Category Archives: Education

Birla Open Minds International School, Gwalior, Instills Leadership Values at Investiture Ceremony 2025

Birla Open Minds International School, Gwalior, hosted its Investiture Ceremony 2025, a proud occasion celebrating the spirit of leadership, accountability, and excellence among its students. The solemn ceremony officially invested the newly elected Student Council for the academic year 2025-26.

The event was graced by esteemed Chief Guests, Police Inspectors Mr. Himanshu Tiwari and Ms. Ruma Naaz, whose presence inspired the young leaders to embrace discipline, service, and integrity. Adding to the pride of the occasion, the Honourable Directors and Respected Principal Ma’am also blessed the ceremony with their presence and guidance.

Adding his thoughts, Mr. Nirvaan Birla, Founder & MD, Birla Open Minds Education Pvt. Ltd., “At Birla Open Minds, our constant endeavor is to create an environment where children learn to lead with integrity, empathy, and responsibility. The Investiture Ceremony is not just about conferring badges and titles, it is about instilling in our students the courage to take ownership, inspire their peers, and contribute meaningfully to their school and society. We are proud to see our young leaders embrace these values as they step into their new roles.”

Addressing the gathering, Principal Ms. Shraddha Swarnkar also shared an empowering message saying “Leadership is not just a title, it is a responsibility that requires sincerity, accountability, and dedication. I urge our young leaders to lead by example, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and service to the school community with integrity and commitment.”

Expressing his gratitude, Head Boy, Harshit Yadav, said, “This badge is not just an honor but a reminder that we must serve with humility, dedication, and fairness. I look forward to working with my peers and teachers to make a positive difference in our school community.”

Sharing her thoughts, Head Girl, Vidhi Bhadoriya, added, “Being entrusted with this responsibility motivates me to lead with compassion and set an example for others. I hope to encourage every student to bring out their best and contribute to the collective spirit of our school.”

The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of badges and sashes to the student leaders, followed by the solemn oath-taking ceremony, where students pledged to uphold the school’s values and serve with honor.

The ceremony concluded with resounding applause and encouragement from the school community, setting a tone of responsibility, enthusiasm, and excellence for the year ahead.

IIM Bodh Gaya hosts Convergence 2.0: Re-imagining Healthcare Ecosystem with Technological Advancements

Bodh Gaya, September 15, 2025: The Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, hosted Convergence 2.0, its flagship healthcare leadership summit, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, clinicians and innovators to discuss a technology-driven, patient-centric future for healthcare in India. The event, held on September 14, was organised around the theme “Re-imagining Healthcare Ecosystem with Technological Advancements” and brought together experts to share practical insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping the healthcare landscape.

The day opened with inaugural ceremonies, after which Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, emphasised the need for an India-specific healthcare vision, stating “India cannot afford healthcare the way the West does. What we need is a nation that is well, healthy, and strong in body and spirit.” Prof. Swapnarag Swain, Chairperson MBA(Hospital & Healthcare Management) IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted the purpose of the leadership summit to establish a strong and continued exchange of knowledge between academia and industry. The remarks framed the summit’s focus on scalable, equitable solutions and set the tone for the discussions that followed.

A series of panel discussions led by senior practitioners and thought leaders then examined key aspects of the healthcare ecosystem. The opening panel, “Innovating Healthcare with MedTech and Medical Devices,” examined the R&D-to-deployment lifecycle, the case for indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, regulatory considerations for ethical adoption, and the role of AI, IoT and robotics in improving device performance and patient outcomes. Panelists included Mr. Ajay Bagga, MD & Country Head, Zimmer Biomet; Mr. Manish Sardana, MD & GM, South Asia, Vygon; Mr. Ram Panda, MD, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Alvarez & Marsal; Dr. Bhupendra Tripathi, Deputy Director, Gates Foundation; Ms. Pragati Awasthi, Group VP, Romsons Group; Dr. Lalit Kanodia, VP, Hospitals & Corporate Services, Tata 1mg; and Mr. Anith Sankaran, Head of Supply Chain, Shalby MedTech.

Another session, “Healthcare Services Redefined through Digital Transformation,” addressed interoperable digital health records, AI and predictive modelling to improve diagnoses and outcomes, and the scaling of personalised care through digital platforms. The panel discussed how telemedicine and wearable technologies are changing patient access and considered strategies for developing a digital-ready healthcare workforce. Speakers included Mr. Navneet Bali, CEO, Clearmedi Healthcare; Dr. Sameer Gupta, Senior Cardiologist, Metro Hospitals; Mr. Vikram Anand, Partner, Healthcare, Deloitte; Mr. Neeraj Lal, Regional Director, Medicover Hospitals; Mr. Durga P. Nayak, Head HR, Aster DM Healthcare; and Dr. Abhishek Pawar, Associate Director, Hosmac India.

The programme also addressed the pharmaceutical and life-sciences sector, with a panel on supply-chain resilience, affordability and access to innovative therapies, the role of clinical trials, and emerging trends in vaccines, immunotherapy and personalised medicine. Panelists included Mr. Manpreet Singh Sodhi, Sr. VP People & Culture, Synthimed Labs; Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pebbilli, Global Head HR, ACG Pharmapack; Mr. Suhas Ram C, Head Talent Management, Aurobindo Pharma; Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Lead HR, Boehringer Ingelheim; Mr. Mausham Kumar, Lead HR Business Partner, Dr. Reddy’s; and Mr. Prithwish PathakAssociate VP Learning, Alkem Labs.

The concluding discussion on provider–payer synergies considered value-based care models, integrated insurance solutions to enhance patient access, financial innovation through digital payments, and the development of sustainable partnerships to improve long-term health outcomes. Contributors to this session included Mr. Vaibhav Arora, Director Healthcare Consulting, KPMG; Mr. Suvendu Shekhar Tripathy, Associate Partner, Cognizant; Ms. Shilpa Arora, Co-Founder & COO, Insurance Samadhan; and Col. Hemraj Singh Parmar, Co-Founder, AyushPay.

Convergence 2.0 highlighted the potential of technology to support a cohesive and resilient healthcare ecosystem. Discussions covered AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, connected medical devices and data intelligence, and produced actionable recommendations for improving interoperability, strengthening supply chains and promoting responsible adoption of new technologies. The summit brought together diverse stakeholders, leaving participants with clear avenues for collaboration to advance a technology-enabled, patient-centred healthcare system. IIM Bodh Gaya is committed to shaping its MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management (HHM) programme as a highly industry-centric, practice-oriented course aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

MAHE Bengaluru to host “alèy Literature Festival 2025” celebrating literary diversity and community building

Bengaluru, September 11, 2025: The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (DLHS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host the highly anticipated “alèy Literature Festival 2025” themed “Waves of Solidarity” on September 18-19, 2025, at MAHE Bengaluru campus. This flagship literary initiative aims to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling in fostering community, celebrating diversity, and amplifying significant voices.

The festival brings together distinguished authors, translators, publishers, and literary enthusiasts to create a comprehensive platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative expression. This year’s theme, “Waves of Solidarity,” emphasizes literature’s unique ability to bridge communities and strengthen understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.

The festival will be inaugurated with a keynote address by Banu Mushtaq, the 2025 International Booker Prize winner, setting the tone for two days of enriching literary discourse. The program features masterclasses by acclaimed literary figures, including S. Joseph on the subjectivity of poetry writing and V. Geetha on reading Babasaheb for contemporary times.

A series of engaging panel discussions will explore critical areas of contemporary literature. The session “Women Publish Women: Waves of Feminist Publishing” featuring Arpita Das and V. Geetha will examine the evolving landscape of feminist literary publishing. “Big Little Stories: Navigating Complexity in Children’s Literature” with Menaka Raman and Sharanya Manivannan will delve into the nuanced world of children’s storytelling.

The festival addresses the vital role of literary translation in today’s globalized world through “Bridging the World with Words: Literary Translation Today” featuring Srinath Perur and Rahul Soni. Additionally, “Spaces of Solidarity: Reading in the City” will bring together community reading advocates Athul T (Cubbon Reads), Rajassekar (Sollazhi), and Lalitha Murugesan (Lalitha’s Book Nook) to discuss the emerging trend of reading in public spaces and its role in urban community building.

A major highlight of the festival will be a book talk with renowned author Perumal Murugan discussing his work Students Etched in Memory with Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta, IAS, providing intimate insights into the lives of his rural students and the need for literature to shed light on marginalized lives.

The festival features compelling performances including the play “We Push the Sky” by Qabila Collective and an interactive Theatre of the Oppressed session “Listen-Connect-Amplify!” conducted by Radha Ramaswamy, demonstrating the power of the spoken word and performing arts to effect social change.

Educational components include a fiction writing workshop “Hatch a Plot!” led by author Neelima Vinod, specifically designed for school children to nurture young creative talents. The festival also hosts a vibrant array of competitions for students across school, college, and university levels, including Quiz, Stand-up Comedy, Cosplay, Slam Poetry, and Book Cover Designing, held both online and offline.

alèy Literature Festival 2025 reinforces MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to fostering literary culture and cross-cultural understanding beyond traditional academic boundaries. By bringing together established authors, emerging voices, publishers, translators, and literary enthusiasts, the festival creates an unprecedented opportunity for meaningful dialogue about literature’s role in building solidarity and celebrating diversity in contemporary society.

The festival’s comprehensive approach encompasses various literary forms and expressions, from poetry and fiction to translation and performance, making it a celebration of literature’s boundless potential to connect communities and address the challenges of our times.

Global Indian International School Balewadi Launches Junior College and Career Counselling and University Guidance Programme

Pune, September 11, 2025: Global Indian International School (GIIS) Balewadi marked a significant milestone with the launch of its Junior College wing and the Career Counselling and University Guidance Cell (CCUG)—an initiative designed to help students identify their right-fit career option and provide guidance to get admitted to the best-fit universities across the globe.

The Junior College aims to cater to 42 students in its first academic year, offering science, commerce and Arts streams with flexible subject combinations in line with the National Education Policy 2020. The curriculum will emphasise multidisciplinary learning, experiential projects, and skill-building to prepare students for both Indian and international higher-education routes.

The inaugural event was graced by Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raman inspired students to embrace academic excellence alongside resilience, adaptability, and leadership. He emphasised the importance of character, lifelong learning, and readiness for the transitions that shape the journey from school to university and careers.

“It is commendable to see GIIS Balewadi launch initiatives that expand academic choices and provide career guidance. In today’s dynamic world, students need adaptability and resilience alongside knowledge, and GIIS is creating a platform for them to confidently pursue aspirations in India and abroad,” said Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Munmun Chakraborty, Principal of GIIS Balewadi, said, “The launch of Junior College and CCUG represents our vision of holistic education that goes beyond academics. By combining strong academic choices with structured career guidance, we aim to equip students with the clarity, confidence, and competence to make informed decisions and thrive in their chosen fields.”

Adding to this, Anubhav Seth, Head of CCUG, GIIS Balewadi, said, “The CCUG programme will help students from grades 8-10th to understand themselves better via psychometric assessments, career exploration activities and personalised counselling sessions. The department will help 11th- and 12th-grade students to identify the right course and college options for students through comprehensive university application support, direct engagement with universities and one-to-one counselling sessions. We will ensure every student is well-prepared for the admissions to both Indian and global universities.”

Sharing her excitement, Niharika Khanna, a Grade 11 student at GIIS Balewadi, said, “It feels amazing to be part of the first Junior College batch. The guidance and support we are already receiving from teachers and counsellors is helping us explore new possibilities for our future studies and careers. It makes me feel confident about the next steps in my journey.”

The launch event also featured interactive sessions with university representatives, a career-planning workshop for parents and students, and a campus tour of the newly inaugurated facilities. GIIS Balewadi is further exploring global partnerships and early admission pathways to strengthen its students’ opportunities for international placements and scholarships.

With this initiative, GIIS Balewadi reaffirms its vision of nurturing students with knowledge, values, and future-ready skills, creating a strong ecosystem where learning meets opportunity and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and possibilities of tomorrow.

Simandhar Education Announces Nationwide Hiring Drive, 180 New Jobs Across India

8 September 2025 – Simandhar Education, India’s leading institute for global finance and accounting certifications, including US CPA, US CMA, and ACCA, has announced a major hiring drive across Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Delhi as part of its nationwide expansion strategy. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to scaling its workforce in step with the surging demand for international finance qualifications and the growing aspirations of Indian professionals to access global careers.

The hiring drive will create 180 new positions across academic, technology, and business functions, taking Simandhar’s workforce from its current strength of 200 employees to 390 by the end of FY 2025-26. This marks one of the most significant recruitment phases for the company, aligning with its vision to serve a larger learner base while strengthening India’s role in the global finance ecosystem.

Open positions cover a wide spectrum of roles critical to Simandhar’s next phase of growth. These include:

• 50 Academic Counsellors (Inside Sales B2C) across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi to mentor aspiring finance professionals.
• Senior-level roles in Hyderabad such as Digital Marketing Managers, Finance Managers, and Business Development Managers, to drive brand outreach and industry linkages.
• Technology-focused positions including MERN Stack Developers to enhance Simandhar’s digital platforms.
• Quality Auditors to uphold academic and service standards, reinforcing the institute’s reputation for excellence.

Over the past 7 years, Simandhar has trained more than 50,000 students and working professionals and facilitated 10,000+ successful placements across leading corporates and Big 4 firms. Its collaboration with Becker as the only official partner in India for US CPA and US CMA further highlights its leadership in delivering world-class finance education.

Mr. Sripal Jain, Founder & CEO of Simandhar Education, said: “India is fast emerging as a global hub for finance and accounting talent. At Simandhar, we see it as our responsibility to build the capacity required to meet this demand. This hiring drive across Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Delhi reflects our commitment to scale with quality and ensure more learners have access to world-class training and mentorship. It also signals our intent to build a strong, future-ready organization that can lead India’s transformation into a global talent powerhouse.”

With this expansion, Simandhar aims to further strengthen its 82% student success ratio, enhance learner support, and create new benchmarks for quality and accessibility in finance education. The strategic focus also extends to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, where the hiring initiative will be concentrated.

IMS DIA Students Celebrate Teachers’ Day with Enthusiasm

Noida: IMS–Design & Innovation Academy (IMS-DIA), Sector-62, Noida, celebrated Teachers’ Day with great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy. The program began with a warm welcome by the students, during which all faculty members were presented with special taglines.

On this occasion, the faculty members actively participated in various activities including dance, music, and a ramp walk. To add more excitement, a “Blind Picture Game” was also organized, which received an enthusiastic response from all the teachers. The celebrations continued with a cake-cutting ceremony, where everyone exchanged greetings.

While extending her wishes on Teachers’ Day, IMS-DIA CMD Ms. Shilpi Gupta said, “The contribution of teachers in building a good society can never be forgotten. A good teacher is the true architect of society, and the development of any nation lies in the hands of its teachers.”

Addressing the gathering, Dean Professor (Dr.) M.K.V. Nair said, “Teachers are never bad; only their teaching methods differ from one another, which creates different impressions in the minds of students. Every teacher aspires to see their students happy and successful.” He further added that the junior students performed a dance that enthralled the audience. The event concluded with students expressing heartfelt gratitude to their teachers.

Modern Public School Hosts Green Dialogue with Renowned Environmentalist Peepal Baba

Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh organized a thought-provoking session with world-renowned environmentalist Swami Prem Parivartan, better known as Peepal Baba, who has devoted his life to spreading awareness and imparting knowledge on climate change and conservation of nature. Having planted more than 20 million trees across 202 districts in 18 Indian states, Peepal Baba imparted his inspiring experience and encouraged students to adopt green practices for a better tomorrow.

The session was graced by Dr. B.C. Sabata, the Senior Scientific Officer, Department of Environment as well as the students and educators from guest schools across Delhi-NCR including Savodhya Vidhyalaya, Mount Abu Public School, and Presidium School. Students of Modern Public School also participated actively and gained valuable insights into the importance of trees, climate awareness and pledged to fulfill the collective responsibility towards the planet. The interaction proved to be highly enlightening and will contribute significantly to the holistic growth and social consciousness of the young learners.

Kamal Chhabra Receives Doctorate in Global Finance Education

US CPA & CA Kamal Chhabra Honoured with Doctorate in Global Finance Education by Cedarbrook University, USA

New Delhi, 5th September: US CPA & CA Mr. Kamal Chhabra, Founder & CEO of KC GlobEd has been conferred with Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Global Finance Education by the Cedarbrook University, USA, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of global finance education.

At a convocation ceremony organized in New Delhi, the honorary doctorate was formally given to Mr. Chhabra, who was honored for his unwavering efforts to influence financial education globally.

Through his organization KC GlobEd, Mr. Chhabra, a well-known finance expert and academic mentor, has played a significant role in linking professional education with global financial practices. Under his direction, KC GlobEd has established itself as a reputable brand for advising those aspiring to careers in finance, providing state-of-the-art learning resources, and giving students the chance to meet global professional standards.

Speaking on this recognition, Mr. Chhabra expressed his gratitude to Cedarbrook University, stating: “This recognition reaffirms my lifelong commitment to redefining finance education at a global scale. As a leader, I see it as both an honour and a responsibility to continue inspiring future generations of professionals to think beyond boundaries.”

With more than 20 years of experience in India, the US, the Middle East, and Africa, Mr. Chhabra has mentored thousands of students globally and provided financial, tax, and auditing advice to major organizations. Under his direction, KC GlobEd has influenced more than 15,000 students in 122 nations, established more than 80 franchise partners across India, collaborated with academic institutions and government organizations. Recognized as a leading voice in bridging Indian talent with global standards, he is regarded as a visionary in edutech-driven finance education.

The acknowledgement from Cedarbrook University demonstrates Mr. Chhabra’s noteworthy contribution to the field of global financial education and enhances his standing as a mentor and thought leader.

Remove GST on After-School Skill Development Programs: Dinesh Victor, MD, SIP Academy

Hyderabad, Sept 02, 2025 – “Remove GST on After-School Skill Development Programs,” urged Mr. Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy and a recognised authority on skill development in children in India.

He was addressing 570 young artists and their parents at Kolor Champ 2025—the city’s largest regional-level art competition—organised by Global Art Academy at SR Classic Convention, Shamshabad. Mr. Dinesh Victor was the Guest of Honour at the event.

Speaking to the media alongside Mrs. Shailaja Reddy, noted educationist and Principal of Meridian School, Uppal, he said: “Why should parents pay 18% GST on after-school programs like Abacus, Art, Dance, Music, Yoga, and Languages? These are not ‘extras’—they are essential skills for the future. When GST was introduced in 2017, school and college education were kept tax-free. The same logic should apply here.”

Mr. Dinesh further argued that after-school learning today is as crucial as formal education was in the 1950s. Taxing it, he said, only burdens middle- and low-income families, depriving many children of vital life skills.

“Investing in children’s skills is investing in India’s future. GST should be 0%—or at least significantly reduced—to make these opportunities affordable for every parent.”

Global Knowledge Campus Hosts IBM Skill Build Session for Students

29th August, 2025: The Placement Cell of Global Knowledge Campus organized a transformative IBM Skill Build Session across all labs and the central seminar hall, bringing together students from diverse technology-driven disciplines to explore next-generation skills for the digital economy on 26th August,2025.

There was also a high level of participation and a total of 221 students participated partaking in the interactive sessions of which, about 200 were directly involved in the interactive sessions. Students of B. Tech in Computer Science & Engineering, BCA, and B.Sc. in Data Science attended the program, indicating the increased need for technical expertise in the current job market, which is very competitive.

Highlights of the IBM Skill Build Session:

• Practice-based Learning: Hands-on laboratory exercises designed to simulate real-world problem-solving using the IBM Skill Build model.
• Exposure to Emerging Technologies: Discussions on cloud computing, AI, data science, and software development practices as critical areas of focus.
• Industry-Academia Integration: Bridging classroom learning with global industry expectations, enhancing students’ career readiness and placement opportunities.

“This is seen through the successful participation of our students in the IBM Skill Build session, with many receiving awards in self-efficacy and compliance with industry expectations. Such a large-scale initiative of building skills closes the loop between theoretical education and practical skills, which will help our students to be fully prepared in the industry. It’s not only cases of technical skills, but it also deals with instilling confidence, adaptability, and innovation-based thinking, said Principal of Global Institute of Management and Technology, Dr. Sudipto Bhattacharyya of Global Knowledge Campus.

Adding to this, Subhankar Das, Executive Chairman of Global Knowledge Campus, emphasized the institution’s vision: “At Global Knowledge Campus, we are committed to shaping future-ready professionals who can thrive in an evolving global economy. The IBM Skill Build program exemplifies our mission to integrate industry-aligned skills into the academic framework, ensuring our students graduate with the competence, creativity, and confidence needed to excel in their careers.”

The initiative aligns with the vision of Global Knowledge Campus to seamlessly integrate theory with practice while preparing students for a rapidly changing technology sector. Regular workshops, equal access to upskilling opportunities, and programs like IBM Skill Build place the campus at the forefront of nurturing globally competitive professionals.