Category Archives: Education

Indian Textile Sector Embraces Sustainability with Newly launched eLearning Course by AMHSSC and bluesign

Jaipur, Rajasthan, 11th August 2024: The Apparel Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC) in partnership with bluesign® is proud to introduce the Foundation to Apparel Sustainability eLearning course. The event, held at the Jaipur, Marriott Hotel, signifies a major advancement in promoting sustainable and ethical practices within India’s textile and apparel sector.

India’s textile and apparel industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, accounting for approximately 2% of GDP and 18% of manufacturing output. The sector employs 45 million people directly and supports another 60 million in related industries. As the world’s 5th largest exporter, India’s role highlights the pressing need for sustainable development within this sector.

The event featured distinguished industry leaders including Mr Zakir Hussain, President, GEAR, Shri. Ravi Poddar, Proprietor, Cheer Sagar; Padma Shri Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman AMHSSC; Ms. Katharina Verena Mayer, Director Customer Relations bluesign technologies. The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing a dedication to a sustainable future.

The Foundation to Apparel Sustainability Course, developed by bluesign® academy in collaboration with AMHSSC, will commence in September 2024. Delivered through an online module format over eight weeks, the course will feature one e-learning session each week. It aims to provide an in-depth exploration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects in the textile industry, with a particular focus on the Indian market. This course supports India’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, as pledged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, by equipping industry leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices.

The course is designed to offer practical knowledge that participants can directly apply within manufacturing units. Tailored for senior and middle management in the apparel industry, it empowers these leaders to drive responsible change and support India’s emergence as a global leader in sustainability. Topics covered include an introduction to sustainable fashion, a historical perspective of the fashion industry, sustainable fibers, eco-friendly textile processes, impact and footprint assessment, chemical management and hazard assessment, social and ethical aspects in apparel sustainability, and sustainability reporting.

Padma Shri Dr. A Sakthivel, Chairman AMHSSC, commented, “Jaipur’s rich textile heritage is a perfect backdrop for launching this sustainability course. It will empower local artisans and manufacturers to innovate responsibly.”

Ms. Katharina Verena Mayer, Director Customer Relations bluesign technologies, said, “The launch of this course in Jaipur is a crucial step towards integrating sustainability into India’s textile industry. We’re excited to witness its positive impact.”

This initiative not only sets new standards for responsible business conduct in India’s textile and apparel sector but also aligns with international expectations and growing consumer demands for ethical and sustainable products. In Jaipur, the course aims to transform local industry practices, promoting sustainability and enhancing competitiveness in the city’s vibrant textile sector.

The AMHSSC and bluesign® invite all stakeholders in the textile and apparel sector to participate in this transformative course. By joining hands, we can ensure a sustainable future for the industry, benefiting not just businesses but also the environment and society at large.

Over 500 students participated in Career Counselling Session

Crack Academy, India’s first online Ed-tech platform for the Civil Services Examination, conducted a highly successful career counselling session at Scholars Public School, Rajpura, Punjab, on August 1, 2024. The session saw an impressive attendance of over 500 students. It aimed to provide guidance to young minds on how to choose paths aligned with their interests.

The counselling session, organized by the school in conjunction with Crack Academy, was graced by an esteemed panel of experts from Crack Academy who discussed various career options. Mr. Neeraj Kansal, CEO and Founder of Crack Academy, inspired the audience with his journey as a Civil Engineer Gold Medalist and an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. Mr. Rishi Bhargava, Co-Founder of Crack Academy, an M.Sc., M.Phil., and MBA, brought a deep understanding of the competitive exam preparation industry to the discussion. The session was further enriched by the presence of the chief guest, Mr. Bikramjit Brar, Deputy Superintendent of Police, who added valuable perspectives to the discussion.

During the session, the panellists discussed various strategies for identifying personal strengths and interests, the importance of aligning career choices with these attributes, the benefits of early planning and preparation, the methodology and significance of UPSC, the exam process, and the value of other competitive exams.

Mr. Neeraj Kansal, CEO and Founder of Crack Academy, shared his views on the session, stating, “This event is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn from experts and explore various career possibilities and demands. At Crack Academy, we are committed to empowering students through such sessions, helping them navigate and plan their future paths.”

Among the audience, some students shared their thoughts, with Abhinav Chawla, a class 11th student, remarking, “The counselling session was transformative, providing clarity on choosing the right career path.” Manya, a class 12th student, added, “The guidance I received has empowered me to make well-informed decisions about my future.”

The career counselling session included interactive workshops, Q&A segments, and personalized guidance. Students came up with different questions showcasing their eagerness to understand more about their future options. These questions led to in-depth discussions, ensuring that each student is enriched with a clear understanding of their potential career paths and the steps needed to achieve their goals.

The session culminated successfully, highlighting Crack Academy’s commitment to supporting students in their academic and career journeys and empowering them with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue their goals.

TOI and GL Bajaj Educational Institutions Present the 11th Right To Excellence Education Summit

New Delhi – August 2, 2024: The Times of India’s flagship event, Right To Excellence, returns with its 11th Education Summit on August 3 in Greater Noida. This year’s summit will examine India’s evolving education system, focusing on digitization, skill-based training, and bridging the education-employment gap.

Prasad Sanyal, Business Head of timesofindia.com, emphasized the summit’s goal: “We aim to decode the reforms in the education sector and their impact on India’s future education and employment landscape.”

GL Bajaj Educational Institutions is sponsoring the event. Kartikay Agarwal, CEO, highlighted their mission: “We strive to empower students with skills and mindsets to become innovative leaders in an ever-changing world.” Pankaj Agarwal, Vice Chairman, added, “Our focus is on creating technopreneurs who will drive innovation and lead tomorrow.”

The summit boasts an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions. Awanish Awasthi, Advisor to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on government policies for an inclusive education system. In a compelling fireside chat, visually-impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla will share his inspirational journey through academia. Actor Vikrant Massey will reflect on his acclaimed film “12th Fail” and discuss his personal educational experiences.

The event will also feature panel discussions on crucial topics such as “Bridging the Skills Gap: Equipping Students for Success in the AI Era,” which will explore how to prepare students for an AI-driven future. Another session, “Embracing Digital Transformation: Innovating Teaching and Learning in the Tech Age,” will delve into the role of technology in education. The summit will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on “Preparing Students for Industry 4.0: Skills for the Future,” addressing the evolving needs of the job market.

The summit will feature educational experts, policymakers, and thought leaders sharing insights on India’s education system and its alignment with industry requirements.

Viewers can watch the Right To Excellence Education Summit live on August 3, starting at 10 AM, via the Times of India website

TOI partners with GL Bajaj Educational Institutions for Right To Excellence Education Summit

The Times of India’s flagship property Right To Excellence returns with its 11th edition – Education Summit. Scheduled to take place on August 3 in Greater Noida, the event will take a closer look at India’s education system, covering key topics including digitisation, skill-based training, education-employment gap and more.

Education holds the key to harnessing the potential of India’s student population. Over the years, the Indian education system has undergone several changes. Flagship schemes have been introduced to ensure youngsters enter the workforce with the right skills. Technology and artificial intelligence has been adopted to make learning more accessible and efficient. The rise of edutech has further revolutionized education, by catering to the diverse needs of students across the country. Speaking about the Education Summit, Prasad Sanyal, Business Head, timesofindia.com, said, “Right To Excellence Education Summit will decode the reforms being implemented in the education sector and how they are shaping the future of education and employment in India. The event will bring together top educationists, policymakers and thought leaders to share insights on India’s education system and how it is equipped to meet industry requirements.”

The Education Summit is being sponsored by GL Bajaj Educational Institutions. Kartikay Agarwal, CEO of GL Bajaj Educational Institutions, said, “Education is the cornerstone of innovation and progress. At GL Bajaj, we aspire to empower students with skills and mindsets that recast them into leaders who innovate, lead, and excel in an ever-evolving world and shape a brighter future.”

On their commitment to creating future leaders, Pankaj Agarwal, Vice Chairman of GL Bajaj Educational Institutions, stated, “Empowering youth through education is crucial for nation-building. At GL Bajaj, we are devoted to creating technopreneurs who would drive innovation and become leaders of tomorrow.”

Here’s an overview of how the Summit will unfold.

The event will begin with a welcome address by Pankaj Agarwal, Vice Chairman, GL Bajaj Educational Institutions.

Awanish Awasthi, Advisor to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, will be delivering the keynote speech, emphasizing on the role of government policies in fostering an inclusive and equitable education system.

Visually-impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, whose life was the subject of a recent Bollywood biopic, will share his inspirational life story during a fireside chat. He will discuss his academic journey and the battles he fought to pursue higher education.

Actor Vikrant Massey will reflect on his highly acclaimed film 12th Fail and his own educational journey as part of a session. He will reveal his personal connection to the character he played in the film and the role education plays in the personal growth of any individual.

Nageshwar Rao, VC, IGNOU, Rishikesh Patankar, Vice President (Government Programs, A&A MEL) at NSDCS and Divya Gandotra Tandon, Director, Scoop Beats Pvt Ltd & COO, ASTNT Technologies will be speaking as part of a panel discussion on ‘Bridging the Skills Gap: Equipping Students for Success in the AI Era’.

Kartikay Agarwal, CEO of GL Bajaj Educational Institutions, will be joining for a fireside chat on how students can navigate the transition from college to career.

Dr M Sasikumar, Exe Director, CDAC(The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), Sanjeev Banzal, DG, Education and Research Network (ERNET India) and Dr Pratapsinh Desai, President at Indian Society of Technical Education, New Delhi will share their views during a session on ‘Embracing Digital Transformation: Innovating Teaching and Learning in the Tech Age’.

The discussion on ‘Preparing Students for Industry 4.0: Skills for the Future’ will see the participation of Shruti Kapoor, Lead – Economic opportunities for youth | YuWaah (Generation Unlimited) UNICEF and Urvashi Prasad, Director, Niti Aayog.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Launches Online Postgraduate Certificate Program in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (PGCP-E&I)

Aug 01, 2024,Bengaluru, Karnataka, India : Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has launched a Postgraduate Certificate Program in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (PGCP-E&I).

This comprehensive one-year certificate program is designed for students with entrepreneurial ambitions, budding entrepreneurs, early-stage start-up founders, and family business successors. The online PGCP in Entrepreneurship & Innovation is priced at INR 110,000. The one-year certificate program will be delivered 100% online through live synchronous classes, case studies, real-time business insights, and mentorship from industry experts. Participants will learn to drive growth by adopting the right mindset, recognizing megatrends, and addressing key challenges, while mastering fundraising, attracting the right investors, and optimizing operations.

Here’s what learners can expect from this online postgraduate certificate program-

Expert-led learning and mentorship: Delivered by industry experts, this program offers live synchronous classes and mentorship that bring real-world entrepreneurial experiences into the virtual classroom. Learners will gain practical business insights and personalized guidance for their business ideas.

Access to an integrated startup ecosystem: Participants will have exclusive access to the MILES (Manipal Centre for Innovation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship) startup ecosystem including 3D printers, Innovation center, Idea café, laser cutting machine, Apple creative studio etc, and a chance to incubate their business idea at Manipal’s Tech & Bio Incubator platform. Learners will also receive guidance on securing government grants such as Nidhi EIR, BIRAC-BIG, Prayaas & SSP.

Comprehensive curriculum: The program’s curriculum covers all critical aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, from product development to go-to-market strategies and fundraising techniques. It includes engaging case studies to deepen the understanding of product philosophy and innovation.

Dr. Raghupathi Cavale, Founding Director, Manipal Centre for Innovation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship (MILES), expressed his enthusiasm on the launch of the PGCP in Entrepreneurship & Innovation in the online mode, and said, “This program is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and the younger generation in family businesses to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and goals. Our faculty, who possess extensive experience across industries, have carefully crafted this program based on practical insights. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics essential for entrepreneurship from resolving your dilemma and fundraising to operationalization. With a strong emphasis on real-world applications and access to a startup ecosystem, participants can immediately implement their learning to propel their ventures forward.”

SGT University Forges Pioneering Partnerships to Propel Experiential Learning and Industry Collaboration

30th July 2024 Gurugram, Haryana, India SGT University has embarked on a series of strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations in diverse sectors to boost its academic strength, foster industry collaborations, and give students unmatched exposure to cutting-edge practices. These groundbreaking collaborations show the university’s commitment to delivering transformative learning experiences and nurturing industry-ready professionals.

1. Partnership with Farelabs Pvt. Ltd. for Cutting-Edge Research and Training:

SGT University has joined forces with Farelabs Pvt. Ltd., a renowned food testing laboratory based in Gurugram. This partnership will open doors for good research, training, and job opportunities. They will be for students and faculty in fields like Medical/Health, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Food & Nutrition, Biotechnology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences. Students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies. They will also learn best industry practices. This will enhance their ability to get hired.

2. Hydrogen Engine Testing Lab – A Beacon of Sustainable Energy Innovation:

It is a pioneering move toward sustainable energy. SGT University has partnered with CST Envirotech to build a state-of-the-art Hydrogen Engine Testing Lab on its campus. This cutting-edge facility will enable students and faculty to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions and position the university as a beacon of innovation in the field.

3. Upskilling Faculty with Skills and Education Group, UK:

SGT University’s partnership with the Skills and Education Group, UK, aims to uplift the expertise of its faculty across various disciplines while also curating innovative interdisciplinary courses. The university will use the group’s vast expertise and resources. It seeks to enrich its academics with global perspectives.

4. Global Exposure through Partnership with German Varsity for Advanced Studies:

SGT University has an MoU with a prestigious German Varsity for Advanced Studies. It will give engineering students invaluable international project experience and exposure to cutting-edge practices in their fields. Through this collaboration, students will take part in international projects, gaining hands-on experience and cultivating a global mindset, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. This will enable them to tackle complex challenges in an evolving technological landscape.

Speaking about the collaborations, Dr. Joginder Yadav- Registrar SGT University, said, “Through these collaborations, we’re not merely providing access to state-of-the-art resources and experiences; we are crafting a crucible for innovation, critical thinking, and global competence. Our mission extends beyond traditional learning methods. We want to sculpt professionals who are not just prepared for the industry as it stands today but are also visionaries capable of shaping the future. Education has the power to transform the world and by bridging the gap between academia and the practical demands of the evolving professional world, we want to be at the forefront of this transformation.”

These partnerships exemplify SGT University’s commitment to nurturing a globally competent workforce capable of driving innovation and progress. By leveraging the expertise and resources of esteemed organizations, the university is poised to redefine the boundaries of academic excellence, preparing its students to thrive in their respective, dynamic professional landscapes.

5 Ways Universities Can Foster An Entrepreneurial Mindset In Students

In a rapidly developing country like India, entrepreneurship is a vital driver of economic growth and innovation. According to a report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) India 2023-24, the entrepreneurial activity rate in India has been steadily increasing, with 15% of the adult population engaged in early-stage entrepreneurial activities. This indicates a growing interest in entrepreneurship among young people in India. This eventually brings us to the conclusion that universities play an extremely crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial mindset of students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge that is necessary to thrive in a competitive market.

Educational institutions play a very important role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Hence, here are five ways in which universities in India can foster an entrepreneurial mindset in their students:

Make Entrepreneurship A Part Of The Curriculum

One of the most effective ways to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset is by integrating entrepreneurship into the university curriculum. This can be done through dedicated entrepreneurship courses, modules, or even degree programs that cover various aspects of starting and running a business, such as ideation, business planning, marketing, finance, and legal issues. This not only provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship but also encourages them to think critically and creatively about solving real-world problems and prepares them for the challenges of starting and running a business.

Start Incubation Centers and Accelerators

Universities should establish incubation centers and accelerators to support students in transforming their ideas into viable businesses. These centers can provide resources such as office space, funding, mentorship, and access to networks of investors and industry experts. These kind of centers provide a supportive environment for students to develop and test their ideas and offer access to essential resources and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Students can actually navigate the early stages of starting a business through the help of such establishments. For example, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has set up the IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC), which is recognized as one of the top deep-tech start-up hubs in India that supports start-ups through seed funding, mentoring, and infrastructure. As of 2023, IITMIC has incubated over 200 start-ups, and is targeting to incubate at least 100 start-ups across various sectors next year in 2024.

Promote Collaboration Between The Academia & Industry

Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for developing an entrepreneurial mindset among students. Universities need to encourage partnerships with industries to provide students with real-world experience, internships and opportunities to work on live projects. This exposure helps students understand market needs and challenges, making them better equipped to develop innovative solutions. It not only provides students with practical and hands-on experience in real-world settings but also bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements.

Organize Competitions & Hackathons

Competitions and hackathons are excellent platforms for students to showcase their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills. These events encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. They also provide students with the opportunity to receive feedback from experts and gain recognition for their efforts. Since 2005, the National Institute of Technology Trichy (NIT Trichy) has been hosting the ‘Pragyan Innovation Summit’, an annual event that includes hackathons, pitch competitions, and workshops. This summit attracts participants from across the country, providing students with a platform to present their ideas and compete for funding and support.

Encourage A Culture Of Entrepreneurship

Creating a culture of entrepreneurship within the university is essential for encouraging students to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. This can be achieved by organizing events such as guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking sessions with successful entrepreneurs and alumni. Universities should also celebrate entrepreneurial successes and provide recognition and incentives for innovative ideas. It inspires students by exposing them to successful entrepreneurs and their journeys as well as helps build a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The Indian School of Business (ISB), for example, organizes the ‘ISB Leadership Summit’ every year which personifies ISB’s vision of leadership, excellence, and diversity. They host a plethora of stalwarts who are exemplary leaders in their respective fields to add valuable insights into the holistic education ecosystem that ISB has successfully built over the years.

Additionally, Indian government’s initiatives like ‘Start-up India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ also aim to create a conducive environment for start-ups and entrepreneurship. These initiatives offer various benefits, including tax exemptions, funding opportunities and ease of doing business, which educational institutions can leverage to provide additional support and resources to student entrepreneurs. With the right support and encouragement, students can develop the skills and confidence needed to turn their innovative ideas into successful ventures, contributing to the global economy and addressing societal challenges. Institutions like BMU University are at the forefront of this movement, providing a nurturing environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students. By fostering such mindsets, universities play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

PW’s AcadFly with USA’s Marquette University Announces the Dual Enrollment Program for study abroad

India, July 29, 2024: Physics Wallah’s (PW) study abroad initiative, PW AcadFly, has launched a groundbreaking Dual Enrollment Program in India. This program, created in exclusive partnership with Marquette University (MU) in the USA, was introduced at The School Leaders Summit, organized by PW AcadFly, where 18 top schools from across India participated.

The unique Marquette Explorer Program allows high school students to earn up to 24 college credits during their 11th and 12th grades through PW AcadFly. This is equivalent to the first year of undergraduate studies. After completing this, students can spend the next three years on campus at MU or at other partner universities in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. This program is also open to gap-year students and first-year international undergraduate students worldwide.
Upon finishing the program, students will receive transferable college credits and an academic transcript from MU. They can then choose to apply to MU or other top universities, such as The John Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon University, and New York University, among others. Successful students are guaranteed admission to MU and a scholarship covering 50%-75% of the tuition fee for their second, third, and fourth years at Marquette University. Additionally, a select few meritorious students may receive a 100% scholarship.

Mayank Sharma, Senior Vice President, PW, said, “PW AcadFly began with a commitment to support students in their academic journey, transcending financial and geographical limitations. The Marquette Explorer Program is our first step in the direction of bringing a variety of study abroad immersions for students looking to study abroad. Not only does the Explorer Program reduce the cost of attendance by 50% and saves one full year for the student, it also simplifies the admission process by offering exemptions from standard tests. While being both time-efficient and cost-effective, it also offers a head start to university education while studying at school.”

Dr. John Baworowsky, Marquette University Vice President of Enrollment Emeritus, said, “The Explorer Program has allowed hundreds of students from around the world to begin taking college courses early, which has provided many benefits including tuition savings, academic advancement, and early graduation. We are very excited to be offering this program in India and to give Indian students these same advantages.”

Simplilearn Strengthens Its Leadership Team, Appoints Pratik Palor as Financial Controller

July 29, 2024,Bengaluru, Karnataka, India : Simplilearn, the world’s leading online bootcamp for digital skills, announces the appointment of Pratik Palor as its new Financial Controller. With a career spanning over 15 years in financial management and strategic leadership, this addition to the leadership team reinforces Simplilearn’s commitment to financial excellence and future growth.

As Financial Controller, Pratik Palor will collaborate closely with the founders on strategy and work as the right arm to the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Veerasundar. V.. He will anchor Simplilearn’s financial planning and capital allocation initiatives. Pratik will work with existing teams to strengthen the company’s financial frameworks and reorient some of the structures to make Simplilearn ready for future growth. His focus will be to bring more integration and efficiency in terms of accounting and reporting.

Pratik brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in finance to his new position. Prior to joining Simplilearn, Pratik served as Associate Director: Internal Audit at Flipkart, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance internal processes and financial controls. His diverse experience includes pivotal roles at Kerry Ingredients, Pernod Ricard and ITC Ltd, where he excelled in operational finance, cost control, and compliance.

During his tenure at ITC, Pernod Ricard, Kerry and Flipkart; Pratik led teams in different finance verticals overseeing business partnering, accounting, strengthening controls and regulatory compliance. His achievements include implementing cost-efficient strategies, ERP migrations, efficiencies through automation, optimizing inventory management, and ensuring adherence to global financial standards.

“We are delighted to welcome Pratik Palor as our new Financial Controller at Simplilearn. His profound understanding of the financial ecosystem, combined with his ability to navigate complex scenarios, will strengthen the company’s financial performance and support its continued expansion. We look forward to working together to achieve our strategic goals and deliver exceptional value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Mr. Veerasundar V., Chief Financial Officer, Simplilearn

Mr. Pratik Palor expressed his excitement about joining Simplilearn, stating, “I am thrilled to join Simplilearn and look forward to leveraging my expertise in financial management to contribute towards enhancing the company’s financial strategies and driving sustainable growth in the digital skills training industry.”

Pratik is a distinguished Chartered Accountant, having earned his certification from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India with top honors in taxation and finance. His expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic financial planning will be instrumental in driving Simplilearn’s financial strategies forward.