Category Archives: Education

Eminent Personality Receives 76th Honorary Doctorate from the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Oct 9 (UDN): On the occasion of its 15th Foundation Day, the Institute of Advanced Research (IAR), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, conferred an honorary doctorate in recognition of the recipient’s distinguished achievements and contributions.

76th Honorary Doctorate I am grateful to the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for conferring an honorary doctorate on me on its 15th Foundation Day. This is my 76th honorary doctorate, and I receive it with humility. My heartfelt thanks to the Governing Body and the entire IAR family for this honour.

— Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) October 8, 2026

This honour marks the 76th honorary doctorate received by the recipient, making it a significant milestone in an accomplished journey of academic recognition and professional achievement. The honour was accepted with deep humility and gratitude.

Expressing heartfelt appreciation, the recipient extended sincere thanks to the Governing Body of the Institute of Advanced Research and the entire IAR family for this prestigious recognition. The honour reflects the institute’s commitment to acknowledging distinguished individuals and celebrating their contributions to society.

In a message of gratitude, the recipient stated, “I am deeply grateful to the Institute of Advanced Research, Gandhinagar, for conferring this honorary doctorate upon me on the occasion of its 15th Foundation Day. Receiving my 76th honorary doctorate is a humbling experience. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Governing Body and the entire IAR family for this honour and recognition.”

The occasion marked a memorable milestone in the institute’s Foundation Day celebrations and underscored the importance of recognising excellence, dedication, and meaningful contributions to society.

University of Houston Launches Centennial Year Celebration, Marking 100 Years of Opportunity and Impact

President Khator celebrates UH’s legacy of access and impact during State of the University, launching bold vision for the next 100 years

Key Takeaways

• A century of opportunity: Founded in 1927 to bring higher education within reach of working Houstonians, the University of Houston begins its Centennial year celebrating 100 years of expanding access and opportunity.
• A century of impact: From 460 students and 15 faculty members to a nationally recognized Tier One research university, UH enters its Centennial from a position of strength, with record research activity and growing impact in areas critical to Houston and the United States.
• A century takes shape: A year of Centennial events, storytelling and traditions will coincide with major investments in UH’s future, including new and expanded facilities, a growing research enterprise and continued investment in students and the community UH was created to serve.

HOUSTON, Oct. 9 – Nearly 100 years ago, a group of determined Houston high school seniors asked their city for something that did not yet exist: a path to higher education for people who needed to work and stay in Houston.

The University of Houston was created to answer that call.

A century later, that commitment to opportunity remains at the heart of UH as it prepares to mark its 100th anniversary with a yearlong Centennial celebration honoring its history, celebrating its people and looking boldly toward its next century.

University of Houston President Renu Khator kicked off the Centennial celebration during her 2026 State of the University address Thursday, tracing UH’s journey from 460 students and 15 faculty in 1927 to a major research university serving nearly 49,000 students with record research activity, growing academic and health enterprises and a campus undergoing significant transformation.

“Today, we stand here on the eve of the University of Houston’s yearlong Centennial celebration,” Khator said. “As we smile with pride at our present and look with great anticipation to our future, we must not forget that it is our past that has brought us here. Our history is the foundation of all our present and future successes.”

A University Built by the City, for the City

By 1926, Houston was becoming the most populous city in Texas. Seeking higher education opportunities for working people who could not afford to leave their jobs or the city, 12 students from multiple Houston high schools approached the Houston Board of Education for help. A year later, the first classes began. By 1934, the institution had grown to become the University of Houston.

That founding principle — creating opportunity by meeting the needs of the moment — has endured even as those needs have changed. During World War II, UH adapted its curriculum to support the war effort and military trainees. When Houston’s economy was devastated by the 1980s oil bust, the University developed programs to prepare displaced workers for emerging industries. Through hurricanes and other challenges, UH opened its facilities and resources to its community. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University launched a new medical school with a mission centered on improving health and healthcare access in communities across Houston and Texas.

That same spirit helped transform a small college serving working Houstonians into a Tier One research university. UH is reporting $300 million in research expenditures this year, with faculty advancing discoveries in health, energy, advanced materials, technology and other areas critical to Houston and the nation. The University’s next goal is $500 million in annual research expenditures.

“Today, students, for whom we built this University, are writing the new victory chapter for the University of Houston,” Khator said.

Celebrating the People Who Make UH

The centennial year will also celebrate the generations of people who made its progress possible. Generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters whose stories stretch from the classroom to the Moon. Through events, traditions and storytelling, UH will bring those stories to life as the Cougar community celebrates the people and moments that shaped its first 100 years.

The Next Century Takes Shape

The Centennial is not simply a look back at UH’s first 100 years. As UH celebrates its history, signs of its future are already taking shape across campus.

Over the next 12 months, the University will unveil major improvements designed to reshape the campus experience for the next generation of Cougars. Centennial Hall, a new first-year residence hall; a new Dining Commons; and an expanded Student Center North are all planned to open in 2027. Construction is already underway on a new home for the Hobby School of Public Affairs, and UH will soon break ground on a new Medical Research Building and an Innovation Hub. 

The physical transformation reflects broader momentum across the University. UH enters its second century with a growing research enterprise, expanding leadership in health and energy, ambitious academic programs and continued investment in the students and community it was created to serve.

For 100 years, the University of Houston has met the moment. Now, it is preparing to meet the next one.

The King and The Shepherd by Tristan Nettles now available from Histria Books

Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Shepherd and The King, the first two volumes in “A Bronze Age Tale” series. This series is published by Histria Fiction, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction.

Pan is a shepherd, not a soldier. One bad night leaves him drunk in the dirt, and he wakes up in a war camp, bought as a slave by a general who believes his men should fear failure more than death. Pan is small, hurt and far from his flock. He is also certain that the army is about to walk into an ambush, and he knows because his sheep showed him. No one has any reason to believe a word he says. Pan says it anyway, and that decision is the first thing it costs him.

That is how The Shepherd begins. The King picks up with Pan older and carrying more than a staff. He has a life worth protecting, and a kingdom has begun to notice him. The question is no longer whether Pan will be heard. It is what he will do now that he is. This is a page-turner for readers who love a long, immersive historical adventure and an underdog worth following.

Praise for The Shepherd:

An original action/adventure novel set in antiquity, author Tristan Nettles’ novel “The Shepherd: A Bronze Age Tale” is a entertaining read from start to finish. Showcasing Nettles’ distinctive and narrative driven storytelling style — making it an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Historical Fiction collections. — Midwest Book Review

Tristan Seth Nettles is an American author, combat veteran, and world traveler known for his intensely realistic storytelling. Born in Atlanta, GA in 1987, he overcame a severe speech impediment and a troubled youth before enlisting with the Marine Corps infantry and later earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of North Florida. His life has intersected at various times with crime, war, and technology, including a combat tour in Ukraine. Drawing from real-life grit, his writing explores the extremes of humanity with needle-like precision. Now, on his fourth passport, Nettles lives abroad, continuing to advocate for Ashley Oosthuizen’s release. His work fuses lived experience with historical scope, delivering fiction that is both timeless and deeply personal.

The Shepherd: A Bronze Age Tale, 248 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-766-6; The King: A Bronze Age Tale, 510 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-767-3 by Tristan Nettles are available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. These titles are also available as eBooks. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

Suriname Ambassador Visits KIIT & KISS, Highlights Power of Education and India-Suriname Ties

Bhubaneswar,Oct 8 (UDN): KIIT and KISS had the honour of welcoming Her Excellency Ms Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname to India, who visited the institutions and interacted with students, faculty and members of the KIIT and KISS communities.

Very happy to welcome Her Excellency Ms Hanisha Jairam, Ambassador of Suriname to India, to KIIT & KISS. She went around our KIIT campuses, saw the facilities at KISS and spent time with my lovable KISSians. We also spoke about the long ties of history and culture between India and Suriname. She appreciated the confidence and smiles of my KISSians, encouraged them to dream big whatever their circumstances, and spoke about how educating a girl can help her whole family. My sincere thanks to her for spending time with our children and for her kind words.

— Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) October 7, 2026

During her visit, the Ambassador toured the KIIT campuses and visited various facilities at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), gaining an insight into its distinctive model of education, empowerment and social transformation. She also spent valuable time with the students of KISS, fondly known as the KISSians, and appreciated their confidence, enthusiasm and cheerful spirit.

Interacting with the students, Her Excellency encouraged them to dream big and pursue their aspirations irrespective of their circumstances. She particularly emphasised the transformative power of educating girls, noting that when a girl receives quality education, the benefits extend beyond her to her entire family and community.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the longstanding historical and cultural connections between India and Suriname. The shared bonds between the two countries, shaped by history, people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges, were highlighted during the interaction.

Reflecting on the visit, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, expressed his sincere gratitude to Her Excellency for spending time with the students and for her encouraging words.

“We are deeply honoured to welcome Her Excellency Ms Hanisha Jairam to KIIT and KISS. Her interaction with our students was especially meaningful. Her message to our KISSians—to dream without limitations and to believe in the power of education—will remain an inspiration to them. We are also grateful for her appreciation of our students’ confidence and spirit. The enduring bonds between India and Suriname make this interaction particularly special,” said Dr Samanta.

Her Excellency’s visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to education, empowerment, cultural understanding and stronger people-to-people relations between India and Suriname. For the students of KISS, her interaction was a memorable and inspiring experience, leaving them with a renewed sense of confidence to dream bigger and strive for a brighter future.

Nobel Chemistry 2026: Henri Kagan, Kenso Soai Win Prize for Solving Century-Old Molecular Mystery

Oct 7: French chemist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese chemist Kenso Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering discoveries that helped explain how molecular asymmetry, or homochirality, can emerge naturally.

 Representational Image

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the award on Wednesday, recognising the scientists for their groundbreaking work on non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.

The two laureates will share a prize of 12 million Swedish kronor.

Breakthrough in a Long-Standing Chemical Puzzle

Many molecules found in nature, including amino acids, occur in two forms that are mirror images of each other. Although these forms have nearly identical chemical properties, living organisms overwhelmingly rely on only one of them.

This phenomenon, known as homochirality, has puzzled scientists for more than a century.

In conventional laboratory reactions, chemists often obtain roughly equal quantities of both mirror-image forms. Kagan and Soai’s research demonstrated that chemical reactions can instead be directed to strongly favour one molecular form, and in certain cases produce virtually only one.

“Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have provided a solution to a chemical mystery that is over a century old: how homochirality can emerge spontaneously. The chemical reactions they have developed are spectacular,” said Heiner Linke, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry.

Kagan, Soai Built on Decades of Research

Kagan made a major breakthrough in 1986 when he developed a method that could influence the outcome of chemical reactions and produce a significantly higher proportion of one molecular mirror image.

Soai later built on this work. In 1995, he demonstrated a remarkable chemical reaction capable of developing towards a homochiral state.

His research reached another milestone in 2003, when he reported a reaction that produced only one of two possible mirror-image molecular forms—a phenomenon previously observed primarily in biological systems.

The discoveries opened new possibilities for understanding how molecular asymmetry could arise and become amplified through chemical processes.

Importance for Modern Medicine

The Nobel Academy said the laureates’ work has had a major influence on modern chemistry, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.

The ability to selectively produce the desired mirror-image form of a molecule can be crucial because different molecular forms may interact differently with biological systems, directly affecting the effectiveness of medicines.

About the Nobel Laureates

Henri B. Kagan, born in 1930 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, received his PhD from the Collège de France in 1960. He is Professor Emeritus at the former Université Paris-Sud.

Kenso Soai, born in 1950 in Hiroshima, Japan, earned his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1979 and is Professor Emeritus at Tokyo University of Science.

Their combined discoveries have helped transform scientists’ understanding of asymmetric chemical reactions and provided important insights into one of chemistry’s most enduring questions: how nature came to favour one molecular mirror image over the other.

Education in Ireland Fair in Chennai on 10th of October 2026 at Hyatt Regency.

Japanese Tech Firms Scout Talent at NIT Rourkela, Offer Global Career Opportunities

Rourkela, Oct. 6 (UDN): National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela hosted a special career seminar featuring senior representatives from several leading Japanese technology companies and organisations, giving students a closer look at international career, internship and industry opportunities.

The “Career Seminar Global South-Japan Tech Talent Internship 2026” was organised by the institute’s Career Development Centre (CDC) in collaboration with the Global South-Japan Tech Talent Internship (GS-JTI), Deloitte Tohmatsu and Tech Japan.

The visiting delegation included representatives from Deloitte Tohmatsu, Tech Japan, NanoFrontier, Ridgeworks, GustoDevelopment, Nichi-In Software Solutions, MiDriq NbS, KH Industry and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Focus on Industry-Ready Skills

The inaugural session was attended by NIT Rourkela Director Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Registrar Prof. Rohan Dhiman, deans, heads of departments and faculty members.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rao highlighted NIT Rourkela’s multidisciplinary academic ecosystem and emphasised the importance of combining strong academic foundations with practical, industry-oriented skills.

The Japanese delegation later visited several academic departments and laboratories, including Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry.

Students Explore Japan Career Pathways

The afternoon session featured presentations on the GS-JTI programme, employment opportunities with Japanese companies and the Talendy platform. Students also took part in interactive discussions and a round-table session with representatives from the visiting organisations.

The programme provided students with insights into overseas internships, recruitment pathways and the skills expected by technology companies in Japan.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen industry-academia collaboration between India and Japan while opening up more international career avenues for students of NIT Rourkela.

Odisha Signs Strategic MoUs to Build Future-Ready Skilled Workforce

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): The Odisha government has entered into a series of strategic partnerships with industry bodies, educational institutions and global organisations to strengthen the state’s skill development ecosystem and prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged at a special programme held at the World Skill Center in Bhubaneswar, bringing together partners from diverse sectors to expand industry-linked training, technical education and innovation.

Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain described the partnerships as a major investment in Odisha’s human capital.

He said the collaborations would help create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the requirements of the state’s rapidly expanding industrial ecosystem while opening up better opportunities for training, employment and career advancement.

Focus on Emerging Technologies

The partnerships will focus on high-growth and future-oriented sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, emerging technologies, green jobs and automotive technology.

The MoUs are expected to facilitate the establishment and strengthening of Centres of Excellence, industry-led training programmes and modern curriculum development.

They will also support trainer capacity building, knowledge sharing, apprenticeships and placement opportunities, enabling students and trainees to gain greater exposure to advanced technologies and current industry practices.

Boost to Industry-Academia Linkages

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry requirements by encouraging greater collaboration between technical institutions and employers.

Officials said the partnerships would help ensure that skill training remains responsive to changing market demands and equips learners with practical, job-ready capabilities.

The programme also places emphasis on digital transformation, innovation and sustainable development, with green skills identified as an important area for future workforce development.

Greater Opportunities for Women and Underprivileged Youth

The government said the initiative will also seek to widen access to technical education and skilled employment for women and economically disadvantaged communities.

The partnerships are expected to create additional pathways for young people to acquire specialised skills and access emerging career opportunities.

The strategic partners include 1M1B Foundation, Calderys, CIEL HR Services, Cloos India, Delphi-TVS Technologies, F5 India, Godrej Consumer Products, Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute, iFOREST, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India, OASME, Semantics, Siksha O Anusandhan University, THK India and Utkal University.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development and Technical Education Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Director of Technical Education and Training Chakravarti Singh Rathore, World Skill Center CEO Rashmi Ranjan Mohapatra, along with senior officials and industry representatives, attended the programme.

The government expects the partnerships to further strengthen Odisha’s position as a hub for technical education and skill development while creating a stronger pipeline of industry-ready talent for the state’s future economy.

Three Scientists Share 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for Breakthroughs in Optogenetics

Stockholm, Oct. 6: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been jointly awarded to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their pioneering discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced the prestigious award, recognising scientific breakthroughs that have transformed the way researchers study and understand the brain and nervous system.

A breakthrough powered by light

The work of the three scientists laid the foundation for optogenetics, a revolutionary technique that allows researchers to control the activity of specific nerve cells using light.

At the heart of this technology are light-sensitive proteins known as channelrhodopsins. Hegemann and Nagel played a crucial role in discovering and characterising these light-gated ion channels, while Deisseroth helped establish optogenetics as a powerful tool for controlling neural activity and studying the brain.

In simple terms, optogenetics enables scientists to use pulses of light to switch selected nerve cells on or off with remarkable precision. This has opened new possibilities for investigating how neural circuits influence behaviour, emotions, memory and other complex brain functions.

Transforming neuroscience

Before optogenetics, studying the activity of individual groups of neurons with such precision was extremely difficult. The technique has since become an important tool in neuroscience, helping researchers investigate the biological mechanisms behind the brain’s functions and neurological disorders.

The breakthrough is also contributing to research aimed at developing new treatments. Light-sensitive proteins and optogenetic approaches are being explored in areas such as vision restoration, offering potential new avenues for patients with certain retinal disorders.

The Nobel Committee’s recognition of Deisseroth, Hegemann and Nagel highlights how a fundamental discovery about light-sensitive proteins can evolve into a technology capable of transforming modern neuroscience.

KIIT-DU 22nd Convocation: Over 10,000 Graduates Receive Degrees, Eminent Leaders Call for Innovation

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 6 (UDN): The 22nd Annual Convocation of KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU) concluded here with more than 10,000 graduates receiving their degrees and eminent national and international speakers calling upon them to embrace innovation, seize emerging opportunities and remain committed to society.

 Pic Credit: x.com/achyuta_samanta

The three-day convocation brought together prominent figures from government, industry, academia, journalism and international institutions, who shared perspectives on technology, education, leadership and India’s evolving role in the global arena.

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav lauded KIIT’s growth and described its journey as an example of vision, perseverance and determination. He also acknowledged the contribution of KIIT and KISS founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta, along with the university’s leadership, faculty and staff, to the field of education and national development.

Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri highlighted the growing influence of technology and modernisation, while stressing that India’s traditional values and cultural heritage must progress alongside technological development.

US Congressman Michael Baumgartner said educational institutions have an important role in promoting peace and stability across the world. Dr. Brock Tessman, President of Montana State University, USA, was also among the international academic leaders who addressed the gathering.

The convocation featured speakers from diverse sectors, including Motilal Oswal, Co-Founder, Group Managing Director and CEO of Motilal Oswal Financial Services; Dr. Goutam Roy Chowdhury, Chairman and Chancellor of Techno India Group and Techno India University, Kolkata; and senior journalist Chitra Tripathi of ABP News.

Motilal Oswal highlighted Dr. Samanta’s long-standing efforts in building KIIT and KISS and credited his dedication and sacrifices for the institutions’ growth since their establishment.

Other distinguished speakers included Prof. Gobardhan Das of NITI Aayog, Prof. Cezar Ionuț Spînu, Rector of the University of Craiova, Romania, and Prof. Avesh Kumar Tyagi, Dean and Senior Professor at Homi Bhabha National Institute.

Addressing the graduating students, Dr. Sanjiv Goenka, Founder and Chairman of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, said they were entering a period of immense opportunity as India continues to expand its economic and developmental ambitions. Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman of SRM Group and Chancellor of SRM University Delhi-NCR, also addressed the graduates.

KIIT-DU Chancellor Ashok Kumar Parija presided over the convocation. KIIT founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Vice Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh and Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration)-cum-Registrar Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty were among the university’s senior leadership present during the event.

The three-day ceremony also recognised academic and extracurricular excellence through a range of medals and honours. The Founder’s Gold Medal, Chancellor’s Gold Medal, P.K. Bal Memorial Gold Medal, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd. Gold Medal, Nanibala Memorial Gold Medal, Krushna Chandra Panda Memorial Gold Medal and Dr. Wati Paramguru Memorial Gold Medal were among the top honours presented.

Students were also awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Medal, Dr. Nitish Kanta Silver Medal and Manju Rath Silver Medal for achievements in different fields.

With thousands of graduates stepping into professional and academic careers, the convocation marked the culmination of their university journey while placing renewed emphasis on innovation, responsible leadership and contribution to society.