Category education

Bengaluru,27th December 2023 Kangaroo Kids International Preschool, India’s No. 1 Premium International Preschool Brand, ushered in the festive spirit with a heartwarming Christmas celebration engaging toddlers from across the country. The celebration aimed to create a joyous and inclusive environment, allowing toddlers to actively engage in festive activities designed to stimulate creativity, foster fine motor skills, and instill a sense of accomplishment.

Recognizing the significance of celebrating Christmas with toddlers, Kangaroo Kids emphasizes the importance of such festivities in Early Childhood Care and Education. The Christmas celebration aligns seamlessly with the preschool’s commitment to providing a holistic learning experience, promoting creative expression, social development, and cognitive growth.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Kangaroo Kids curated a series of delightful activities, creating lasting memories and a sense of community within the preschool environment. The activities included Christmas tree decoration, a holiday sing-along, DIY Christmas cards, and a Preschool Decoration Day. These thoughtfully planned activities not only entertained the toddlers but also contributed to their overall development, enhancing their learning experiences within the preschool setting.

Speaking about the Christmas celebration, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, Lighthouse Learning (Kangaroo Kids), said, “Christmas for children is a special day of happiness, surprises, and dreams coming true. At Kangaroo Kids, our Christmas celebration was more than festivities; it was a shared journey of joy and learning. We believe in creating an environment where education is not just a lesson but also a delightful experience. This season, as we came together for joyful celebration, we also reinforced our commitment to fostering a love for learning among our young minds. Such celebrations reflects our commitment to providing a holistic and enriching learning experience for every child at Kangaroo Kids Preschool.”

In 1993, Kangaroo Kids International Preschool pioneered a revolutionary concept in learning, departing from the conventional rote system to equip children with skills and abilities for the new age of information. Evolving with the times, Kangaroo Kids prioritizes the development of life skills, ensuring each child achieves their full potential through a personalized curriculum, the iCan learning system.

Bangalore, 23rd Dec 2023: In line with its commitment to the cause of Road Safety, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the implementation of two impactful road safety programs, namely the Toyota Safety Education Program (TSEP) and the Toyota Hackathon, aimed to educate, create awareness, instil a sense of responsibility, and empower the youths to become advocates for road safety. While TSEP is an interactive program targeting school children from 5th – 9th grades, educating them on the importance of road safety through a phase-wise approach, Toyota Hackathon provides a platform for 11th – 12th graders to develop effective road safety solutions.

Both these road safety programs offered by Toyota (TSEP was launched in 2007 and Hackathon during 2018) have successfully reached over 790,000 school children to date, bringing about a positive change in the behaviour as road users. This year, TSEP will be implemented across Bangalore & nearby districts, focusing to cover more than 20,000 students across 40+ schools. The learning modules under the TSEP program covers interactive content and assessment, club activities for experiential learning, intra-school club activity sessions and conducting annual event to encourage children to demonstrate their understanding about the road safety, thereby helping in creating ‘Road Safety Ambassadors’. The program’s unique ‘Child to Community’ approach aims to influence road safety practices within local communities and become a flagship project striving towards zero fatalities.

Simultaneously, the Toyota Hackathon, initiated in 2018, encourages children to become critical thinkers and solution providers for modern-day road safety challenges, while inspiring the young minds to learn from the innovations and incorporate solutions towards promoting road safety. For the academic year 2023-24, Toyota Hackathon is focusing to cover youths from the existing TSEP implementing schools & pre-university colleges, targeting around 100 institutes, both from Bangalore and nearby districts. The Toyota Hackathon broadly includes online and offline evaluation by conducting tests, screening & shortlisting of teams, building implementable road safety solutions with mentors, also incubation support for best innovations and participation of school children in 24 hours hackathon.

Some of the major causes of road accidents in India include breakdown & malfunction of poorly maintained older vehicles plying on the roads causing mishaps, inadequate road engineering, lack of understanding and non-following of road safety rules, behavioural issue such as over-speeding, not wearing helmets while riding, not wearing seatbelts while driving and so forth. In a continuing trend, most victims of road accidents are young. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to road safety, TKM is committed to creating awareness among future road users through its uniquely designed road safety initiatives with a focus on not only manufacturing ‘Safe Cars’ but also ensuring ‘People’s Safety on Roads’.

Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Through “Toyota Safety Education Program” and Toyota Hackathon, we aim to educate the future road users – school children on the importance of road safety and inculcate responsible road behaviour to eliminate road mishaps. Children are the change agents who can bring desirable transformations in the society. We are strong advocates of the fact that safety messages should be seeded in school curriculum which ultimately will serve as an enabler to drive positive behavioural change. In this direction, our road safety efforts involve an integrated approach, harmonizing people, vehicles, and the traffic environment. TKM’s dual road safety initiatives are a testament to the company’s continued focus to foster a culture of road sense and innovations amongst the youth, thereby contribute to the safety of the future generations.”

Being a safety leader, TKM encourages the school children to become the change-makers in the realm of road safety through implementation of TSEP and Toyota Hackathon. Additionally, these road safety initiatives undertaken by the company includes capacity building for teachers and student leaders, improved school visibility, road safety contributions to national and global priorities (UN SDG3), and the development of life skill sets in students.

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Bengaluru,22nd December 2023 : UNIVO Education, India’s leading online higher education company, strengthens its leadership team with the appointment of Abhik Bhattacharyya as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). This key appointment reflects UNIVO’s dedication to maintaining its leadership status in the dynamic online higher education landscape.

In his new role, Abhik will lead the HR strategy, talent management, and culture transformation at UNIVO. His extensive experience spans large-scale change management, mergers and acquisitions, employee value proposition, analytics and HR governance.

Abhik Bhattacharyya brings in an impressive 22 years of rich and diverse HR expertise, having championed a data-driven approach to organizational effectiveness across various industries including EdTech, Telecom, Hospitality, Healthcare, and Manufacturing.

Prior to joining UNIVO, Abhik held the position of Senior Director of HR at UNext Learning and has held significant roles at Manipal Global Education, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communication, Tata Teleservices, and Park Hotels. He embarked on his professional journey as a Senior officer-personnel at Hindustan Motors Limited in 2000.

Siddharth Banerjee, CEO of UNIVO Education, commented, ‘At UNIVO Education, we are charting an extraordinary story of sustainable growth and innovation. Abhik’s extensive experience, coupled with his forward-thinking approach, aligns well with our strategic vision. His leadership is not just an addition but a catalyst, essential for guiding our organization through this crucial era of expansion and transformation. We’re excited for the synergy his presence will bring to our journey ahead.”

He further underscored the pivotal role Abhik will play in driving transformative change and fostering innovative practices within the HR domain, a move that is anticipated to significantly enrich UNIVO’s trajectory toward sustained success. “Having Abhik on our team marks a significant milestone in our journey. His expertise and vision are integral as we continue to break new ground in our mission to democratize online higher education,” he added.

Speaking on his appointment, Abhik Bhattacharyya commented, “It’s an honor to join UNIVO Education at this exciting juncture. I’m committed to enhancing our growth and success by embedding a culture of innovation and excellence in our HR practices. UNIVO Education’s recent announcement to double its workforce in FY2023-24, coupled with the inauguration of a new Bangalore office dedicated to technology and sales, underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to innovation and expansive growth.”

New Delhi, 22nd December 2023 Cambridge University Press & Assessment recently concluded its impactful Industry-Academia Connect Conference at Taj Club House, Chennai. The event, themed “Innovate, lead, succeed: Corporate expectations in the new work era,” brought together key stakeholders from corporate organizations and higher education institutions to address the challenges faced in recruiting fresh talent during campus placements.

The conference highlighted the prevalent struggles in soft skills, communication, and language proficiency, echoing the need for holistic development. To bridge the gap between industry expectations and academic preparedness, the event featured five insightful panel discussions and a plenary session, offering strategies, challenges, and best practices for preparing the workforce for the dynamic job market. There is a growing need for professionals who not only possess academic excellence but also understand and can navigate the intricacies of international practices.

The panel discussions delved into topics such as developing future-ready talent, shaping graduates for the global stage, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for the challenges of the future workplace that demands a strategic alignment between academia and industry. Corporates, in their quest for top talent, are not only seeking academic excellence but also placing a significant emphasis on a diverse skill set and the ability to adapt to the rapidly changing work environment. Campus placement emerges as a strategic bridge, aligning academia with industry needs to ensure graduates possess the requisite skills and knowledge for a seamless transition into the global landscape.

The conference emphasized the importance of fostering strong ties between academia and industry to nurture job-ready graduates with multifaceted skills for professional success. The event witnessed active participation from key senior leaders, including Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Skill, and Placement Directors from renowned institutions across South India, underscoring the critical role in bridging the gap.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment, India, expressed its commitment to addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration between industries and educational institutions.

Arun TK, Regional Director, Cambridge English, highlighted the commitment to be a catalyst for change in the employability landscape “While there is a negative view that only 1 out of 10 graduates are employable, Cambridge English wants to be part of the solution by enabling graduates to acquire world-class English language communication skills and certification that are accepted by top recruiters across India and the world. Therefore, we invite Colleges and Universities in Tamil Nadu to partner with Cambridge English to bridge the skills gap and utilise the platform created by Cambridge to connect with top employers.”

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks and networking opportunities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of academia and industry in cultivating job-ready graduates.

Gurugram: KIIT World School, Sohna Road, hosted a seminar on the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) program. Empowering students with crucial insights and knowledge, the seminar focused on illuminating the significance of the CUET Examination. Stuti Gupta coordinated the seminar in association with IMS Learning Pvt. Ltd.

During the seminar, Stuti Gupta highlighted that CUET as an Entrance Test provides a centralized platform for students to explore admission opportunities in various participating universities and institutes nationwide, streamlining the application process into a single window. She pointed out the common mistakes that students often make during the exam and offered guidance on how to avoid them. Students of 12th grade were allowed to understand the culture of continuous learning and adapting to recent changes in the education system.

Neelima Kamrah, Principal of KIIT World School, said, “It was truly an enriching experience for the students, providing valuable insights into the CUET examination. The seminar offered a detailed overview of CUET’s objectives and structure. It is very commendable that students actively participated and engaged in the seminar. The exposure will certainly contribute significantly in their academic journey.”

Greater Noida, 22nd December 2023:With an ambitious vision to empower students for Industry 5.0, the School of Management at IILM University, Greater Noida, is pleased to announce the launch of an industry-leading MBA program in Management Technology.

Acknowledging the increasing significance of technology in organizational growth and management, this unique MBA program integrates technology courses with core management principles.

Delivering further insights into the course and its crucial role in the digital era, Dr. Nihar Amoncar, Director of the School of Management at IILM University, said, ”In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for leaders with a blend of technological prowess and managerial expertise is more crucial than ever. Our MBA program in Management Technology addresses this demand by offering a comprehensive curriculum that integrates essential technology courses with strategic management skills.”

The program is open to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and a minimum overall score of 50%. Students who enroll in this program will have the opportunity to enhance their technical skills in emerging technologies such as AI, Data Science, and Web 3.0.

Additionally, they will cultivate managerial skills necessary for contributing to the digital integration and transformation of organizations in diverse verticals.

Other key highlights of the program include specialized courses in AI for Managers, Fintech, Business Analytics, and management courses like Strategic Management, Design Thinking, Product Management, and Managing People.

Incorporating management principles with emerging technologies like AI and Business Analytics ensures that these tools are utilized effectively and are aligned with organizational objectives. Furthermore, effective management also plays a vital role in the ethical deployment of these technologies.

With an extensive focus on experiential learning, the curriculum also incorporates lab-based workshops, a CXO speaker series, internships, and activities aligned with the on-campus incubation centre.

20th December 2023, DELHI- NCR: Pacific World School hosted an enthralling and vigorous two-day long Annual Sports Day Meet- ‘Enthusia 2023- ACE IT UP! Sports for all, all for sports’. The event was graced by a pantheon of dignitaries, including the Chief Guests, Mr. Santosh Bansal (Chairperson, Pacific World School), Ms. Nidhi Bansal (Pro Vice Chairperson), Mr. Abhishek Bansal (Distinguished member of Managing Committee) and Maj. Gen. Vikram Dev Dogra (the recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and three-times ‘Ironman’ of the Indian Army). General Dogra has been a recipient of the Sword of Honor and a Gold Medalist.

Both days encompassed a plethora of engrossing events featuring the Torch run symbolizing the fire of illumination to humanity, harmony and peace, followed by a mesmerizing welcome dance- Vande Bharat catering varied dance forms of India, a vibrant March past in unison with exhilarating drumbeats by three distinguished houses namely Fraser, Columbia and Daintree. The oath-taking was administered by the principal and the school song was sung by the participants with pride. A spectacular Taekwondo performance also drew applause from the spectators, curating the euphoric moments of the day.

Students engaged in a Yoga session, emphasizing holistic well-being and mental focus. The parents’ race was the melting pot for the parents who came together and drew thunderous cheers from the spectators. The event drew its curtain with a captivating Mass Drill when aestheticism and athleticism were blended into creating a spectacle of inclusivity. The overall trophy was bagged by Fraser House and all the participants of different houses broke into an unstoppable wave of claps for the winners who carried the day without any iota of malice in their minds.

Ms. Pooja Bose, Principal, Pacific World School, expressed her delight at the event’s success, stating, “I extend heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed Chief Guests, Teachers and Parents for gracing Enthusia with their presence. I feel immense pride, to commend our students for their outstanding dedication and exceptional display of enthusiasm to exemplify the true spirit of our school. The event has provided a valuable platform to our sports enthusiasts and we look forward to organizing similar events across all genres.”

20th December 2023, Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with iDreamCareer (iDC), has launched a career guidance initiative for students in government schools. This project serves as an extension to the existing Pankh Portal, which offers career awareness to students in government and government-aided schools.

While the Pankh Portal utilizes technology to reach all students, this new initiative, launched on October 9th, focuses on providing in-person counseling to students in five districts. A dedicated team of 31 counselors has been deployed in the districts of Varanasi, Meerut, Kanpur, Lucknow, and Ghaziabad, aiming to support students on their career journeys.

The project aims to help 14,700 students of classes 10th and 12th located in 5 districts of UP. This project is organized to spread educational awareness among students while helping them find their dream colleges with scholarships and learn about multiple career options available in the industry.

The project is supported by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

An analysis of Education for All in India states that Uttar Pradesh has a high dropout rate, especially for female students. Hence, the intervention is focusing on increasing the yearly Eligible Enrollment Rate (EER) by 5-10 % through this project. The project will ensure the maximum number of college admissions with scholarships by providing the students with in-person counseling sessions, career details, exam patterns, and a helpline number to support last-mile help till they get admission in a college or vocational program.

According to Shri Vishnu Kant Pandey, the Additional State Project Director, this initiative by the UP government will help students achieve a clear vision for their future. In India, Some of the major reasons for school dropouts are a lack of awareness about admission procedures, career options, and education funding. This project will target these issues and support the maximum number of students to get professional career counseling, admission to the best colleges, and the benefits of scholarships. Recently, the UP Government has increased the government school enrollment rate in the state. Now the government is aiming to increase the number of college enrollments in the state through this project in partnership with iDreamCareer.

Through personalized 1:1 counseling, educational awareness, and access to scholarships, this initiative aspires to increase enrollment rates as well as pave the way for a brighter and more promising future for the students of Uttar Pradesh. This collective effort will promote an educational environment that will nurture the upcoming leaders of tomorrow.

Bengaluru,19th December 2023 In a move to foster skill development of industry and academia in the space sector, IN-SPACe, in collaboration with ISRO and leading academic institutions, announced a comprehensive short-term course focused on Orbital Mechanics, Attitude Dynamics and Control, Space-Based Navigation, and Mission Planning. The course, providing hands-on experience in various aspects of space technology, including mission planning, launch window optimization, and dealing with mission constraints. This 2nd five-day residential program started on December 17, 2023 at ISRO Guest House, Devanahalli, Bengaluru.

Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Promotion Directorate, IN-SPACe said, “This initiative is a learning platform created by IN-SPACe to translate the government’s vision for the space sector into tangible skills and knowledge in space technology. The course contents are designed to train participants in developing the ‘brain’ of a satellite, that is, the on-board computer and other systems to enable the satellite to perform autonomously in space. The course will empower individuals with the skills needed to contribute significantly to India’s space missions, and nurture the next generation of space specialists.”

The course is designed and implemented by IN-SPACe drawing experienced faculty from ISRO, leading academic institutions and industry. With a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for the next generation of space scientists and engineers, the short-term course will equip participants with the fundamental principles essential for mission planning, executing and optimizing space mission operations.

The course is open to academicians, industry executives, graduates, post-graduates and researchers. Participants will gain in-depth exposure to developing mission profiles, optimizing launch windows, and navigating the myriad of challenges inherent in space missions.

The course’s curriculum aims to equip participants with the foundational principles and hands-on experience vital for planning and optimizing space mission operations. The course will include immersive sessions on developing mission profiles, optimizing launch windows, and handling mission constraints. It will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles essential for mission planning, executing and optimizing space mission operations. The modules will cover Mission Planning, Design, Simulation and Analysis; Orbital Dynamics and Mission Planning; Space Based Navigation and NavIC as a sensor; Sensors, Attitude Estimation, Dynamics and Control; Spacecraft Autonomy and On-board Software Development; and Proximity Operations. Sessions on the practical aspects on Spacecraft Orbit Modelling and Spacecraft Simulation Environment will be conducted by the ANSYS Team, and on AI for space applications using MATLAB by the MathWorks India team.

Mrs. Alka Kapur, the Principal of Modern Public School in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, recently concluded a remarkable educational tour in Melbourne, Australia, as one of the 25 esteemed educators from South Asia. The prestigious tour, organized by the Victorian Government, Australia, aimed at fostering collaboration and exploring educational landscapes, unfolded from November 27 to December 1 as part of the esteemed Study Melbourne Familiarisation Program.

The tour showcased Mrs. Alka Kapur’s commitment to exploring global educational landscapes and fostering meaningful connections in international education. The program provided an unparalleled opportunity for educators to delve into Melbourne’s academic prowess and discover the transformative experiences awaiting students in Australia.

Mrs. Kapur, along with the South Asian School Heads Delegation, explored renowned institutions such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Victoria University, Swinburne University, La Trobe University, RMIT University, and Deakin University. The itinerary included an exclusive exploration of Blackburn High School, depicting Melbourne’s vibrant school culture.

The transformative experience went beyond traditional academic settings, including a productive meeting with Victorian Ed-Tech companies. This engagement provided valuable insights into technological advancements, laying the foundation for potential collaborations to enhance Modern Public School’s learning environment.

Reflecting on this extraordinary journey, Mrs. Alka Kapur shared, ‘Embarking on this educational journey in Melbourne has been truly inspiring. Witnessing the advanced infrastructure, innovative programs, and vibrant school culture reaffirms our commitment to providing a world-class education for our students. This experience aligns seamlessly with our vision of opening a world of opportunities for our learners.’

She also shared her valuable insights and viewpoints during the tour with fellow dignitaries in the group. Her interactions with students and teachers she met during this educational journey showcased her commitment to fostering global citizenship and exchanging ideas on a broader platform.

Moreover, the education tour also emphasized the career opportunities available through international education. Mrs. Kapur also analyzed Melbourne’s investment in creating a secure, advanced educational space and the wealth of opportunities, including internships and scholarships for students.