Category education

Hyderabad, 14th June 2024: The 8th National Parasports Talent Identification Hunt & Training Camp, the nation’s largest para-sports talent hunt and training camp; being organized by Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF), a nonprofit organization that aids people with disabilities to pursue sports while providing self-sustenance and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, will be held at Hyderabad from June 13th to 18th, 2024. The six day Camp was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Avinash Mohanty, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad and Guest of Honour Ms Regina Cassandra, Actress & Trustee AMF; today at JNV Ranga Reddy Campus, Gachibowli.

Over 400 children from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas from across India comprising of 8 regions of Shillong, Hyderabad, Bhopal, Patna, Pune, Chandigarh, Lucknow and Jaipur; are participating in the camp. These 400 children were shortlisted after medically screening over 800 children in the first round. The Camp is being organized to unearth budding talent from among the physically challenged children. The camp aims to introduce these young children to the world of parasports, providing them with comprehensive counselling and hands-on experience in various disciplines under one roof by the Aditya Mehta Foundation.

Shri Avinash Mohanty, speaking on the occasion said, seeing all the kids and their talent inspires people like us to do beyond what we are doing now. Not much awareness is there about para-sports, astonished to see what you are capable of, there is so much of talent hidden in each one of you, all you need is an outlet, opportunity to showcase that strength and spirit that lies within you. A camp like this is really a great opportunity for each one of you to put in your best, make use of the opportunity to get opening in the forthcoming events and may be make it to the national and international events. The tie up between Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Aditya Mehta Foundation is facilitating big things in the para-sports arena, such collaboration should be encouraged, so that it gives opportunities to kids from across the country. Seeing and knowing about your success story here will enthuse more kids to take part in extra-circular activities.

Ms Regina Cassandra said, this event marks the 8th edition of the National Parasports Talent Identification Hunt and Training Camp, a platform dedicated to identifying and nurturing the best para-sport talent in our country. While the ultimate goal is to achieve medals and make our nation proud. It is also to make us aware that where there is a will, there is a way. AMF established in 2013, has always been committed to promote para-sports and para-athletes. Our collaboration with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas over the past three years has been particularly fruitful, through these we identified and nurtured many young talents, many of whom went on to win numerous medals and awards for us. I am delighted at the achievements of girl students from these schools, their remarkable success in the recent competition is a testament to their hard work. It fills me with immense pride to see these young athletes breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks in the field of para-sports. Most of these girls thought that they wouldn’t be able to do that, but they did that, and all the credit goes to the kids, the coaches and the institutions supporting them, it’s not a one-man army’s effort. I am reminded of the significant impact that our foundation had on many lives, we screened, counselled and trained more than 7000 children and adults with special needs, in para-sports, providing them with customized equipment and support. It has not been easy, an uphill task, we as an organization are aware of the fact that it is still going to be one. All the support we get is unfortunately never enough, we need more. These kinds of events, these children and all these athletes are the ones who show us a way and are a beacon of light at the end of the day, telling us that we are doing something good. It’s a proud moment to know that Jyoti and Arshad, two of the AMF athletes broke records and they are the first Indians to be selected for para-Olympics, which will held in Paris.

The National Parasports Talent Identification Hunt & Training Camp is not just a platform for identifying future stars but also a celebration of resilience and determination, says Sh. T. Gopalakrishna, Deputy Commissioner, NVS, regional Hyderabad. This event aims to foster an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of their physical abilities, has the opportunity to shine. Events like these involving para-sports builds confidence of children with special needs, he added.

Our aim is to achieve 100+ medals for our country at Paralympics. Through this camp we are also aiming to find Talent for Youth Asian Games 2025 and Paralympics 2028, says Aditya Mehta, Coach & Founder, Aditya Mehta Foundation.

The program is designed to identify and nurture their abilities, ultimately grouping them into specific parasports based on their individual disability levels and strengths. Throughout the camp, participants will explore a range of parasports and will be counselled and screened for 22 parasports. The structured training sessions is aimed to discover hidden talents and inspiring children to pursue excellence in parasports.

This initiative is supported by several esteemed sponsors and partners, including NMDC, Nirmaan, Gmmco, UST, United Way of Hyderabad, and Alcon, who all came together to promote inclusivity and sportsmanship.

Bangalore, 13th June 2024: ALLEN Digital announces the outstanding accomplishments of its Online Program student Avik Das, who has secured All India Rank (AIR) 69 in the JEE (Advanced) examination with an impressive score of 307/360. Avik’s achievements extend beyond this–he scored an exceptional 705/720 in NEET-UG and topped the West Bengal State Board with a stellar 99.2% score. Additionally, he stood 7th in the West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam (WBJEE).

Hailing from Alipurduar, West Bengal, Avik attributes his success to the top-notch faculty, high-quality content, and personalized guidance provided by ALLEN Online Programs. “I chose to prepare for these competitive exams online because I wanted to stay close to my family and have their support throughout this journey. The guidance from my faculty and mentors, combined with the targeted practice offered on the ALLEN App, helped me achieve this phenomenal milestone,” said Avik. His love for physics was inspired by his grandfather, a math teacher, and his first mentor. Talking about the road ahead, he says he wants to pursue Astrophysics at IISc Bangalore, renowned for its research excellence.

Other standout achievements for ALLEN Digital in the JEE (Advanced) 2024 include that of Mayukh Chowdhury (AIR 161) from Kolkata and Garv Chaudha (AIR 163) from Jabalpur.

Abha Maheshwari, CEO of ALLEN Digital, said, “Combining our best-in-class faculty, robust curriculum, and state-of-the-art AI-based ALLEN app, we are building on our 36-year legacy to help thousands of students realise their dreams. Our online learning programs have been designed to tackle critical challenges often associated with online education, ensuring personalised content and strong out-of-class support. The extraordinary results from our ALLEN Online Programs students this year reflect our commitment to academic excellence.”

Additionally, ALLEN Digital celebrates the success of thousands of its students in the JEE (Advanced) and NEET-UG examinations in 2024. 14 ALLEN Online Programs students made it to the top 500 AIR in JEE (Adv.) 2024, while five students achieved a perfect score of 720/720 in NEET-UG.

As an industry first, Allen Career Institute, the parent company of ALLEN Digital, has set a new benchmark in transparency and credibility this year. EY (Ernst & Young) has independently verified the authenticity of these results.

Date: 17th June 2024

Time: 10:00 AM – 10.50 AM

Venue: JAIN College, Dr. A N Krishna Rao Road, V V Puram, Bengaluru – 04

JAIN College, a premier Pre-University institution in Bengaluru known for its academic excellence and holistic approach, is organizing a felicitation program for II-year Pre-University Board Examination 2024 Achievers. Ms. Anandiben Patel, Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh will be gracing the occasion as Chief Guest.

Over the years, JAIN College has distinguished itself through its commitment to nurturing young minds and preparing them for the challenges of the future. Our students have consistently excelled in various board examinations and competitive tests and have secured admissions to prestigious universities both in India and abroad.

This event is a significant milestone for our students, and we are excited to share their accomplishments with the broader community. The presence of media representatives will greatly enhance the recognition and celebration of these young achievers.

Please find the expert quote from Dr. Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, LPU:

The recent policy by the UGC opens up exciting opportunities for students seeking to explore different fields or switch institutions without wasting valuable time. By allowing biannual admissions, students have the flexibility to make informed decisions about their education and seamlessly transition to another program or institution after just six months. This not only empowers students to pursue their passions but also enhances their overall learning experience. Moreover, this policy benefits institutions by maximizing their enrollment capacity and efficiently utilizing their resources throughout the year. By catering to students with diverse schedules and preferences, institutes can attract a broader range of applicants, further solidifying their reputation as student-centric institutions dedicated to fostering individual growth and success.”

Dr.H.B.Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor, CMR University Bengaluru:

India embracing the global policy of admitting students twice a year is a good move to enhance the GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio). However, the complexity of state and central policy on education also impacts the success of this policy. Overall, this is a step towards bringing education to everyone and making it flexible to address social needs and opportunities.

New Delhi: Vidyamandir Classes (VMC), pioneers for almost of 4 decades in JEE and NEET preparations, today announced the commencement of a special batch for JEE and NEET droppers, and for 12th pass aspirants. This initiative aims to provide focused and comprehensive support to students retaking these challenging exams, ensuring they achieve their academic goals.

VMC’s One Year Droppers Program for JEE / NEET 2025 will enhance performance in JEE / NEET, propelling students towards their desired ranks. By applying fundamental concepts to solve complex problems, students gain a competitive edge, securing admission into prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs & Top Medical Colleges. The benefits extend beyond exam success; the preparation instills time management techniques, helping students excel in board exams and other competitive tests.

Mr. Sandeep Mehta, Co-Founder, Vidyamandir Classes, said “Preparing for JEE/NEET is a formidable task requiring a well-structured roadmap, a comprehensive strategy, and unwavering commitment. Recognized as some of the toughest exams globally, cracking JEE/NEET demands extra effort and dedication. However, with the right guidance and support, students’ chances of securing a top rank can significantly improve. Designed by VMC experts, VMC’s One Year Droppers Program for JEE/NEET 2025 program prepares you thoroughly. Throughout the year, students delve deep into physics, chemistry, mathematics, zoology, and botany, undergoing a remarkable transformation. This program hones their analytical abilities and cultivates parallel thinking.”

The Droppers Batch offers a well-rounded educational experience designed to maximize students’ performance in crucial academic areas. It features a comprehensive curriculum with an intensive focus on core subjects such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, zoology, and botany, ensuring a thorough understanding of essential concepts. The batch is led by expert faculty, comprised of experienced educators who specialize in their respective fields, providing students with top-notch guidance.

Sandeep Mehta, further added “Our One Year Droppers Program is meticulously designed to empower students aiming for JEE/NEET 2025. With our expert guidance and well-structured approach, we aim to transform each student’s potential into exceptional results. We believe that with dedication and the right support, every aspirant can achieve their dreams.”

Regular assessments, including weekly tests and mock exams, are integral to the program, allowing for continuous progress tracking and identification of areas needing improvement. Small batch sizes ensure personalized attention and the creation of customized study plans tailored to individual learning needs.

Additionally, the batch emphasizes strategic problem-solving, teaching students to apply fundamental concepts to tackle complex problems effectively, thereby giving them a competitive edge. Training in time management techniques further equips students to excel in both board exams and other competitive tests, fostering well-rounded academic proficiency.

Vidyamandir Classes is a leading coaching institute for engineering and medical entrance exams in India. With decades of experience, VMC is committed to providing quality education and fostering a learning environment that inspires and motivates students to achieve their highest potential.

Subjective evaluation has become essential in many fields and most importantly education. In India, where technology is transforming every industry, including education, ensuring impartiality and precision in evaluating remains a significant challenge. Biases and inconsistencies can jeopardize the integration of evaluation procedures, as well as the lack of standard operating procedures, resulting in unfair outcomes. This paper investigates key questions about subjective evaluation and proposes digital tactics and methods to improve accuracy and fairness. Technology can be used to reduce biases, optimize workflows, and create a more reliable structure for subjective evaluations, resulting in fair and uniform evaluations.

The Challenges of Subjective Evaluation: Subjective evaluations demand tricky judgment, making it difficult for teachers to deal with the particulars of each student’s unique expressions and thought processes. Bias, exhaustion, and inconsistent grading practices can compromise the validity of the Evaluation procedure. Handwriting a lot of assignments by hand creates challenges with organization that cause feedback and results to be distributed slowly.

Digital Strategies: A Paradigm Shift: Digital evaluation systems bring in a new era of objective and efficient grading in subjective assessments. These systems use advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities to compare student responses to predefined criteria, which ensures consistency and reduces human error. Such technologies not only accelerate the grading process but also provide actionable insights, allowing educators to quickly identify areas of strength and improvement..

Techniques for Enhancing Fairness and Accuracy

1. Automated Scoring Engines: Automated scoring engines use natural language processing (NLP) to evaluate written responses based on grammar, syntax, and content relevance. While they cannot entirely replace human judgment, they are useful tools, particularly for preliminary evaluations, allowing educators to concentrate on more in-depth analytical evaluations.

2. Rubric-Based Evaluations: Clear and well-defined rubrics ensure consistent grading by outlining students’ expectations and evaluation criteria. Digital platforms make it easier to integrate and customize rubrics, resulting in better alignment of grading and learning objectives.

3. Anonymized Grading: Digital evaluation systems allow for anonymous grading, which reduces unconscious bias and promotes fairness. By concealing student identities during the evaluation process, educators can focus solely on the quality of responses, creating an equitable assessment environment.

4. Feedback Mechanisms:Digital platforms have dynamic feedback mechanisms that allow educators to leave personalized comments and suggestions on student assignments. Real-time feedback promotes continuous learning by assisting students in identifying their strengths and areas for improvement.

Implementation of Digital Evaluation in Education

Digital evaluation systems are being implemented in a wide range of educational settings across India. These systems can run in a variety of formats:

Online Exams and Assignments: Students submit their essays or responses directly to a computer or online platform. This method ensures that all submissions are in digital format, which is easier for automated systems to analyze and grade.

AI Evaluation: Advanced AI algorithms evaluate the submissions by comparing them to predefined criteria. While AI provides preliminary scoring, human educators review these scores to ensure comprehensive assessment. AI assists in reducing the workload and provides a consistent baseline for evaluations.

Blended Approaches: In some cases, a hybrid approach is used where initial grading is done by AI, and detailed evaluations are carried out by educators. This combination leverages the speed and consistency of AI with the nuanced understanding of human evaluators.

As Mr. Manish Mohta, Founder and Director of Learning Spiral:

The education sector is rapidly adopting digital strategies and techniques for subjective evaluation. Embracing technological advancements enables educators to overcome traditional grading limitations while maintaining fairness, accuracy, and transparency. By implementing digital evaluation systems, we can establish an assessment paradigm that values diversity, promotes continuous improvement, and, ultimately, propels educational excellence forward. The incorporation of technology into subjective evaluations is not only a possibility, but a requirement for the future of education in India.

Modern Public School (MPS) Shalimar Bagh, Delhi ( India )lauds Evrika Lycei, a top school in Baku (Azerbaijan) on their act of hospitality and respect towards the MPS team during the seven-day academic and cultural exchange program, under the avid leadership of Dr. Alka Kapur, Principal of MPS. Marking a monumental transition it was the first ever Indo-Azerbaijan educational exchange programme in the history of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The program was a pioneering event wherein the Principals, faculty, and students from both the schools had the privilege to range over each other’s traditions, festivals and teaching practices. While the Azerbaijani teachers were amazed to learn about India’s unity in diversity, their Indian counterparts were fascinated by Azerbaijan’s unique culture, which is a colorful fusion of Islamic, European, and Soviet traditions.

Furthermore, during the academic exchange programme, the faculties from both institutions engaged in in-depth discussions on various pedagogical approaches to education, including interdisciplinary teaching methods. The program continued to be fruitful as teachers from both schools shared the best teaching practices. Also, the principals of the schools, Dr Alka Kapur, Modern Public School, and Ms. Ofeliya Muradova, Evrika Lycei, had discussions over the similarities & differences in the autonomy provided to private schools by the respective governments.

The visits to elegant and historic sites in cities like Gabala and Sheki were windows to study their well-thought-out urban plans and timeless architecture. During this visit, Azerbaijani hosts explained various beautiful facets of their civilization, where education and social values play a pivotal role. These experiences will further strengthen the bond between the two groups, paving the way for lasting friendships and future collaborations.

Upon the exceptional hospitality of the Evrika Lycei School, Dr. Alka Kapur said, “It was an enriching experience to be a part of this cultural and academic exchange. We got an opportunity to showcase our educational values and look into their cultures and traditions, establishing a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other. Also, the academic exchange had numerous advantages such as advanced approaches to teaching, problem-solving, cross-cultural communication and others. I am grateful to the team of Evrika Lycei School for their kind-heartedness and gracious hospitality during our stay in Azerbaijan.”

On the culmination of the exchange program, the Department of Performing Arts of the Evrika Lycei School organized a cultural event where the Indian delegation interacted with the student performers and their parents. Later, both countries felicitated each other with tokens of regard symbolizing the spirit of cultural exchange, which was further followed by the national anthem of both countries; strengthening the ties between the two schools.

Team MPS also had the opportunity to visit the INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI CENTRE under the same management of Evrika Lycei. This newly inaugurated school is run on the ideologies of Maria Montessori and is headed by a very passionate Director Mrs. Elnara. The school has an incredible infrastructure and visiting this institution was an exceptional experience. The entire Program was conceptualized by Dr. Alka Kapur & Dr. Nurana Huseynova, Head of the pedagogical department of Evrika Lycei School.

Goa, 11th June 2024: The Gera School (TGS), regarded as one of the premier educational institutions in Goa, has announced its 100% pass record in the IGCSE March 2024 examinations for the second year in a row. Steadfast in its commitment to delivering top-tier education and nurturing the unique potential of each student, The Gera School stands as a shining example of academic excellence.

What is special is that all of the second batch of students also received the coveted ICE award.

Two students, Keith Alemao and Anay Pawar passed with distinctions, and four of the others attained Merits. In the 56 subject grades awarded, the School got 19 ‘A*’ and ‘A’ grades, and 20 ‘B’ Grades.

Sharing his thoughts, Keith Alemao, who was also the School Head Boy said, “The curriculum encourages cognitive thinking skills, enabling one to effectively solve real-world problems. It enables students to think analytically, critically and creatively, and equips students with skills and knowledge needed for success in an increasingly interconnected world.”

Anay Pawar said, “I crafted a detailed study plan, practising rigorously with past papers, and leveraging teacher support. Disciplined effort helped me reach my predetermined goals.”

When asked how they achieved such good results, the Head Girl, Natalie Moreira, said, “I attribute my good results to the support and encouragement of my teachers along with rigorous practice and dedication.”

The unwavering efforts of the Principal, Mr. Carol Joseph, the IGCSE Coordinator, Ms. Deidre Gokhale, and the team of teachers, together with the resolve and persistence of the students brought in the laudable performances.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Joseph said, “The team of teachers led by Ms. Deidre Gokhale has done very well. But it takes a village to raise a child. I congratulate parents, all other Faculty, Admin Staff, and ancillary staff for their contribution to making our students confident learners who could devote their energies to studies, and be imbued with the belief that they could keep getting better. All of them had come to TGS from non-Cambridge curriculum backgrounds. The team has worked marvellously well, and we are delighted with this achievement! We will keep raising the bar, and get better each year. Of that, we are confident.”

Mr. Rohit Gera, Managing Director of Gera Developments, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of The Gera School expressed his pleasure by saying, “Congratulations to the students of The Gera School for having brought home outstanding results for the second consecutive year. This has been made possibly only by the efforts, passion, and dedication of our Coordinators and teachers, along with the leadership of Principal Joseph. We wish all our students a bright future ahead.”

The Gera School has empanelled highly seasoned and qualified professionals who set high standards in Goa’s educational landscape with their subject expertise and extraordinary teaching skills. They work towards cultivating individuality in students, ensuring they become adept, self-assured, and perpetual learners. The school remains a trailblazer in academic distinction and tailored education, consistently yielding outstanding outcomes, and shaping the trajectory of its students’ futures. Through its unwavering dedication to excellence and the cultivation of individual potential, The Gera School stands as a beacon of educational brilliance in the region.

New Delhi, 11th June 2024: Where winning has become a habit, FIITJEE is proud to announce the stupendous Success of its Students in JEE Advanced 2024. India’s premier coaching institute, FIITJEE, celebrates the remarkable performance of its students nationwide in JEE Advanced 2024. The results not only highlight their exceptional academic achievements but also validate the effectiveness of FIITJEE’s stress-free and holistic approach powered by their value system, ethics, and unique teaching methodology. Hard work by both students and faculty has consistently produced excellent results and this is the 28th year in a row that the institute has aced JEE Advanced.

FIITJEE congratulates all the successful students for their outstanding results and wishes them enormous success in their IIT journey & life.

Ved Lahoti, a Two-Year Live Interactive Online Classroom Program (XI-XII)student of FIITJEE, Secured AIR 1with a score of 355/ 360 in JEE Advanced 2024in JEE Advanced 2024.

Aditya, A Four-Year Classroom Program student from FIITJEE Punjabi Bagh Centre, Secured AIR 2 and was declared as Delhi NCR Topper in JEE Advanced 2024. He has scored 346/360 in JEE Advanced 2024.

Aditya has secured AIR 185 with an overall 99.99 NTA Score in JEE Main 2024. Aditya has also performed remarkably and scored 95.8% in class XII CBSE Board.

He also won the Silver Medal in the Asian Physics Olympiads (APhO) in May 2023 in its first stage and in June 2024, later he was selected to represent India in Malaysia in the final stage of the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO). He won Gold Medals in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) and IJSO in March 2023 & December 2021 respectively. When Aditya was in class X, he qualified INMO in April 2021 and was also announced as the Delhi State Topper in MVPP in May 2021. He also won the Gold Medal in IJSO in December 2021. In February 2021, Aditya also qualified NSEJS & RMO.

Another student, Rajdeep Mishra, a Two-Year Live Interactive Online Classroom Program (XI-XII)student of FIITJEE also secured AIR 6 in JEE Advanced 2024. He has achieved a Score of 333/360 in JEE Advanced 2024. He also qualified IOQM, NSEP & NSEA Group B in December 2022.

K Tejeswar, a student of the SUPREME Four-Year Integrated Program of FIITJEE secured AIR 8, declared as Andhra Pradesh State topper in JEE Advanced 2024. He has achieved a Score of 331/360 in JEE Advanced 2024. He has secured AIR 83 in JEE Main 2024. He also performed remarkably and scored 98.1% in class XII AP Board and cleared NSEP & NSEC in 2024. He also qualified for INChO&INPhO in 2024. In the class X (AP Board) exam, he scored 95.16%. he also participated in OCSC- Astronomy in 2023 & won a Gold medal in IOAA in 2023 in Poland. He also cleared IOQM & IOQJS in 2021

This is not the first time that FIITJEE students have excelled in the highly competitive and prestigious JEE Advanced. FIITJEE has the sole distinction of producing the highest number of selections from classroom programs since 1997 in IIT-JEE/JEE Advanced, and AIEEE/JEE Main since its inception. The institute has also been dominating various Olympiads since 2006. It has established itself as a beacon for students across 73 centers countrywide, 2 FIITJEE Global Schools, 6 FIITJEE World Schools, 10 Junior Colleges & 72 Associate Schools. This is proof of FIITJEE’s dedication and commitment toward unraveling the 100% potential of every student and enabling them to achieve their career goals across various streams, thereby establishing FIITJEE as India’s most trusted institute.

Ved Lahoti, AIR 1, JEE Advanced 2024 said “Joining the FIITJEE Two YearOnline Classroom Program (XI-XII)was one of the best decisions I made. The quality of the teachers was very nice and whenever I had questions or did not understand something, I could easily get help from the teachers. Thank you FIITJEE, for helping me reach my dreams.”

Aditya, AIR 2 in JEE Advanced 2024 stated,“The learning atmosphere and committed teachers made it a valuable experience from the start.FIITJEE helped me realise my true potential. The classroom environment at FIITJEE is very special. There are regular tests and quizzes to check the understanding of each topic. The faculty here are extremely helpful and are always ready to clear our doubts. AITS (All India Test Series) was very useful for me and helped me evaluate and analyse my performance at the national level. I would like to thank my parents, teachers at FIITJEE, and all the staff at FIITJEE who have been instrumental in helping me achieve AIR 2 in JEE Advanced 2024.”

“We are immensely proud of our students for their outstanding performance in JEE Advanced 2024. These extraordinary results are a testament to FIITJEE’s unique pedagogy and the stress-free environment we provide. At FIITJEE, our approach goes beyond mere academic excellence. We focus on the holistic development of our students, nurturing their intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. Our meticulously designed curriculum and innovative teaching methods ensure that students understand concepts deeply and can apply them effectively.,” says Mr. R L Trikha, Director, FIITJEE Group.

Manipal,7th June 2024 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) was thrilled to host the visit of Padma Shri Sharath Kamal, a celebrated Indian table tennis icon. Currently ranked world No. 34 in table tennis, Sharath Kamal is a Commonwealth Games gold medallist and the proud recipient of prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and Arjuna Award. His association with the Pro TT League in India and his connections with the Reliance family, who own the league, have solidified his status as a household name in Indian table tennis. He also competes in the French league and maintains significant ties with table tennis leagues globally.

During his visit, Sharath Kamal served as a great ambassador for the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), forging connections between the university and the sports industry. His involvement is expected to pave the way for the establishment of a high-performance center at the existing Marina facility and foster partnerships with corporates to benefit MAHE students through internships and job opportunities.

Sharath Kamal expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I am truly honoured to visit Manipal Academy of Higher Education and witness the incredible strides they have made in education and sports. My goal is to inspire students and create pathways for them to excel both academically and athletically. The prospect of establishing a high-performance center here is an exciting one, and I look forward to exploring opportunities for collaboration.”

Accompanying Sharath Kamal was his strength and conditioning trainer, Mr. Manav Mukund, who trains students of Sharath Kamal, currently playing in the French minor table tennis league. Manav Mukund, associated with Sports Dimensions, has been instrumental in setting up the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. Mr. Mukund shared his excitement about the visit, stating, “Partnering with MAHE presents a unique opportunity to enhance the sports infrastructure and provide world-class training to aspiring athletes. I am eager to share my experiences and contribute to the development of future champions from this esteemed institution.”

The visit was graced by Lt. Gen. (Dr) M. D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd) Vice Chancellor of MAHE; Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of MAHE; Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor of Health Sciences; Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor -Technology & Science; Dr. N N Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Strategy & Planning; and Dr Vinod Nayak, Secretary of the Sports Council.

Lt. Gen. (Dr) M. D. Venkatesh expressed his happiness at having Sharath Kamal on the MAHE campus, stating, “We are privileged to welcome a sports legend like Sharath Kamal to our institution. His visit is a source of great inspiration for our students and faculty alike, and we look forward to many collaborative initiatives that will benefit our sports programs.”

Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor Manipal Academy of Higher Education, remarked, “We are delighted to have welcomed Sharath Kamal and Mr Manav Mukund to our campus. Their expertise and vision align perfectly with our mission to provide holistic education and top-tier opportunities for our students. This visit marks a significant step towards strengthening our sports programs and fostering industry connections. It is also a moment of immense pride for us as Sharath Kamal, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion and Khel Ratna awardee, has been named India’s flag-bearer for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). On behalf of MAHE, I wish the Indian Olympic team the very best of luck.”

Dr Arun Maiya, Dean of the Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), spoke on the role of MCHP in enhancing sports education, elaborating, “MCHP is dedicated to integrating sports education into our curriculum to develop well-rounded athletes and professionals. This visit by Sharath Kamal underscores our commitment to advancing sports sciences and education.”

Dr Sandeep S Shenoy, Professor & Head of the Department of Commerce at MAHE, spoke about the introduction of new courses, including a Master of Sports program at the Department of Commerce, elaborating, “We are excited to have a Master of Sports program, which aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the sports industry. This initiative is part of our broader effort to expand our academic offerings and provide more opportunities for our students.”

Mr Sukavaneshwar, a former international basketball player, was also present at the event. He expressed his vision for MAHE, stating, “Manipal has all the capabilities to become the sports medicine hub of Asia. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and commitment to excellence in education and sports, MAHE is well-positioned to lead in this field. I am confident that with the right support and initiatives, we can make this vision a reality.”

During the visit, Sharath Kamal also interacted with MAHE students, sharing his experiences and inspiring them with his journey and achievements. Their visit aimed to explore opportunities for MAHE to enhance its sports infrastructure and connect students with leading corporates, ensuring a robust platform for internships and career advancements.