ITM University Raipur Hosts Successful Blood Donation Drive with NSS and Indian Red Cross Society

Raipur, 9 May, 2025 — A blood donation camp was organized at ITM University on May, 2025, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS). The initiative, held at ITM University Campus from 10:00 AM to 04:00 PM, drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff members of the university.

Under the guidance of Mr. Yagvendra Singh, Program Officer NSS and Faculty Coordinator, the camp aimed to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of blood donation. The event also served as a platform for volunteers to actively contribute to the well-being of the community. With the assistance of certified medical professionals and dedicated volunteers, a total of 21 units of blood were successfully collected during the camp.

The initiative offered multiple benefits beyond its immediate impact. Participants underwent a basic health check-up prior to donation, contributing to improved awareness of personal health. Moreover, the collaboration with the Indian Red Cross Society strengthened the university’s connection with national humanitarian efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Lakshmi Murthy, Director General, ITM University Raipur stated, “Each drop of blood donated today carries the potential to save a life tomorrow. Events like these are a true reflection of ITM University’s commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

The Blood Donation Camp emphasized key social values such as empathy, solidarity, and service, while fostering a culture of active participation among the youth. Through this initiative, ITM University continues to champion causes that shape responsible citizens and future leaders.

IIM Bangalore Hosts Campus Immersion for BBA Digital Business Students on May 9–10

9th May, 2025, Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) is set to welcome students of its pioneering Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (BBA DBE) programme for a two-day Campus Immersion on 9th and 10th May 2025, at the IIMB campus located in Bannerghatta Road. This marks the first in-person assembly of learners from across India enrolled in the online undergraduate programme in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship. For the detailed schedule of BBA (DBE) Campus Immersion 2025, please click here.

Conceived as more than a conventional event, the immersion has been designed to provide participants with a comprehensive and enriching residential experience at the IIMB campus. Students will reside overnight in the Institute’s hostels, affording them a real glimpse into campus life and the culture that shapes the IIM Bangalore legacy.

The meticulously curated agenda blends academic engagement with personal as well as professional development. Attendees will be introduced to the campus through guided tours, community meals at the Management Development Centre (MDC) and informal networking opportunities. These activities are expected to foster meaningful connections among students as well as between learners and faculty.

Integral to the programme are the Career Development Sessions, aimed at equipping students with strategic insights into the job market, personal branding and long-term career planning. These sessions will be complemented by panel discussions and talks featuring industry leaders and subject matter experts, offering practical perspectives on entrepreneurship, digital innovation and leadership in a rapidly evolving business environment.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the immersion is the interactive session with the Director, Deans and senior faculty of IIM Bangalore. This forum will offer attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the institutional leadership and understand the vision that underpins the BBA (DBE) programme.

Beyond academic enrichment, the immersion seeks to instil a sense of belonging of the BBA (DBE) students with the broader IIMB community. For students who have, until now, experienced the programme in a completely digital format, this on-campus engagement represents a powerful moment of connection – reinforcing values of collaboration, intellectual curiosity and shared purpose.

IIM Raipur Chhattisgarh Government Launch Fully Funded MBA in Public Policy and Governance

Mumbai, May 8, 2025 – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, is delighted to announce the launch of its two-year MBA in Public Policy and Governance, offered under the prestigious Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship (CMGGF), a flagship initiative by The Government of Chhattisgarh. A total of 36 students will be selected for this prestigious MBA program. Last date to apply is 11 May 2025, for more information visit https://iimraipur.ac.in/mba-ppg/

This unique program is designed to nurture future leaders in public policy by blending academic excellence with practical governance experience, empowering Chhattisgarh’s youth to contribute to the state’s development. The Chhattisgarh Government will fully sponsor the program by covering the entire tuition fee for enrolled students, ensuring accessibility to quality education. It will also provide a generous monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to support the students’ academic pursuits, studies, along with boarding and lodging during academic sessions at IIM Raipur.

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At IIM Raipur, we believe that effective public policy is the backbone of inclusive development. Through this pioneering MBA in Public Policy and Governance, offered under the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship, we aim to equip aspiring leaders with the analytical skills, ethical grounding, and real-world experience needed to navigate complex governance challenges.”

The MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom sessions at IIM Raipur’s state-of-the-art campus and hands-on training with the Chhattisgarh Government, equipping students with skills in policy analysis, governance frameworks, leadership, and decision-making to tackle contemporary public administration challenges.

To be eligible, candidates must be domiciled in Chhattisgarh, hold a valid CAT score from 2022, 2023, or 2024, and possess a graduation degree with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) or an equivalent CGPA as per Chhattisgarh State Reservation Policy. The program prepares graduates for impactful careers in government, public sector enterprises, and policy think tanks, enabling them to drive meaningful change in Chhattisgarh and beyond. Upon successful completion of the program, students may avail various opportunities within the Chhattisgarh Government, as well as in private/public sector organizations, consultancy firms, and more.

IIM Raipur Chhattisgarh Government Launch Fully Funded MBA in Public Policy and Governance

Mumbai, May 8, 2025 – Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, is delighted to announce the launch of its two-year MBA in Public Policy and Governance, offered under the prestigious Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship (CMGGF), a flagship initiative by The Government of Chhattisgarh. A total of 36 students will be selected for this prestigious MBA program. Last date to apply is 11 May 2025, for more information visit https://iimraipur.ac.in/mba-ppg/

This unique program is designed to nurture future leaders in public policy by blending academic excellence with practical governance experience, empowering Chhattisgarh’s youth to contribute to the state’s development. The Chhattisgarh Government will fully sponsor the program by covering the entire tuition fee for enrolled students, ensuring accessibility to quality education. It will also provide a generous monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to support the students’ academic pursuits, studies, along with boarding and lodging during academic sessions at IIM Raipur.

Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At IIM Raipur, we believe that effective public policy is the backbone of inclusive development. Through this pioneering MBA in Public Policy and Governance, offered under the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship, we aim to equip aspiring leaders with the analytical skills, ethical grounding, and real-world experience needed to navigate complex governance challenges.”

The MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes classroom sessions at IIM Raipur’s state-of-the-art campus and hands-on training with the Chhattisgarh Government, equipping students with skills in policy analysis, governance frameworks, leadership, and decision-making to tackle contemporary public administration challenges.

To be eligible, candidates must be domiciled in Chhattisgarh, hold a valid CAT score from 2022, 2023, or 2024, and possess a graduation degree with at least 60% marks (55% for reserved categories) or an equivalent CGPA as per Chhattisgarh State Reservation Policy. The program prepares graduates for impactful careers in government, public sector enterprises, and policy think tanks, enabling them to drive meaningful change in Chhattisgarh and beyond. Upon successful completion of the program, students may avail various opportunities within the Chhattisgarh Government, as well as in private/public sector organizations, consultancy firms, and more.

University of Southampton Delhi announces collaboration with Cambridge International Education

National, 08th May 2025: The University of Southampton Delhi today announced a collaboration with the International Education group at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge), the world’s largest provider of international education affiliated with the University of Cambridge and responsible for qualifications such as the Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Level. Cambridge currently operates across 810 schools in India.

As part of this collaboration, the University of Southampton Delhi announces the introduction of the Cambridge Scholarship Awards, up to four exclusive competitive scholarships for Cambridge A-Level graduates in India applying for the August 2025 intake. The University also announces that it will waive application fees for all Cambridge students applying between 1st May and 31st May 2025. Cambridge applicants will additionally benefit from a priority application review through a dedicated evaluation team, ensuring an efficient and streamlined admissions process.

The Cambridge Scholarship Awards offer a flat contribution of INR 220,000 towards tuition fees for the academic year 2025–2026 at the University of Southampton Delhi. The University’s Scholarship Committee will select recipients based on outstanding academic performance and excellence in A-Level results.

Commenting on this collaboration, Dr Vishal Talwar, Chief Operating Officer, University of Southampton Delhi said: “We’re excited about this collaboration because it brings together the best of both worlds – the world class education offered at University of Southampton Delhi and the academic excellence and global perspective of Cambridge. Cambridge A-Level graduates bring a solid academic foundation and international outlook, making them a perfect fit for the opportunities and career pathways at our university. Through this association, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive on the global stage.”

Vinay Sharma, Sr. VP International Education, South Asia, Cambridge, said- “Cambridge qualifications are recognised by universities worldwide for their academic rigour and outstanding preparation for higher education, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to thrive in a range of educational settings. Our collaboration with University of Southampton Delhi reflects our global reach by providing Cambridge students in India with direct access to a world-class academic experience without leaving the country. Cambridge is opening new pathways to international education and ensuring that our students are ready for the world.”

With over 150 years of academic excellence, the University of Southampton is globally renowned for producing outstanding graduates across a range of disciplines, including business, engineering, computer science, and social sciences. The University consistently ranks among the world’s leading institutions, placing in the Global Top 100 and among the Top 15 UK universities for graduate employability. The University is also ranked among the Top 10 most targeted UK universities by leading employers, highlighting its strong reputation for both academic excellence and graduate employability.

RV University Hosts Global Conference Urging Responsible AI Integration

Bengaluru, 6 May 2025 – The School of Business at RV University concluded its Annual International Research Conference (AIRC) 2025 on “Disruptive Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Businesses, Consumer Culture & Society,” highlighting key academic and industry findings on the rapid integration of artificial intelligence across sectors.

Held over two days, the conference featured over 60 research paper presentations, panel discussions, and keynote sessions, drawing participation from leading institutions and organisations across India and outside India.

The conference emphasized that while AI technologies are revolutionising industries—ranging from marketing automation and financial modeling to HR analytics and supply chain forecasting—they also raise critical questions around ethics, job displacement, and algorithmic bias. A recurring insight across multiple sessions was the urgent need for organisations to balance innovation with human-centered design and policy safeguards.

“Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological tool, it is a cultural force shaping the future of how we live and work,” said Prof. (Dr.) Dwarika Prasad Uniyal, Vice Chancellor (i/c) and Dean, School of Business, RV University. “This conference is part of our commitment to help academia and industry engage in meaningful dialogue on the societal impact of emerging technologies.

Dr. Uniyal further added, “Disruptive AI challenges our traditional frameworks, and it is our responsibility as educators and leaders to ensure innovation aligns with ethical purpose and global equity. AIRC 2025 conference marks a pivotal moment where academia, industry, and society converge to shape the future of AI—not as passive observers, but as active architects of responsible disruption. What we’ve witnessed here is more than technological advancement—it is a redefinition of what knowledge, creativity, and human potential can achieve in the age of AI. As a university, we are proud to host a platform that fosters critical dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and visionary thinking in the face of rapid technological change”. 

In his keynote address, Prof. (Dr.) R Srinivasan, Professor of Strategy at IIM Bangalore, warned against over-automation and stressed the need for strategic frameworks that consider both efficiency and equity. “Businesses must think beyond competitive advantage and evaluate AI’s long-term implications on their stakeholders,” he remarked.

A key highlight of the event was a panel discussion on “AI and Human-Centric Innovation,” moderated by Ramya Srinivasan, Certified Customer Success Leader at Coursera. Panelists including Anand, a data scientist, and Uday Kiran, co-founder of Mentza, explored how organisations can deploy AI without losing the human touch, especially in areas like customer engagement, education, and mental wellness.

Dr. Mathew J. Manimala, IIM Bangalore (Retd.), in his valedictory address, called for interdisciplinary research to guide ethical AI development. “We need collaborative thinking that brings together technologists, behavioral scientists, and policy makers,” he said.

The conference served as a platform for cross-sectoral exchange of knowledge. Presenters addressed six core themes: Accounting & Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Operations, Information Systems, and Data Science.

Dr. Purushottam Bung, Director, RV Institute of Management, remarked, “This conference signals the growing responsibility of educational institutions to be thought leaders in AI governance and innovation.”

The event concluded with a call to develop new curricula and policy recommendations stemming from the research presented. RV University reiterated its commitment to fostering academic inquiry and industry collaboration to address challenges at the frontier of AI and society.

EMIZA Champions Inclusive Education at Flyover School for Underprivileged Kids

Mumbai, India – Emiza, India’s leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, has taken a transformative step towards enabling equal opportunities through its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative at Signal Shala—a school uniquely operating out of a shipping container beneath the flyover in Mumbai.

Signal Shala is a pioneering institution that imparts primary education to children who live on the streets, railway platforms, and in transient communities, many of whom earn a living by selling items or begging at traffic signals.

Emiza’s commitment to this grassroots model of education goes far beyond academics. Through this initiative, Emiza has supported the holistic development of students by contributing to both infrastructure and programmatic enhancements at Signal Shala. Under the early childhood development program, Emiza helped revamp the nursery classroom into a safe, stimulating environment tailored to foster creativity and gross motor development. The space now includes designated zones for crawling, play, and rest—complete with bunk beds for naps—ensuring that the youngest learners feel safe, nurtured, and emotionally supported as they grow. Moreover, the initiative ensures children are provided with nutritious and balanced meals each day, with thoughtful attention to their individual food preferences—promoting both health and dignity.

Additionally, the structured nursing program introduces older students to emergency medical training, patient care coordination, and foundational medical knowledge paving the way for future careers in nursing homes, health centers, and educational institutions.

Children are the future contributors to society, innovators, and problem-solvers. When we invest in their foundational years, we’re not just supporting education—we’re igniting potential. For Emiza, being a contributor to early childhood development in some way is a contribution towards nation-building,” said Ajay Rao, Founder & CEO, Emiza

Jitendra Kumar, Co-Founder; Executive Director, Emiza,The collaboration isn’t just a one-time effort; it’s a sustained commitment to social upliftment and community development. By empowering children with education and skills, we are giving them the tools to break generational cycles of poverty. This aligns with our long-term vision of building a more inclusive society.”

Emiza’s initiative is in line with the Government of India’s policy encouraging corporate involvement in education and social development. But more than that, it reflects a values-first approach supporting real-world, hyperlocal solutions that foster dignity, self-reliance, and long-term community upliftment.

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, appoints Dr. Debashis Sanyal as New Director

Chennai, May 6, 2025 –Great Lakes Institute of Management has appointed Dr Debashis Sanyal as its new Director, effective May 1, 2025. Dr. Sanyal succeeds Dr. Suresh Ramanathan, who concluded a distinguished six-year tenure marked by remarkable institutional progress. During Dr. Ramanathan’s tenure, Great Lakes earned the AACSB accreditation, attained Tier-1 status from NBA and AICTE, and significantly enhanced its academic and industry reputation. His tenure laid the foundation for the next phase of growth and global recognition.

Dr. Debashis Sanyal as New Director

Dr. Sanyal brings with him over four decades of academic leadership across India and abroad, with a distinguished track record in driving institutional excellence, international accreditations, and innovation in management education. Prior to this role, Dr. Sanyal served as Director at Great Lakes, Gurgaon, where he led the institute to new heights – establishing cutting-edge centers such as the Center for Sustainable Development and the Center of Business Analytics.

Previously, he was Vice Provost-Management and Dean at NMIMS University, Mumbai, where he was instrumental in launching new programs and securing prestigious AMBA and AACSB accreditations. He has also held senior roles at MDI Gurgaon and S.P. Jain Centre of Management, Singapore, and is widely regarded as a leading authority on international accreditation in Indian management education. Notably, he was at the helm when MDI became the first Indian B-school to achieve AMBA accreditation in 2002.

Commenting on the transition, Mr. Mohan Lakhamraju, Chairman, Great Lakes Institute of Management, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Debashis Sanyal as the Director of Great Lakes, Chennai. His deep expertise, proven leadership, and unparalleled contribution to management education in India make him the ideal choice to lead us into the next phase of growth. We are confident that under his stewardship, Great Lakes will continue to innovate, expand its reach, and create transformative impact.”

As Dr. Sanyal steps into his new role, Great Lakes reaffirms its commitment to academic rigor, industry relevance, and global benchmarks, ushering in a new chapter of growth and innovation.

Great Learning to Host Workshop on Gen AI and Low-Code Skills

Bangalore, 6th May 2025: Great Learning, a global leader in higher education and professional training, is set to host a high-impact, two-hour workshop to help professionals fast-track their AI journey through real-world Gen AI and low-code experience. The hands-on workshop titled ‘Become AI-Ready 10X Faster: A Workshop on Gen AI & Low-Code’, scheduled for May 10th at 12:00 PM, is specially designed for working professionals, tech enthusiasts, and students looking to harness the power of Gen AI with minimal coding expertise. As AI continues to reshape industries through innovation and efficiency, the demand for professionals who can quickly adapt and apply these technologies is growing rapidly. 

The workshop will be led by Shelton Maharesh, Senior Product Manager – GenAI and Data Science at Eventim Austria, and offer participants hands-on, practical insights into the world of Generative AI and low-code development – empowering them to fast-track their learning and stay ahead in a tech-driven landscape.

 

IIM Kozhikode, Emeritus Launch CPO Programme with Kellogg Certifications

Mumbai, May 06, 2025: As technological disruption transforms industries, product leadership has become the critical differentiator. The strategic vision and deep product expertise of Chief Product Officers (CPOs) are essential to drive success in an ever-evolving business landscape. Acknowledging the growing demand for advanced skills in product leadership, the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), ranked 3rd by the Ministry of Education’s NIRF 2024, in collaboration with Emeritus, has launched the first-of-its-kind Chief Product Officer (CPO) Programme.

According to the CPO Insights Report (2023 and 2024), over 30% of Fortune 1000 companies had a Chief Product Officer in 2023, up from 15% last year. This is expected to reach 70% by 2027 or earlier which is significant growth, bearing in mind that ten years ago, this role hardly existed outside the technology industry. Furthermore, over 70% of CPOs manage a P&L, achieving this milestone three years sooner than predicted. Additionally, 20% of CPO Award winners are promoted to President within a year, highlighting a clear path from product leadership to top executive roles. These data underscore the necessity of investing in targeted product leadership training to remain competitive in changing business environment.

With over 100 aspiring product leaders enrolling in the first three cohorts, the programme proved to be a game changer for aspiring CPOs. Reflecting on the insightful journey, one of the learners shared his insight on the programme. He said, “The most valuable aspect of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) programme was its focus on executive-level thinking and product leadership. It offered deep insights into building and scaling high-performing teams, aligning product strategy with the company’s vision, and mastering the financial aspects of product investments. It also enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively with other executives. As a Product Manager, participating in a programme like this was incredibly impactful. It sharpened my strategic thinking, strengthened my ability to influence senior stakeholders, and increased my effectiveness in leading cross-functional teams. Additionally, it prepared me for future leadership roles by broadening my understanding of product-market fit and the overall impact my product had on the organisation. It was an excellent way to set clearer priorities, advocate for my product, and shape its long-term direction”.

Programme Highlights:

Curriculum: The programme offers live online sessions led by IIMK faculty, masterclasses from practicing CPOs, and a three-day campus immersion at IIM Kozhikode. It includes business simulations, a capstone project, and real-world insights into topics such as product innovation, product leadership, design thinking, automation, growth strategy and more.

Online Certificate Courses: Participants will complete two online certificate courses from Kellogg Executive Education: ‘AI Strategies for Business Transformation’ and ‘Data Strategy for AI Platforms’.

 Who Should Enrol: This programme is designed for senior leaders with over 8 years of experience, including aspiring and current CPOs/product leaders, as well as entrepreneurs and executives. It provides the skills needed to develop strategic thinking, customer empathy, effective communication and leadership abilities.

Key Takeaways:

Enhanced Strategic Thinking: Foster a strategic growth mindset and conceptualise innovative product strategies.

Growth and Innovation: Cultivate a culture of innovation and drive product growth through continuous innovation.

Leadership Development: Enhance leadership skills, influence stakeholders, and drive organisational change for product success.

Global Perspective: Learn from renowned Kellogg faculty and network with CPO-calibre leaders throughout the immersive learning journey and gain the global edge.

Statement from Leader:

Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, said, “As the landscape of product leadership evolves, the Chief Product Officer must become a visionary architect of innovation. Our Chief Product Officer Programme is specifically designed to equip these leaders with the strategic mindset and practical skills needed to not only anticipate market trends but to redefine product excellence and foster meaningful connections with their customers.”