Concert for Bimal De (Biju Da) Featuring Fakira

Fakira band of Bengal is coming together for a heartfelt tribute to Bimal De, affectionately known as Biju Da, whose sudden demise has left his family and the entire music community in shock. Biju Da, a revered sound engineer, balanced the sounds of all famous artists from Bengal over the last two decades and was the key sound engineer for the renowned band Fakira for the past ten years.

Event: Biju da r Jonno Ekok Fakira
Venue: Uttam Mancha
Date: 8th August, Thursday
Time: 5:30 pm onwards

The fundraising concert will feature a three-hour performance by Fakira, showcasing both unplugged and plugged contemporary folk arrangements. This event aims to support the bereaved family of Biju Da, with the entire collected fund from ticket sales being donated to them.

Biju Da was not just a sound engineer but a cherished family member and a well-known face in the Bengal music industry. His contributions have shaped the sound of numerous artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene.

Guest:
• Anupam Roy
• Shilajit
• Lopamudra
• Rupam Islam
• And other popular musicians
These esteemed artists will join Fakira on stage to celebrate the life and legacy of Biju Da, ensuring an evening filled with soul-stirring music and heartfelt tributes.

I haven’t watched Gully Boy even once, reveals Siddhant Chaturvedi on ‘In the Ring with Filmfare’

Tune in to an unfiltered and heartfelt conversation with the charismatic and talented Siddhant Chaturvedi on the latest episode of In the Ring with Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Jitesh Pillai, the Editor-in-Chief of Filmfare, this insightful talk show delves beneath the surface of the lives and careers of the brightest stars from the film industry and OTT world, all before a live audience that adds to the unique and immersive experience.

In this episode, Siddhant Chaturvedi shares his remarkable journey from leaving a promising career in Chartered Accountancy to making a name in the acting world. He also discusses his breakthrough role in Gully Boy, his on-screen romance with Deepika Padukone in Gehraiyaan, and his preparation for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Additionally, Siddhant opens up about his father’s rock-solid support of his dreams, which has been instrumental in his success. The conversation further takes an intriguing turn as he candidly discusses ‘Red Flags’ in relationships and reveals his first love story at the age of 19.

Reflecting on facing rejections almost every day before his breakthrough in Gully Boy, Siddhant Chaturvedi shares, “The hardest time of my life was before I made it as an actor. Despite having a secure career as a Chartered Accountant, facing rejections every day for 5 to 6 years took a toll on my mental health. But I was more than happy when I eventually made it.”

However, Siddhant credits his father’s love for cinema and his support for his dreams for his acting career. He says, “I’m here because of my father’s love for films. He is the one who has always encouraged me to follow my dreams. He was fully aware of the risks associated with it, but he kept using CA as a blanket to protect the entire family from the shame of even talking about our dreams out loud because we could have been outcasted from the community. “

He further speaks about taking on the role of MC Sher in Gully Boy, which catapulted him to overnight fame. Siddhant recalls, “When I first read the script, I fell in love with the character. There was something about MC Sher that compelled me to bring his character to life on screen. As a matter of fact, I wasn’t a part of Gully Boy’s promotions; didn’t even attend the film’s premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. I still remember, before attending one of Gully Boy’s screenings, Alia told me, ‘Your life is going to change. You know that, right?’ And it was such a surreal moment for me. As soon as I exited the theatre, I was immediately thronged by a wave of journalists. Amidst all of that, Ranveer looked at me and gushed, “Chote… Star Hai, Star Hai Ladka!” That experience was something else!”

He adds, “My dad has watched the film 25 times in different theatres. Surprisingly, I haven’t watched Gully Boy even once. I couldn’t watch it because every time I attempted to, my focus would shift to my parents’ reaction, and that’s what truly mattered to me. Siddhant then jokes, “I only watch my bad films. I enjoy watching the films that didn’t work either. I watched Phone Bhoot, and I loved it.”

Talking about his friendships with peers from the industry, Siddhant shares, “I have more director friends in the industry, but Adarsh Gourav is an exception.He is a wonderful guy; I had a great time working with him (in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan). Besides Adarsh, Ishaan (Khatter) and I have a good equation. He was the one who broke the title of my upcoming film, Dhadak 2, to me. Ananya (Panday) and I, too, have a solid relationship.

Siddhant also got candid about romancing Deepika Padukone in Gehraiyaan, saying, “I was bad during my first intimacy workshop with Deepika Padukone. It was a tricky situation because I not only had to initiate a conversation with Deepika but also had to prove that I could get intimate with her. But when I’d almost given up on the part, my dad motivated me to take on the role.”

Campus Beats Reboot to Premiere Exclusively on Amazon miniTV and Multiple Platforms

Mumbai, 05 August 2024: In a special Friendship Day treat for fans, Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, announces the return of the beloved series Campus Beats for a brand-new installment, titled Campus Beats Reboot! Timed perfectly to celebrate the spirit of friendship, this announcement comes as a delightful surprise to fans, following the resounding success of the first three seasons. Produced by Banijay Asia and co-powered by Aqualogica, this reboot is set to dazzle audiences with a blend of intense drama, romance, and breath-taking dance sequences. Featuring Shantanu Maheshwari and Shruti Sinha, along with new campus entrants Manasvi Vashisth and Deepankana Das, the reboot promises a season packed with the same passion and madness as it stands for!

The streaming service sparked excitement among audiences by revealing the exhilarating news with a special social media post on Friendship Day, featuring the dynamic duo of Shantanu and Shruti in a high energy dance reel. Campus Beats Reboot will continue to follow the MAD dance group as they navigate the aftermath of the rift between Ishaan and Netra.

Shantanu Maheshwari, on reprising the role as Ishaan, shared his excitement, “I am absolutely grateful to bring Ishaan’s character to life in Campus Beats Reboot. The love and response from audiences for the past three seasons has been truly heartwarming, and it’s a joy to return to such a widely loved and cherished show. Announcing this on Friendship Day makes it even more special, as the show beautifully captures the essence of friendship and connection. The upcoming season will take the excitement to a new level, with more intense drama, romance, and sensational dance face-offs. Honestly, I can’t wait for our fans to witness the next chapter of Campus Beats.”

Building on the outstanding success of its previous seasons, Campus Beats Reboot is poised to capture the hearts of viewers, once again. Stay tuned for more updates on the brand-new season of Campus Beats on Amazon miniTV, available within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Play Store.

PDxRL Launches First MDR-TB Genome Project in West Bengal with Government Support

Kolkata,5th August 2024: In a significant advancement for healthcare and tuberculosis (TB) management in India, PDx Research Labs (PDxRL) launched the project to create the MDR-TB map of West Bengal, supported by the Government of West Bengal in a Symposium on the Democratization of Multi-Omics, in an event on 3rd August in Kolkata. This initiative, supported by a CSR project of the State Bank of India (SBI) aims to curb the spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across West Bengal.

The event was graced by eminent Guests of Honour, namely Prof. (Dr.) Partha Pratim, Majumder, National Science Chair, Science and Engineering Board; Dr. Jagadish Mahanta, Distinguished Scientist Chair, ICMR; Dr. U D Gupta, Former Director and Scientist, ICMR; Dr. Viswanathan Mohan, Padmashree, President & Chief of Diabetes Research , Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (Virtually); Sunil Kumar Singh, General Manager, State Bank of India (SBI); Ajeya Bandhopadhyay, Development Advisor & Investor, currently associated with International Finance Corporation, World Bank along with Abhijnan Basu, Chief Operating Officer, PDxRL; and Dr. Suman Kalyan Paine, Chief Scientific Officer, PDxRL.

The MDR-TB project targets saving mass lives by developing India’s first interactive MDR-TB map, categorized by demography and geography. By screening through genome sequencing of TB patients for multi-drug resistance at the point of care (POC) at no cost, the project aims to control TB through early diagnosis and intervention supported by State Bank of India with Feel Green, an NGO coordinating the project. This initiative supports India’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025 by addressing drug resistance challenges directly.

This revolutionary idea of medical research and diagnostics is mooted by eastern India’s first integrated lifescience research company, PDxRL with its state-of-the-art facility offering comprehensive life science research services in molecular biology, genomics, computational biology, biochemistry, hematology, serology, immunology, microbiology, histopathology, and animal experimentation.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Suman Kalyan Paine, Chief Scientific Officer, PDxRL, said, ” The current limitations in TB management and TB related mortality delayed diagnosis due to infrastructural constraints and long turnaround times (TAT) for laboratory confirmation, necessitate innovative solutions through genome sequencing of TB bacteria. This tool will assist to formulate the development of medical therapeutic guidelines by government and medical bodies for West Bengal. The pilot project in West Bengal aims to screen the individuals of the socio-economically disadvantaged population. This will aid that even the most vulnerable patients receive timely and effective treatment, thereby preventing the community transmission of MDR-TB.”

On this occasion, Abhijnan Basu, Chief Operating Officer, PDxRL, said, “TB remains a formidable public health challenge in India, accounting for 24% of all global TB cases and 34% of all TB deaths. With an incidence rate of 192 cases per 100,000 population, India faces the highest burden of TB worldwide, with two deaths occurring every three minutes due to the disease. We at PDxRL provide a one-stop solution for life science research services, be it for new drug development, translational or pure science research, or new-age diagnostics and therapeutics. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to support advancements in TB management and ultimately contribute to reducing the disease burden in India.”

Ravi Todi, Industrialist added, “Being part of the initiative, I am honoured to witness this significant milestone in our collective fight against TB. He also assured this is the beginning and we will put our strive to do wider and more such activities in the field of healthcare for the public at large.”

Satyendra K. Singh, CGM, SBI also extended his best wishes for the project’s success, benefiting economically disadvantaged individuals across West Bengal.

Lifelong Marks World Breastfeeding Week 2024 with ‘Close the Gap’ Campaign

New Delhi August 5, 2024… In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2024, Lifelong proudly supports this year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” This theme highlights the critical need to address and overcome the disparities and barriers that prevent mothers and babies from successfully breastfeeding, ensuring every mother has the support she needs to provide her baby with the best start in life.

Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its unparalleled health benefits for both mothers and babies. However, many mothers face significant challenges in initiating and continuing breastfeeding. Lifelong is committed to closing these gaps through comprehensive support and innovative solutions.

Access to accurate, evidence-based information and education is fundamental. All parents, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, should receive the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about breastfeeding. Lifelong is dedicated to promoting awareness and busting myths around breastfeeding practices, including the safe and effective use of breast pumps.

Healthcare support plays a crucial role in breastfeeding success. Improving training for healthcare providers and lactation consultants ensures that mothers receive consistent, supportive guidance. Making lactation support services accessible and affordable for everyone is essential to overcoming the barriers many mothers face.

Workplace policies that support breastfeeding mothers are vital. Paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, and access to clean, private spaces for pumping milk enable mothers to continue breastfeeding after returning to work. Lifelong advocates for these policies to create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.

Community and family support are equally important. Strengthening community networks that provide peer support and resources, and encouraging family members to actively support breastfeeding mothers, can significantly impact breastfeeding success. Challenging societal norms and stigmas that discourage breastfeeding, especially in public or for extended periods, promotes cultural acceptance and normalization of breastfeeding.

Economic disparities can hinder breastfeeding efforts, with costs of breastfeeding supplies and lack of paid leave being significant barriers. Reducing these economic barriers is crucial to ensuring all mothers have the resources they need to breastfeed successfully.

In alignment with this year’s theme, Lifelong introduces the Lifelong wearable breast pump, a groundbreaking advancement in breastfeeding technology designed for the modern, active mother. Bharat Kalia, Co-Founder, Lifelong Online Retail Pvt. Ltd. Said, “The Lifelong wearable breast pump offers unmatched convenience and discretion, making it an indispensable tool for mothers with busy lifestyles. Its hands-free electric operation, rechargeable battery, and BPA-free materials ensure both safety and hygiene. With three modes and ten adjustable levels, it provides a customizable pumping experience to suit individual preferences. The user-friendly design of the Lifelong wearable breast pump guarantees efficiency, aiding both working and stay-at-home mothers in seamlessly managing their daily routines while ensuring their babies receive optimal nutrition. Moreover, the advanced features of our breast pump enhance the bonding experience between mother and child, fostering a closer connection.”

Abhishek Agarwal, Category Manager, lifelong Online Retail Pvt. Ltd. said, ” The Lifelong Wearable Breast Pump is a one-stop solution for working mothers. It not only extracts milk efficiently but also includes a massaging function that ensures a painless and comfortable milk extraction experience. Designed to be hands-free, it allows mothers to multitask and use the pump on the go, making it incredibly convenient for their busy lifestyles. This innovative design supports mothers in maintaining their breastfeeding routine without compromising their work or daily activities.”

Recent studies show that breast pumps are becoming increasingly popular among breastfeeding mothers, with the global breast pump market expected to reach USD 1.95 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2019 to 2026. This rise is attributed to the increasing awareness of breastfeeding benefits and the growing number of working mothers.

Priced competitively, the Lifelong wearable breast pump is available on Amazon, providing mothers with convenient access to this top-quality breastfeeding solution. Embrace the future of breastfeeding with the Lifelong wearable breast pump, where convenience meets care for both mother and child.

Groundbreaking Research Unveils Dielectric Elastomer-Based Variable Focal Length Reflector

Roorkee, India – 05 August 2024 – The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) proudly announces the groundbreaking achievements of its alumnus Kartik Kashyap and his research colleagues, under the mentorship of Prof. Manish Joglekar, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Their innovative work has led to the development of a Dielectric Elastomer-Based Variable Focal Length Reflector, a unique technology revolutionizing the field of adaptive optics.

Kartik Kashyap, who is currently working with the US Air Force Research Laboratory and Ford Motor Company as a PhD student at Ohio State University, has spearheaded this cutting-edge research while being at IIT Roorkee. The research findings are reported in Smart Materials and Structures, a journal of high repute in the area of smart transaction technology. The work has also been granted an Indian patent, showcasing IIT Roorkee’s commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in scientific research.

The Dielectric Elastomer-Based Variable Focal Length Reflector represents a significant advancement in soft adaptive optics. The innovative device demonstrates remarkable structural resilience, allowing for efficient management of applied pressure in both concave and convex reflector configurations. Moreover, its dynamic control over curvature through the adjustment of electric potential enables precise tuning of the focal length, making it ideal for applications requiring dynamic focusing or beam manipulation in optical systems.

A notable aspect of this research lies in the fabrication of the reflective membrane by sputter-depositing silver metal onto the dielectric membrane. This method offers enhanced control and precision in shaping the reflective surface. Prof. Ramesh Chandra at the Institute Instrumentation Center, IIT Roorkee, provided invaluable support in this collaborative research.

Several innovative technologies related to soft minimum energy structures, biomimetic flapping wings, and control surfaces have been investigated and tested successfully at the Active Materials and Ultrasonics Laboratory, led by Prof. Manish Joglekar. The research on variable focal length curvature was financially supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India. The other team members involved in this research include Dr. Nitesh Arora, Dr. Ajay Kumar, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Mr. Chinmay Jivani, Mr. Yamnesh Agrawal, and Prof. Atul Sharma (IITJ); all alumni of the Institute and the laboratory.

“At IIT Roorkee, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The groundbreaking research led by Kartik Kashyap and his team on the Dielectric Elastomer-Based Variable Focal Length Reflector exemplifies our dedication to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. This revolutionary advancement in adaptive optics not only showcases the ingenuity of our researchers but also highlights the collaborative spirit and cutting-edge capabilities of our institution. We are proud of their achievements and confident that their work will have a lasting impact on the field of optics and beyond.” said, Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.

The innovative breakthrough achieved by Kartik Kashyap and the team exemplifies IIT Roorkee’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and its impact on society. The institution takes pride in nurturing talent, fostering a culture of innovation, and shaping the future of technology.

Wurfel Launches State-of-the-Art Studio in Sonipat, Showcasing Premier Modular Kitchen and Wardrobe Designs

Sonipat, Haryana, 5th August 2024: Würfel, a luxury modular kitchen and wardrobe brand for the aspirational Indian homemakers, is launching a brand new studio, for the first time in Sonipat. This state-of-the-art studio is a one-of-a-kind establishment located at Murthal Rd, near Nexa Service, Vikas Colony, Sonipat, Haryana 131001. People can walk into the studio to touch, feel & experience European modular kitchens and wardrobes. The studio exhibits the state of modern modular kitchen designs. All kitchens are eco-friendly and promote healthy living in a home.

 With an expansive network of 57 studios, Würfel has since established itself as a premium brand in the modular kitchen and interior solutions industry, renowned for its commitment to delivering high-quality, custom-designed kitchens and living spaces. By combining cutting-edge technology with exquisite craftsmanship, Würfel ensures each product meets the highest standards of aesthetics, functionality, and durability.

 Esteemed for its unparalleled quality and service, Würfel has garnered numerous prestigious awards;
1. Winner of The Best Modular Kitchen Brand. Times Business Awards(2018,2019,2020,2021,2022 & 2023)
2. Winner of The Most Innovative Kitchen. India Kitchen Congress(2019 & 2020)
3. Most Valuable Interior Brand of the Year 2023. World Signature Awards, IBARC Asia
4. Kitchen Retailer Award 2023 for Multiple Outlets. IKC Kitchen Retailer Award
5. The Best Modular Kitchen Brand. Radio City Business Icon Awards 2022-23
6. Most Renowned Modular Kitchen Brand. Pride of Bharat Awards 2023-24
7. Most Prominent & Trendsetter Modular Kitchen & Interior Brand’ of 2024 by Design Awards India.

Speaking at the event, Würfel’s spokesperson said, “We are exhilarated to unveil this new chapter in Sonipat. Würfel epitomizes the pinnacle of design and craftsmanship, seamlessly blending sophistication and opulence with the resilience required for Indian homes. We are eager to introduce the homeowners of Sonipat to our innovative, sustainable kitchen solutions, thereby redefining the very essence of luxury living.”

 Uniqueness of Würfel’s solution
At Würfel, our solution stands out for several key reasons that set us apart in the industry:

 European Quality with Indian Adaptation
We bring the best of European design and craftsmanship to Indian homes, ensuring that every product is not only elegant and luxurious but also robust enough to withstand the unique demands of Indian cooking and living.
Each raw material and hardware component is meticulously selected from Europe’s finest manufacturers. This attention to detail ensures that our products meet the highest standards of quality and durability.

 Lifetime Warranty
We believe in the longevity of our products, which is why our kitchens come with a lifetime warranty*. This commitment to quality provides our customers with confidence and peace of mind.

 Customization and Space Utilization
Understanding the need for optimal space utilization, we offer customized solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Our wardrobes, for example, are designed to seamlessly integrate into any living space, enhancing both utility and style.

 Diverse Finishes and Colours
Our products are available in a wide array of colours and finishes. This variety ensures that we can cater to diverse tastes and lifestyles, allowing for a high degree of personalization.

 Exceptional Service
Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond product installation. Our installation team and after-sales service team are dedicated to providing support and ensuring that every aspect of our service exceeds customer expectations.

 Transparency and Responsibility
We pride ourselves on being a transparent and responsible brand. Our approach ensures that the beauty and functionality of our kitchens and other products are not just superficial but are built into every aspect of our designs.

 Continuous Innovation
We are constantly researching and refining our products to stay at the forefront of global standards. This continuous improvement ensures that we can offer the latest innovations and highest quality products to our customers.

Is Your Kitchen Promoting Your Well-Being?
In an era where health and wellness have taken centre stage, the significance of a well-designed kitchen cannot be overstated. Beyond merely being a space for culinary pursuits, kitchens serve as the heart of our homes, nurturing our bodies and spirits alike. Recognizing this, Würfel has embraced a holistic approach that goes beyond the traditional notion of healthy eating to encompass the creation of kitchens that promote overall well-being.

Bring Home Würfel! Embark on Your Journey to a Healthier Home

Würfel, the country’s premier chain, has transformed kitchen design by integrating luxury, practicality, and environmental sustainability. Their core values prioritize health and wellness, as they meticulously craft kitchens with E1 grade boards, reducing formaldehyde emissions and fostering a wholesome living space. Committed to sustainability, they responsibly source materials from FSC-certified forests, embracing ethical practices.

Würfel remains steadfast in its commitment to providing unmatched elegance, luxury, and durability, with each product meticulously crafted to cater to the distinctive requirements of Indian cooking and living. The new studio will feature an extensive showcase of Würfel’s exceptional product portfolio, including;

Modular Kitchens: Würfel provides premium modular kitchen components like base cabinets, wall cabinets, and tower units. With durable materials like water-resistant particle board, MDF board, and synchronized plywood, their kitchens are built to last. Customers can personalize their kitchens with a variety of finishes, including laminate, poly-lacquer, glass, and El Lucido.

Wardrobes: Würfel’s wardrobes offer a practical solution for organizing personal belongings with premium European materials and cutting-edge technology like PUR glue, ensuring durability and longevity.

TV Units: Würfel’s TV units combine style and functionality, offering floating and freestanding options for customers to choose from, enhancing their living room’s aesthetics.

Vanity Units: Würfel’s vanity units add European sophistication to Indian homes, featuring sleek designs that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any bathroom.

What Makes Würfel a Smarter Choice?

• Best of Europe
• Lifetime Warranty*
• Healthy kitchens
• Quality assurance
• Customized designs
• Sustainable living
• Transparency at every step

Creating Happy Homes Since Its Inception

Würfel distinguishes itself not only through its eco-conscious approach but also through its unwavering commitment to excellence. Each kitchen is handcrafted by skilled artisans, flawlessly blending cutting-edge technology with timeless design aesthetics. The result is an exquisite masterpiece that seamlessly integrates into your residence, elevating your lifestyle to unparalleled heights.

Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC; inaugurates the two-day Conference on ‘Empowering Education Ecosystem

Hyderabad, 3rd August 2024: The two day Conference on Empowering Education Ecosystem, with the theme Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating Challenges in Education; hosted by FICCI, in collaboration with the Government of Telangana and The Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE), was inaugurated by Chief Guest Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, University Grants Commission; today at ITC Kakatiya. Ms Sridevasena, IAS, Commissioner Technical and Collegiate Education, Government of Telangana; Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE); Dr B V R Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman, Cyient & Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Hyderabad & Roorke; Prof. Limbadri, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education; Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Chairman, FICCI Telangana Education Committee and Prof. J Prabhakar Rao, Co-Chairman, FICCI Telangana Education Committee, Mr Suchindra Kumar, Partner & Education sector leader, PwC; graced the occasion among others. A report on “Empowering Telangana Education System”, a joint report of FICCI & PwC was released and given to the government.

In his keynote address Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar, said, I particularly liked the two words they choose in the theme for this conference, resilience and adaptability, to understand these two we need to look at the comprehensive picture of the need for providing high quality education for the our young population in the country. This picture has two sides, on one side the question that is coming frequently in our minds is the kind of future that all of us would like to have, obviously we want to have a future that is sustainable, secure, peaceful and healthy, we are all on the same page on this, but the other side of the picture we also have issues related to the challenges all of us are facing, for example the growing population and the and increasing demands for clean energy, clean water, food, access to health facility, access to good education, and then we have the challenges of the multi-dimensional poverty, the economic systems becoming unstable, the climate change, the fight to control in the rise of global temperature. On one side we have our aspirations and on the other side we have the challenges. This can be addressed only when we train our young challengers, to be problem solvers and solution providers so that we find appropriate solutions and realise the dream that we set for ourselves, a sustainable future. In order to do this we have to bring several reforms in our educational system, starting from school to higher education. We are fortunate that today we have the vision document called NEP 2020, which lays a road map for us on how we can achieve the dream that we set for ourselves. The fundamental objectives of this NEP 2020 are very clear, they are we would like to provide learning outcomes based education to our students, we want to provide personalised education to our students and also provide the education at a mass scale considering the number of students that we have, These three requirements may appear to be contradictory, but there are solutions to realise that. When you provide high quality education on a mass scale it is bound to enhance the societal competency levels that will enhance the productivity levels, that will enhance the strength of the economic system, which will help us to invest more funds into the education so that we reach out to a larger number of people. However, when you look at the higher education sector, out of 4.3 crore students that that we have, nearly 94% of the students are in 482 private universities, 487 state funded universities and 130 deemed to be private universities. To realise the dream we set for ourselves we need to understand that our teachers are the foundation of our educational system, we must do the capacity building of our teachers. We already launched the Malavia Mission Teacher training program, it’s a free online training program. My request to all the educational institutions is to encourage your teachers to take this capacity building training programs. We must strengthen the research ecosystem in our universities. I was surprised to realise when I took up the chairmanship of UGC, that in large number of universities there was no concept of R&D cell and we brought out the guidelines and I am glad to inform that now hundreds of universities have established the R&D cell. Today there is a need to train our younger faculty on how you draft a project proposal. Because less than 25% project proposals get the funding. How do we ensure that our younger faculty have good knowledge about commercialising their own research by converting into a protype, by starting a startup company. Do the universities have a good IP policy, UGC has come up with guidelines. The other challenge we face in our university system is the use of conventional ways of conducting our business, be it student admission, or finance or the administration, there is a greater need for you to use digital platforms. The ministry of education has built Samarth platform, which has 18 ERP modules to manage every aspect of the educational institution. It is free for all government institutions, what stops you from adopting these free digital platforms, you must come forward and invest your effort in this to transform the way you govern the institutions. As I said, when we want to reach out to large number of students, using just the physical mode of education is not sufficient, you must gear up yourself to train your teachers to create digital content. Today we have around 85 universities offering ODL and online programs, around 1150 universities in our country, why can’t the other universities come forward to offer online education. Nearly 60% of the colleges in our country are in rural areas and 45% of the universities are in rural areas, they do not have good faculty members to teach the students in emerging areas. But we have a huge digital public infrastructure by the name Swayam, with over 3000 courses. UGC has permitted that students can register on the ABC portal and can take up to 40% of their degree credits from the Swayam portal. We already have 4.3 crores, but the numbers need to pushed up and your role is critical. Today there is an emerging area known as Prompt Engineering, thousands of prompt engineers are required by the industry, but our industries are not ready to offer such courses. Though an engineering tag is there to it, you can train a commerce, psychology student to become prompt engineers. We must ensure that because of the huge gap that we have between the skill sets that the students get from the education in the universities and the requirement of the industries and that is leading to unemployment but underemployment. There are huge number of jobs but students are not ready, one of the top priorities for UGC now is to provide skill education to our students as part of their degree programs.

Ms Sridevasena, IAS, Commissioner Technical and Collegiate Education, Government of Telangana; said, out of my experience in the Collegiate Education, I can say good days have arrived for the department, for the reason that none less than the Chief minister is heading this department today. In no uncertain terms he told us his desire to see change and that is visible as you can see today itself we have a huge program at the LB Stadium, where around 50,000 teachers of school education department are going to be addressed directly by him, these are teachers who got promotion after about 10 to 13 years. Chief minister will tell the teachers what the priorities are and how he intends to take it forward. The government has taken a stand to protect the core engineering branches as there are hardly any takers for them, because computer engineering alone can’t run the country. There is also a need to upskill our polytechnics and the government will upgrade all the polytechnics at least at the rate of one per district to make it a government engineering college. This is important step in. making of a skilled economy and empowering the youth of this state. We have come up with the skilled university, for which the CM laid the foundation yesterday. This is another huge step in the field of skilling in Telangana. It is important to link the industry and the educational sector, and our efforts are in tandem with what the needs of the industry.

Dr B V R Mohan Reddy said, talking about the navigating of the challenges in education, for me there are several challenges that are in the near horizon, a horizon which doesn’t seem to have an end. We will continue to have challenges with our education system for several years to go. These challenges are coming in because there is change and this change is constant, and it is evolving lot more rapidly than in the past. What are these changes coming in from and certainly all of us put our finger on technology, its seems to be evolving at a pace which was never been experienced by mankind, we don’t know what we are going to experience as we go further, but as now that’s where we stand on. With the change of technology the job landscape is changing. There are several jobs of the past we don’t even hear about like stenographers and several new jobs are appearing at this point of time, like cyber security specialists, data scientists. What are the skills our students need as we move forward with this complete juggernaut of change I am talking to you about. We need to engage our students to get into the mode of thinking, they should get into critical, creative thinking, design thinking, they can’t live in this world trust me with our rote learning methodologies. They have to adopt to newer technologies and new skills as quickly as possible and there has to be a mind-set shift to ensure that it becomes a reality. Also learning is not going to be one time, like in the past having a degree will not suffice. So the students should adopt to the art of lifelong learning. The key is in the faculty, upgradation of their skill sets is the need of the hour. The future is all about student centric experiential learning, no more it can be teacher centric.

In his welcome address Mr. Sudhakar Rao said, We have come together with a shared commitment to advancing education, fostering resilience and adapting to the evolving challenges. Your presence here underscores the importance of our collective mission to empower the education system, education as you know is the corner stone of thriving society, which empowers individuals and students who are our future citizens. We nurture innovation and build the foundation of our future. The theme of this conference is Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating Challenges in Education; wouldn’t have been more pertinent as we confront an era marked by rapid change, technological advances and unprecedented global challenges. The constant challenges of the world is what education is supposed to empower all of us with. Education doesn’t prepare you from day one soon after you complete your education, it prepares you for the unseen, unforeseen stresses and shocks and that’s what all of us are working relentlessly to provide. Here at this Conference we will be talking about the issues relevant to the entire country.

The thrust of the Conference is to create a dynamic platform for educators, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders across educational institutions, from schools to universities to collaborate, innovate, and transform the landscape of education, during the next two days, says Prof. J Prabhakar Rao.

The exclusive conference designed for leaders in education brings together top management from higher educational institutions, including Chancellors & Vice Chancellors, Deans, Registrars, Directors of Universities. Joining them are esteemed delegates from both technical and non-technical colleges, as well as visionary founders, CEOs, chairpersons, directors, and principals from schools.

The other guest speakers comprise of eminent educators, policymakers, and regulators from the education sector, like Prof. T G Sitharam, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE); Dr. S S Mantha, Former Chairman AICTE; Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor, JNU, New Delhi; Dr. Bhawna Taragi, Deputy Head, RDCD, The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE); are among others who has shared their invaluable insights into empowering and revolutionizing the education ecosystem at this high level summit on education, during the two days.

The Conference provides a platform to connect with Educational Attachés from various countries including those from the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and France. This prestigious event will be a dynamic platform to share Innovative Thoughts and Ideas, exchange Best Practices in Education and foster Collaborations with Renowned International Institutions. It provides an opportunity to establish meaningful partnerships that can shape the future of education. It will be an unparalleled experience for networking and collaboration on a global scale for the delegates.

During the two days various parallel workshops tailored for different management levels of educational institutions, covering topics like, Innovation Policy and Ecosystem, Data-driven decision making, Enhancing teaching and research skills of faculty members and Digital teaching skills and several other insightful themes are lined up. These workshops help the Management of educational institutions, like Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors, CEOs, Directors, Principals, Vice-principals, Faculty to gain actionable insights to enhance teaching and learning skills and to expand their horizons and stay ahead in the education landscape.