upGrad and Liverpool John Moores University Conclude Graduation Ceremony; Learners from 14 Countries Participate

New Delhi/Mumbai, June 4, 2025: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and forever learning majors, has successfully concluded its first global graduation ceremony in partnership with the UK’s leading Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and Liverpool Business School (LBS).

 Held in Bengaluru and facilitated by upGrad, the ceremony celebrated the program completion of 2483 learners, with 250+ attending offline and the rest joining virtually through upGrad’s YouTube channel.

 The graduating cohort included learners from the university-led Masters of Science (MSc.) in Data Science, MSc in Machine Learning & AI, MSc in Computer Science, and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programs, representing 14 countries, including India, the USA, UAE, Canada, Singapore, among others. In India, the learners largely came from Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune. The split comprised approximately 32% MBA learners, 30% from the MSc. in Data Science program, 26% from MSc. in Machine Learning, and 12% from MSc. in Computer Science.

 The event witnessed the esteemed presence of senior dignitaries from Liverpool John Moores University and upGrad, including Professor Timothy Nichol, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Society and Culture, LJMU; Mrs Jacqui Wright, Senior International Partnerships Manager, LJMU; Mr Ronnie Screwvala, Co-Founder & Chairperson, upGrad; and Mr Rohit Sharma, President – Consumer Business, upGrad, along with other senior leadership.

 “LJMU’s partnership with upGrad reflects the University’s commitment to putting students at the heart, being inclusive and creating impact at scale, leveraging the power of technology. I commend the spirit of perseverance demonstrated by all those who are graduating today in successfully managing professional commitments and family life along with the demands of graduate study. We are committed to making world-class technical and business education accessible through our partnership with upGrad”, commented Professor Timothy Nichol, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Society and Culture, LJMU.

 “Our learning systems have evolved; today’s graduation is more than a ceremony, it’s a powerful reminder of how education can transcend borders and time zones”, said Rohit Sharma – President, Consumer Business, upGrad. “With learners joining from Vietnam to the USA, and India to Dubai, we’re proud to have built a robust tech-led ecosystem that’s democratising education and accelerating global career mobility. Upskilling is no longer episodic, it’s a global-first movement reshaping how individuals and universities scale across geographies. This ceremony hosts the next-gen leaders who believe in learning, unlearning, and relearning”.

 The graduation ceremony witnessed multiple learners sharing their success journeys and highlighting how upGrad’s international academic partnerships have enabled impactful career transitions including role switches, promotions, or new job opportunities across sectors.

 “I always dreamed of higher education but felt overwhelmed deciding. Enrolling in the MBA program from Liverpool Business School, powered by upGrad became the turning point I needed – balancing studies with a full-time job and self-doubt was tough but incredibly rewarding as I’ve now transitioned from being a Commercial Analyst into a more impactful role as Assistant Commercial Manager at a leading gaming tech services company in Hyderabad. As someone new to online learning, I was surprised by how personal and supportive the experience felt, thanks to constant guidance from all mentors and faculty at LJMU”, said an upGrad learner Neelam Rajpurohit, from the graduating cohort.

 upGrad solidifies its position as a global category creator in outcome-driven higher-ed and skilling programs with a strong global alumni network in Data, Tech, and Management, enabling a powerful, cross-border peer-to-peer career ecosystem.

Gateway Forays Into McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Chandigarh, June 3, 2025: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a Gateway hotel in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh. This is a brownfield project.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy of strengthening its presence in Himachal Pradesh across key leisure destinations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Naldhera, and Sirmaur among others. McLeodganj with its cultural richness is attracting both domestic and international tourists. We are delighted to partner with Mcleo Times Square for this project.”

The 65-key Gateway McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh is strategically located just a short walk from the Dalai Lama Temple, the official residence of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Namgyal Monastery. Close to the heart of the town, it is also steps away from the bustling McLeodganj market. Perched on a cliff, it offers sweeping views of surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, meeting rooms, a fitness centre and spa.

Mr. Rahul Pathania, Mcleo Times Square, said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to McLeodganj. This collaboration will offer guests an authentic yet contemporary hospitality experience in this vibrant destination.”

Nestled in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, McLeodganj with its blend of monasteries, scenic landscapes, and vibrant local markets, attracts spiritual seekers, trekkers, and cultural enthusiasts alike.

With this addition, IHCL will have 13 hotels in Himachal Pradesh with 8 under development.

JioStar Adds More Star Power to its TATA IPL FINAL Presentation as Aamir Khan Joins the Team

Chandigarh, June 3, 2025: As the highly anticipated TATA IPL Final approaches, JioStar announced Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will join its presentation on June 3. Aamir Khan, who is a known avid cricket lover, will appear on Star Sports and JioHotstar along with Genelia D’Souza and the cast of his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par, during the pre-shows of the Final of TATA IPL 2025. In addition, the renowned actor is also all set to swap his role in front of a film camera for a commentary mic as he will also step into the commentary box to call the summit clash on June 3.

Fans can expect their favourite movie star to not only make his match predictions, analyze the game, and commentate alongside JioStar’s world-class panel of former TATA IPL champions and legends, but also get involved with some cricket action himself and entertain viewers.

Speaking ahead of joining JioStar’s TATA IPL Play-offs presentation, Aamir Khan said, “Nothing matches the energy and stakes of the TATA IPL Final and I’m quite excited to be at JioStar’s studio for this crucial game. Personally, I think this match is going to be a cracker, and I’m looking forward to commentating.”

Fans can catch the coverage of the TATA IPL Final on June 3 and watch Aamir Khan in action on air, only on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.

IIM Bangalore hosts roundtable on Purple Economy

3 June, 2025, Bengaluru: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) hosted a Purple Economy dialogue themed ‘Unlocking $18 Trillion in Global Opportunity’, where leaders from diverse industries gathered to explore the intersection of disability accessibility and the transformative potential of disability-related products and services for the broader economy, this afternoon. Specifically, the discussion highlighted how products and services that centre accessibility can reshape markets, enhance innovation pipelines, and deliver sustainable value across the value chain spectrum.

IIM Bangalore, an institution committed to inclusive excellence, ensured that the event itself was fully accessible, with sign language interpreters and real-time text display. In his message, Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Director, IIM Bangalore, said IIMB was excited about the concept of the purple economy and added that the Institute, which is committed to inclusion, would love to be part of this growing economy.

In her welcome address, Dr. Mukta Kulkarni, Dean of Academic Programmes and Professor in the OBHRM area at IIMB, acknowledged Dr. Meenu Bhambhani, who was instrumental in setting up IIMB’s Inclusion Chair, EnAble India and Ms. Shanti Raghavan for the collaboration. Prof. Mukta Kulkarni, whose scholarship has shaped global conversations on accessibility and workplace inclusion, said: “Accessibility isn’t just a disability issue – it is a social and economic opportunity. For example, investing in accessible public transportation and walkways doesn’t only serve persons with disabilities; it also supports parents with strollers, ageing populations, and workers with temporary injuries. Inclusive design or accessibility increases civic engagement, broadens the customer base for local businesses, reduces long-term public costs, and strengthens the overall economy.”

Ms Shanti Raghavan, Founder, EnAble India, explained the origins of the purple economy. “Over the past 25 years, EnAble India has recognized and demonstrated the intrinsic value of every individual. Today, 81% of the population we serve are economically independent and contribute significantly to household incomes. We now want to shift the narrative for the active taxpayers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and nation builders we work with, and we want to scale with a sense of urgency. There has been a fantastic rights movement that has taken us along , but we realise that we have to move from rights-based to value-based,” she said.

According to Ms Shanti Raghavan, when society, markets, and governments align, more can be achieved. “We are now focused on addressing the economic angle, where there is a 5-10 per cent GDP loss when value is not seen in people with disability. The general population needs to see the double multiplier effect – Products and services designed for persons with disabilities often benefit and create opportunity for all. This is the new economy. There are 1 billion people with disabilities across the world.” Sharing the example of the eyewear industry, she pointed out that without proper eyewear and corrective lenses, most people would be considered persons with disability. “Today, spectacles are normalized, and eyewear is a $170 billion industry.” Ms. Raghavan also shared EnAble India’s recent collaboration with Namma Yatri, Bengaluru’s ride-hailing platform, to make the platform “purple-aware.” Through this partnership, drivers are trained to engage effectively with customers with disabilities, supported by short instructional videos that become available the moment a purple ride is booked.

Dr. Vasanthi Srinivasan, Chairperson, IIMBx and Professor in the OBHRM area at IIMB, spoke about the potential of the purple economy.

Dipesh Sutariya, a Co-Founder and CEO of EnAble India Encouraged individuals and organizations to take the purple-aware pledge and become ambassadors of inclusion by actively spreading awareness. “Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) was the first to sign up and set up a free-of-cost sensory room in Terminal 2 along with accessibility enhanced areas; NDTV is making the purple-aware pledge viral, Lowe Lintas made a 30-second video on the untapped potential of the purple economy for NDTV; Rameswaram Café at BIAL’s Terminal 1, opposite Gate 34, is accessible to persons in wheelchairs – a total of 18 organisations signed up in a week of us launching the purple economy movement. We can create momentum by celebrating such efforts.” He also outlines future directions with the creation of purple capital through impact funds, and purple insurance to address long standing gaps in insurance coverage for persons with disabilities.

Moses Chowdari Gorrepati, COO of EnAble India, shared anecdotes from his personal life to show why a purple economy matters. For instance, he spoke of how a family friend in his village in Andhra Pradesh, a tailor by profession, actually shut his shop and lost business for many days in order to accompany Moses and his mother to an eye hospital in New Delhi. “There is a need to ensure that opportunities are created, not lost, when enabling persons with disability. There is a clear need for purple services, and we, as persons with disability, are valuable customers.”

Dr. Meenu Bhambhani, now Head of CSR in a financial services company, spoke of the “12 significant years” she spent with Mphasis as Head of CSR, talked of her association with IIMB in the area of inclusion. She described IIMB as “a model institution when it comes to accessibility”. Speaking of her work with Uber Access and Uber Assist, Dr. Meenu Bhambhani described the challenges and opportunities that ‘samaj-sarkar-bazaar’ threw up. “We saw how ride-hiring apps would become the order of the day, and we got 50 accessible vehicles at certain price points and at certain locations to make the partnership with Uber happen. It took us two-and-a-half years to get permission from the Regional Transport Office. We provided proof of concept to Samaj-Sarkar and Bazaar. Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened, and today we don’t know where those 50 vehicles are! The biggest learning for us is that unless these vehicles come from the manufacturers themselves, the initiative will not gain the momentum it deserves.”

MBCC 2025 at IIT Mandi: A Landmark gathering of visionaries to scientifically explore and apply Indian knowledge systems for societal transformation

Mandi, June 2025 —Mind Brain Consciousness Conference 2025 (MBCC 2025) will be held at IIT Mandi from June 4 to 7. At the heart of this annual gathering lies the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)—a profound, holistic framework that integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary inquiry. This conference brings together researchers from diverse fields such as neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, Indian philosophy, and Vedantic theology, to engage in meaningful deliberation on the nature of mind, brain, and consciousness from multiple perspectives. These deliberations are not only important for mental well-being, they will impact all fields of study including environment, agriculture, healthcare, innovation and creative leadership.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will grace the conference as a visionary speaker. The event will feature keynote addresses by Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi (Vice Chancellor of the Central Sanskrit University), Professor Gautam Desiraju (IISc), one of the highest cited Indian scientists, Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova, Kobe University, Japan, Dr. B N Gangadhar, Chairman, National Medical Commission and Former Director, NIMHANS and Bhakti Rasamrita Swami, a Bhakti-vedantist.

The conference is being curated by the center of Indian Knowledge Systems for Mental Health Application (IKSMHA) at IIT Mandi.

Panel discussions featuring leaders and experts in diverse fields from around the world will address “Indian Knowledge Systems shaping the science of cognitive matter” and “Nurturing civilizational consciousness for national transformation”.

Special sessions feature Prof. Chayan Nandi on consciousness biomarkers, Dr. Amit Sethi on brain dynamics and cognition, and Prof. Ajay Chaturvedi, offering a systems perspective on economy and civilizational transitions.

What sets MBCC apart is its outcome-oriented design — bringing together investors, judges, students, and innovators in a space where ideas are meant to translate into action. Highlights include student business plans on the Kullhad Economy, a fresh production-driven model rooted in Indic values.

IIT Mandi Director Prof Laxmidhar Behera notes, “MBCC 2025 reflects our commitment to shaping ideas that matter — where tradition informs innovation and transformation.” MBCC 2025 promises to be a crucible of purpose-driven collaboration — inviting scholars, practitioners, and seekers into a space of lasting impact.

The conference is being chaired by Prof. Laxmidhar Behera (IIT Mandi), Dr. Anirban Chakraborty (National Institute of Materials Science, Japan), and Prof. Ganpati Ramanath (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, and Uppsala University, Sweden).