Category Archives: Education

JD School of Design Celebrates Bengaluru City University Rank Holders from the 2021 Batch

JD School of Design Celebrates Bengaluru City University Rank Holders from the 2021 Batch: A moment of pride and recognition for hard work, passion, and perseverance.

Bangalore, 13th May 2025 – JD School of Design is proud to share a significant academic milestone as our students from the 2021 batch—across both the BSc Interior Design & Decoration (IDD) and BSc Fashion and Apparel Design (FAD) programs—have secured top ranks at Bengaluru City University.

These outstanding performances reflect how determined our students are, with the strong support from our faculty and mentors throughout their academic journey.

BSc Interior Design & Decoration (IDD) – 6 University Ranks: 1st Rank: Tisha N Jain, 4th Rank: Burugari Satya Yamini, 5th Rank: KK Manasa, 8th Rank: Deepthi Lunia, 9th Rank: Rishika P and 10th Rank: D Sanjana

BSc Fashion and Apparel Design (FAD) – 2 University Rankings: 4th Rank: Prerana SV and 5th Rank: Prerana Jain.

Every accomplishment is a testament to the many hours of hard work, dedication and perseverance that our students have invested, and we couldn’t be more proud.

Addressing the occasion, Mr. Nealesh Dalal, Founder of JD School of Design, said, “Watching our students reach the top fills my heart with great pride. Their achievements are not an individual triumph, but a testament to the values that we stand by at JD School of Design: fostering creativity through discipline, championing ambition with guidance and empowering talent through practical knowledge. These students are future gamechangers in the world of design, and this is just the beginning of their journey.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated faculty and mentors, whose unwavering support has been instrumental throughout their journey. Their guidance, commitment, and tireless efforts have played a vital role in shaping the academic and personal growth of our students. We deeply appreciate the leadership and vision of our department heads, as well as the consistent support provided by our subject mentors, class mentors, and the Examination Committee.

At JD School of Design, our vision has always been to mould creative minds. Moments like these are a reminder of why we do what we do—and how proud we are to be a part of every student’s success story.

EuroSchool HSR Layout Celebrates Academic Excellence with 100% Results in ICSE Grade 10 Board Exams

8th May, 2025, Bengaluru: One of the premier schools in Bengaluru, EuroSchool HSR Layout of academic excellence alongwith equal focus on performing arts and extra curricular activities and this has again been re-established with 100% results in ICSE board exams.

Sharing her thoughts on this remarkable success, Mrs. Neelayath Kavitha, Principal, EuroSchool HSR Layout, said, “We are incredibly proud of our students for achieving a 100% pass result in the ICSE board exams. This success is a reflection not just of academic diligence, but of the well-rounded environment we nurture at EuroSchool HSR. From structured academics to co-curricular engagement, our students are encouraged to grow as confident, capable individuals. These results affirm our belief that balanced schooling—where academic excellence is supported by emotional wellbeing and life skills—creates learners who are future-ready and deeply grounded.

Amit Jose scored 99.2% emerging as the topper in Grade 10 and Meenakshi Kothamasu, from the humanities stream, scored 98.25%, securing the top rank in Grade 12.

EuroSchool HSR is proud to have achieved a 100% success rate in the ICSE (Grade 10) and ISC (Grade 12) examinations. Among them, 40% students from Grade 10 and 25%from Grade 12 secured scores above 90% setting a remarkable benchmark of excellence.

EuroSchool Student Becomes National Topper with 99.8% in ICSE Board Results

8th May, 2025, Mumbai: Jade Rowe from EuroSchool Airoli has scored 99.8% in ICSE Board Results, becoming a national ranker.

The Mumbai campuses of EuroSchool, in Thane and Airoli, have achieved a stellar 100% result in the ICSE (Grade 10) and ISC (Grade 12) Board Examinations for the academic year 2024–25.

As one of Navi Mumbai’s top ICSE schools, EuroSchool Airoli remains committed to creating a joyful, balanced learning environment that empowers students to excel in academics, sports, performing arts and extra curricular programs.

Celebrating this milestone, Mrs. Geeta Agarwal, Principal of EuroSchool Airoli, said, “What truly stood out this year was witnessing our students come together—through study groups, peer sessions, and genuine emotional support during challenging times. These exceptional scores are not just a result of academic effort, but a reflection of a balanced schooling experience that nurtures both intellect and empathy. At EuroSchool Airoli, we believe that academic excellence and social awareness go hand in hand—and our students have exemplified this beautifully.”

Jade Rowe from EuroSchool Airoli topped Grade 10 and became a national topper with 99.8% and Nishka Chheda secured a phenomenal 99.50% in Commerce Stream in Grade 12, placing her amongst the top-performing students across India.

EuroSchool Thane, located near Ghodbunder Road, continues to be a premier educational institution offering the ICSE curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12. Dr. Jyotsna Mayadas, Principal of EuroSchool Thane, celebrated the academic success, saying, “At EuroSchool, we believe meaningful learning happens when clarity meets calm. This year, our approach was rooted in structured preparation, focused revision, and a deep understanding of concepts, not just routine practice. Our students rose to the challenge with confidence, and their achievements reflect a school culture that values depth over drill and balance over burnout.”

Alana Fernandes, Harshad Gowda, and Tanish Tambe secured 98.40% in Grade 10, and Priyavrat Jha secured 97.50% in the Science stream in Grade 12.

This year, both Mumbai campuses of EuroSchool achieved a 100% pass rate in the ICSE and ISC Board Examinations.

With a National Ranker in Grade 10, the Airoli campus saw 6 students achieving 99% and above and more than 60% of their students from Grade 10 and more than 50% of students from Grade 12 getting more than 90%.

The Thane campus also recorded stellar performances with 50% of their grade 10 students and 28% from Grade 12 achieving more than 90%.

Directorate General of Training, MSDE Opens Admissions for 2025-26 CITS Courses at NSTIs and IToTs

Chandigarh, May 03, 2025: The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has announced the admission schedule for the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) enrolment for the academic session 2025-26.

Aspirants, who possess an NTC (National Trade Certificate), NAC (National Apprenticeship Certificate), Diploma, or Degree qualification, or are appearing for the final year qualifying examinations (NTC/NAC/Diploma/Degree) can apply online at the official website— www.nimionlineadmission.in — between 8th May 2025 and 28th May 2025. Admissions will be based on the All-India Common Entrance Test (AICET), which will be conducted in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple centers nationwide. The examination is scheduled for 15th June 2025.

The selected candidates will be offered training across 41 trades — comprising 28 engineering trades and 13 non-engineering trades — at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs) across India. Under CITS, 45,025 trainers have been trained in the last five years, between 2019 and 2024.

The Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) is designed to train instructor trainees comprehensively, covering both technical skills and training methodologies. The program ensures that instructors are well-versed in techniques for effectively transferring hands-on skills, with the aim of producing skilled manpower for the industry. The National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET), as an imperative, deems it suitable that all trainers in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are CITS-certified.

Viksit Bharat 2047 Achievable, Says Dr. Panagariya

New Delhi, May 3, 2025: The Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) at Ashoka University inaugurated its first Annual Growth Conference 2025 today at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi. Centered on India’s medium-term growth and development trajectory, the conference convened eminent policymakers, economists, regulators, and thought leaders to engage in substantive policy dialogues on key issues critical to the nation’s economic development.

The first day of the conference was graced by leading government stakeholders, economists and regulators including Shri N.K. Singh, Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Shri Ajay Seth, Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, amongst others.

Setting the context with the first session focused on Macro-Public Finance, Prachi Mishra, Professor of Economics, Director and Head of the Isaac Centre for Public Policy, Ashoka University, highlighted that the world is witnessing a shift towards a new global trading order with significantly higher tariffs, particularly in the United States. “We are in a new global order, and tariffs in the United States are perhaps the highest in a century. We are talking about an additional 20 percentage points more of effective tariffs on goods imported into the United States. Of course, other countries have retaliated and probably are going to do so in the future. So global tariffs are going to be much higher in this new world trading order as well,” she added. She further emphasized the possible impacts of high tariffs on the global economy, calling it a time of heightened uncertainty.

Speaking about the Indian economy, Prachi Mishra highlighted that while significant structural reforms have been undertaken over the past decade, the economy is currently experiencing a cyclical slowdown, with challenges persisting in areas such as manufacturing growth, private investment, and fiscal consolidation.

The first panel discussion on Macro-Public Finance featured esteemed dignitaries including Shri N.K. Singh, Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission and former Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha as the moderator, and Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Shri Ajay Seth, Finance Secretary and Dr. Prachi Mishra, Head and Director of ICPP as the panelists.  

Discussing in detail about India’s current economic scenario and the global uncertainty, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission reiterated, “Macroeconomists are often seen as pessimists, but I’m optimistic. Looking at the short run, we experienced a sharp dip during the COVID crisis with a negative GDP growth of about -5.6%. However, we came out of it remarkably well, with strong recoveries in subsequent years, growing 9.7% in 2021-22 and 7.6% in 2022-23. 23-24, we grew 9.2 percent, in 2023-24, we grew by 9.2%, and the latest advance estimate for 2024-25 stands at 6.4%. All things considered; that’s indeed a remarkable recovery.”

Discussing the long-term vision, Dr. Panagariya emphasized India’s ambition to achieve “Viksit Bharat,” or a developed India, by 2047, marking the 100th year of independence. He stated, “The Prime Minister has set an ambitious goal for India to achieve developed country status by 2047. This will require us to grow per capita income by about 7.3% annually. While it’s a challenging target, the growth trajectory over the past few decades, despite multiple shocks, provides a strong foundation for optimism.”

 Highlighting Bihar’s economic challenges, Dr. Arvind Panagariya provided insights into the state’s growth trajectory and the role of fiscal transfers in bridging disparities among states. He explained the history of Bihar’s economic performance, highlighting that, despite some growth in recent years, the state’s progress has been slower compared to other states like Karnataka. Dr. Panagariya emphasized the role of private sector development and urbanization as key factors in addressing these challenges.

The second panel discussion on regulations included eminent speakers and experts including Justice V. Ramasubramanian, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Dr. K.P. Krishnan, Distinguished Fellow at ICPP and former Secretary to the Government of India; Smt. Anuradha Thakur, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; and Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India.

Justice V. Ramasubramanian reflected on the role of judicial interpretation in shaping regulatory frameworks and said, “I was delighted to be invited for this inaugural annual conference. In an age where information overload has diminished independent thought, it’s crucial that we stop reading mindlessly and start thinking critically.”

 Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India, provided perspectives from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, emphasizing the critical need for balancing innovation with public safety.

The discussions on Day 1 laid a strong foundation for identifying actionable pathways to drive India’s growth and regulatory modernization over the coming decade. It also reflected the commitment with which ICPP was established – to create a research environment where experts across domains will help find scalable solutions to pressing and complex policy challenges in areas such as economic development, labour and employment, healthcare, gender and fiscal policy etc.

Established through a grant from the Ajit Isaac Foundation (AIF), a philanthropic organisation created by the Founder & Chairman of Quess Corp Ltd., Ajit Isaac and his wife, Sarah Isaac, the ICPP also works and collaborates with leading public, private and non-profit sector stakeholders to identify research gaps linked with policy making and implementation.

This Annual Growth Conference will continue till Saturday, 3rd May 2025, with sessions dedicated on employment and labour, agriculture and the rural economy, and the role of developed states in India’s broader development journey.

JGU Launches Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation

Mumbai, 3 May 2025: In a pioneering development that places India at the forefront of global discourse on the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Mr. Cyril Shroff and O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) today announced the establishment of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation at Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), India’s top-ranked and globally reputed law school.

The Centre is established with the generous support of Mr. Cyril Shroff, Founder & Managing Partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas (CAM), India’s leading law firm, through a landmark endowment. This Centre will be India’s first dedicated Centre of Excellence with a focus on the complex intersection of AI, law, policy and regulation.

India, as a growing digital economy, faces urgent challenges in addressing the ethical, legal, and policy dimensions of AI deployment. The Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation aims to respond to this pressing need by producing rigorous research, facilitating knowledge creation, shaping public policy, and driving capacity-building initiatives. The Centre will engage with legal institutions, think-tanks, government agencies, intergovernmental organisations, corporations, and academia and build responsive AI governance frameworks in India and beyond. The Centre aims to become a centre of excellence to support and co-create ethical frameworks for AI and technology with policy makers and regulators.

The Centre has outlined 10 major objectives that will guide its work. These include:

• Research and Knowledge Creation: Produce cutting-edge research on AI regulation, ethics, governance, and liability.
• Policy Formulation and Advisory: Offer expert policy recommendations to Indian and global regulatory bodies.
• AI and Law Curriculum Development: Develop new courses on AI and law, and offer executive education programmes for legal professionals, policymakers, and corporate leaders.
• Multistakeholder Engagement: Collaborate and establish partnerships with industry, government, academia, and civil society on AI governance.
• Global AI Governance and Ethics: Actively contribute to international discussions on AI law and collaborate with organisations like the OECD, UN, WTO, EU, and G20 AI initiatives.
• AI and Human Rights: Investigate the impact of AI on fundamental rights, privacy, discrimination, and bias, and propose ethical AI regulatory frameworks.
• Legal Tech and AI Regulation: Study AI’s role in transforming legal practice, dispute resolution, and justice delivery, and explore AI-powered legal research, automation, and contract management tools.
• Litigation, Liability, and AI-driven Risks: Address emerging legal questions around AI accountability, product liability, autonomous system, and AI accidents.
• AI and Financial Regulation: Assess AI’s implications for banking, fintech, algorithmic trading and risk management, and develop policy solutions for AI regulation in finance and securities markets.
• Capacity Building and Public Awareness: Organise lectures, conferences and training programmes, and develop educational resources for broader public engagement.

Mr. Cyril Shroff is a third-generation lawyer, who has had an illustrious career spanning over four decades. Mr. Shroff has developed a style and art—deeply entrenched in values—of legal dealings which have inspired and which continue to inspire many young lawyers in the country. Mr. Shroff has aligned the priorities of CAM with national growth, a remarkable sign of his devotion to the country by being at its service. Mr. Shroff believes in the possibilities of technology and that its use and application must be ethical and value-based. He has brought in many technological aids in his firm, not just by way of optimising resources and time, but by attaining precision, accuracy, and perfection to the systems, processes, and products.

CAM commemorates 10 years of its existence in 2025, which builds on a 108-year legacy of Amarchand Mangaldas. These ten years have been marked by consistent growth—evincing respect and credibility—with a clear-eyed focus on the future, championing and adopting technology. His contributions to CAM have been characterised by an “ahead of the curve”, and an innovative, creative and intellectually curious culture. This is being realised through a range of initiatives, the chief among them is the establishment of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation at JGLS.

Affirming his commitment to technology-based growth of the country and society, Mr. Cyril Shroff stated, “Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic idea—it is here, deeply embedded in the way we live, work, and govern. India has an opportunity to take a leadership role in the development of ethical frameworks for policy and regulation of AI and digital technologies.  I am delighted to support the establishment of the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation at Jindal Global Law School. This Centre will be a platform for thought leadership, rigorous research, and policy engagement, helping India craft a balanced, ethical, and forward-looking regulatory framework for AI. This commemorates ten years of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, which builds on the legacy of 108 years of Amarchand Mangaldas. The values and legacy of this Firm has been about foresight and vision, and an ‘ahead of the curve’ mindset along with character and a commitment of ethical values. Both these ideas will be at play at the Centre, creating a future ready framework for AI, but grounded in ethical frameworks.”

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), remarked, “This is a historic moment for JGU and legal education in India. The Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation will lead national and international efforts to understand and regulate AI’s transformative impact on our societies. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Cyril Shroff for his visionary support. This Centre will not only strengthen India’s capacity for thought leadership in AI governance but will also set new global standards for research, scholarship, and policy engagement in this critical field.”

Objectives and Vision of The Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation

As India’s top-ranked law school and among the world’s top 100, JGLS offers global excellence, multidisciplinary depth, and robust research infrastructure, providing a strong foundation for the Centre.

To fulfil its vision and mission, the Centre will build strong partnerships with Indian agencies such as NITI Aayog, Ministry of Electronics & IT, RBI, SEBI, and TRAI; global regulators like OECD, EU AI Act institutions, US FTC, and UK AI Safety Institute; leading universities including Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, MIT, and other AI ethics and law centres; and technology leaders like Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, Meta, and firms in India’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

The five-year strategic vision of the Centre includes inter alia launching interdisciplinary research projects, AI integrated law courses, and executive training programmes. It will develop an AI ethics framework for India and policy whitepapers, providing impactful inputs to government and regulatory bodies. In its pursuit to establish a global AI law network, it will host an international AI law summit, and foster stakeholder collaborations and industry partnerships. It will also establish chair professorships and research grants, and publish scholarly works on AI law and governance.

With a clear mandate and significant investment, the Cyril Shroff Centre for AI, Law & Regulation is poised to become a global hub for research, education, and policy development. It will shape India’s leadership in the governance of AI and emerging technologies, influencing global conversations on ethics, law, and regulation.

IIM Kashipur Celebrates Largest & Most Diverse Batch at 12th Convocation

Recounting his days at IIM as he addressed the graduating students, their guardians and the faculty, Shri Alok Agrawal said, “Coming back to an IIM convocation brings back memories – telex machines at Bank of America, the early days of computer science and the signature Vadilal icecreams. In just one generation, we’ve moved from punch cards to AI, from waiting days for a reply to being surrounded by satellites. Most things remain the same, except for the advancements in technology and its rapid growth.”

“This incredible pace of innovation is both humbling and empowering. But as graduates of an IIM, part of the most privileged 0.01%, the real measure of success lies not just in what you achieve, but in the impact you make. Use your education not only to build careers, but to shape a more inclusive and equitable society.”, he urged on.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Somnath Chakrabarti, Director (I/C) and  Dean of Academics, IIM Kashipur, said, “At IIM Kashipur, we believe management education must stay rooted in the realities of the world it seeks to lead. We are aligning academic practice with global shifts—from AI-driven analytics and sustainable development to India’s rise as a skill-building and manufacturing hub. Our students are being prepared to navigate not only business complexity but also societal change. As educators, we believe that fostering ethical, empathetic, and responsible leadership is as important as building strategic and analytical capability.

Staying true to its distinctive academic philosophy, IIM Kashipur continues to redefine management education by seamlessly blending academic excellence with real-world immersion. Embodying the spirit of “Bharat meets B-School,” the institute’s pioneering Experiential Learning (EL) Program places students at the heart of rural and semi-urban India. Through field-based consulting projects with over 90 grassroots organizations across Uttarakhand, students engage directly with initiatives in sustainability, entrepreneurship, and rural development, transforming management knowledge into meaningful societal impact.

“The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) is a rich repository of traditional wisdom spanning fields like philosophy, Ayurveda, mathematics, astronomy, agriculture, and architecture. Rooted in ancient texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads, it offers deep insights into life and nature. Complementing this is India’s vibrant cultural heritage—reflected in its music, dance, literature, festivals, and crafts.”  Prof. Somnath Chakrabarti highlighted.  “Through the IIM Kashipur education system, we try to instill a robust value system among students, which is essential for shaping responsible, ethical, and empathetic individuals who contribute positively to society.”, he concluded.

Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans joins Guru Kashi University as Chairman of Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair

Chandigarh, May 1, 2025 : Chandigarh: In a step towards preserving Punjab’s musical traditions, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, has announced the establishment of the Sufi and Folk Music Heritage Chair under its Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts. The university formally welcomed celebrated singer Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans as Chairman of the Chair during a press conference held today at the Press Club in Chandigarh.

The Chair aims to promote Punjab’s rich legacy of Sufi and folk music through research, education, documentation, and public engagement. Alongside Hans Raj Hans, Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dean of the Faculty, has been appointed Executive Director, while Dr. Aman Sufi will serve as Project Coordinator.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Vice Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, said:

“We are proud to establish this Chair, which will act as a bridge between our cultural past and future. It will help preserve invaluable musical traditions and provide academic depth to the study and practice of Sufi and folk music.”

Dr. Singh also introduced an Advisory Board comprising eminent personalities from around the world, who will guide the Chair’s work:

– Chief Patron: Sardar Gurlabh Singh Sidhu, Chancellor, Guru Kashi University
– Puran Shah Koti, respected Sufi Guru and mentor to Hans Raj Hans
– Sardar Charanjit Singh Batth, USA
– Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Canada
– Preet Inder Dhillon, UK
– Prof. D.N. Jauhar, former Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra
– Prof. Dr. Jaspal Kaur Kaang, former Chairperson, Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University
– Prof. Dr. Hukum Chand, former Dean, Faculty of Music, MDU Rohtak
– Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul, former Chairperson, Department of Music, Panjab University

In his address, Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans expressed his gratitude and said:

“I’ve spent my life singing the verses of Sufi saints and the songs of Punjab’s soil. This Chair is a way for me to give back—to document, preserve, and pass on this treasure to future generations through the academic world.”

Prof. Dr. Gurpreet Kaur outlined the Chair’s planned activities, which include workshops, documentation of oral traditions, collaborations with international institutions, and national-level cultural festivals to engage students and the wider public.

Mrs. Usha Singh, the Lady Vice Chancellor of Guru Kashi University, also joined the event and congratulated Padma Shri Hans Raj Hans on his appointment and expressed her appreciation for his lifelong contribution to Punjabi music and cultural heritage.

Those present at the event included Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu (General Secretary, Balaji Education Trust), Dr. Dalbir Singh Kathuria, Prof. D.N. Jauhar (former Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra), and Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Prof. Dr. Neelam Paul and other advisory members also shared their congratulations virtually, praising the university’s efforts and the leadership behind the Chair.

Er. Sukhwinder Singh Sidhu delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the university team, faculty, and all dignitaries for supporting this cultural milestone. The press conference concluded with a networking lunch for the media and guests.

Finland International School–Race Course Marks One Year with Inaugural Ilo Utsav Annual Concert

Mumbai, April 29, 2025 – Finland International School (FIS) Race Course marked a glorious year of its founding by hosting its inaugural annual concert, Ilo Utsav: Oni’s Great Journey. The event was a true celebration of joy, creativity and learning, and was held at the Sophia Bhabha Auditorium. The exuberance of the evening was witnessed by esteemed dignitaries including Erik af Hällström – Consul General and Head of Mission, Finland; Eva Nilsson – Deputy Head of Mission, Finland;  Tibor Kovacs – Trade Attaché, Hungary;  and Toshihiro Kaneko – Chief Consul, Japan. 

Since its inception, FIS has been making waves for its holistic ethos, inclusive environment, and emphasis on creating lifelong learners. The FIS Board comprises key visionaries including Shashank Goenka – Managing Director of FIS–Race Course, Nikke Keskinen – Founding Principle of FIS, and Fatema Agarkar – a renowned educationist and mentor,  who is also the wife of a former ace cricketer. 

Commenting on this momentous milestone, Fatema Agarkar said, “Thanks to Shashank’s vision, Mumbai has a beautiful legacy created in the form of Finland International School–Race Course, through the adoption of Finnish pedagogy.”

“We envisioned and began working on this school in 2017. It is a proud moment for us to see our dream come to life, and to create these exciting opportunities for the community in Mumbai,” added Shashank Goenka.

The evening’s vibrant and heartwarming narrative titled Ilo Utsav: Oni’s Great Journey, found resonance in the beautiful expressions of music, dance and drama showcased by the school’s students. Their performances embodied the school’s values of expression, collaboration, and life skills. The event included a sombre tribute to the lives lost to the recent tragedy in Kashmir, demonstrating the core principles of community and empathy. The glittering event was entirely conceptualised, planned and executed by the dedicated team at FIS–Race Course. 

The presence of eminent international dignitaries lent a special significance to the evening, reinforcing the global ethos that FIS represents. Their appreciation for the performances reflected the school’s commitment to nurturing global citizens with strong roots in creativity.

With Ilo Utsav, FIS Race Course has set a remarkable precedent, weaving cultural richness and educational depth into a memorable showcase of talent, while also fostering a truly global and yet deeply local community of young achievers. 

Ryan International Academy Students Explore Pune’s Natural Heritage at Vetal Tekdi

29 April 2025, Pune – In a commendable initiative to instill environmental awareness and appreciation for local heritage, students of Grades 6, 7, and 8 from Ryan International Academy-CBSE, Bavdhan visited Vetal Tekdi in Pashan, Pune.

The educational visit aimed to introduce students to the Miyawaki forest technique, highlight the importance of wetland ecosystems, and provide insight into the migratory birds that frequent the area. As part of the experience, students also actively participated in watering plants, fostering a hands-on understanding of ecological responsibility.

This enriching experience was made possible with the support of a group of like-minded citizens working tirelessly to preserve Vetal Tekdi, a vital part of Pune’s natural landscape. The students were guided through various ecological zones, observed several species of birds, and engaged in interactive discussions about Pune’s natural and cultural heritage.

The visit emphasized that today’s children are tomorrow’s conservationists—the flag bearers of our heritage. They were inspired to take responsibility for conserving nature and passing it on to future generations.

Ryan International Academy continues to uphold its commitment to holistic education by integrating environmental learning with real-world experiences that nurture responsible, conscious citizens.