Category Archives: Education

Hawai’i High School Students Take Ideas to Launch at Hawai‘i Pacific University Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

HONOLULU | Aug 12: Nearly 60 Hawaiʻi high schoolers walked into HPU’s Sunset Ballroom at Aloha Tower Marketplace on July 27 with an idea and a laptop. By Friday afternoon, they had honed their “why,” their target market, and solution, walking out with a nascent venture and live websites they had built themselves.

The free HPU x Blue Startups Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, held July 27 to 31 and sponsored by HPU’s John F. Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway, brought together rising juniors and seniors from 18 public and private schools across the islands for five days of building. Working solo or in groups of two or three, students launched 40 ventures, each one identifying a business opportunity, designing a brand, building and publishing a live website (with AI tools), producing marketing assets and presenting the result to a panel of founders, mentors, and investors.

“What we saw this week is exactly why the Scarpa Entrepreneurial Pathway exists at HPU,” said HPU College of Business Dean Amy Nguyen-Chyung, Ph.D., lead of the Pathway. “At the start of the week, the students formed an initial idea of their business opportunity and by Friday, they had built real websites identifying the problem and solutions and stood up in front of founders and investors to defend their work. This group went further by envisioning their target customer’s key characteristics with an empathy map and turning those target customers into a virtual business advisor using AI.  I am so impressed by their work and presentation skills. Investing in developing youth entrepreneurship and leadership skills is a worthwhile way in which HPU and the Scarpa Pathway can engage with the community.”

The Bootcamp was led by Alexi Drouin, an entrepreneur, HPU adjunct professor and academic director at Blue Startups, Hawaiʻi’s premier tech accelerator and a program ranked among the top 20 in the country by TechCrunch. 

Each day carried a theme and ended with something shipped. Monday was Find Your Opportunity, when students landed on an idea and drafted a name, a logo and a one-liner. Tuesday was Design Your Solution, when they pressure-tested those ideas against AI-simulated customers and toured HPU’s waterfront campus and Makerspace. Wednesday was Build Your Website, a full day of production that ended with every student holding a public URL. Thursday was Launch Your Idea, devoted to social posts, short videos and slide decks. Friday was Present Your Business.

Guest speakers came from across the local startup community and, in one case, from the students’ own generation. Coen Cadinha of Keiki Rise and Big Boy Sweets opened the week as a peer-age founder. 

Nalukai Foundation Board President Allen Murabayashi presented on Tuesday about the importance of talking to customers. Giovanna (“Gigi”) Scholbi (HPU ’25) of Cheeki Swimwear spoke about writing down goals and going after them while also giving tips about sourcing sustainable materials. 

Miki Hardisty of Olelo Intelligence spoke Wednesday about building an AI company in Hawaiʻi and led the students in an exercise of using agentic AI. 

ʻIolani School’s Gabriel Yanagihara spoke Thursday to talk about AI in the classroom and online. On multiple days, Nguyen-Chyung introduced additional examples to drive home the importance of problem identification, product market fit and writing down key components of the one’s plan using a simple canvas. 

On Friday, presentation day filled the room with students, parents, teachers and HPU staff. HPU entrepreneurial coordinator and small business management instructor Richard Kebo listed the three key requirements needed before making a sale (business registration, bank account and general excise tax number). Individuals and teams took the front of the room in turn, speaking for 60 seconds, showcasing their business websites and presenting the overarching goals of their companies. After every four presentations, the expert panel offered feedback to the groups.

The panel included Blue Startups Program Director David Holt, Liya Safina of Hawaii Angels and Google, Murabayashi, and Nguyen-Chyung. It was not a pitch competition. Nobody won, and that was deliberate.

The companies took direct aim at problems the students’ families live with.

NāUlu, founded by Hanae Kauanoe and Sophia Tung will be a nonprofit that supplies basic phones with prepaid minutes and preloaded apps to unhoused families and people at risk of homelessness, with GPS directions to shelters and food sources and tools for finding work. Their premise is that staying reachable is often what separates crisis from stability.

May Shiraishi’s Ventur aims to connect Hawai’i students with internships and volunteer roles. Her website has now aggregated over a hundred available roles.

Emily Fukui and Kirah Wong built Brain Chain to address Hawaiʻi’s brain drain. Their job board aims to pair Hawaiʻi-born college graduates with local specialized roles that include subsidized housing. The founders said they talked to graduates stuck on the continental U.S. who wanted to come home and could not make the rent math work.

Trevor Chvosta’s Local Produce lets residents order specific crops directly from island farmers after harvest and pick them up at neighborhood drop points on Mondays and Thursdays, with leftover food routed to food banks. Lariah Trevenen-Ferreira built Hoʻihoʻi i ka ʻĀina as a portal connecting people to land and marine restoration projects grounded in Native Hawaiian practice.                                                                                                                           

A fan of Pokemon-Go, Kiva Ebert founded Malama Go, a real-world interactive game that incentivizes tourists to visit sites and learn about Hawaiian culture, earning points that could be redeemed with local merchants or for cultural figurines.

Aware that teens in hospitals have few options to keep them occupied, Thalia Grace Hoapili aims to stock hospitals with free Mālama Crafteen Kits for patients ages 12 to 19, pre-cut, so teenagers can start creating from a hospital bed.

Others tackled dementia care, teen mental health, permitting for first-time renovators and senior isolation.

Forty-five students who completed the full week, published their deliverables and finished both surveys will earn an HPU x Blue Academy Certificate of Completion, shareable on LinkedIn. 

Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet Launches Major School Leadership Programme and Career Talks Initiative

Hyderabad, Aug 11: Reinforcing its century-old legacy of nurturing future-ready leaders, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet has launched a comprehensive Leadership Programme that places leadership development at the heart of every student’s educational journey. Designed to cultivate confidence, resilience, empathy, critical thinking and decision-making from an early age, the programme reaches over 3,500 students across all grades and curricula, making it one of the most extensive school-based leadership initiatives in the world.

As part of the programme’s launch, the school organised the second edition of The HPS Dialogues – Career Talks, bringing together accomplished industry professionals, entrepreneurs and HPS alumni to engage with more than 300 students across the ICSE, ISC and Cambridge curricula. The initiative marked the beginning of a broader leadership journey that connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future while developing the qualities required to lead with purpose.

Leadership has always been central to HPS’s philosophy of education. Introduced during the school’s centenary year, when leadership emerged as the defining theme, the newly launched. Through a structured, age-appropriate curriculum, students participate in four leadership modules each academic year, amounting to nearly 12 hours of dedicated leadership learning annually. By graduation, every student will have completed 48 unique leadership modules, each designed to strengthen self-awareness, communication, collaboration, innovation, global citizenship and ethical leadership.

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Skand Bali, Principal, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, said, 

“Leadership is not a skill that begins in adulthood; it is cultivated through experiences, opportunities and reflection from an early age. At HPS, we believe every child has the potential to lead, whether in a classroom, a community or on the global stage. Our Leadership Programme has been designed to nurture that potential systematically, helping students develop the confidence, empathy and character to navigate an increasingly complex world. The HPS Dialogues Career Talks is a natural extension of this vision, allowing students to learn directly from those who have transformed ideas into impact.”

The programme follows a carefully scaffolded progression across all grades. Younger students begin by developing self-awareness and teamwork before progressing to communication, problem-solving, adaptability and innovation. Senior students explore strategic leadership, global citizenship and legacy-building, ensuring leadership development evolves alongside their intellectual and emotional growth. Leveraging the school’s expansive campus as a dynamic learning environment, the programme encourages students to think independently, communicate effectively and take initiative in authentic situations.

The HPS Dialogues – Career Talks embodies this experiential philosophy by bringing professionals directly into the school environment. Organised by the Office of College & Career Guidance in partnership with the Oyster team, the two-day event introduced students to diverse careers spanning hospitality, biotechnology, finance, entrepreneurship, fine arts, healthcare entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, robotics, media ventures and public leadership.

For Grade 10 students, the sessions offered an early understanding of emerging and traditional professions, while Grades 11 and 12 engaged in deeper conversations around industries that are rapidly transforming the global economy. More importantly, students were encouraged to connect their academic learning with practical career pathways, replacing uncertainty with informed exploration.

A defining feature of the initiative was the participation of HPS alumni, who returned to their alma mater to share personal journeys, professional challenges and lessons from the workplace. Their presence transformed the sessions into meaningful conversations across generations, giving students authentic perspectives that extend far beyond textbooks and examinations.

The Career Talks initiative is part of the broader HPS World is My Oyster programme, an alumni-led platform founded on the belief that students understand careers best by experiencing them first-hand. Launched in 2024, its flagship initiative, Take Your First Dip, enables students from Classes 9 to 12 to shadow HPS alumni in workplaces across multiple industries. In its inaugural year alone, the programme placed 110 students across 120 internships hosted by 25 alumni-led organisations representing 11 career streams, including healthcare, aviation, aerospace, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, entrepreneurship and technology.

Together, Career Talks and Take Your First Dip create a comprehensive career exploration ecosystem, beginning with conversations that spark curiosity and extending into immersive workplace experiences that build clarity, confidence and informed career choices.

Looking ahead, HPS Begumpet plans to expand the initiative through cluster-based career sessions, expert panel discussions and a structured alumni mentorship programme that will foster sustained engagement between students and graduates of the institution.

By seamlessly integrating leadership education, career awareness and experiential learning, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet continues to redefine holistic education. As it enters its next century, the institution remains committed to preparing students not only to excel academically but also to become thoughtful, compassionate and capable leaders ready to shape the future.

Anti-Drug Awareness Drive Reaches MCM DAV College, Hundreds Take the Drug-Free Pledge

Chandigarh | August 5, 2026

Arya Yuva Samaj National President Yogi Suri called on young people to play an active role in building a drug-free India, urging them to “become the sword of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and destroy the demon of addiction.” He delivered the message as the Chief Guest at the ‘No Nasha Nation’ awareness programme organised during Induction Week 2026 by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and the Victory Against Drug Abuse (VADA) Club at Mehr Chand Mahajan DAV College for Women (MCM), Chandigarh.

The programme aimed to make newly admitted students aware of the growing risks of substance abuse and digital addiction while encouraging them to lead disciplined, responsible and value-based lives. Mr Amanjeet Singh, IRS, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh, attended as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr Anoop Kumar Vats, National Coordinator (Colleges), DAV College Managing Committee; Ms Mona Narang, Principal of MCM DAV College; and Mr Navdeep Singh, Deputy Director, Higher Education Department.

Welcoming the students, Yogi Suri said, “True freedom lies in learning to make the right and responsible choices.” He said drug abuse and digital addiction have become major challenges for young people, affecting their health, time, goals and future.

He said ‘No Nasha Nation’ is not just an anti-drug campaign but a national movement that encourages young people to choose discipline over addiction, purpose over distraction and values over temptation. He added that a drug-free India can only be achieved through the combined efforts of students, parents, teachers and society.

Using a simple analogy, Yogi Suri said that just as people stay away from a poisonous snake to avoid its venom, the safest way to avoid addiction is to stay away from drugs altogether. He said social evils must be addressed at an early stage before they become larger challenges. Calling drug abuse a national concern, he urged young people to face it with courage, determination and self-confidence. He added that values, self-discipline and the teachings of the Vedas provide protection against addiction.

Appealing to the students, Yogi Suri said, “Become the sword of Swami Dayanand Saraswati that destroys the demon of addiction.” He also said women have an important role in bringing positive change to families, society and the nation, and can contribute significantly to the goal of a drug-free India.

At the end of his address, Yogi Suri administered the ‘No Nasha Nation’ pledge to hundreds of students. They pledged to lead a drug-free life, encourage others to do the same and spread the campaign’s message in society. Arya Yuva Samaj also screened a short film highlighting the importance of a disciplined and value-based life.

Guest of Honour Mr Amanjeet Singh, IRS, spoke about the growing problem of drug abuse and addressed common misconceptions. He cautioned students that even a single instance of drug use can have long-term consequences. He said timely treatment and counselling can help people recover from addiction and encouraged those in need to seek support through the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline.

Dr Anoop Kumar Vats said ‘No Nasha Nation’ has become a nationwide movement and urged students to take its message to their families, friends and communities and become ambassadors of the campaign.

During the programme, the college presented IQAC scholarships to students who performed well at Panjab University. Students also staged a street play on the impact of drug abuse. Acting Principal Ms Neena Sharma said such programmes help develop social responsibility, moral values and positive thinking among students. She expressed confidence that initiatives like ‘No Nasha Nation’ would continue to encourage young people to become responsible citizens and contribute to nation-building.

One-Day Hindi Workshop Held at Drug Proving Unit, CCRH Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, July 30:  A one-day Hindi workshop was successfully organized on Tuesday at the Drug Proving Unit, Bhubaneswar, under the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India.

Shri Abinash Dash, Librarian Rajbhasha Officer In-charge, Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar, and Shri Ashish Kumar Shah, Console Controller, Office of the Chief Manager, East Coast Railway, Railway Sadan, Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion as Chief Speaker and Chief Guest respectively.

All staff members of the unit actively participated in the workshop. The program began with a brief introduction by Sashmita Pati, Hindi Assistant.

The dignitaries delivered insightful presentations on the rules and regulations of Rajbhasha Hindi and also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in promoting and using Hindi in official work.

The workshop proved to be highly beneficial for all employees in enhancing their understanding and practical use of Hindi in administration.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sujata Choudhury, Hindi Officer, followed by closing remarks by Dr. Umakant Prusty, Officer incharge.

Tamil Nadu Sets Benchmark in Digital School Infrastructure Across Southern India

Chennai, July 30: Tamil Nadu has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening digital education, emerging as the leading state in southern India for the implementation of ICT laboratories and smart classrooms under the Centre’s Samagra Shiksha programme.

The initiative has helped transform learning environments across government schools by introducing technology-enabled classrooms, digital learning resources, and improved access to modern educational tools. These facilities are supporting teachers in delivering more interactive lessons while helping students develop essential digital skills for the future.

The expansion of ICT infrastructure reflects Tamil Nadu’s continued commitment to improving the quality of school education and ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to technology-driven learning opportunities. By integrating digital tools into classrooms, the state is working towards creating a more inclusive, engaging, and future-ready education system.

The progress under the programme highlights the growing importance of technology in education and demonstrates how investments in digital infrastructure can enhance teaching methods, encourage student participation, and prepare young learners for a rapidly changing world.

India Moves to Tighten Exam Security with New Anti-Paper Leak Legislation

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha has passed the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, marking a major step towards strengthening the security and credibility of public examinations across the country.

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

The legislation aims to tackle the growing challenge of examination malpractice, including paper leaks and unfair practices, by introducing stronger safeguards and improving accountability within the examination system.

During the discussion in the Lok Sabha, the government said the amendments are focused on protecting the interests of millions of students who appear for competitive and recruitment examinations every year. Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the need for a robust framework to ensure transparency, fairness, and trust in the examination process.

The bill was passed through a voice vote amid disruptions and a heated debate in the House. Despite the political differences, the government maintained that preventing exam-related fraud remains a priority to safeguard students’ hard work and ensure merit-based selection.

The move comes after concerns over examination irregularities in recent years, with students and aspirants demanding stronger measures to prevent leaks and ensure a fair opportunity for all.

With the new amendments, the government aims to build a more reliable examination ecosystem where transparency, accountability, and student confidence remain at the centre of the process.

Central University of Karnataka Faculty Member Appointed Consultant for International Digital Library Project

Kalaburagi, July 26: A faculty member of the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) has secured an international industry consultancy assignment, marking a significant milestone for the university’s recently established Department of Library and Information Science.

Assistant Professor Raghavendra B. Bonal has been appointed as Project Consultant for Digital Library, Knowledge Management and Information Science Initiatives by Pune-based Calyonix Infotech Pvt. Ltd. The appointment is the department’s first major industry-sponsored consultancy project and includes participation in an international offshore Library and Information Science (LIS) initiative.

Under the consultancy, Dr. Bonal will provide technical expertise in digital library development, knowledge management systems, library automation technologies and project implementation. His portfolio includes work on KOHA and DSpace platforms, RFID-based library automation, solution design, project planning, proposal development, technical reviews, capacity building and implementation support.

As his first assignment, Dr. Bonal has been designated Technical and Library Information Science Project Consultant for an international offshore LIS project valued at approximately ₹25 lakh. He will oversee project conceptualisation, technology assessment, solution architecture, implementation planning, quality assurance and execution support throughout the project lifecycle.

The company clarified that the engagement is consultancy-based and assignment-specific, and does not constitute regular employment. Consultancy terms, including project duration, deliverables and remuneration, will be finalised separately for individual assignments.

Calyonix Infotech has also expressed interest in collaborating with Dr. Bonal on the future application of his patented innovation, “AI-Powered Interactive Smart Book: Text-to-Animation with Language Customisation.” The proposed collaboration aims to explore research, technology transfer and product development for educational technology, digital learning and library innovation.

Congratulating Dr. Bonal, CUK Vice-Chancellor Battu Satyanarayana described the appointment as a matter of pride for the university. He said the consultancy reflected the growing recognition of the university’s academic expertise and demonstrated its ability to contribute to international, industry-driven projects.

The Vice-Chancellor said such collaborations are in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes innovation, multidisciplinary research, industry-academia partnerships, entrepreneurship, skill development and experiential learning.

He added that the achievement reinforces the university’s commitment to research-based consultancy, global collaborations and providing students and research scholars with greater professional exposure through industry engagement.

Meghalaya Pushes Education Reform with School Rating Framework

Shillong, July 25: The Meghalaya government has launched a new school grading framework covering nearly 11,000 educational institutions across the state, marking a significant step towards improving education standards, strengthening school performance, and creating better learning opportunities for students.

The newly introduced framework aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and challenges of schools by evaluating key areas such as academic progress, teaching practices, infrastructure, student support services, learning environments, and institutional development.

Officials said the initiative is designed not only to assess school performance but also to provide guidance and support for continuous improvement. The framework will help identify areas requiring attention, enable targeted interventions, and encourage schools to adopt innovative approaches to enhance the overall quality of education.

By introducing a transparent and structured evaluation system, the government aims to build a more responsive and student-centric education ecosystem. The assessment process is expected to support teachers, school leaders, and administrators with valuable insights that can help improve classroom practices and strengthen educational delivery across the state.

The initiative places special focus on ensuring that schools in both urban and remote areas receive the necessary support to overcome challenges and provide students with a more inclusive and effective learning experience.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, highlighting the importance of data-driven planning and continuous evaluation in building a stronger education system. The government has reiterated its commitment to empowering schools, supporting educators, and creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

The launch of the school grading framework represents Meghalaya’s broader vision of transforming education through innovation, accountability, and sustained improvement, paving the way for a stronger foundation for future generations.

EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026…

EThames Business School announces TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana and seek entries from the school

Hyderabad, July 21: EThames Business School, Hyderabad’s premier AI-Native Business School, has launched the TeenOrator Challenge 2026, a first-of-its-kind inter-school communication skills championship for students of Classes IX to XII across Telangana. The initiative seeks to promote future-ready human skills such as public speaking, storytelling and debating—competencies that are becoming increasingly valuable in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

Announcing the challenge, Kali Prasad Gadiraju, Chairman of EThames Business School and former Managing Partner of EY, said, “In a world where AI can write, calculate and analyse, what truly distinguishes people is their ability to communicate, persuade, collaborate and think independently. The future belongs not only to those who possess knowledge, but to those who can communicate it effectively.”

As AI takes over routine tasks, EThames launches statewide hunt for Human Skills.   Communication, not coding alone, will define tomorrow’s leaders. These are life skills that set them apart from the crowd stated V.V. Laxmi Narayana, IPS (Retd.), Chief Transformation Officer, EThames Business School

Seven out of ten students fear speaking before an audience. More than 80% of school students have never participated in a debate or public speaking competition. Despite scoring high marks, many students struggle to express their ideas confidently, he shared. 

Communication, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership are among the world’s fastest-growing workplace skills, adds Mr Ajit Rangnekar, former Dean of the Indian School of Business

The TeenOrator Challenge 2026, Mr. VV Lakshminaraya says is designed not merely as a competition but as a learning journey that identifies, nurtures and celebrates the next generation of confident communicators, storytellers and debaters. The championship aims to groom young minds into future leaders, innovators and changemakers through structured learning and healthy competition.

TeenOrator equips teenagers with Future Skills, Human Skills, AI-Proof Skills, Leadership Skills and Employability Skills—capabilities that no machine can replace, Kali Prasad added.

The championship comprises three distinct competition tracks. Oratoria is dedicated to public speaking, Narrativa focuses on storytelling, and Dialectica is centred on debating. Students are eligible to participate in any one of these three tracks.

Unlike conventional competitions that evaluate only the final performance, the TeenOrator Challenge follows a unique four-stage qualification process that places learning before competing. Students begin by self-studying the official guidebook for their chosen track. They then submit a one-minute video explaining the key concepts and insights they have learnt from the guidebook, demonstrating understanding rather than memorisation. Shortlisted students are invited to an online interaction with the EThames Selection Committee, where their communication skills, comprehension and potential are assessed. Only those who successfully complete this process qualify to register for the championship, ensuring that every participant enters the competition with a strong foundation in the art and science of effective communication.

The TeenOrator Challenge is more than a competition—it is a talent development initiative. EThames Business School is committed to making the programme inclusive by encouraging participation from both urban and rural schools, with special outreach to government schools. Another important dimension of the competition is that it does not have any language barrier.  Students can participate in any of the three languages such as English/Hindi/Telugu.

Each participating government school can nominate up to six students across the three championship tracks. All shortlisted participants will benefit from a structured learning and mentoring programme designed to enhance their confidence, communication ability and leadership potential before the championship.

Unlike conventional competitions that end with prizes, TeenOrator invests in the participants’ growth. Every shortlisted student will undergo a structured training and mentoring programme led by experienced communication professionals. The programme will help participants refine their public speaking, storytelling and debating skills, build confidence, receive expert feedback and maximise their impact during the championship and beyond making the TeenOrator Challenge an educational experience rather than merely a contest.

Many brilliant students remain unnoticed—not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack the confidence to express it. Confidence cannot be downloaded, outsourced or generated by Artificial Intelligence. It is earned through practice, perseverance and experience. TeenOrator is designed to provide exactly that experience.

Schools across Telangana are invited to nominate talented students and encourage them to participate. The nomination process is already underway, and schools and students can submit their nominations until July 28, 2026. Early registration is encouraged so that participants have adequate time to study the official guidebooks and prepare for the qualification process.

Participants are required to submit their one-minute learning video by August 2, 2026. Based on these submissions, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online selection interview and the list of qualified participants will be announced subsequently

To help students excel in the championship, EThames Business School will organise exclusive training workshops for all qualified participants before August 15, 2026. The Quarter Finals will be held on August 21, 2026, followed by the Grand Finale on August 22, 2026, at the EThames Business School campus in Raidurgam, Hyderabad.

Students can register by completing the online application form.

Kalyan Schools have enthusiastically joined nationwide cultural milestone commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram