Category Archives: Education

Symposium on Emerging Technologies, IP Rights, and Policy by Manipal Law School, Bengaluru

India, 13 May 2024: Manipal Law School, Bengaluru, a constituent institute of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru, continues to strive for a paradigm shift in the field of legal education. Since its inception, the institute has been dedicated to nurturing young lawyers, giving students access to progressive, adaptive, and innovative legal education.

Celebrating National Technology Day, with the goal to discuss laws and regulations which support the sustainable development of technology, Dr Indranil Saha (Convener), Associate Professor & Chairperson, IPR Cell at MLS, MAHE, Bengaluru organized a symposium on ‘Interface of Emerging Technologies, Intellectual Property Rights and Policy’ on 11th May 2024 at MAHE, Bengaluru. The event served as a platform for experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, and the judiciary to discuss the adoption of Al in their sectors, along with the challenges and suggestions in the IPR system, finally leading to technology transfer and commercialization of the innovation. Prof. (Dr) Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, Bengaluru was the Chief Patron for the event.

The symposium commenced with an opening ceremony featuring Dr Anuja S, the emcee, and Prof. (Dr) Avinash Dadhich (Patron), Director, Manipal Law School, MAHE Bengaluru. Addressing the audience, Dr Avinash said, “Today, at Manipal Law School, as we delve into the forefront of legal discourse and the future of technology and society, we believe that it is indeed our duty to initiate this discussion, collate ideas for the practical implementation of the technology and the governing law, and present our recommendations to the legislators and regulators. Through insightful dialogue, we aim to navigate the evolving landscape of technology, intellectual property rights, and policy, paving the way for informed decision-making and impactful advancements in our society.” He also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of AI, emphasizing the legal and ethical implications and highlighting the evolving role of lawyers in the age of AI, in both corporate settings and social responsibility.

Honorable Justice Dr Vineet Kothari, Former Acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court & Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India was the Chief Guest for the symposium. Focusing on the interplay between copyrights and AI systems, he said, “In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the intersection of copyrights and AI systems presents a host of challenges and opportunities. It is imperative that we establish a robust legal framework to navigate this dynamic area effectively. As we delve into the development and utilization of AI, we must remain cognizant of its profound implications for alternative dispute resolution, commerce, and taxation. Ensuring legal compliance throughout this process is paramount to fostering innovation while upholding the integrity of our legal systems.”

The invited speaker Dr Ramani V. Marakani, Partner at Lexorbis, delivered a presentation on “Patents and Patent Waivers,” which discussed the role of patent waivers in the context of COVID-19 vaccine development, emphasizing the need to balance intellectual property rights with global health access, particularly during public health crises.

The event featured three in-depth panel discussions comprising of 16 experts from academia and industry focusing on the intricate relationship between intellectual property and AI. Panel 1 comprising of Dr Amar Rajendra Desai (General Manager Global IP (API), Zydus), Mr Chirag Soni (General Manager IP (Formulations), Zydus), Dr Harish Avoronnan (Head of IPR & Licensing, India, Novonesis), and Mr Amitabh Mishra (Deputy General Manager & In-Charge Legal NRDC, Government of India) had a discussion on the issue of AI in the domain of pharma and biotech and its implications.

Panel 2 comprising of Dr Rajinder Kumar Sapru (Senior Patent Attorney, R K Dewan & Co.) Mr Amitabh Mishra (Deputy General Manager & In-Charge Legal NRDC, Government of India), Mr Prakalpa Sharam (Deputy Registrar: Legal, IIT Kanpur), Mr Rahul Dubey (Senior Manager: IP Strategy, Baker Hughes), and Prof. (Dr) Pinaki Ghosh (IPR Chair Professor, NUJS, Kolkata), dwelled on the issue of IPR protection and its impact on start-ups and technology transfer in the era of AI.

Panel 3 comprising of Mr Balwant Rawat (Head of IP, Mercedes Benz R&D, India), Mr Siddharth Karkhanis (Head of IP, Robert Bosch, India), Mr Sujith Subramanian (General Manager: IP & Innovation, Samsung, India), Mr Sumantra Mukherjee (Partner, KPMG), Dr Indranil Saha (Associate Professor & Chairperson IPR Cell MLS, MAHE, Bengaluru) discussed how IPR system benefits invention and innovation in the era of AI.

The symposium provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions, exchange insights, and explore ways to navigate the complexities surrounding emerging technologies, intellectual property rights, and policy frameworks. The event offered students a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of intellectual property rights in the age of AI.

DPS Indirapuram Students Gain Insight from Mr. Girish Ballolla, CEO of Gen Next Education

DPS Indirapuram proudly hosted an enlightening session with Mr. Girish Ballolla, the esteemed Founder and CEO of Gen Next Education, Inc., an international education company dedicated to broadening access to global education. Students, teachers, and distinguished guests actively attended the session, which stimulated everyone’s curiosity and ambition.

Mr. Girish Ballolla is renowned for his pioneering work in broadening access to global education and delivering an engaging discourse on the importance of transcending traditional educational boundaries. Ms. Sakshi Budhiraja extended a warm welcome on behalf of DPS Indirapuram alongside Ms. Sumita Bhattacharya Ma’am, the Academic Coordinator for grades 11th and 12th.

During the session, Mr. Girish Ballolla discussed the concept of fixed career paths, educating students about various options available within their preferred fields. He emphasized the importance of hands-on experiences outside of the classroom, including internships, volunteer work, and participation in international competitions.

Speaking about the event, Ms. Priya John, Principal of DPS Indirapuram, remarked, “We are honored with the esteemed presence of Mr. Girish Ballolla and are immensely grateful for his invaluable insights. His session has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on our students, inspiring them to pursue excellence beyond the confines of traditional education. His emphasis on the significance of holistic personal development has encouraged our students to explore diverse interests and passions beyond their academic pursuits.”

Literacy India and Teleperformance unite for the ‘Ode to Earth’ event, supporting Pathshala 2.0

A non-profit committed to providing quality education and empowerment in underprivileged communities, Literacy India, in partnership with Teleperformance India, a leading provider of digital integrated business services organized the “Ode to Earth” event on April 25, 2024, to support the Pathshala 2.0 project, a holistic education program aimed at providing comprehensive education to children from marginalized communities.

The event served as a platform to raise awareness about environmental conservation while showcasing the achievements and talents of students participating in the Pathshala 2.0 project. Students from various centers showcased their projects and artwork inspired by nature, highlighting their commitment to sustainability. The day featured interactive workshops on topics like recycling, conservation, and pollution reduction, with a special focus on issues relevant to the eastern region of India, including Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Highlights from Eastern Region Centers:

· Salkia, Kolkata: Anchal Prajapati delivered a captivating presentation on the importance of rivers in an urban environment, sparking discussions on protecting waterways in the region.

· Chingrighata, Kolkata: Anjali and Shijoini conducted an engaging interview-style presentation, raising awareness about air pollution and its impact on Kolkata’s residents.

· Jharna, Jharkhand: Anjali Kumari presented on the crucial topic of forest conservation, highlighting its importance for the ecological balance in Jharkhand.

Capt. Indraani Singh, Ex-AirIndia Captain,Founder,Literacy India, reflected on the significance of the “Ode to Earth” event, “In my thirty years of community work in India, this event represents our strong commitment. It promotes environmental awareness and inspires change. Each year, it grows into a beautiful celebration of our planet, bringing people together to protect our Earth. “

Sanghamitra Chanda, Project Director,Eastern Region ,said, “We are thrilled with the enthusiastic participation of the young students in the Ode to Earth event. This event was a great initiative that not only fostered environmental awareness but also brought together like-minded students from our community programs.”

The “Ode to Earth” event served as a shining example of the transformative power of education, showcasing how initiatives like Pathshala 2.0 contribute to building a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Physics Wallah (PW) Launches its Third Tech-Enabled Offline Vidyapeeth Centre in Thane, Mumbai

Thane, 9th May 2024: Physics Wallah (PW), India’s leading ed-tech platform, has launched its third tech-enabled offline Vidyapeeth center in Thane, Mumbai, underlining its commitment to establishing educational hubs across India and making education more accessible to students.

During the inauguration of the center, Shri Ravindra Phatak, a current Member of the Legislative Council of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Bhoir, Hon’ble Corporator, West Thane, Shri Ram Repale, Former Corporator and Physics Wallah’s CHRO, Satish Khengre were present.

PW’s Thane, Mumbai Vidyapeeth Centre boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure with 15 tech-enabled classrooms offering a conducive learning environment for NEET|JEE|Foundation aspirants. For the academic year 2024–2025 , it is offering an additional discount of 20% to students enrolling for this academic year.

PW has opened 79 tech-enabled Vidyapeeth Centres across India, emerging as the fastest-growing ed-tech company with the third-largest offline network in nearly two years, serving over 2 lakh students. These centers offer a comprehensive curriculum for JEE/NEET.

PW offline Vidyapeeth centers offer the facilities of recorded lectures, assistance with NCERT materials, offline doubt-solving, Daily Practice Problems (DPPs) with video solutions, specialized modules, and Previous Year Questions (PYQs). These centers also have a dedicated desk for the Student Success Team (SST), making PW the only one to provide quick and personalized resolutions to student concerns. There is also a parent-teacher dashboard system, which offers real-time updates on student progress.

PW Offline CEO Ankit Gupta stated, “With the launch of every offline center, we get closer to our vision of establishing educational hubs across India, making quality education more accessible and alleviating financial burdens on parents. These centers are set to transform the educational landscape of the country.”

CREST International Drawing Olympiad (CIDO) Based United Nation SDGs Launched

Focusing on children’s creative abilities, CREST Olympiad has launched the CREST International Drawing Olympiad (CIDO) to challenge young minds’ creativity. CIDO focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Goals. It’s also a part of the Green Warrior Initiative, with the motive of addressing environmental duties through young children’s creativity.
This Olympiad Exam is open to kids fromGrades KG to 10th. CIDO is more than just a drawing competition; it is a call to action. CIDO empowers kids to become environmental activists by encouraging their creative abilities, developing their creativity, and equipping them with the skills they need.

Through the CREST International Drawing Olympiad exam, students can showcase their creativity and imagination and develop their skills further. The exam evaluates the Creative Skills of the students. The exam assesses students’ artistic skills, facilitating the achievement of favorable outcomes. Translating abstract ideas from the realm of imagination onto paper allows for clearer visualization, improvement and enhanced creativity.

Olympiad Prizes

CREST International Drawing Olympiad recognize students with Merit Certificates, Trophies, Medals, etc. for their achievements in the examination. The exam will see participation from several countries and hence, students compete with peers across the globe.

Exam Dates & Fee

For CIDO, students can register through school or individually. Registration date for the exam is before 5th July 2024 and exam date is 6th and 19th July. The exam fee is INR 225 for students studying and enrolling from India. For students studying and residing outside of India, the fee is USD 15.

Join us in shaping the Green Warriors of tomorrow, equipped with brushes, pencils, and a drive for positive change. Together, we can make a difference.

TAS, Pune, Pre-Primary Students Present Annual Progress Reports to Parents and Teachers

The pre-primary students of The Academy School (TAS), Pune, conducted the student-led meeting (SLM) and showcased their respective Academic Year 2023-24 progress reports to teachers and parents. The activity was conducted to inspire confidence in public speaking and harbor sharp memory in students.

The activity was restricted to the students of Nursery, Junior KG, and Senior KG who prepared a presentation of their yearly performance, explained their progress over the year, and shared what they liked the most about their studies. Parents were overwhelmed as they witnessed the children’s remarkable performances and presentations.

The students appreciated the teachers and demonstrated new skills and knowledge acquired over the year. They also shared anecdotes and instances where the teachers helped and supported them whenever required. They even shared a message for the teachers of their subsequent years.

“The students shared their preferences, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. The activity was carried out to ensure a smooth transition between years for students and teachers. The synergy gets formed even before they begin their next academic year. We marveled at the kids’ receptivity and parents were overjoyed looking at students’ progress,” said Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune who spearheaded the initiative.

Each student was awarded a certificate for the successful completion of their SLM presentations. The activity showcased the children’s achievements and highlighted the invaluable partnership between teachers, students, and parents in nurturing young minds.

———

GD Goenka Vasant Kunj Unveils State-of-the-Art Sports Arena with ITMagia and Push Sports

New Delhi, May 08, 2024: GD Goenka Public School, Vasant Kunj, one of the leading educational institutions in India, has unveiled the GD Goenka Sports Arena in collaboration with the renowned sports and event management company ITMagia and sports-tech firm Push Sports.

Nestled within the school’s sprawling campus, the sports facility covers an acre and features state-of-the-art facilities, including a remarkable 9v9 FIFA-approved artificial turf for football, four cricket pitches with bowling machines, courts for padel and pickleball, an indoor facility for basketball and badminton, a covered swimming pool with heating and a volleyball court.

India recognises the indispensable role of sports and fitness in individuals’ lives, societal well-being, and national development. Through active participation in sports, individuals imbibe values of teamwork, strategic thinking, leadership, and goal setting, fostering a healthier and stronger society. Sport is one of the most productive ways the youth of any society can spend their non-work hours.

In this regard, the GD Goenka Sports Arena will cater to 3000 students, enabling them to focus on their fitness and wellbeing. Furthermore, the academy will also function during post-school hours for the students.

Sharing his delight and underscoring the significance of sports in students’ lives, Mr. Nipun Goenka, Director of GD Goenka Group, said,”The new sports facility at GD Goenka Public School in Vasant Kunj marks a significant step towards enhancing the well-being of our students. By providing world-class infrastructure, we empower them to embrace fitness, teamwork, and responsibility, nurturing not just athletes but well-rounded individuals poised for success.”

The inaugural event also witnessed the presence of eminent personalities, including actor and TV personality Mr. Rannvijay Singha and Mr. Abhinandan Sekhri, Co-Founder and CEO of Newslaundry. Their participation served as a testament to GD Goenka Public School’s commitment to promoting a culture of excellence in sports and the overall well-being of students.

”It is inspiring to see the focus of sports expanding beyond cricket. GD Goenka Sports Arena reflects a shift towards promoting diverse sports, offering students a broader spectrum of athletic opportunities to explore and excel,” said Mr.Rannvijay Singha.

Emphasising that the collaboration between schools and sports management companies is an incredible initiative, Mr. Abhinandan Sekhri said,”Sports has always been my first love, and its importance in a healthy society cannot be overstated. It is an arena for children to learn teamwork, accommodate differences and grow emotionally. The coming together of sports management companies and schools to make a big tent for children to work together and interact is an excellent idea.”

Ambitious initiatives such as the Khelo India programme and the FIT India Movement highlight India’s commitment to revitalising the sports culture at grassroots levels and promoting fitness as an integral part of daily life. By promoting indigenous sports, spreading awareness, and providing accessible platforms for fitness, India aims to foster a nation where every citizen embraces a physically active lifestyle, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant society.

The occasion also witnessed a captivating football match in which Mr. Nipun Goenka, Mr. Rannvijay Singha, Mr. Abhinandan Sekhri and Mr. Hemant Sharma, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Legends Cup, showcased their skills and competitive spirit on the field with the students.

“ITMagia is not just building sports infrastructure but is constructing pathways to a brighter future for schools and children. By developing these sports facilities, we are investing in the holistic development of our youth, empowering them to reach their maximum potential both on and off the field,” said Mr. Arpit Gupta, Director & Co-Founder of ITMagia.

Echoing his opinion, Mr. Nitin Pahuja, Founder and CEO, Push Sports, said,”We at Push Sports are delighted to announce our partnership with GD Goenka School, Vasant Kunj, and iTMagia. We believe in the transformative power of sports in shaping the lives of youth, and this collaboration marks an exciting milestone as we come together to provide a cutting-edge facility for young athletes, empowering them to pursue their passion for sports.

Exceptional sports facilities like the GD Goenka Sports Arena will also encourage widespread participation in sports to cultivate a culture of excellence. This will enable athletes to realise their full potential and propel India towards becoming a sporting powerhouse as well as a multidisciplinary University accredited by UGC, BCI and ICAR.

Veranda RACE celebrates grand success of 2103 students

CHENNAI, 8th May 2024: Veranda RACE, a Veranda Learning enterprise, celebrated its 12th Success Meet across various parts of Tamil Nadu. The first successful meet was held in Chennai on April 6, 2024, followed by events in Madurai, Coimbatore, and Salem. The blue riband events celebrated the success of 2103 Veranda RACE students who crossed the finish line across Bank, Insurance, Railways, Central & State Government Exams over the past 12 months. At the recently announced TNPSC Group 2 results, over 350 students from Veranda RACE emerged victorious.

The success meets saw emotions running high as student achievers took to the stage with their parents and relatives to share their success stories.

Ms. K. Swarnalakshmi, who cleared the IBPS PO exam in Chennai, hailed Veranda RACE’s team for their never-ending support. “My mentors at Veranda RACE had a lot of belief in me. It wouldn’t have been possible without their support,” she said. Students were effusive in their praise for the Practice Village in Chennai.

The event, attended by the Veranda leadership team comprising Mr. Suresh Kalpathi (Executive Director and Chairman), Mr. Bharath Seeman (Founder of RACE), and Mr. Santosh Kumar (CEO of Veranda RACE), served as an indelible platform to recognize the hard work and dedication of students, faculty, mentors, and staff.

Mr. Suresh Kalpathi, CEO of Veranda Learning Solutions, remarked, “These achievements of our students speak volumes about the dedication and commitment of the entire Veranda RACE family. It is the hard work of our faculty, mentors, and staff that has paved the way for these remarkable results. I strongly believe that their holistic guidance will continue to bring laurels in the coming days.”

Mr. Bharat Seeman, the founder of RACE, shared his vision with the successful students. “Our Veranda RACE students are not just achievers; they are the future leaders and torchbearers of our nation. I am very hopeful that our students will continue to strive for excellence and serve our country,” he said. Veranda RACE is gearing up to host success meets in Tirunelveli and Thiruvananthapuram in the days ahead.

Pacific World School’s ‘Leading the Change, Living the Change’ Workshops

8th May, 2024:Pacific World School hosted an enriching workshop for the students of grades IX-XII titled “Leading the Change, Living the Change”. The workshop aimed at fostering a culture of embracing change for personal and societal growth. Esteemed guests Ms. Meaghen Blight, President of Wesleyan College, and Mr. Abhishek Gupta, Founder & CEO of High School Moms & GIDE.AI, graced the event with their presence.

Ms. Blight, drawing from her extensive experience in higher education, set an engaging tone for the workshop, while Mr. Gupta’s journey as a career counselor provided valuable inspiration for the students. Principal Ms. Pooja Bose warmly welcomed attendees, addressing topics such as gender bias and equality, underscoring the school’s commitment to inclusivity.

The workshop featured insightful sessions led by Ms. Blight on essential leadership skills and Mr. Gupta on futuristic career paths and education. Students appreciated Mr. Gupta’s guidance, resonating with his perspectives as a career coach. The distinguished guests were honored with art pieces crafted by talented students as tokens of appreciation.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Ms. Bose expressed gratitude to the guests for sharing their wisdom and inspiration, emphasizing Pacific World School’s commitment to nurturing resilient leaders guided by integrity and compassion. She expressed anticipation for future workshops aimed at inspiring and empowering students.

Vice-President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Inspires Graduates at BIMTECH’s 36th Convocation

New Delhi, May 8th, 2024: Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), a leading B-School in India, successfully held its 36th Annual Convocation on 6th May 2024 at Jaypee Greens Sports Complex, Greater Noida. The landmark ceremony was dignified with the presence of the Honorable Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. With pumping hearts and eyes glued to the stage the students eagerly waited to receive a motivational address by Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. The flagship event was also graced by the esteemed Chairperson of the Board of Governors, Smt. Jayashree Mohta and Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH.

Inspiring the students, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar shared, “It is a great pleasure for me to be present here at the 36th Convocation of BIMTECH. I’m proud of the Women Reservation Bill we passed, and I’m seeing more women leading institutions. Jayashree Mohta, Chairperson of BIMTECH, is a true example of giving back to society, hence, I invite your faculty and your students to visit new building of parliament and we’ll have the occasion to interact there also”. He further advised the graduates,” As you graduate, remember to nurture economic nationalism and promote value addition in India. You are the future leaders driving economic, technological, and social progress. Embrace change, be persistent, and never fear failure. Congratulations and best wishes to all of you.”

The jubilant event witnessed the graduation of 478 students with flying colors. The illustrious affair rewarded degrees to the graduating cohorts from PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM). During the inaugural address, Smt. Mohta, said,” This Convocation marks a milestone, not only for the students but also for the entire BIMTECH community. We are extremely proud of the achievements and growth in the batch size. Today we’re here to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As BIMTECH’s graduates gear up to navigate the corridors of professionalism, I wish them the best to become capable leaders and changemakers.”

Presenting the annual progress report, Dr. Prabina shed light on BIMTECH’s legacy and shared, “Maintaining the BIMTECH standards, the past year’s advancements are a testament to our perennial focus on nurturing talent. This Convocation is the epitome of academic brilliance and celebration.” She further suggested to the students, “Embark on your professional journeys with passion and embrace your uniqueness. I extend my heartiest wishes to all our graduates for their future endeavors.”

BIMTECH has signed an MOU with Singapore Management University (SMU) for an ‘Inclusive and Immersive Experiential Learning (I2XL) Programme’ under which five BIMTECH students have been selected to visit SMU for an intensive Executive Development Programme. BIMTECH plans to scale up the numbers in the forthcoming years.

The event also celebrated 12 highly ambitious degree holders by rewarding their exceptional academic attainment. Gold medals were handed over for securing the overall first position to Mr. Nitesh Shah in PGDM, Ms. Aanchal Mittal in PGDM (IB), Ms. Ritika Srivastava in PGDM (IBM), and Ms. Sanskriti Khare in PGDM (RM). Special medals were awarded for securing the first position to Ms. Devanshi (The Marketing Specialization Stream), Mr. Parth Aggarwal (The Operations Specialization Stream), Mr. Nitesh Shah (The Finance Specialization Stream), and Mr. Agam Mishra (The HR Specialization Stream). Dr. C.B. Gupta Memorial Medal was honored to Mr. Shashwat Tandon of PGDM (IB) for all-around best performance among male students. Smt. Yashoda Jaju Memorial Medal for all-around best performance among female students was awarded to Ms. Kriti Singh PGDM (IB). Smt. Madhuri J. Sheth Award for best academic performance among female students was awarded to Ms. Aisha Asija (PGDM) and Ms. Aanchal Mittal PGDM (IB). Dr. Ashutosh Kumar was acclaimed with the Jagdish N Sheth Best Thesis Award 2023.

The institute thrives on a symbiotic relationship, embodying excellence in management education with its 7000+ strong alumni base. BIMTECH proudly announces that Ms. Surbhi Goel, an alumna, has become the first female CEO (designate) of Munich Re India, and another alumnus, Mr. Nainoor Desai, has become the Business Head-Corporate at SBI General Insurance.

Inspired by its founder late Basant Kumar Birla, BIMTECH pioneers innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH proudly holds the 48th position in the Management Category in NIRF-National Institutional Ranking Framework 2023 and secures the 17th rank among the top private B-Schools in India, as per Business Today-MDRA Best B-Schools Ranking 2023. Also, BIMTECH IS NOW AACSB ACCREDITED, joining the IVY League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 7000 individuals.