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Education Ministry greenlights IIM-Guwahati courses starting next academic year, says Assam CM

News on Education 12 ArdorComm Media Group Education Ministry greenlights IIM-Guwahati courses starting next academic year, says Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Guwahati will commence courses from the next academic year after receiving consent from Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sarma held high-level discussions with several Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S. Jaishankar, to address various issues related to education, environment, power, and finance in the state. Key outcomes of the meetings include assurances on royalty settlements from hydrocarbon industries, support for Assam’s Teacher Training Institute, and measures to augment technical education in the state. The ministers also discussed climate change mitigation efforts, enhancing Assam’s energy security, developing urban wetlands, and leveraging central schemes to boost the state’s infrastructure and economic resilience. The decision to commence courses at IIM-Guwahati from the next academic year is a significant milestone for the state’s higher education landscape. The institute is expected to attract top talent and contribute to the development of skilled professionals in Assam and the region.

Himachal Government to Roll Out Early Childhood Care Scheme

News on Education 1 2 ArdorComm Media Group Himachal Government to Roll Out Early Childhood Care Scheme

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is set to launch a comprehensive early childhood care scheme aimed at the holistic development of children aged between three and six years. This initiative underscores the state government’s dedication to providing quality early childhood education and nurturing young minds. Chief Minister Sukhu announced on Thursday that the education department will implement a combination of all four Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) models recommended in the National Education Policy, 2020. “This initiative highlights the state government’s commitment to providing quality early childhood education and ensuring the holistic development and nurturing of the young minds in Himachal,” he said in a statement. Implementation Strategy The ECCE models to be implemented include: Standalone anganwadis. Anganwadis co-located with primary schools. Pre-primary schools covering children aged up to five or six co-located with existing primary schools. Standalone pre-primary schools. Currently, the state government runs 6,297 pre-primary sections in primary schools, catering to around 60,000 children. Additionally, there are 2,377 anganwadis co-located with these primary schools. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that this scheme will ensure the overall growth and development of young children, laying a strong foundation for their future education and well-being. The government’s approach aims to integrate early childhood education seamlessly into the existing educational framework, providing a robust and supportive environment for the state’s youngest learners.

PM Modi to Inaugurate 1600-Year-Old Nalanda University’s New Campus, Calls It ‘Very Special Day for Education Sector’

News on Education 6 ArdorComm Media Group PM Modi to Inaugurate 1600-Year-Old Nalanda University's New Campus, Calls It 'Very Special Day for Education Sector'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University in Bihar’s Rajgir. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed his happiness on the occasion, calling it a “very special day for our education sector.” He highlighted Nalanda’s “strong connection with our glorious past” and its role in catering to the educational needs of the youth. PM Modi wrote, “It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of Nalanda University will be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connection with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth.” The university is a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit (EAS) countries, with deep historical roots. The original Nalanda University, established around 1600 years ago, is considered one of the first residential universities in the world. According to a PMO release, the Prime Minister will visit the Ruins of Nalanda at around 9:45 AM. The ruins were declared a UN Heritage Site in 2016. At around 10:30 AM, he will inaugurate the new campus and address the gathering on the occasion. The ceremony will be attended by several eminent people, including heads of missions from 17 countries. The new campus features two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, accommodating around 1900 students. It has two auditoriums with a capacity of 300 seats each, a student hostel for around 550 students, and various other facilities, including an international centre, an amphitheatre for up to 2000 individuals, a faculty club, and a sports complex. The campus is designed as a ‘Net Zero’ Green Campus, self-sustaining with solar plants, domestic and drinking water treatment plants, a water recycling plant, 100 acres of water bodies, and other environment-friendly facilities.

NEET UG Result Row: Bihar Police Find Evidence Suggesting Paper Leak

News on Education 5 ArdorComm Media Group NEET UG Result Row: Bihar Police Find Evidence Suggesting Paper Leak

The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) in Bihar, investigating allegations of a leaked National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) paper, has found evidence suggesting that some students knew the questions before the May 5 exam, according to media reports on Sunday, June 16. What Did the Police Find? Media reports, citing EOU officials, stated that 13 individuals, including four students, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the alleged leak. Some of those arrested are also accused of receiving the question papers ahead of the test. Additional Director General of Police, EOU, N H Khan, informed the Indian Express that they had queried the National Testing Agency (NTA), which organizes NEET, and the investigation is “very much suggestive of a paper leak.” According to the Times of India, EOU Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manavjeet Singh Dhillon mentioned that a list of the 13 people was recovered from a “safe house” on the outskirts of Patna. The police believe that approximately 30 medical aspirants were summoned by what they termed the “exam mafia” to receive questions and answers before the exam. Dhillon claimed that four of the arrested candidates confessed during interrogation that the questions they received at the “safe house” on May 4 were identical to those on the exam, according to TOI. Education Minister Denies Allegations of Paper Leak Amid media reports and nationwide protests by students, Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated on Friday, June 14, that issues were observed in six of the over 4,700 centers where the exam was conducted. He asserted that NEET was otherwise conducted satisfactorily across the country. Pradhan denied allegations of corruption within the NTA and the paper leak but added that if proven, “no one will be spared.” He assured that every aspect is being investigated, and those responsible for any lapses will be held accountable. Protests and Controversy The NEET exam, held on May 5 across 4,750 centers in India, saw participation from approximately 2.4 million candidates. The results, initially expected on June 14, were declared 10 days early as the evaluation was completed ahead of schedule. The announcement of results sparked outrage and protests due to alleged irregularities, as 67 students scored a perfect 720. Since then, students across India have been demanding a re-examination.  

India Showcases Educational Strength at 76th NAFSA Conference in New Orleans

Blog on Education ArdorComm Media Group India Showcases Educational Strength at 76th NAFSA Conference in New Orleans

Educational exchanges build crucial bridges for mutual understanding, learning, and friendships, said DC Manjunath, the Consul General of India in Houston, as he inaugurated two Indian pavilions at the 76th NAFSA 2024 Conference & Expo — the world’s largest international annual education event — in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Indian delegation, consisting of over 40 major academic institutions, both public and private, had a significant presence at the conference held from May 28-31. This participation highlighted the potential of Indian education and fostered international and India-US collaboration. The event, which promotes international education and exchange, brought together 10,000 delegates from more than 110 countries under the theme “Resilience. Renewal. Community.” It positioned NAFSA as a platform for global communities working together to foster resilience in the post-pandemic era, support education renewal, and build stronger local and global communities. Consul General Manjunath inaugurated the Study in India pavilion and the India Pavilion booths at the expo. The Study in India pavilion was hosted by Educational Consultants India Limited (EdCIL), under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Education, and comprised the National Book Trust and public higher education institutions. The India Pavilion, under the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI), featured 28 reputable private higher education institutes, represented by 62 delegates led by Prof. Rajive Kumar, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) member secretary, and Dr. Prashant Bhalla, senior vice-president of EPSI. Attendees at the Study in India pavilion explored diverse academic opportunities in India and discussed academic cooperation between India and the US. Manjunath emphasized that India has a robust education system equipped with high-quality research facilities and that Indian institutions are broadening their global footprint. He noted that India has become a one-stop destination for technologies such as data science and cybersecurity. “Both Study in India and the India Pavilion are a reflection of India’s commitment to becoming a global education hub and attracting international students to pursue higher education opportunities in the country,” Manjunath said. “Educational exchanges build crucial bridges for mutual understanding, learning, and friendship, which are more important than ever,” he added. On the sidelines of the conference, the consulate, in association with the education ministry and SVVS Temple Society, New Orleans, organized “India’s Higher Education Partnership & Dialogue,” highlighting India’s economic growth, educational system development, new opportunities in universities under India’s new National Education Policy 2020, and the empowerment of women in education. The event was attended by Ministry of Education Joint Secretary Sanjog Kapoor, Ministry of Education Director Varun Bhardwaj, and EdCIL Executive Director Dr. B Chandrasekar, among others. Several other Indian universities and academic institutions also participated independently, exploring diverse educational opportunities, connecting with representatives of elite institutions, and discovering a world of educational possibilities in India. The participating institutions signed MoUs with universities in the US, Europe, Canada, Japan, with a focus on STEM and management programs. They also shared ideas for mutual academic collaboration and partnership for student exchange and faculty mobility to enhance curriculum and teaching in graduate and postgraduate programs. “NAFSA 2024 showcased their academic programs and research opportunities, fostering international collaborations and partnerships, enhancing global reputation, attracting international students, and promoting cross-cultural exchanges,” a delegate said. “Additionally, it offers opportunities for faculty and student exchange programs, collaborative research projects, and sharing of best practices in education, thereby enriching the educational experience and global perspective of Indian students and educators,” the delegate added. The Study in India delegates met with the academic leadership of the Louisiana School of Health Sciences and Tulane University to design and develop postgraduate programs in frontier areas such as climate science finance, sustainability, bioinformatics, public health, tropical medicine, and AI applications in healthcare.

Prof. Saramma Samuel, Secretary, RVS Group of Institutions emphasised on Teacher Training and Nurturing

image 2024 05 30T07 18 46 662Z ArdorComm Media Group Prof. Saramma Samuel, Secretary, RVS Group of Institutions emphasised on Teacher Training and Nurturing

“Our goal is to provide practical learning experiences, as classroom education is just the beginning. Through hands-on experiences, students gain valuable insights and skills relevant to their field.” Said Pradeepa Thinakaran What was your main takeaway from today’s event? Today’s event provided a vibrant platform for educators to exchange ideas and network. One significant takeaway was the acknowledgment of an uncertain future for students. We discussed the importance of preparing students to adapt and excel in uncertain situations. Can you highlight two best practices under your leadership in RV’s group of Institutions? One of our key practices is prioritizing teacher training and nurturing. We believe that well-trained educators positively impact student learning. Additionally, we have a dedicated training department focused on enhancing students’ communication skills, aptitude, and attitude to prepare them for employability. What does “New Normal” mean to you in the context of education? “New Normal” signifies resilience, adaptability, and integration of hybrid learning environments. It’s about persevering and not giving up despite challenges, embracing change, and finding innovative solutions. Could you discuss the initiatives related to skill development in your institution? We emphasize connecting students with industry practices beyond classroom teaching. Our goal is to provide practical learning experiences, as classroom education is just the beginning. Through hands-on experiences, students gain valuable insights and skills relevant to their field. Any words of encouragement for ArdorComm Media Group? I commend ArdorComm Media Group for their initiative, especially starting during the challenging period of COVID-19. Your efforts to bring together leaders and change-makers from different regions are commendable. Keep igniting the fire of innovation and leadership in all of us. Any final thoughts? It was a pleasure to participate in this event. Thank you for the opportunity, and I wish Ardorcom Media Group continued success in their endeavors.

Pradeepa Thinakaran, Founder & MD, Zing International Preschool, Chennai expressed on Child safety

image 2024 05 30T07 16 45 655Z ArdorComm Media Group Pradeepa Thinakaran, Founder & MD, Zing International Preschool, Chennai expressed on Child safety

“When parents trust us with their children, safety is paramount. We prioritize safety measures, such as eliminating plastic, maintaining cleanliness, and providing a safe play area.” Said Pradeepa Thinakaran Can you tell us more about your organization? I’m passionate about kindergarten education, so I founded Zing International Preschool. In the first year, we admitted nearly 200 children, and the second year saw a similar intake. Our school is eco-friendly, focusing on greenery and avoiding the use of plastics. We prioritize helping children learn to read and write using phonetic sounds. Importantly, we allow children to learn at their own pace through free play, which sets us apart from other schools. What are the primary concerns for educators regarding safety and implementation of education? When parents trust us with their children, safety is paramount. We prioritize safety measures, such as eliminating plastic, maintaining cleanliness, and providing a safe play area. Safety, discipline, and education are the top concerns for us. How do you view the growth of the preschool segment, especially with the implementation of the National Education Policy? Preschools have seen significant growth as parents appreciate the focus on early childhood education. Unlike K-12 schools, preschools concentrate solely on the kindergarten years (ages 2-6). This specialization is attracting parents, leading to the booming growth of preschools. What factors should parents consider regarding hygiene when selecting a preschool? Parents should prioritize hygiene during preschool visits. They should inspect restroom cleanliness and inquire about restroom maintenance schedules. Regular cleaning intervals, cleanliness of play areas, and sanitation practices for furniture are crucial factors to consider. What were your key learnings from today’s session? Today’s session provided valuable insights, especially regarding childcare, parenting, and environmental utilization. Learning from panelists about water conservation and parenting strategies was particularly enlightening. The event was a great source of information. How do forums like this benefit participants? Events like this provide a platform for networking and accessing technology partners. Digital tools showcased at stalls are beneficial for students from grade 8 to 12, aiding in their learning outside the classroom. Such forums facilitate the adoption of digital platforms for enhanced learning experiences. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? Congratulations on your journey of 2.5 to 3 years. The event organization and follow-up have been commendable. Keep up the good work, and I wish you continued success. Any final thoughts? It was a pleasure attending this event. Thank you for the invitation, and I wish you all the best.  

Dr. T. V. Christy, Vice Chancellor, Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Sc. & Tech. Vallam talked about four pillars of the New Education Policy (NEP)

image 2024 05 28T12 02 40 623Z ArdorComm Media Group Dr. T. V. Christy, Vice Chancellor, Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Sc. & Tech. Vallam talked about four pillars of the New Education Policy (NEP)

“The New Normal is about being student-centric. Education should focus on where graduates go after graduation, anticipating their future needs. ” said  Dr. T. V. Christy Could you tell us more about your group of institutions? I am from The Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology, famously known as PRIST deemed to be University, recognized by the University Grants Commission. It is located in Thanjavur, and we run programs in various disciplines, including engineering, arts and science, agriculture, pharmacy, and law. When we talk about sustainability in education, what special initiatives have been taken by your institution? We have empowered our students by first making them aware of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We conduct various sessions to ensure that our students and faculty members understand the importance and significance of these SDGs. Our management is very particular about integrating these goals into our educational practices. Regarding education policy implementations, what initiatives or developments have you undertaken? The four pillars of the New Education Policy (NEP) can be summarized as AE AQ: Accessibility, Equity, Accountability, and Quality. We ensure that these principles form the basis of our NEP implementation in our campuses. If the first three (Accessibility, Equity, Accountability) are in place, Quality naturally follows. What are the leading roles of your institution in terms of the incubation center and industry engagement? One of our best practices is ensuring that every faculty member is in touch with a minimum of two industries. For example, in a department with 15 faculty members, we have connections with 30 industries. Faculty members develop relationships with industry professionals, bring them to address students, and ultimately establish memorandums of understanding. This approach brings industry-oriented skills meaningfully into our university. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you in the context of education? The New Normal is about being student-centric. Education should focus on where graduates go after graduation, anticipating their future needs. The goal is to foresee the skills and knowledge they will require three to four years after graduating and adapt our educational practices accordingly. This forward-thinking approach is what I consider the New Normal. How do forums like this, which bring together representatives from schools, higher education, skill education, technical education, and tech companies, benefit the society at large? I’m really touched by the name “ARCOM.” It stands for Community, Aspiration, Reimagination, Digitalization, Opportunity, and Readiness. These are exactly what we need in today’s educational scenario. Such forums motivate students and ensure they serve the community. Bringing industry leaders and educational leaders together provides a platform for sharing best practices and learning from each other. It’s an excellent initiative that should continue. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? Continue your efforts and gather feedback from participants. Learn from any challenges or difficulties faced in conducting this program and strive to improve in future events. Bringing together industry and educational institutions on one platform is a mammoth task, and you are doing an exceptional job. Congratulations! Any final thoughts? Thank you so much for inviting me to this forum. It was a pleasure and honor to participate. Your efforts in connecting different stakeholders in education are commendable. Thank you.

Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary, Nehru Group of Institutions emphasized on the future progress on Nehru Group of Institution

image 2024 05 28T11 56 59 875Z ArdorComm Media Group Dr. P. Krishnakumar, CEO & Secretary, Nehru Group of Institutions emphasized on the future progress on Nehru Group of Institution

“We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements.” Said Dr. P. Krishnakumar Could you tell us more about your group of institutions? We have completed our 50 years of existence, starting in 1968 in Coimbatore. We have a presence in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with over 24 institutions, ranging from schools to a medical college. How do you ensure sustainability in education within your diverse group of institutions? We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements. We emphasize training and employability. For example, we have Technology Business Incubation (TBI) funded by DST (central government) to create startups, and we also have the NewGen IEDC initiative, which central government funds up to 2.5 lakhs for students’ projects to help them move from prototype to commercialization. Could you elaborate on the skill development and teacher training programs in your institution? We believe in training our faculty frequently. We have quarterly training sessions where we invite trainers from different industries and academia. We also encourage our faculty to upskill through various online certification programs as we evolve from traditional education to digitalization. Are there any new initiatives in technology within your institution? We are one of the few institutions in Kattur with multiple multiplex theaters on campus. This allows students and teachers developing e-content to see their work in a theater setting, enhancing the learning experience by creating an entertaining yet educational environment. What about global collaborations and exposure to international universities? As an affiliated institution, our ability to collaborate with foreign universities is limited due to state and central government policies. Universities have more freedom to engage in student exchange programs and faculty development programs abroad, but affiliated institutions must follow strict guidelines. What are your thoughts on employment versus employability? Employability is more important because it’s not just about getting a qualification but about ensuring that students are absorbed by the best industries. This is crucial for an educational institution’s survival. Top institutions maintain their status by ensuring high employability for their graduates. We focus on incubation and entrepreneurship, promoting a startup culture that allows students to understand entrepreneurship and take risks while still studying. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you? New Normal means introducing new changes and ways of thinking and executing programs. It involves changing the traditional system to adapt to new methods and ideas, reflecting a fresh approach to education and leadership. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media is doing an excellent job of connecting educational institutions and stakeholders. Networking and sharing knowledge are crucial in today’s world. Your role in connecting people from different age groups, experiences, and industries is invaluable. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people from top institutions today, which is beneficial for information and networking. This positively impacts the education sector and brings about new changes. Keep up the good work. Any final thoughts? Thank you so much for inviting me to this event. It was impressive talking with you, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this forum. Thank you.  

Swapnil Omprakash Mandhana, Director – Learning and Development, Teachmint expressed on upcoming mission of Teachmint

image 2024 05 28T11 48 02 872Z ArdorComm Media Group Swapnil Omprakash Mandhana, Director - Learning and Development, Teachmint expressed on upcoming mission of Teachmint

“We believe in refreshing learning. We aim to create a solid platform for educational institutions worldwide by implementing robust curriculums and the right policies” said Swapnil Omprakash Mandhana Can you tell me more about Teachmint? Absolutely! At Teachmint, we believe in refreshing learning. We aim to create a solid platform for educational institutions worldwide by implementing robust curriculums and the right policies. Our vision is to seamlessly enable academic learning by providing specific classroom devices integrated with our proprietary learning management system. These devices offer high-end specifications to ensure holistic utilization, making teaching and learning processes easy, comprehensive, purposeful, and visible, while also incorporating data-driven AI. What has been your success story so far, and how has the industry responded to your initiatives? Initially, we thought of Teachmint as merely providing devices. However, after engaging with schools and colleges, we received amazing reflections. This empowered us to delve deeper into the problem statement. We realized that while there is existing infrastructure, implementation was challenging due to teachers not being equipped. Our devices, integrated with our management system, have provided visibility to management, teachers, and parents, enhancing communication and transparency in the learning process. What sets Teach apart from other institutions that already have learning management systems (LMS) in place? Teachmint’s unique proposition lies in driving the LMS towards the end learning outcome comprehensively. We go beyond merely compartmentalizing resources; our focus is on purposeful learning by enabling teachers to plan lessons, share resources, create tests, and generate analytical reports seamlessly. Our system ensures that the LMS is not just a repository for materials but a tool for scalable, measurable, and visible learning outcomes. How do forums like this one, involving educators and academicians, contribute to society at large? I believe forums like this are invaluable. They gather passionate educators who are driven by the desire to learn and improve education. Participants come with a purpose, making it easier to share knowledge and align efforts towards common goals, such as achieving excellence in education and enhancing digital infrastructure in schools. Such focused platforms facilitate effective communication and the dissemination of key messages. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media Group is doing an excellent job in organizing forums that bring together schools and institutes. The sessions have been purposeful, fostering meaningful discussions and queries about our brand value. I encourage ArdorComm Media Group to continue their efforts in connecting schools and promoting insightful dialogue. Thank you for your support and association. Good luck with your endeavors!