Tag: edutech

  • Give the Gift of Cringe This Holiday Season Introducing The Book of Those Words

    Give the Gift of Cringe This Holiday Season Introducing The Book of Those Words

    Philadelphia, PA, November 12, 2024 –Whether shopping for friends, family, or colleagues, this fun-sized book is sure to spark conversation and bring some unexpected humor to the holiday season.

    Words like “moist,” “load,” and “soil” have a way of making people squirm, chuckle, or even cringe. In his latest release, “The Book of Those Words,” author and branding expert Russ Napolitano delves into the humor and awkwardness behind these “cringeworthy” words. This unfiltered collection showcases a unique assortment of words that elicit strong reactions, accompanied by AI-generated artwork that brings the cringe factor to life in a fun and unexpected way.

    The book is the culmination of a 10-plus-year quest to collect and highlight some of the most awkward and unintentionally hilarious words in the English language. For many, these words trigger strong facial or verbal responses when heard or spoken in conversation. Interestingly, their “cringe” appeal is not tied to their literal definitions but to the associations theyʼve developed over time. Some words sound odd, while others have metaphorical meanings that make them uncomfortable to use.

    The concept for The Book of Those Words began during a client-agency strategy meeting, which took a surprising turn when the word “moist” was mentioned. “I’ll never forget our client emphatically saying, ‘That word is awful and makes me cringe,’” recalls Russ Napolitano. What followed was a lively conversation about everyoneʼs personal “cringeworthy” words, revealing how deeply these words resonate with people, even in professional settings. That moment sparked Russʼ mission to curate this list into something larger.

    With “The Book of Those Words,” Russ wanted to create more than just a collection of uncomfortable words; he aimed to craft an engaging, humorous, and visually striking conversation piece. To achieve this, each word is paired with a compelling AI-generated visual that amplifies its cringe factor, enhancing the reader’s experience.

    Russ Napolitano is a Partner and Creator of Opportunities at Xhilarate, a Philadelphia-based branding and design agency. “The Book of Those Words” is now available on Amazon and Kindle.

  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Students Clinch Global All-Track Grand Prize at HackHarvard 2024

    Hyderabad, 11th November, 2024 – In an impressive achievement, students from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore have won the All-Track Grand Prize at HackHarvard 2024, an internationally renowned collegiate hackathon organized by Harvard University students. Competing with teams from prestigious institutions, including Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and the University of Toronto, the Amrita team clinched the “Overall Best Hack” award, surpassing notable universities that secured second and third positions.

    The winning team comprises third-year B.Tech Artificial Intelligence students from Amrita’s Coimbatore campus: Amrit Subramanian, Kottakki Srikar Vamsi, Chukka Navneet Krishna, and Surya Santhosh Kumar. They were celebrated for their AI-powered application, Sustainify, which guides users toward sustainable living by facilitating waste repurposing and eco-conscious shopping decisions.

    “HackHarvard featured renowned professors and industry experts leading parallel sessions. We attended sessions by Prof. David Malan from CS50 and Dr. Leslie Valiant, a Turing Award winner. Our team dedicated the first 10 hours to brainstorming the right idea within the provided tracks: Smart City, Sustainability, Open Source Data, and Healthcare. After much discussion, we developed an app that allows users to upload a video of a product’s packaging, instantly revealing its environmental and health impacts. If a product is deemed harmful, the app suggests healthier alternatives. The final evaluations were conducted by over 40 judges, including product managers and CEOs from companies like Microsoft and various startups,” said C. Amrit Subramanian, one of the winners.

    Sustainify enables users to upload images of waste items, such as bottles or soda cans, and suggests creative DIY upcycling ideas. Additionally, the app has an eco-shopping assistant feature, which scans products in stores and offers recommendations for items with lower carbon footprints. The app aims to inspire sustainable lifestyles, benefiting both people and the planet.

    “This year, HackHarvard brought together 600 college students from across the globe, including students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford. It was a 36-hour marathon of coding and collaboration. The competition was judged on four key criteria: innovation, technical complexity, functionality, and collaboration. Our students’ project, ‘Sustainify,’ was the Best Project presented at the Hackathon. Second and third prize went to MIT students. It is for the first time that an Indian Team won the overall best since its inception in 2015,” said Professor Dr. Soman K.P., Dean, Amrita School of Artificial Intelligence, Coimbatore.

    The team was mentored by Dr. B. Premraj and Sai Sundarakrishna from Amrita’s School of Artificial Intelligence in Coimbatore.

    HackHarvard, an annual hackathon that attracts students from around the world, encourages collaboration on innovative solutions for pressing global issues. This year’s event, held from October 11-13 on Harvard’s campus, focused on the theme “Hack 4 Impact – Unlocking the Potential of Technology” and hosted over 1,000 participants from 22 countries and 284 universities.

  • BITS Law School, Mumbai commences Admissions Process for 2025

    Applications invited for 5-year integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) residential programmes at the BITS Pilani, Mumbai Campus

    Mumbai, 11th November 2024 – BITS Law School, established under BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, is accepting applications from 11th November 2024 for its five-year integrated law programmes for admissions in 2025. The admissions process has commenced for the B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) programme and the B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) programme, with 120 and 60 seats respectively, at the BITS Pilani, Mumbai Campus. Prospective students can apply on the school’s website (www.bitslawschool.edu.in).

    BITS Law School, Mumbai commences Admissions Process for 2025

    Both programmes are designed to the specifications of the Bar Council of India and are recognised by it. The curriculum, with the advantage of being designed afresh, is contemporary and lays an emphasis on trans-disciplinary thinking. The programme offers four in-demand specialisations – Technology & Media Law, Corporate & Financial Law, Entertainment & Sports Law, and Alternate Dispute Resolution & Mediation that prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

    “After the spectacular success of our first two batches of students, I am delighted that we are already at the forefront of legal education in India.” said Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bharadwaj, Founding Dean of BITS Law School. “We are committed to offering the most contemporary and multi-disciplinary law programmes in India. Our approach is based on assisting students to discover new ideas, problems, and solutions in law and beyond. BITSLAW is advancing research and thought leadership in upcoming and unresolved issues in technology & media law, which is one of the four specialisations we offer.” he said.

    BITS Law School’s curriculum is grounded in an innovative 5-tier learning pyramid which includes (1) ‘Readiness at the Workplace’ to master data skills, time management, and professional ethics; (2) ‘Learning Beyond the Curriculum’ for cultural enrichment and exposure to fine arts; (3) ‘Mentor-Mentee Program’ for dedicated mentorship for each student to navigate their residential campus life; (4) ‘Writing Centre’ to learn skills of critical thinking, interpretation, and legal writing; and (5) Remedial Classes for Academically Adrift students to help overcome academic challenges in a customised manner.

    As one of the most diverse law schools in India, students of BITSLAW represent 23 States of India. 75% of all students (and 50% of all faculty) are women. The students are engaged in more than 10 student committees, societies and clubs for deep extra-curricular engagement.

    Admissions are based on the following parameters for a thorough evaluation and personalized attention given to each candidate:

    ● Academic records (10th and 12th grade scores)

    ● Law entrance exams scores of CLAT, LNAT, AILET, SLAT, MHCET LAW, or BLAT (BITS Law Admission Test)

    ● Co/extra-curricular achievements

    ● Personal interview

    The approach of BITS Law School to internationalization is strategic and thematic. Some of the partners include University College Dublin’s Sutherland School of Law, Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law, and University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law.

    BITSLAW faculty are alumni of leading universities, including the IITs, JNU, National Law Schools, Delhi University in India; Warwick, Cambridge, Manchester, Leicester, Liverpool, Essex, SOAS in the U.K.; Goethe Frankfurt, GIDS Geneva, Tilburg, Munich, Max Planck Institute in Europe; Toronto, NYU, Columbia, Louisiana State, Queen’s University in North America; and Deakin, Monash in Australia.

    The dedicated Office of Industry Interface & Career Advancement (IICA) offers each BITSLAW student internships, skill-building workshops for professional development, and guest lectures with counsels, lawyers, judges, and legal scholars.

    BITS Law School offers generous scholarships for merit, merit & means, and diversity. Additionally, there are three special Birla Endowment Scholarships for Legal Studies. More than 50% of BITSLAW students are on some form of scholarship ranging from 15% to 100% tuition fee waiver. The School has partnered with leading public and private banks for educational loans at interest rates that are among the lowest available in the country.

  • KAI India Starts Children’s Library Program at GSSS Islampur Gurugram

    New Delhi – In a move to foster literacy and the joy of reading among school children, KAI India, the Indian arm of the esteemed 116-year-old Japanese KAI Group, has inaugurated a dedicated library at the Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) Islampur, Gurugram. This initiative is part of KAI India’s community empowerment project, the KAI India Children Library Program, aimed at encouraging a sustained reading habit in school children through accessible, well-resourced library spaces.

    kai india

    The newly established library corner, which houses over 500 books, serves students from classes 6th to 12th. This installation follows similar initiatives by KAI India in Manipur, where libraries were established at Eastern Ideal High School, Imphal East, and Keishamthong High School, Imphal West, as part of the organization’s commitment to nurturing reading culture across various regions in India.

    “We believe that access to books and a dedicated reading space can transform young minds,” said Mr. Rajesh U. Pandya, Director, KAI India. “Through our Children Library Program, we aim to help students not only develop a love for reading but also create a gateway to lifelong learning and personal growth. We are excited to see the enthusiasm of students here at GSSS Islampur and look forward to inspiring more young minds across the country.”

    With this community empowerment initiative, KAI India reaffirms its dedication to the holistic development of young minds, empowering students with essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives. The KAI India Children Library Program reflects KAI Group’s commitment to supporting education and fostering community development through meaningful and lasting contributions.

    Mr. Hitesh Singla, Head of Marketing at KAI India, highlighted the program’s impact, stating, “The KAI India Children Library Program aims to provide children in government schools enhanced access to quality literature that can inspire a lifelong love of reading. Our goal is not only to offer these resources but to create an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and active engagement. We’re excited to extend this initiative to Gurugram and support young minds in building essential skills that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.”

    Founded in Seki in 1908, KAI has achieved cult status in Japan and worldwide for its high-quality grooming and beauty care products, which blend practical aesthetics with refined craftsmanship. Known for well-designed, innovative houseware and beauty care products, KAI India is committed to delivering products backed by detailed R&D and superior Japanese technology, aiming to become a trusted household name in India. The Japan-based KAI Group, with a legacy spanning over 116 years, has made a foray into the Indian market with the establishment of its manufacturing facility spanned over 30,000 sq. meters in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Bringing an 800-year-old tradition of Japanese blade-forging directly to Indian households, KAI offers a kitchenware range along with high-precision beauty and personal care products, adding value to the daily lives of Indian consumers.

  • Manipal Academy of Higher Education Celebrates Academic Excellence at 32nd Convocation

    Manipal Academy

    11th November 2024 Manipal, Karnataka, India Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence, deemed to be University, one of India’s leading research focused educational institution, commenced its 32nd Convocation Ceremony on 8th November at KMC Greens, Manipal, celebrating the achievements of its latest graduating class. This prestigious event gathered esteemed faculty, distinguished guests, and families to honor the academic accomplishments of the students.

    Ceremony will take place over three days, starting from 8th of November till 10th of November. The chief guests for each day respectively will be Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC; Dr. Indrajit Bhattacharya, Director General, National Institute of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (NIRA), New Delhi; and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research & Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

    1st day celebration of 32nd Convocation at MAHE Manipal

    The convocation will facilitate the graduation of 5767 MAHE students over the three-day event.

    Among the university delegates were Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, MAHE Trust; Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor; Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice-Chancellor; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor (Technology & Science); Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences); Dr Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor; Dr P Giridhar Kini, Registrar; and Dr Vinod V Thomas, Registrar, Evaluation. They were also accompanied by the heads of all the MAHE institutes.

    Addressing the students and guests at the 1st day of the convocation, Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC- Chief Guest, said, “During my visit to the university, I witnessed remarkable innovations across departments, from cutting-edge research to entrepreneurial efforts. Institutions like MAHE play a vital role in shaping future leaders who will face significant global challenges, from rapid population growth to environmental sustainability. By 2050, our global population will approach 10 billion, with every individual striving for access to clean energy, safe water, nutritious food, and effective healthcare. These demands will place immense strain on our resources, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.

    For instance, India alone has only 4% of the world’s freshwater supply, with nearly 80% allocated to agriculture. Addressing food and water security requires reducing our dependency on key crops, encouraging sustainable practices, and finding innovative ways to meet our rising energy needs. I am confident that the qualities I see in our students today—lifelong curiosity, problem-solving ability, and commitment to ethical leadership—will guide them in tackling these challenges. Together, they will contribute to building a world that is secure, sustainable, and prosperous for all.”

    He further added, “Today, I urge you to embrace the present moment fully, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the uncertainties of the future. Focus on becoming the best version of yourself—a journey that involves continuous self-improvement, physical fitness, and mental resilience. With the excellent training you have received here and a commitment to your responsibilities as citizens, I am confident you will contribute to building a strong, united, and prosperous nation. Congratulations to each of you on this achievement, and may you move forward with purpose and pride. I would like to congratulate all of you for receiving degrees today. Wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”

    Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Today is a historic day as we honor the accomplishments of our graduating students who have demonstrated incredible perseverance and dedication throughout their academic careers. At MAHE, we’re dedicated to fostering not only academic success but also the virtues of honesty, creativity, and civic duty. I encourage each of you as you start your careers to keep an open mind, aim for influence, and never forget that real success comes from making a positive contribution to society. We put a great deal of faith in your ability to effect significant change because you are the future’s pillars. Make your alma mater proud, move forward with assurance, and maintain the best standards. Best wishes to all of you and your families who have.”

    During the convocation, Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “We are not just celebrating the academic accomplishments of our students but also their resilience, adaptability, and passion for learning. This convocation is a testament to the dedication each student has shown, even in the face of unprecedented challenges. At MAHE, our mission is to foster a spirit of curiosity, innovation, and ethical responsibility, and I am incredibly proud of how our graduates have embodied these values. As they step into the next chapter, I am confident they will make meaningful contributions to society and uphold the reputation of MAHE worldwide. Congratulations to all!”

    Dr P Giridhar Kini, Registrar, MAHE, concluded the ceremony by delivering the vote of thanks. He added, “As we conclude this momentous convocation ceremony, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of this event. To our esteemed Chief Guest, faculty, families, and, most importantly, our graduates, thank you for your commitment, support, and dedication. Today marks not just an end, but a new beginning, as our graduates set forth on paths that will make a difference in the world. Congratulations to each of you, and may you continue to uphold the values of MAHE with pride and purpose.”

    Melin Mathew pursuing B.Sc Nursing from MCON, Manipal and Manaswi P S from MSIS, Manipal pursuing Master of Engineering – ME, were awarded the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal in 2024 for their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective fields. This accolade honors their commitment to academic excellence and exemplary performance across diverse disciplines, reflecting MAHE’s dedication to fostering talent and excellence in higher education.

    Dr Dilip G Naik Prochnacelloe Mangalore Campus welcomed all the dignitaries and Dr Suhas Kawshik C.S., Assistant Professor, MIT, Manipal was the master of ceremony on the 1st day of convocation.

  • Celebrate National STEM Day with AiDigiTales’ New Book Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots

    United States – On November 8, 2024 :  in celebration of National STEM/STEAM Day,
    AiDigiTales will release its highly anticipated new children’s book, “Let Kids Be Kids,
    Not Robots! Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI.” The book has already earned the
    title of #1 New Release on Amazon in the Children’s Computer Hardware & Robotics
    Books category, demonstrating its strong appeal to parents and educators alike.

    Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots! is a continuation of “AI…Meets…AI” and follows siblings
    Addy Iris and Nolan, along with their AI-powered robot friend, Jaz, on a unique journey
    into the world of learning, play, and friendship. When Jaz joins the children for Show
    and Tell at school, an engaging exploration unfolds, revealing what it means to grow up
    human in a world of advancing technology.

    “Publishing this book on National STEM Day means a lot,” says Amber Ivey, founder of
    AiDigiTales. “We aim to make AI accessible for kids, emphasizing that technology and
    childhood experiences can enrich each other. Our goal is for children to understand AI
    while celebrating what makes them uniquely human.”

    The book is part of AiDigiTales’ ongoing mission to blend education with storytelling,
    making complex AI concepts accessible and enjoyable for young readers. Available on
    November 8, Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots! can be purchased via Amazon and through
    www.aidigitales.com.

  • AVPL International Leads Drone Technology Training at SKUAST Kashmir, Equipping Youth for Sustainable & Precision Farming

    Srinagar, November 8, 2024: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir, in collaboration with AVPL International, has successfully commenced an intensive training program on the third day of the event to advance drone technology skills among aspiring agritech professionals. With funding from the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), this specialized training aims to enhance the precision and profitability of farming practices through the integration of drone technology.

    DG ICAR Dr. Himanshu Pathak with VC SKUAST Kashmir Dr Nazir A. Ganai
    DG ICAR Dr. Himanshu Pathak with VC SKUAST Kashmir Dr Nazir A. Ganai

    The program, hosted at SKUAST’s Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML), has drawn many participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, reflecting the growing interest in tech-driven agriculture. The training sessions, led by prominent industry experts, focus on key drone technologies and their applications in sustainable farming, including the use of multispectral cameras and thermal imaging for enhanced crop yield and soil health.

    AVPL International, an innovator in drone technology, has played a pivotal role in the training sessions. Himanshu Sharma, CEO of AVPL International, emphasized the critical role of precision farming in ensuring sustainable agriculture. “Sustainable farming can only be achieved through precision farming, and AVPL International is committed to advancing technology in this field. The right choice of drones and technology, including innovations such as AI-driven imaging and IoT integration, is essential for creating viable and impactful solutions,” Sharma said.

    Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST, praised AVPL’s role in revolutionizing farming with drone technology, stating, “AVPL has been a leader in integrating drone technology into agriculture, significantly contributing to both farming efficiency and environmental sustainability.”

    Drone Technology Training at SKUAST Kashmir

    The program was also attended by Dr. Himanshu Parhak, Director General of ICAR Sher-e-Kashmir, who lauded the collaborative efforts at SKUAST, including the CAIML’s initiatives in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which are expected to drive future advancements in agricultural technology. Dr. Showkat Rasool, the Program Coordinator and head of CAIML, also highlighted the essential role of industry collaboration in building a strong, tech-savvy workforce equipped for the demands of modern agriculture.

    Experts from across India, including IoTech World Avigation, MACFOS LIMITED, and IIT Mandi, also contributed their expertise to the sessions. Their involvement provided students with hands-on experience in essential technologies, such as AI and IoT-integrated drones, underscoring the benefits of drone-based crop management, which include enhanced crop quality, increased yield, and reduced labor costs.

    With initiatives like this, SKUAST aims to nurture a generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who can bring transformative ideas to India’s agricultural landscape.

  • Additional Opportunity to Take JEE Advanced: A Game-Changer for Aspirants

    The move will be particularly beneficial for underprivileged and rural aspirants

    JEE Advanced is the most sought-after and most challenging entrance exams in India and so far aspirants were allowed only two chances to take this examination. It seems, though, that those days are gone, as students will be given a third chance now to clear the entrance and, thereby, gain admission to the IITs. However, in a path-breaking progressive and inclusive move, the examination authorities have declared an additional attempt for students to be able to appear for JEE Advanced, thus increasing the number of attempts to three. Such successive attempts would definitely have helped the more disadvantaged and rural learners who got far behind in preparation for various reasons. The additional attempt in JEE Advanced is a game-changer for JEE aspirants and could change the very outlook about the possibility of their being a success story.

    Breaking Barriers to Quality Education for Underprivileged and Rural Students

    Quality education and related resources are essentially barriers towards underprivileged or rural students. There are many bright students who lose opportunities solely because of a lack of resources, awareness, or guidance:
    Lack of Awareness: A lot of students and parents in rural areas do not know about the examination like JEE Advanced. Because of this ignorance, they generally go in unprepared or miss the critical time to prepare when they take it for the first time. Usually, the rural areas have limited resources such as counselling, quality educational materials, and proper study environments. Most students get disadvantaged by such imbalances and may never realize their potential since they only have two chances. Additional attempt of JEE Advanced will prove to be a lifeline for many of them, who, because of their circumstances, were not able to prepare to the fullest in the previous two attempts. The third attempt gives them more time to better their knowledge, enhance their confidence, and play on a level playing field.

    Third attempt boost aspirations and determination among aspirants

    The additional attempt is not only about providing equal opportunities as it’s about encouraging students and giving them the chance to be revitalized. Now, a student has three chances to give it his best shot towards the goal. It gives aspirants:

    Reduced Pressure: This makes them less worried of failing in a first attempt since they have a second chance. This reduction in pressure can bring a significant improvement into their mental states and concentration and enable them to deliver even better.

    Chance for Improvement: Every trial teaches them something about their areas of weakness and strength. The third chance gives the students more time to correct and improve upon the aspects for which they failed in the past. This will benefit the aspirants of all backgrounds and not just to the rural or underprivileged ones. They are confident to have another chance at realizing their goal, hence making them try much harder and hold on longer.

    Like NEET-UG, aspirants will get additional opportunity for JEE Advanced

    Just like the NEET UG exam, where aspirants are given multiple attempts, JEE Advanced will now also offer additional opportunities, allowing candidates to reappear for the examination. This move is set to benefit JEE Advanced aspirants significantly, providing them with one more chance to showcase their abilities and improve their scores. For students who may not have performed their best in their previous attempts due to various reasons—whether it be exam pressure, health issues, or lack of preparedness—this extra attempt is invaluable. It not only reduces the stress of needing to succeed within just two tries but also opens up a new opportunity for students to refine their knowledge, strengthen their weak areas, and approach the exam with increased confidence.

    A Sense of Relief in JEE Main Participation

    As JEE Main is the qualifying examination for the candidates to sit for JEE Advanced, another chance in JEE Advanced would also encourage more students to attempt JEE Main as well. Here is how this impacts the entire landscape of the JEE exam:

    – More Participation in JEE Main: The students who would have lost heart and moved back after failing twice will now get a second chance to prepare well for JEE Main. This might increase the participation with the number of candidates proceeding from it to JEE Advanced, which will eventually make the exam more challenging and competitive too.

    -Increased Performance in JEE Main: Most students aiming for third attempt at JEE Advanced would prepare harder for JEE Main and thereby be better prepared and their performance will also remain good, thus adding the element of motivation and preventing many students from dropping out after one or two attempts, so that increased scores and a good base for facing the challenge of JEE Advanced would be ensured.

    A Step towards Educational Equity

    The provision of more attempts at JEE Advanced is a step forward for a more balanced and broader educational system. The move by the authority to give extra chances to those students from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds will really enable underprivileged people to join the field on an equal footing with other people. More attempts might be the very difference many students are desperately craving to cross the barrier of limited opportunities in order to realize their dreams.

    This means more chances not only to individual students but also a strengthening of overall competitive spirit and quality of future engineers in India. More students from diverse socioeconomic strata will now be able to dream bigger, work harder, and aim higher. It is a hope-driven, equitable, and a talent nurturing policy decision.

  • Gillco International School Celebrates Aameen’s Remarkable National Victory in Eduventiva’s Beyond Perceptions Quiz

     Gillco International School Celebrates Aameen's Remarkable National Victory in Eduventiva’s Beyond Perceptions Quiz

    November 09, 2024 : Gillco International School is proud to announce the remarkable achievement of our student, Aameen, who recently participated in the national-level online quiz competition, “Beyond Perceptions,” conducted by Eduventiva Global Pvt. Ltd. The quiz, which was held at National Level, attracted over 137 participants from various regions of the country. Among these participants, Aameen of Class XI scored an outstanding 100%, securing top honors in the quiz.

    The quiz was based on the visionary series of Eduventiva, which explores unexplored realms of human understanding, challenges conventional norms, and encourages innovative thinking. Aameen’s exceptional performance demonstrates not only her knowledge but also her ability to think critically and embrace the unknown traits that are integral to the development of a well-rounded, global perspective.

    Dr. Kritika Kaushal, School Principal, quoted “I am immensely proud of Aameen’s achievement in the ‘Beyond Perceptions’ quiz. This victory is a testament to the commitment, curiosity, and intellectual capabilities of our students. At Gillco International School, we encourage our students to explore new ideas and challenge traditional boundaries, and Aameen’s performance exemplifies the spirit of excellence that we strive to nurture in all our learners.”

  • Global Experts at TAISI Discuss How Education 4.0 Will Revolutionize India’s Classrooms

    Bengaluru, 9th November 2024 – At the 20th Annual Conference of The Association of International Schools of India (TAISI), held between 7th to 9th November 2024, two major announcements were made, setting the stage for a significant transformation in the Indian education sector. Under the theme “Shaping Hyper-Connected, Future-Forward Schools,” the conference introduced Education 4.0, an approach designed to integrate practical, contemporary applications such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), social media, and emotional intelligence into the educational curriculum. This innovative model aimed at empowering school leaders and educators to align with the evolving demands of a technology-driven world. The conference also marked the debut of the Australian Curriculum in India, offering a new, diverse educational framework that emphasized adaptability, critical thinking, and holistic development.

    TAISI’s initiatives were seen as game-changers in redefining educational standards and expanding choices, giving schools the tools to meet the challenges of modern education head-on. The conference attracted over 300 international schools from India, alongside participants from more than 10 countries. Over 40 speakers participated in 16 interactive sessions, exploring a wide range of topics. One highlight was the keynote delivered by an advanced AI humanoid, Ria, who discussed the transformative impact of AI on learning. Additionally, Mr. Sultan announced the upcoming calendar, which featured exciting initiatives such as the introduction of the TAISI International School Sports League (ISSL) and the TAISI Esports Prix.

    Syed Sultan Ahmed, Chairperson of TAISI, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “Integrating practical applications of AI and global curricula into our educational frameworks is essential in today’s world. These advancements go beyond exam preparation; they equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected environment. Importantly, students shouldn’t have to wait until college to gain these competencies. By introducing them at the school level, we ensure they are well-prepared to navigate the evolving demands of both education and the modern workforce.

    Vijay Kumar, Chief Guest at the TAISI Conference, Founding Executive Director of J-WEL & Senior Advisor to the VP of Open Learning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said, “The future of education requires our ability to judiciously integrate technology and human-centric learning informed by the science of learning (in our practice). We have to change the way we think about preparing students for the changing global economy. As educators, we need to embrace AI and other digital learning tools, as well as social-emotional learning, not just as content to be taught but as an intrinsic part, in fact as partners, in providing holistic learning experiences. What we aim for is to help shape a generation of change makers who not only respond to change but proactively drive it.”

    Kathleen Naglee, Education Futurist & Head of School at the International School of Helsinki, shared her thoughts on how AI is changing education, saying, “As we begin to embrace this new era of education, the use of AI—such as my digital twin ‘Katbot’—allows us to explore how learners emotionally engage with specific educational activities. As we discover incredible opportunities in this space, it is crucial to approach them with responsibility, being mindful of the ethical and emotional implications in shaping the future of education. The next generation of learners must not only be equipped with technical knowledge but also with resilience and empathy to navigate an ever-changing world.

    Education 4.0: The Next Step in Practical, Technology-Driven Education

    A key shift highlighted at the conference was the move towards Education 4.0, which integrated AI, social media, and Emotional Intelligence into educator professional development. This shift provided teachers with essential tools to navigate the rapidly evolving educational landscape. International workshops were organized, featuring interactive sessions that covered topics such as gamification, mental health support, and fostering inclusive classrooms. These sessions aimed to offer educators actionable insights for student-centered teaching.

    Unlike traditional teaching methods, which often confined such topics to textbooks or lectures, the new approach emphasized hands-on experiences. The experiential learning framework, once implemented, enabled students to develop critical skills and digital fluency, which are vital for real-world problem-solving and adaptability. By training educators to incorporate these practical applications into their daily teaching, schools would better prepare students for the demands of higher education and the workforce, while fostering critical thinking and proactive learning habits.

    The 20th Annual TAISI Conference underscored the importance of evolving educational practices to meet the challenges of the modern world. Through practical, experience-based learning and exposure to global standards, these initiatives supported a shift toward a more adaptive and comprehensive educational model, aimed at enhancing students’ personal and academic growth.