Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence, deemed to be University, one of Indias leading research focused educational institution, concluded its 32nd Convocation Ceremony on 10th November with an inspiring final day at KMC Greens. The event celebrated graduates achievements and honored their commitment to academic excellence. This prestigious event gathered esteemed faculty, distinguished guests, and families to honor the academic accomplishments of the students.

32nd Convocation at MAHE Manipal

Ceremony took place over three days, from 8th of November till 10th of November. The chief guests for each day respectively were 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).

The convocation facilitated 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.

Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC, addressed the students and guests on the 1st day of the convocation. He 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.”

Chief guest for the second day of the convocation, Dr. Indrajit Bhattacharya, Director General, National Institute of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (NIRA), New Delhi, said, “Reflecting on change, fifty years ago, I wished for the transformation of modest local markets-and today, AI-driven platforms like Amazon and Swiggy take them to new heights. The journey of technological evolution mirrors the industrial revolutions, from steam engines to cyber-physical systems. Now, AI holds transformative power akin to fire, set to add $15 trillion to the global economy and create millions of jobs by 2030. The mantra is clear: AI won’t take your job, but those who know AI might. Embrace AI to enhance productivity for you and your team.

Generative AI (GenAI) is especially promising. By synthesizing and analyzing vast data-text, images, molecular structures-it drives new efficiencies, and boosts precision in fields like healthcare, with innovations like Brainsight AI helping diagnose tumors and dementia. It’s vital, however, to embrace AI responsibly. This means upholding data quality and addressing risks like bias, misinformation, and data privacy. Ethical AI, grounded in fairness and accountability, is key to global efforts such as the GPAI and initiatives that call for responsible innovation. As PM Modi advocates, global standards must ensure AI serves humanity’s good.

Education, too, transforms through AI, which powers adaptive learning, interdisciplinary research, and advances across smart manufacturing, quantum computing, and AI-driven cybersecurity. Emerging roles in GenAI require skills in prompt engineering and LLMOps to manage large language models and fine-tune AI outputs.

The future is a creation, not a happenstance. Take inspiration from those who came before-leaders like Marc Andreessen who see AI as a force for human augmentation. For a prosperous India, align with the 5Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. Engage thoughtfully, practice digital hygiene, and pursue ethical practices.

Ultimately, remember that your education shows in your behavior. Cultivate your mind with positive affirmations and ethical choices, and create a destiny guided by innovation and integrity.”

Chief Guest, Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Health Research & Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), addressing the students and the entire gathering on the final day said, “I would like to congratulate each student present here and their parents for standing with them throughout their journey. I would also like to advise the students here to take care of themselves first. Taking care of yourself is essential because, without self-care, you cannot make the impact you envision or take responsibility in any meaningful way. No matter the goals you are pursuing, the most important investment you can make is in yourself. Success, fulfillment, and peace begin with that commitment.

Consider each of us has an appointment with our potential, our purpose, and our goals. But to truly meet that appointment, we need to nurture ourselves, build our resilience, and stay mindful of our well-being. Imagine 2047 as a peak moment in your life, where you stand at the summit of all you have set out to achieve. How will you arrive there if you don’t begin with strong foundations today Your future itself depends on how you prioritize your mental, emotional, and physical health now.

As you make your way toward the heights of your aspirations, don’t just chase titles, achievements, or milestones; be mindful of the journey. Value those who support you, engage in experiences that truly fulfill you, and take the time to appreciate who you are. Reflect on what makes you uniquely capable and beautiful, because that confidence will help guide you through life’s challenges.

Remember, your time, energy, and well-being are precious assets. Just as you would invest in building skills or growing your career, take time to invest in yourself. Understand your worth, believe in your values, and make decisions that reflect the kind of person you want to be. At the end of the day, the foundation you lay today will shape the legacy you leave behind.

So, go forward with this in mind: prioritizing yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary. Embrace each opportunity to grow, to learn, and to be present in each moment. The journey to success is not a race but a path you build through balance, self-respect, and dedication. When you nurture yourself, you set the stage to meet each challenge, each opportunity, and each success in a way that’s authentic and sustainable.”

Dr H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “Today marks a historic moment as we honor our graduates for their extraordinary achievements and perseverance. At MAHE, we are committed to nurturing not only academic brilliance but also the values of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. As you embark on this next phase of life, carry these values forward-strive for excellence, stay curious, and remember that true success is found in service to others. We believe in your potential to shape a better future. Go forth with confidence, uphold the highest standards, and make your alma mater proud. Congratulations to you and your families!“

During the convocation, Lt Gen (Dr) M.D. Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “As we close this memorable convocation ceremony, we honor not only the academic achievements of our students but also their resilience, adaptability, and enduring passion for growth. This celebration reflects the commitment each graduate has shown, even amidst unprecedented challenges. At MAHE, we strive to inspire curiosity, innovation, and integrity, and I am immensely proud of how our students have embraced these values. As they move forward, I am confident they will contribute meaningfully to society, carrying the reputation of MAHE with them. Congratulations to all our graduates and their families!“

Dr Giridhar Kini P, Registrar, MAHE, commented, “As we bring this extraordinary convocation ceremony to a close, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this day special. To our honored Chief Guest, dedicated faculty, supportive families, and, most of all, to our resilient graduates-thank you for your unwavering dedication. Today is not merely a culmination, but the beginning of new journeys, as our graduates step forward to make a lasting impact. Congratulations to each one of you; may you carry MAHE’s values with pride and purpose into the future.“

Concluding the ceremony, Dr Cherian Varghese, Director PSPH, Manipal extended a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to dignitaries, parents, college faculties, students, press and media representatives, and everyone else gathered.

On Day 1, 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.

On Day 2, Adline Siona Rebello pursuing M. Sc. Molecular Biology & HG from MSLS, Manipal; Samraggi Patra, pursuing BA Media & Communication from MIC, Manipal; and Jeevithka K M pursuing MSc. (Biostatistics) from PSPH, Manipal, were awarded with the medal.

On Day 3, Arnav Agrawal pursuing B. Tech Computer Science and Engineering from MIT Manipal; Shetty Trasha pursuing B. Sc Perfusion Technology from MCHP, Manipal; Janet K Joy pursuing MBBS from KMC Mangalore and Mrunmayee Rahul Nerlikar pursuing MBBS from KMC Manipal, were awarded the prestigious Dr. TMA Pai Gold Medal in 2024 for their exceptional contributions and achievements in their respective fields.

These accolade honors their commitment to academic excellence and exemplary performance across diverse disciplines, reflecting MAHEs dedication to fostering talent and excellence in higher education.

Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) welcomed all the dignitaries and Dr Ankitha Shetty, Assistant Professor, DOC, MAHE, Manipal was the master of ceremony on the final day of convocation.

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

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, Bangalore, 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.

India Market Entry (IME) proudly announces the launch of Earth Cubs in India, setting the stage for transformative sustainability education nationwide. Through the leadership of Grace Paljor, Principal of Leeds International Academy in Srinagar, Earth Cubs aims to engage 200,000 schools and impact 50 million children across India, with educational content focused on climate change, gender equality, biodiversity conservation, and more.

IME launches Earth Cubs in India

With over 8,000 schools already engaged across 130 countries, Earth Cubs is primed to make a meaningful impact in India, empowering young minds with knowledge aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IME’s collaboration is crucial in helping Earth Cubs reach schools and educational partners throughout the country, making these critical resources accessible to students in diverse regions.

Dhiraj Trakru, Founder of IME, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “IME is thrilled to support Earth Cubs in expanding access to sustainability education in India. By working alongside visionary educators like Grace Paljor, we’re empowering schools nationwide to instill environmental responsibility in students, preparing them to be future guardians of our planet.”

Earth Cubs echoed this commitment, adding, “Our mission at Earth Cubs is to make sustainability education accessible and impactful. With IME’s support, we’re able to engage with schools across India, inspiring young learners to understand and protect their environment.”

Grace Paljor, whose innovative curriculum combines nature walks, storytelling, and poetry, has already inspired many students in Kashmir to connect with their natural surroundings. She encourages educators across India to join this mission: “Be the change that you want to see.”

IME and Earth Cubs invite corporate partners to join this transformative journey through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. By supporting Earth Cubs, companies can play a critical role in equipping India’s youth with the knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future, leaving a lasting impact on both the education sector and India’s environmental landscape.

India’s economic transformation in the 21^st century is linked to the growth of our economy, significant reduction in poverty, and enhancement of quality of life – all requiring a significant financial intermediation and further improvements in capital markets effectiveness, climate adaptation funding, and financial services for the underserved communities, amongst others. The success of India’s emerging fintech industry is premised on building a cadre of talent that will deliver on this promise.

Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar, UC San Diego launch GIFT International Fintech Institute

To build a workforce equipped for India’s expanding fintech demands, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), in partnership with a consortium of Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar and UC San Diego, has launched the GIFT International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI). GIFT IFI aims to establish India as a global leader in fintech by delivering advanced training and research that meets the sector’s evolving needs.

Professor Pankaj Chandra, Vice Chancellor of Ahmedabad University, said, “We are very excited that GIFT has chosen our consortium to build its International Fintech Institute. Our interdisciplinary strengths in understanding of finance and accounting on the one hand, computer science, quantum, and statistics on the other, and strong capabilities in application domains like climate, security, health, underserved communities provide us with a phenomenal opportunity to work collaboratively with industry in building state-of-the -art programmes around fintech. We bring to bear our cutting edge research capabilities to provide new ideas for industry and the regulators. This institute will be built on real problems and in close partnership with the fintech industry ecosystem.”

Launching in January 2025, GIFT IFI will deliver a flexible, industry-aligned educational model, offering stackable programmes starting with Fintech Foundations, Cyber Security, Finance for Fintech, and AI/ML for Fintech Applications. These programmes, designed for diverse learners-from recent graduates to mid-career professionals-will allow participants to accumulate credentials that can build towards diplomas or degrees over time, empowering fintech professionals to upskill continuously and meet the sector’s rapidly changing demands.

Professor Rajat Moona, Director of IIT Gandhinagar, said, “IIT Gandhinagar is thrilled to partner with GIFT City, Ahmedabad University and UC San Diego in this visionary initiative. The launch of the International Fintech Institute brings an inspiring opportunity to redefine education, research, and entrepreneurship in the Indian Fintech domain through curated skill development and training programs. I believe this consortium will create a platform that builds talent, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit, paving the way for a generation of global fintech leaders to transform India’s economic landscape.”

GIFT IFI envisions becoming a fintech “flywheel” for the world-a centre where global challenges are tackled, innovative solutions developed, and talent, technology, and intellectual property created for widespread impact within the country and around the globe. Many industries in the ecosystem and institutions globally have already expressed keen interest in partnering with IFI to build programmes together as well as share data and expertise for the same.

“UC San Diego is excited to be part of this innovative consortium at GIFT City, a hub that is revolutionizing the Fintech landscape,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K Khosla. “As the first US institution to establish a presence here, we are proud to contribute to the growth and transformation of India’s Fintech sector. Through our Institute, we aim to provide cutting-edge training, nurture top talent, and foster a culture of innovation, ultimately driving the next wave of financial technologies and economic progress in the region.”

As India’s financial services industry experiences unprecedented growth, traditional roles in banking and finance are shifting from operations-focused to technology-driven positions, highlighting a skills gap where finance professionals often need technology expertise, and technology experts require a deeper understanding of financial operations. GIFT IFI programmes will bridge this gap. The three partner institutions, Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar, and UC San Diego bring strong complementary capabilities to address complex challenges by integrating finance, technology, and regulatory requirements in IFI’s programmes and research.

Ahmedabad University, IIT Gandhinagar and UC San Diego are leading academic institutions globally.

For more information on GIFT International Fintech Institute, visit www.giftifi.in.

Oakridge International School, Bengaluru hosted its 9th edition of prestigious Model United Nations, this year bigger & better as OAK MUN on 8th, 9th, & 10th November. The one of its kind MUN in the city witnessed the participation of 350+ students from 12 schools.

OAK MUN organising committee with Principal Kavita Sukhani

The chief guest of closing ceremony was Mr Rajeev Gowda, former Director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India. “When you master the world of research and learn to formulate your opinions, you can start practicing sharing your views and insights“, said Mr Gowda in his address. “Over the years you will develop into articulate analysts of what’s happening in the world around us“, he added.

“I am so proud to see how our students worked hard to transition Junior MUN successfully to OAK MUN this year,” said Principal Kavita Sukhani, appreciating the student leaders. “It’s also fulfilling for us to see many delegates starting their MUN career with Oakridge Model United Nations,” she added.

“OakMUN is for those looking to learn about diplomacy in its truest form, away from the screaming, yelling, and blatant rhetoric,” highlighted Arryaa Oduru, Secretary General of OAK MUN. Over the three days, delegates & advisors experienced the power of debate & diplomacy in deciding the global future.

The 9th edition of the prestigious MUN hosted Continuous Crisis Committee (CCC), Historical Security Council (HSC) Committee X, Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Human Rights Council (HRC), International Press Corps (IPC) and Bharatiya Yudh Kaksh (BYK).

Since the first Bangalore JMUN in 2016, the conference has come a long way, this year being OAK MUN, learners from grades 6 to 12 with a passion for debate and public speaking participated ardently in the conference. Trophies & certificates were given away to Best Delegates, Outstanding Delegates, & Special Mentions in all committees.

About Nord Anglia Education
Nord Anglia Education (NAE) is the world’s leading premium schools’ organisation, with 84 schools across 33 countries. It is also the largest provider of IB education. The schools go beyond traditional learning to deliver a high-quality, transformational education to 86,000+ students from kindergarten through to the end of secondary school. The schools offer multiple internationally recognised curriculums, including the English Curriculum, the International Baccalaureate, the Swiss Maturit and the US Curriculum, amongst others.

For more information, visit: oakridge.in/bengaluru.
For admission queries- mac.blr@oakridge.in

CS Howlers, the band from CS Academy, Coimbatore, has achieved remarkable success by winning the prestigious Furtados BAND-It Competition, India’s largest and most prominent band contest. Representing Tamil Nadu in the national finals, the band emerged victorious, securing the coveted first-place position.

CS Howlers, National Band Competition Winners

The journey to the top was no easy feat. CS Howlers first triumphed in the regional finale held in Chennai, earning their place at the national finals in Mumbai, competing with a starting field of over 100 bands across India. Up against India’s top school bands from Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the CS Howlers showcased exceptional musical talent, teamwork, and energy, leaving the judges and audience in awe with their dynamic performance and finesse.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who supported us along the way,” said Joel Abraham, the band’s mentor and coach. “This win is the result of months of practice, collaboration, and passion for music. Representing Tamil Nadu on the national stage and winning the competition will hopefully inspire other young musicians.“

The Furtados BAND-It Competition serves as a prestigious platform for nurturing young musical talent across India. In addition to their victory, CS Howlers have received recognition from several prominent figures in the music industry, including legendary Tamil cinema composers Harris Jayaraj and Thaman, percussionist Drums Sivamani, as well as numerous influencers, musicians, and celebrities who champion young talent.

The band expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school management, parents, and teachers for their unwavering support throughout their journey. “Their encouragement and belief in our vision made all this possible,” said Joel Abraham.

As they celebrate this milestone, CS Howlers is looking forward to continuing their musical journey, performing across the nation, and inspiring fans with their creativity and passion.