Sachin Chaturvedi joins as Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University

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May 22, 2025

Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi has officially taken over as the new Vice Chancellor of Nalanda University, one of India’s premier international institutions rooted in ancient learning and global collaboration.

Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi brings extensive experience in development economics, international cooperation, and institution-building. Alongside his new role, he continues to serve as Director General of the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi-based think tank under the Ministry of External Affairs.

An authority on South-South Cooperation, SDGs, and development finance, he has been instrumental in launching major global platforms such as the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST), Forum for Indian Development Cooperation (FIDC), and the Delhi Process. His contributions have significantly shaped India’s global development partnerships.

On LinkedIn, he shared, “Great honour to join @NalandaUniversity!! Keenly look forward to taking the idea of India for the world forward.”

A prolific scholar, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi has authored and edited over 22 books, and serves on editorial boards of renowned journals including the South Asian Economic Journal and IDS Bulletin. His acclaimed book “The Logic of Sharing” is considered a landmark in the discourse on international development.

He also serves as an Independent Director on the Board of the Reserve Bank of India, and has held fellowships and visiting positions at Yale University, JNU, the University of Amsterdam, and the German Development Institute.

Also Read: AASOKA EdTech Firm Wins Global “Top Rising Star” Ranking by TIME

His appointment signals a new era for Nalanda University—an institution envisioned as a hub of global learning shaped by India’s civilisational values and future-ready vision.

Heartiest congratulations to Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi and best wishes for his impactful leadership at Nalanda University.

AASOKA EdTech Firm Wins Global “Top Rising Star” Ranking by TIME

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Pranav Nandan

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May 22, 2025

AASOKA, an AI-powered online education platform for K-12 students, has been named the world’s leading EdTech “Rising Star” by TIME magazine and Statista. The award is part of the second edition of TIME and Statista’s global list of the 350 top-performing edtech companies.

AASOKA led the “Rising Stars” category, which was a secondary category to the “World’s Top EdTech Companies Of 2025”. In the “Rising Stars” category, companies were ranked based on their revenue growth over the past 3 years. The rankings were based on data submitted through an open application, with selection criteria and analysis independently managed by Statista’s expert research team. To mark this momentous occasion, a celebratory event was held at the Radisson Blu MBD Hotel by the MBD Group, owners of AASOKA.

AASOKA has emerged as a transformative platform for over 4,000 schools across more than 500 cities in India, serving close to one million students. It offers a unified digital ecosystem that integrates curriculum content, AI-driven learning tools, teacher training, and school management solutions. Internationally, AASOKA has expanded its presence to the Middle East, South Africa, and several other regions. In addition to benefiting students, the platform has helped train over 80,000 educators, supporting their transition to modern teaching methodologies aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

AASOKA offers curriculum-aligned digital content for 17 different state boards, as well as other national boards like CBSE and ICSE. The platform’s AI capabilities allow for personalized learning paths, real-time academic performance monitoring, and data-informed decision-making for educators. Tools such as automated question paper generators and lesson planning modules enable teachers to craft dynamic, student-centered lessons with greater ease.

To equip students with essential 21st-century skills, AASOKA has launched innovative programs like AASOKA WizKids and the AI STEAM Lab. These hands-on initiatives introduce young learners to coding, robotics, critical thinking, and design-based learning from an early age.

Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director of MBD Group, showed her great appreciation for the spotlight given to the organisation by saying, “This recognition by TIME and Statista means the world to us, it validates the belief we’ve always had: that India can lead the way in building meaningful, future-forward education solutions. At AASOKA, our mission has always been simple but powerful: to make quality learning accessible, engaging, and equitable for every child, no matter where they are. This achievement belongs to every teacher, student, and school that placed their trust in us and made this journey possible.”

Within the next three years, AASOKA has set the goal of expanding its operations to over 20,000 schools. The platform will continue to invest in AI advancements, teacher development, and foundational learning initiatives for early-grade students.

Kotak Group announces grade 11-12 students in Mumbai to get 1,000 scholarships

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Pranav Nandan

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May 22, 2025

In a significant move to support education among underprivileged students, the Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of Kotak Mahindra Group, has announced the Kotak Junior Scholarship program. This initiative aims to provide 1,000 scholarships to academically exceptional students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) who have completed their Class 10 education.

The scholarship offers financial aid of Rs. 73,500 over a period of 21 months, covering both grade 11th and 12th. The money is provided to the students in the form of Rs. 3,500 per month during classes 11th and 12th. Beyond monetary support, the program encompasses mentorship, academic assistance, career guidance, and exposure visits to facilitate the holistic development of the students.

Eligibility criteria for applicants for this scholarship are that the applicants must have secured over 85% in SSC, CBSE, or ICSE Class 10 board examinations. They must also have admission into Class 11 at a college within Mumbai, and also have residency within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Finally, the annual family income of the applicant must not exceed Rs. 3,20,000.

Also Read: Delhi schools to launch new pre-vocational programme for grades 6, 7 and 8

The Kotak Junior Scholarship program is part of KEF’s broader commitment to empowering youth through education. Over the past 17 years, KEF has provided scholarships and financial assistance to over 3,600 scholars, with more than 800 alumni now working as successful professionals in various sectors.

Arati Kaulgud, Executive Committee Member and Head of Scholarship Programs at the Kotak Education Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s dedication to providing opportunities and access to quality education, stating, “The Kotak Junior Scholarship is not only a financial aid initiative but a comprehensive support system to equip young students with tools for academic and professional success..”

Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) stands on the brink of a new phase in its mission to uplift young people through access to quality education and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Drawing on years of experience and deep expertise, the foundation is now poised to broaden both the scope and depth of its impact. Moving beyond its earlier focus on individual schools, KEF is shifting toward fostering change at the district and state levels. This strategic evolution will enable the organization to contribute more significantly to systemic educational reforms and long-term, large-scale transformation.

As the central body responsible for executing the Kotak Mahindra Group’s education-focused CSR programs, KEF plays a vital role under the group’s CSR identity. Through this initiative, the foundation continues to drive meaningful and lasting change across the educational landscape.

Delhi schools to launch new pre-vocational programme for grades 6, 7 and 8

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May 21, 2025

The Delhi government recently announced the introduction of a pre-vocational education programme titled ‘Kaushal Bodh’ starting from the year 2025–26. The programme is primarily directed at students in classes 6 to 8, with the first part of the initiative starting for grade 6 this year.

The ‘Kaushal Bodh’ initiative has the goal of teaching middle school students essential life skills needed to survive and thrive by oneself should the need arise. The initiative aims to reach this goal through vocational classes and experiential learning. Initially, the programme will be introduced for Class 6 students and will progressively extend to Classes 7 and 8 in the subsequent academic years.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, the curriculum is structured around three core domains, with those domains being ‘Work with Life Forms’, ‘Work with Machines and Materials’, and ‘Work in Human Services’. Students will undertake one project from each domain annually, dedicating a total of 110 hours per year to these hands-on activities.

Evaluation of students will encompass written tests, oral presentations, activity logs, portfolios, and continuous teacher observations, emphasising both practical skills and theoretical understanding.

Teachers will receive specialised training to effectively guide students through the programme, ensuring safety and fostering collaboration. School principals are tasked with overseeing the implementation, supporting teacher training, and integrating vocational education into the school environment.

To showcase student projects and encourage community participation, the Education Department plans to organise ‘Kaushal Melas.’ These events will provide a platform for students to demonstrate their skills and for stakeholders to engage with the programme’s outcomes.

The programme also aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the inclusion of vocational education from an early stage. The policy emphasises that such early exposure will encourage students to make informed career choices and help reduce the dropout rate by making education more engaging and relevant.

To ensure effective implementation, the Delhi government is collaborating with industry professionals, vocational training institutes, and NGOs. Teachers will receive special training, and infrastructure upgrades will be carried out to accommodate hands-on learning activities.

Also Read: IIT Bombay collaborates wth Tohoku University to launch new international centre

The ‘Kaushal Bodh’ programme represents a forward-thinking approach to education, emphasising the importance of practical skills alongside academic knowledge. By introducing vocational training at the middle school level, the Delhi government aims to prepare students for real-world challenges and opportunities, fostering a generation of self-reliant and skilled individuals. If successful, this new pre-vocational education model for the early grades of schooling could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the country.

IIT Bombay collaborates wth Tohoku University to launch new international centre

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May 21, 2025

IIT Bombay is preparing to launch its first international academic centre in Japan by next year, taking its first few steps to become a global presence. This move marks a significant milestone for the institute, which joins other IITs like Delhi and Madras that have already ventured abroad — with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Zanzibar, respectively. However, unlike those who established independent campuses, IIT Bombay has opted for a collaborative approach by partnering with the prestigious, government-supported Tohoku University.

This new joint initiative, called the Tohoku University–IIT Bombay Joint Institute of Excellence, will be constructed in Sendai with the aim to combine India’s deep-rooted academic traditions with Japan’s technological prowess. The centre’s first academic offering will be a dual-degree PhD program, scheduled to begin in 2026, with postgraduate MTech courses to follow.

Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, had the following to say about the collaboration, “This is our first venture abroad, and by next year, we will begin with a joint Ph.D programme. MTech courses will soon follow after.”

While the centre will initially focus on postgraduate and research-based programs, there are currently no plans to offer undergraduate degrees. Instead, the emphasis remains on advanced studies and cutting-edge research, particularly in areas such as disaster resilience, semiconductors, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

Sharad Saraf, Chairman of the Board at IIT Bombay, hailed the development as a transformative opportunity. “This isn’t just about sharing classrooms,” he explained. “It’s a bridge. One that will not only strengthen the deep-rooted friendship between India and Japan but also unlock corridors into Japan’s formidable industries and pioneering research labs.

The groundwork for this centre was laid in April 2025, when both institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during a formal ceremony in Japan. The project has received significant attention, with hopes that it will not only boost student mobility but also deepen cultural and scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Also Read: India’s first fully literate state – Mizoram

Currently, approximately 1,600 Indian students are enrolled in Japanese universities. With this new academic bridge being built, that number is expected to rise. Japanese companies have already shown interest in recruiting talent from the upcoming joint centre, reflecting the strong demand for skilled professionals with cross-border academic exposure.

With this initiative, IIT Bombay is setting a precedent in international academic collaboration, aligning its vision with the evolving landscape of global education and research.

India’s first fully literate state – Mizoram

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digitalLEARNING Network

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May 21, 2025

Mizoram, boasting a literacy rate of 98.2%, just recently became the first state in Indian history to attain full functional literacy. This surpasses the Ministry of Education’s benchmark of 95% and marks a significant advancement in the nation’s educational landscape.

The state’s remarkable achievement is attributed to the implementation of the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) initiative, also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). Under this program, 3,026 individuals were identified as illiterate, with 1,692 enrolling as learners. A dedicated team of 292 volunteer teachers, comprising students, educators, and resource persons, played a crucial role in this endeavor.

This collective effort reflects the Mizo cultural ethos of ‘Tlawmngaihna’, a principle emphasizing selflessness and altruism, which has been instrumental in fostering community participation and commitment to education.

Mizoram’s journey toward full literacy builds upon a solid foundation. As per the 2011 census, the state had a literacy rate of 91.33%, ranking third in the country. Significant strides have been made since then, particularly in improving literacy rates among women, which now stand at 97%, compared to 99% for men.

Targeted efforts were made in districts like Mamit and Lawngtlai, which previously lagged in literacy rates due to various socio-economic factors. These initiatives have been pivotal in elevating the state’s overall literacy status.

Mizoram’s definition of literacy extends beyond the basic ability to read and write. The state emphasizes functional literacy, encompassing comprehension, interpretation, and essential life skills such as digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy.

Programs like ‘Project Intodelh’ aim to instill an entrepreneurial mindset among students, integrating financial literacy and life skills training into the curriculum. This holistic approach ensures that citizens are equipped to navigate the complexities of modern society.

Recognizing the importance of technology in education, Mizoram has invested in digital infrastructure to enhance learning outcomes. Initiatives like the distribution of smart boards to schools in remote areas, such as Siaha and Lawngtlai districts, aim to bridge educational gaps and provide students with access to advanced learning tools.

Also Read: Duolingo CEO Envisions AI-Dominated Education

Furthermore, the state’s high digital literacy rates, with 99.4% of children aged 14-16 having access to smartphones at home, facilitate digital learning and access to educational resources outside of school.

Mizoram’s achievement serves as a testament to the power of community-driven education and dedicated government collaboration. By redefining literacy to include critical life skills and embracing technological advancements, the state sets a precedent for other regions to follow.

GUVI and the Tamil Nadu Government organise a Hackathon to empower students

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May 21, 2025

GUVI, a prominent EdTech company nurtured at IIT-Madras and IIM-Ahmedabad, joined hands with the Government of Tamil Nadu to host the Naan Mudhalvan Hackathon 2025. The initiative sought to empower more than 2,500 students from across the state, with the goal of nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to solve real-world challenges through technology.

The competition unfolded in three structured phases. The first round was a 60-minute online multiple-choice test, which drew participation from 2,885 students. Out of these, the top 564 performers moved on to the second level.

In the second round, participants faced a more rigorous 60-minute assessment focused on advanced technical knowledge. This stage served as a filter to select the top 153 students who would compete in the final phase.

The concluding round was an offline hackathon conducted in three major cities. The 153 finalists worked in teams to develop innovative, practical solutions to pressing real-life problems. At the end of the challenge, 33 participants emerged as top performers and were officially recognized for their outstanding contributions.

To ensure students were well-prepared, GUVI delivered 45 hours of structured training through 12 interactive sessions led by industry experts. This curriculum was designed to sharpen participants’ technical capabilities, encourage out-of-the-box thinking, and better align their skills with the evolving needs of the tech industry.

This hackathon marks a continuation of GUVI’s partnership with the state’s Naan Mudhalvan initiative. It builds on the earlier success of another programme that provided training to over 82,500 students. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to nurturing a digitally proficient and innovation-driven youth workforce throughout Tamil Nadu.

Arun Prakash, CEO and Founder of GUVI, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “At GUVI, we believe learning should be accessible, hands-on, and relevant to the times we live in. Through this partnership, we were able to train and inspire thousands of young minds to move beyond passive learning and start building real-world solutions. We are grateful to the Government of Tamil Nadu for entrusting us with this mission. Together, we are building a pipeline of tech talent that’s ready to lead and not just follow in the digital economy.”

Dr. M. Jayaprakasan, CEO of the Naan Mudhalvan Initiative, also promoted the collaboration effort by stating, “The Naan Mudhalvan scheme is designed to equip students with globally competitive skills. Our collaboration with GUVI ensures students don’t just learn theory—they apply it in real time. This is the essence of our Honourable Chief Minister’s vision, where youth are not just job-ready, but future-ready.”

Also Read: Delhi schools to launch new pre-vocational programme for grades 6, 7 and 8

The Naan Mudhalvan Hackathon 2025 stands as a testament to the effective collaboration between educational institutions and government initiatives. By providing structured training and real-world problem-solving experiences, the program has significantly contributed to developing a skilled workforce poised to meet the challenges of the evolving technological landscape.

Shaping the Future of Education – Elets FutureEd Summit 2025

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digitalLEARNING Network

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May 21, 2025

The education landscape is evolving at a rapid rate. While the education budget has been increasing at a consistent rate of 14% since 2020, the edtech market is experiencing growth at a much faster rate of 25.8% CAGR. These major values are due to the rapid implementation of AI and other digital technologies across classrooms and educational institutions in India. With the education market in India estimated to reach over $225 billion, the future seems both bright and uncertain. To address these exciting developments and challenges, experts and professionals from across the education sector will gather under one roof at the Elets FutureEd Summit 2025.

This one-day summit will contain high-impact sessions, solution-driven exhibitions, and networking opportunities that connect the dots between policy, technology, pedagogy, and institutional leadership. With hundreds of attendees, several knowledge sessions, and numerous tech demos, few events in India offer such a valuable opportunity to expand both your knowledge and professional network.

Hyderabad offers a Glimpse into the Digital Future

Hyderabad, Telangana, is quickly turning into a hub of AI and technological development. The state’s government has made several moves and policy changes that have increased the prevalence of AI in many different sectors, including education.

One of its most ambitious projects is the development of a 200-acre “AI City” on the outskirts of Hyderabad. This initiative aims to host research and development facilities, innovation hubs, startups, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).

The Government of Telangana has also signed 26 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading organisations such as Microsoft, Nvidia, AWS, and Meta. These partnerships focus on computing infrastructure, centres of excellence, skilling, startup innovation, generative AI, and data annotation.

Adding on to this, six universities from the state are featured in the global top 1000 of the SCImago Institutions Rankings 2022, with the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) making significant contributions. Notably, 35% of India’s computer vision publications and 73% of robotics publications originate from faculty in Telangana.

Taking into consideration all of the above, it only makes sense that Elets FutureEd Summit, an event focused on discussing the future of education, would be hosted in a state that’s at the forefront of integrating digital technologies in education spaces. The ambitious nature of Hyderabad’s development will ensure that the summit is filled with forward-thinking professionals.

A Platform For All: Public And Private, Start-Ups and Giants

The summit is not only focused on the future of education but also on how technology can be effectively integrated into educational settings with support from industry leaders.

It will feature the presence of several distinguished figures from academia and the education sector, including A. Sridevasena, IAS, Commissioner of the Department of College Education & Technical Education, who will join the event as the Programme Chair, along with numerous other influential professionals and thought leaders.

Also Read: Dubai Hosts the 32nd Elets World Education Summit 2025: A Premier Platform for Global Education Innovation

Their participation will ensure that the discussions offer insights from both public and private sector perspectives. The summit serves as a unique platform where established education giants and emerging startups can come together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and drive meaningful change – face to face.

Be a part of the Future at the Elets FutureEd Summit

Education is changing – and so are the expectations of learners, educators, and society. The Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 is your opportunity to be at the heart of this transformation.

Join national and global stakeholders in Hyderabad on June 17th, 2025, and let your ideas and efforts contribute to shaping the future of education and edtech in India.

For more information : https://events.eletsonline.com/futureed/

Duolingo CEO Envisions AI-Dominated Education

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May 20, 2025

Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn recently shared a bold prediction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will soon take over most educational tasks, transforming traditional schools into primarily childcare facilities. In a recent episode of the No Priors podcast, he talked about how AI will soon be dominating the education space.

Von Ahn emphasized AI’s adaptability, stating, “Education is going to change. It’s just a lot more scalable to teach with AI than with teachers.” He highlighted AI’s ability to provide personalized learning experiences by tracking individual student performance in real-time and adjusting lesson plans accordingly. This contrasts with traditional classrooms, where a single teacher may struggle to cater to the diverse needs of 30 or more students.

Despite AI’s growing role, von Ahn clarified that schools and teachers would not become obsolete. He envisions schools transitioning into environments focused on supervision and mentorship, ensuring children’s safety and well-being while AI delivers the instructional content. “That doesn’t mean the teachers are going to go away. You still need people to take care of the students. I also don’t think schools are going to go away because you still need childcare,” he noted, underscoring the continued importance of human presence in educational settings.

Duolingo, originally known for its language learning app, has already begun implementing AI across its platform. In 2023, the company launched “Duolingo Max”, a premium tier powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, offering interactive explanations and conversation practice. It has been at the forefront of integrating AI into education. The company recently adopted an “AI-first” approach, replacing certain contractor roles with AI-driven solutions. This shift has enabled the rapid development of new AI-generated courses, expanding Duolingo’s offerings beyond language learning to subjects like math, music, and chess.

Von Ahn’s predictions highlight the transformative potential of AI in education, particularly in providing scalable and personalized learning solutions. However, he acknowledges that systemic changes in education are often slow due to regulatory, cultural, and infrastructural factors. The envisioned shift raises important questions about the future roles of educators, the structure of schooling, and the ethical considerations of AI-driven instruction.

Also Read: Robotics Education for Class 10 Students mandated by Kerala

As AI continues to evolve, its integration into education presents both opportunities and challenges. The idea of AI replacing much of traditional education is no longer science fiction. With the rapid pace of AI development and its growing presence in schools and learning platforms, educators, policymakers, and parents will need to grapple with fundamental questions, such as what does it mean to be a teacher in the age of AI, or how can educators ensure equal access to AI learning?

Robotics Education for Class 10 Students mandated by Kerala

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May 20, 2025

Starting from the upcoming academic year on June 2, 2025, Kerala will become the first state to mandate robotics education for its class 10 students. This initiative aims to equip approximately 4.3 lakh students with practical skills in robotics, aligning with the state’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into school curricula.

The new curriculum introduces a dedicated chapter titled “The World of Robots” in the Class 10 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) textbook. This chapter offers hands-on activities, including circuit construction, sensor and actuator usage, and controlling electronic devices through computer programming. The practical approach is designed to foster problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of robotics technology among students.

The Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) has distributed almost 30,000 robotic kits to high schools across the state, with each kit including robotics parts. These robotic parts include things such as Arduino breadboards, IR sensors, servo motors, and jumper wires. Students will engage in projects like building automatic hand sanitizer dispensers that activate upon detecting a hand and creating AI-powered smart doors that use facial recognition technology to identify individuals and respond accordingly, a simple yet powerful introduction to AI integration. These projects will be built using Pictoblox, a graphical programming environment tailored for young learners to explore coding and electronics in an accessible way.

KITE has already conducted initial training sessions for 9,924 teachers to ensure effective delivery of the new curriculum, with more robotics training for teachers scheduled for July. Additionally, the ICT textbook is being made available in Malayalam, English, Tamil, and Kannada to ensure inclusivity across linguistic groups in the state.

Kerala has already experienced success in introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) education in class 7, and now with this initiative, expands those efforts to classes 8, 9, and 10. By integrating robotics education at the secondary school level, Kerala aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future, fostering innovation and practical problem-solving abilities from an early age.

Also Read: Telangana launches ‘Acharya Jayashankar Badi Bata’ to bring back dropouts

Kerala’s strategic move positions the state at the forefront of educational innovation in India, setting a precedent for other states to follow in integrating advanced technology into school education. The state’s decision underscores a larger national and global trend — the growing importance of equipping the next generation with skills in coding, automation, and technological innovation. As the first Indian state to make robotics education compulsory at the school level, Kerala is not just innovating — it’s inspiring.

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