Category Archives: Education

Cobham and Ultra Electronics pledge £5 million investment in UK skills

The scholarship programme will offer up to 500 students funding for each year of their university education.

LONDON, 10^th July 2023: In an effort to support and encourage the next generation of engineers, Cobham and Ultra Electronics, two leading UK defence, aerospace and technology companies have today announced the Cobham & Ultra Scholarship programme for university students from underrepresented groups. 

Pledging a total of £5 million to six universities – with the potential of two more to come – that are recognised both in the United Kingdom and globally as leaders in engineering given their reputation and research in the field, the fund hopes to support over a hundred students starting their studies in September 2023 who will receive funding for each remaining year of their undergraduate degree. Supporting up to 500 students over the life of the fund, Cobham and Ultra Electronics have worked with the institutions located across the UK to guarantee the scholarship conditions ensure students most in need of financial support are selected.

Engineering is at the heart of what Cobham and Ultra Electronics do. For example, Ultra Electronics currently employs over 600 engineers in the UK alone, who work on military hardware, satellite communications and projects which ensure the UK and its allies’ national security. The £5 million worth of funding builds on this impressive feat and continues both Cobham and Ultra’s significant investment in advancing defence capabilities and staying ahead of the ever-evolving threat.

The Cobham & Ultra scholarship is a collaboration with engineering faculty leaders from the University of Oxford, University of Strathclyde, University of Nottingham, Northumbria University, Queen’s University Belfast and University of York. These universities have already received their scholarship funding, while discussions around funding agreements are ongoing with two other leading institutions. This collaboration could also potentially see students access a number of added benefits including first-hand mentoring and guidance, should students wish for it.

In addition, Cobham and Ultra Electronics’ relationship with the prestigious universities will allow the chance for students studying a range of engineering degrees including electrical and electronic, civil and mechanical to explore work experience opportunities and even a year in industry.

Shonnel Malani, Chairman of the Board of Cobham and Ultra Electronics stated: “Ultra Electronics and Cobham’s history are steeped in contributing to the UK’s national security, and through this investment we are ensuring the UK maintains this defensive capability moving forward. This investment unlocks future growth, boosts productivity and will help build the skilled workforce of the future in the UK.

Further to this, our £5 million pledge to these leading engineering higher-education institutions offers students from underrepresented groups the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and build a stronger platform for success in their future careers and life ambitions.”

For further information please visit: www.cobhamultrascholarship.com.

ENDS

Cobham

Cobham is a leading global aerospace and defence company, specialising in technology and services innovation. Respected for providing solutions to the most challenging problems, from deep space to the depths of the ocean. Founded in 1934, Cobham designs and manufactures intelligent hardware for defence, aerospace and space markets.

Ultra Electronics

Ultra Electronics (“Ultra”) is a leading provider of mission–critical defence electronics solutions. Ultra provides highly engineered and mission critical solutions primarily to defence end–markets. Ultra is a leading provider of sonar and radio frequency electronics solutions across marine, air, land and space environments, and has at its core the purpose of supporting a safer tomorrow. The company’s technologies are typically sole–sourced, reflecting the cutting–edge engineering capabilities it provides to many of the world’s largest commercial and military platforms.

Nuvepro partners with Imarticus Learning to deliver Secure and Immersive Hands-on Learning Experience for students

Bengaluru, July 10, 2023: Nuvepro, a leading hands-on learning platform, has announced that it has partnered with Imarticus Learning, a leading EdTech firm specializing in finance, analytics, technology, marketing, and management training.

In 2021, Nuvepro collaborated with Imarticus Learning to explore the potential benefits of hands-on experience with cloud technologies in their curriculum.

This collaboration aimed to enhance the learning experience for Imarticus students by adopting a more practical approach to learning in investment banking and other sensitive industries.

Recognizing the initial hurdle faced by Imarticus, which was a pressing need to have robust security measures keeping in mind the sensitive nature of the investment banking industry, Nuvepro seamlessly integrated its expertise in hands-on learning to provide a tailored solution.

With Nuvepro’s partnership, learners at Imarticus can now delve into the intricacies of investment banking with the confidence that cutting-edge security measures fortify their learning environment.

Arun Reddy, COO of Nuvepro, said, “ Through our tailored cloud lab solutions, we empower learners to gain invaluable hands-on skills, making the overall learning process more effective. Security is paramount, especially when serving banking and financial customers. That’s why our lab platform is VAPT performed, ISO27001 certified, and SOC2 compliant, ensuring a secure environment for learners.”

Nuvepro’s collaboration enabled Imarticus to deliver specialized training to renowned banking organizations like DBS Bank and Citi Bank. Imarticus Learning and Nuvepro have also collaborated with Citibank, where multiple programming projects were undertaken, demonstrating the adaptability and scalability of their cloud lab solution.

This collaboration has not only revolutionized the learning experience for students but has also transformed the training method, bridging the gap between academia and industry. By embracing cloud labs, Imarticus has upskilled its learners and equipped them with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the investment banking industry.

Nikhil Barshikar, CEO of Imarticus Learning, said, “Nuvepro’s partnership with Imarticus Learning is a game-changer in the education landscape. By integrating hands-on learning and cutting-edge technology, we equip our students with invaluable practical skills in the dynamic business world. We firmly believe this partnership will leave a lasting impact, empowering individuals to lead, innovate, and make a positive difference in their respective fields.”

The ‘Innovative Practices for Academic Excellence’ award won by Orchids The International School

New Delhi, 7th July 2023: Orchids The International School, one of the leading chains of k12 schools in India, has proven its excellence in evolving the education system by winning the ‘Innovative Practices for Academic Excellence’ award at the 26th World Education Awards 2023 organised by ELETS Technologies in Delhi on 6th July.

Orchids was selected for this category because of its consecutive introductions of innovative teaching and learning methodologies and for consistently introducing new-age learning methods and building a comprehensive educational system.

Receiving the award, Ms. Manisha Malhotra, Chief Academic Officer, Orchids The International School said, “Thank you so much ELETS for honouring us with this award/and recognising our efforts in innovative teaching practices. We at Orchids The International School focus on traditional values of teaching and learning through a modern approach, with constant updation of our curriculum and teaching methodologies our students get the opportunity to maximise their potential to learn.”

Elets World Education Awards are among the highest honours in the education sector and have been promoting excellence in education since 2011. It’s a symbol of your remarkable achievement in education and it denotes your game-changer spirit in the field.

Anant School for Climate Action (ASCA) invites applications to the Anant Fellowship in Built Environment.

Ahmedabad, July 2023: The Anant School for Climate Action (ASCA), a part of AnantU in Ahmedabad, India, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the prestigious Anant Fellowship in Built Environment. This one-year post-graduate programme aims to inspire thought-leaders and built environment solutionaries through a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, interdisciplinary curriculum and hands-on experiential learning process. Last round of admissions is on 15th July 2023.

The Anant Fellowship in Built Environment is designed to prepare and empower students and young practitioners to create equitable and sustainable solutions for the built environment. The programme explores various disciplines, including urban development and sustainability, art appreciation, philosophy, social sciences, design thinking, and gender studies. By fostering a holistic approach, fellows gain a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the built environment field.

The Live-Action Project (LAP) is a highlight of the programme, an eight-month experiential track that allows fellows to apply their knowledge and skills to address real-life problems in their local communities. Through this hands-on experience, fellows develop practical solutions that positively impact society.

At the Anant Fellowship, classroom learning is complemented by field visits, mentoring from inspiring faculty, and engagement with experts from around the world.

The Anant Fellowship has established academic partnerships with renowned institutions such as the UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development, The International Institute for Inclusive Museums, and Pratt Institute. These partnerships further enrich the programme and provide fellows with unique opportunities for collaboration and global exposure.

Anant Fellowship is the global flagship programme at Anant National University running since 2017. The one-year residential programme has trained more than 150+ Fellows from across 6 continents and 18+ countries. The varied backgrounds and specializations have enabled a rich crossflow of ideas, experiences and effective approaches to solving global built environment problems.

Eligibility: Undergraduate degree in any discipline committed to improving the built environment.

Link: https://anu.edu.in/programme/anant-fellowship/

University Researchers Expose the Hidden Power of Online Study Groups in Boosting Academic Success

6 July 2023

ARIEL, ISRAEL – Researchers from Ariel University, Israel, have unveiled a ground-breaking case study focusing on how online student-led study groups, also known as Temporary Learning Groups (TLGs), affect university grades and performance.

Think of TLGs as those informal Facebook or WhatsApp groups that students set up themselves to discuss coursework, exchange notes, or share tips on upcoming exams. These groups can often provide more immediate, peer-to-peer support than traditional study methods.

The study found that students with lower entry scores tended to ask for more help in these groups, whereas those with higher GPAs were more likely to offer help. Fascinatingly, it seems that TLGs provide an alternative platform for students who are struggling to catch up and for those who want to solidify their understanding by teaching others.

“One of our key findings was that TLGs could act as a safety net for students who are having a tough time keeping up with the pace of their coursework,” said Dr Chen Hajaj, one of the study’s co-author. “While they may not directly boost a student’s GPA, these groups provide a unique space for collaborative learning and academic support, something that traditional classroom settings may lack.”

The implications of this research are noteworthy for teachers, parents, and students alike. It highlights the significant role these self-managed online study groups can play in a student’s academic journey, especially in an increasingly digital era.

For the full scoop on this intriguing topic, the paper titled “Online Temporary Learning Groups in Higher Education – Interactions, Compensation, and Maximisation of Achievements” can be accessed from the Journal of Education Culture and Society, 14(1), 619–633. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs2023.1.619.633

SIP Academy has trained 10 lakh children across the country in the last 20 years: Dinesh Victor, Managing Director, SIP Academy

Hyderabad, 3rd July 2023..A unique kind of competition called SIP Prodigy was organized on Sunday morning at Classic Convention in Shamshabad for 2500 children aged 6 to 12 years.

SIP Regional Prodigy 2023 Telangana competition was inaugurated by SIP Academy Managing Director Dinesh Victor and DRDO Missile Scientist Dr A. Ramachander Rao. Dr Rao is also the father of SIP Academy Alumni.

Addressing the children on the occasion, the missile scientist Dr A. Ramachander Rao said that children are like missiles. Missiles are of two types. One is a guided missile and the other is an unguided missile. We fire and forget the unguided missile. An unguided missile. when used, it may or may not reach the target. A guided missile has a GPS system. Also, it is onboard with the computer. Hence it will definitely hit the target with precision.

If children also study under proper guidance, they will be able to reach their goals easily. I can see Aryabhattas, Ramanujas and Shakuntaladevi in many of you. You are all math scientists. You may face failures in your endeavors. In English, FAIL is the short form of First Attempt In Learning. So see failures as stepping stones to success

Dinesh Victor said that the journey of SIP Academy which was started in Hyderabad in 2003 has spread to 23 states of our country. Two lakh students are getting training every year in more than 350 cities across the country. There are 950 franchise centers. We are affiliated with over 1000 schools. We have 450 trainers. Now Abacus training has spread to 15 countries. He said that there are 54 training centers in Telangana where 8000 children are trained every year. And SIP Academy has had the honour of training 10 lakh children in the last twenty years. He said that SIP Abacus training is not only about mathematics but also teaches many life skills in life.

A fun competition was held after the important competition. There they played loud music. Children were tested to see if they could do math at the same speed as before without any diversion of concentration

SIP Academy India’s largest skill development organization, SIP Academy conducts training for children aged 6 to 12 years across Telangana.

Two thousand five hundred children will participate in the regional round competition held in the city. The competition was tough, as the kids did 200 calculations in just 11 minutes. They did math calculations faster than a calculator. The winners will qualify to participate in the national competition in November

It was a competition for the smartest brains. Every year, top students are recognized and their achievements are celebrated through an annual event called ‘Prodigy’. Here, the child can demonstrate his/her math skills. SIP Academy Telangana State Head Bharat V informed that in the last 17 years, SIP Academy has organized more than 150 prodigy events.

Champions, 1st, 2nd and 3rd runners-up will be awarded trophies.

Conducting world-class skill development programs, SIP Academy is making a significant impact on the mental capacity of children. It is widely known for producing child prodigies with razor-sharp intelligence. It holds 5 Limca Book of Records.

APAI Pre-Counselling Fair 2023 Opens its door, Paving the Way for Engineering and Technical Education Advancements in West Bengal

Kolkata, 30th June 2023: Association of Professional Academic Institutions, West Bengal (APAI) inaugurated its three-day long Pre-Counselling for e-Admission in Engineering & Technical Education – ‘ APAI Pre-Counselling Fair 2023’ on 30th June, 2023 at Netaji Indoor Stadium. The inaugural event was graced by Janab Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Babul Supriyo, MIC, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of West Bengal, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Minister for Agriculture, Government of West Bengal, Purnendu Basu, Chairperson, West Bengal State Council of Technical & Vocational Education, S. M. Ejaz Ahmed, Director, BOPT, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, Prof. Indranil Mukherjee, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, MAKAUT, Government of West Bengal, Dr. Malayendu Saha, Chairman, WBJEEB, Prof. Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, Vice- Chairman, WBJEEB along with Satyam Roychowdhury, General Secretary APAI, West Bengal, Taranjit Singh, President APAI, West Bengal and Alok Tibrewal, Treasurer APAI, West Bengal.

The Pre-Counselling fair, with its comprehensive approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, serves as a stepping stone for ambitious students in West Bengal, enabling them to embark on a path of success and contribute significantly to the development and progress of the nation. The initiative has garnered support and recognition from esteemed organizations such as the Higher Education Department of the Government of West Bengal, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal, and the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE). Their endorsement underscores the credibility and importance of this exposition. By bringing together renowned academic institutions, industry experts, and professionals, the fair serves as a platform for aspiring students to explore various educational opportunities and make informed decisions about their career paths. Additionally, the fair provides a unique opportunity for students to connect with representatives from various academic institutions, inquire about admission procedures, curriculum offerings, and explore scholarship opportunities. This direct engagement allows aspiring students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the available options and make well-informed choices regarding their educational journey.

Janab Firhad Hakim, Hon’ble Mayor of Kolkata Municipal Corporation said, “During my school days, a joint entrance examination was conducted, but the resulting list contained only a handful of names. Consequently, we all pursued college studies in subjects for which we had no alternative options. However, the contemporary landscape has evolved significantly, and credit is due to the private sector and the Joint Entrance Council for paving the way for diverse opportunities. The advent of a well-organized sector has set specific targets in motion. Consequently, I earnestly implore students and their parents to attend this pre-counseling session to determine the most suitable subjects for their future endeavors. Indeed, every student requires guidance and counseling in their life journey. The current scenario offers a plethora of subject choices, rendering the pursuit of a single subject futile. Notably, West Bengal now boasts numerous emerging prospects, such as the burgeoning Silicon Valley and the establishment of a data hub. Moreover, the presence of a TCS campus, accommodating up to 50 thousand professionals, further amplifies the possibilities. To all, I would emphasize the importance of steadfastly maintaining one’s goals and forging ahead with determination.”

Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Minister for Agriculture, Government of West Bengal said, “Gratitude is extended to APAI for orchestrating this commendable pre-counseling session, facilitating invaluable guidance to students on charting their trajectory towards a prosperous future. For those fortunate enough to partake in this initiative, the prospects of advancing on a path replete with opportunities are significantly enhanced. With optimism, it is anticipated that the continuity of such endeavors will prove to be both expedient and propitious.”

Dr. Malayendu Saha, Chairman, WBJEEB, said, “This year’s joint entrance examination had 124,000 registrations and 101,000 students who took the exam, resulting in over 97,000 students receiving rankings. Preparations are underway for the allotment or e-counseling process, with the timing being a primary concern. Once we receive the seat matrix from the Director of Technical Education Higher Education, counseling can start within five days, as the Joint Entrance Board has completed its procedures. This year’s counseling will have three rounds and new features. A designated time interval between choice filling and choice locking allows students to review a mock allotment of their likely seat. Students can modify their choices in the first round if they are dissatisfied with their allocated subject. This flexibility benefits students, who can then participate in the upgradation round and the mop-up round. Both registered and non-registered students can participate in counseling, with notifications in Bengali and English emphasizing the need to read and understand the provided information. Students are encouraged to maximize their choices and stay updated on the joint entrance website. Increasing the number of engineering students is expected to contribute to the overall development of the state and the country.”

Taranjit Singh, President, APAI, West Bengal said, “We are thrilled to inaugurate the APAI Pre-Counselling Fair 2023, which symbolizes our collective dedication to nurturing the talents of young individuals who aspire to excel in the fields of engineering and technical education. Through this fair, we strive to provide an immersive and enlightening experience for students, connecting them with reputable academic institutions and facilitating meaningful discussions with experts.”

Satyam Roychowdhury, General Secretary, APAI, West Bengal commented on the event and said, “APAI Pre-Counselling Fair marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities for aspiring students in West Bengal. By bringing together distinguished academic institutions, industry experts, and professionals, we aim to empower students to make well-informed decisions about their educational journey. We tried to make this fair a platform for the students to explore a multitude of possibilities and gain valuable insights into the world of engineering and technical studies.”

Histria Books Announces the Release of The Death Tax by S.A. Hogan

Histria Books is thrilled to unveil the paperback and eBook editions of “The Death Tax” by S.A. Hogan. Published by Addison & Highsmith Publishers, an imprint of Histria Books renowned for exceptional works of fiction. This captivating novel is set to intrigue readers with its unique blend of suspense, mystery, and thought-provoking themes.

In “The Death Tax,” a small Missouri town becomes gripped by an eerie phenomenon every April 15th. Mysteriously, millions of hummingbirds descend upon Lake Tanaka, leaving behind a trail of fatalities that escalates with each passing year. Dr. Kevin Cousey, once a man with boundless potential, finds himself grappling with the aftermath of a life-altering incident two decades ago—an incident that cost him his career, his family, and nearly his life. Searching for purpose, he becomes fixated on the annual deadly hummingbird attacks and teams up with Paul Mahr, the editor of a local newspaper who shares his belief in a pattern underlying the disturbing events. Together, they uncover a tapestry of enigmatic clues, including a passionate thirteen-year-old French exchange student with an affinity for hummingbirds, a Navy diver-turned-corporate millionaire with a shadowy past, and the enigmatic figure of the patron saint of birds.

The Death Tax is an enthralling fusion of Hitchcock’s The Birds with a purpose, Nabokov’s Lolita in its darkest incarnation, and a compelling murder mystery. As the story unfolds, it fearlessly explores complex themes such as pedophilia, social apathy, intolerance, and religious hypocrisy. It also serves as a celebration of nature, offering a balance between the macabre and the beautiful. Author S.A. Hogan brings a wealth of experience to the narrative, having spent four years as a Christian lay missionary in Ghana and over seven years as an English instructor and curriculum developer in Thailand.

With 264 pages of gripping storytelling, The Death Tax (ISBN 978-1-59211-286-9) is available in paperback and eBook formats. Readers can find it at HistriaBooks.com and all major book retailers. Histria Books distributes titles published under its various imprints worldwide through the Independent Publishers Group. For more information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

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New Age Universities should Foster New Age Learning Environment -Experts at Amity University Haryana

Atwo-week online refresher course on Digital Skills and Competencies for University Teachers: With a Special Focus on MOOC’s and E-Content Development jointly organized by Amity University Haryana and Association of Indian Universities, Academic and Administrative Development Centre in collaboration with Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana to equip teachers with the 21st-century digital skills necessary to design, develop, and deliver MOOCs effectively so that they should be at par with national and international standards and have the ability to think critically and creatively, to collaborate with others, to clearly and effectively communicate with students. The program was held successfully from June 09-22, 2023.

The course attracted a significant number of registered participants, including deans, heads of institutions, faculty members, and a total of 146 participants from various universities, institutes, and colleges in both India and abroad

The program commenced with opening remarks by Prof Sanjna Vij, Deputy Director, Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana and Chief organiser of the Program. In her remarks, Prof Sanjna Vij emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing world, digital skills have become essential in our daily lives. As educators, it is crucial for teachers to stay updated and equipped with the necessary tools and competencies to effectively navigate digital landscapes. Highlighting the importance of embracing digital skills, Prof Vij quoted, “Illiterates of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” This quote serves as a reminder to teachers that embracing digital skills and technology is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process of learning, unlearning outdated practices, and relearning new ones.

Delivering the Keynote address, Prof. P.B. Sharma, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana, emphasized on creating a new age learning environment within Indian universities. Prof Sharma highlighted the significance of events like this and stressed the need for utmost seriousness. Prof Sharma stated that such gatherings signify the eagerness and determination of the teaching community to prepare for the challenges ahead, particularly in the digital age. In this new age, it is crucial to actively contribute towards establishing an educational environment that maximizes the potential of digital tools and technologies in the realm of teaching and learning. Prof. Sharma underlined the need for teachers to foster an environment that supports three key attributes: innovation, collaboration, and enterprising approach. By embracing these attributes, teachers can create a dynamic and effective learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the digital age. Prof Sharma also stated the importance of generating new applied knowledge and expressed delight in having esteemed resource persons present during the course

The Chief Guest, Prof. S.N. Sridhara, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai in his presentation titled “Revolutionising Education: The MOOCs,” provided a comprehensive overview of MOOCs. Prof Sridhara delved into the history of MOOCs, distinguishing between cMOOCs and xMOOCs. Furthermore, he discussed the development of MOOC companies in the United States, such as Udacity, Coursera, and edX, as well as those in Asia, including SWAYAM, NPTEL, and JMOOC, and Europe’s FutureLearn, EduOPen, and MOOC.fi.Prof. S.N. Sridhara also highlighted the success story of SWAYAM MOOCs and elucidated the requirements for creating MOOCs. He elaborated on the four quadrants of LMS, which encompassed aspects such as synchronous and asynchronous engagement, E-content, AI-assisted assessment, and peer learning. Additionally, he addressed the issue of attrition in MOOCs and provided insights into the underlying reasons for it.

Prof Vikas Madhukar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, AUH during his address emphasized the need for modern educators to stay aligned with new technological advancements. Prof Madhukar mentioned the importance of incorporating the National Education Policy (NEP) into the academic curriculum. The NEP places particular emphasis on the SWAYAM MOOCs platform, which was created by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in 2016. This platform provides Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that can benefit both teachers and students by offering flexible and accessible learning opportunities. By incorporating the NEP and leveraging platforms like SWAYAM, educators can enhance their digital skills and competencies, as well as develop e-content that aligns with the changing educational landscape. Prof. Madhukar emphasized that by embracing these technologies and platforms, educators can create engaging learning experiences and cater to the diverse needs of students in the digital age.

Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia, Commonwealth of Learning, New Delhi, emphasized the significance of understanding the learners and their individual learning styles for educators. During the presentation, Dr. Shadrach discussed the importance of teachers understanding the theoretical grounding of their teaching practices as well as their practical orientation. By having a strong theoretical foundation, teachers can design and deliver effective digital learning experiences for their students. Additionally, understanding the practical aspects of teaching allows teachers to align their digital skills and competencies with the needs of their students.

Dr.BrijuThankachan, Executive Director, Educational Technology Society of India& Ex-Visiting Faculty, Educational Technology, IIT Bombay touched upon the paradigm shift in the education system and introduced the concept of the information age paradigm, which highlights the changing role of teachers from being mere information providers to becoming facilitators of information. Dr.Thankachanalso emphasized that in the information age, teachers are no longer the sole repositories of knowledge. Instead, they play a crucial role in guiding students in accessing and critically analysing information. The focus has shifted towards developing skills such as digital literacy, information evaluation, and problem-solving.

Dr.AmrendraPani, Joint Director & Head, Research Division, Association of Indian Universities, Delhi during his address emphasized the importance of AIU’s objective to modernize digital education through the introduction of online activities for teachers, such as teaching, learning, and integrating technology into the research and revolution process of teaching and learning.

During the two-week event, excellent and fruitful deliberations were shared by esteemed speakers from various domains included – Jake Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education at the Commonwealth of Learning, Burnaby, Canada, Dr. Fawzi Baroud, Chairholder, UNESCO Chair on Open Educational Resources (OER) for Access and Success, Assistant Vice President for Information Technology, Notre Dame University -Louaize (NDU), Lebanon, Dr Md Shuhel Miah, Deputy Dean, Brittany University, Malaysia, Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Pro-Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Prof Sameer Sahasrabudhe, Professor of Practice (Design), IIT Gandhinagar, Prof B.S. Balaji, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Prof Ramesh C. Sharma, Associate Professor, School of Global Affairs, Director, Human Resource Development Centre, Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, Ms. Subha Das Mollick, Independent filmmaker, visiting faculty Aliah University and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Prof Manas Ranjan Panigrahi, Director, Symbiosis Centre for Online Learning (SCOL), Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, Prof. Kushal Sen, Indian Institute of Technology Department of Textile Technology Hauz Khas, New Delhi and many more esteemed speakers during the event contribute to the overall objectives of the NEP-2020, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, professional growth, and effective pedagogy among teachers.

Overall, the two weeks of the refresher course were filled with a wealth of information, wisdom, fresh perspectives, and cherished memories.

Maj Gen (Dr) J.S.Dhull, VSM (Retd), Director, Amity Institute of Defence Technology & Deputy Director, ASET, AUH delivered Vote of Thanksexpressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, organisers, and participants.

EDII celebrates International MSME Day

Ahmedabad, June 27, 2023: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) on Tuesday celebrated the International MSME Day at its campus. The celebration marked the significance of MSMEs in India’s economic growth. It also touched upon issues surrounding the growth and sustainability of MSMEs, and the solutions that could be implemented to address the same.

Shri BM Prajapati, IAS, Additional Industries Commissioner (Extension), Industries Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, graced the occasion as chief guest. Other distinguished guests at the event included Shri Shailesh Patwari, Former President, GCCI, and Director, Nexus Group of Industries, and Shri Akash Pawar, Deputy General Manager Incharge, SIDBI, Ahmedabad. Shri DM Jadeja, Deputy Commissioner of Industries, MSME Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, shared information about government initiatives for the growth of the MSME sector.

Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, in his opening remarks, said, “The entire entrepreneurial movement is being led by MSMEs. The sector’s contribution is enormous. MSMEs help maintain regional balance by addressing the issues of unemployment, poverty, and varied disparities. Industries, policymakers, and institutions have to join hands in erecting a conducive ecosystem for MSME growth. EDII has been working closely with the state and central government towards uplifting the sector and bolstering its growth.”

Shri BM Prajapati, IAS, Additional Industries Commissioner (Extension), Industries Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, expressed, “There is a lot of scope for interventions in the MSME sector, which is the backbone of our economy. The MSME sector needs to be fortified to solve the problem of unemployment for youths. During COVID, MSMEs suffered the most. So, several areas need to be worked on, to strengthen the sector and restore the faith of our youth in the potential of MSMEs. We have begun a diagnostic study to identify the gaps. Cluster-wise data is mandatory to understand the sector and thus devise the right policies. So, efforts are going in and the results will be heartening.”

Shri Shailesh Patwari, Former President, of GCCI & Director of Nexus Group of Industries, opined, “The need of strengthening the MSME sector is tremendous and a lot of handholding has to be facilitated. A system has to be instituted to ensure that the benefits crafted for MSMEs, reach the sector. Several sectors need to be promoted; for instance, the textile sector depends largely on imports for several items. This sector, therefore, holds a huge potential and must be suitably promoted. So, emphasis needs to be placed on market research, so that MSMEs are promoted in the areas where there is potential.”

Shri Akash Pawar, Deputy General Manager, Incharge SIDBI, Ahmedabad said, “SIDBI was formulated to focus on MSME growth, and with several well-meaning policies, we are seeking to encourage people, especially youth to set up MSMEs. SIDBI has adopted the mode of maximising its outreach by following the objectives of ‘Promotion’, ‘Finance’, and Development of MSMEs.’ I urge all upcoming entrepreneurs to derive benefits from SIDBI’s ambitious and entrepreneur-friendly schemes.”

Shri DM Jadeja, Dy. Commissioner of Industries, MSME Commissionerate, Government of Gujarat, made a presentation focusing on various schemes undertaken by the state government for MSME growth. Shri Jadeja emphasised that amidst widely evolving technologies, the Government’s role becomes all the more significant in ensuring that MSMEs become technologically-oriented and forward-looking, instead of fearing growth and closure.