3, May 2024
iLEAD’s Managedia 2024 Witnesses 45 Colleges Participating in 40+ Events With 4000+ Footfalls

iLEAD

Kolkata, 3rd May 2024: Managedia 2024, the 10th edition of Kolkata’s largest college festival, concluded with resounding success as students, dignitaries, and sponsors came together to celebrate creativity, talent, and innovation. Hosted by the Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development (iLEAD), co-presented by State Bank of India and in association with PS Group, Managedia 2024 took place from April 16th to April 20th, 2024.

Under the theme “The Octet: Ignite Infinite,” Managedia 2024 aimed to inspire students to harness their imaginations, share their knowledge, and embrace multiple opportunities. This year 45 colleges participated in 40+ events. The event kicked off with a ceremonial lamp lighting, symbolizing the illumination of infinite possibilities.

Dignitaries from various sectors graced the opening ceremony, including Mr. Prem Anup Sinha (Chief General Manager at State Bank of India) as the chief guest. Additionally, esteemed guests such as Mr. Ujjwal Kumar Chowdhury (Vice President of Washington University of Science and Technology, US), Mr. Arturo Lavelle (Director of the Unimarconi University of Italy), and Mr. Alkesh Agarwal (Co-Founder and CEO, Refeel Cartridge Engineering Pvt. Ltd.), were recognized for their contributions.

The festival featured a diverse range of events organized by the event club of iLEAD, spanning management, media, culinary arts, culture, film and photography, gaming and technology, allied health, social media, sports, and more.

Managed 2024 saw participation from prestigious colleges in 40+ events organized by iLEAD.

In sports, iLEAD teams dominated with victories in football and cricket for both girls’ and boys’ teams, while Vijaygarh Jyotish Ray College emerged victorious in the Boys’ Kabaddi category.

Several other colleges were also recognized for their outstanding performances and participation, including IISWBM, Asutosh College Team B, St.Xaviers University, Surendranath Law College, Amity University, Techno International, Techno University, Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration, JDBI, Shri Shikshayatan and many more. The award for Best Visiting College was bagged by the Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration.

At the closing ceremony on April 20th, attendees were treated to an outstanding stage performance by renowned singer Snigdhajit Bhowmik.

Managedia 2024 showcased the immense talent and potential of Kolkata’s student community, fostering a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

3, May 2024
Scaler diversifies its educational offering; launches Scaler School of Business

Mumbai; 3rd May 2024: Scaler, a leading education provider in India, has launched Scaler School of Business (SSB) today with its full-time on-campus Postgraduate Program in Management and Technology in the heart of Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India. This is India’s first business school built by industry leaders for future industry leaders, offering a meticulously crafted curriculum that mirrors the realities of modern tech and innovation-driven businesses.

As with engineering education in the country, traditional MBA programs are also typically built and taught by academic scholars renowned for their theoretical expertise in business concepts and principles. According to the India Skill Report 2020, having an MBA degree is no longer the key to landing jobs in India, with only 46.59 percent of students having enough skills to be hired. Several institutions attempt to teach these practical skills through case studies. Still, more often than not, these are also outdated and are insufficient to prepare graduates to thrive in the fast-paced, dynamic world of business. The postgraduate program curated by Scaler School of Business has been specially designed to bridge this significant gap between traditional business education and the industry’s dynamic needs – under the guidance of industry stalwarts who have not only achieved remarkable success but have also navigated the complexities of business at a large scale. These visionaries have shaped iconic brands such as Meta (Facebook), Uber, Myntra, McKinsey and Fab.

With a unique blend of theoretical rigor and practical application, SSB’s postgraduate program goes beyond the confines of traditional academia. It integrates elements like a three-month internship, case studies, industry-driven evaluations, and immersive projects sourced directly from leading companies. The program will allow students to deep dive into trending technology and innovations, equipping them with new-age skills in AI and allied industries to ensure they are 10x more efficient and tech-enabled than the average MBA graduate.

Learners will have access to a dedicated space—Scaler Innovation Lab—where they will work on ground-breaking ideas and projects that impact society under the guidance of Scaler’s leadership team and CXOs of partner organizations. They will be able to collaborate with computer science engineers from Scaler School of Technology to build prototypes or minimal viable products. These ideas and projects will also be presented to the country’s top VCs and investment firms.

Abhimanyu Saxena, Co-Founder of Scaler, said, “While our mission at Scaler initially was to provide Stanford-quality education to millions of aspiring engineers in the country, it has now morphed to include a wider audience. We are dedicated to shaping the future of talent with an industry-focused approach. We want to empower working professionals and students alike to build the right skillsets and knowledge, leading to a wider impact in the real world. We strongly believe that working professionals today and in the future need both business and technology acumen. Scaler School of Business is a vital step in that direction.”

Along with an updated industry-focused curriculum, learners enrolled with Scaler School of Business will also get access to industry leaders from all domains, such as visiting faculty and super mentors, who will curate engaging hands-on exercises, ensuring students gain practical wisdom from the best in the business. There will be 1:1 mentorship from people in the desired area of specialisation and career path, emphasizing experiential learning where students are exposed to real-world challenges and opportunities guided by feedback directly from industry leaders.

“In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the demand for skilled and adaptable leaders has never been greater. With Scaler School of Business, we are embarking on a transformative journey to redefine the standards of excellence in business education to empower the next generation of business leaders with the knowledge, skills, and vision needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and interconnected world and have a tech advantage. The program will emphasise practical learning over traditional lectures by industry leaders with decades of experience building and scaling things from scratch. Through hands-on projects, immersive case studies, and direct engagement with industry leaders, our students are set to gain invaluable experience that transcends the confines of the classroom. In essence, Scaler School of Business is not just an educational institute; it’s a crucible where future tech and business leaders are forged, ready to create impact in the digital world.” – added Bhavik Rathod, Senior Vice President at Scaler.

Delivered in four phases, the 18-month program will be split into 6 trimesters. The first two trimesters will focus on building fundamental knowledge of business administration, where learners will build expertise around topics such as accounting, economics, statistics, communications, sales and marketing strategies, operations management, and others. This will be followed by the third and fourth semester, which focuses on functional specializations, where learners will develop a deeper understanding of their chosen field – marketing, strategy, operations, or finance – with a particular focus on how each of these verticals operates in today’s digital and tech age. The fifth semester is an industry immersion experience wherein learners will undertake a 3-month internship as consultants, managing real-life projects in top firms or leading start-ups. The last trimester will focus on building skills essential in the digital age – fundamentals of digital marketing, applications of Generative AI, Data Science, and ML, and learning about other in-demand technologies being used in business. Learners will also be allowed to choose electives such as edtech, fintech, Gen AI, SaaS, Web3, and Blockchain, among others, to help them better understand specific industries.

The Scaler School of Business’s postgraduate program is designed for both technical and non-technical job opportunities suited for working professionals with few years of experience or even freshers straight out of college. It is ideal for those looking to advance in their current roles, such as moving from a marketing executive to a managers leading GTM strategy or a sales executive to an Enterprise Sales Lead. It is also suitable for those looking to switch profiles to marketing, consulting, strategy, or the Founder’s office. The program offers tech professionals the opportunity to move into more strategic and managerial roles, such as Engineering Manager, Product Manager or Technical Program Manager in product and tech companies (established MNCs and innovative start-ups). Scaler works with more than 900 employer-partners internationally, including the top names in every tech sector like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Zomato, Airtel, Wells Fargo, PayPal and others, who regularly hire Scaler alums, and these existing relationships will be leveraged to help SSB learners build sustainable careers.

The program’s founding cohort will have an intake of handpicked 75 to 100 students and will commence in August 2024. The admission process will comprise a series of written and video essays, followed by two 1:1 interview rounds. Scaler School of Business’s campus is located in Electronic City, Bengaluru, surrounded by leading global corporations with access to a state-of-the-art classroom and hostel (optional). The same campus also houses the Scaler School of Technology, allowing varied collaboration opportunities between management and technology professionals, enabling a wholesome learning experience for both groups of learners.

3, May 2024
DPS Indirapuram Hosts Dynamic German Fest to Enrich Students’ Language Skills

DPS Indirapuram Hosts Dynamic

DPS Indirapuram proudly hosted a vibrant German fest to enrich the linguistic and cultural understanding of Germany among Grade 5 students. The event was graced by Ms. Shilpa Sharma and Mr. Matthias Dunnwald, Project Heads from the Goethe Institute, and Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi, respectively, whose presence added a touch of expertise and enriched students’ experience.

The German Fest showcased a variety of activities meticulously designed to reinforce the students’ syntactical and lexical knowledge acquired in the preceding year. Activities such as dance, tattoo making, ObstSalat (fruit salad), Zahlen Buzz (number buzz), and sichvorstellen (self-introduction) engaged the students, fostering their cultural appreciation for Germany while testing their language skills.

Commenting on the event’s success, Ms. Priya John, Principal of DPS Indirapuram, said, “The German Fest at DPS Indirapuram was a resounding success, leaving an everlasting impression on students and attendees. It served as a platform for linguistic enrichment and fostered cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. The fest exemplified our commitment to providing holistic education experiences beyond textbooks, enriching students’ lives through cultural immersion and language learning. We look forward to organizing more such enthusiastic events for our students.”

3, May 2024
Genesis Global School, Noida will be introducing the IBCP curriculum with a Business Administration course, starting in July 2024

New Delhi: The prestigious international school, Genesis Global School (Candidate School) is gearing up to introduce the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) in the upcoming session starting July 2024, pending final approval from the International Baccalaureate, this new addition to our curriculum is set to revolutionize the educational experience for our students. One of the standout features of our programme will be the introduction of a Business Administration course, aimed at equipping students with essential business skills from an early age. This is a two-year programme from Grade 11 to Grade 12 where students will delve into the world of business, preparing them for the challenges of the professional world.

Elaborating on the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme, Genesis Global School Promoter & Director Ms Sanamdeep Chadha said, “The inclusion of IBCP at Genesis Global School will encourage students to engage in service learning, fostering a sense of social responsibility and global citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.” She further continued that: the curriculum will equip students with the cross-cultural competencies and adaptability needed to thrive in diverse environments. Further honing their mettle is the Business Administration course, to equip the students with practical skills and knowledge applicable across various industries. The programme aligns perfectly with our school’s vision of preparing students to be future-ready leaders and entrepreneurs.

She further said that in today’s rapidly evolving global economy, proficiency in business fundamentals is invaluable for students aspiring to pursue diverse career paths. Through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities essential for success in the business realm. With the new programme, the school, set in a sprawling 30-acre campus with modern amenities and an international standard of education, aims to promote intercultural understanding and appreciation, as the curriculum contributes to fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society as well.

Beyond the individual benefits of the student, the IBCP programme at Genesis Global School will hold the potential to catalyze positive change on a global scale, by nurturing a generation of socially conscious and ethically responsible leaders, that will drive innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth worldwide. As students graduate from the IBCP at Genesis Global School, they will be well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world at large. With a blend of academic rigour and career-related learning, the program will ensure that students graduate with a well-rounded skill set, ready to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

2, May 2024
School of Business Management NMIMS Mumbai successfully hosted its 21st Convocation

Tuesday, 2nd May 2024: SVKM’s NMIMS School of Business Management (SBM) Mumbai recently hosted its 21st Convocation ceremony. This year’s Convocation felicitated a total of 770 students as they graduated from four programmes, namely the Ph.D., MBA, MBA (Human Resources) and MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) programmes.

Shri Somanath S, Secretary of the Department of Space, Chairman of the Space Commission and the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation graced the event as the Chief Guest. Mr. Jagrut Kotecha, CEO of PepsiCo Inc. was SBM’s special guest and was conferred the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2024.

The Chief Guest was joined on the dais by Dr. Jayant Gandhi, Secretary of the SVKM Trust and Nominee of the Honourable Chancellor, SVKM’s NMIMS, who presided over the ceremony as also Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Meena Chintamaneni, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ashish Daptardar, Additional Registrar, and Dr. Chandrima Sikdar, Associate Dean of Programmes and Student Learning Experience at SBM.

Addressing students at the event, Shri Somanath S. emphasized, “We must realise the potential of our nation and organise ourselves towards that. With the success of Chandrayaan 3, we have made a significant mark. It has made a huge impact not only in India but globally. This accomplishment at frugal costs talks of our engineering capabilities. We owe the ability of our space sector to 60 years of hard work and the guidance of visionaries. As India moves towards becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world, I strongly believe our mastery of technology will drive our nation to the top.”

Reminiscing his student days at NMIMS, Mr. Jagrut Kotecha shared, “Life has come a full circle today. Thirty years ago, I was part of a similar ceremony. NMIMS laid the foundation for my business and management acumen, moral compass, entrepreneurial spirit and hunger for learning. It is good to see that even today, these are still embedded in the programs. I urge each one of you to never stop learning, networking, and thirdly always do things the right way.”

In his inspiring address to the graduates, Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Vice Chancellor stated, “This day marks the beginning of an exciting chapter filled with infinite possibilities and opportunities. As you look forward to your future, it is important to remember the lessons you have learnt and the experiences that have shaped you. Always remember that wherever you go and whatever you do, your actions will be like your fingerprints – proof of where you have been and what you have touched. You are going out in the world with excellent NMIMS credentials. Let’s take the first step forward towards a future with courage, determination and a commitment to excellence.”

Dr. Chandrima Sikdar presented the review of the Full-Time MBA programs of the SBM. Dr Jayant Gandhi, Dr. Ramesh Bhatt conferred the degrees on the graduating students and Shri Somanath S. gave away awards to the meritorious students. The event also witnessed the release of the Roster of Events, Convocation Brochure, and NMIMS Management Review.

The academic year 2023-2024 was one of notable achievements for SBM. It became the first B-School in Western India to be reaccredited by the AACSB. It was ranked 83rd among the 100 Global B-Schools in the FT – Masters in Management 2023 Rankings and 21st as per the National Institute Ranking Framework 2023 (NIRF 2023). 2023 saw 166 companies visit SBM’s campus for the MBA program, 46 for MBA HR and 32 for MBA Pharmaceutical Management programs.

Research and collaboration were at the forefront in the academic year 2023-2024. Nearly 40 research publications were published in journals of national and international repute, with 9 papers published in ABDC A category journals. Special mention was made of goes to Dr. Sachin Mathur, Associate Professor and Dr. Mayank Joshipura, who published the highest impact factor paper for the year in a 12.5 Impact Factor journal.

The memorable convocation ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Meena Chintamaneni. Quoting the late President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, she recalled, “He had said at one of our convocations, ‘If you imbibe four things – great aim, seeking knowledge, hard work and perseverance – success can’t elude you.’ Every graduate should remember this as they embark on their careers.” The Convocation ceremony concluded in the midst of cheer, excitement and optimism for the graduating students, as they transitioned to becoming SBM’s alumni.

2, May 2024
IIM Sambalpur’s 8th Annual Convocation Witnesses Conferring Degrees to 236 Graduating Cohorts

IIM Sambalpur’s 8th Annual Convocation

Sambalpur, 2nd May 2024; IIM Sambalpur, one of the premier management institutions, achieved a significant milestone as the convocation ceremony witnessed the conferral of 236 degrees upon the 8th MBA batch (2022-24) and the first batch of Executive MBA (2021-23). The graduation ceremony also featured the recognition of outstanding academic achievements by Priya Pant and Roma Dash, as they secured Chairman’s Gold Medals for Scholastic Performance in the MBA and Executive MBA Programme, respectively. It was a matter of pride for IIM Sambalpur and a true testament to women’s empowerment to witness two female awardees receiving the first rank in the prestigious awards. Moreover, it is to be noted that out of the top 10 scorers in the MBA batch, 6 of them were from the reserved categories.

Mr. Chandra Shekhar Gosh, Founder, MD & CEO, of Bandhan Bank, presided over the convocation ceremony as the Chief Guest. Mrs, Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairman, BOG, IIM Sambalpur, and Chairman & CEO, Salesforce India graced the occasion. Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, along with deans, faculty members, the graduating students, and their parents were present at the ceremony.

Mrs Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairman, BOG, IIM Sambalpur and Chairman & CEO, Salesforce India, motivated the graduating students as they embarked on their professional journeys and said, “Self-management is paramount importance for achieving progress in all aspects of life and is the cornerstone of success. Without self-discipline, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges with equanimity, one cannot truly master self-management.”Mrs Bhattacharya further said, “If you cannot lead in times of crisis or step back during periods of steady growth, then you have not yet learned to manage yourself effectively. And without this foundational skill, no amount of management lessons will lead you to success. Therefore, I urge you to reflect on the importance of managing yourself as you leave here today.”

During his keynote address, Mr Chandra Shekhar Gosh, Founder, MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank, shared insights from his life journey and discussed the Human Development Index and its components such as per capita income and education. He also highlighted the challenges faced by individuals at the grassroots level, exemplified by the need to borrow money at exorbitant interest rates due to a lack of access to affordable finance. Mr. Gosh also gave a piece of advice to management passing batch and said, “First, try to find the people who are the best fit for the job, rather than requiring everyone to be highly skilled.”

In the welcome address, Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, shed light on the achievements of the premier institute over 9 years and said, “This academic year at IIM Sambalpur has been remarkable progress towards the vision of becoming an institute of par excellence. The newly built campus witnessed the establishment of an i-Hub Incubation Center, the 9th Pan IIM World Management Conference, the 100 Cube Startup Conclave, tie-ups with international universities, the commencement of the Delhi Campus and the inauguration of the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur, among others.” Prof Jaiswal further said, “This batch is graduating into an exciting era, while the Indian economy is booming. India’s current economic landscape has rich potential, for not only corporate giants but also startups funded by various stakeholders, including the government. India boasts over 98,000 startups and more than 110 unicorns, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.” Prof. Jaiswal imparted five success mantras to graduating students like embracing an owner mindset and not the corporate slave mindset, adhering to legal & ethical compliance, becoming problem solvers, taking calculated risks while maintaining professionalism, and learning innovation through technology.

During the Convocation Ceremony, out of 236 graduating students, 190 graduating cohorts received their MBA degrees, while 46 Executive MBA students graduated on this day. A total of five medals were awarded to the meritorious students of the graduating class. In the MBA program, the prestigious Chairman’s Gold Medal for Scholastic Performance was received by Ms. Priya Pant from Uttar Pradesh for securing the 1st rank based on the highest CGPA, and the Director’s Gold Medal for Scholastic Performance was awarded to Mr. Aditya Kumar from Bihar for securing the 2nd rank based on the second highest CGPA. The IIM Sambalpur Gold Medal for the best all-around performance, based on scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities, and institutional building activities, was received by Mr Devashish Malkani from Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, for the Executive MBA, the prestigious Chairman’s Gold Medal for Scholastic Performance was awarded to Ms. Roma Dash from Odisha, recognizing her as the 1st Rank holder with the highest CGPA, and the Director’s Gold Medal for Scholastic Performance was received by Mr Binaya Bhusan Panda from Odisha, who secured the 2nd Rank with the second-highest CGPA.

2, May 2024
Manipal Academy of Higher Education Celebrates Founder’s Day to Mark the 126th Birth Anniversary of Dr T.M.A Pai

Manipal Academy of Higher Education

 2nd May 2024: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, celebrated the 126th birth anniversary of its founder Dr T.M.A Pai on Tuesday, 30 April 2024. Shri K. V. Kamath, Chairman, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) & Chairman, Jio Financial Services Ltd. was the Chief Guest of the event. The celebration was also attended by dignitaries from the Manipal Group like Mrs. Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust, Registrar, AGE & Chairman, MEMG, Bengaluru, Mr. T Ashok Pai, President, Dr. TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal, Mr. T Satish U Pai, Executive Chairman, Manipal Media Network Ltd., & Vice President, Academy of General Education, Dr. H S Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE & President, AGE, Manipal, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal. The event was also graced by several senior officials from the Manipal Group, making it a memorable celebration of Dr. T.M.A Pai’s legacy.

Each year Manipal Group of Institutions observes Founder’s Day on April 30th to honour and remember the legacy of Dr T.M.A Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, who transformed the once barren hilltop of Manipal into a globally renowned educational hub. This year’s celebration was marked by several programs, which began with a heartfelt floral tribute to Dr T.M.A Pai by all the distinguished guests and dignitaries.

Welcoming the audience, Dr H. S. Ballal, President, Academy of General Education & Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal, said, “On behalf of MAHE, I extend a warm welcome to everyone. As we gather here today to celebrate and remember the legacy of Dr T.M.A Pai this annual occasion holds great significance in our institution’s history as it commemorates the vision, dedication, and pioneering spirit of our esteemed founder”.

Remembering the journey of Dr. Pai, Dr Ballal further added, “Dr T.M.A Pai was a visionary for two reasons, he started an institute of general education to provide skill training for those who didn’t do academically well in their high school. His focus was to train them so they could become employable. Additionally, in 1952 he started one of its kind self-financing medical college in the private sector with the government.

Reflecting on the 126th birth anniversary of Dr Pai fills me with a profound sense of admiration. His pioneering spirit in education continues to guide the Academy of General Education (AGE) as we aim to nurture future leaders. Having witnessed MAHE’s incredible growth from a medical college to a premier university, I am proud to contribute as Pro-Chancellor. Today, let us all pay tribute to Dr Pai’s exceptional journey by dedicating ourselves to excellence in education and shaping responsible global citizens.”

The Chief Guest, Shri K. V. Kamath, Chairman, National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) & Chairman, Jio Financial Services Ltd., addressed the audience present and spoke about the remarkable vision of Dr T.M.A Pai and his profound efforts in revolutionising the Indian Education System. He said, “It is an honour to be here at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, celebrating the 126th birth anniversary of its founder, Dr T.M.A Pai. Dr Pai’s vision and dedication to education serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all and his legacy lives on in the success of MAHE, a true pioneer in Indian education that stands as a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation. I remember him for his pioneering efforts and ability to think through the challenges which existed at the time when there was limited conversations and awareness around the need of providing education. As we celebrate Dr Pai’s remarkable journey, let us all pledge to rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence to ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”

Addressing the audience, Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said, “On this momentous occasion of the 126th birth anniversary of Dr T.M.A Pai, we celebrate a legacy of education and societal upliftment. Dr Pai’s vision not only transformed Manipal into an academic hub, but also instilled a deep appreciation for our regional heritage. We at MAHE rededicate ourselves to follow integrity, quality, execution, transparency, passion, human touch and team work in our relentless journey towards the excellence. Through our initiatives, we strive to keep his legacy alive by empowering underprivileged communities and fostering a culture of innovation and service”.

He further added that, “Dr Pai’s life was not just a journey of his individual achievements but a testament to the power to transform the lives of countless individuals. He firmly believed that the education should not be a privilege for a few but a fundamental right regardless of their background”.

The event also included several presentations, including the “Kundapur Mohan and Latha Bhandarkars’ Merit-cum-Means Scholarships”, the “Smt. Sharada M Pai – Dr. Padma Rao Memorial Award” for the Best Nursing and Anganwadi Service, the “Smt. Sharada M Pai – Dr. Padma Rao A- MMS Diamond Jubilee Award” for the Best Female Warden/Caretaker (Non-Teaching Staff), and the “Smt. Geetha K Nayak Memorial Award” for the Senior Nurses of Kasturba Hospital.

Dr. NN Sharma, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Strategy & Planning, MAHE, delivered the vote of thanks.

2, May 2024
NMIMS Hyderabad SBM Conducts 13th Convocation Ceremony – Reflects on Numerous Campus Achievements Amid Celebration

NMIMS Hyderabad SBM

Hyderabad, 2nd May 2024 SVKM’s NMIMS Hyderabad School of Business Management (SBM) held its 13th Convocation Ceremony for the Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) 2022-2024 batch. The monumental occasion saw a total of 266 being conferred their MBA degrees.

Mr. Sairam Prasad, CEO, Suzlon Global Services Limited., graced the event as the Chief Guest. Dr Sharad Mhaiskar, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Mr. Pravin H Doshi, Member Managing & Executive Committee, and Nominee of the Hon’ble Chancellor; Mr. Ashish Apte, Controller of Examinations, Dr N Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Registrar, Dr Suneetha Sistla, Programme Chairperson; Dr Y L N Kumar, Associate Professor, SBM were present in the ceremony as part of the NMIMS leadership.

The grand event began with an academic procession and the lighting of the lamp. Mr. Pravin H Doshi presided over the prestigious ceremony and conferred the degrees to the new graduates. Pro VC Dr Sharad Mhaiskar administered the oath to the students followed by the sustainability oath by Dr Suneetha Sistla. Commemorating the memorable occasion, Dr. Sharad Mhaiskar and Mr. Sairam Prasad delivered inspiring addresses to a hall full of dignitaries, faculty, and enthusiastic students.

Meanwhile, Dr Y L N Kumar presented the SBM School Report. In the preceding academic calendar, NMIMS Hyderabad SBM achieved several milestones. In the academic year 2023-2024, the distinguished faculties of SBM published 32 distinct research papers in National and International journals. Of these, two papers were published in the ‘A’ category of ABDC-listed journals.

Furthermore, NMIMS Hyderabad SBM had a highly successful placement season, with 85 companies hiring top talent and the highest offer being INR 11 Lakh per annum. Among the top employers were PwC, Bank of America and Nestle. Moreover, the WeCare Winter Internship Programme saw students being placed in corporations such as TATA Steel, TATA Power, and Microsoft, among others to assist them in their social initiatives.

Moreover, meritorious students were presented with awards with Dean awards & Gold medals for their academic achievements. Faculty members were also awarded on their areas of excellence in Academics, Research, and Multi-campus program coordination. Best Faculty was awarded to Dr. YLN Kumar, Best Researcher award to Dr ShowkatBusru and Best Faculty – Multi-Campus Program Coordination to Dr Abhilash Ponnam.

Addressing the graduating students, Mr. Sairam Prasad said, “As fresh graduates, when you step into the professional world, you must remember three important things. Firstly, you must have a global perspective, secondly, you must be patient and thirdly you must work towards building your unique value.”

Dr Sharad Mhaiskar congratulated the graduating students and said, “NMIMS has a strong legacy of providing quality education to aspiring students from different sections of society. The NMIMS legacy is built on five important pillars – Excellence, Employability, Innovation, Responsibility and Collegiality. The School of Business Management has been a bearer of this legacy. As you graduate, you will be inheriting a proud and privileged NMIMS legacy of beliefs and sustained values to translate vision into action.”

The solemn ceremony ended with a Vote of Thanks by Dr N Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Registrar, NMIMS Hyderabad.

2, May 2024
Sommet Education launches its Foundation to support Hospitality sector employment challenges

New Delhi- 2nd May 2024: Sommet Education, a leading worldwide player in hospitality education boasting a community of 10,000 students and 60,000 influential alumni worldwide, is proud to announce the launch of its Foundation, a significant milestone aimed at supporting employment challenges within the hospitality sector.

The Foundation will concentrate on tackling the sector’s employment challenges by focusing on two levers of action: offering scholarships for hospitality education to talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and advocating for careers and professions in hospitality.

Empowering individuals from underserved communities to pursue rewarding careers in hospitality.

The launch of the Foundation comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, with the travel and tourism sector projected to employ 449 million people worldwide by 2034 (source: World Travel and Tourism Council). By then, 12.2% of the global workforce will be powering this vibrant sector. Despite these promising figures, many destinations and hospitality employers continue to face recruitment challenges.

Drawing on Sommet Education’s long-standing commitment to developing hospitality talent, the Sommet Education Foundation will leverage its global network of hospitality schools to train and open doors to careers in this promising industry for individuals from diverse and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Sommet Education Foundation will identify talents supported by a network of social partners, including UN agencies, governmental entities, and NGOs. These talents will be selected in alignment with the framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 4, focusing on inclusive education. Funding and support will be provided to educate and empower, particularly youth from impoverished backgrounds and women, while also creating lifelong learning opportunities and ensuring that talents are gainfully employed within the sector.

”Joining the Hospitality Industry is more than a job guarantee; it is a promise of a rewarding and fulfilling career nurtured by human encounters, passion, cultural exchanges, and experiences. By offering scholarships leading to employment opportunities, we aim at offering life-changing opportunities to a new generation of talents and empowering them with the necessary skills to join the thriving hospitality industry,” said Mrs. Anouck Weiss, Executive Vice-President at Sommet Education Foundation.

Sommet Education Foundation Patronage

The Foundation can already count on Accor as a Founding Patron. The hospitality group has already committed to promoting talent development, fostering social equality, and bolstering economic growth through a first dedicated initiative in India. Steven Daines, Chief Talent and Culture Officer, said on the occasion: “As a leading hospitality group, investing in people’s talent is a key priority. Hospitality is a sector that transcends territories and borders. This implies open-mindedness and connection to others. I am proud to be in a sector that promotes cross-border work experiences and multicultural environments”.

Echoing his views, Mrs Anne-Sophie BERAUD, SVP Diversity & Inclusion & Social Care Accor, said, “The success of our employees must not be determined by diplomas, origins or nationalities. We want to guarantee each of our talents the opportunity to reach their full potential by preventing inequalities and discrimination.”

Promoting hospitality professions

To inform the Foundation’s roadmap and strategic direction, Sommet Education Foundation engaged OpinionWay, a pioneering market research institute, to conduct a comprehensive European survey, with the primary objective of identifying the key factors that attract and retain talents in the hospitality industry. 1,300 young professionals and hospitality human resources managers across Europe were interviewed, along with 20 key industry leaders* (see list below) encompassing the broader spectrum of the sector, including hotels, restaurants, travel, tourism, independent, medium-sized, and large hotel groups, and high-end retail.

Survey shows strong sector attractiveness and employer voluntarism to seduce and retain new talents

The service sector holds considerable appeal for 85% of young professionals across Europe. Three-quarters of young European professionals would be ready to join high-end hotels, restaurants, and retail shops, praising the career opportunities, especially internationally, and the people-to-people connections. The survey confirms the overall challenge of the sector throughout Europe, with 59% of HR managers facing employment challenges. 78% state that Generation Z (18 to 28 years old) brings specific challenges from identification, recruitment, and loyalty.

Hospitality’s Unique promise fuels optimism in the sector

Professionals within the sector are resolutely convinced of the depth and appeal of their respective fields, with an overwhelming 86% expressing confidence in the sector’s allure. Moreover, they exhibit unwavering faith in their ability to sustain employee commitment, rating it at an impressive 7.5 out of 10.

This sector uniquely offers pathways for individuals to advance socially and professionally, regardless of their educational background. It stands out as one of the few industries where individuals can achieve rapid success and take on greater responsibilities over time, effectively climbing the social ladder. This unique promise of upward mobility makes it particularly appealing to many. Furthermore, employers place a premium on motivation, soft skills, and service-oriented personalities, prioritizing these qualities over formal diplomas and being ready to invest in their talents. The overwhelming majority—93% of HR managers—emphasize the centrality of training in fostering talent excellence, development, and long-term loyalty.

Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive at Mandarin Oriental shared on the subject: “Architects design the buildings of tomorrow. I would like people coming out of hospitality schools to be able to design the experience of tomorrow».

30, Apr 2024
69 Percent Female Representation in MBA Analytics Shaping Education’s New Frontier

69 Percent Female Representation in MBA Analytics Shaping Education's New Frontier

Mumbai, April 30th, 2024: The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur – IIM Kashipur, a leading B-School in India, conferred degrees to 438 students who graduated this year under various programs. The institute witnessed the conferment of degrees upon 438 students at its 11th convocation. During the ceremony, 232 graduating cohorts received MBA degrees, 87 from MBA Analytics degrees, 83 from EMBAA degrees, and 21 from Executive MBA degrees. 15 scholars from the Doctoral Programme were also receive their degrees.

Yezdi Nagporewalla, CEO of KPMG India, distributed medals to 10 students for their performance in their respective courses.

Jump in female students

IIM Kashipur is, lately, witnessing exponential growth in terms of female students across all programs. In the 2019-21 batch, IIM Kashipur recorded 11% female students, while in the 2021-23 batch, it surged to 30%. A special interest from female students towards MBA Analytics is visible as females in both the batches since introduction of the course has been significantly high.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, Chairman, BoG – IIM Kashipur said, “As we celebrate this convocation day, let us reflect on our journey of excellence. IIM Kashipur’s 19th rank in NRF 2023 echoes our commitment to unparalleled standards. Our diverse student body, including 69% female representation in MBA (Analytics), underscores the evolving landscape of education. We take pride in supporting economically and socially challenged students and fostering an inclusive environment. Today, as we bid farewell to our graduates, we stand poised to shape the future with innovation and inclusivity.”

Addressing the students, Yezdi Nagporewalla said, “Today marks a rare and momentous occasion where we celebrate the achievements of the future leaders of our nation. Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to each graduate, recognizing the unwavering support of proud parents and the dedication of the esteemed faculty.”

He further said, “As you step into the world, remember the profound significance of education and the values it instills. Your degree is not just a symbol but a passport to a world of opportunities. Embrace your journey with anticipation and resilience, for success is earned through continuous learning, hard work, and adaptability. Never shy away from challenges, for in chaos lies opportunity. Embrace technology, invest in your skills, and always uphold the values of integrity and respect. Congratulations to you all, for you are the diamonds of tomorrow.”

Advising the new graduates, he said, “In Korea, people think of the Nation first, company second, family third, and self in the fourth. We need to learn from them. Being rich doesn’t mean being successful. It’s good to be happy one should work to achieve bigger goals,”

Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director, IIM Kashipur, said, “Despite market challenges this year, we saw the active participation of 200+ student organizations, extending 270 offers to the MBA and MBA (Analytics) batch. Besides regular recruiters such as ICICI Bank, KPMG, Capgemini, Bank of America, Gartner, Tiger Analytics, TATA Capital, Delloite, etc., several new organizations came, such as Barclays, Accenture Strategy, Swiggy, Carelon, etc.

Our faculty’s prolific research with 48 research articles in peer-reviewed journals in 2023-24, expanding executive education by offering 29 short-term, online, diploma, and certificate programs, and collaborations with Uttarakhand Government showcase our commitment to excellence and societal impact. Congratulations to our graduates, poised for success in a dynamic world.”