Rajasthan Governor Calls for Holistic Education to Drive Nation-Building

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September 25, 2024

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade has emphasised the transformative role of education in nation-building, urging teachers to focus on the holistic development of students. Speaking at the All India National Educational Conference in Ajmer, he highlighted the need for a balanced approach that nurtures both intellectual skills and practical knowledge through co-curricular activities.

The Rajasthan Governor stressed that co-curricular activities are crucial in helping students gain practical skills beyond traditional book learning, which he believes is essential for academic success and personal growth.

He also pointed out that the foundation of learning begins at home, where children acquire important life skills from their families, particularly their mothers. Teachers, according to the governor, play a vital role in ensuring the continuous development of students by focusing on their all-round growth.

Also Read: Bhupendra Patel Highlights Link Between Education and India’s Development

Additionally, Governor Bagade called for the integration of India’s cultural values, heritage, and ideals into the education system. He cited the moral teachings of great leaders like Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati as key to fostering the comprehensive development of students, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation.

By promoting a holistic approach to education that includes cultural values and practical knowledge, Bagade believes that students will be better equipped for future challenges, thereby strengthening the foundation of nation-building.

PhysicsWallah Raises $210M, Valuation Soars to $2.8B in Series B Funding

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digitalLEARNING Network

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September 24, 2024

Indian edtech giant PhysicsWallah (PW) has raised $210 million in a highly successful Series B funding round led by Hornbill Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners, with participation from existing investors WestBridge and GSV Ventures. This funding propels PW’s valuation to $2.8 billion, a 2.5x increase from its previous $1.1 billion valuation.

The investment arrives as the global edtech sector faces significant challenges, underscoring investor confidence in PW’s vision to democratise education across India, especially in underserved regions known as ‘Bharat.’ PW, co-founded by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari, aims to leverage this capital to expand its footprint, particularly in the K-12 education space, enhance its technology infrastructure, and explore mergers and acquisitions.

PW is currently producing over 9,500 hours of content weekly and has reached students in 98% of India’s geography, covering 18,808 pin codes. The funds will help strengthen its offline education offerings, where it has seen remarkable growth despite profitability challenges.

In FY23, PW reported a threefold increase in revenue, totalling Rs 772 crore. The company remains optimistic about its profitability in FY25, expecting it to be the highest EBITDA year in its history. Maheshwari emphasised the importance of building offline centres, projecting that each centre will take approximately three years to become profitable.
PW is also focusing on AI-powered tools to enhance learning outcomes and improve the student experience, which has garnered industry-wide praise.

Despite facing short-term profit dips due to expansion costs, PhysicsWallah is poised for strong future growth. Its expansion into new regions, particularly in South India, and its aggressive plans for the future make it a key player to watch in the edtech market.
For FY25, PW aims for over 50% growth, positioning itself as a leading force in transforming India’s education landscape, particularly in bridging the gap for students in rural and underserved areas.

Bhupendra Patel Highlights Link Between Education and India’s Development

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 23, 2024

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the crucial role of education in driving India’s prosperity during a ceremony in Gandhinagar on Sunday. The event, organised by the Ter Gol Guru Brahmin Samaj Seva Samiti, honoured over 100 students and retired state employees for their contributions and achievements.

Bhupendra Patel stated that the success of a developed India is directly linked to the progress of an educated society, urging students to contribute to this vision actively. He also expressed confidence in the newly appointed state employees, emphasising their potential to drive positive change through dedication and hard work.

The Chief Minister called education the foundation for societal advancement, promoting self-reliance and progress. He encouraged integrating education with the traditional occupations of the Guru Brahmin Samaj, such as astrology and religious rituals, to foster both community and state development.

Also Read: India Boosts Indo-Pacific Ties with $500K Quad Scholarships

During the event at Gandhinagar Town Hall, Patel honoured students who excelled in their 10th and 12th standards and presented certificates to retired and newly appointed employees, recognising their contributions to the state.

This ceremony highlights Gujarat’s commitment to education as a key driver of India’s development, reinforcing the state’s dedication to creating an educated and prosperous society.

India Boosts Indo-Pacific Ties with $500K Quad Scholarships

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 23, 2024

India has announced a groundbreaking initiative, offering $500,000 in scholarships to students from the Indo-Pacific region, strengthening ties between the Quad nations India, Australia, Japan, and the United States. The announcement came during the Quad Leaders Summit 2024 in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by US President Joe Biden.

This new program will award fifty Quad scholarships to students pursuing a four-year undergraduate engineering degree at Government of India-funded technical institutions. The initiative aligns with Quad’s vision of enhancing people-to-people connections strategic partnerships, and fostering the next generation of leaders in science, technology, and policy.

Also Read: IIMB Introduces BBA DBE to Equip Students for the Digital Era

The Wilmington Declaration, issued at the summit, emphasised the importance of educational collaboration. The Quad governments also celebrated the introduction of ASEAN students into the Quad Fellowship program, expanding the scope of academic exchange. Major private-sector partners like Google, Pratt Foundation, and Western Digital are backing the next cohort of fellows.

US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are preparing to step down from office, making this summit their final quad engagement. The Quad’s ongoing efforts to build Indo-Pacific partnerships in technology, security, and education underscore its commitment to a stable, connected, and prosperous region.

IIMB Introduces BBA DBE to Equip Students for the Digital Era

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 18, 2024

IIM Bangalore (IIMB) has officially launched its highly anticipated Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship (DBE) program on September 16. The virtual inauguration featured distinguished speakers such as IIMB Director Prof. Rishikesha T. Krishnan, Shri K. Sanjay Murthy (Secretary, Ministry of Education), Dr. Devi Shetty (Chairman, Narayana Health), Mukesh Bansal (CEO of Curefit), and faculty members Prof. Vasanthi Srinivasan and Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula.

Prof. Krishnan highlighted the new BBA DBE program’s mission to deliver high-quality business education tailored for the digital era, reaching more than 1,000 students in its inaugural cohort. “We aim to combine traditional business management principles with cutting-edge digital skills, creating an interactive and impactful learning experience,” he stated.

Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula, Chairperson of the BBA DBE program, explained the curriculum’s focus on integrating digital business technologies with core business knowledge. The program dedicates 30% to emerging digital business technologies, 30% to business fundamentals such as finance and marketing, and fosters an entrepreneurial mindset through experiential learning opportunities. Collaborations with NSRCEL, IIMB’s renowned startup incubator, will allow students to gain hands-on experience through internships and projects.

Also Read: JSW MG Motor and BMU Drive Innovation in Automotive Education

Dr. Devi Shetty applauded the BBA DBE initiative, calling it a significant step toward democratizing higher education in India. “This program opens doors for students who previously lacked access to elite educational opportunities,” he said.

Mukesh Bansal, drawing from his extensive experience in e-commerce, emphasized the transformative potential of the program. He encouraged students to adopt a digital-first perspective, stressing the importance of understanding consumer behavior in today’s digital marketplace.

The IIMB BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship program promises to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital landscape while adhering to UGC guidelines and national standards, making it a game-changer in business education in India.

JSW MG Motor and BMU Drive Innovation in Automotive Education

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 16, 2024

JSW MG Motor India and BML Munjal University (BMU) have announced a significant partnership to strengthen automotive education through the MG Nurture program. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and the automotive industry by providing students with hands-on experience in advanced vehicular technology.

As part of the MG Nurture initiative, JSW MG Motor India has gifted BMU an MG Hector, India’s first internet-connected SUV, which will serve as a valuable learning resource for students. Through this initiative, BMU students will gain practical insights by studying the car’s architecture, systems, and components. The partnership will allow students to reverse engineer the vehicle, giving them a deep understanding of modern automotive technology.

Yeshwinder Patial, Senior Director of Human Resources at JSW MG Motor India, emphasised that the program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. “MG Nurture aims to make students future-ready by offering immersive learning experiences and academic collaborations with institutions across India,” he said.

Dr. Maneek Kumar, Dean of the School of Engineering & Technology at BMU, lauded the partnership, calling it a key step in providing industry-relevant education. “This collaboration aligns with BMU’s philosophy of experiential learning, offering our students real-world exposure to cutting-edge technology through the MG Hector,” he stated.

Also Read: Narayana Murthy Boosts STEM with Book Endorsement

Beyond this initiative, JSW MG Motor India has also launched EVPEDIA, the country’s first online platform dedicated to electric vehicle (EV) education. This platform seeks to educate a broader audience on EV technology and promote the adoption of electric mobility in India.

The partnership between JSW MG Motor and BMU underscores a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in automotive education, setting a foundation for future advancements in electric mobility and automotive engineering.

Narayana Murthy Boosts STEM with Book Endorsement

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 16, 2024

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has endorsed the newly launched 13th edition of Conceptual Physics by renowned physicist Paul G. Hewitt, aiming to boost STEM education in India. The textbook, introduced by Pearson, a leading global learning company, is designed to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of physics, making it accessible and engaging.

The launch event took place at the Infosys Science Foundation, where Narayan Murthy expressed his belief in the importance of world-class educational resources for India’s students. He highlighted how Conceptual Physics bridges theory and real-world application, helping students better grasp complex principles. “As we strengthen STEM education in India, resources like Conceptual Physics are critical for student success. I am thrilled that Pearson’s efforts will make this valuable content accessible nationwide,” said Murthy.

Murthy further emphasised that high-quality learning materials like this are crucial for India’s aspiration to become a global leader in education. The book’s student-focused approach makes it an essential tool for learners looking to master physics concepts and contribute to India’s growing STEM capabilities.

Also Read: New Assam Education Board Prioritizes STEM & Vocational Skills

This move is seen as a significant step in positioning India as a hub for STEM excellence, with Murthy’s endorsement further boosting its relevance in educational circles.

By supporting this textbook, Narayana Murthy underlines the need for innovative educational solutions that prioritise conceptual understanding and real-world applications, empowering Indian students to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

New Assam Education Board Prioritizes STEM & Vocational Skills

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 14, 2024

In a major development for Assam’s education system, the newly constituted Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) was inaugurated on Friday in Guwahati. The oath-taking ceremony, held at the Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA) office, saw the presence of Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, who underlined the state’s growing focus on skill-based and STEM education.

The newly appointed Chairman, Ramesh Chand Jain, and Vice-Chairman, Rukma Gohain Barua, took their oaths during the event. ASSEB, which now oversees secondary school education in Assam, will manage crucial responsibilities such as examination conduction, certificate issuance, curriculum creation, and syllabus management.

Skill Education: A Core Priority

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Pegu emphasised the urgent need to integrate skills education into the secondary school curriculum. “Our focus has shifted towards STEM and vocational training to equip students with essential skills for employability. A new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been published, and we are working on a framework to combine skills education with general academics seamlessly,” Pegu stated.

The minister explained that various districts in Assam already house higher secondary and multipurpose schools designed to provide vocational and skills-based education alongside traditional academics. This initiative aims to enhance students’ employability and livelihood opportunities, ensuring they are better prepared for the workforce.

Collaboration with Industries for Entrepreneurial Growth

Pegu highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships between schools, industries, and higher education institutions to provide practical skills training. He stressed that schools must sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industries to expose students to entrepreneurial ventures and skill development opportunities. “By encouraging collaborations, we aim to inspire our youth toward entrepreneurship and ensure they become employable in today’s dynamic job market,” Pegu said.

Expansion of Assam’s School Network

Addressing Assam’s need for more educational institutions, Pegu revealed plans to establish 1,500 additional schools to reduce dropout rates. “We currently have about 4,500 schools, but we need an estimated 1,500 more to bring dropout rates to zero,” he explained.

Pegu also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand existing educational infrastructure, mentioning the creation of 116 schools specifically for tea garden areas, with 100 more under construction. Additionally, high schools are being upgraded to offer higher secondary classes, and middle (ME) schools will be upgraded to high schools.

Also Read: NCERT calls for NEP reforms to bridge student performance gaps

Historic Unification of SEBA and AHSEC

Concluding his speech, Pegu called the day historic, as SEBA, which has served Assam for the past 60 years, and the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC), operational for 40 years, were officially merged into one unified board—the ASSEB.

This significant change is expected to streamline the administration of secondary education in Assam, marking a new chapter in the state’s efforts to modernise its education system and focus on skill development.

NCERT calls for NEP reforms to bridge student performance gaps

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 14, 2024

The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has called on the Union Ministry of Education (MoE) to urge state governments to implement key reforms outlined in its recently published “Equivalence” report. This report highlights performance disparities among students from different state boards and central boards, providing recommendations to standardise assessment practices nationwide. The recommendations align with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE).

Key Reforms Proposed in the ‘Equivalence’ Report The NCERT report, developed by its Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) unit, aims to address the significant variation in student performance between state and central boards. Some of the main recommendations include:

Cumulative assessment system: Introducing a new evaluation system where students’ performances in classes 9, 10, and 11 contribute to the final class 12 assessment.
Professional paper setters: Developing a cadre of experts to create standardised exam papers for classes 9 to 12.
Question banks: Preparing comprehensive question banks for senior classes (9 to 12) to ensure consistency and fairness in assessments across boards.

These reforms are designed to ensure equal opportunity for students across India’s 59 recognised school boards, which include three national-level and 56 state boards. The report emphasises that these changes are essential for improving student outcomes and reducing the disparity in pass rates between state and central boards, as revealed by a Ministry of Education (MoE) analysis.

Challenges in Implementation Despite the urgency of these reforms, states are not required to follow the central government’s directives, as education falls under the concurrent list. Officials from various state boards, including Punjab and Mizoram, have acknowledged the significance of these recommendations but pointed out that approval from higher authorities and funding considerations are necessary before implementation.

Also Read: IIM Bodh Gaya Partners with Bihar Transport Department for Leadership Training

While some states are actively discussing these reforms, full integration into their educational systems is expected to be a gradual process. PARAKH has already been conducting regional workshops with state boards to guide them in incorporating these suggestions into existing curricula and teaching methodologies.

The NCERT’s push for NEP-aligned reforms aims to bring significant changes to India’s educational landscape, particularly in standardising student assessments and improving the quality of education across state and central boards. As the state boards begin the process of integrating these recommendations, the focus remains on ensuring fairness and equity for all students in India.

IIM Bodh Gaya Partners with Bihar Transport Department for Leadership Training

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Chetan Tawakley

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September 13, 2024

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bihar Transport Department to provide training aimed at enhancing the management and leadership skills of its officials. This initiative will cover a range of personnel, including Additional District Transport Officers (ADTO), Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVI), and Enforcement Sub-Inspectors (ESI). The training will be conducted in phases, with each batch participating in a six-day residential program hosted at IIM Bodh Gaya.

Transport Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal explained that the partnership seeks to improve the department’s work culture, office management, and revenue generation while also contributing to better transport services and reducing road accidents. He emphasised that the training will introduce modern management techniques to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of transport officials.

Dr. Vinita Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted that the program would focus on leadership and skill development to enable transport officials to perform their duties with greater competence. Transport Minister Sheela Kumari also expressed her support, stating that the initiative is a significant step toward strengthening the department’s commitment to improving transport services in the state.

Also Read: IIT Ropar, Excelsoft Collaborate on AI-Focused EdTech Lab

The Bihar Transport Department oversees road transport services, traffic regulation, and vehicle compliance, prioritising safety and citizen-centric governance. The training program is expected to sharpen decision-making abilities and assist officials in better data analysis and strategising, especially in efforts to reduce road accidents.

Skill Education: A Core Priority

Collaboration with Industries for Entrepreneurial Growth

Expansion of Assam’s School Network

Historic Unification of SEBA and AHSEC

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