Category Archives: Education

Ministry of Education Celebrates Outstanding Winners of Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 at WeSchool

The Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC), in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), today celebrated the outstanding winners of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2025 at the Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), marking a momentous chapter in India’s journey toward building a generation of innovators who will shape the country’s technological future.

Smart India Hackathon 2025 reached unprecedented scale this year, receiving 72,165 idea submissions from 68,766 student teams across 2,587 institutes. From these entries, 1,360 finalist teams comprising 8,160 students and 1,365 mentors qualified for the Grand Finale. These teams developed solutions for 271 problem statements issued by Ministries, State Departments, PSUs, and leading industries. With 60 nodal centres—42 for software and 18 for hardware, operating simultaneously across India, SIH 2025 reflects the Ministry of Education’s commitment to nurturing innovation, design thinking, and problem-solving capabilities at a national level in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

At the WeSchool Nodal Centre, the Ministry of Education and AICTE awarded ₹1,50,000 to each winning team across the three problem statement categories, recognising their excellence, clarity of thought, and the practicality of their solutions. Runner-up teams were honoured with a ₹25,000 WeSchool Inspiration  Award for demonstrating exceptional innovation potential. Under the Ministry of Defence’s problem statement “Secure Closed Group Communication Platform,” the winner was Team Coding Krew led by Rudra Prasad M L from Chennai Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, while the runner-up title was secured by Team Humble led by T Preetham Reddy from Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Telangana. Under the second Ministry of Defence problem statement, “AI-enabled Cyber Incident & Safety Web Portal for Defence,” the winning team was Black Order led by Sai Shravan P from SRM Valliammai Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, and the runner-up position was secured by Team BruteForce_X led by Mohit Rathore from IPS Academy Institute of Engineering and Science, Indore.

Speaking about WeSchool’s role in advancing innovation and supporting the student community, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), said;

“At WeSchool, innovation and collaboration are central to our philosophy, and we continue to support students through incubation, mentorship, and access to funding and technology resources. Smart India Hackathon aligns perfectly with our mission of nurturing professionals who can solve real-world challenges, offering students a unique opportunity to work with Government ministries and industry experts. It places young innovators on the national radar and reinforces our Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of youth-led nation-building. We are proud to host teams from across India and remain committed to providing an enriching and supportive environment.”

For the Ministry of Railways’ SIH 25022 challenge at WeSchool, the winning team was nyx, led by Mihir Mahesh Phalke from Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai, and the runner-up team was The Avalanche, led by Riya Saraf from Facult Nature Care Sanganthan’s Group of Institutions, Jabalpur. These winning teams showcased not only strong technical proficiency but also a deep understanding of governance systems, national infrastructure priorities, and emerging digital frameworks critical to the future of India.

With the continued support of the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and academic institutions like WeSchool, Smart India Hackathon remains a cornerstone of India’s innovation movement, one that aligns strongly with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat @2047 and sets the foundation for a technologically advanced, self-reliant, and globally competitive India.

Leaders Unite to Advance Safe Schools, Says MCD Mayor

“Leaders Standing Together Will Make Safe Schools a Reality,” Says Shri Raja Iqbal Singh, Mayor, MCD, at National Summit on Safe Schools Leadership

New Delhi, Dec 11: The National Summit on Safe Schools Leadership, convened by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), united top policymakers, school principals educators, safety experts, and community leaders to address the critical issue of child safety in India’s schools. The summit emphasized that the safety, security, and well-being of over 26 crore school-going children is a national priority tied to India’s vision for 2047.

Shri Raja Iqbal Singh, Mayor, MCD, underscored the importance of collaboration among government entities, school management, and community leaders to overcome challenges such as leadership vacancies. He said, “If leaders like us stand with you, whether it is the Delhi Government, Delhi Municipal Corporation, or any public school, then it will be easy for you to work.” Highlighting teachers as powerful role models, Shri Singh stressed protecting children physically, emotionally, and digitally. Reflecting on tragic events including the Goa accident that claimed 25 lives, he called for fostering mental resilience and cultural values in children to build a safer and stronger society.

Shri Rajendra Singh, Member & Head of Department (HoD), National Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that school safety transcends drills to include structural integrity, health, psychosocial support, cybersecurity, and transportation. He highlighted NDMA’s efforts such as the Delhi school safety program covering 2,082 schools in its initial phase, aiming to extend to over 5,000 schools across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Shri Singh stressed a collaborative approach, involving “education, health, urban development, local authorities, and community volunteers,” calling safety a constitutional mandate echoed by the Supreme Court. He underlined the critical role of community-led initiatives like the ABDA Mitra program, which has trained 1 lakh volunteers to promote resilience at the grassroots.

Shri Vivek Shrivastava, IPS, Former Director, Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards, applauded PHDCCI’s expanded safety focus that includes fire prevention, mental health, cyber safety, and road safety education, advocating for these as integral parts of the school curriculum. He flagged emerging challenges from artificial intelligence, citing a US study showing over one-third of teenagers face psychological risks linked to AI, emphasizing that “safety must be ingrained into the spirit of every institution.” Shri Shrivastava called for public-private partnerships to promote safety literacy and foster student-led safety clubs.

Prof. Sridhar Srivastava, Professor, Educational Survey Division (ESD) & Dean (Coordination), NCERT, highlighted the alignment of school safety with the holistic aims of education under the National Education Policy 2020, ranging from rational thought and mental well-being to cultural pride and economic participation. He stressed creating safe, inclusive environments where children develop at their own pace without undue performance pressure. Prof. Srivastava praised NCERT’s UMMEED (Understand, Motivate, Manage, Empathize, Empower, Develop) and helpline services that support children and teachers in building mental health resilience.

Shri Devendra Gill, Executive Director, DMRC, shared powerful anecdotes contrasting personal experiences of safety culture abroad with challenges faced by safety volunteers in India. He lamented difficulties in engaging schools despite the availability of trained volunteers and resources, underscoring the urgency to value life above all. Shri Gill emphasized the devastating cost of school tragedies in India and worldwide, emphasizing that “a stable table has six legs,” including community preparedness, infrastructure safety, emergency response, technology, and accessible leadership, to ensure resilient schools.

Dr. Usha Ram, Senior Educationist, framed schools as second homes where safety is foundational for nurturing trust, confidence, and growth. She broadened the concept of safe schools beyond infrastructure to emotional, mental, and digital safety. Urging leadership steeped in empathy and accountability, Dr. Ram urged the summit to drive measurable change so every child feels secure, valued, and empowered to dream freely.

Shri Hemant Sapra, Chair, Safety & Fire Taskforce, PHDCCI, outlined urgency of embedding safety habits from childhood safety awareness from early childhood, noting, “In developed nations, children inherently learn how to protect themselves calmly and confidently.” He highlighted the cultural challenge in India, where fatalism often replaces proactive safety measures, advocating for embedding safety habits early to transform the nation into a safer place for all.

Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, reiterated the summit’s three-legged approach, safe infrastructure, mental well-being, and transportation safety, as essential pillars that support child safety. He shared startling statistics from different reports: over 30% of Indian schools lack basic safety infrastructure; 1 in 7 children faces mental health challenges; and 6 to 8% of child deaths occur in school transport-related incidents. Dr. Singh described the summit as a call to action to implement innovative safety technologies and trauma-informed learning environments.

Shri Rupesh Pandey, Senior Secretary, PHDCCI, spoke candidly from a parent’s perspective, expressing gratitude for the partnership with MCD leadership and education departments that shaped the summit. He reflected on the vital role of schools in nation-building and urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders. Shri Pandey affirmed that this summit is a beginning step toward sustained engagement, emphasizing that “we are building a nation through the safety and education of our children.”

The National Summit on Safe Schools Leadership reinforced a collective vision: India’s children deserve learning environments that are secure, inclusive, and nurturing- physically, emotionally, and digitally. Through unified action by governments, schools, families, and communities, the summit laid pathways to translate policies into practice, turning safe schools into a cornerstone of India’s development journey.

JIMS Rohini Successfully Concludes ICAMP 2025 to Drive Innovation in Management Education

New Delhi, Dec 10: The International Conference on Advances in Management Practices (ICAMP 2025) was successfully organized at Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini, bringing together distinguished academicians, researchers, and industry leaders from across the country.

The objective of ICAMP 2025 was to provide a multidisciplinary platform for scholars and practitioners to share contemporary research, explore innovative management practices, and discuss emerging trends influencing the global business landscape, particularly in domains such as Marketing, Finance, HRM, Operations, Business Analytics, and General Management. The conference began with delegate registration and kit distribution, followed by a formal Inaugural Session, which set an engaging academic tone for the day. Dr. Himanshu Goel, Convener of ICAMP 2025, welcomed participants and highlighted the conference vision, saying,
“ICAMP 2025 was designed to bring together the brightest minds to explore transformative ideas that redefine management thought and practice in today’s dynamic environment.” Delivering the Inaugural Address, Dr. Pooja Jain, Director, JIMS, emphasized the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and collaborative research.

She noted, “Conferences like ICAMP serve as catalysts for intellectual growth, enabling scholars and practitioners to collaborate and contribute to the future of management education and industry.”The Welcome Address was delivered by Dr. Anuja Mathur, HOD, SSCBS, Delhi University, who remarked,“It is encouraging to witness such an enthusiastic gathering of scholars who are shaping contemporary discourse through impactful research.”The event featured insights from the Guest of Honor, Mr. Sunando Bhattacharya, Chief Revenue Officer, Yotta, who stated, “The convergence of technology and management is reshaping business landscapes, and platforms like ICAMP enable crucial dialogue between academia and industry.”

The Chief Guest, Ms. Anuradha Sastry, Director at PwC India, delivered the keynote address, adding,“In an era driven by data and digital acceleration, the role of innovative management practices has never been more critical”. The inaugural segment also saw the formal release of the Abstract Booklet, followed by a Vote of Thanks from Dr. Shrajal Gupta, Co-Convener, who acknowledged the contributions of all attendees and said,“ICAMP 2025 is a testament to our vision of nurturing quality research and fostering collaboration across disciplines.”

Following the inaugural function, ICAMP 2025 hosted a high-impact Panel Discussion on “Role of AI in Management”, moderated by Mr. Rajeev Narang, SME Growth Consultant and TEDx Speaker. The panel featured Dr. Chandan Prasad (IIM Bodhgaya), Ms. Tanya Sarin (EY), and Prof. (Dr.) Reetesh Kumar Singh (Delhi School of Economics), who collectively explored the implications of AI for organizational efficiency, decision-making, and ethical governance.

Mr. Narang highlighted,“AI is not just a tool—it is a strategic enabler reshaping decision-making and organizational competitiveness.”Post the networking lunch, the conference progressed into nine parallel Research Sharing Sessions, chaired by eminent academicians from IIM Bodhgaya, IIT Roorkee, IMT Ghaziabad, IIM Raipur, FMS Delhi, SGGSCC, and senior JIMS faculty members. Research scholars presented their work across diverse tracks, fostering academic dialogue and constructive feedback.

The event concluded with the Valedictory Session, marking the successful culmination of ICAMP 2025. The conference reaffirmed JIMS Rohini’s commitment to promoting contemporary research and strengthening the industry–academia interface.

Zell Education Wins ‘Best Placement & Career Support’ at World Education Summit 2025

Zell Education, India’s leading professional training and upskilling platform, has been honoured with the Certificate of Recognition for ‘Best Placement & Career Support Initiative in Professional Education’ at the 34th World Education Summit 2025, held in Chennai on 1st November 2025.

The award, presented by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu and ICT Academy, acknowledges Zell Education’s outstanding contribution to bridging the gap between education and employability. It also highlights the organisation’s continued commitment to building job-ready talent through industry-driven curriculum, expert-led training, and an expansive placement ecosystem.

Over the past decade, Zell Education has empowered thousands of learners with globally recognised certifications in finance and accounting while consistently driving stronger placement outcomes through personalized career support, mock interviews, soft skills training, and corporate hiring partnerships.

Speaking about the recognition, Pratham Barot, Co-Founder & CEO, Zell Education, said,

 “This award is a proud milestone for us. It reaffirms our mission to make high-quality professional education accessible, practical, and outcome-driven. Our placement and career support initiatives are designed to ensure that every learner not only gains knowledge but also secures the right opportunities to build a successful career.”

The honour comes as Zell Education celebrates its 10-year milestone, marking a decade of shaping future-ready finance and business professionals.

University of Southampton Delhi Hosts Open Day on Programmes & Admissions

University of Southampton Delhi’s Open Day offers in-depth insights into Programmes, Admissions, and Student Opportunities

University of Southampton Delhi successfully hosted its second Campus Open Day for August 2026 intake at its campus in International Tech Park Gurgaon. The event offered a dynamic platform for attendees to experience the University’s vibrant academic culture, modern facilities, and supportive community firsthand, with the first student cohort having started August 2025.

Visitors experienced a hallmark tradition of UK higher education brought to India, with guided campus tours led by student ambassadors showcasing modern classrooms, library and lab spaces, collaborative learning zones, sports facilities, and community areas.

Attendees participated in engaging academic sessions led by the University’s distinguished faculty, experiencing its dynamic learning and teaching approach across various disciplines. Senior leadership delivered insightful talks on the University’s mission, educational philosophy, and the range of opportunities available on campus.

Dedicated help desks offered personalised guidance on admissions, academic pathways, employability, student services and applications process. In addition, one-on-one interactions  provided prospective students with meaningful insights into academic pathways, teaching methodologies, student support services, and career development opportunities.

Professor Eloise Phillips, Academic Provost, University of Southampton Delhi, said:

“Our Campus Open Days continue to shape a meaningful bridge between our University and prospective learners. Students and parents are able to go beyond information sessions and truly experience our academic culture, meet our inspiring faculty, and understand the environment in which our students learn and thrive. We are delighted by the response and look forward to welcoming many of these students to our August 2026 cohort.”

The Open Day marked a strong step forward in the University’s preparations for the upcoming academic year. Applications are open for undergraduate programmes BSc (Hons) Accounting & Finance, BSc (Hons) Computer Science, BSc (Hons) Business Management, BSc (Hons) Economics, BSc (Hons) Creative Computing and BEng (Hons) Software Engineering and postgraduate programmes, MSc Finance, MSc International Management, and the newly added MSc Economics for the August 2026 intake. Applications are now open with an early-bird deadline of 15th December. Students are encouraged to apply early to secure their place and benefit from personalised admissions guidance.

Koluru Village Begins Construction of New Classroom Block Under Happy School Project

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for New Classroom Block Under Happy School Project in Koluru Village

Bangalore Rural District, Dec 10, 2025: The Rotary Clubs of Rotary Bangalore Lakeside and Rotary Bengaluru South Samarpane, in partnership with CIGNA India, conducted the Bhoomi Pooja (groundbreaking ceremony) for the construction of a new classroom block at the Government Higher Primary School, Koloru Village, Doddaballapura Taluk. The initiative forms part of the Happy School Project under Rotary’s focus area of Basic Education and Literacy.

With a CSR contribution of approximately ₹33.34 lakh from CIGNA India, the project aims to upgrade essential school infrastructure and provide students with a safer, more engaging learning environment. The effort supports the broader goal of strengthening access to quality education in rural communities.

The Happy School Program focuses on improving infrastructure and co-scholastic facilities in state-funded schools to make them secure, cheerful, and conducive for learning. Enhancing these basic conditions is known to positively influence enrolment, attendance, retention, and overall learning outcomes.

The ceremony brought together employees of CIGNA India, Rotarians from both participating clubs, members of the Koloru Village Panchayat, representatives from the education department, school management, and students. The gathering reflected collaborative community participation and a shared interest in supporting educational development in the region.

Projects like the Happy School initiative reinforce Rotary’s commitment to strengthening basic education and literacy. Enhancing school facilities creates long-term benefits for students and helps build a foundation for better learning outcomes.” The event concluded with a vote of thanks acknowledging all contributors, including CIGNA India, village leaders, school authorities, and parents. Community members expressed optimism that the new classroom block would significantly benefit the academic growth and well-being of children in Koloru Village.

Shrewsbury International School India joins the Boarding Schools’ Association as an international member

The Bhopal branch of the prestigious UK institution is now part of a global network of 4,500 organisations and individuals across 50 countries

Dec 9: Bhopal-based Shrewsbury International School India, is set to broaden its global footprint by joining the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) as a full-fledged international member. For the institution, which opened in August this year and is grounded in the legacy of Shrewsbury School, UK, this membership opens the door to collaboration with established global institutions and facilitates access to best practices, training, and advisory support.

Through this association, Shrewsbury India will benefit from BSA’s comprehensive professional development programmes, which help educators uphold excellence in pastoral care, safeguarding pupils, mentoring and leadership strategies. The BSA’s partnership with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Association (SACPA) further ensures that member schools maintain the highest standards of student safety and welfare.

For Shrewsbury India, the recognition also serves as both an endorsement and an opportunity to align with world-class standards while fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for its boarders. By joining this community, Shrewsbury India adopts the UK’s National Minimum Standards for boarding, focusing on child-centred leadership, safeguarding, and outstanding accommodation. The school also aims to contribute innovative practices, setting a benchmark for boarding excellence in India.

“Shrewsbury India is now officially a part of one of the most respected international boarding associations, connecting with 4,500 organisations and individuals across more than 50 countries. Joining the BSA as a full international member is a significant endorsement of our commitment to providing a whole-person education through world-class boarding facilities that embody the best of global boarding traditions. This membership gives our team access to unparalleled opportunities for professional development through BSA’s programmes,” says Mr. Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster at Shrewsbury International School India.

For families of students, it represents an assurance of trust, safety, and educational excellence – aligned with the highest international standards. BSA member schools can be easily found online by parents and students, thanks to the platform’s easy accessibility via search engines. The BSA Group itself comprises multiple specialised arms addressing related domains, including BAISIS (The British Association of Independent Schools with International Students), SACPA (Safeguarding and Child Protection Association), HIEDA (Health in Education Association), and TIOB (The Institute of Boarding).

Delulu iShots Beverages Energises Gen Z with Campus Takeover at KJSIM

Delulu iShots Beverages Ignites Gen Z Energy at K J Somaiya Institute of Management (KJSIM) with Pitch Contests and Campus Takeover

• Rapid-fire “How Delulu Are You?” quizzes
• Interactive games
• Spot prizes and giveaways

The goal: Make Functional Food Fun and Brand Discovery unforgettable.

4. Conversations with the “College Delulus”

In her address, Nidhi also announced exclusive internship opportunities for KJSIM students, inviting young marketers and innovators to get hands-on experience with India’s most disruptive new-age functional foods company. She emphasized the science and power of clean eating and function-based ingredients, including Proteins and Phytonutrients such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Brahmi, and how these could be embedded  in the Daily Gen Z lifestyle.

AISECT Honoured with India CSR Award for ‘Skills on Wheels’ Skill Development Initiative

AISECT Receives 16th India CSR Award for Excellence in Skill Development Initiatives for Its ‘Skills on Wheels’ Programm

Delhi, Dec 08:  AISECT has been honoured with the 16th India CSR Award under the category “Excellence in Skill Development Initiatives” for its flagship Skills on Wheels programme. The award was presented by Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee, revered as the Father of Indian CSR and Sustainability, in recognition of AISECT’s innovative approach to expanding rural skilling access and strengthening last-mile delivery of future-ready skills. AISECT was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Abhishek Gupta (General Manager), Mr. Mukesh Kumar (Manager), and Ms. Princy Rai (State Head – Delhi).

The Skills on Wheels initiative, implemented in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and supported by IndusInd Bank’s CSR programme IndusInd Sattvam, is reshaping the skill development ecosystem in underserved regions. Operating across the aspirational districts of Nashik and Osmanabad in Maharashtra, the programme directly addresses gaps in training infrastructure, limited digital access, and mobility challenges by delivering skill development to learners within their own communities.

At the core of the programme is a custom-built mobile training unit, engineered as a fully equipped smart classroom inside a modern bus. This mobile classroom is equipped with 25 high-performance laptops, interactive smart screens, AV systems, high-speed internet, ergonomic seating, air-conditioning, and certified trainers, creating a professional learning environment that reaches deep into remote villages. This mobility-based model ensures accessible, structured, and employment-oriented training without the constraints of travel or cost.

The programme offers 20-hour skill modules in four high-demand sectors—IT/ITES, Retail, Telecom, and BFSI—with a strong emphasis on digital literacy and workplace readiness. Supported by a robust mobilization and community outreach framework, the initiative has created significant grassroots impact. A total of 4,020 candidates has been trained, enhancing employability and opening livelihood opportunities for youth in development-priority areas.

The India CSR Award recognizes Skills on Wheels as a path-breaking, technology-driven model that effectively bridges the rural skill divide. It highlights AISECT’s commitment to innovation, mobility-based skilling, and the creation of sustainable, community-centric learning ecosystems aligned with national priorities for inclusive growth and workforce development.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Executive Vice President, AISECT, expressed that this recognition affirms the organization’s mission to ensure equitable access to world-class skill development across India. He highlighted that bringing a fully equipped training ecosystem to aspirational districts enables young people to build dignified and future-proof livelihoods and shared that AISECT remains committed to expanding such mobility-driven innovations to more underserved regions.

With this national accolade, AISECT continues to advance its work in inclusive skilling innovation, digital inclusion, employment-linked training, and community outreach. The organization aims to further expand the Skills on Wheels model, ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities and enabling individuals across rural India to participate meaningfully in the evolving economic landscape.

The Wonder School Pune Introduces Udayan Bhaarat Young Leaders Immersion Program

Pune, Dec 06: The Wonder School Pune, in a creative collaboration with Chiranjeev Gurukul, has developed the Udayan Bhaarat Young Leaders Immersion Program for children aged 8 to 13 years (a few months above and below this age range are also accepted). The Udayan Bhaarat program is one of their most sought-after and well-received projects and the senior edition of this program has been in operation for the past two years.

For young minds, the Udayan Bharat Program is a five-day leadership journey and an extension of the family seva initiative. The program teaches leadership rooted in the Indian ethos, using stories from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It aims to build attributes such as self-leadership, self-awareness and self-efficacy in children from an early stage in their lives. Children learn core values from Indian Knowledge Systems, drawn from Arthashaastra and leadership competencies. The program provides everyday tools to help children become effective, disciplined and ethical learners.

 Through this program, children learn to set a routine, stay organized and manage themselves. They use simple tools from modern wisdom and habit science. Children learn to ask better questions, think clearly and use technology wisely. This builds a foundation for confident and independent learning. When exposed to Shivaji Maharaj stories, children absorb courage, humility and responsibility in ways that feel real, relatable and inspiring.

 The program helps the child become self-disciplined through inculcating Dinacharya and atomic habits, indulge in sharper thinking through Pradnyagunah along with AI prompt engineering and know how to plan and complete small seva projects. A unique aspect of the younger edition program this time is having an elder member of the community supporting the family. Each family will be paired with a mentor who will be guiding them throughout for three months, helping children stay consistent and supported. Through this initiative, one does not feel isolated or overwhelmed, thus entering Ekatram a unique circle of mindful parents and mentors that is growing together across Bhaarat.  Together, let’s take a step towards achieving a better future for the younger generation.

Venue: The Wonder School Campus, Mundhwa, Pune.

Day and Date:

Batch 1: 22nd to 28th December 2025

Batch 2: 5th to 10th January 2026

Time: 10:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M.