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Development Starts at Grassroots Level: BJP Gachibowli Division Contestant V Gangadhar Reddy

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Elections, be it at the ward level, or national, define the course of a community’s growth. The upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections Telangana 2020, has emerged as an opportunity for young leaders to take charge and drive a positive change for the community and the area.

 

Shri Gangadhar Reddy, BJP Contestant, Gachibowli Division, GHMC Elections (left), and Shri Bikshapathi Yadav Ji, ex-MLA, with Shri Reddy (right)

 

One  such leader, Shri. Gangadhar Reddy, is contesting from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket from Gachibowli (105) division. Shri Gangadhar Reddy lived all his life in the Nallagandla region – where he saw the region transform from a small cluster of impoverished villages in the  outskirts of Hyderabad – to a thriving residential hub for professionals from around the nation.

 

Shri Gangadhar Reddy has been active in politics for over 15 years now. Mentored by the likes of Gachibowli’s iconic leaders, Shri Bikshapathi Yadav Ji, and Shri Ravi Kumar Yadav Ji, he has been serving the community in his personal capacity – standing up for anyone who needed a helping hand.

 

Commenting on why he decided to contest in these elections, Shri Gangadhar Reddy stated, “I have lived all my life here and got first-hand experience of the problems our people face. For the last 15 years, I operated in my personal capacity, helping anyone and everyone – but the  impact, I believe, will be much larger if the same social initiatives were implemented via formal government channels.”

 

Most candidates have a little idea of the community’s challenges, and hence talk about solving problems that don’t even exist. Shri Gangadhar Reddy, on the other hand, personally knows the nook and  corner of every slum, street, locality, gated community, colony and  so on. Being an active part of the community, he understands key issues and the obstacles in solving them.

 

Talking about his inspiration, Shri Gangadhar Reddy added, “I am a true believer in Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s ideals and initiatives. What his predecessors could just talk about – he actually implemented on the ground. Like him, I view serving the people as an accomplishment only a few can achieve.”

 

During lockdown, Shri Gangadhar Reddy spearheaded food arrangements for over 80,000 people near Tellapur circle. He also provided essential supplies to daily wage earners at construction sites in areas other than Gachibowli as well. At nights, he would go around in his car, feeding stray dogs, who too were hungry, but were largely ignored by people stuck in their homes.

 

The inspiration behind all this, Shri Gangadhar Reddy spoke, “Since childhood, my parents and mentors made me stand for people during times of natural calamities. What started out as some initiatives towards helping  the poor, has grown into a way of life for me.” He further added, “Whether elected or not, I stay accessible, 24X7X365 days a year, to all my citizens of the Gachibowli division, ready to fight for their cause.”

India Makkal Munnetra Katchi Unveils the 'Robot' Symbol for the 2021 State Assembly Elections

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  • Party President Dr. Ra. Arjunamurthy releases the election manifesto of IMMK

  • IMMK’s Unique project ‘Pasu-My Puratchi’ to deliver 500 ml – 1 litre of free milk for the family cardholders daily

 

The India Makkal Munnetra Katchi (IMMK) has stirred quite an expectation in the upcoming 2021 State Assembly Elections. The IMMK party unveiled its ‘Robot’ symbol and released the election manifesto in the event held in Chennai recently.
 

Dr. Ra. Arjunamurthy, Party President, IMMK released the election manifesto in the press meet, Chennai on 9th March. The first copy was received by Ms. Yamunasri, Viluppuram Dt Secretary, IMMK
 

Dr. Ra. Arjunamurthy, Party President, IMMK introduced the ‘Robot’ symbol which was specially designed using the ‘Augmented Reality’ technology. This Robot said that it will be involved in garnering votes in support of its party which took everyone by surprise. A demonstration was also shown by the Robot as ‘how will it meet the voters?’

 

The Party President Dr. Ra. Arujunmurthy, released the election manifesto for the 2021 State Assembly election with the primary goal, “A Change in Tamil Nadu with an inclusive growth for everyone”. Through the unique project ‘Pasu-My Puratchi’, IMMK’s progressive special plan to deliver 500 ml to 1 litre of free milk for the family cardholders daily, to lease half an acre of Government Squatter Land to a farmer on terms of merit, free distribution of 4 country ethnic cows and distribution of free housing are notable features.

 

It is mentioned in the manifesto that various notable schemes will be implemented for the progress of Tamil Nadu, if the party comes to power, such as, in each district, an extent of 50-acres sports complex as per international standard, free transportation for working women, aid/scholarship for senior citizens, a special plan for families living below the monthly income of Rs. 20,000/-, e-Market Card for students, the cancellation of fees for vehicle parking in the Hindu temple during deity darshan, and also the fees collected for safeguarding footwear.

 

To know more about the election manifesto, watch the Party President Dr. Ra. Arujunmurthy’s speech: twitter.com/raarjunamurthy?s=11.

 

The administrators of the India Makkal Munnetra Katchi and many participated in this event.

'Observing Martyrdom Day of Sahibzadas as 'Veer Bal Diwas' a Welcome Move': Parminder Singh Brar Thanks Prime Minister

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BJP’s leader Parminder Singh Brar has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement to observe the martyrdom day of the Chhotte Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji as ‘Veer Bal Diwas‘ and thanked the Prime Minister for this announcement.

 

Veer Bal Diwas

 

In a statement issued here today, Brar said that the Prime Minister has announced that every year on 26th December, Veer Bal Diwas will be observed in the name of Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. He said that for a long time there was a demand from the country and abroad from the Sikh community that the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas should be celebrated as ‘Bal Diwas‘.

 

He said that the story of the martyrdom of Chhotte Sahibzade and Mata Gujri ji is very important and every child of the country should know about. He said that there is no such example in the world where children of 7 and 9 years old did not care about coercion and oppression, did not leave their religion and opted for martyrdom. He said that every year lakhs of devotees gather in the Shaheedi Jod Mela held at Fatehgarh Sahib to have a glimpse of the wall, foundation of which Sahibzadas were martyred.

 

Brar said that after 75 years of the country’s independence, Modi ji is the only Prime minister who felt the need to recognise the sacrifice of those Sahibzade, and why it is important to remember them, and read about them.

 

He thanked the Prime Minister for his gesture and added that for a long time Sikh community has been demanding the same, which has finally been fulfilled. He said that the saga of Sahibzadas will now reach our children because of this decision and will bring our countrymen together to commemorate and pay tribute to the supreme martyrdom of Chhotte Sahibzade.

 

He also lauded the Prime Minister for all his decisions with respect to the Sikh community, which included reopening of the Kartarpur Corridor, which connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan to the border with India, justice for 1984 riot victims and reopening of cases for a probe by SIT, release of postage stamp to commemorate 550th parkash utsav, observing the 400th parkash utsav of Guru Tegh Bahadur by organising several events, securing safe exit of over 457 Sikhs in Afghanistan, among several other decisions in support of the Sikh community.  

Prajatantra's Groundbreaking Study Unveils the Best Methods to Enter into Indian Politics

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Launched just over last year, Prajatantra, a vanguard organization committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy, has unveiled a pioneering study that delves into the intricate web of privilege, gatekeepers, and the pathways to political power in India. This comprehensive research, spanning three diverse states – Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab – highlights the often-opaque barriers that obstruct the entry of grassroots candidates and independent voices into the hallowed halls of governance. 

 

Ritwick Shrivastav, Founder & CEO of Prajatantra

 

Prajatantra, a non-profit and non-partisan organization established to encourage, educate, and empower governance-centric Indians to contest elections, has conducted this groundbreaking study to comprehensively understand the extent of gatekeeping in Indian politics, the various methods employed by Elected Representatives to enter the political arena, the relationship between family and financial backgrounds, and the age at which individuals embark on their political careers, among other pertinent aspects. With a steadfast commitment to empowering ordinary citizens, Prajatantra’s research aims to unravel the complexities that often impede the participation of ordinary citizens in shaping the nation’s political landscape.

 

“The findings underscore the urgency of dismantling the gatekeepers that prevent deserving candidates from entering the political arena,” observes Ritwick Shrivastav, Founder & CEO of Prajatantra. “If we can incubate and provide a platform for grassroots leaders, there is a higher chance of bringing about real change in our governance system.”

 

Privilege and Gatekeepers
According to the study, 91.7% of MLA seats are occupied by gatekeepers (dynasts, criminals, or wealthy individuals). Among privileges, Money holds a significant influence (82.5%), followed by criminal backgrounds (48.7%) and dynast (20.2%). Women’s representation mirrors similar trends, with 47% from dynastic backgrounds. Alarmingly, Non-privileged/ grassroot politicians get 5 years disadvantage compared to privileged/grassroots politicians.


Method of Political Entry
Avenues for political entry primarily comprise Local politics (29.4%), Party organizational politics (26.4%), and family legacy (20.2%), constituting over 70% of entry paths. Meanwhile, only 4.3% of the people enter politics through student politics, which is further highly gatekept (over 85%) by criminals and wealthy politicians. Local and party organizational politics offer comparatively lower gatekeeping (39%) but demand substantial time (4-6 years) for state-level ascension.

 

First-Time MLAs
First-time MLAs largely emerge from privileged backgrounds (85%), with only 5.7% overcoming all entry barriers on their first attempt. Party organizational politics was the most favored among first-time elected representatives at 39.2%, followed by local politics at 21.7% and family legacy at 20%. Student politics and social service were 5.3% and 3.3%, respectively. Over the years, entering politics has become more challenging as the age of entry for first-time elected representatives increased by 2 years, with people entering politics at 46 instead of 44.

 

Demographics of Political Entry
Demographically, the study reveals that 32.5% lack a college degree, while 30.7% hold graduate degrees, favoring arts (46.5%), law (17.8%), and engineering (10.9%) qualifications. Moreover, the educational degree does not affect elected representatives’ chances of entering politics. A person with a Graduation degree and no degree enters politics at the same age of 44. Professionals, especially from business backgrounds (38%) and doctors (7%), are increasingly venturing into politics.


Details of the study and data are available at prajatantra.org.

 

Prajatantra’s study highlights the need for reforms and interventions to level the playing field where the organization’s mission comes into force. They drive this through a 3E approach: Encourage – celebrating self-made politicians and inspiring Indians to join electoral politics; Educate – educating aspirants about electoral processes, entry methods, and political strategies; Empower – providing aspirants with necessary tools, teams, and ecosystems to help them contest elections successfully.

First-Time Voters Show Strong Engagement and Optimism in 2024 Elections

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In an unprecedented look into the minds of India’s first-time voters, a recent survey by MyResearch, a public opinion firm led by Ranabir Sen, a market research veteran, sheds light on the sentiments and behaviors of these young citizens as they navigate their inaugural participation in the democratic process. Conducted across the Top 6 metros in India, this survey highlights a vibrant, hopeful, and highly engaged segment of the electorate.
 

A Demographic Snapshot The survey included a balanced representation of genders, with 48% female and 52% male respondents. Equally split between those still in education or not working (50.5%) and those employed either full or part-time (49.5%), these young voters bring diverse perspectives to the polling booths.
 

Election Day: A Tapestry of Emotions Election Day stirred a mix of emotions among first-time voters:

  • Pride: The predominant feeling, with 22% of respondents expressing pride in participating in the country’s governance.

  • Hope: 18% felt optimistic that the election results would bring about positive changes.

  • Ritualistic/Ceremonial Feelings: 20% viewed the day as a significant traditional event.

  • Anxiety: 9% experienced nervousness about the outcomes and their implications.

  • Doubt: 8% harbored doubts about the fairness or impact of the election.
     

Engagement in the Campaign Process First-time voters demonstrated a keen interest in the election process, marked by high levels of media consumption and participation:

  • Media Engagement:

  • 80% watched campaign commercials.

  • 65% sought information through social media.

  • 56% watched candidates’ speeches.

  • 48% viewed candidates’ interviews.

  • Direct Participation:

  • 28% attended rallies or yatras.

  • 30% created or pasted campaign posters.
     

Despite their enthusiasm for staying informed, fewer engaged in direct campaign activities, suggesting constraints such as time or opportunity might limit their involvement.
 

Belief in the Power of Elections The survey reveals a robust belief in the efficacy of elections among first-time voters:

  • 81% believe elections matter and can lead to significant changes.

  • 65% are confident that their vote can significantly influence the future direction of the country.
     

Perception of Government Responsiveness The majority of first-time voters feel valued by the government, yet a notable minority remains skeptical:

  • 75% believe the government cares about their opinions.

  • 24% feel that the government does not care about what people like them think.
     

Reactions to Potential Election Outcomes First-time voters display a mature approach to the election results:

  • 34% would feel disappointed if their chosen candidate lost, but an equal percentage would remain calm and accept the outcome.

  • Very few express extreme reactions, such as anger or depression, indicating a general readiness to respect the democratic process.
     

A Hopeful Yet Cautious Electorate Overall, the sentiments of first-time voters in India’s 2024 elections paint a picture of an engaged, hopeful, and responsible young electorate. While pride and optimism are the dominant emotions, the presence of anxiety and doubt highlights areas for improvement in the electoral process. Ensuring greater transparency and responsiveness from government institutions could further strengthen the faith and participation of these young voters in the democratic process.
 

Conclusion First-time voters are not just passive participants but active contributors to the democratic process, eager to make their voices heard and influence the future. By addressing their concerns and fostering a more inclusive environment, electoral and governmental institutions can harness the full potential of these young citizens, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic democracy.
 

For more information, please visit www.linkedin.com/feed/update/.

KLAY Announces Launch of KLAYEdge – A Curriculum Designed for Future – Blending Academic Readiness with Life Skills, Empathy, and Creativity

KLAY Preschools and Daycare proudly announces the launch of KLAYEdge™, its pioneering early years curriculum designed to prepare children not just for school, but for life and the future. Rooted in over 14 years of expertise in early childhood education, KLAYEdge™ brings together global pedagogical approaches inspired by Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner) and the Reggio Emilia philosophy, while being firmly aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF). 
 

When passion meets purpose, magic happens! Celebrating the launch of our curriculum KLAYEdge with our proud KLAY family
 

The curriculum is crafted to nurture holistic development in a child’s most formative years. It builds strong foundations in early literacy and numeracy, while fostering independence, confidence, and values. At the same time, KLAYEdge™ equips children with essential 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving and ensuring they are both school-ready and life-ready.
 

With particular emphasis on literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and life skills in the 3–6 years stage, KLAYEdge™ ensures a seamless transition into India’s leading schools. The program has already demonstrated a remarkable success rate, with 99.9% of children securing admissions into top schools across the country.
 

Speaking on the launch, Arshleen Kaur Kalra, Head of Academics at KLAY, said, “With KLAYEdge, we reaffirm our belief that children need more than academic readiness to truly succeed. Our curriculum not only equips them for school but also prepares them for life — nurturing confidence, compassion, and curiosity, along with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By keeping the child at the heart of every experience, we ensure that learning unfolds naturally while laying strong foundations in academics, values, and essential life skills.”
 

Offering a carefully structured progression across six developmental stages from infants as young as five months to kindergarteners at six years, KLAYEdge directly addresses key parental concerns about their child’s educational journey. The curriculum strikes the perfect balance between structured learning and purposeful play, ensuring that every activity contributes meaningfully to a child’s development. By going beyond academics, it fosters purposeful learning that builds independence, resilience, creativity, and empathy, while integrating STEAM exposure and value-based growth into everyday activities.
 

Incorporating hands-on STEAM learning, value-based education, and socio-emotional skill development from day one, KLAYEdge ensures children develop the confidence and adaptability needed for daily tasks and future challenges. Its future-ready pathways are rooted in the NEP and NCF, aligned with global benchmarks, offering a world-class curriculum that is deeply rooted in Indian excellence yet preparing children for success anywhere in the world.
 

Beyond academic preparation, KLAYEdge anticipates and addresses the holistic needs of modern families by fostering social-emotional growth through guided group activities and collaborative projects. With its premium care and nurturing culture, the curriculum promotes balanced growth and a global outlook, blending academics with values, resilience, and creativity. Parents remain actively engaged through regular progress updates, detailed reports, and app notifications, ensuring complete transparency in their child’s developmental journey.
 

What makes KLAYEdge distinctive is that it is not static, it is a dynamic framework, continuously refined with insights from experts, teachers, and parents to remain relevant and effective in a rapidly evolving world. Trusted by over 70,000 parents across India, KLAYEdge reflects KLAY’s mission to nurture confident learners and bright futures, helping parents find reassurance in their child’s growth journey.
 

About KLAY
KLAY Preschools and Daycare stand apart as more than just a childcare provider — it is a learning institution that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. With over 14 years of expertise and the trust of 70,000+ parents, KLAY is committed to fostering a lifelong love for learning during the most formative years. 

 

Today, KLAY has a strong presence with 170+ centres across 20+ cities in India, supported by 400+ corporate partnerships and powered by a passionate workforce of 3,500+ educators and caregivers. Since its inception in 2012, KLAY has been dedicated to creating heartfelt, holistic learning experiences that shape compassionate, confident, and future-ready young learners.

The Fastest Man on Earth, Usain Bolt, Joins Sujay Jairaj for a Fireside Chat at Jamnabai Narsee Campus, Host of DreamSetGo's Dream Dash Finale

Jamnabai Narsee Campus, hosted the DreamSetGo Dream Dash Grand Finale, which had global icon and eight-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt, as the Guest of Honour.

 

The Fastest Man on Earth, Usain Bolt, Joins Sujay Jairaj for a Fireside Chat at Jamnabai Narsee Campus, Host of DreamSetGo’s Dream Dash Finale

 

During the event, Usain Bolt joined Mr. Sujay Jairaj, Trustee of Jamnabai Narsee School, for a fireside chat, sharing insights on his journey, mindset, and career lessons with the students. The initiative, designed to spotlight aspiring athletes, provided a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most celebrated figures in global sport & fastest man on Earth.

 

“As the official venue partner, Jamnabai Narsee Campus is proud to provide a platform that inspires the younger generations” said Trustee Mr. Sujay Jairaj. “It is an honour to have Usain Bolt on our campus. Our commitment remains to bring academics and sporting excellence together for our students.”

 

In conversation with a Jamnabai Narsee School student, Usain shared his advice for the younger generation, “First would be do what you love because when you love something, you put more effort into it and derive more joy and understand that the road won’t be easy. Second, no matter what, never, never let anyone tell you that you can’t make it. Anything is possible.”

 

www.instagram.com/jamnabai.narsee.school.

Global Education Summit – 2025 at Chandigarh University Brings Together 75 Academic Leaders from 60 Universities Across 35 Countries

Chandigarh University has been leading on the internationalization of education since it’s inception and in these years, the University has been successful in forging global academic alliances with top ranked universities across the world. To maximize their footprints at the global level and providing exposure to it’s students from top ranked institutions from all parts of the world, Chandigarh University is hosting two-day 5th Global Education Summit at their Mohali campus with renowned academic leaders, think tanks, & policy makers from 60 international universities and 35 countries. 

 

Chandigarh University Senior Management with Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India during Global Education Summit 2025

 

While addressing a gathering of students during two-day long 5th edition of Global Education Summit Global Collaborations for Shaping the Future of Higher Education: Creating AI Empowered, Technology-Deepening, Inclusive and Sustainable Nations, Juan Antonio March Pujol, Ambassador of Spain to India said, “AI is not a threat but an opportunity, opening new fields and careers. The key is knowing your capacities and delivering what others need, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and solutions that benefit humanity. But innovation must go hand in hand with peace. The younger generation must be the lobby for peace, not war, while universities help develop the capacities for fulfilling, impactful lives and the progress of humanity. Universities, therefore, have two responsibilities, to nurture talent and innovation and to champion peace in the world”. The Summit at the Chandigarh University campus witnessed participation from 75 renowned academic leaders from 60 international universities and 35 countries.”

 

The Ambassador of Spain to India, Pujol added, “Humanity has made each individual a masterpiece; our fingerprints and neurons are all unique, offering limitless possibilities. We are on the threshold of extraordinary intelligence and universities must prepare students to contribute meaningfully.”

 

Speaking during the occasion, Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, said, “At Chandigarh University, we believe in giving our students and faculty a truly global experience. With over 515 collaborations with top-ranked universities across more than 100 countries, we are creating opportunities for joint research, academic partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, semester exchange, cultural exchange and industry-innovation partnerships. The Global Education Summit is a unique platform that not only facilitates these exchanges but also enables universities worldwide to come together and sign MoUs to advance higher education. By fostering international collaborations, responsibly integrating emerging technologies and AI, and promoting interdisciplinary research, we are preparing our students to navigate a rapidly changing world and make a meaningful impact globally.”

 

The Guest of Honor, Dr Pontus Warnestal, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Halmstad University, Sweden said, “Universities are being reshaped by forces beyond their walls—AI, disinformation, funding challenges and public skepticism. The question is not how we train students to use AI, but how we prepare them for a world where fluent nonsense is everywhere. Higher education must deepen students’ ability to test claims, critique substance and act as informed citizens. Our task is to redraw education into something more adaptive, humane and grounded in communication, not automation.”

 

Chandigarh University signed five Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with top-ranked international universities including American University, Washington DC, Capilano University, Canada, Middlesex University, Mauritius, Sunway University, Malaysia and Mariano Marcos, State University Philippines in the presence of Deep Inder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University to strengthen academic cooperation and international engagement. The partnership will enable joint research projects, academic collaborations, capacity building, student exchange and faculty exchange programmes, thereby fostering innovation, cross-cultural learning and global knowledge sharing.

 

Later, a session was conducted on ‘Enabling and Empowering Students for Technology Deepening in Higher Education’ that focused on equipping students with advanced technological skills, fostering critical thinking, creativity and adaptability, and integrating emerging technologies ethically into curricula. It also highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing future-ready graduates.

 

Another session on ‘AI for Inclusiveness and Sustainability’ explored leveraging AI to create inclusive and sustainable higher education ecosystems and discussions were focused on improving accessibility, promoting responsible AI use, supporting sustainable development and fostering collaboration across institutions and countries.

 

The discussions during the sessions were centered around frameworks for responsible technology and AI integration in education, recommendations for curriculum innovation and student empowerment and strategies for global collaboration, research and societal impact.

 

Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, Canada said, “It’s impressive to see 35 countries come together at Chandigarh University to openly discuss tough global issues at a time of rising polarity and conflict. This is the right place to have these conversations and shape our future. AI and quantum fields hold huge opportunities, but the challenge is how we teach and research them well and that’s why forums like this matter.”

 

Prof (Dr) Nola Hewitt-Dundas, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, said, “We meet at a time of great challenges and opportunities as rapid technological changes preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist and respond to sustainability and inequality. Young people look to universities for skills and adaptability for an uncertain world. As Mahatma Gandhi said the future depends on what you do today and the choices and partnerships we make now will shape both our students lives and our societies.”

 

Prof Stephen Khehla Ndlovu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa said, “Higher education must do more than impart knowledge, it must empower society, drive innovation, and cultivate compassion and inclusivity. From rethinking the shape of higher education to harnessing technology and AI for sustainability, this summit reminds us that universities are engines of transformation. No university can meet these challenges alone; we need partnerships across borders, disciplines, and traditions, learning from each other’s strengths and mistakes.”

 

On the concluding day, the session ‘Rethinking the Shape of Higher Education to Meet Future Challenges’ explored how universities can adapt to societal, technological, and economic changes, focusing on curriculum innovation, research collaboration, digital transformation, and preparing students for a world shaped by rapid change and misinformation. Another session on ‘Revisiting Learning–Teaching Models for Creating Empowered and Empathetic Societies’ highlighted innovative, learner-centered teaching approaches, social responsibility, and education’s role in fostering inclusive and compassionate communities. In the final session, Technology and Innovation for a Safe, Secure, and Equitable Future for All’ explored how technology and innovation can address global challenges, emphasizing safety, security, inclusivity, and equitable access for a sustainable future.

 

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

 

Website address: www.cuchd.in.

MAHE Establishes ICMR–MAHE Centre for Advanced Research with Rs. 12.84 Crore ICMR Grant

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, inaugurated the ICMR–MAHE Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) at the Manipal Hospice and Respite Centre (MHRC), following the award of a Rs. 12.84 crore grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The Centre is led by Dr Naveen Salins, Professor and Head of the Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care at Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, as Principal Investigator, with Dr Arun Ghoshal, Assistant Professor, serving as Co-Principal Investigator.

 

MAHE inaugurates ICMR-MAHE Centre for Advanced Research with Rs. 12.84 crore grant

 

The inauguration was honoured by Dr Ashoo Grover, Scientist G and Head, Division of Delivery Research, ICMR, who was the Chief Guest, and Dr Roopa Shivashankar, Scientist E (Medical), Division of Delivery Research, ICMR, as the Guest of Honour. The event was presided over by Dr H. S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, MAHE, and organised by Dr Sharath K. Rao, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE. Dr Anil K. Bhat, Dean of KMC Manipal, and Dr Cherian Varghese, Director of the Prasanna School of Public Health, participated in this inauguration. In his address, Dr Ballal emphasised that the partnership between ICMR and MAHE represents “the highest level of national recognition for MAHE’s research culture” and reflects the University’s enduring commitment to “science that heals and research that transforms.” Dr Sharath K Rao outlined the roadmap for health research at MAHE.

 

The Centre for Advanced Research (CAR) aims to fill a vital gap in India’s healthcare system—the need for ethical, compassionate, and evidence-based care for patients with advanced and terminal illnesses admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs). The centre will develop and assess a Multifaceted Comprehensive Appropriate Care Package (MCACP) that incorporates palliative care principles within critical care environments. This initiative builds on MAHE’s pioneering BLUE MAPLE framework, created and implemented at Kasturba Hospital and KMC Manipal, which has shaped national end-of-life care standards. The CAR will now expand this work nationwide, establishing a multi-centre collaborative network comprising ten clinical centres and seven technical partners. 

 

The Centre’s work spans multiple disciplines—medicine, nursing, bioethics, health economics, law, and public health—reflecting MAHE’s belief in the “One Health–One Humanity” approach to research and innovation. By co-developing and testing a nationally scalable model of appropriate care for ICU patients with advanced illness, the CAR aims to influence policy, improve health-system responsiveness, and generate evidence that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

MAHE has a longstanding legacy of promoting research, innovation, and translational impact. The establishment of the ICMR–MAHE CAR strengthens MAHE’s position as a leading contributor to India’s health-research ecosystem. It reaffirms its mission to integrate science, ethics, and empathy in healthcare delivery. The Centre for Advanced Research will serve as a national and global reference point for ICU and palliative-care research, setting new benchmarks for interdisciplinary and implementation science in India.

 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Anant National University Hosts Editor-in-Chief of ARTIndia, Reema Desai Gehi, for an Insightful Session on Contemporary Art and Media

Anant National University hosted Reema Desai Gehi, the Editor-in-Chief of ARTIndia and the author of the critically acclaimed book, ‘The Catalyst: Rudolf von Leyden and India’s Artistic Awakening’ (2024), for an engaging talk session with Anant faculty and students on 3 October 2025. As part of Anant’s commitment to bring distinguished professionals and thought leaders to campus, the Centre for Visual Arts organised this session to broaden students’ perspectives, strengthen their preparedness to address global challenges and inspire them to design innovative and sustainable solutions for the future.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/33434_ANU_image.JPG

Anant National University Hosts Editor-in-Chief of ARTIndia, Reema Desai Gehi, for an Insightful Session on Contemporary Art and Media


During the sessions, Reema traced the 30-year-old journey and evolution of ARTIndia, one of India’s longest-running contemporary art magazines, and shared useful insights about keeping a publication relevant and flourishing in the digital age.


Reflecting on the changing media landscape, Reema shared, “It is important to keep the content fresh and accessible to all in the social media age, while maintaining editorial integrity. At the same time, it is equally important to choose the content mindfully, especially in today’s age of information overload.”


Commenting on the session, Prof Sharmila Sagara, Professor, Centre for Visual Arts, reflected on the session, saying, “Reema’s session was really insightful as she emphasised the importance of rigorous research to deepen the understanding of contemporary art, making media practices more relevant and enriching classroom learning.”


The evening concluded with an interactive Q&A session with students and faculty.


About Anant National University
Anant National University, India’s premier design university, is dedicated to training students to devise solutions for global problems. Anant follows the DesignX pedagogy, where ‘X’ is the symbol drawn from mathematics, representing enhancement. This new learning approach multiplies traditional design pedagogy with liberal arts disciplines, emerging technologies and knowledge drawn from hands-on community experiences to help understand our world better and to devise impactful solutions.


Our multidisciplinary undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in design, architecture, climate action and visual arts harness knowledge from various disciplines and traditional practices to integrate it with cutting-edge technology to address diverse challenges. We train our designers to become solutionaries — revolutionary thinkers with a solution-oriented mindset.


Anant National University has been recognised as the Centre of Excellence by the Government of Gujarat, highlighting our efforts to provide our students with world-class education, innovative pedagogy, high employability and enhanced entrepreneurial and research opportunities. Anant has also received the prestigious ‘5-Star Rating’ in the category of Architecture and a ‘4-Star Rating’ in the University category in the Gujarat State Institutional Rating Framework (GSIRF) 2023-24. These recognitions reinforce our commitment to creating a world-class institution of great eminence and excellence.