Category education

12th October 2023, Mumbai: JBCN International School, Borivali, proudly hosted the Global Tipping Point Summit (GTPS). This visionary summit, dedicated to the theme “Teaching Environmental Sustainability through the Arts,” took place from October 6th to 8th, 2023, at JBCN International School, Borivali.

The summit aimed to nurture engaging educational environments that championed sustainability, arming young minds with the capacity to bring about meaningful change in the world through artistic expression. Over three days, participants immersed themselves in diverse art forms, unlocking their true potential and exploring innovative avenues to inculcate a profound responsibility toward the environment.

This summit aligned seamlessly with JBCN International Schools’ brand narrative as a Changemaking institution that fosters innovative educational approaches that prepare learners for sustainable living.

Mr. Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, of JBCN Education, said, “We feel privileged to have hosted the Global Tipping Point Summit 2023 at our Borivali campus. We believe that teaching environmental sustainability through the arts is not just a theme but a transformative journey. Through art, we ignite the spark of change within young minds, empowering them to become stewards of our planet’s future.”

“It is a great privilege for JBCN International School, Borivali, to have hosted the esteemed Global Tipping Point Summit 2023. We strategically leveraged the adoption of innovative approaches, nurtured the potential of our learners to become staunch champions of sustainability and driving force for profound transformation,” stated Ms. Debika Chatterji, Director Principal of JBCN International School, Borivali.

Renowned academician and founder Director of GTPS, Dr. Coomi S. Vevaina curated an exceptional ensemble of speakers and knowledge partners for the enlightening three-day event. The summit commenced with a captivating inauguration ceremony featuring an insightful discussion titled “Biodiversity, Economics, and Climate Change.” Eminent speakers gracing the occasion included Bittu Sahgal, the visionary founder of Sanctuary Nature Foundation.

In this event, participants were introduced to various forms of creative expression, including theater, musical theater, stand-up comedy, visual arts, photography, and filmmaking. The day featured an enlightening session with renowned puppeteer Padma Shri Dadi Pudumji, a captivating Kathak performance by Dr. Piyush Raj, and a laughter-filled stand-up comedy session led by the charismatic Cyrus Broacha, among other exciting activities.

As the summit approached its conclusion on the last day, the focus shifted to sculpture and installations. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to engage in sessions on storytelling and mime, music, singing, and literature, rounding out a diverse and enriching creative experience.

Ahmedabad,12th October, 2023:In a green initiative, Ratnaakar Group has collaborated with the Parkville Foundation to establish a Green Oasis for Rescued Animals. This initiative, unveiled on September 28th, underscores Ratnaakar Group’s commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for animals under the care of the Barkville Foundation. The message resonating from this endeavor is clear: “Earth is for All.”

Swati Verma and Hemani Mod, the Founders of the Barkville Foundation, conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to Ratnaakar Group and extended their gratitude to the dedicated employees of Ratnaakar who actively participated in a tree plantation activity. Under this remarkable initiative, one thousand trees of various species, ranging from the majestic Neem to vibrant flowering varieties like Drumstick, BilliPatra, Madudo, Champa, and Jasud, were planted. The designated area underwent meticulous preparation, including tilling and pit creation for plantation, and protective fences were installed to safeguard specific plants. Additionally, a drip irrigation system was implemented to ensure efficient water usage and accelerate the growth of the newly planted trees.

Mr. Nishant Shah, Joint Managing Director, Ratnaakar Group, emphasized, “Caring for our planet and its inhabitants is not just a responsibility; it’s our privilege. Through our partnership with the Barkville Foundation, we are nurturing a Green Oasis for Rescued Animals, a sanctuary that embodies the spirit of harmony and coexistence. Together, we are sowing the seeds of compassion and sustainability, ensuring that ‘Earth is for All,’ now and for generations to come.”

Situated on a sprawling 17,000 square feet of land in Dabhod, Gandhinagar, Barkville Foundation is on a mission to provide second chances for our four-legged companions. Their unwavering commitment revolves around offering a safe and caring home for animals in dire need—whether they are large or small, abused, neglected, or abandoned. Barkville’s vision is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through rescue operations, investigations, spay/neuter programs, and educational initiatives while fostering lasting relationships between people and animals through their adoption programs.

Initially, Barkville’s goal was to rescue and rehabilitate homeless (stray) dogs and other animals in need. However, the post-COVID landscape brought new challenges, primarily centered around abandoned pets. Presently, Barkville provides shelter to 85 abandoned pet dogs, including Labradors, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Beagles, Pitbulls, and various mixed breeds. In addition to dogs, the facility houses cows, horses, kittens, bunnies, and numerous birds.

Running a shelter for such a diverse array of animals comes with its share of challenges, with funding being a primary obstacle. The invaluable assistance of volunteers and organizations in various capacities, including fundraising, caring for the shelter’s residents, participating in educational efforts, and promoting adoptions through personal and social media connections, plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

Ratnaakar Group has been a stalwart in the construction industry for over three decades, creating spaces that fulfill dreams and inspire trust. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, integrity, superior workmanship, timely delivery, and the highest level of professionalism, Ratnaakar Group has garnered the trust of over a thousand satisfied clients and business partners, residing across a remarkable 4.8 million square feet area of residential and commercial spaces.

When Barkville envisioned creating an open and green space for their cherished animal residents, they knew they could trust Ratnaakar Group to partner with them in bringing joy and happiness to their furry friends. The joint endeavor aimed to plant a variety of trees in a designated space on the Barkville campus, complete with a protective fence to create a safe environment for vulnerable animals, allowing them to heal.

Bangalore, 12th October 2023 — Uber, India’s favorite ride-hailing service has rolled out the Uber Scholar initiative to support children of the driver community on the occasion of its 10th anniversary in India. This initiative extends far beyond the boundaries of Uber and is open to the community of drivers associated with various companies across Delhi NCR and Bangalore.

Uber acknowledges that education is the foundation of personal and societal advancement. As part of this initiative, Uber is supporting 1000 children from primary to post-graduation in their education pursuits by providing them with support including tuition fees and online devices and tools essential for their success.

As it marks its 10 years in India, Uber also recognized and celebrated the unwavering dedication of its top 100 driver partners in an appreciation event hosted across 10 cities. Uber honoured the children of its top-rated drivers with e-learning devices to support their academic pursuits in an ever-growing digital world. This initiative underscores Uber’s steadfast commitment to the driver community that powers the platform.

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Uber’s 10-year celebration is incomplete without our drivers and for us it’s not just about looking back at our collective achievements but also about giving back to the communities we serve. We believe that every child deserves access to education and through this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap and do our bit in offering better opportunities to all.”

As Uber continues to grow its presence in India, it has remained committed to empowering driver partners with improved access to financial support, health insurance, medical consultations and education.

New Delhi, 12th October 2023: To address one of the most pressing issues impacting the education of girl children in India, Delhi-based NGO Wishes and Blessings organized a workshop on menstrual hygiene at Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya in Ishwar Nagar in Delhi on the occasion of International Day of Girl Child. At the workshop, the volunteers from the NGO educated female students at the school on the importance of sanitary hygiene and its benefits. Following the informative workshop, Wishes and Blessings distributed sanitary pads in collaboration with Bliss Natural Pads among the students to further raise awareness on the issue.

“Menstrual cycle has always been a stigmatized topic. Through this workshop, we aim to normalize the topic of menstruation and menstrual hygiene. Teenage girls often lack proper knowledge about menstruation due to taboos and sociocultural restrictions, leading to health issues and shame in families and communities, as they are often unaware of scientific facts and sanitary practices. This has also led to several girl students dropping out of school. Our objective is to keep spreading awareness on the issue and help girl children get equal access to quality education,” said the Founder and President of Wishes and Blessings Dr Geetanjali Chopra.

More than 150 students and faculty of Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya participated in the workshop. The zealous participation of the students depicted their curiosity on the issue and their interest in talking about sanitary hygiene freely. Wishes and Blessings team apprised the participants on various issues related to menstrual hygiene.

“As noted in many previous scenarios, the lack of sufficient knowledge about sanitary health practices related to menstruation often leads to girls dropping out of school. According to a study by the UN’s child protection agency, UNICEF, 71 percent of adolescent girl children in the country lack proper awareness of menstruation. We are thankful to NGO Wishes and Blessing for conducting the workshop, which will significantly help the children feel safe and have equitable knowledge regarding the matter,” mentioned Anita Sharma, Vice-Principal of Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya.

As most families in India just bade goodbye to our dearest Lord Ganesha, this story of how sustainability influences young ones, and more importantly, how they are willing to take charge, needs to be told.

A few years ago, Vir Thapar, a young teenager was participating in Ganesh Chaturthi festivities along with the rest of his family in his hometown Pune. However, a meeting with Omkar, at the time of idol immersion would change his outlook on sustainability. Omkar, himself a young boy, who used to make eco-friendly Ganesh idols informed Vir about the harm caused to the environment by plaster of Paris idols accessorized by thermocouple and plastic.

Vir later met Omkar and found out that not only eco-friendly idols made by Omkar looked good, but they would also not leave any harmful waste behind. Making these on a larger scale seemed like a perfect game-changing idea, but for two challenges: 1) Omkar came from an underprivileged background and did not have the money to scale his idea, and 2) winning over people to switch to eco-friendly Ganeshas.

Vir joined forces with Omkar. Together, they started conductingworkshops at schools, and housing societies to raise awareness about using eco-friendly alternatives. Vir helped in raising a small funding and a space to help scale Omkar’s work. He was happy that he was working on a real-life sustainability project rather than an academic discussion.

“To convert early inquiries and interest into sales, we started hosting an annual event where more than 50 kids would come to paint their own Ganesha idols during the festival time. From then to now, our association has come a long way, with Omkar sellingmore than 700 sculptures during the festival”, says Vir who is extremely content that the money helps pay for Omkar’s education and he in return gets the sense of doing his bit for the environment.

For Vir, this is just the beginning, and one day he hopes to see sustainability becomethe centerpiece of economic activities and not just a peripheral part of ESG reporting.Along with the help of their patrons, Vir and Omkar have helped a tradition keep pace with the times. This brings in a lot of hope about the young generation that can not only question the status quo but also bring courage and ideas to help tradition become better.

Students and teachers at DPS Raj Nagar Extension came together to observe World Mental Health Day with a two-day event called “Manodarpan 2023” on October 9th and 10th. The aim of the initiative was to sensitise individuals to mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding seeking help during challenging times.

The event included a range of activities for students of different age groups. Students of classes IV and V witnessed the screening of enlightening videos and short films on emotional health and well-being. The screening of the iconic movie “Taare Zameen Par” was organised for classes VI to VIII in the school auditorium. This film, released in 2007, profoundly impacted society by changing perceptions about mental health.

Students of classes IX and XI showcased their creativity in an intra-class Art Competition with themes like “Minds in Motion,” “Be Your Own Hero,” and “Break the Stigma.” Students created remarkable artworks, expressing their thoughts and emotions through colours and creativity. On October 10th, the faculty of DPS Raj Nagar Extension participated in an online survey organised by CBSE on teachers’ mental well-being. The enthusiastic response reflected a positive shift in acknowledging that it’s perfectly acceptable to not be okay and that reaching out for support is a sign of strength.

Ms. Pallavi Upadhyaya, Principal, DPS Raj Nagar Extension, stated, “Manodarpan 2023 was an enlightening and transformative experience for our school community. It reinforced the importance of mental health and breaking the silence surrounding it. Through various activities, we learned that seeking help is not only okay but also necessary for our well-being. Our students learnt the agenda quite well and accepted the efforts of our faculty. We are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where every individual’s mental health is prioritised.”

To celebrate the spirit of sharing happiness and spreading kindness, Delhi Public School Indirapuram observed ‘World Smile Day’ with tremendous zeal and fervor. The celebration included various comforting activities focused on spreading happiness, with an effort to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

A heart-touching act by students of Class 6 showcased immense kindness as they made smiley badges to distribute. These badges were then given to the assisting staff of the school,

to recognize their significant contribution to the school’s community. The excitement on the faces of the assisting staff was truly visible as the students gave them badges and delicious treats, showing appreciation and gratitude for their hard work and devotion. It was the highlight of the day. In addition to the creative badge-making, the children were shown motivational videos focused on ‘How to Celebrate World Smile Day’ and ‘Eight Health Benefits of Smiling’.

Ms. Priya John, Principal, DPSI, said” The enthusiasm and enthusiastic participation of the students made the occasion truly memorable. We need to encourage an environment of empathy and gratitude within the school, not just for students but also for the dedicated staff members who help the school run smoothly. We, as DPSI family, want to thank everyone who helped make ‘World Smile Day’ a huge success, strengthening our commitment to spreading happiness and kindness within the community.”

Uttar Pradesh,9th October 2023 Galgotias University, an institution of higher education, has emerged as a focal point of interest and collaboration during its participation in the 33rd Annual Conference of the European Association for International Education (EAIE) held at Rotterdam, Netherlands.

At the India Pavilion of the recent EAIE event, which brought together universities from across the globe, Galgotias University took centre stage. More than 50 prestigious universities from Denmark, Turkey, France, Italy, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, and various countries in Latin America have expressed enthusiastic interest in partnering with Galgotias University on initiatives encompassing joint degree programs, twinning partnerships, student exchange programs, and research collaborations. Representatives from these esteemed institutions are scheduled to visit the Galgotias University campus in the forthcoming months to nurture these collaborations.

Dhruv Galgotis, CEO of Galgotias University, shared “Participation in the 33rd Annual Conference of EAIE is a testament to our dedication to global education standards and our commitment to providing world-class opportunities to our students. This conference presents a valuable platform for us to exchange ideas, explore new collaborations, and showcase our contributions to the international education community.”

Galgotias University is not only making waves and setting new benchmarks in Indian higher education but is also making a significant impact with its pioneering pedagogical advancements, research and innovation focus, and steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. This unique approach has attracted universities worldwide to join hands and collaborate.

The recognition extended to Galgotias University during the event was further underscored when Mrs. Reenat Sandhu, Ambassador to the Netherlands, expressed her deep admiration for the institution’s achievements and approach, presenting it with a well-deserved certificate of appreciation. This acknowledgment underscores Galgotias University’s unwavering dedication to global education and its commitment to forging meaningful partnerships on the international stage.

During the conference, Galgotias University shared its valuable insights and experiences in international education. With a dedicated focus on innovation, cross-cultural learning, and academic excellence, the university has played a pivotal role in preparing students for a globalised world. The institution is enthusiastic about engaging with educators, institutions, and experts from around the world to further enrich its international programs and initiatives.

The 33rd Annual Conference of EAIE proved to be a vibrant hub of knowledge and collaboration, attracting attendees from diverse backgrounds, including universities, colleges, and educational organizations. Galgotias University looks forward to actively contributing to meaningful discussions and forging new partnerships that will advance the cause of international education.

New Delhi, 9th October 2023- Chitkara University, a beacon of excellence in the field of education, proudly bestowed the prestigious Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) upon Mr. Bharat Goenka, the illustrious Founder and Vice Chairperson of Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd, India’s leading Business Management Software provider. The award recognizes Mr. Goenka’s extraordinary contributions, transformative influence, and steadfast dedication to the realms of technology and business.

Hailed as the “Father of the Indian software product industry” and lauded with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award by NASSCOM in 2011, Mr. Goenka stands as an icon of innovation and entrepreneurship in the technology sector. As the founder of Tally Solutions, he has played a pioneering role in revolutionizing the landscape of business management software products, with a global user base exceeding 7.2 million.

The Honorary Doctorate was presented to Mr. Goenka by the esteemed Dr. Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor of Chitkara University, and Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, during a grand convocation that celebrated his outstanding achievements.

Mr. Goenka’s journey commenced in 1984 when he received an IBM PC as a gift from his father, setting the stage for a technological revolution that would touch millions of MSME businesses worldwide. His ingenuity gave birth to ‘The Accountant,’ a revolutionary accounting software devoid of complex coding, which later evolved into Tally Solutions in 1999. Soon, Tally.ERP 9, the world’s first concurrent multi-lingual business accounting and inventory software, marked a paradigm shift, and the latest offering, TallyPrime, continues to set industry standards with its user-friendly interface and seamless experience. Under Mr. Goenka’s dynamic leadership, Tally has evolved from a simple accounting package for SMEs to a comprehensive business management software serving enterprises of all sizes and types.

Receiving the Honorary Degree, Mr. Bharat Goenka said, “I feel truly humbled and honoured to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Literature from an esteemed University like Chitkara. I have been blessed to be a part of Tally’s story and witness the unfolding of its magic over the years. It’s been my absolute privilege to meet and interact with the esteemed faculty and the bright students at the Chitkara University .”

Dr. Ashok K Chitkara, Chancellor of Chitkara University, Punjab, expressed, “Mr. Bharat Goenka’s legacy as a trailblazer and innovator will continue to inspire future generations, paving the way for a brighter and more innovative future for our nation and the world. The Honorary Doctorate is in recognition of Mr. Goenka’s tremendous contributions to the Indian software product industry, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership. Chitkara University extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Bharat Goenka and confers upon him this well-deserved doctorate.”

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, Punjab, commended Mr. Goenka’s exceptional contributions to the software product industry, emphasizing their profound impact on technological innovation and entrepreneurial leadership. She remarked, “Mr. Goenka’s relentless pursuit of innovation has ignited a revolution in technology. We honour his pioneering spirit and foresee his legacy inspiring countless future trailblazers.”

Mr. Goenka’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, recognizing his outstanding impact on trade and industry. His visionary leadership has not only transformed the technology industry but also empowered countless businesses to thrive.

Mumbai,9th October 2023  Conceptualising the fusion of fashion, architecture, and technology into a cohesive textile installation, Minal Gala, a design student from Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, joined forces with the innovative Architecture studio Morphlab to present ‘Threads of Life.’ This captivating installation came to life within the inspiring setting of MorphLab in Mumbai.

The theory behind this installation was to display the odyssey of the magnificent, microscopic narrative that starts through the integration of the ovary and the sperm and eventually evolves into the creation of the wonderful voyage of life. This microscopic yet momentous event weaves a narrative rich in complexity and significance. Life’s symphony unfolds, intertwining threads of challenges and triumphs. Amid this intricacy, a serene clarity emerges, akin to the calm after a storm. This artistic odyssey, expressed through weaving, macramé, crochet, and braiding, comes to life with the touch of wool and cotton. White, red, orange, and yellow hues breathe life into the full spectrum of human experience.

Talking about the installation and her journey in creating it, Minal says, “Gratitude flows to those who believed in my vision, from my mentors, Mevin, Manuela, Janet, and Camille; to the owner of MorphLab who gave me the space to generate this art piece, Sahil Jain. This project serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that life holds, reminding us that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s aspirations and that life, despite its ups and downs, is an exquisite journey enriched by remarkable experiences.”

Elaborating more on this installation Sahil Jain (Principal architect of Morphlab) states “Our studio space has evolved into a vibrant platform for art, where creativity knows no bounds. The installation seamlessly fuses with our product collection Nuolo, extending its essence into the realms of art. Minal’s creation serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities when design and art converge. Projection mapping by Floating canvas company adds another dimension to our vision, enriching the viewer’s experience with immersive storytelling.”