Category Archives: Education

Growing Concerns Over Social Media’s Impact on Child Development

Excessive internet use and prolonged time on social media among young children, instead of playing and studying, has become a growing global concern.

Apr 10, (BNP): Global concern is intensifying over the adverse effects of excessive internet and social media use on children’s overall development. Experts highlight that prolonged screen time—particularly exceeding three hours daily—can significantly increase the risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and poor sleep quality.

Studies indicate that excessive engagement with social media platforms exposes children to cyberbullying, unrealistic body image standards, and harmful or inappropriate content. These factors can negatively influence emotional well-being and psychological stability at a crucial stage of development.

In addition to mental health concerns, overuse of digital platforms is also linked to reduced face-to-face social interaction, leading to weaker communication and interpersonal skills. Educators have further observed declining attention spans and a noticeable impact on academic performance among students who spend extended hours online.

Child development specialists, educators, and health professionals are calling for urgent measures to address the issue. They emphasize the need for increased parental supervision, the promotion of healthy digital habits, and encouraging children to engage in physical activities, reading, and real-world social interactions.

Authorities and stakeholders are urged to collaborate in creating awareness and implementing guidelines that ensure a balanced and responsible use of technology among children, safeguarding their future well-being.

Dr. Diptimayee Mohanty: Three Decades of Inspiring Education and Empowering Students

For 30 years, Dr. Diptimayee Mohanty has been at the helm of Aryavart Ancient Academy, shaping an educational environment that seamlessly blends Gurukul traditions—discipline, wisdom, and holistic values—with the modern CBSE curriculum.

Her leadership has empowered thousands of students, especially those from modest backgrounds, helping them overcome personal and societal challenges to reach their full potential. Every achievement of her students stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and personal growth.

Under Dr. Mohanty’s guidance, Aryavart Ancient Academy has become more than a school—it is a place where tradition meets modern education, fostering resilience, character, and lifelong learning. Her legacy is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and vision can transform lives through education.

Shishu Katha Diwas Celebrated to Inspire Young Minds During Odia Pakhya

As part of the ongoing celebrations of Odia Pakhya, Shishu Katha Diwas was observed today with the aim of nurturing creativity among children and strengthening their connection with the Odia language.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha

‘ଓଡ଼ିଆ ପକ୍ଷ’ ଅବସରରେ ଶିଶୁମାନଙ୍କ ସୃଜନଶୀଳ ପ୍ରତିଭାର ବିକାଶ ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ମାତୃଭାଷାର ସମୃଦ୍ଧ ପରମ୍ପରା ସହ ଅନୁପ୍ରାଣିତ କରିବା ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟରେ ‘ଶିଶୁ କଥା ଦିବସ’ ଓ ‘ବର୍ଣ୍ଣବୋଧ ବଣ୍ଟନ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହେଉଛି। ଶୈଶବର କଳ୍ପନାପ୍ରସୂତ ଜଗତକୁ ପାରମ୍ପରିକ ଗଳ୍ପର ରଙ୍ଗରେ ରଞ୍ଜିତ କରିବା ସହ ଆଗାମୀ ପିଢ଼ିକୁ ଆମ ସାହିତ୍ୟ ଓ… pic.twitter.com/xLHOYOkOr6

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 7, 2026

The initiative focuses on encouraging children to engage with storytelling, helping them develop imagination while fostering a deeper appreciation for their mother tongue. Various activities were organized to make learning interactive and meaningful, bringing together students, teachers, and community members.

In addition to storytelling sessions, Varnabodha—basic learning materials designed to introduce young learners to the Odia language—were distributed among children. The effort seeks to build a strong foundation in language skills while also introducing them to the richness of Odisha’s literary and cultural traditions.

Organizers emphasized that storytelling plays a vital role in shaping young minds by passing down values, traditions, and cultural identity. By connecting children with folk tales and traditional narratives, the program aims to keep Odisha’s heritage alive for future generations.

The event also highlighted the importance of collective participation. Parents, educators, and communities were encouraged to actively engage with children, motivating them to read, listen, and express themselves in their native language.

Through such initiatives, Shishu Katha Diwas serves as a meaningful step toward preserving linguistic heritage while inspiring the next generation to stay rooted in culture and creativity.

Salesforce & Galgotias Launch Tableau AI Excellence Hub

Greater Noida, April 3 : Galgotias University, in collaboration with Salesforce, the world’s leading AI CRM platform, has established the Salesforce Centre of Excellence  Tableau AI Data Lab on its campus. The initiative marks a significant step towards embedding Artificial Intelligence driven data analytics and visualization capabilities into mainstream academic learning, preparing students for the evolving demands of the data driven economy.

 The Tableau AI Data Lab is designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to advanced analytics, business intelligence, and AI enabled data interpretation. With a strong focus on real world application, the lab will enable learners to move beyond traditional dashboards towards intelligent, insight-driven decision making using next generation Tableau and Salesforce technologies.

Through this collaboration, students will gain access to industry aligned curriculum, practical learning modules, and exposure to enterprise-grade analytics platforms. The initiative also integrates faculty development, workshops, and guided learning pathways to ensure effective adoption within academic programs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said,

“At Galgotias University, our focus has always been on creating meaningful, industry integrated learning experiences for our students. The Salesforce Centre of Excellence – Tableau AI Data Lab is a step in that direction, where students will not just learn tools, but develop the ability to work with data, derive insights, and apply them in real world contexts. As AI continues to reshape industries, building strong data and analytics capabilities becomes essential, and this collaboration will play a key role in preparing our students for that future.”

The Centre of Excellence will be accessible to students across disciplines, enabling interdisciplinary learning in areas such as data analytics, business intelligence, AI driven insights, and digital decision making. It is expected to support a wide range of use cases across domains including technology, business, healthcare, finance, and public systems.

This initiative further strengthens Galgotias University’s commitment to industry integration, experiential learning, and future ready education, while reinforcing its position as a leading institution driving innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.

CBSE to Introduce Computational Thinking and AI for Classes 3–8 from 2026–27

New Delhi, Apr 2: In a landmark move to prepare students for a technology-driven future, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new curriculum on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for students in Classes 3 to 8, starting from the 2026–27 academic year.

The initiative aims to equip young learners with critical problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and a foundational understanding of AI concepts. By introducing these subjects early, the board hopes to nurture creativity, analytical thinking, and digital literacy among students.

The curriculum will include age-appropriate modules that help children understand how computers solve problems, interpret data, and make decisions. Teachers will receive comprehensive training and support materials to ensure these concepts are delivered effectively in classrooms.

Education officials believe that integrating computational thinking and AI into school education will not only make students comfortable with digital tools but also foster curiosity and innovation. This step is part of a broader effort to modernize education in India, emphasizing critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and skills for the 21st century.

With this rollout, students across India will gain early exposure to future-ready skills, enabling them to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence and creativity.

Bitget Partners with IIT Delhi to Advance Web3 Education in India

New Delhi, Mar 31:  Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) to host a blockchain seminar and workshop under its Blockchain4Youth programme. The campus session brought together more than 280 students for a workshop focused on blockchain fundamentals, decentralized systems, and emerging opportunities in Web3.

Held on March 27, the event drew participants from leading institutions including the Indian Institute of Information Technology Delhi (IIIT Delhi), Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), University of Delhi (DU) and other institutions across the capital. More than 650 registrations were recorded for approximately 300 seats, highlighting strong demand for structured blockchain education among Indian students.

Blockchain4Youth is Bitget’s global initiative dedicated to expanding blockchain literacy through campus engagements, workshops, and long-term support for young builders entering the digital asset ecosystem. India remains one of the most active regions for technical talent and early-stage blockchain participation, making university engagement an important part of long-term ecosystem development.

“India continues to stand out for the depth of technical talent entering blockchain,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget.

“What stood out at IIT Delhi was the curiosity students approached the discussions with. Blockchain4Youth is designed to create early access to knowledge and help young builders understand where decentralized technologies are moving beyond theory into practical infrastructure.”

Speakers at the event underlined the long-term importance of sustained ecosystem investment in Indian talent. Vinayak Kalra, founder of KaiFoundry, noted that the level of curiosity and ambition among students reflected how quickly India’s next generation of blockchain talent is emerging, adding that initiatives of this kind are important if leading Web3 organizations want to invest meaningfully in the country’s talent pool. The event also drew strong attention from ecosystem contributors present at the session. Sahil Thakur, founder of BlockseBlock, pointed to the turnout as evidence that blockchain interest on campuses is increasingly driven by long-term curiosity rather than short-term market cycles.

Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth programme continues to expand through partnerships with universities and educational communities worldwide, with a focus on expanding blockchain access and supporting the next generation of developers and entrepreneurs.

Governor Stresses Value-Based Education for a Peaceful Society

Bhubaneswar, March 29: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday emphasized the crucial role of value-based education in shaping a peaceful and progressive society, urging teachers to focus on character development alongside academic knowledge.

Addressing the inauguration of the value education programme for teachers at the Ramakrishna Mission’s Vivekananda Hall, the governor quoted Swami Vivekananda, saying that education is not merely the accumulation of information but the manifestation of inner perfection, strength, and character.

He lauded the Ramakrishna Mission for its long-standing contributions to education, social service, and spiritual growth. “Inspired by the ideals of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, the mission has consistently promoted a balanced system of education that nurtures intellectual, moral, and spiritual development,” he added.

Highlighting India’s rich civilisational heritage, Governor Kambhampati noted that traditional education emphasized values such as truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence. “These are not just ideals but principles to be practiced in daily life,” he remarked.

Referring to today’s global challenges marked by conflicts and instability, he stressed the importance of fostering understanding, tolerance, and dialogue. The governor concluded by underlining the pivotal role teachers play in shaping students into ethical, responsible, and socially conscious citizens.

D Y Patil International School Hosts IB Global Leadership Event

Mumbai,  Mar 28 : D Y Patil International School Worli recently hosted a landmark co-creation session in collaboration with the International Baccalaureate (IB), bringing together global leadership, 12 IB officials, and Heads and Coordinators from nine IB schools across Mumbai. Titled “Shaping the Future of Hybrid Learning,” the session moved beyond conventional discussions on educational formats to explore a more fundamental question: how schools can meaningfully prepare students to think independently and continue learning in a rapidly evolving world.

The session was attended by Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the IB, along with Mahesh Balakrishnan, Senior Manager for Business Development (India & Nepal), highlighting India’s growing influence in global education dialogue. Designed as a co-creation platform rather than a top-down policy discussion, the session enabled educators to collaboratively examine how hybrid learning, when implemented with intention, can foster self-directed learners, students equipped to manage their own learning, navigate uncertainty, and adapt beyond the structure of traditional classrooms.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the evolving purpose of hybrid learning. Participants agreed that its true value lies not in the integration of online and offline modes, but in its ability to develop the critical skill of “learning how to learn.” This approach reflects the changing expectations of higher education and the workplace, where independence, adaptability, and continuous learning are essential. The dialogue also underscored the importance of building trust with families, ensuring equity and access, and designing learning environments that actively engage students as participants in their own educational journey.

The significance of the session was further reinforced by the recognition extended to the host institution. Reflecting on the co-creation process, Heinonen noted that the manner in which the session was facilitated at D Y Patil International School Worli should be replicated across schools worldwide, describing it as a model for collaborative educational innovation. Ms. Kinnari Shah, Principal of the school, encouraged educators and parents to remain open-minded and to embrace technology as an integral part of this evolving learning landscape.

Commenting on the occasion, Ms. Kinnari Shah, Principal of D Y Patil International School, Worli said,

“Education today must move beyond delivering knowledge to developing thinkers. Hosting the IB’s global leadership at our campus is not just an honour, it is a responsibility. We believe schools must create environments where students learn how to learn, question, adapt, and grow independently. That is the future we are committed to shaping.”

As Mumbai continues to strengthen its position as a hub for international education, the session marks an important step in reimagining how learning is designed and delivered. It highlights a broader shift, from schools that focus primarily on curriculum delivery to institutions that actively shape the future of education itself, with students at the centre of that transformation.

785 students graduate with nine winning gold medals at the 51st Convocation of IIMB

PhD scholar receives award for excellence in research

Mar 28, Bengaluru: “Congratulations to the Class of 2026 at the 51st Convocation of IIM Bangalore. As you enter a rapidly evolving business environment, remember that lasting success is built through consistent choices, not just moments of acceleration. The real test of leadership lies in balancing short-term performance with long-term value creation. It is possible to have it all, but not always at the same time – prioritization and resilience act as the key. I wish you the wisdom to play the long game and create meaningful, enduring impact”, said Chief Guest Ms Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of HDFC Life, during her special address at IIM Bangalore’s Convocation ceremony, this evening. 

Ms Padalkar explained the graduating students that life should go beyond the fast pace of the sprint to make way for a more resilient and enduring marathon. She explained that institutions and careers are not built in sprints but through a process of evolution of a long distance race, with doses of energy, ambition, confidence and courage, and that leadership was about integrating multiple lenses. She also emphasized on the importance of precision meeting persuasion, trust built over years and slowing down to accelerate, to have sustainable careers. 

Ms Padalkar also shared that three key decisions proved to be the turning points in her own life – choosing finance as her career, returning to India to build a life in the financial capital Mumbai, and choosing the life partner that she did. 

Ms Vibha Padalkar advised the students that the ability to anticipate, discipline to pause and wisdom to choose deliberately, will stand them in good stead in the long run. “IIMB has honed your decision making skills. So, as you enter a new phase of your lives, remember that you need to run fast when it matters, slow down when it counts and stay in the long race.”

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore hosted its 51st Convocation on 27th March 2026. A total of 785 students from various programmes graduated, this evening. Degrees were awarded to the students of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme and the MBA programmes – the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM), Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP), Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) and Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP). Students of the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM) received the Master of Management Studies (Public Policy) degree. One PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research, while gold medals were awarded for Best All Round Performance, First Rank and Second Rank.

The students graduated from the prestigious institution this year in the presence of the Chief Guest, Board Members, Director-in-charge, Deans, faculty, alumni and staff of the Institute, alongside proud smiles and loud cheers from their families.

Gold medallists and PhD award winner: This year, a total of nine students have won gold medals. Moreover, a PhD scholar received the award for excellence in research.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) 2024-2026,Manasi Anju Mertia is the First Rank Holder, whileDhvit Jayen Mehtais the Second Rank Holder. 

Mayur Dattatray Khule is the Gold Medallist for Best All Round Performance for Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP) and Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026 combined.

For the Post Graduate Programme in Business Analytics (PGPBA) 2024-2026, Bharat Mundra is the First Rank Holder.

In Executive Post Graduate Programme in Management (EPGP) 2025-2026, Aysha Shaba PP is the First Rank Holder andRajasilpi SP is the Best All Round Performer.  

In Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) 2024-2026,Lakshmi R is the First Rank Holder, while Biswaranjan Mishra is the Best All Round Performer.

In the Post Graduate Programme in Public Policy and Management (PGPPM), Anirudh has won the gold medal for Best Academic Performance.

The Institute Research Award 2026 was won by Divya Dwivedi, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) student of the Information Systems area of the graduating batch. The award seeks to inspire the school’s Doctoral students to achieve greater heights in terms of research quality and productivity.  

Address by Prof. Malavika R Harita, Member, IIMB Board of Governors

The day’s events also included an inspiring address by Prof. Malavika R. Harita, Founder & CEO, Brand Circle, and Member, IIMB Board of Governors. She made mention of IIMB’s new Centres such as the Centre for Digital Public Goods as well as the Tony James Centre for Private Equity and Venture Capital, the newly set up IIMB Development Foundation – the Institute’s fundraising and development arm, and the Institute’s collaborations with leading national and global organizations which play a significant role in enhancing the Institute’s reputation. She also highlighted IIMB’s achievements in terms of placements and the Institute’s position in prestigious national as well as global rankings.

“Be focussed on gaining knowledge, stay authentic, relevant and original, and create the impact you want to”, she advised the budding managers and entrepreneurs.”

Director’s address

Prof. U Dinesh Kumar, Director-in-charge, IIM Bangalore, highlighted some of the achievements of the Institute as well as of faculty, students and alumni, and shared details on IIMB’s programmes, centres, events, digital learning initiatives, rankings, placements, entrepreneurship, and more. 

“With a vision to elevate undergraduate education in India with the same academic rigour that defines our postgraduate offerings, we introduced two undergraduate offerings: BSc Honors in Economics, and BSc Honors in Data Science.”

While sharing his message, Prof. Dinesh Kumar commended the Institute for its initiatives on sustainability, inclusivity as well as nation building, apart from academics and research. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion convened important conversations on accessibility and universal design, and student-led efforts play an important role in our outreach.”

“Sustainability remains our key priority. We released our Sustainability Report on World Environment Day and introduced a new core course on Responsible Business and Sustainability. These efforts were accompanied by practical steps toward greener campus operations, including the introduction of an EV fleet on campus, donated by the PGP 1998 batch. IIM Bangalore won the Award for Excellence in Biodiversity Management and the Award for Excellence in Social Welfare and Community Services, at the ELCITA Sustainability Awards 2025.”

He also congratulated IIMB’s incubation centre, NSRCEL, on completing 25 years of supporting entrepreneurs in November last year. 

Prof. Dinesh Kumar also shared three Zen stories to emphasize on the importance of mindfulness to the graduating students. “The destination is not so important, but the journey is, and the journey has to be full of happiness. Be compassionate, which again is necessary to make life happier. Also, make integrity your life motto. These three elements will go a long may in making your lives happier.”

“Consider IIMB to be your home – come back, share your life stories and be an inspiration to the entire country.”

As the graduating students get a step closer to their dreams – with new beginnings, hopes and possibilities in the horizon – the campus today was witness to moments full of emotional farewells, group photos, selfies and other celebrations.

Pravesh Utsav & Khadichuan on April 2 to Mark Children’s First Step into Education

A new chapter in the educational journey of young children is set to begin on April 2 with the celebration of Pravesh Utsav and Khadichuan, organized in line with the National Education Policy.

ଜାତୀୟ ଶିକ୍ଷା ନୀତି ଅନୁଯାୟୀ ଆସନ୍ତା ଏପ୍ରିଲ ୨ ତାରିଖରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ ହେବାକୁ ଯାଉଥିବା ‘ପ୍ରବେଶ ଉତ୍ସବ ଓ ଖଡ଼ିଛୁଆଁ’ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ଆମ ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କ ଶୈକ୍ଷିକ ଭବିଷ୍ୟତର ଏକ ନୂତନ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ଆରମ୍ଭ ହେବାକୁ ଯାଉଛି। ଶିଶୁ ବାଟିକା ଓ ପ୍ରଥମ ଶ୍ରେଣୀରେ ନାମ ଲେଖାଇବାକୁ ଥିବା ଯୋଗ୍ୟ କୁନି କୁନି ପିଲାମାନଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ ମାନ୍ୟବର… pic.twitter.com/ZWMTRg3z0Y

— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) March 24, 2026

This special initiative aims to warmly welcome eligible children enrolling in Shishu Vatika (pre-primary) and Class 1, marking their first step into formal education. The program reflects a strong commitment to nurturing early childhood learning and building a solid academic foundation.

In a heartfelt gesture, invitation letters from the Hon’ble Chief Minister are being personally delivered to parents by government officials and public representatives. This outreach highlights the importance of community participation in ensuring that every child has access to quality education.

The event is not just a ceremonial beginning but a meaningful effort to inspire families and encourage enrollment at the foundational level. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of society in shaping an educated and empowered younger generation.

Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in this noble initiative and contribute to creating a bright educational future for children. By doing so, they play a vital role in building a progressive and prosperous Odisha.