Category Archives: Education

Author Alexander Odishelidze and Carlos A. Chardón Unveil a Stark Warning About Chinese Influence in the Caribbean

Miami, FL, June 29, 2024 — Author, finance expert, and long-time political consultant Alexander Odishelidze’s influential book, “America’s Last Fortress: Puerto Rico’s Sovereignty, China’s Caribbean Belt and Road, and America’s National Security,” offers a critical examination of geopolitical dynamics in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The book has already achieved Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller status, but now includes bonus content in the form of a new foreword by Carlos A. Chardón, former SBA Director for the Caribbean and former Secretary of Education for Puerto Rico. The book has also recently been released as an audiobook on major online retailers.

Delivering a stark warning about the burgeoning influence of China in the Caribbean, with Puerto Rico at the epicenter, “America’s Last Fortress” explains how China’s Belt and Road initiative seeks unrestricted global access with Puerto Rico strategic positioning as the gateway to the Caribbean making it a prime target. As Puerto Rico inches towards independence, China’s opportunity to gain a foothold in the region becomes increasingly plausible, posing significant national security concerns for the United States.

Odishelidze, who has dedicated more than thirty years to advocating for Puerto Rico’s self-determination, presents an insider’s view of the political missteps and vested interests that have hindered the island’s decolonization process. He provides a comprehensive narrative of Puerto Rico’s political evolution—from the 1970s, when independence garnered less than 5% of the vote, to recent elections where nearly 50% of the electorate favored independence. This shift, according to Odishelidze, aligns ominously with China’s strategic interests.

The new foreword by Carlos A. Chardón, former Small Business Administration director for the Caribbean and former Secretary of Education of Puerto Rico, underscores the urgency and gravity of Odishelidze’s message. Chardón writes, “The author’s argument is devastating but it makes sense…. Odishelidze warns that the Island is the last US stronghold in the Caribbean because of its political relationship.”

Chardón elaborates on the broader geopolitical landscape, highlighting that Puerto Rico’s strategic importance has made it a target historically and continues to do so in the context of contemporary global power struggles. He notes, “On looking at a map of the Antilles: in the north is Cuba, in a silent struggle with the United States for sixty years; in the south, Venezuela… in the west, Nicaragua… and in the east is Puerto Rico.”

Author Charity Parker’s New Book Calm Kids

New York, NY, June 29, 2024 –Charity Parker, a debut author with a passion for nurturing young minds through the magic of words and illustrations, has completed her new book, “Calm Kids: How to Make Kids Calm”: a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that offers valuable lessons on managing emotions and finding inner peace.

“Through the story of a young character named Mason, readers are guided on a journey of self-discovery, as Mason encounters various situations and emotions,” writes Parker. “With the help of his parents, Mason learns practical techniques and strategies to stay calm in challenging moments. This delightful and beautifully illustrated book not only entertains but also imparts essential life skills to young readers, helping them navigate their feelings and find security in a sometimes chaotic world.”

Author Todd L. Cook’s New Book Convict Logic From Leadership to a Better Life

Lincoln, NE, June 28, 2024 –Todd L. Cook, a co-founder of Nebraskans for Prison Reform, has completed his new book, “Convict Logic: From Leadership to a Better Life”: a compelling and transformative journey into the mind of a man whose criminal past has led to profound insights on leadership, personal development, and the pursuit of a better life.

During his incarceration, author Todd L. Cook earned his paralegal diploma and an associate degree in business and is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in business administration through Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. He grew up in Norfolk, Nebraska, and found himself in trouble with the law early in life, leading to his conviction of first-degree murder at the age of 18 and a mandatory life-without-parole sentence. Now, Cook’s mission in life is to give back and to make up for the harm that he’s caused.

“What is leadership?” writes Cook. “By definition, it is direction, guidance, control, management, and supervision. A person or thing that leads or is followed by others is considered a ‘leader.’ In practice, these terms take on many forms, and I will attempt to shed some light on not only what it takes to be a good leader but also what you can do to develop the qualities that are necessary to make people want to follow you.

“Every one of us is in a position of leadership whether we currently recognize it or not. Our daily lives of work, family, and friends offer us constant opportunities to either demonstrate our leadership qualities or to develop them. If you understand that we are all connected by our shared experiences and start to take charge of how those daily interactions affect the people around you, then it makes sense to become the best teammate you can be.”

Authors Ellen Granat, Donna Granat Schobel, and Lynne Granat Stark’s New Book And They Wrote Back

New York, NY, June 28, 2024 — Ellen Granat and daughters Donna Granat Schobel and Lynne Granat Stark have completed their new book, “…And They Wrote Back”: a captivating series of letters that Ellen’s husband and Donna and Lynne’s father sent to notable figures and icons throughout history, as well as their extraordinary responses that provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of these individuals.

“Growing up, our dad would write to people he had never met, but who he found interesting and wanted to know more about personally. Remember, no Wikipedia!” write Donna and Lynne. “The replies to those letters were on the walls in many rooms of our home, displayed on shelves, and delicately stored in bookbinders. It was normal for our dad to be waiting for a reply from people like George H. W. Bush, Neil Armstrong, or Rudy Vallée.

“The idea to write this book began after spending a day at our mom’s apartment on Long Island. We had taken out the binders of correspondences and began to look through them. When we were done, we put them back carefully. On the way home, we both felt that it just did not seem right to have all these amazing letters tucked away in a cabinet in Hewlett, New York.”

The authors continue, “Writing this book became a labor of love and was many years in the making. We are so proud of our dad and only wish he were still here to know we did this. Ever the pessimist, he always thought he would never hear from someone he wrote to. But he needn’t have worried. They wrote back!”

Published by Page Publishing, Ellen Granat, Donna Granat Schobel, and Lynne Granat Stark’s enlightening series will invite readers to share in a fascinating journey marked by curiosity, connection, and passion for understanding others across boundaries. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, “…And They Wrote Back” is a testament to the enduring power of curiosity, the joy of unexpected connections, and the richness of personal stories that shape one’s knowledge of history and humanity.

Frank DuVall’s Newly Released New Gravitational Physics

Huntsville, AL, June 28, 2024 -“New Gravitational Physics: Convergence of Science & Religion”: an articulate and informative study of two seemingly opposed disciplines. “New Gravitational Physics: Convergence of Science & Religion” is the creation of published author, Frank DuVall.

DuVall states, “The objective of this book is to present the creative concepts and logical analysis leading to determining the energy required to create our universe. Further, this quest utilizes simple mathematics (no higher than second year Algebra). The value of the entities used herein were derived or miraculously selected individually from within a range of acceptable limits and applied in miraculous order. The universal results obtained by these processes signify that science and religion have been unified.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Frank DuVall’s new book presents an engrossing analysis that brings together logical conclusions based in relevant facts.

Consumers can purchase “New Gravitational Physics: Convergence of Science & Religion” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

Author Tommasina Huber’s Newly Released Twelve Lessons Learned On The Road Home

Summerville, SC, June 28, 2024 –“Twelve Lessons Learned On The Road Home: A Road Map For Living A Well-loved Life”: a thought-provoking and engaging collection of lessons from the perspective of twelve individuals at the end of their lives who truly understand what is important on Earth. “Twelve Lessons Learned On The Road Home” is the creation of published author Tommasina Huber, a licensed registered nurse with over thirty years’ experience in owning her own health-care marketing company.

Author Tommasina Huber holds a BA in communication from California State University and a BSN from New York State University. After selling her marketing agency, she began working in healthcare education, hospice, and pediatric-oriented nursing. Alongside her professional endeavors, the author has dedicated thirteen years to serving on the Rehema Home Board, an orphanage in Kenya, and has contributed her time to various voluntary programs, including assisting homeless shelters and church leadership groups. A devoted wife and mother of five children and two dogs, Tommasina and her incredibly supportive husband call Charleston, South Carolina, home.

“At the end of life, which of these lessons learned when you look back will have the greatest influence on creating a life well lived?” writes Huber. “This story is the journey of my discovery of what living a well-loved life learned from life-changing lessons is. It is a well-loved life that leads to life-altering directional changes. “We will venture together as you meet twelve beautiful souls that will honor us with the perspective of their life lessons as they walk the final steps in their journey.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Tommasina Huber’s new book will transport readers as they meet twelve beautiful souls willing to share their perspectives and life lessons as they walk the final steps in their journey. Through their courageous stories, readers will discover a profound guide for living a life rich in love, purpose, and authenticity, providing readers with invaluable insights that will impact them profoundly in ways that they never expected long after the final page.

View a synopsis of “Twelve Lessons Learned On The Road Home” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “Twelve Lessons Learned On The Road Home” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

Inspiring Ingenuity: The Apollo University Rolls Out B. Pharmacy Degree, Cultivating the Next Frontier in Pharmacy Advancements

28th June 2024  Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India  The Apollo University, recognised for its dedication to excellence in education and innovation, is proud to launch its new undergraduate programme: Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma). This latest addition to the university’s academic offerings showcases a significant milestone in its mission to hone future leaders in the pharmaceutical industry.

With the worldwide demand for skilled experts in the field of pharmacy surpassing unprecedented heights, The Apollo University, an initiative by the Apollo Hospitals Group, understands the urgency to equip students with in-depth knowledge and expertise mandatory to flourish in this dynamic and pivotal sector. The B.Pharma programme has been carefully designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, drug formulation, and regulatory affairs, making sure that they are well-versed in tackling the challenges as well as opportunities of the modern pharmaceutical domain.

“Apollo Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, aka AIPS, is emerging as one of the leading pharmaceutical institutes to train individuals displaying competency in the pharmaceutical sector to meet the requirements of the ever-growing healthcare sector.” “AIPS is aiming to groom the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, researchers, and academicians. Here, we believe that creating good pharmacists begins with cultivating compassion, respect, and academic integrity.”

“We are committed to delivering quality pharmacy education in order to develop students who will be professionally, intellectually adept and socially responsible. We believe that we shall continue receiving cooperation from all concerned to produce skilled, knowledgeable and responsible pharmacists who will make significant contributions to the field of the healthcare system,” quoted by Dr. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Professor & Dean.

The B. Pharma is a 4-year programme at Apollo University stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, which integrates theoretical knowledge with experiential learning and training opportunities. Students will have direct access to contemporary laboratories, cutting-edge research facilities, and industry partnerships that will scale up their learning experience and ensure their smooth transition into the workforce. The Apollo Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences is allowed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for an intake of 60 students, of which 35% of seats are Government quota seats for the year 2023-2024.

In addition to academic coursework, students enrolled in the B. Pharma programme will have an impeccable opportunity to indulge in internships, co-op placements, and research projects that will provide real-world experience and intensify their understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. The industry-centric curriculum also emphasises the value of ethics, professionalism, and social responsibility, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped with the values and skills needed to make impactful contributions to society.

As the pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving and expanding, The Apollo University remains devoted to the next generation of pharmacy professionals to fulfil the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Chitkara University Partners with Wipro Limited to Establish Centre of Excellence for Enhanced Industry Training and Employability

28th June 2024 Chandigarh, India  Today, Chitkara University, a leading multi-disciplinary educational institution in Chandigarh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wipro Limited, a leading technology services and consulting company. The MoU will facilitate the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the University Campus. The CoE aims to provide industry-specific training, equipping students with critical skills and significantly improving their employability for future industry opportunities.

The MoU was signed between Chitkara University and Wipro Limited and was attended by key representatives from both organizations. Representing Wipro Ltd were Sanjeev Jain, COO; Jasjit Kang, Senior Vice President & Business Head, Digital Operations & Platforms; and Sandesh Kumar, General Manager & Next Gen Talent Hiring.

Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor of Chitkara University, said, “We are delighted to partner with Wipro in establishing this Centre of Excellence. This initiative will provide our students with invaluable industry exposure and skill development, paving the way for their successful careers in the IT sector.”

Mr. Sanjeev Jain, COO, Wipro Ltd., added, “This collaboration with Chitkara University reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and preparing them for the rigours that are typically part of the IT industry. By integrating practical training with academic learning, we aim to bridge the gap between education and industry requirements.”

The CoE will focus on engaging with students through pre-skilling training, targeting those from the 5th to the 8th semesters of eligible engineering branches. The program will commence with Wipro hiring assessments for interested students in the 5th semester. Shortlisted students will participate in a credit course in the 6th and 7th semesters, designed by Wipro’s competency team. Successful course completion will lead to Wipro’s selection process, with students receiving a Letter of Intent (LOI) and internship opportunities upon passing the 7th semester.

This collaboration builds on the long-standing association between Wipro and Chitkara University, where Wipro has been recruiting engineering students through campus recruitment drives for nearly two decades.

The Centre of Excellence at Chitkara University marks a significant step towards strengthening industry-academia collaboration and enhancing the employability of engineering graduates.

Galgotias University and NIT Delhi Sign Landmark MoU to Propel Research and Innovation

28th June 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  In a significant move towards enhancing academic and research collaboration, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Delhi and Galgotias University, Greater Noida (UP), have entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The ceremony, held at the NIT Delhi campus, was attended by distinguished officials from both institutions, including Prof. (Dr.) Ajay K Sharma, Director of NIT Delhi, and Sh. Ravinder Kumar, Registrar of NIT Delhi.

The MoU was also signed in the presence of HoD of ECE Prof. Manoj Taleja, Dean (R&C) Prof. Jyoteesh Malhotra, Dean (A) Prof. Geeta Sikka, Prof. Suman Mann, Prof. KK Agrawal, Ms. Reetu Mehta, HoD (EE) Dr. Pankaj Mukhija, T&P Head Dr. Obbu Chandra Sekhar, Dr. Gayayendra, Dr. Ajay Kumar, and HoD (Mech.) Dr. Harish Kumar.

The MoU sets the stage for a comprehensive collaboration encompassing joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programs, and the sharing of academic resources and infrastructure. The partnership aims to leverage the unique strengths of both institutions to foster innovation, research, and academic excellence.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to create significant opportunities for both students and faculty. “The partnership between NIT Delhi and Galgotias University is a step forward in creating a dynamic academic environment. Together, we will work towards achieving common goals and setting new benchmarks in education and research.”

Prof. (Dr.) Ajay K Sharma, Director of NIT Delhi, also shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “This MoU marks a new chapter in our pursuit of academic excellence. By combining our resources and expertise, we are poised to make significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, and education.”

The ceremony concluded with discussions on prospective collaborative projects and areas of mutual interest. Both institutions reiterated their dedication to ensuring the success of this partnership, maximizing its impact on their respective academic landscapes.

Six-Day Residential Manav Rachna Global Summer School Delivers Transformative Experiences

28th June 2024 Faridabad, Haryana, India

• 52 Future Maestros attended the 6 day residential program
• Students explored learning across 6 domains
• The program culminated with a celebratory showcase of student learning

Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) recently hosted the Future Maestro Global Summer School – a 6-day residential program designed to provide students with multidisciplinary exposure and experiential learning opportunities.

The Global Summer School offered a unique blend of academic exploration and practical experiences. Students immersed themselves in 6 exciting domains – Design & Creativity, MediaVerse, InnoTech Fusion, Legal Vibes, Psychology Experientia, and Hospitality & Culinary. The program featured interactive sessions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, cybersecurity experts, finance professionals, and sustainability icons while engaging participants in fun and adventure activities such as trekking, sports matches, and heritage walks. Community service initiatives and workshops on building personal relationships and confidence were also integral parts of the curriculum. The program culminated in a grand ceremony where parents joined to witness their children showcase the projects they had worked on throughout the week.

The program featured interactive sessions with industry leaders and engaging activities. Participants connected with Mr. Manan Gandhi, Founder & CEO of &work, to learn about his entrepreneurial journey and with Mr. Himanshu Mangla from Art of Living for insights on interpersonal relationships. Key sessions included Mr. Sumant Shekhar, Founder & CEO of Lakshya, discussing sustainability, and Mr. Suraj Kumar Ashoka from StockGro covering investment fundamentals. Ms. Pooja Malhotra from NCSSS highlighted social media risks and cybersecurity importance.

Fun activities like movie nights, heritage walks, talent showcases, and sports were highlights, along with a trek in the Aravalli hills where Mr. Pankaj Grover taught about conservation. The cooking competition judged by Chef Lalit Mohan added excitement, and community service at The Earth Saviours Foundation, led by Mr. Jas Kalra, emphasized empathy and giving back.

The program concluded with Mr. Sushant Kalra from the Parwarish Institute of Parenting sharing insights on communication with teens. During the grand ceremony, parents proudly witnessed their children’s project presentations, reflecting a week of significant learning and development.

Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI, commented, “The Future Maestro Global Summer School exemplifies our commitment to holistic education. By exposing students to multiple disciplines and real-world experiences, we’re nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”

This initiative aligns perfectly with MREI’s mission of fostering future leaders and supports the New Education Policy’s emphasis on multidisciplinary education. The program’s success has prompted plans for expansion in the coming years, with the aim of reaching more students and further enhancing MREI’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative education.

Mr. Rajiv Kapoor, MD, MREI added, “We’re thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our Global Summer School. By combining academic rigor with real-world applications and fun activities, we’ve created an environment where students can discover their passions and develop crucial life skills. We look forward to building on this success and creating even more impactful educational experiences in the future.”

The Future Maestro Global Summer School 2024 marks another milestone in Manav Rachna’s journey of providing education that transcends conventional boundaries, preparing students not just for careers, but for life.