Category Archives: Education

2025 Camlin Art Teacher Excellence Awards presented at IADEA’s Annual Art Educators Conference

February 03, 2025, Chennai: The Indian Art and Design Educators Association (IADEA) held its Sixth Annual Art Educators Conference at Kalakshetra Auditorium Hall on 31st January and 1st February 2025 here in Chennai. The conference had over 80 art educators from Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Erode, Ranipet, Jaipur, Delhi, Ajmer, and Bengaluru, attending the two-day event. Several global and national experts came together to discuss current and future narratives encompassing art education for and alongside 100 school art teachers. The two days were punctuated with a number of interactive sessions and workshops anchored on diverse topics. In her keynote speech Dr. Jyotsna Tiwari, HOD, Art and Aesthetics of NCERT, Delhi, highlighted the integration of art in education: the vision of NEP 2020 and the way forward.

Sara Vetteth, Founder of IADEA said, “In the future, every career will demand visually literate professionals—those who can research, think critically and communicate fluently using images and words. No matter the medium – whether it be mark-making with pencil, working with fiber, manipulating clay or image capture with a camera phone, the theme for this year’s conference is – how do we rethink the art class to make it useful for every learner? By guiding students through lines of enquiry and the design cycle, art educators can foster deeper exploration and creative problem-solving.”

On Day one, there was a delightful session on decoding the vocabulary of Warli, by renowned Warli artist & educator, Mayur Vayeda, followed by Dr. Alka Hingorani, one of the founders of “Learn Through Stories Foundation” and art educator Nivedita Deshmukh explored freedom and learning in art education. Italian Book designer and visual artist, Valentina Abenavoli took the participants through a fascinating session on exploring art through bookmaking. Melissa Nolas, founder, Children Photography Archive, London, and Gayatri Nair, founding trustee, of Chennai Photo Biennale hosted the session on discovering photography’s place in an art class. The session highlighted the use of photography as a medium to encourage students of varying abilities to develop their language, vocabulary, and storytelling skills.

The inaugural day concluded with the awarding of the 2025 Camlin Art Teacher Excellence Awards to ten art educators. Awarded across five categories, the accolade celebrates the impact of art lessons and its significance in a student’s learning journey.

Mr. Satish Veerappa, Managing Director, Kokuyo Camlin Ltd said “The Art Teacher plays a very important role in the growth of a child. In this way, art teachers contribute immensely to the creative force of a nation. The values of inventiveness, creativity and passion that The Camlin Art Teacher Excellence Award celebrates are the same values that are necessary to build the start-ups and enterprises of the future. Behind every child who grows up to be innovative, resourceful, process oriented, collaborative and confident is an art teacher who showed them the way. Camlin admires and respects your contribution to art and the nurturing of artistic talent.”

Day two of the conference began with a speaker session by Lina Vincent, Curator and Educator from Goa, who spoke about her collaborative exhibition which uses plants in various ways to investigate pressing global issues. Siddhi Gupta, Faculty member at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, led the participants through an interactive workshop using visual thinking to reflect on what it means for an artist to be an educator. Chennai-based photographer Mr. Sunder Ramu led teachers through a guided workshop on using phone photography in the classroom as a medium to express thoughts, moods, and unique perspectives. After lunch, the participants were taken on a special curator-led tour of selected Chennai photo biennale photography exhibits at Lalit Kala Academy and Egmore Museum. The tour was led by Gayatri Nair, Co-founder and Director of Education at CPB pris,m and Varun Gupta, Biennale Director at CPB.

List of Award winners

· Best use of Elements of Art

Winner– Deepti Karthik, Sarvam The Organic School, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Runner-up- Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan, KC High School Chennai

· Collaboration in the Art Room

Winner– Dinesh Kumar, Balsam Academy, Ranipet,

Runner up– R Subramanian and Aishwarya C, AMM School, Chennai

· Innovation in the Art Room

Winner– Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan, KC High School Chennai

Runner up Prem Nazir, Lakshmi School, Madurai

· Instilling Creative Confidence

Winner– Arun Kumar, Chettinad Sarvalokaa Education International School, Chennai

Runner-up Gayathri Vasu, Independent Art Educator, Chennai

· Promoting Artistic Practice

Winner– Amrutha Anand, Independent Art Educator, Chennai

Runner up -Vimal Sivaraman, Rak’s Pallikkoodam School of Excellence, Coimbatore

Annual college Rankings 2025 -11,000+ students found internships with college efforts

January 28, 2025, New Delhi: Internshala, India’s leading career-tech platform, has announced its Annual College Rankings for 2024 to honor colleges that have excelled in fostering a culture of internships in the past year. This year’s rankings recognize institutions that have enabled students to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry exposure through internships. The rankings span across four zones—North, South, East, and West, spotlighting the best-performing colleges in each region.

Paavai Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, secured the all-India rank 1, for the fourth time in a row. The institute also was the South zone winner. Followed by Parul Polytechnic Institute, Vadodara, Gujarat at all India rank 2 and at West zone rank 1.

Additionally, Ramanujan College, New Delhi emerged as the zonal winner for the north zone, and the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata was recognized as the zonal winner of the East zone.

Over 740 colleges participated in this year’s rankings, with 11,000+ students securing internships across diverse domains. Companies such as Swiggy, PepsiCo, NoBroker, Times Internet, and Aditya Birla Capital were among the top recruiters, reflecting the robust internship culture promoted by these institutions.
In addition to recognizing the best performers, Internshala also provided these colleges with exclusive college-specific insights into the overall performance of the colleges showcasing their strengths and helping them identify areas for improvement.

Sarvesh Agrawal, Founder and CEO of Internshala, commented “The Internshala Annual College Rankings celebrate colleges that have made exceptional efforts to prioritize internships as a vital part of their students’ educational journeys. By helping students gain real-world experience, these institutions are shaping the workforce of tomorrow. The dedication of training and placement officers has been instrumental in achieving these milestones, enabling students to make informed career decisions and empowering companies to discover the best talent across India. I congratulate all the colleges featured in this year’s rankings.”

Here’s what the winning colleges had to say —
Dr. Jatin Vaidya, Principal, Parul Polytechnic Institute said, “I am immensely proud of our institution securing All India Rank 2 in the Annual College Rankings 2024. Our journey with internships in 2024 has been instrumental in shaping our students’ careers by providing them with invaluable internship opportunities. This achievement reinforces our continuous commitment to developing industry-ready professionals and ensuring bright futures for our students.”

Dr. B. Venkatesan, Internship Coordinator, Paavai Engineering College expressed, “We are thrilled to achieve All India Rank 1 in the Annual College Rankings! This milestone reflects the dedication of our students and the faculty. As the internship coordinator of Paavai Engineering College, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Internshala for empowering our students with diverse opportunities and equipping them with real-world skills. This has helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, fostering career growth and confidence in our students. This recognition inspires us to continue leveraging the platform’s resources for holistic student development and further excellence in internships. ”

NMDC Celebrates 76th Republic Day: Weaving the Tapestry of ‘Swarnim Bharat’

Mumbai, January 28, 2025: The nation’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with grand celebrations at its Hyderabad Head Office and other mining projects across India. Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), unfurled the National Flag at the Head Office in the presence of NMDC’s leadership team and enthusiastic employees. The event was graced by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), Shri B. Vishwanath, CVO, Smt. G Priyadarshini, CGM (Personnel & Administration), and other senior officials and employees.

In his Republic Day address, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “Republic Day is not just a celebration of our democratic ethos but a reminder of the immense responsibility we bear, both as citizens and as an organization. NMDC has emerged as a growth leader, achieving a 9% surge in production and a 5% increase in sales over CPLY. As we stride into the fourth quarter, we are ready to blaze past the 45 million tonne milestone with confidence and determination. With record growth in revenue from operations (20%) and profit after tax (23%) in Q2 FY25, we continue to set industry benchmarks.”

Emphasizing the company’s role in India’s growth journey, he added, “Our vision extends beyond mining, as reflected in NMDC Steel Limited’s achievements and our expanded flagship CSR initiative, Balika Shiksha Yojana, now empowering 85 tribal girls with professional nursing education. At NMDC, we remain committed to being of the greatest service to India.”

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, NMDC organized the ‘Republic Day Run 2025’ across its projects in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. NMDC’s brand ambassador and two-time World Champion boxer, Nikhat Zareen took part in the run inspiring the runners. Her presence underscored the importance of fitness and aligned with the goals of the ‘Fit India Movement.’ promoting both physical and mental well-being and encouraging employees and local communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

In addition to the Run, NMDC engaged employees and associates indoor games and competitions such as Chess, Table Tennis, and Carrom. The winners were felicitated during the ceremony, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among participants.

The celebrations across NMDC locations reflected the organization’s firm commitment to the nation’s growth and its dedication to building a strong, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.

Disclaimer: The information in this email is confidential and is intended solely for the addressee(s). Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not an intended recipient, you must not read, use or disseminate the information contained in this email.

IIT Roorkee Celebrates Republic Day 2025, Honoring 178 Years of Legacy

IIT Roorkee, 28 01, 2025: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in India, celebrated the 76th Republic Day with grandeur, reaffirming its 178-year-old legacy of excellence and commitment to shaping the nation’s future.

The celebrations commenced with the arrival of key dignitaries, including the Director, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Deputy Director, Prof. U.P. Singh, Registrar, Shri Prashant Garg, Dean of Administration, Prof. D.S. Arya, along with esteemed faculty members, staff, and students. Prof. Pant inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the Security Staff and NCC cadets before ceremonially hoisting the national flag. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem by the entire gathering, symbolizing unity and patriotism.

In his address, Prof. Pant reflected on IIT Roorkee’s pivotal role in India’s progress. “As one of Asia’s oldest technical institutions, IIT Roorkee carries a profound legacy of innovation, research, and societal impact. This Republic Day, we recommit ourselves to driving progress through cutting-edge research, sustainability, and the empowerment of future leaders,” he said.

The event celebrated India’s cultural diversity with vibrant performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the IIT Roorkee Cultural Society. These presentations not only showcased India’s rich heritage but also reflected the talents and creativity of the younger generation.

Recognizing contributions within the institution, awards and commendation certificates were presented to employees for their exemplary efforts in 2024. Trophies for initiatives like the Best Cleaned Bhawan and Mess further highlighted IIT Roorkee’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity on campus.

The program concluded with a rousing chorus of the national anthem and a collective cheer of “Jai Hind,” leaving attendees inspired and proud. The celebrations were live-streamed, allowing alumni, students, and well-wishers worldwide to participate and connect with the institution’s enduring legacy.

Gillco International School Hosts Carnival Euphoria – A Day of Joy and Togetherness

Kharar, 20.01.2025: Gillco International School came alive with excitement and energy as it hosted Carnival Euphoria, a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and camaraderie. The event, designed as the ultimate family fun day, drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, and visitors from across the region.

The day was packed with activities and experiences for all age groups. Thrilling rides kept adrenaline levels high, while mesmerizing live performances captivated the audience. Food lovers were spoiled for choice with an array of delicious food stalls, and creativity found new avenues in pottery-making sessions. Adding an educational twist to the fun, exciting science experiments sparked curiosity among young minds.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Kritika Kaushal, Principal of Gillco International School, said, “Carnival Euphoria reflects our commitment to holistic learning and creating meaningful community experiences. It was heartening to see families come together, bond, and celebrate in an environment filled with joy and creativity. Events like these help us strengthen the connection between education, fun, and family values.”

The school extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making Carnival Euphoria an unforgettable experience. With laughter, colors, and cherished memories filling the day, the event was truly a grand success.

Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts Announces Extended Admissions for 2025 Batch

Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) announces admissions for Culinary Arts and for Bakery and Pastry Arts. Budding chefs and baking enthusiasts who want to advance their culinary skills to the next level and master the art of bakery and pastry under the guidance of industry experts can apply for the courses.

IBCA is connected with top hotels/restaurants where students are trained and placed. Students have to go through selection trials and interviews for placement, which are held at the end of their respective duration.

The following courses are available in the IBCA institute with their respective duration: 18 months Advance Diploma Course in Culinary (Level 3), 18 Months Advance Diploma Course In Pastry (Level 3), 12 Months Diploma Course In Culinary Arts (Level 2), 12 Months Diploma Course In Pastry Arts (Level 2), 6 Months Certificate Course In Pastry (Level 1), 3 Months Certificate Course In Culinary, 3 Months Certificate Course In Pastry, Culinary Hobby Course and Pastry Hobby Course.

How to apply: Applicants seeking admission are required to fill out the online application form available on the institute’s website. The admission prerequisites will be in accordance with the various regulatory bodies as amended from time to time.

Admission Process: Applications for the Academic Year 2025 are open to applicants who have passed or will appear for the qualifying examinations under the higher secondary (10+2) from any recognized Board of Education such as AISSCE/IB/ICSE/CBSE, or equivalents.

IBCA is an institute in teaching and learning for comprehensive Bakery and Culinary programs with national and international certificates. It is accredited with City & Guilds (London), Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, India (THSC), and National Skills Development Corporation, India (NSDC).

ODM International School, Durgapur, Celebrates Annual Day Spectra-2024, Themed “A Tribute to Motherhood”

National, 2nd January 2025: ODM International School, Durgapur, a leading CBSE-affiliated school, hosted its Annual Day, Spectra-2024. The event, themed “The Saga of Motherhood,” was a spectacular celebration of the universal spirit of motherhood, showcasing the students’ artistic talents and dedication. The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the esteemed chief guest, Kalamandalam Swarnadeepa, a renowned Mohiniyattam artist.

 Taking the event further, the school’s choir presented a soulful rendition of songs paying homage to Mother Earth and motherhood, setting the tone for the celebrations. Through captivating performances, students portrayed motherhood across eras, from ancient mythology to modern times—from Mata Kayadu’s devotion in Satya Yuga to Yashoda’s tender love in Dwapar Yuga, highlighting the challenges and resilience of mothers, leaving a profound impact on all.

 The ODM Durgapur principal, Mrs. Mannu Kapoor presented the Annual Report, highlighting the institution’s membership in the prestigious Round Square Club, marking a significant milestone in fostering international connections and values. Mrs. Kapoor further added, “Spectra-2024 was a testament to the power of love and celebration. As we honored the selfless spirit of motherhood, our students, teachers, and parents came together to create a truly unforgettable evening. At ODM, we go beyond academics to nurture our students. Our innovative teaching pedagogy guides our approach to delivering transformative learning experiences that shape confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.”

 The evening was interspersed by captivating dance performances that left the audience spellbound. The students’ impressive artistic talents and dedication were on full display as they seamlessly blended classical and contemporary styles to pay tribute to the universal spirit of motherhood. The evening drew to a close with a special dance performance featuring mothers and their children, beautifully capturing the unbreakable bond between them.

Milap Publications Proudly Presents Alok Gaur’s ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ at an Elegant Ceremony

#Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, and Padma Shri Dr. D.S. Rana also marked their presence at the Event

New Delhi, December 17, 2024:

An evening dedicated to literature unfolded at Aravali Auditorium, Vasant Vihar, where Milap Publications proudly launched ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’, a poetry collection in Hindi by renowned poet Alok Gaur. The event was graced by Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Chakradhar as the chief guest, alongside the esteemed presence of Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri, President of DAV CMC, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder of Mahajan Imaging, and Padma Shri Dr. D.S. Rana, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ comprises 113 poems that reflect on profound questions of life and delve deep into human emotions. Despite his professional commitments in the corporate world, Alok Gaur’s dedication to literature shines through this third publication.

In his keynote, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Chakradhar praised the collection, saying, “This anthology is a symbol of hope and perseverance. It inspires readers to rise above life’s challenges, something we all face in our journeys. Years from now, we may confront new questions, but this poetry will remain a guide, offering solutions with its simple yet profound words. It’s not heavy literature—it is poetry that soothes and empowers, teaching us how to find happiness.”

The program was ably anchored by ‘Hasya Ratna’ Chirag Jain, who kept the audience engaged throughout with his distinctive style. His rendition of the Ramayana’s Dashrath Death Episode left the audience deeply moved and mesmerized, adding an emotional and unforgettable dimension to the evening.

Mr. Yogi Suri, Managing Editor, Milap Publications, shared his thoughts: “When I began this journey in publishing, I was told that poets and publishers can never truly be friends. But ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ proves that collaboration between creativity and publishing is essential. I am grateful to Alok Gaur and honored by Dr. Ashok Chakradhar’s presence.”

Alok Gaur himself recited selected poems, captivating the audience with their rhythm and essence. Speaking about his work, he said, “My poetry embraces every aspect of life and its emotions. ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ encourages readers to view life positively and inspires them to discover happiness in every moment.”

JP Group’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Manoj Gaur, a long-time friend of Alok Gaur, spoke about the poet’s unwavering commitment to writing. He remarked, “Alok’s poetry is not just an art form but a reflection of his deep thoughts and sensitivity. His words resonate with sincerity and dedication, showcasing his love for the craft. Our friendship runs deep, and I am proud to witness his literary journey.”

Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri congratulated Alok Gaur and applauded the poetry collection. He stated, “Alok’s poems connect directly with the heart. This book is a reminder that happiness is not an elusive dream; it is something we can actively seek in our everyday lives.”

Published by Milap Publication, ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ is now available at leading bookstores and online platforms, including Amazon.

IIT Mandi Celebrates Gita Jayanti with ‘Gitanushilanam 2024’

Mandi, December 16^th, 2024; IIT Mandi hosted ‘Gitanushilanam 2024’ on the auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti, commemorating the advent of the Bhagavad Gita, a timeless scripture that has inspired humanity for millennia. Organized by the IKSMHA Center (Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications), this celebration aimed to highlight the relevance of the Gita in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering moral, cultural, and spiritual well-being.

The event embodied the spirit of ‘Gitanushilanam,’ derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Gita’ (Bhagavad Gita) and ‘Anushilanam’ (contemplation and practice). It emphasized integrating the Gita’s teachings into daily life by promoting adherence to Dharma, following the principles of Bhakti Yoga, and embracing the path of surrender to Lord Krishna as the ultimate means to attain harmony, purpose, and liberation.

The IKSMHA Center, dedicated to leveraging Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) for mental health and self-development, views the Gita as a beacon for cultivating resilience, emotional stability, and ethical leadership. By celebrating Gita Jayanti, the center aims to encourage a positive mindset and deeper connection to universal values rooted in Indian wisdom.

The program began with a soulful recitation of Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance through the light of knowledge. Performances included the Gita Mahatmya recitation, celebrating the scripture’s unparalleled spiritual significance, along with melodious renditions, cultural dances, and yoga performances that creatively depicted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The event also featured a shadow drama, bringing the Gita’s philosophical essence to life through an interplay of light and darkness. The program also showcased a video presentation of Gitanushilanam 2024, highlighting how thousands of children participated enthusiastically in Bhagavad Gita-based contests over the past few weeks, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the Gita’s teachings.

IPS Soumya Sambasivan, the Chief Guest, lauded the initiative and its focus on blending culture with education. She remarked, “The Bhagavad Gita is a profound guide for mental well-being and self-discovery. Teachers play a pivotal role in inspiring students to shift their focus from life-threatening addictions to life-affirming principles of Krishna Consciousness. By sowing the seeds of Bhakti, they uphold moral and human values while imparting the essence of Dharma.”

She further highlighted the Gita’s enduring relevance, quoting its assurance in 9.31, ‘na me bhakta pranashyati’ (My devotee is never lost) and its ultimate teaching in 18.66, ‘sarva dharman parityajya,’ which emphasizes liberation through surrender. Drawing attention to the strength of women, she noted, “In Vibhuti Yoga (chapter 10), the Bhagavad Gita celebrates women as embodiments of divine energy, capable of transforming society through their adherence to Dharma.”

The celebration engaged over 2,000 schoolchildren from across the Mandi district in contests like the Bhagavad Gita Quiz, Shloka Recitation, Essay Writing, and Art Competition, with 700 students participating in today’s event. The following schools participated in the festivities: Mind Tree School, GSSS Baggi, Swami Vivekananda School, Boys School GSSS, Primary School, Girls School GSSS, SVM, KV School, DAV Khaliyar, ITI, Takshila School, Hillock School, DAV NerChowk, GSSS Kataula, GSSS Kamand, GSSS Kathindi, USV School, GSSS Tihri, GSSS Nissu, Genius School, and Indus Global School.

The day concluded with a heartfelt awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding talent of young participants, and reflecting on the enduring relevance of Gita’s teachings in modern times.