mode of education has transformed the way we learn. It offers personalized training and fosters a collaborative learning environment. We must appreciate the science and technology that has made the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family—a reality. The entire world is indeed a global village now.

We are fortunate to be born in an era where technology has brought education to our fingertips. We are reaping the harvest of these advancements, and today, on World Distance Learning Day, we celebrate not just the technology but the limitless opportunities it has created for us all.

Let us continue to embrace and celebrate this new era of learning.