Fostering Future Global Citizens: Empowering Through Education

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September 14, 2023

If you thought the digital age made the classroom look like the set of a sci-fi film, think again! Sure, our tablets may store more facts than our brains ever could, pushing the motto from “learn what” to “learn how”. But beyond this tech-driven metamorphosis, there lies a deeper transition: crafting the global citizen for a world that’s both interconnected and, paradoxically, divided.

While most schools are still grappling with integrating the “Shift + Ctrl” of tech into the classroom, there is a push for a holistic transformation – an “Alt + Enter”. With innovative programs like LEAPED and the Citizenship Program, the focus is on creating individuals who will reshape the world.

These programs don’t just cherry-pick from trendy pedagogical jargon. They’re rooted in the profound philosophies of the UN’s sustainable development goals and the duties enshrined in the Indian constitution. The aim? To mold youngsters who don’t merely inhabit the world but enrich it. To craft individuals who see beyond borders, whether of countries or minds.

Here are some of the fun twists offered in this schooling saga:

1. Rights vs. Duties: In an age where #Rights are trending, the spotlight is placed on #Duties. It’s about instilling that timeless value – ‘with great power (or rights), comes great responsibility.’
2. Beyond IQ: The 21st Century Skill Set: It’s not just about acing exams but mastering social awareness and collaboration. Because let’s face it, no app can teach us to empathize or truly connect.
3. Governance Isn’t Just a Chapter: By understanding the government’s role, students realise that being an informed critic is more impactful than being a cynical keyboard warrior.
4. Embracing Diversity: In a world playing the dangerous game of ‘Us vs. Them’, teaching open-mindedness isn’t an elective – it’s essential. Students learn to value differences, not fear them.
5. Captain Planet, Take a Break! With young eco-warriors on the rise, the significance of protecting our blue-green home is emphasised. After all, there’s no ‘Planet B’.

The transformation taking place in classrooms is not solely focused on preparing students for their future careers. It extends to preparing them for life in the global village, where diversity and interconnectedness are the norm. The goal is to shape minds that go beyond being passive consumers of information to becoming judicious users of knowledge. These minds are capable of discerning, differentiating, and taking actions that benefit not only themselves but the entire world.

In conclusion, if education’s purpose is to prepare our children for the real world, then the focus on creating individuals who understand that in the age of information, wisdom lies not just in knowing, but in acting with awareness and responsibility. In a world where Google has answers, the emphasis is on ensuring students ask the right questions. And for that, they deserve an A+.

Views expressed by Rohan Parikh, Chairperson, The Green Acres Academy

Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education in association with EDCIL organises Study In India (SII) workshop at AICTE

Higher Education

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September 13, 2023

A Study In India (SII) workshop was held today at the AICTE auditorium in New Delhi by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education and EDCIL. The goal of the training was to educate all participants, including those from different Ministries and Departments, FRROs, Indian Missions Abroad, and Compliance Officers of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), about how the SII portal operates and their individual responsibilities for maintaining it.

In accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of reviving India as a global center of education, Study in India is a flagship initiative by the Government of India. The portal serves as a single point of contact for registration and visa approvals, streamlining the entire process and allowing students to select the courses they want to do, get offer letters from the institutes, and successfully pursue their academic goals in India.

“SII programme was launched to bring cohesive and coordinated actions for easing the process of regulatory actions for any student willing to study in India with the collaboration of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. He further added that in this Amrit Kaal period, we aim to host at least 10 million students from worldwide and our institutions need to set firm targets to ensure its fulfillment” K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Dept. Of Higher Education said speaking at the event.

Abhay Karandikar, Director, IIT Kanpur, commended the efforts and the leadership of the Ministries involved, and expressed, “This distinctive initiative will successfully achieve the objectives of internationalisation of higher education and fulfill aspirations of students and learners.”

Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman NETF while addressing the gathering said that the students will become the global ambassadors of Bharat and will project the country as preferred destination for Research in Higher education.

1.5 million higher education teachers to be trained under UGC’s MMTT program

Higher Education

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September 12, 2023

As per National Education Policy 2020, UGC launches Malaviya Mission-Teacher Training (MMTT) program for the comprehensive development of 1.5 million higher education teachers with an aim to instill ethics and human values.

As per UGC officials, “The primary objective is to enhance the quality of education at all levels by promoting excellence in teaching and teachers.”

M Jagadesh, Chairman, UGC highlighted the program’s strong emphasis on the ongoing professional growth of faculty, adopting a forward-thinking perspective encompassing multiple themes. Furthermore, the program underscores the pivotal role of faculty members in enhancing institutional development, a critical element in elevating the standards of higher education.

UGC’s Malaviya Mission-Teacher Training (MMTT) Program has designated 111 institutions across India as MMTT centers. Teachers under this program will receive proper training and some programs are conducted in-person. While others will be conducted in online sessions – the goal is to complete the training of 1.5 million educators within the next two to three years.

Holistic education, Indian knowledge systems, academic leadership, governance, research, skill development, inclusivity, technology integration, learning outcomes identification, and assessment will be the themes of the program.

IIT Delhi’s campus in Abu Dhabi to provide world-class education opportunities

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September 11, 2023

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is expected to open its first international campus in Abu Dhabi in January 2024, as per Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.

“This major move will enhance the UAE-Indian relationship and joint cooperation, especially in the field of higher education. The IIT Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi will reflect the shared vision of two countries focussing on educational excellence, knowledge exchange and innovation”, Banerjee added further.

This move is set to provide Emirati and Indian students in Abu Dhabi, as well as those from the region, access to world-class education opportunities, fostering cross-cultural connections and academic excellence.

IIT Delhi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to UAE in June regarding the opening up of the international campus of IIT in Abu Dhabi.

As per recent developments, IIT Delhi is going to handle everything related to academics at its new campus in Abu Dhabi which includes curriculum, labs and research facilities. Also, infrastructure planning, digital infrastructure, and other relevant entities will come under the responsibility of IIT Delhi.

As the campus will launch in January next year, there are plans that have been revealed related to the courses it will offer. IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi is envisioned as a research-centric campus, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

These programmes will encompass various fields, including energy and sustainability, artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, healthcare, mathematics, computing, and more.

Higher Education Market to record a robust valuation of USD 860.11 billion by 2030

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September 11, 2023

The global Higher Education Market was valued at USD 506.54 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to garner USD 860.11 billion in revenue by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.03% from 2023 to 2030, according to a recent report published by Kings Research. Major drivers impelling this growth are the rising adoption of higher education tools and services, along with the increasing number of students enrolling in postsecondary institutions. Numerous opportunities for higher education vendors are anticipated to arise as a result of rising international student mobility, prominent government initiatives, and rising funding in the education sector.

The higher education industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, attracting a wide range of participants including private and public institutions, educational organisations, as well as government bodies, and ministries of education. The usage of education technology, which enables better communication between students and educators, is increasing as a result of a greater emphasis on technology adoption in the education sector. Higher education institutions are competing to attract international students and faculty members while seeking collaborations with foreign universities and commercial partners for research resources and financing opportunities, which ultimately support market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Leading market participants are employing a range of business growth strategies, including partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to increase their market share. These strategies are aimed at expanding their product portfolios and enhancing their market shares across various regions through investments in R&D activities, the establishment of new manufacturing facilities, and the optimisation of supply chains.

The key market participants involved in the global higher education market include Brain4ce Education Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Coursera Inc., Harvard University, University Learning Solutions GmbH, Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT), University of Oxford, and Simplilearn Solutions.

Acceleration Due to Increasing Number of Undergraduate Students

The undergraduate segment dominated the global higher education market in 2022 and is estimated to retain its market position through the forecast period, registering a robust CAGR of 7.87% over 2023-2030.

The growth of the segment is associated with the range of academic years between high school and obtaining a master’s degree. By 2030, it is expected that there will be close to 300 million undergraduate students. Between the years 2023 and 2030, the number of people opting for Ph.D. degrees is expected to steadily increase.

Convenience of Offline Education to Boost the Growth

The offline segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is foreseen to continue leading the market with a speculated CAGR of 6.78% through the projected period. Traditional educational methods and student choices are key factors contributing to the market’s growth. However, the online education segment is set to experience the fastest growth rate through the review timeline due to increased internet penetration, technological advancements, and evolving trends in online education. The ability to download and record modules is one of the key features of online education that enables students to revisit their studies at any time. North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America are the major regions to witness the growth.

APAC to Lead the Global Higher Education Market

Asia Pacific is projected to lead the global higher education market, expanding with a CAGR of 8.17% through the forecast timeframe. Growing public awareness of the value of higher education, particularly in developing nations, is a key factor propelling regional market growth. Government policies that support citizens’ intellectual, economic, and social development are the driving forces fueling the growth of the regional market. China holds the largest revenue share in the Asia-Pacific region, mainly due to its large population. Moreover, India is projected to experience significant growth at over 8% CAGR between 2023 and 2030.

US President Biden and PM Modi welcome the increasing academic partnership between India and American HEIs

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September 9, 2023

In the bilateral talks held, US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the increasing academic partnerships between Indian and American higher education institutions. Also, the establishment of a Global Challenges Institute to advance research on sustainable energy, agriculture, health, and pandemic preparedness was also discussed in the bilateral talks.

The joint statement released mostly restated the promises made on education during Modi’s visit to the United States in June.

“The leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between Indian universities, represented by the Council of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT Council), and the Association of American Universities (AAU) to establish the India-U.S. Global Challenges Institute, with a combined initial commitment of at least US$10 million”, reads the statement.

Leading research and higher education institutions from India and the United States, including those that are not members of the AAU or IIT Council, are anticipated to join forces to form the Global Challenges Institute. The institute will work to advance research in several areas, including advanced materials, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, quantum science, sustainable energy and agriculture, health and pandemic preparedness, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Earlier this year, the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, welcomed its establishment of the institute in June, saying that “the formal partnership, with its complementary expertise and incorporation of industry collaboration and startup enablers, will facilitate free flow of ideas, student exchange, and joint IPRs.”

“The leaders also welcomed the growing number of multi-institutional collaborative education partnerships, such as those between New York University-Tandon and IIT Kanpur Advanced Research Centre, and the Joint Research Centres of State University of New York at Buffalo and IIT Delhi, Kanpur, Jodhpur, and BHU, in the areas of critical and emerging technologies,” the joint further reads.

2020 saw the commencement of a combined Ph.D. programme in computer science and electrical engineering between the Tandon School of Engineering at NYU and IIT Kanpur, with half of the programme likely to take place at either university. The State University of New York at Buffalo and IIT Delhi jointly hosted a conclave in May of last year with “the goal of establishing a multi-Institutional centre for Education, Training, and Research in Nanomaterials, Biotechnologies, AI and Machine Learning, and Photonics and their interfaces.” Several institutions, including Ashoka University, IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Jodhpur, and IIT BHU, participated in the conclave.

UNESCO published its first guidance on use of GenAI in education

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September 8, 2023

In its first guidance on the use of Generative AI (GenAI) in education, published by UNESCO, the organisation urged governmental organisations to control the technology’s use, including the preservation of user privacy and the imposition of an age restriction. The GenAI chatbot ChatGPT, which Microsoft-backed OpenAI released in November, has become the fastest-growing app in the world to date. Its popularity sparked the introduction of competitors, such as Google’s Bard.

GenAI is go to tool for all students as it can create anything from essays to mathematical calculations by giving a simple prompt.

“We are struggling to align the speed of transformation of the education system to the speed of the change in technological progress and advancement in these machine learning models,” said Stefania Giannini, assistant director-general for education.

“In many cases, governments and schools are embracing a radically unfamiliar technology that even leading technologists do not claim to understand,” she added further.

Among a series of guidelines in a 64-page report, UNESCO stressed on the need for government-sanctioned AI curricula for school education, in technical and vocational education and training.

As per UNESCO, “Providers of GenAI should be held accountable for supporting moral principles and legitimate goals, protecting intellectual property, upholding ethical standards, and preventing the spread of misinformation and hate speech.”

The European Union’s AI Act is anticipated to be enacted later this year, but China has developed regulations on GenAI. In terms of developing their own AI laws, other nations lag far behind. As it applied GenAI, the Paris-based organization also aimed to safeguard the legal rights of educators and researchers as well as the importance of their work.

Additionally, it called for prevention of GenAI in situations where it would deny students the chance to develop their cognitive and social skills through observations of the outside world, empirical procedures like experiments, conversations with other people, and self-sufficient logical reasoning.

Indian students seek higher education in diverse global destinations

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September 7, 2023

A recent report by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has highlighted that a significant number of Indian students has chosen to pursue higher education abroad between 2017 and 2022, with their count reaching an impressive 1.3 million. This data underscores a noteworthy trend in the aspirations of Indian youth, as they increasingly seek educational opportunities beyond their home country. The MEA report further indicates that these students have been drawn to academic institutions in 79 different countries worldwide, reaffirming India’s global presence in the field of international education.

Among the plethora of destination choices available to Indian students, five countries have emerged as the most favored for pursuing higher education. These destinations are the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

United States: The allure of the United States as a premier destination for Indian students continues unabated. Factors contributing to this preference include the country’s renowned universities, a wide array of academic programs, and attractive prospects for research, internships, and employment opportunities.

Canada: Canada, the neighbor of the United States, has also garnered substantial interest from Indian students. A significant attraction is the Express Entry scheme, which incentivizes studying in Canada by awarding bonus points. Additionally, several Canadian provinces offer pathways to permanent residency for eligible international graduates. Canada’s affordability as a study abroad option, combined with globally recognized degrees, enhances its appeal further.

United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE stands out as an appealing destination due to its status as a thriving business hub, excellent connectivity, a strong focus on safety, and a diverse and cosmopolitan environment. Notably, flexible labor regulations in the UAE make it conducive for students to balance work and study. Furthermore, the country offers a high standard of living along with a diverse range of educational options.

Australia: Australia continues to attract international students, including a substantial number from India. This appeal stems from its world-class education system, top-ranking universities, vibrant cultural scene, and promising career prospects following graduation. The Australian government actively woos international students through scholarships, financial aid, and more lenient visa rules. Stringent regulations also safeguard the rights of international students, while the prospect of post-graduation employment adds to its allure.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia, with its public universities offering fully funded scholarships, substantial research grants, impressive global rankings, low student-to-teacher ratios, and well-equipped libraries, has carved a niche as an attractive destination for overseas students. To facilitate their transition, the Deanship of Admission and Registration in Saudi Arabia provides comprehensive support to international students, assisting with paperwork and addressing essential needs such as housing and transportation.

This trend of Indian students flocking to diverse international destinations for higher education not only reflects the global recognition of India’s intellectual capital but also underscores the evolving aspirations of its youth in a rapidly changing world.

Apeejay Stya Group Dedicates Special Block to Promote Nation-Building Through Education

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September 5, 2023

To promote value-based holistic education, ‘Apeejay Stya Block’ was inaugurated at the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Institute of Values (VIVA) in Gurugram. This special block, dedicated to the memory of the Late Dr. Stya Paul, an eminent educationist, industrialist, philanthropist, freedom fighter, and the driving force behind all Apeejay Stya Institutions, was inaugurated Sushma Paul Berlia, Chairperson of Apeejay Stya Group and Apeejay Education.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent dignitaries and members of the Apeejay Stya Institutions, celebrated the legacy of Dr. Stya Paul and his commitment to man-making and nation-building.Speaking on the occasion, Berlia emphasised the longstanding association between Apeejay Education and the Ramakrishna Mission, rooted in the shared commitment to value-based education. She expressed her belief that this partnership would continue to work closely in furthering the cause of values in education and education for values.

Swami Shantatmanandaji, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission and Head of Vivekananda Gurugram, expressed his gratitude for the support extended by the Apeejay Stya and Svran Group. “The Ramakrishna Mission, founded 125 years ago by Swami Vivekananda, always believed that the highest levels of spiritual attainment must come through service to humanity. Apeejay Education has been effectively imparting the Value Education programs and projects of the Ramakrishna Mission for several years,” he said.

Apeejay Education boasts a rich heritage spanning over five decades, with a family of 26 educational institutions and Apeejay Stya University at its core. Their vision is to usher in value-based holistic education that leads to man-making and nation-building.

President Murmu to present the National Teachers’ Award to 75 Teachers at Vigyan Bhawan

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September 5, 2023

President Droupadi Murmu will present the National Teachers’ Award 2023 to the 75 selected honorees today at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Education, had formed three distinct independent national juries of distinguished people to pick the instructors.

Each awardee will receive a certificate of excellence, a 50,000 cash prize, a silver medal, and the opportunity to meet the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This year, 50 school teachers, 13 college instructors, and 12 teachers from the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will be honoured, according to the Ministry of Education.

“The purpose of the National Teachers’ Award is to celebrate the unique contribution of teachers in the country and to honor those teachers who, through their commitment and dedication, have not only improved the quality of education but also enriched the lives of their students,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Every year, the Ministry of Education’s Department of School and Literacy organises Teachers’ Day festivities to present national prizes to the top teachers in the country. According to the government, these teachers are chosen through a “rigorous and transparent selection process.”

According to the statement, the award has been extended to professors from the Ministries of Higher Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

“With a view to recognize innovative teaching, research, community outreach, and novelty of work the nominations were sought in online mode to maximize participation (Jan Bhagidari),” the Education ministry added.

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