Category Archives: Education

Arena Animation Announces the World Creative Excellence League (WCEL), a global platform for Arena Animation students

Mumbai, August 7th, 2025: Arena Animation, a leader in animation, gaming, digital content creation, and VFX training and a brand of Aptech Limited, proudly announces the launch of the World Creative Excellence League (WCEL), a pioneering global creative competition platform for its students. Designed to encourage and celebrate artistic excellence among students, the inaugural edition of WCEL invites participation from students of Arena Animation from across the world. The competition, aiming to showcase creative talent on a large scale, marks a significant milestone in Arena Animation’s journey as a truly global creative education leader.

Speaking about the new initiative, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation, said, “The World Creative Excellence League (WCEL) is more than just a competition; it is an outstanding platform that enables young creators to push their limits, gain recognition, and benchmark themselves against global creative standards. This initiative truly reflects Arena Animation’s long-standing commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and world class talent. By connecting students with international exposure and industry leaders, our aim is to build a talent pipeline for the future of the global creative economy.”

Students participating in the WCEL are competing across 12 creative categories showcasing a wide range of skills. The categories range from Comic Design, Brand Identity Design, Motion Graphics, Cinematic Scenes (Unreal Engine), 3D CGI Advertising, to UI/UX Design, Short Story Reel and many more. The top 2 students in each category stand to win from a prize pool of INR 6,00,000. In its first edition, over 5,500 students have registered for the WCEL competition. In addition to individual student recognition, Arena Animation centres will also have the opportunity to earn the prestigious title of “WCEL Centre of Excellence”. The title will be awarded to centres that demonstrate outstanding participation and performance across multiple benchmarks in the competition, which includes highest number of students participants, maximum no. of qualified artwork submissions, the most nominations across categories and top winning entries. It’s a recognition of the passion, mentorship quality and the creative culture nurtured at these top performing Arena centres – setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Participant entries comprise original artworks in their chosen categories highlighting the creative vision, skill, and storytelling abilities of Arena Animation students. All entries are judged by a Grand Jury comprising industry leaders and international experts, ensuring high standards of evaluation and global credibility. This elite panel brings diverse perspectives and ensures that the evaluation is aligned with global standards of creative excellence.

Participating students also benefit from 12 exclusive masterclasses led by experienced mentors, helping them hone their skills conducted by brands such as Adobe, Pantone, and more.

Arena Animation’s existing flagship event, Creative Minds, is also playing a vital role as a qualifying ground for the WCEL. The top artworks from each category at Creative Minds earn a direct spot, handpicked by the jury, into the WCEL. These jury picked entries are in addition to the top artworks from the primary categories, based on the quality of their artwork and skills of the students. These shortlisted students then compete at the international level, where one ultimate winner per category gets crowned.

With the World Creative Excellence League (WCEL), Arena Animation has taken a major step in building a truly international creative education ecosystem. and most importantly, creating a vibrant, competitive, and inspiring global creative community, reinforcing its position as a global creative education leader

Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Entry-Level Jobs and Career Paths

6th August 2025: Cybersecurity offers multiple entry paths for STEM professionals beyond computer science degrees. From security operations center analysts to security engineers, the field needs diverse skills including problem-solving, communication and technical analysis. Certifications and transferable experience from IT, networking or data analysis can lead to lucrative cybersecurity careers.

Cybercrime is booming, and so is the demand for cybersecurity expertise. In 2024 alone, malicious actors stole billions from companies worldwide, while millions of jobs protecting those companies went unfilled.

Part of the problem lies in perceptions and pathways. Many STEM professionals assume cybersecurity requires a computer science degree or elite hacking skills. In reality the field desperately needs analysts, communicators, auditors and problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds.

“Cybersecurity is evolving fast, but education and training haven’t kept up,” said IEEE Senior Member Vaibhav Tupe. “Many job listings demand years of experience, but few entry-level paths exist.”

The good news? There are multiple entry points into cybersecurity, and many technical skills transfer beautifully into security roles. Whether you’re coming from IT support, data analysis, network engineering or even fields like accounting or law, there’s likely a cybersecurity path that matches your background.

The SOC Path

One of the most accessible entry points into cybersecurity lies within security operations centers, or SOCs. These specialized facilities monitor and respond to cyber threats around the clock, offering a natural progression path that’s particularly welcoming to newcomers.

Tier one SOC analysts represent the most common entry-level positions in cybersecurity. These analysts respond to routine security alerts and escalate complex threats to more experienced colleagues. It’s ideal for beginners because companies expect to provide training, and the structured environment offers clear advancement opportunities.

As analysts gain experience, they can progress to tier two roles conducting detailed threat investigations, then to tier three positions focused on identifying security blind spots and fine-tuning monitoring systems. For those with leadership aspirations, SOC managers balance technical oversight with strategic management, handling team leadership and serving as the bridge to executive leadership.

Beyond SOC roles, the cybersecurity field offers numerous other specialized positions:

Information Security Analyst: Information security analysts typically focus on information protection policies, regulatory compliance, risk management and the physical security of organizational facilities.
Junior Penetration Tester: People in this role simulate cybersecurity attacks to identify vulnerabilities. They work under senior penetration testers that often design more comprehensive attacks.

Vulnerability Assessment Experts: Professionals in this role perform research to identify new, previously unknown vulnerabilities. They also manage the response to known vulnerabilities, prioritizing action according to risk.

Security Engineers: Cybersecurity teams use a lot of different software applications. The job of the security engineer is to evaluate that software and to get all of the different applications to work together.
Security Architect: The goal of this job is to plan, research and design a robust security infrastructure within a company. Security architects conduct regular system and vulnerability tests and implement or supervise the implementation of enhancements. They are also in charge of establishing recovery procedures.

Multiple Pathways Into the Field

The entry point into cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a computer science degree. An increasing number of cybersecurity-related degrees are being offered by departments outside of computing and computer science, with business, law and engineering serving as examples of other parent disciplines. At the same time, some companies are looking for key certifications and coursework, rather than a specific degree.

IEEE Senior Member Steven Furnell offered this advice to STEM professionals who are curious about cybersecurity but worried they don’t have the right experience.

“Think about the underlying skills that cybersecurity needs,” Furnell said. “Successive surveys of employers indicate that they value — and often claim to prioritize — transferable skills such as problem solving, collaboration and communication. These skills aren’t exclusive to those studying computer science. Holding any STEM degree or experience shows the ability to study and succeed at that level.”

Certifications also offer a pathway into entry-level positions, said IEEE Senior Member Kevin Curran.

“Often these certifications bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, job ready skills,” Curran said. “Especially for those with transferable tech backgrounds like IT, networking or programming.”

Four Ways to Strengthen Your Medical School Application

6th August 2025: With schools coming to an end, aspiring medical students from India are facing the critical step of preparing for their medical school applications. This process requires lots of planning, dedication, and a strategic approach to stand out in the competitive field of medicine. Prospective students must focus on academic excellence, and develop strong personal statements that reflect their passion for healthcare. With the right preparation, students from India can position themselves for success in their medical school journey, paving the way for a future in medicine that aligns with the region’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.

It’s no secret that admission to medical school can be competitive. You’re likely pretty familiar with the basic requirements such as maintaining a good GPA, achieving a strong ILETS score, and writing a compelling personal statement.

But if you want to push your medical school application beyond the ordinary, you’ll need to learn how to make each element as strong as possible.

St. George’s University, School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies had a discussion with Dr. Ryan Gray, founder of Medical School Headquarters, on ways students can strengthen their medical school applications. Dr. Gray has advised countless students who’ve gained acceptance to medical school and here, provides some of his best application tips.

How to make your medical school application stand out

Dr. Gray explains that the best way to build an impressive application is to avoid looking at medical school requirements as a rigid list of boxes you’ll need to check.

The following strategies can make a big impact during the MD program application process:

1. Focus on school first

The road to medical school is long. There are several aspects that make up a completed application, and some of them take a considerable amount of time. One of the most helpful pieces of advice Dr. Gray offers to pre-med students is to pace yourself.

Medical schools seek students capable of handling the program’s rigorous academic demands. While GPA isn’t the sole factor, it remains significant, with 3.5 being the average GPA for regional students accepted into medical students. To improve or maintain your GPA, Dr. Gray advises learning effective time management and study methods early on. Once you have strong grades, you can focus on other application requirements.

2. Demonstrate what you’re passionate about

Realistically, you know you’ll be applying to medical school among a sea of other students who have also obtained strong GPAs, impressive test scores, and have a range of related experiences. In that environment, you can let your unique passions and interests shine through to stand out from the other applicants. Your personal statement can be a great place to highlight the things you’re passionate about and demonstrate your leadership and analytical skills.

Dr. Gray advises students to try to focus more on what they enjoy and that will make the application and interview a little different and create conversation.

Medical schools look for a range of different qualities in promising applicants, from social skills to critical-thinking abilities to cultural competence. Whether you’re interested in music, sports, working with children, supporting community issues, or anything in between, there are numerous ways you can showcase the characteristics they’re seeking.

3. Embrace Imperfection:

There are many unwritten rules pre-med students think they need to abide by, but it’s helpful to maintain some perspective. While schools scrutinize your grades and test scores, that doesn’t mean you need to be perfect. In fact, an increasing number of medical schools have been adopting a holistic review process. If you happen to have a bad semester or a bad year because you’re away from home, you can still make the best out of your medical career and thrive through the challenges.

4. Importance of English Proficiency:

For international applicants, one other key element to consider is the performance on an English language test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Your IELTS score can have an impact on your MD program admission because it demonstrates the ability to use English competently – critical for the study and practice of medicine in an international setting.

Prepare for your future as a physician

There’s no denying how challenging it can be to get into medical school. But with this advice on how to make your medical school application stand out, you should feel ready to put your best foot forward.

IRM India Affiliate Licenses Mahindra University to Launch South India’s First Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management

Hyderabad, August 6, 2025 — The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) India Affiliate, the Indian arm of the world’s leading certifying body for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) exams across 140 countries, has announced a strategic collaboration with Mahindra University to establish South India’s first Global Centre for ERM. This significant partnership highlights the increasing demand for structured and internationally benchmarked risk education in the region, particularly amidst today’s volatile and interconnected global environment, as disclosed in a press note issued in the city today.

The Centre was officially launched a couple of days back by Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, in the presence of Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate, Dr. Shivdasini S Amin, Head- Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management, faculty, and students.

The newly established Centre will act as a dedicated hub for advancing IRM’s globally recognised ERM qualifications, risk-focused research, faculty development, and capacity building. It aims to nurture a new generation of risk-intelligent leaders capable of helping organisations across sectors anticipate and navigate complex challenges across industries.

Designed with a focus on academic excellence and practical engagement, the Centre will feature expansive physical and digital infrastructure to support continuous learning. It will house a curated collection of over 150 books and publications spanning risk management, strategy, governance, and leadership. An integrated online knowledge resource centre developed by IRM India will provide access to case studies, global risk reports, and white papers. To foster professional connections and peer learning, the Centre will include a networking arena for students, executives, and faculty to engage with visiting experts and industry leaders. As a tribute to global thought leadership, a Hall of Fame will celebrate notable risk influencers from around the world. Additionally, the Centre will feature a comprehensive risk taxonomy that provides structured classifications and definitions of over 300 types of enterprise risks, supporting academic, research, and industry applications.

Through this collaboration, Mahindra University, with the support of IRM India, will train students, professionals, and senior executives in ERM competencies aligned with IRM’s Global Level 1 curriculum. The Centre will also function as a regional think tank, driving research on emerging risk areas such as cyber threats, ESG exposures, climate change, geopolitical instability, and supply chain resilience. Faculty development programmes, policy advocacy, and sector-specific thought leadership will amplify the Centre’s impact across academia and industry.

Speaking at the launch of the Centre, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, Mahindra University, said, “At Mahindra University, we believe that future-readiness is the cornerstone of education. Our partnership with the Institute of Risk Management – India Affiliate is more than an academic collaboration — it is a statement of intent to nurture leaders who can navigate uncertainty with insight, resilience, and integrity. The IRM India Affiliate Centre at MU will serve as a crucible for research, learning, and thought leadership in risk management—an area that is no longer optional, but essential for sustainable progress.”

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, added, “The launch of the IRM India Affiliate Centre at Mahindra University is a forward-looking initiative that reinforces our interdisciplinary approach to education. This partnership aligns with our long-term vision of promoting academic excellence, industry-relevant skills, and internationalisation under the National Education Policy 2020. By embedding risk management into the core of academic inquiry and practice, we are equipping our students to become strategic thinkers and responsible decision-makers. We are proud to collaborate with IRM India Affiliate in creating a new generation of professionals who will shape resilient organisations and societies.

Mr. Hersh Shah, CEO of IRM India Affiliate and India’s Youngest Enterprise Risk Expert, stated, “Our collaboration with Mahindra University marks a pivotal step in democratising access to high-quality risk management education in India. South India is home to dynamic industries such as information technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, finance, defence, and logistics—sectors that face an increasingly complex risk landscape. The establishment of this Centre reflects a shared commitment to developing risk-intelligent individuals and organisations — a vital step toward building a resilient world. May every individual who walks these halls be inspired to lead with foresight, responsibility, and purpose.”

Mahindra University has already demonstrated a strong track record in preparing students for IRM’s global ERM exams since 2021. The launch of the Global Centre for ERM further elevates its role as a regional anchor for risk education and leadership. The Centre will collaborate closely with industry bodies, regulators, and corporate partners to ensure academic offerings remain contextually relevant and aligned with real-world needs. It will also provide a range of programmes in collaboration with IRM India to enhance governance and strategic risk capabilities across the public and private sectors. This partnership represents a significant contribution to India’s broader vision of building a resilient, risk-ready nation powered by risk-intelligent leadership and international collaboration.

IRM India Affiliate Licenses Mahindra University to Launch South India’s First Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management

Hyderabad/New Delhi, August 5^th 2025 | The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) India Affiliate, the Indian arm of the world’s leading certifying body for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) exams across 140 countries, has announced a strategic collaboration with Mahindra University to establish South India’s first Global Centre for ERM.

This significant partnership highlights the increasing demand for structured and internationally benchmarked risk education in the region, particularly amidst today’s volatile and interconnected global environment. The Centre was officially launched by Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, in the presence of Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Hersh Shah, CEO, IRM India Affiliate, Dr. Shivdasini S Amin, Head- Global Centre for Enterprise Risk Management, faculty, and students.

The newly established Centre will act as a dedicated hub for advancing IRM’s globally recognised ERM qualifications, risk-focused research, faculty development, and capacity building. It aims to nurture a new generation of risk-intelligent leaders capable of helping organisations across sectors anticipate and navigate complex challenges across industries.

Designed with a focus on academic excellence and practical engagement, the Centre will feature expansive physical and digital infrastructure to support continuous learning. It will house a curated collection of over 150 books and publications spanning risk management, strategy, governance, and leadership. An integrated online knowledge resource centre developed by IRM India will provide access to case studies, global risk reports, and white papers. To foster professional connections and peer learning, the Centre will include a networking arena for students, executives, and faculty to engage with visiting experts and industry leaders. As a tribute to global thought leadership, a Hall of Fame will celebrate notable risk influencers from around the world. Additionally, the Centre will feature a comprehensive risk taxonomy that provides structured classifications and definitions of over 300 types of enterprise risks, supporting academic, research, and industry applications.

Through this collaboration, Mahindra University, with the support of IRM India, will train students, professionals, and senior executives in ERM competencies aligned with IRM’s Global Level 1 curriculum. The Centre will also function as a regional think tank, driving research on emerging risk areas such as cyber threats, ESG exposures, climate change, geopolitical instability, and supply chain resilience. Faculty development programmes, policy advocacy, and sector-specific thought leadership will amplify the Centre’s impact across academia and industry.

Speaking at the launch of the Centre, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chancellor, Mahindra University, said, “At Mahindra University, we believe that future-readiness is the cornerstone of education. Our partnership with the Institute of Risk Management – India Affiliate is more than an academic collaboration — it is a statement of intent to nurture leaders who can navigate uncertainty with insight, resilience, and integrity. The IRM India Affiliate Centre at MU will serve as a crucible for research, learning, and thought leadership in risk management—an area that is no longer optional, but essential for sustainable progress.”

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, added, “The launch of the IRM India Affiliate Centre at Mahindra University is a forward-looking initiative that reinforces our interdisciplinary approach to education. This partnership aligns with our long-term vision of promoting academic excellence, industry-relevant skills, and internationalisation under the National Education Policy 2020. By embedding risk management into the core of academic inquiry and practice, we are equipping our students to become strategic thinkers and responsible decision-makers. We are proud to collaborate with IRM India Affiliate in creating a new generation of professionals who will shape resilient organisations and societies.”

Mr. Hersh Shah, CEO of IRM India Affiliate and India’s Youngest Enterprise Risk Expert, stated, “Our collaboration with Mahindra University marks a pivotal step in democratising access to high-quality risk management education in India. South India is home to dynamic industries such as information technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, finance, defence, and logistics—sectors that face an increasingly complex risk landscape. The establishment of this Centre reflects a shared commitment to developing risk-intelligent individuals and organisations — a vital step toward building a resilient world. May every individual who walks these halls be inspired to lead with foresight, responsibility, and purpose.”

Mahindra University has already demonstrated a strong track record in preparing students for IRM’s global ERM exams since 2021. The launch of the Global Centre for ERM further elevates its role as a regional anchor for risk education and leadership. The Centre will collaborate closely with industry bodies, regulators, and corporate partners to ensure academic offerings remain contextually relevant and aligned with real-world needs. It will also provide a range of programmes in collaboration with IRM India to enhance governance and strategic risk capabilities across the public and private sectors. This partnership represents a significant contribution to India’s broader vision of building a resilient, risk-ready nation powered by risk-intelligent leadership and international collaboration.

Ravensbourne University London Announces New Programmes for September 2025

5th August, 2025: Ravensbourne University London, in collaboration with its trusted education partner, Oxford International India, has launched three new high-demand MSc programmes for the September 2025 intake, for which admissions are already open. These courses include MSc Engineering Management, MSc International Finance, and MSc Accounting and Finance. The university has many other popular courses across undergraduate and postgraduate portfolio, which are designed for the students to be future ready. The portfolio has evolved as per the needs and recently the university has renamed a popular postgraduate course, from MSc Digital Marketing to MSc Strategic Marketing and Analytics.

Each course is tailored to a specific field. MSc Engineering Management is tailored for engineering professionals looking to transition into leadership roles by gaining expertise in operations, innovation management, and project execution. The MSc International Finance provides in-depth knowledge of global financial markets, equipping students to manage risk and navigate international economic challenges. The MSc Accounting and Finance builds strong technical and analytical capabilities suited for roles in financial services, consulting, and corporate finance. Meanwhile, the MSc Strategic Marketing and Analytics, previously offered as MSc in Digital Marketing, has been repositioned to reflect the growing emphasis on data-driven strategy, combining core marketing principles with analytical tools for the digital age.

In addition to the four mainstream programmes, Ravensbourne is also launching a Master’s in Events Management, a niche offering designed for students interested in shaping impactful experiences across corporate, entertainment, and cultural events. The programme covers key areas such as event design, logistics, sponsorship, and technology integration, making it ideal for those looking to build careers in one of the fastest-growing service sectors.

Applicants to these one-year postgraduate programmes must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Ravensbourne also offers an international scholarship and financial assistance for international students pursuing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the UK.

Ravensbourne is an industry focused university with a unique location next to the world famous O2 centre in London. The university has some great alumni stories and when it comes to creative graduate salaries, Ravensbourne is the number one specialist university in the UK, and is in the top 10 of all institutions in England* (Based on median salaries five years after graduating, taken from the Department for Education’s Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2018)

Mohit Gambir, Managing Director, Oxford International India, said, “With a rising demand for globally aligned, skill-based education among Indian students, these new MSc programmes from Ravensbourne are designed to bridge academic excellence and industry relevance. From data-led marketing to international finance, the programmes prepare graduates to lead and innovate across sectors.”

Established in 1962, Ravensbourne University London is a renowned digital media and design university offering a wide range of industry-aligned and vocational courses in fashion, television and broadcasting, architecture, product design, environmental design, music production, and sound design. The university is known for its strong emphasis on practical learning and creative innovation, with alumni who have gone on to become influential figures across the global creative and fashion sectors. Strategically located in London’s vibrant Greenwich Peninsula, Ravensbourne provides students with access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and proximity to leading media and tech hubs.

Telangana Education Department Empowers Teachers for a Digital Tomorrow

Hyderabad, August 4th, 2025: In a significant stride toward transforming classroom learning and building 21st-century competencies, the Telangana State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), in collaboration with Pi Jam Foundation, successfully conducted a two-day intensive capacity-building program for government school teachers across the state.

The focus was equipping educators with the tools, mindsets, and methods to effectively implement the newly launched Digital Learning Textbooks for Grades 1 to 9, a pioneering initiative by the Telangana Education Department. Held across 2 days, the training was not a conventional workshop. It was experiential, immersive, and deeply aligned with real-world contexts, ensuring that teachers didn’t just learn about concepts they experienced them.

From Traffic Lights to AI Bias Teachers were immersed in hands-on, engaging sessions that seamlessly blended programming, computational thinking, physical computing, AI, and Design Thinking. The goal was not just skill-building, but cultivating a mindset of creativity, problem-solving, and relevance to students’ lives. The sessions were carefully scaffolded to connect directly with the digital content of the new textbooks ensuring that teachers can bring this same energy, relevance, and depth to their classrooms.

The launch of Telangana’s Digital Learning Textbooks marks a significant shift in how content is delivered and how students engage with it. To support ongoing learning and ensure equitable access, the state will be leveraging telangana.codemitra.org a dedicated digital platform where students, teachers, and parents can access the same experiential learning modules.

“The energy in the room was palpable,” shared a participating teacher. “For the first time, I saw how I could teach AI not just through screens, but through stories, games, and the real lives of our children.” – Mr. Madhusudan from Model School,Gundala, Yadadri Bhuvanagari

Highlights of the workshop included:

– Simulated real-life traffic scenarios using physical computing tools like sensors and LEDs, allowing teachers to explore how real-world problems can be translated into coding challenges.

– AI activities that demystified concepts such as machine learning, data classification, and bias without the need for screens or prior technical knowledge.

– Roleplays and collaborative games on ethical AI decision-making and exploring human biases in algorithms, fostering deep discussion and reflection.

– Design Thinking sprints, where teachers tackled everyday school challenges, modeled empathy, and rapidly prototyped contextual solutions.

This initiative aligns with Telangana’s broader vision of nurturing curious, capable, and context-aware learners who can shape and thrive in the world of tomorrow.

Dr Birbal Jha Sparks a Movement for Employability at Jagat Narayan Lal College, Khagaul

Patna, 2nd August 2025: In an inspiring and impactful address that resonated with both students and faculty, renowned educationist, English litterateur, author, and social entrepreneur Dr Birbal Jha, often hailed as the ‘Father of Spoken English Movement in India’, delivered a compelling seminar on “Employability Skills: Preparing for the World of Work” at Jagat Narayan Lal College, Khagaul.

Organised in collaboration with the college’s Department of Botany and Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the seminar drew a packed audience of aspiring youth, all eager to listen to a man whose mission has transformed lives through language empowerment and skill development.

With a career spanning over two decades as the Founder and Managing Director of British Lingua, Dr Jha has remained a powerful voice advocating for skill-based education. His session at the college was not just a lecture—it was a call for self-transformation, self-reliance, and skill-driven growth.

“Degrees make you eligible, but skills make you employable,” Dr Jha declared at the outset, immediately capturing the attention of the room.

From Knowledge to Know-How: Dr Jha’s Vision for Employable Bharat

In his hour-long keynote, Dr Birbal Jha outlined the urgent need to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry expectations.

“Employability is not just about earning a degree—it is about the ability to deliver, adapt, and communicate in the real world,” he said, adding that mere bookish knowledge is no longer sufficient in today’s dynamic workplace.

Quoting the India Skills Report 2024, which states that less than 50% of Indian graduates are job-ready, Dr Jha stressed the importance of preparing youth for real-world challenges through communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and leadership.
“Employability is the art of turning potential into performance. The sooner we understand this, the sooner our youth will rise from job-seekers to job-creators,” he asserted.

Bihar’s Talent, India’s Future

Speaking emotionally as a son of the soil, Dr Jha paid tribute to Bihar’s rich intellectual legacy while addressing the skill gap in the region.

“Bihar is a land of brilliance, but brilliance alone doesn’t get you hired. What we need is a structured approach to developing employability. That’s why I launched initiatives like ‘English for All’.”

Dr Jha’s English training model through British Lingua has reached lakhs of learners across India, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, equipping them with tools of communication, confidence, and career growth.

Live Demonstrations and Student Interactions

The session was not confined to theoretical inputs. Dr Jha led a series of interactive exercises—inviting students to introduce themselves, role-play interview situations, and transform simple Hindi phrases into polished, professional English, thereby demonstrating the link between language and livelihood.

“Your spoken English is your spoken confidence. It’s the bridge between learning and earning,” he stated, offering personal tips on voice modulation, tone, posture, and professional etiquette.

“Fluency in emotions, not just English, defines your ability to lead, connect, and grow,” he added, emphasizing the role of soft skills in shaping one’s career trajectory.

A Roadmap to Career Success

In a structured segment titled “Seven Steps to Employability,” Dr Jha outlined the key actions students must take:

1. Master communication
2. Build a strong résumé
3. Develop digital and soft skills
4. Gain real-world experience
5. Prepare for interviews
6. Read and reflect regularly
7. Adopt a continuous learning mindset

He concluded the seminar with a heartfelt appeal to the students:

“You are not just youth of Bihar—you are youth of Bharat. Let skill be your identity. Let confidence be your currency. And let learning be your lifelong companion.”

Words That Inspired

Throughout the session, Dr Jha delivered memorable lines that echoed his philosophy:

• “Soft skills are the soul of success; without them, even hard skills fall flat.”
• “In today’s market, it’s not the survival of the fittest, but the survival of the most skilled.”
• “If education is the seed, employability skills are the sunshine that make careers bloom.”

Institutional Response and Follow-Up

The Principal of Jagat Narayan Lal College, Prof. (Dr.) Madhu Prabha Singh, expressed her gratitude and praised Dr Jha’s mission, calling the seminar “a much-needed initiative in shaping the future of Bihar’s youth.”

Post-event, several students interacted with Dr Jha, and many signed up for follow-up training sessions at British Lingua, keen to enhance their English fluency and soft skills.

5 Leading EdTech Platforms in India Supercharging Careers in 2025

With the Indian workforce adopting digital change at a record rate, increasing numbers of professionals are turning to online learning platforms to stay relevant and competitive in an ever-changing jobs market. From artificial intelligence and data science to software coding and business administration, top edtech companies are enabling millions of Indians across the country to gain in-demand skills through flexible, affordable, and industry-agnostic courses.

Below are five leading platforms transforming professional learning in 2025

1. Intellipaat

Best for: Affordable, mentor-led tech upskilling programs

Why it stands out: Intellipaat boasts of industry-specific curriculum in upcoming technologies like Data Science, Cloud, AI, and DevOps. It offers working professionals flexible learning, 24/7 learner support, and satisfactory placement support. With partnerships with top institutions like IITs and multinational companies, Intellipaat is a destination for professionals seeking practical, career-building certifications.

2. Simplilearn

Best for: Executive education programs with international linkages

Why it stands out Simplilearn offers live virtual classes and real projects providing certifications in Data Science, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity, and more. Partnerships with Purdue, Caltech, and IBM provide worldwide authenticity and worth to the CVs of students.

3. UpGrad

Best for:: Career transition and degree-level education

Why it stands out : UpGrad boasts a range of programs—MBA to product and data management—provided by world-class global and Indian institutions in association. Its career guidance, systematic learning streams, and networking make it a perfect choice for professionals making a transition.

4. Great Learning

Best for: Postgraduate analytics and technology programs

Why it stands out : With robust academic collaborations (IIT-Madras, MIT, Stanford), Great Learning provides experiential PG programs in Business Analytics, Machine Learning, and AI. Its industry-mentored blended delivery model has been well-received by mid-career professionals.

5. Scaler Academy
Best for: Software developers seeking top tech jobs

Why it stands out : Scaler specializes in upskilling in deep tech, particularly in Data Structures, Algorithms, and Full Stack Development. Its high job placement with tech giants such as Google and Amazon and practical, mentor-driven experience make it the go-to choice for serious developers.

These courses, from executive degrees to boot camps, are driving change instead of just offering education. These platforms are changing professional education for Indian professionals, be they senior managers looking for digital literacy or the techie at the startup level.