Hyderabad, December 04, 2024:Synchrony, a consumer financial services company and the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the U.S successfully organised its annual Thanksgiving Town Hall in Hyderabad on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the Novotel HICC. The event brought together over 3,100 employees for a day of celebration, engagement, and connection.
The Town Hall featured a variety of exciting activities, including impactful leadership messages, a performance by the well-known celebrity singer Shilpa Rao, an energetic set by DJ Daman Sardar, and a captivating music and dance performance by Synchrony’s in-house talent.
Synchrony’s Central Regional Engagement Hub Leader, Raj Kola says, “At Synchrony, our strength lies in our people and the connections we create. Our annual Thanksgiving Town Hall is a tradition we value, and an opportunity to thank every employee for their continuous commitment and passion. Events like these inspire us to continue driving innovation and excellence, together.”
The Thanksgiving Town Hall was a lively celebration of Synchrony’s ongoing dedication to creating a vibrant and engaging work environment aligned with our theme for this year 2gether Unstoppable.
4th December 2024: Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury, Founder and Managing Director of Techno India Group, and Chancellor of Sister Nivedita University has been conferred with the prestigious title of Honorary Academician of 2024 by the renowned Albertina Academy of Fine Arts of Turin, Italy. The event, held in Kolkata today, marks a proud moment as Mr. Roychowdhury is the first Indian to receive this prestigious European honour, awarded by one of Italy’s premier state institutions under the Ministry of University and Research (MIUR).
Chief Guest H.E. Riccardo Dalla Costa, Hon’ble Consul General of Italy in Kolkata, visiting dignitaries from the Albertina Academy and other distinguished guests were present to honour Mr. Roychowdhury’s significant contributions to the cause of education and patronisation of the Arts for 40 years.
Congratulating the Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University said, “This is a moment of immense pride not only for Sister Nivedita University but the entire nation. Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury’s recognition as the Honorary Academician of 2024 by the esteemed Albertina Academy of Fine Arts is a testament to his visionary leadership and unparalleled contributions to education and the society. His achievement inspires us all to strive for excellence and reinforces India’s growing presence on the global academic arena.”
Accepting the award, Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury, Founder and Managing Director of Techno India Group and Chancellor of Sister Nivedita University said, “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from this historic institution. This honour is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and encouraging global connections. I dedicate this honour to the entire community of our institution for their unwavering support and inspiration. This honour reinforces my belief in the limitless potential of Indian academia and the reservoir of our Arts on the world stage.”
Chandigarh 4th December 2024: In a landmark development, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has officially recognized the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) as an Awarding Body (Dual). The agreement, aimed at strengthening the vocational education and training landscape in the space sector, was signed in the presence of Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and Chairperson, NCVET.
NCVET, serving as the national regulator for vocational education and training, plays a vital role in setting standards, developing regulations, and improving the quality and outcomes of skilling initiatives across the country. NCVET is responsible for the recognition and regulation of awarding bodies and assessment agencies that are instrumental in developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry demands.
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) operates as an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DOS), dedicated to promoting and enabling various space activities, including the development of launch vehicles and satellites, and space-based services. IN-SPACe’s recognition as an awarding body will help standardize and accredit its specialized training programs, aligning them with national and global frameworks, and facilitating greater integration with key national initiatives like Skill India Mission.
This collaboration will enable IN-SPACe to deliver cutting-edge training in areas such as Satellite Manufacturing, Space Technology in Agriculture, Mission Design for Launch Vehicles, Orbital Mechanics, and Advances in Space Propulsion Systems. NCVET has already approved the following six National Occupational Standards (NoS) submitted by IN-SPACe:
Essentials of Space Technology in Agriculture Sector
Fundamentals of Orbital Mechanics, Attitude Dynamics, and Space-Based Navigation
Foundations of Mission Design and Avionics Development for Launch Vehicles
Essentials of Satellite Manufacturing
Essentials of Space Data Products and Services
Introduction to Advances in Propulsion Systems for Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Landing Missions
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and Chairperson, NCVET, emphasized the growing need for a skilled workforce in India’s space sector. “As India continues to expand its space exploration capabilities and integrate emerging technologies, it is crucial to cultivate a highly skilled talent pool. With the increasing participation of the private sector in space ventures, it is more important than ever to ensure that our workforce meets international standards, driving innovation and maintaining global competitiveness,” he said.
Further supporting this vision, Shri Tiwari also highlighted the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Under this MoU, the ISRO Technical Training Program was launched at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Trivandrum. The program aims to upskill over 4,000 technical employees from the Department of Space (ISRO).
Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director of the Promotion Directorate at IN-SPACe, represented the organization during the signing of the agreement. He expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “This recognition marks a significant milestone in our efforts to build a skilled workforce for India’s growing space sector. By aligning our training programs with the demands of the space industry, we aim to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and hands-on expertise to support the nation’s ambitious space endeavors and compete globally.”
This collaboration between NCVET and IN-SPACe is a critical step toward advancing India’s space sector, ensuring that the nation’s workforce is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
Mandi, India, December 03rd, 2024; IIT Mandi, one of the top second-generation IITs, recently hosted its highly anticipated Open House Demonstration, featuring cutting-edge projects developed by second-year B.Tech students as part of the institute’s Design Practicum course, on various themes of Health Tech, Future Tech, Sustainability and advanced robotics. The institute supports each group with ₹30,000 to develop their prototypes, fostering innovation and hands-on learning. Through the Open House Demonstration, IIT Mandi aims to nurture entrepreneurial aspirations, awarding the top three projects a development grant of ₹2.5 lakh each through IIT Mandi Catalyst, the institute’s flagship incubator. This grant will assist the students in refining their prototypes, exploring commercialization opportunities, and contributing to India’s growing startup ecosystem.
Among the 42 innovative prototypes showcased at the Open House Demonstration, several projects stood out for their creativity and potential impact. One of the top three projects, the Flood Monitoring System,a camera based on a full-image system, is designed to provide real-time data and insights on critical factors such as water levels, velocity, and rainfall, offering a promising tool for damage control during floods. Other notable prototypes included Bone Crack Detection Using Microwaves, a safer alternative to X-rays; Solar Panel Cleaning Robots for maintaining optimal solar performance; Climate-Controlled Agriculture with Hydroponic System for sustainable farming; Metal Air Battery, an advanced energy storage solution; and Robots for Railway Track Inspection, aimed at enhancing railway maintenance. These projects reflect IIT Mandi’s commitment to fostering innovation and addressing real-world challenges.
Dr. Satvasheel Powar, Director of Incubation (IIT Mandi Catalyst – Technology Business Incubator), said, “At IIT Mandi, we aim to cultivate a culture of innovation and problem-solving. Initially, we started with a focus on science and engineering, however, we also train our students in entrepreneurship through our Design Practicum and Technology Business Incubator. This approach emphasizes the development of future-ready creators who can harness their projects to address critical societal issues. The research-based prototypes showcased today are the result of the ingenuity and determination of our students. We are proud to support these bright minds as they take their ideas from the lab to the real world.”
On the occasion, Retd AVM Pranay Sinha, VSM (Retd), Strategic Advisor – IIT Mandi along with three officers from the Indian Air Force; Dr. Bhoopendra Patel, Assistant Professor of Physiology at AIIMS, Bilaspur; Dr. Navdeep Ahuja, Assistant Professor of Physiology, AIIMS, Bilaspur; and Rajesh Subramani, Section Head -DGM-Proto Manufacturing, R&D- Hero MotoCorp Ltdalong with students and faculty members were present.
The event witnessed 42 unique projects on display, each addressing real-world challenges with creative and practical solutions. Approximately 500 students from nearby schools visited the Open House Demonstration, sparking their interest in technology development and entrepreneurship.The event concluded with a commitment to further innovation and entrepreneurship.
(L to R) Professor Richard Dashwood, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Richard Wells Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University and Group CEO
Coventry University Group has officially cut the ribbon on its new India Hub with a special launch event in New Delhi.
Senior leaders, including the university’s Vice-Chancellor and Group CEO, Professor John Latham CBE, met staff at the hub before joining UK and Indian government officials at an event hosted at the British Council to celebrate the opening.
The event was an opportunity to commemorate the long-standing positive relationship between the UK and India.
The hub, located at the prestigious HT House in Connaught Place, opposite British Council India, will also support Coventry University Group’s admissions, recruitment and partnerships portfolio in India and the region.
Around 70 people are employed in the hub and its aim is to develop new and existing relationships between the global education group and organisations in India and intensify research links between the country and the UK.
Professor Latham said: “Coventry University’s forward-thinking international approach brings fantastic benefits to our organisation and to those we work with across the globe. Our new India Hub is already playing a key part in enhancing our global presence and we hope it will lead to some exciting collaborations in the region.”
Leena Kukreja, Regional Managing Director of Coventry University Group’s India Hub, added: “This is a special day for Coventry University Group and it marks a deep, enduring commitment to building and expanding meaningful partnerships with India’s industry, academia, and government. By aligning its strategic initiatives with India’s national priorities, Coventry University will continue to drive measurable global impact for decades to come.”
The hub itself features a minimalist corporate design scheme, created by interior architecture and design students from Coventry University.
The new office space includes some traditional patterns reflective of Indian culture as well as some features and colours linked to Coventry University Group’s branding.
Coventry University already has a strong relationship with India, with thousands of students from the country studying at its campuses in Coventry and London.
It already works with a number of organisations in India such as KPIT and L&T Technology Services and maintains research links with the Indian Institute of Technology-Ropar, Vellore Institute of Technology, MOHAN Foundation and GITAM University.
Future potential collaborations facilitated by the India Hub are under discussion in areas such as the aviation and healthcare sectors.
Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director India, British Council, said: “I would like to congratulate Coventry University on the launch of its India Hub in Delhi. Developments like this help create an environment in which collaboration between our two countries can flourish and will allow universities, academics and students in UK and India engage internationally more effectively.”
Richard McCallum, Group Chief Executive Officer at UK India Business Council, said: “Congratulations to Coventry University on the launch of its India Hub … a path-breaking initiative. Universities play a pivotal and multifaceted role in society – they are risk takers; pioneers of ground-breaking research and critical builders of knowledge as capital ultimately, helping transform societies. As UK and India deepen ties, bilateral academic collaborations such as the India Hub will be central. I applaud the university and wish them every success with its ambitious goals in India and the UK India Business Council is pleased to continue to support their journey.”
The India Hub is the latest international hub opened by Coventry University Group, with others located in Brussels, Africa, China and Singapore.
Date: 2nd December 2024 Venue: XITE Gamharia Campus
XITE Gamharia (Autonomous) celebrated the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, its patron saint, on 2nd December 2024, with great fervor, devotion, and cultural splendor. The celebration, an annual tradition, honored the legacy of St. Francis Xavier, inspiring the XITE community to embody his values of faith, service, and compassion.
The event was meticulously planned and executed by Assistant Prof. Akinchan Xaxa with support from Assistant Professor Dr. Radha Mahali, under the guidance of the esteemed faculty and staff. The program was graced by the presence of Dr. (Fr.) E. A. Francis, SJ, Dr. (Fr.) Mukti Clarence, SJ and Br. Amal Raj, alongside all professors and students.
Program Highlights
1. Spiritual Ceremony: The event commenced with a ceremonial welcoming of the priests, setting a reverent tone for the day. The BA English 1st Year students led a heartfelt prayer service, followed by a serene prayer dance performed by the 1st Year students. These moments of devotion created a deeply reflective atmosphere for the audience.
2. Message by Dr. (Fr.) E. A. Francis, SJ: Dr. (Fr.) E. A. Francis, SJ, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing St. Francis Xavier’s values of humility, service, and faith. He encouraged students to emulate the saint by contributing positively to society, leaving a profound impact on everyone present.
3. Cultural Extravaganza: The cultural segment showcased the vibrant talents of XITE students:
Semi-Classical Dance: Aparna (BBA 1st Semester) captivated the audience with her elegant performance.
Bollywood Dance: Babli and her group energized the crowd with their synchronized and dynamic performance.
Solo Song: Sreshtha (BA Economics 1st Semester) delivered a mesmerizing solo that won hearts.
Nepali Dance: The 1st Year girls celebrated cultural diversity with a beautiful traditional dance.
Hostel Boys’ Performance: Their spirited and high-energy dance brought the event to a rousing close.
4. Vote of Thanks: The event concluded with a sincere Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the priests, students, faculty, and audience for their participation and support.
Pune, December 2nd, 2024 – Ryan International Academy, a leading CBSE-affiliated school located in Bavdhan, successfully hosted its Entrepreneurship Culmination Act, showcasing the innovative spirit and business perception of students from Grades VI to VIII. The event, held on November 23, 2024, demonstrated the school’s commitment to nurturing future entrepreneurs and developing critical business skills in young learners.
The prestigious event featured students presenting diverse and creative entrepreneurial projects, ranging from sustainable products like upcycled planters and coconut coir mobile covers to innovative food products such as healthy protein bars and unique flavored foxnuts. Students not only developed products but also crafted comprehensive marketing strategies and sales techniques.
Guest of Honour Mr. Rajeev Gang, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Meneki Global Private Limited, praised the creativity and dedication of the students. As a generous gesture, Mr. Gang offered internship opportunities for students of Grades VII to IX during April-May 2025, promising real-world entrepreneurial exposure and professional development.
The event’s highlight was the recognition of top-performing teams, who received medals and certificates for their outstanding ideas and persuasive pitches. Mr. Gang personally sponsored gift hampers for the winning teams, further encouraging the students’ entrepreneurial enthusiasm.
Aligned with Chairman Dr. A.F. Pinto’s visionary approach to education, the event embodied the school’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial thinking. Students demonstrated key skills including product development, financial literacy, team building, creative problem-solving, and effective communication.
Medals and certificates awarded to top-performing teams
Participation certificates recognizing all students’ efforts
Sponsored gift hampers for winning teams
Mrs. Ruchi Masih, Principal of Ryan International Academy, Bavdhan emphasized the significance of the program: “This Entrepreneurship Culmination Act brilliantly illustrates our student’s potential to transform ideas into tangible projects. By providing such platforms, we are preparing confident, innovative leaders ready to make meaningful impacts.”
The Entrepreneurship Culmination Act not only celebrated student innovation but also reinforced Ryan International Academy’s commitment to developing confident, innovative leaders prepared to seize real-world opportunities with passion and creativity. The event concluded with a sense of inspiration and possibility, with students and parents alike impressed by the young entrepreneurs’ potential and vision.
The Academy School (TAS), Pune hosted TASfinity, an initiative to demonstrate student empowerment, creativity, and teamwork. The event was entirely student-led and conducted for students in Grades 6 to 10. It included food, fun, and games, wherein students organized food stalls, managed sports activities and crafted decorations at the campus. The initiative aimed to encourage students to apply their theoretical education in a real-world setting.
Students from Grades 6 to 10 were divided into two groups: Group A took charge of sports activities. At the same time, Group B organized food stalls that engaged in fireless and electrical cooking under the teachers’ guidance and created innovative dishes.
The event also saw a variety of games and competitions, and students from Grades 4 to 10 joined in. Along with fun, TASfinity also served as a valuable learning opportunity for students. “They not only designed the stalls and games but also managed the event logistics. The whole point was for them to apply skills from subjects like Maths (budgeting and finance), Science (food safety and electricity), Art (stall decoration), and English (promotional communication) in a real-world setting. They also learned how to collaborate with their peers and market their creativity and ideas independently. This helps students improve their articulation,” said Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune
The unique part about the event was that from concept to execution, the event was powered by the students. “The event was designed to develop essential life skills such as teamwork, planning, decision-making, responsibility, and financial management. Students were responsible for budgeting, managing the event, promoting their stalls, and ensuring smooth execution—providing them with hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom,” Tambe added.
December 02, 2024: Amity University Haryana’s Academic Staff College hosted an Expert Talk on “The Need for Inspiration and Innovation for a Great Future” on 29th November 2024. The session, featuring renowned space scientist Dr. Kumar Krishen, captivated over 500 students and faculty members, offering a thought-provoking exploration of how innovation and inspiration can drive the world toward a brighter tomorrow.
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. P.B. Sharma, in his address, expressed his admiration for the distinguished space scientist, Dr. Kumar Krishen, acknowledging his humility and wisdom. Prof. Sharma, who was delighted to welcome Dr. Krishen, thanked him for taking the time to inspire the young generation. Prof Sharma emphasized the significance of the current era, which presents enormous challenges, and the importance of preparing India for a prosperous future, as envisioned in the Viksith Bharat 2047 initiative.
Prof. Sharma stressed that India must emerge as one of the most powerful, vibrant, and advanced countries in the world. Prof Sharma highlighted the necessity of preparing for future challenges, drawing on the expertise of Dr. Krishen and his team at NASA, who demonstrated how to overcome obstacles through innovation and dedication. Sharing a personal experience, Prof. Sharma recalled joining NASA after completing his engineering, during which Dr. Krishen’s team played a pivotal role in the Apollo 11 mission, landing the first man on the moon. He noted how this monumental achievement not only showcased human potential but also brought glory to scientists and technologists worldwide.
Prof. Sharma also celebrated India’s achievements in space exploration, such as the successful launch of the Vikram lander as part of Chandrayaan 3, which precisely executed the planned mission to the moon. Reflecting on the transformative power of innovation, he raised a crucial question: can technology create an advanced world or lead to disastrous outcomes? Prof Sharma emphasized the need to align technological advancements and scientific innovations in a way that addresses current global challenges while managing the existential risks they may pose to humanity.
Dr. Kumar Krishen, Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston and former NASA JSC Chief Technologist, delivered a captivating address on the power of innovation and exploration. He began by posing the question, “Why do we need technology?” sharing a personal reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic about the ongoing need for solutions to global challenges. Drawing inspiration from Albert Einstein’s quote, “Towering genius disdains a beaten path,” Dr. Krishen urged the audience to seek new horizons and embrace unconventional paths to spark innovation. He also reflected on his childhood fascination with the moon, demonstrating how the unknown has always propelled human curiosity and advancement. Dr. Krishen delved into the significance of space exploration, its role in solving global issues like climate change and pollution, and the potential of AI and deep learning to predict disasters. Drawing inspiration from space pioneers like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, he urged students to harness their passion for innovation and be fearless in their pursuit of change.
Dr. Ravi Manuja, Registrar of Amity University Haryana, shared his insights on the importance of innovation and inspiration. He emphasized the transformative power of embracing change, citing advancements like instant banking transfers, and highlighted the critical role of inspiring others to unlock their potential. Dr. Manuja encouraged the audience to dedicate their heart and soul to their work for success and growth.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Sanjna Vij, Professor of Liberal Arts and Deputy Director of the Academic Staff College, said, “Inspiration helps us dream big, and innovation turns those dreams into reality.” She pointed out that in today’s fast-changing world, we face challenges like climate change, new technology, and a growing population. To solve these problems, we need new ideas and creative solutions. Innovation is crucial, and to stay motivated, we need inspiration. It helps us think differently and find the best ways to tackle these issues and create a better future.
This thought-provoking session underscored the vital role of inspiration and innovation in shaping the future, motivating the audience to embrace these qualities in their personal and professional lives.
Seattle, WA, December 02, 2024 –Kari Cassidy-Diercks, a seasoned executive and strategic advisor, announces the release of the first book in The Guidebook Series, Self-Branding & Networking in Mind-Sized Bites. This guidebook offers practical strategies for professionals aiming to enhance their personal brand and expand their professional network.
Drawing from her extensive experience in driving success through people, strategy, and action, Cassidy-Diercks provides readers with actionable insights and usable examples to navigate the complexities of personal branding and networking. The book is structured to deliver concise, digestible advice, making it an ideal resource for busy professionals.
“In today’s competitive landscape, a strong personal brand and effective networking are crucial,” says Cassidy-Diercks. “This book is designed to equip readers with the tools they need to stand out and build meaningful professional relationships, one bite at a time,” she adds. “It’s a resource you’ll keep coming back to!”
