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Padma Awards 2025: MT Nair, Bibek Debroy Among 30 Recipients in Literature and Education

Padma Awards 2025

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the recipients of the Padma Awards of 2025, honoring 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Among these, 30 distinguished personalities have been recognised in the Literature and Education category. The awards, which include the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at ceremonial functions scheduled at Rashtrapati Bhawan in March or April.

Padma Vibhushan Awardees

The Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, is bestowed for exceptional and distinguished service. This year, seven individuals have been selected for this honor, with notable contributions in Literature and Education:

  • M.T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous): Affectionately known as “MT,” Nair was a literary giant from Kerala. His extensive body of work includes novels, short stories, and screenplays that have left an indelible mark on Indian literature and cinema. He passed away on December 25, 2024.

Padma Bhushan Awardees

The Padma Bhushan is awarded for distinguished service of a high order. This year, three eminent personalities in the Literature and Education sector have been honoured with this:

  • Bibek Debroy: An economist and author, Debroy has made significant contributions to economic policy and literature. He is known for his translations of ancient Indian texts and his role in economic advisory councils.
  • A. Surya Prakash: A veteran journalist and author, Prakash has been recognized for his work in media and literature. He has held prominent positions in various media organizations and has contributed to discussions on governance and policy.
  • Ram Bahadur Rai: A respected journalist and writer, Rai has been acknowledged for his contributions to Hindi literature and journalism. He has played a pivotal role in promoting Indian literature and culture.

Padma Shri Awardees

The Padma Shri is awarded for distinguished service in any field. This year, 26 individuals have been recognised in the Literature and Education category for this one:

  1. Chandrakant Sheth: A Gujarati writer and poet known for his contributions to Gujarati literature.
  2. Gita Upadhyay: An author and educator recognized for her work in promoting education and literature.
  3. Ramdarash Mishra: A Hindi poet and writer celebrated for his extensive literary works.
  4. Lalit Kumar Mangotra: An author and scientist acknowledged for his contributions to Dogri literature and science.
  5. Hugh and Colleen Gantzer: A husband-and-wife duo known for their travel writing and contributions to literature.
  6. Renthlei Lalrawna: Recognized for his work in Mizo literature and education.
  7. Anil Kumar Boro: An academic and writer known for his contributions to Assamese literature.
  8. David R. Syiemlieh: A historian and former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission, acknowledged for his work in education and history.
  9. Nitin Nohria: An academic and former dean of Harvard Business School, recognized for his contributions to education and leadership studies.
  10. Seeni Viswanathan: A Tamil scholar and educator known for his work in Tamil literature and education.
  11. Jagadish Joshila: A poet and writer from Madhya Pradesh recognised for his exceptional work in ‘Nimadi-Hindi’ literature.
  12. Hriday Narayan Dixit: An author and politician acknowledged for his work in literature and public service.
  13. Pratibha Satpathy: An Odia poet celebrated for her contributions to Odia literature.
  14. Sant Ram Deswal: A Haryanvi poet and writer known for his work in regional literature.
  15. Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi: An economist and scholar recognised for his contributions to literature and education.
  16. Arvind Sharma: A scholar in religious studies acknowledged for his work in education and literature.
  17. Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer: An educator and philanthropist known for his contributions to education.
  18. Nagendra Nath Roy: Recognized for his work in literature and education.
  19. Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla: A Gujarati poet and writer acknowledged for his contributions to literature.
  20. Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli: A writer and naturalist known for his work in literature and wildlife conservation.
  21. K.L. Krishna: An economist recognized for his contributions to education and economic research.
  22. Arunoday Saha: An academic and former vice-chancellor acknowledged for his work in education.
  23. Syed Ainul Hasan: An academic and scholar recognized for his contributions to literature and education.
  24. Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid: A Sanskrit scholar acknowledged for his work in literature and education.
  25. Sheen Kaaf Nizam: An Urdu poet and writer recognized for his contributions to Urdu literature.
  26. Stephen Knapp: An author and researcher known for his work in literature and spirituality.

Also Read: IIT Kanpur Professor Ashutosh Sharma Honoured with Padma Shri for Contributions to Science and Public Service

The Padma Awards continue to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to society across various fields. This year’s recipients in the Literature and Education category exemplify excellence and dedication, enriching India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

IIT Kanpur Professor Ashutosh Sharma Honoured with Padma Shri for Contributions to Science and Public Service

Ashutosh Sharma

Professor Ashutosh Sharma, a distinguished chair professor at IIT Kanpur, has been named among the recipients of the prestigious Padma Shri Award, as announced on Republic Day. A pioneer in nanotechnology and interdisciplinary research, Sharma’s contributions span academia, innovation, and public service.

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur (BTech, Chemical Engineering, 1977–1982), Ashutosh Sharma began his academic career as an assistant professor in 1990 and rose to prominence with groundbreaking initiatives. He established the Nano Technology and Imaging Centres at IIT Kanpur and served as Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, from 2015 to 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharma played a crucial role in launching impactful startup products aimed at patient care.

Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, the then Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India sharing his insights at Elets Webinar titled Fighting Corona – Leveraging Scientific Research & Innovation held in May 2020.

Reacting to the honour, Sharma, who hails from Jaipur, said, “I was spending the evening with my family when I received the news of the Padma Shri. It’s a proud moment for all of us. Now, my focus is on working for society.”

Professor Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, lauded Sharma’s achievements, stating, “It is a matter of immense pride for the Institute. Professor Sharma is an exceptional researcher who has made path-breaking contributions, including a transformative approach to mission-mode programs during his tenure as Secretary DST.”

Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, remarked, “Prof. Sharma’s exceptional leadership and interdisciplinary contributions have significantly shaped India’s scientific landscape.”

The IIT Kanpur community also celebrated the honour, with heartfelt congratulations pouring in for their esteemed faculty member and alumnus.

Also Read: Budget 2025 Expectations: Prioritise EdTech, Innovation, and Partnerships for a Future-Ready Economy

A Legacy of Excellence

Sharma joined IIT Kanpur as a professor in the Chemical Engineering Department in 1997 and has since been instrumental in advancing nanotechnology and soft nanofabrication. His tenure at the Ministry of Science and Technology saw significant strides in innovation and interdisciplinary research. Sharma is a recipient of over 20 prestigious awards, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and the Infosys Prize.

His dedication to societal welfare is evident in his leadership during the pandemic, which saw the development of several innovative startup products. Sharma said about his future plans, “My goal remains the welfare of society through impactful initiatives.”

 

Budget 2025 Expectations: Prioritise EdTech, Innovation, and Partnerships for a Future-Ready Economy

Budget 2025

With the Union Budget 2025-26 approaching, India’s education sector is eagerly awaiting announcements that will fuel innovation, bridge infrastructure gaps, and position the country as a leader in EdTech. Industry leaders and stakeholders are advocating for bold investments and strategic policy shifts to align the country’s education system with its economic ambitions.

Scaling Education Investments to Meet NEP 2020 Goals

One of the most anticipated moves for Budget 2025 is the significant boost in the education sector’s funding, with many calling for an allocation of 6% of GDP, a key target outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Praveen Singh, CEO of Aasoka (MBD Group), sees this as essential for fulfilling the ambitious Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) targets in higher education, expanding skill development programs, and making quality education accessible to millions. “Such an investment will not only ensure access to quality learning but will drive public-private partnerships and create sustainable employment opportunities,” he explains.

However, to truly achieve these goals, Singh stresses the importance of addressing outdated infrastructure, limited digital tools, and unreliable internet access, which remain barriers to preparing India’s youth for a tech-driven job market.

Digital Infrastructure and EdTech: Bridging the Divide

The need for robust digital infrastructure continues to dominate discussions around Budget 2025. Aarul Malaviya, Founder of Zamit, advocates for government investments to enhance technology integration in schools and colleges. “Tax incentives for EdTech platforms, coupled with support for teacher training and a focus on future-ready skills, will drive both innovation and accessibility,” he says.

The foundation laid in the 2024 Budget by prioritising digital learning, virtual labs, and the Digital University initiative provides a strong starting point for 2025. Stakeholders are optimistic that this momentum will continue, ensuring modern digital tools and resources reach even the most remote educational institutions.

Also Read :- 1 Million Students to Benefit as upGrad and Maharashtra Join Hands for AI and Emerging Tech Push

Public-Private Partnerships: Catalyst for Innovation

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are poised to be a driving force in India’s educational transformation. Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, believes that Budget 2025 should focus on creating a conducive environment for innovation through tax incentives, simplified regulations, and support for young entrepreneurs. “Enhanced incubation programs, industry-aligned training, and faster patent approvals are essential to fuel technological advancements and skill development,” he says.

Such measures will not only strengthen India’s EdTech ecosystem but will also bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, empowering students to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving job market.

EdTech for Creative Economy

India’s creative sectors, spanning animation, AR/VR, and design, are seeing exponential growth and offer a unique opportunity for EdTech to play a central role. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of the World University of Design, sees the upcoming budget as a pivotal moment to boost these industries. “The global creative economy is projected to reach $165 billion by 2030, and India has the potential to be a key player,” he says. By supporting EdTech platforms that focus on design education and immersive technologies like AR/VR, the government can catalyse India’s transition from a service provider to a global leader in the creative economy.

A Roadmap for Future Growth

Budget 2025 represents an opportunity to drive India’s education sector into a new era, one that is inclusive, innovative, and aligned with global trends in technology and skill development. Key priorities should include increased funding, a stronger emphasis on digital infrastructure, and policies that promote public-private collaboration.

By addressing critical infrastructure gaps and investing in EdTech, India can create an education ecosystem that empowers learners, equips them with future-ready skills, and strengthens the country’s global position as a leader in education and innovation.

1 Million Students to Benefit as upGrad and Maharashtra Join Hands for AI and Emerging Tech Push

upGrad

In a significant move to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) education and bridge the talent gap in emerging technologies, leading EdTech platform upGrad has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maharashtra. The partnership, announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, aims to establish multiple upGrad Institutes of AI Excellence across the state, with a substantial investment of ₹2,150 crore.

This initiative is set to benefit over one million students by providing them with advanced skills in AI and other emerging technologies. The collaboration aligns with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s vision of developing a comprehensive ‘Educity’ in the state, aiming to position Maharashtra as a premier destination for top-quality higher education.

Mayank Kumar, Co-Founder and MD of upGrad, shared the development on his LinkedIn account, stating: “Maharashtra is extremely rich in talent, resources, and businesses..consistently setting strong precedents for the ecosystem to thrive. From here on, it will continue to create a powerful multiplier effect, driving growth and innovation across the entire country.”

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

  1. Futuristic Hybrid Programs: upGrad, through its supported ATLAS SkillTech University, will design and offer bespoke hybrid programs in areas such as Design, Digital Transformation, Technology, AI, and Gaming. These programs will be part of the Maharashtra State University of Eminence initiative, ensuring that the curriculum meets global standards.
  2. Urban University and Global Collaborations: The partnership plans to establish an Urban University and Campus Hubs in collaboration with three renowned global universities. This endeavor is a cornerstone of the ‘Educity’ initiative, aiming to deliver world-class, globally benchmarked education within Maharashtra.
  3. Rural Empowerment: A significant focus of the initiative is to empower an additional 250,000 rural youth by addressing talent gaps in underserved areas. This includes training professionals and fostering rural entrepreneurs in the not-for-profit sector, thereby driving socio-economic upliftment across the state.

Also Read: How India’s EdTech Firms Are Empowering Learners on International Day of Education 2025

Maharashtra has been proactive in leveraging AI for various sectors. Recently, the state collaborated with Google to establish a Center of Excellence in AI at Nagpur’s IIIT, aiming to make Nagpur an AI powerhouse. Additionally, the state is utilising generative AI to enhance welfare schemes, including direct benefit transfers and healthcare services, showcasing its commitment to integrating advanced technologies for public benefit.

How India’s EdTech Firms Are Empowering Learners on International Day of Education 2025

International Day of Education 2025

Gudiya, a 12-year-old girl from a remote village in Rajasthan, never imagined she could access the same quality of education as children in urban India. Today, thanks to platforms like BYJU’s and Physics Wallah, Gudiya is excelling in Math and Science and preparing for competitive exams alongside peers from across the country. Her story exemplifies how EdTech is transforming education in India, bringing quality learning to students irrespective of location or background.

As we observe the International Day of Education 2025, themed “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation,” it’s worth celebrating how technology is democratising learning and preparing students for a tech-driven future.

The Digital Revolution: Driving India’s Economic Growth
India’s edtech industry, currently valued at $7.5 billion in 2024, is on track to reach an impressive $29 billion by 2030, according to a new report titled Impact Study of EdTech in India: Driving Innovation & Creating Opportunities. This rapid growth is expected to be driven by many factors, including the expansion of digital infrastructure, a cultural shift towards online learning, and the rising aspirations of students and families. The sector’s contribution to India’s GDP is anticipated to increase significantly, from 0.1% in 2020 to 0.4% by 2029.

AI in Education: The Game-Changer
Artificial intelligence (AI) has redefined how students learn by adapting content to individual needs. Platforms like BYJU’s use AI algorithms to identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses, offering personalised modules that improve engagement and retention. Similarly, Unacademy’s AI-powered solutions make exam preparation more efficient.

Leading EdTech Platforms Revolutionising Learning in India

  1. BYJU’S – The Learning App
    Founded: 2011 by Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath
    BYJU’S continues to dominate India’s EdTech space with its AI-powered and gamified learning experiences for students from K-12 to competitive exams. With over 150 million registered users globally, BYJU’S remains a leader in personalized education, helping students learn interactively and adaptively.
  2. Physics Wallah
    Founded: 2020 by Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari
    Known for affordable, high-quality online education, Physics Wallah primarily caters to classes 6–12 and competitive exams like JEE and NEET. The platform, with over 7 million YouTube subscribers and 10 million app downloads, has become a household name for exam preparation, emphasising quality education at low costs.
  3. upGrad
    Founded: 2015 by Ronnie Screwvala, Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, and Ravijot Chugh
    Specialising in higher education, upGrad offers programs in data science, AI, and management through partnerships with global universities. With over 3 million learners across 100+ countries, the platform is reshaping professional upskilling and career advancement for working professionals.
  4. Unacademy
    Founded: 2015 by Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini, and Hemesh Singh
    With a vast network of educators, Unacademy offers courses for exams like UPSC, CAT, and IIT-JEE. It boasts 60 million learners and over 50,000 educators, providing live and interactive classes to foster collaborative learning. Its rapid expansion has solidified its place as a leading competitive exam prep platform.
  5. Scaler
    Founded: 2019 by Abhimanyu Saxena and Anshuman Singh
    Scaler focuses on skill development in software engineering, data science, and AI. The platform’s industry-relevant curriculum, developed in collaboration with top tech experts, has upskilled over 30,000 students, with many securing high-paying jobs in leading companies like Google and Amazon.
  6. Klassroom Edutech
    Founded: 2018 by Arsalan Haque and Aman Chandra
    Klassroom Edutech bridges the gap between offline and online education with hybrid solutions. The platform offers live classes, recorded lectures, and personalized doubt-solving sessions for competitive exams. With its hybrid model, Klassroom is redefining accessibility for students nationwide.
  7. Zell Education
    Founded: 2015 by Pratham Barot and Punit Gupta
    Zell specialises in finance and accounting courses like ACCA, CFA, and CPA. With over 25,000 students and a global presence spanning India, UAE, and the UK, Zell ensures high employability through practical training and industry certifications. The platform has placed 2,000+ students in reputed firms post-certification.
  8. Simplilearn
    Founded: 2010 by Krishna Kumar
    Simplilearn is a leader in upskilling professionals in digital skills like cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Collaborating with institutions like Purdue University and IBM, it has trained over 3 million learners globally through hands-on certification programs and practical projects.
  9. Great Learning
    Founded: 2013 by Mohan Lakhamraju and Hari Nair
    Offering programs in analytics, AI, and business management, Great Learning has helped over 6.5 million learners advance their careers. Partnering with top universities, the platform emphasizes experiential learning, preparing professionals for success in the digital economy.
  10. Vedantu
    Founded: 2014 by Vamsi Krishna, Pulkit Jain, Anand Prakash, and Saurabh Saxena
    Vedantu provides live online tutoring for K-12 students, competitive exams, and extracurriculars like coding. With 35 million users and interactive real-time teaching, it has made learning engaging and accessible. Vedantu’s innovative approach is transforming education delivery in India.

Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its massive success, the EdTech sector faces challenges like the digital divide. A significant percentage of India’s rural population lacks access to reliable internet and digital devices. However, initiatives such as government-subsidised connectivity and public-private partnerships aim to address these issues.

Also Read: Indian Preschools in 2025: What Lies Ahead?

What the Future Holds
The next wave of EdTech innovations includes immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Students may soon conduct virtual lab experiments or explore historical events through VR, making learning more engaging than ever.

Alakh Pandey, founder of Physics Wallah, adds, “Technology is not a substitute for teachers but a tool to enhance their impact. Together, we can create a future where every child has access to world-class education.”

Bambinos Aims ₹100 Crore Revenue in 2025 with AI-Driven EdTech Expansion

Bambinos

Bambinos Learning Solutions, an edtech startup specialising in online English tutoring for children aged 4 to 14, has announced an ambitious plan to achieve an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of ₹100 crore by the end of 2025. This target is underpinned by a comprehensive expansion strategy and the introduction of innovative educational products.

Founded in 2020 by Ashish Gupta and Gaurav Brar, Bambinos has distinguished itself in the edtech sector through its AI-driven teaching methodology. This approach tailors lessons to each child’s unique learning style, emphasizing essential life skills such as confidence, problem-solving, and character development. By focusing on these foundational areas, the platform ensures that children are well-prepared for future challenges while excelling in literacy and numeracy.

Addressing a significant challenge in India, where less than 10% of the population speaks English fluently, Bambinos aims to bridge the linguistic divide by providing high-quality education in the K-5 segment. “Our mission is to provide every child in India with the right start in life by mastering written and spoken English, which is critical for their future success,” said Ashish Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Bambinos.

As of 2024, Bambinos reported having over 6,000 monthly active students and more than 250 tutors. The company generated a revenue of ₹24 crore in the same year and achieved EBITDA positivity with a 15% margin, reflecting its strong financial performance. Looking ahead, Bambinos plans to expand its presence to 100 cities across India by 2025, aiming to empower over 15 million young learners to enhance their English communication skills.

Also Read: Perplexity AI Grants Free Access to Perplexity Pro for IIT Madras Community

In addition to its core English tutoring services, Bambinos offers a variety of live interactive online courses across subjects such as visual arts, personality development, dance, music, and communications for children in the 4-12 age group. The platform hosts live interactive online classes like arts and crafts, dancing, coding, robotics, and yoga, enabling students to interact with educators and peers in real-time, thereby improving their engagement and developing their mental health.

Perplexity AI Grants Free Access to Perplexity Pro for IIT Madras Community

Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI, an innovative AI-driven search engine startup, is providing free access to its premium subscription service, Perplexity Pro, for all students, faculty, and staff at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. This initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its presence across Indian educational institutions.

Aravind Srinivas, Co-Founder and CEO of Perplexity AI and an alumnus of IIT Madras, shared the news on his social media accounts, stating, “We’ve given free Perplexity Pro to all students, faculty, and staff of IIT Madras, where I did my undergrad. Super excited to start there as we begin our expansion to Indian campuses.”

Perplexity Pro is designed to enhance the search experience by offering advanced features and capabilities, including real-time, web-connected search with citations, providing users with accurate and up-to-date information. Students, faculty, and staff of IIT Madras can sign up for Perplexity Pro using their official IIT Madras email IDs to access the free subscription.

Sonar by Perplexity

In addition to this educational initiative, It has recently launched an API service called Sonar, enabling developers and enterprises to integrate the company’s generative AI search capabilities into their own applications. Sonar is available in two tiers:

  • Sonar: A lightweight model offering straightforward answers with citations, optimized for speed and cost.
  • Sonar Pro: Built for more complex queries, providing in-depth answers with enhanced citation density and advanced information retrieval from multiple web searches.

The introduction of Sonar aims to make search-grounded large language models more accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of applications.

Also Read: UP Cabinet Greenlights Free Smartphones, Medical Colleges, and ITI Upgrades in Major Youth-Focused Push

About Perplexity AI

Perplexity AI is a leading AI-driven search engine startup focused on delivering real-time, accurate information through advanced generative AI technologies. By integrating real-time web search capabilities with AI, Perplexity AI aims to revolutionise the way users access and interact with information online.

For more information, you can visit the official website: https://www.perplexity.ai

UP Govt Approves Free Smartphones, Medical Colleges, and ITI Upgrades in Major Youth-Focused Push

UP Cabinet

In a significant move to empower the youth and boost healthcare and skill development, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved several key initiatives during its meeting in Prayagraj on Wednesday.

As part of the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, the Cabinet approved the procurement of 25 lakh smartphones for free distribution to skilled youth pursuing higher education, technical education, healthcare training, ITI programs, and skill development courses. The scheme aims to make youth future-ready by providing access to technology and has been allocated a budget of ₹4,000 crore for FY 2024-25. The initiative will span five years and is expected to empower millions of students across the state.

Medical Education Expansion

The Cabinet also sanctioned the operation of medical colleges in Hathras, Kasganj, and Baghpat under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. These districts currently lack both public and private medical colleges, and the new institutions aim to bridge the gap in healthcare and medical education.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the transfer of the 166-bed Government Combined Hospital in Balrampur to the Medical Education Department. This will pave the way for the establishment of an Autonomous State Medical College, affiliated with King George Medical University (KGMU). The new college will offer specialized healthcare services and medical education opportunities, with 1,394 academic and non-academic posts created for its functioning.

Also Read: ISBF and King’s College London Launch BSc Psychology Program to Address India’s Mental Health Needs

ITI Modernisation and Innovation Centers

To further boost skill development, the Cabinet approved an agreement with Tata Technologies Limited (TTL) to modernize 62 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and establish five Centres for Innovation, Invention, Incubation, and Training (CIIITs). This ₹3,634 crore initiative will see TTL contribute ₹2,851 crore, while the state government will fund ₹783 crore. The revamped ITIs are projected to train 12,500 candidates annually, split between long-term and short-term programs.

The Cabinet’s decisions align with Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to advancing education, healthcare, and youth empowerment, fostering a more skilled and technologically equipped generation.

ISBF and King’s College London Launch BSc Psychology Program to Address India’s Mental Health Needs

ISBF King’s College London

The Indian School of Business and Finance (ISBF) is going to launch a BSc Psychology (Hons) program in collaboration with King’s College London, ranked third in the UK for psychology by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. This partnership aims to address India’s growing need for skilled mental health professionals by offering students a globally benchmarked curriculum and cutting-edge resources.

To enhance hands-on learning, ISBF will establish a psychology lab where students can conduct simulations and experiments, bridging theory with practice. “This program reflects our commitment to providing students with world-class education and practical innovation,” said Arushi Bakshi, Director of ISBF.

A Legacy of Global Partnerships

Known for its academic collaborations, ISBF delivers undergraduate programs under the University of London (UOL), with academic direction from the London School of Economics (LSE). Its offerings in Economics, Management, Finance, and Data Science have earned recognition, including accolades like the National Education Award for B-School Leadership and ASSOCHAM’s Best Institute for Global Exposure.

ISBF also boasts a distinguished Advisory Board with leaders from institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford, alongside industry giants like Meta and Google. This ensures the curriculum remains aligned with global academic and professional standards.

Global Opportunities for Students

ISBF students benefit from unique international exposure opportunities, such as the LSE Summer School with a 40% scholarship, global university transfer options, and internships through the Mountbatten Programme with firms like HSBC and Deutsche Bank in hubs like London and New York.

Also Read: IGNOU Launches MBA Study Materials in Odia, Pioneering Regional Language Education

Modern Campus, Expansive Vision

In July 2024, ISBF inaugurated its state-of-the-art campus in South Delhi, equipped with advanced classrooms, research facilities, and sporting amenities, fostering holistic student development.

Applications for the 2025 intake, including the new psychology program, are now open. Interested candidates can learn more at www.isbf.edu.in.

By partnering with King’s College London, ISBF aims to redefine psychology education in India, addressing critical mental health needs while preparing students for global academic and professional success.

IGNOU Launches MBA Study Materials in Odia, Pioneering Regional Language Education

IGNOU

In a landmark move to promote regional language education, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced MBA (Master of Business Administration) study materials in Odia. This initiative marks the first instance of IGNOU providing course materials in the Odia language, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 objectives to offer higher education in local languages.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan officiated the digital launch of these Odia MBA books at Jaydev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Minister Pradhan commended IGNOU’s efforts, emphasizing that the availability of management education resources in Odia will significantly benefit students across Odisha. He also unveiled IGNOU’s e-GyanKosh and e-KUMBH portals during the event. The e-GyanKosh portal will host digital study materials, while the e-KUMBH portal will provide access to IGNOU’s online MBA books in Odia.

Professor Nayantara Padhi from IGNOU highlighted that the decision to offer MBA education in Odia stems from the implementation of NEP 2020 in Odisha, which advocates for the inclusion of regional languages in higher education. This initiative is expected to make management education more accessible to Odia-speaking students, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the academic landscape.

Also Read :- Dhananjay Shukla Elected as ICSI President for 2025; Pawan G Chandak to Serve as Vice President

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Odisha Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain and Higher Education and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who collectively lauded the initiative.

In a related development, the Odisha state government is contemplating the introduction of MBBS education in Odia. To achieve this, a committee comprising 22 doctors has been formed to work on translating MBBS textbooks into the Odia language, reflecting a broader commitment to integrating regional languages into professional education.

This progressive step by IGNOU not only aligns with the NEP 2020’s vision but also sets a precedent for other educational institutions to embrace regional languages, thereby enriching the educational experience and preserving linguistic heritage.

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