Category Archives: Education

World-Class Eye Care Services Now Launched in Palwal

Palwal, 24 February 2025: Centre For Sight, a renowned eye care hospital known for its cutting-edge technology and trusted team of doctors, today announced the launch of its world-class eye care centre in Palwal, Haryana. This expansion aligns with the organisation’s commitment to making high-quality ophthalmic services accessible across the country, ensuring that patients receive expert care without the need to travel to Delhi.

The grand inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Mr. Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship – Haryana as Chief Guest along with several other notable dignitaries and luminaries from various fields.

Speaking at the event, Mr Gaurav Gautam welcomed Centre For Sight to Palwal and emphasized the significance of this initiative, noting that the introduction of such an advanced eye care facility would greatly benefit the people of the region. He said “I am delighted to witness the launch of Centre For Sight in Palwal, which brings advanced eye care services to our region. This centre is a testament to the progress we are making in ensuring that every citizen has access to high-quality healthcare, right in their vicinity. The state-of-the-art technology and expert team at this facility will undoubtedly benefit many and help in reducing the burden of preventable blindness in our community.”

Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman, and Managing Director of Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, emphasized the mission to bring affordable world-class eye care to every corner of India, as one-third of the world’s visually impaired population resides in India. He stated that “Centre For Sight remains dedicated to ensuring that world-class treatment is available to patients across India, particularly in rapidly growing regions such as Palwal. The launch of this centre marks a significant step in expanding high-quality eye care services in Haryana, strengthening the hospital’s commitment to excellence and innovation.”

The new centre is equipped with advanced medical technology to provide a wide range of ophthalmic services, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for various eye conditions. It offers specialized care for cataract surgery using micro-incision techniques and phacoemulsification, with premium intraocular lenses such as Trifocal, Multifocal, Toric, and EDOF IOLs. The facility also provides comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, retina and vitreoretinal services, cornea transplants, and management of complex corneal conditions like keratoconus.

Additionally, it caters to both adult and paediatric patients with services in paediatric ophthalmology and squint correction. Serving as a centre of excellence for refractive surgery, the Palwal facility offers advanced vision correction solutions such as SILK, SMILE, and Contoura Vision, ensuring enhanced precision and faster recovery for those seeking freedom from glasses and contact lenses. It also provides Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) procedures for individuals with high refractive errors, offering a safe and reversible alternative to traditional laser vision correction.

Centre For Sight is one of India’s leading networks of super-speciality eye hospitals, committed to providing advanced, high-quality, and affordable eye care services across the country. Founded by Padma Shri Awardee Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, the organization has pioneered several breakthrough technologies in ophthalmology, ensuring that patients receive world-class treatments at par with global standards. With a team of over 350 expert doctors and a presence across 85 locations in 33 cities, Centre For Sight continues to set benchmarks in cataract, refractive surgery, cornea, glaucoma, retina, oculoplasty, and pediatric ophthalmology. The hospital group is actively involved in research and innovation, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques, diagnostic tools, and treatment technologies that benefit patients nationwide.

The establishment of the Palwal centre is part of Centre For Sight’s broader expansion strategy in Haryana, where it has strengthened its presence in key locations, including Rewari, Hisar, Bhiwani, and multiple centres in Gurugram and Faridabad. Spread over 6000 sq ft., the Centre has high-precision surgical suites, consultation chambers, and comprehensive diagnostic services, ensuring seamless care from consultation to treatment, providing a smooth and technologically advanced eye care experience.

FICCI Leadership Program’s Third Batch Begins at Manipal Academy

Manipal, Karnataka, February 24, 2025 – The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), initiated the third batch of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) today. This exclusive three-day residential program is hosted at the MAHE campus in Manipal and features a series of nine meticulously designed training modules aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of academic leaders.

The FICCI LDP has brought together a diverse group of academic leaders including Directors, Deans, Registrars, Senior Professors, etc from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The program is developed to orient professionals with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for managing the complexities of modern academia and shaping them to become ‘future-ready’.

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Co-Chair, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, in his keynote address, highlighted the fundamentals of leadership, discussing its various layers and significance in personal, organizational, and societal contexts. Emphasizing the need for a structured approach to identifying and nurturing potential academic leaders, Lt. Gen. Venkatesh also addressed the challenges faced by stakeholders within the education ecosystem. These include stakeholder consciousness, managing expectations, budgeting and financing, industry partnerships, and regulatory compliance. He further highlighted the essential attributes expected of an academic leader in today’s rapidly evolving and transformative times. He emphasized the growing significance of developing a comprehensive sense in research, operational and strategic management, team-building skills, and proficiency in accreditation and ranking. He further underscored the critical importance of succession planning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to ensure robust governance, innovation, and effective talent risk management, thereby ensuring readiness for future leadership transitions.

Prof. (Dr.) Rajan Saxena, Advisor, FICCI Higher Education Committee and Former Vice Chancellor, NMIMS, articulated the urgent need for developing readiness to embrace change. He stressed the importance of anticipating and preparing for future challenges to avert potential disasters, overcome stagnancy, and address systemic issues, which could otherwise lead to low enrollment and demoralization within the academic community. Prof. Saxena observed that the success of students and the relevance of HEIs hinge on recognizing the shifting dynamics of the job market. He pointed out the cyclical challenges that may at times persist until institutions adapt to these changes. He advocated for a continuous focus on adding value to students, industry, and society at large. He highlighted that the transformation in education begins with leadership at the top and permeates throughout the faculty and administrative levels.

Dr. Rajesh Pankaj, Director & Head – Education & Skills, FICCI, in his welcome remarks, highlighted the significant complementary efforts and benchmark standards set by private higher education institutions in India. These institutions, he noted, play a crucial role in equipping a global workforce with competent and relevant skills. Dr. Pankaj emphasized that the vision of the FICCI LDP is centered around capacity building within HEIs. He elaborated on how FICCI as an association is uniquely positioned to, integrate fresh insights from both industry and academia to forge structured leadership that meets critical benchmarks and significantly impacts HEIs.

The modules cover critical aspects of academic leadership including change management, talent management, research and innovation, technology integration, fostering a learning culture, financial sustainability, internationalization, and industry partnerships. These sessions are designed not only to enrich and upgrade the participants’ skill sets but also to immerse them in an environment that promotes substantial growth and networking opportunities. Participants will engage in real-time case studies, interactive sessions, and collaborative learning experiences that mirror the complexities and nuances of modern higher education.

This program masterfully blends theoretical foundations with practical insights to stimulate thoughtful discussion and inspire decisive action. Facilitated by esteemed leaders who are pioneers of change in their respective fields, its primary goal is to reimagine the role of academia in a transformative world. By focusing on critical areas such as technology integration, research innovation, and sustainable practices, the program is meticulously designed to equip leaders with the necessary tools to effectively shape the future of education.

The FICCI Leadership Development Program is a significant step toward empowering academic leaders to effectively lead and implement progressive policies, ensuring their institutions remain at the forefront of educational innovation and excellence.

Established in 1927, FICCI is India’s oldest and largest apex business organization, playing a pivotal role in propelling India’s economic growth and industrialization. As a non-government, not-for-profit organization, FICCI serves as the voice of India’s business and industry, facilitating dialogue, influencing policy, and building bridges across sectors.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be a University, is renowned for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational offerings. By hosting the LDP, MAHE underscores its commitment to fostering educational leadership that can drive significant impacts in the realms of higher education and beyond.

Blix Education Launches ‘Build-A-Machine’ 7-in-1 Engineering Kit for Young Innovators

Mumbai, 21st February 2025: Blix Education, India’s leading STEM-focused toy platform has recently announced the launch of ‘Build-A-Machine’, a 7-in-1 mechanical engineering kit to promote hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The toy brings real-life mechanical systems to young learners’ fingertips while encouraging them to explore and engage through building and experimenting.

The ‘Build-A-Machine’ kit comes with 100+ high-quality pieces that make learning interactive for 5 years and above the age of children. It enables them to construct and explore a variety of mechanisms including Scotch Yoke, Scissor Lift, Rack and Pinion Lift, Power Press Machine, Giant Whee,l, and more. As a result, it combines education and fun to spark interest in STEM learning from an early age.

Elated with the launch announcement, Mr. Abbas Gabajiwala, founder and CEO of Blix said, “Our mission at Blix Education is to make STEM learning accessible, engaging, and fun for children. Build-A-Machine is designed to ignite curiosity and introduce kids to the fascinating world of engineering through hands-on play. It empowers young learners to explore and experiment.”

Built with a STEM-based approach, ‘Build-A-Machine’ has a distinctive feature that operates without batteries. This allows children to experience the movement and functionality of machines in a completely manual and immersive way.

The newly launched toy functions as an innovative learning tool that introduces children to core engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. By assembling different mechanical structures, they develop problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and a deeper understanding of real-world mechanics. The kit stimulates creativity and logical thinking, making it an ideal addition to classrooms and home learning environments.

Parents, educators, and young innovators can purchase the STEM toy from leading toy stores, educational retailers, and online marketplaces.

Academic Provost appointed to lead University of Southampton Delhi

Mumbai, February 19th, 2025: The University of Southampton is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Eloise Phillips as Academic Provost for the new Delhi campus.

Prof Phillips will take up her post in May ahead of the campus welcoming its first students in August.

She played an important role in establishing the University of Birmingham’s flagship campus in Dubai where she is currently Head of Health, Wellbeing, and Human Science programmes. Previous to this, Eloise was an Associate Dean at Aston University.

Prof Phillips is a registered nurse and highly experienced advanced clinical practitioner. Across her career, she has worked globally in clinical practice, healthcare leadership and management, research, and academia.

The University of Southampton Delhi will become India’s first global top 100 university when the campus in Gurugram opens to provide high-quality education rooted in research excellence, innovation, and real-world opportunities for Indian students.

Prof Phillips said: “I was drawn to the University of Southampton for its mission to impact and transform students’ lives and the region, which aligns with my professional values and passion.

“I am honored to accept the role of Academic Provost and Associate Vice-President (International) at the University of Southampton Delhi and look forward to leading our international campus towards excellence in education, research, and knowledge exchange.

“India’s dynamic education landscape offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of higher education where I am committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment for students and staff.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice President of International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, added: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Eloise Phillips as Academic Provost of the University’s Delhi campus.

“Eloise joins us from the University of Birmingham Dubai campus and so has extensive experience of international campus development.

“We are looking forward to her leadership of the campus at this very exciting point in the development of the University, and in particular the launch of our Delhi campus in 2025.”

IMS Noida Hosts the Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament at Campus

Noida, 19th February 2024: The Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated in grand passion and fervor at the Institute of Management Studies (IMS) Noida Football Ground. Day one of the tournament was a spine-chilling display of sportsmanship, friendly rivalry, and competitiveness. All the teams participating put their best foot on the ground, and the match started to a dynamic and thrumming beginning.

IMS Noida was privileged to have Mr. Rohit Rana, a celebrity volleyball player, as the Chief Guest for the tournament. His motivational speech inspired players and spectators alike to their very hearts. Mr. Rana’s presence raised the bar for the event, upholding the tradition of sportsmanship and excellence in the sport of volleyball.

Apart from this, Prof. (Dr.) Vikash Dhawan, Director General, Iof MS Noida, and Mr. Chiraag Gupta, Vice President, of IMS Noida, also attended the event. They were the key motivational forces behind holding the tournament through their words of guidance and encouragement. The encouragement and guidance offered by them also encouraged the participants further, and the competitive spirit grew.

The long-awaited opening ceremony of the event began at 10:15 AM with a warm welcome of all the guests. Mr. Rohit Rana was also specially honored for his contribution to the sport. This was then followed by the Oath Ceremony where all the players took an oath of their commitment towards fair play and sportsmanship. A Cultural Program featuring vibrant performances created a lively atmosphere for the day. The official Opening Ceremony heralded the start of an exciting tournament.

“As someone who is a strong believer in youth activity and sports, it is great to see such enthusiasm and competitive spirit among the players. This tournament offers a great opportunity to nurture and develop the next generation of volleyball players,” said Prof. (Dr.) Vikash Dhawan, Director General of IMS Noida.

“Today’s competition is as much about victory as it is about inculcating values of teamwork, discipline, and enthusiasm for the sport in the participants. The calibre we see today is the best and I would wish to see some cliff-hanging experiences in the days to come,” said Mr. Chiraag Gupta, Vice President, IMS Noida.

As the matches opened, the pitch was ablaze. The two teams showed exquisite skill, passion, and unity, and they left the crowd dumbfounded by what they showed. The deafening crowds’ applause heightened the suspense, and Day 1 was a sportsmanlike achievement of passion.

With such a start fueled by adrenaline, the tournament will see more dramatic encounters and thrill in the days ahead. The fans are requested to keep cheering as the fight for the win continues.

Stonehill Technofest 2025 Unites 200+ Students from 25 Schools Across Six Cities

Bengaluru, February 19: Stonehill International School’s Technofest, a two-day inter-school competition for students, came to a close with over 200 students from more than 25 schools participating in the event across six cities, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai. The fest also served as an inclusive platform for students from diverse backgrounds to showcase their tech skills through events such as Hackathon, Makeathon, and Formula 1 RC car racing competitions.

Stonehill’s state-of-the-art design and tech labs were open to participants from government and private schools, including Oakridge International, Trio World Academy, Inventure Academy, The Gaudium School, Chaman Bhartiya School, Jain International Residential School, and Vijaybhoomi Singapore International School.

In the Makeathon, participants built products such as an automatic dog feeder, a gaming chair crafted entirely by hand tools, a tech dress with sensors, and smart shoes for the visually challenged. The Hackathon projects ranged from AI-based outfit prediction software and a stock market simulator to an epilepsy detection belt and a household chores planner. The newly introduced Formula 1 RC car racing event saw students designing and racing their cars on a track, creating a lot of excitement and enthusiasm among the participants and the spectators. It was a contest full of nail-biting moments as students cheered for their team, making it one of the highlights of the event.

Speaking about the event, Joe Lumsden, Head of School, Stonehill International School, stated, “It was a real pleasure to be able to open our campus up to students from such diverse backgrounds and experiences and watch them come up with such creative, innovative ideas for addressing real-world issues.”

The participants appreciated the fest for the infrastructure, learning experience, and inclusive environment. Yogeshwaran from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Thiruporur, Tamil Nadu, whose team won the Makeathon senior category, said, “We were initially a bit intimidated to be amidst an international community, but the people at Stonehill made us feel at home. They encouraged and motivated us to perform in the contest. We are thankful for the opportunity.”

The purpose of Technofest is to motivate young people to develop inventive solutions for modern problems during a rigorous 24-hour timeframe.

University of Leeds & Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth Host 3rd Int’l Health & Research Convention

New Delhi, February 18th, 2025: The University of Leeds (UoL), UK, and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), India, successfully co-hosted the 3rd International Health and Research Conference, bringing together global experts, academics, and professionals to drive innovation and collaboration in healthcare and medical research.

The conference was attended by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Shri K. Kailashnathan, who delivered a keynote addressing the audience during the inauguration. Additionally, Prof. Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds joined virtually to give her inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in advancing health sciences.

Speaking about the conference, Prof West said, “This convention brings together distinguished experts and thought leaders not only from India and the UK but also from across South and Southeast Asia. Through workshops, discussion forums, and seminars, we are presented with an exceptional opportunity to engage in insightful debates and exchange ideas that will foster meaningful collaborations between our institutions and nations.”

This initiative between SBV and the University of Leeds aimed to foster innovation and strengthen global bonds in health sciences. The agenda of the conference was to foster insightful discussions, expert panels, and presentations on key medical research and educational advancements. The convention featured a wide array of topics on key areas such as biomedical research, cardiac care, holistic medical education, and women’s leadership.

Speaking about the Convention, Prof. Nirmal Coumare, Director of Health, Hospitals and Outreach Services, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and Conference Chair said, “The Convention unfurled a significant platform that had showcased the vital elements in contemporary academic and research leadership, especially with a focus on the rapidly evolving health sciences. The Convention took care not only to integrate these values from the national perspectives, namely the United Kingdom and India but to incorporate holistic health and our quest for realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).”

Distinguished panelists came to engage in interactive sessions to enhance practical knowledge and skills while giving insights on grant writing, research methodologies, and the use of advanced technologies in health research. Such a diverse group of participants and panels helped to spur collaborative efforts, initiate partnerships, and unite to achieve common goals.

The 3rd International Health and Research Conference not only reinforced the importance of global cooperation but also provided early-career researchers with a unique opportunity to present their findings and engage with leading experts in the field.

The University of Leeds and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth remain committed to fostering research-driven healthcare advancements and look forward to continued collaborations in future editions of the conference.

IIM Raipur Invites Applications for Fully Funded Ph. D. Program 2025

Mumbai, February 18, 2025:Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, a leading institution recognized for #BuildingBusinessOwners, is thrilled to announce the commencement of applications for its full-time Ph.D. Program 2025. The last date to apply is 10th May 2025. For more details, please write us at doctoral.admission@iimraipur.ac.in.

This full-time, fully funded program is meticulously structured to develop globally recognized scholars equipped to contribute significantly to the field of management research and education.

Inviting aspiring candidates, Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, shared, “Our institute is devoted to fostering a research-driven academic environment that empowers scholars to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Our Ph.D. program provides a robust platform for aspiring researchers to engage in high-quality, impactful studies that contribute to both academia and industry. I extend an invitation to all those who seek to shape the future of management thought and practice.”

The doctoral program spans four years and is split into three phases: Fundamentals of Management, Specialization, and Doctoral Dissertation respectively. It offers research opportunities in various domains including Economics & Public Policy, Finance and Accounts, HRM and Organizational Behavior, Humanities & Liberal Arts (Including Business Communication), Information Systems, Marketing, Operations and Quantitative Techniques, and Strategy & Entrepreneurship.

To promote research excellence, the program offers financial support, including a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 for the first two years and ₹55,000 for the subsequent years, along with ₹200,000 grants for national and international conferences. Doctoral scholars will also receive a contingency grant and one-time support of ₹50,000 for research-related resources.

Candidates with a valid GATE, GRE, GMAT, JRF (UGC/CSIR), UGC NET, with CAT score (July 1, 2023, onward) and a Master’s/PGP from IIMs or equivalent (min. 55% marks) can apply. Those with CA/ICWA and a degree, CS with B.Com (min. 60% marks), a 4-year B.E./B.Tech/B. Arch (min. 6.5 CGPA), or a 5-year Integrated Master’s (min. 60% marks) are also eligible.

Audible Announces the Launch of Ankur Warikoo’s ‘Build an Epic Career’

February 17, 2025: Audible, an Amazon company and the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling is pleased to announce the release of ‘Build an Epic Career,’ the latest audiobook by bestselling author, entrepreneur, and content creator Ankur Warikoo. Following the success of bestsellers like ‘Do Epic Shit,’ ‘Get Epic Shit Done,’ and ‘Make Epic Money,’ the author now turns his focus to helping young professionals navigate their professional journeys with confidence and clarity.

In today’s rapidly changing job landscape, conventional career advice can sometimes fall short. With this audiobook, Ankur Warikoo offers a fresh perspective on achieving success—one that prioritizes financial growth, fulfilment, and purpose. Written with Gen Z and Millennials in mind, Build an Epic Career is a guide to taking charge of one’s professional journey. His latest audiobook tackles career dilemmas with a central question: “What will make YOU build a truly EPIC career?” offering practical advice to help listeners carve their path to success.

Ankur Warikoo is a renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author, and popular content creator known for his take on entrepreneurship, career growth, and financial independence. Through his books, audiobooks, and videos, he has influenced millions with his actionable tips and advice. His ability to break down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps has made him a favourite among young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Commenting on the launch of the audiobook, author Ankur Warikoo said, “Making a career decision is one of the most important milestones in life, and the right guidance can make a huge difference. I’ve often heard from people how difficult it can be to figure out what they want to pursue professionally. That’s what inspired me to create ‘Build an Epic Career’ on Audible —a guide that will help young professionals make informed career decisions without feeling overwhelmed by jargon. What I love about audiobooks is that I can directly connect with my audience because I have narrated it. I hope that listeners find it actionable and inspiring and utilise it effectively to create a fulfilling and EPIC career. “

Self-development has always been one of the most favourite genres among Indian audiences, consistently ranking as a top category on the service. Audible’s 2024 year-end wrap reaffirmed this trend, revealing the strong and sustained interest in personal growth content. Recognising this, Audible continues to expand its diverse and extensive catalogue of self-development content, making expert guidance more accessible to listeners across India.

University Living and NISAU Announce ‘Living Scholarship’ for Indian Students studying in UK

Delhi/London, 15th February 2025 – University Living, a leading global student accommodation-managed marketplace, has partnered with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) to launch the ‘Living Scholarship’ for Indian students studying in the UK. Announced at the prestigious India UK Education Conference in London, this initiative will provide £12,000 in scholarships to ten outstanding Indian students, helping them manage their accommodation costs and ease their transition to studying in the UK.

For years, NISAU has been at the forefront of advocating for the welfare and success of Indian students in the UK. University Living complements this mission by addressing one of the biggest financial hurdles students face in securing affordable accommodation. The Living Scholarship is a testament to their shared vision of ensuring that talented Indian students have the resources they need to thrive academically and professionally.

Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO of University Living, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Accommodation is the second-largest expense after tuition for students studying abroad, and we believe financial challenges should not be a barrier to achieving academic dreams. Through this scholarship, we are committed to providing meaningful support to Indian students so they can focus on their education and future careers with greater confidence.”

Sanam Arora, Chairperson of NISAU UK, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, saying:
“NISAU has long worked to ensure Indian students in the UK are set up for success, and the ‘Living Scholarship’ is a vital step in reducing financial stress for them. Together with University Living, we aim to empower students with not just financial aid but also networking and professional growth opportunities.”

Eligibility for the Living Scholarship extends to Indian students planning to pursue higher education in the UK. In addition to financial assistance, recipients will gain access to exclusive mentorship, student ambassador programs, and internship opportunities designed to support their professional development and future career success.