He said that one possible way of accelerating the National Education Policy’s (NEP) outcome is to invite10,000 retired highly accomplished teachers from the developed world and from India in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to create 2,500 ‘Train the Teacher’ colleges in 28 States and eight Union Territories, with the training programme lasting a year.

“Our nation, targeting a GDP of $5 trillion soon, will not find it a big financial burden. If you think this is expensive, you may recall the words of Derek Bok, a former President of Harvard University, who said, ‘If you think education is expensive, try ignorance’,” Murthy said. Quoting experts, Murthy explained that each set of four trainers can train 100primary school teachers and 100 secondary school teachers a year. We will be able to train 250,000 primary school teachers and 250,000 secondary school teachers every year by this method. These trained teachers can themselves become trainers over five years.

“We must show much respect and pay better salaries to our teachers and researchers,” he added.  STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT Murthy said that the stages of a nation’s development span from not utilising innovations to becoming inventors themselves. India has progressed from adopting innovations (Stage 02) to innovating on existing ideas (Stage 03) in sectors like technology and healthcare. Yet, it lags in key areas like city design and pollution control, which remain in Stage 1.

The path to Stage 4, where India invents new solutions, demands enhanced education, robust research, and swift implementation, he said, as also a culture of high aspirations, curiosity, and a disciplined work ethic. Shashi Kumar, General Secretary for the Karnataka Association of Management of Primary and Secondary Schools (KAMS), echoed Murthy, noting that teachers should also be given better salaries, and should be better equipped in tandem with evolving technologies not just in urban areas but in rural areas too.  “The government lacks effective implementation of benefits and is still not considering giving basic facilities like health insurance. While training is necessary, increasing the number of teachers is also important, as teaching is never seen as a preferred career option,” he added.

The post Narayana Murthy calls for $1 b investment per year to train teachers appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

In addition to the exhibition and conferences featured at GESS Dubai, a gala ceremony was held to honour the exceptional quality and variety of educational products, resources, services, and individuals. This prestigious event also recognized outstanding educational institutions and dedicated educators. The GESS Awards serve the purpose of inspiring the elevation of standards in the education sector, aiming to become the widely acknowledged symbol of excellence in the industry.

The awards are divided into two sections – Teachers, Schools and Education Professionals; and the second for Suppliers and/or Distributors. The category winners ranging from over 900 entries and 60 countries are:

Teachers, Schools and Education Professionals:

• Best Wellbeing Initiative for Students or Staff: Kata Csuba – School of Humanity – Serbia.
• Ambassador for the Environment: Katy Munden Hays: BlinkNow Foundation – USA.
• Ambassador for the Environment: Noreen McGuckin: Safa British School – UAE.
• Mark Duncan Award for Educational Influencer of the Year: Thomas Blakemore – Primary Class Teacher – Kent College – UK.
• Community Award for Citizenship: Alicia Bandy – International Community School Singapore: Singapore.
• Innovation in Education Award – Category Sponsor: Education UAE Magazine: Krishnan Gopi – Advanced Neural Engine for Tomorrow (ANET) – GEMS Education – UAE.
• Positive Change in Education Award: Pranit Dharewa – Witty International School – India.
• Best Use of Digital Learning in the Classroom: John Maguire – The British School of Bahrain – Bahrain.
• Outstanding Contribution in Education Award – Category Sponsor: RAKEZ: Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty – GEMS Dubai American Academy – UAE.
• Best use of STEAM Learning in the Classroom: Bhawna Sajnani – GEMS Legacy School – UAE.
• Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity: Teju Sonuga – The Bridge Learning Center – UAE.
• Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity: Eric Boadi Sampong – ATTA NE ATTA D/A BASIC SCHOOL – Ghana.
• Judges Commendation Award – Teachers, Schools and Educational Professionals: Daniele Manni – Istituto “Galilei-Costa” – Italy.
• Judges Commendation Award – Teachers, Schools and Educational Professionals: Jusinta Kwakyewaa – ST. FRANCIS SENIOR HIGH TECHNICAL SCHOOL – Ghana.

Suppliers and/or Distributors:

• Best CSR Programme for Education: Chicos.net – Argentina.
• Best CSR Programme for Education: Voices of Future Generations, delivered by Emirates Literature – UAE.
• Best Product to Promote Wellbeing: GL Education – UK.
• Best Digital Educational Resource/Product: classroom.cloud by NetSupport – UK.
• Primary Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year: Monster Phonics LTD – UK.
• Secondary Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year: The League of Extraordinary Minds 2.0 – Poland.
• Best Free App / Software Product/Resource: Amplify Education – USA.
• Best Product to Promote Arts, Music and Drama in the Classroom: Musical School International (featuring YuStudio, a purpose-built DAW for schools) – UK.
• SEN and Inclusive Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year: Kinteract – UK.
• Early Years Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year: International Early Years Curriculum – UK.
• Best Sustainable / Eco-Friendly Product: Kapes – UK.
• Best XR/VR/AI Product: Sandbox AR, Discovery Education Europe Ltd – UK.
• Best Paid for App / Software Product/Resource: Kahoot! – Norway.
• Higher Education Resource / Equipment Supplier of the Year: Snapplify – South Africa.
• Start Up Company of the Year: Earth Warriors Global – India.
• Best Product to Promote STEM/Robotics/Coding: Trusity – UAE.
• Best Product to Promote STEM/Robotics/Coding: LEGO® Education SPIKE Essential – USA.
• Judges Commendation Award – Supplier: Alef – UAE.

Exhibitors praised the event, affirming its continued role as a valuable platform for raising awareness about their products and services and connecting with influential industry decision-makers.

“This is our first time participating at GESS Dubai, and one aspect that stands out is our ability to directly connect with our clientele. In the business world, establishing connections with clients can be quite challenging, but GESS Dubai has provided the perfect environment for us to meet our clients face-to-face, present our ideas, and introduce our brand. The number of clients we’ve already met, both locally and internationally, is impressive. This platform has allowed us to reach clients in different regions like Qatar and the USA, including universities. It’s an opportunity to tap into new clientele that we didn’t even know existed.” Ashlin Ontong, Education Manager at Absolute Adventure.

Attendees expressed their pleasant astonishment at GESS Dubai exceeding their initial expectations. They emphasized how the conference not only provided them with inventive ideas and invaluable insights for leveraging digital technology in their classrooms and educational institutions but also made a substantial contribution to their professional advancement and growth.

“I’ve found this conference to be incredibly interesting and am looking forward to the future of education. It’s rewarding to see how we’ve come together after COVID and how much more powerful we’ve become compared to before. How we’re trying to put our thoughts together, and how everything is once again flourishing. It’s exciting to have this renewed mindset and focus on education for the future.” Dr Sarah Martinez Rebollo, Music Teacher at North London Collegiate School Jeju.

Featured speakers at GESS Dubai shared their appreciation about GESS Dubai, expressing their positive experience and the experience they gained from participating and speaking in this prestigious educational conference.

“The conference has been fantastic in many ways. I had the pleasure of being on stage a few times in the past but at GESS Dubai I was able to tackle a very diverse set of topics that I would not be able to touch upon in other platforms.  I was on one panel on being a school leader in the Middle East, one about innovative schools and innovation for education, and then I gave a talk about the alchemy on spaces and education. It’s that rich,” Dr Steffen Sommer, Director General at Misk Schools.

Organized by Tarsus, GESS Dubai 2023 aimed to address the increasing demand for educational supplies and solutions driven by the growing number of international schools in the Middle East. With a record high of 2,068 international schools in the region and over 1.9 million students, GESS Dubai aims to equip educators with the tools and resources they need to meet the evolving needs of the education sector. The event highlights various themes and areas of emphasis, including sustainability, EdTech, wellbeing, and the transition from K-12 to higher education.

The post GESS Dubai 2023 Successfully Concludes with Announcement of Next Edition appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

CV Pro: Your Gateway to Advanced AI and Autonomous Vehicles

Meritus Centre of Creativity and Innovation introduced CV Pro, an open-source robot designed to delve into the realms of AI and autonomous vehicle technology. This versatile robot boasts advanced features, including computer vision, a powerful microcontroller, sensors, and a swappable battery pack, offering users a comprehensive exploration of AI technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning. Customization is made easy with compatibility for various programming languages, such as Python, Android Studio, Flutter, OpenCV, TensorFlow, and TF Lite, catering to a diverse audience, ranging from high school and college students to robotics enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Inspiring the Next Generation with STEM Education

Meritus Centre of Creativity and Innovation demonstrates unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds of the future through innovative products designed to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in children and teenagers. Their array of screen-free educational kits, smart connected construction sets, and tangible coding robots empower students to emerge as innovators in robotics, AI, and coding. These offerings cater to a spectrum of educational levels and facilitate hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

CV Pro: Bridging the Gap to Real-time Self-Driving Vehicles

CV Pro emerges as a valuable tool for dissecting the intricacies of advanced AI techniques employed in real-time self-driving vehicles. Its applications extend to vehicle or person-following, navigating challenging terrains, recognizing traffic signals and stop signs, and more. The infusion of open-source technology and customization options renders CV Pro a compelling choice for high school and college students, robotics enthusiasts, developers, AI aficionados, educators, and industry technologists.

Committed to Staying at the Cutting Edge of AI

In a world where AI technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the Meritus Centre of Creativity and Innovation remains dedicated to staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies, ensuring their products maintain their leadership position. As the business landscape undergoes transformation and AI technologies replace antiquated systems, Meritus Centre of Creativity and Innovation is resolute in motivating young minds to embrace new paradigms and craft real-world solutions for global challenges.

Empowering Young Learners with Robotics and STEM Kits

Meritus Centre of Creativity and Innovation’s robotics and STEM kits provide children with hands-on experience in electronics and robotics, making science captivating and enjoyable. These kits encourage young learners to explore AI, coding, robotics, and app development, all essential skills in today’s fast-paced world.

In conclusion, Meritus Centre of Creativity and Innovation’s CV Pro and STEM products are making a substantial impact in the realms of education and technology, offering invaluable tools and experiences for students, enthusiasts, and professionals alike.

The post Meritus Unveils Innovative CV Pro and STEM Products at GITEX Global 2023: Pioneering the Future with AI Technology. appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

Recognized as the region’s premier education conference and exhibition, GESS Dubai continues to be a global hub for educational excellence, bringing together educators and innovators from around the world.

GESS Dubai 2023 witnessed a diverse and global convergence of visitors exploring pavilions from various countries, creating a dynamic tapestry of international education perspectives. Visitors flocked to pavilions representing nations such as the UAE, China, UK, Korea, Germany, India, and more. Among the standout exhibitors was Emirates School Establishment under the UAE pavilion, holding one of the largest stands and drawing significant attention. The esteemed Ministry of Education – Kingdom of Bahrain was a prominent presence, enriching the event with international insights and fostering collaborative opportunities.

Gold Sponsor Emirates Transport released plans of venturing into a decarbonized and sustainable journey for their brand by showcasing an electric bus that releases zero carbon emissions, uses no fuel, and takes only two hours to charge fully.

Microsoft, another Gold Sponsor, shared a vision of the future of education, revealing a comprehensive suite of EdTech solutions with AI, AR, coding, and VR tools. Moreover, Microsoft’s school management tools demonstrated how educational institutions can efficiently manage communication, finances, recruitment, training, and transportation.

Other exhibitors shared various products and solutions that are groundbreaking for the future of education.

• Matatalab Co., LTD will be unveiling their novel programming robots, Tale-Bot – a remote control interactive coding robot set for ages 3 to 6 years, which offers a hands-on approach to learning.
• Alolo Company For Education provides a diverse range of educational resources, including books, magazines, curriculum, EdTech solutions, educational toys, furniture and design solutions and online e-learning curriculum and software.At GESS Dubai, Alolo Company For Education is set to sign an agreement with Binary Logic, a company with a distinguished history in reengineering education to innovate and enhance the learning experience for students.
• CodiPlay specializes in EdTech solutions such as AI, AR, coding, and digital resources as well as educational toys, games, playground equipment and STEAM resources.
• Razzamataz Theatre Schools Limited is introducing a remarkable soft skills program that can harmoniously complement the STEM and STEAM educational systems, fostering well-rounded, creative, and innovative individuals. GWXR and Manifest XR provide an out of the box solution for schools to implement their own extended reality labs into schools, integrating cutting edge extended reality learning solutions and ergonomically designed furniture, to create beautiful and functional laboratories that can be used by any subject or curriculum.
• Infini-D Learning is providing an immersive full-class game technology that allows for an entire class to dive into immersive simulations around the standards they are learning in class. Each experience facilitates authentic interaction and problem-solving, and responds in real time to the performance of the students.
• ITS ASTRA, launching at GESS Dubai, is set to revolutionize school supply chain management. This innovative platform offers a catalog of 15,000+ global educational resources, streamlines procurement with an intuitive interface and AI search, and ensures cost efficiency. Their goal is to ensure that deliveries are punctual, organized, and labeled, simplifying integration into educational curricula, making it a seamless solution for educational institutions.
• Junior Genius Global is providing a solution to schools to support children’s mental wellbeing with a goal to reduce the risk of mental health challenges in young  children.

Happy Confident Company has curated strategies that pave the way for a proactive approach to emotional and mental wellbeing. This emphasis on early intervention allows the programme to arm children with robust social and emotional tools, preparing them for life’s unpredictable adversities.

More stimulating workshops, talks and panel discussions await visitors at the conference area featuring various zones including the GESS Talks Live, Leaders in Education Conference, Wellbeing Space, Skills Development, and Education Innovations. The last day promises a packed line-up of topics like The Future of Early Years by Hanan Assaf, Early Childhood Specialist at Queen Rania Teacher Academy; Armchair Chat: Developing Students into Contributors and Disruptors by Skyler Carr, Co-Founder & Chief Handraiser at Infini-D Learning; Experiential Learning: Achieving Successful Transition into the 21st Century Workplace & Transition from K-12-tertiary Education and Work – Semicircle Panel Session by Dr. Catherine Hack, Lead Consultant Education at Advance HE; Panel Session: Schools of the Future by Matt Hagger, Founder & CEO of TaleTree Inc; Armchair Chat with Mahmoud Al-jabri, Director Of Classera Egypt And Director Of Strategic Partnerships At Classera, with more speakers lined up to share insights on numerous topics.

GESS Dubai 2023 runs until tomorrow, November 1st at Za’abeel Halls 4-6, Dubai World Trade Centre. Registration is open via www.gessdubai.com. Do not miss the chance to meet key decision-makers and learn from the roster of award-winning educators and exhibitors that are participating at the event.

The post GESS Dubai 2023 Fosters Collaborative Opportunities in Education appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

The 16th edition of GESS (Global Educational Supplies and Solutions) Dubai, the Middle East’s leading education exhibition and conference, commenced with an opening ceremony featuring welcome speeches by H.E. Dr. Omar Al Dhaheri, Acting Executive Director for School Operations at Abu Dhabi from the Emirates Schools Establishment, and H.E. Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Alasmi, Director General of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States. The opening was also graced by the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammed Mubarak Juma, Bahrain Minister of Education; and H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Medaires, Director-General of the KSA-based UNESCO Regional Centre for Quality and Excellence in Education (UNESCO RCQE), among other VIPs. GESS Dubai 2023 welcomed a record number of attendees consisting of education experts, including teachers, school leaders, and industry professionals from more than 70 countries. Registration to attend the event taking place at Za’abeel Halls 4 to 6, Dubai World Trade Centre until Wednesday, November 1 is free via https://www.gessdubai.com/.

“The education sector in the region has grown from strength to strength and whilst that is to be celebrated, we also recognise that our responsibility to the entire education community has evolved and expanded in ways that demand deeper attention and collaboration from all key players. From ensuring access to the most advanced tools and technology to prepare our students and teachers for the future, committing more meaningfully to sustainability and holistic wellness initiatives to attracting, retaining and upskilling of talent, we are excited for what lies ahead. We are grateful to everyone gathered here for being building blocks to achieving a globally competitive education ecosystem.” says Sarah Palmer, Brand Director, GESS Education, Tarsus Group Ltd.

Focusing on the Future of Education
The key focus of GESS Dubai in 2023 is to address the increasing demand for educational supplies and solutions driven by the growing number of international schools in the Middle East. With a record high number of 2,068 international schools in the region and over 1.9 million students, GESS Dubai aims to equip educators with the tools and resources they need to meet the evolving needs of the education sector. The event highlights various themes and areas of emphasis, including sustainability, EdTech, wellbeing, and the transition from K-12 to higher education.

Prominent Talks and Workshops
The first day of GESS Dubai 2023 witnessed a series of engaging talks and workshops that captivated attendees. Industry experts, thought leaders, and educators convened to discuss the pressing challenges and innovative solutions in education.

Keynote presentations were delivered by:

• Mohammad Suhail Almadani, Founder & CEO of Classera Inc, ignited the conversation on harnessing innovation to empower future generations through education through their panel discussion with speakers Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Education at Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Government of Pakistan, & Dr. Imad Al-Balti, Advisor to the Tunisian Minister of Education and Director General of Media and Digital Administration on the topic ‘Empowering Futures Through Education Innovation’.
• Dr. Osama Obeidat, CEO of Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA), illuminated the path to leading effective change through QRTA’s innovative professional development model, inspiring educators with a vision of transformation in teaching and learning.
• Ewan McIntosh, Managing Director of NoTosh, unveiled the power of design thinking in learning, sparking inspiration among attendees.
• Darren Coxon, Founder of coxon.ai, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the responsible integration of AI into educational institutions, offering a glimpse into the future of education.

Visitors can look forward to a rich array of engaging workshops, talks and panel discussions await visitors at the conference area featuring various zones such as GESS Talks (Live Stage), Leaders in Education Conference, Wellbeing Space, Skills Development, and Education Innovations. Learn more about the full conference schedule via https://www.gessdubai.com/conference-engage-and-inspire

Launching of New Product and Services

Ideal Ways for Marketing announced the launch of ‘Oujeeb’ and ‘Ideal Author’ to the attendees of GESS Dubai. ‘Oujeeb’ is a conversational AI program serving as a virtual assistant with advanced cognitive abilities that streamline workflows, automate tasks, and provide optimal solutions across various sectors, including education and corporate environments. ‘Ideal Author’ is a comprehensive tool designed to support educators by reducing burnout, automating tasks, and enhancing preparation. It offers features such as annotation, broadcasting, recording, and seamless document editing to create an all-in-one solution for teachers.

Joint Collaborations for the Future

Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fujairah Scientific Club to enhance the relationship between the parties to support scientific research initiatives and programs, and to exchange lecturers, specialists, and expertise to enhance educational programs in areas such as talent development, knowledge dissemination, consultation, and education quality and excellence.

Ataa Educational Company, a pioneer in the educational sector in Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with Schoolvoice, a leading platform specializing in school-parent communication. This partnership brings together two leading industry service providers with a shared vision to enhance educational experiences for students, parents, and educators.

Do not miss out on the next two days of GESS Dubai 2023. Be part of the largest education exhibition in the Middle East region:

• Tuesday October 31^st – 10:00 – 18:00
• Wednesday November 1^st – 10:00 – 17:00
• Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Halls 4-6

Visit the official website for more information and to register to attend for free: www.gessdubai.com.

The post GESS Dubai Officially Opens 16th Edition at Dubai World Trade Centre appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

Notably, in the category of Curricular Aspects, ABBS achieved an impressive CGPA of 3.6. The commitment to Institutional Values and Best Practices earned ABBS a notable CGPA of 3.26, reflecting its adherence to values and best practices in education. Furthermore, in the domain of Governance, Leadership, and Management, ABBS was awarded a commendable CGPA of 3.25. The category of Infrastructure and Learning Resources received a stellar CGPA of 3.56. ABBS achieved a CGPA of 3.04 in Research, Innovations, and Extension, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to academic assessment. This comprehensive performance is a testament to ABBS’s unwavering dedication to providing quality education and fostering holistic development.

A NAAC peer team conducted an extensive assessment during their visit to the campus, which took place from April 19 to April 20. They meticulously evaluated all departments, rigorously scrutinising the qualitative metrics detailed in the Self Study Report (SSR) previously submitted to NAAC by the Institution.

“Receiving the NAAC ‘A’ grade accreditation for the third time’s a proud moment for ABBS,” said Mr Ajitesh Basani, Executive Director-Administration `We remain dedicated to facilitating our students’ pursuit of advanced knowledge and skills while fostering a sense of social responsibility. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of our academic planning, innovative practices, and commitment to producing graduates who are ready to make a positive impact.”

These remarkable NAAC accolades position ABBS as a shining example of excellence, drawing students not only from across the nation but also from international regions. As a forward-looking and progressive institution, ABBS maintains its unwavering dedication to delivering high-quality education, equipping students to create a positive influence on society.

The post Acharya Bangalore B-School (ABBS) Attains NAAC ‘A’ Grade Accreditation for the Third Consecutive Cycle appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

He previously served as the Dean (Faculty) and Professor of Marketing at the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) and held positions as a Research Fellow and Visiting Fellow at the Portsmouth Business School, University of Portsmouth, UK. Throughout his career, Professor Modi has secured substantial research grants from notable organizations such as IDRC-TTI, UNICEF, and the University of Portsmouth. His academic contributions are evident through publications in leading international journals. He has also provided consulting services to government bodies, multilateral agencies, and prominent multinational corporations. In addition, he has held key administrative roles and played a significant role in shaping institutional strategies and policies.

In the academic sphere, Professor Modi has taught a range of courses at esteemed management institutions in India and Europe, including Marketing Strategy, Services Marketing, Managerial Decision Making, Structural Equation Modeling, Quantitative Research Methods, Marketing Management, Social, and Nonprofit Marketing. His primary research focus is on strategic orientations and their implications, alongside interests in sustainable consumption, rural-social aspects of marketing, and nonprofit marketing.

Prof. Pratik Modi, Dean, School of Management, BMU on his appointment said, “This presents a fantastic opportunity for me to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving and dynamic realm of interdisciplinary education. BMU’s School of Management has earned its reputation for fostering experiential learning and embracing a multifaceted approach to academics. SOM presents an environment that prepares students for the future, where collaboration between leaders, entrepreneurs, problem solvers, and innovators is crucial. I’m looking forward to working with the dedicated team at BMU to inspire students and help the school and university grow.”

“We extend a warm welcome to Dr. Pratik Modi as the Dean of the School of Management at BMU. His commitment to a practical and interdisciplinary approach aligns perfectly with BMU’s ethos. We anticipate a highly successful tenure ahead,” shared Professor Shyam Menon, Vice Chancellor, BMU.

Professor Menon also acknowledged the outstanding dedication and contributions of Dr. Jaskiran Arora, the outgoing Dean of the School of Management, stating, “Dr. Arora’s commitment to the BMU’s School of Management has been truly exceptional. We wish her the very best in her future role as the Dean of Education Quality at BMU.”

Expressing her satisfaction, Dr. Jaskiran Arora, the outgoing Dean of the School of Management, BMU, stated, “I am delighted to see an outstanding academic and administrator like Professor Modi take the helm at the School of Management. I take pride in the legacy we’ve built during the formative years of the management school, and I have full confidence that he is the right person to lead it forward. I look forward to my continued association with SOM and my role as Dean of Education Quality at the university.”

With the appointment of Professor Pratik Modi, BMU looks forward to a new chapter in the School of Management’s journey. His diverse background and commitment to academia make him well-suited to guide the school toward continued excellence and innovation. The university eagerly anticipates the positive impact and transformative leadership that Professor Modi will bring to the institution.

The post BML Munjal University Appoints Prof. Pratik Modi as the Dean of the School of Management appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

At the ‘Get Set Grow! 2023: Children’s Wellness Summit’, experts from various fields discussed the findings. The eminent panel included Mr Akash Ryall, CEO of Bethany Education Institutions,Ms Maryanne Pais, HOD Psychology, St Joseph’s College of Commerce, and Ms.Sulata Mitra, a parent, and Brand InfluencerThe Panel Discussion was moderated by Dr Sharon Rajkumar, Happiness and Wellness Evangelist, Happiest Health.

Mr Akash Ryall – CEO, of Bethany Education Institutions, Bengalurusaid, “Some people think that children today are entitled, but they are impatient. If we practice qualities like forgiveness and humility at home, children will emulate whatever they see. We need to practice and demonstrate empathy, even as parents. This is especially true for children in the world of social media – everyone is so busy getting likes that they forget that people around them need help.”

With reference to their relationship with parents, what adolescents want most is an environment of trust and a non-judgemental listening ear. While most students were happy with their relationships with their parents, they expressed the desire for parents to spend more time with, trust, and understand them,listen openly, not compare them with others, and be included in family decisions. While 27% of them were comfortable talking to their parents about anything, nearly three-fourths expressed discomfort talking about critical issues like romantic relationships, sex, and sexuality.

Talking about the need to have open conversations, Ms. Maryanne Pais, HOD Psychology, St Joseph’s College of Commerce, emphasized that everyday behavior is also important. “We have to understand that conversations on sexuality are socially situated. We as adults are not comfortable talking to other adults. More important than telling children directly to have these conversations, is the everyday behavior around these topics. Creating a comfortable space for discussion is crucial.” 

Schools form a crucial environment for adolescent growth, academically and in terms of social confidence. While students reported feeling safe and comfortable in school, they wished to be ableto talk to teachers more openly and to have less homework. Among the respondents, 49% of students reported that they were unable to talk to teachers, feeling discomfort in sharing about their personal lives, academics, family problems, or friends. However, 35%  felt that they could talk to their teachers about anything. 58% of the students felt stressed by homework, and a greater number of girls than boys felt this way. When dealing with stress, adolescents mostly tend to go to parents, family, siblings, or friends, and alarmingly 14% of students had no one to go to when stressed.

The study found that more than 25% of high school students and 68% of higher secondary school students spend more than 2 hours on screens daily with the majority of content being focused on social media. Extra-curricular activities took a back seat as children went to higher classes, with less than an hour a day being spent, and one-third of the girls did not spend any time pursuing any extra-curricular activity.

“Adolescence is a particularly difficult time for any person, and the institutions of parents, family, and school are critical in helping teenagers navigate these confusing times. Through this Voice of the Adolescent survey, we wanted to delve into their world and help the family and school understand their needs. At Happiest Health, we hope to bring home the importance of non-judgemental support to parents, caregivers, and teachers, to help create a nurturing and positive environment for growing up.”, said Anindya Chowdhury, President & CEO, of Happiest Health.

The post Voice of the Adolescent Survey by Happiest Health reveals what parents should do differently appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

· ICAI Sustainability Initiatives received the highest score amongst 70 initiatives received from around the world.

· ICAI also received UNCTAD ISAR Chair for the 40th session, second consecutive session, and CA. (Dr.) Sanjeev Kumar Singhal, Central Council Member from ICAI Chaired the ISAR session during the World Investment Forum being held from 16-20 October 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for its initiative Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SRSB) has been awarded the ISAR Honours 2023 by the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) working group on International Standards for Accounting and Reporting (ISAR). ICAI’s initiative SRSB received the highest score in this year’s ISAR HONORS session among 70 initiatives from around the world. ICAI has also received UNCTAD ISAR Chair for the 40th session, second consecutive session and CA. (Dr.) Sanjeev Kumar Singhal, Central Council Member from ICAI chaired the UNCTAD ISAR session during the World Investment Forum being held from 16-20 October 2023 in Abu Dhabi.

ISAR Honours recognizes policy, institutional and capacity-building initiatives to encourage and assist enterprises to publish data on their contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and facilitate good practices in this area.

On this occasion CA. Aniket Sunil Talati, President, ICAI said, “We are honored with this recognition, such accolades will further inspire us to work hard to promote and adopt the best sustainable practices in the country. Embracing sustainability practices in business is the need of the hour and ICAI has been at the forefront of leading this movement by setting up the Sustainability Reporting Standards Board in 2020, to formulate standards that are in sync with the Indian economy while being benchmarked to International practices and to enhance the quality of sustainability reporting framework in India”

ICAI has been active in enforcing sustainability guidelines with the SDGs Agenda at its core. In 2022, ICAI formed a Section 8 Company – ‘The Institute of Social Auditors of India (ISAI)’, with a prime objective of fostering proficient, ethical and world-class social auditors, profession responding to the needs and expectations of the stakeholders. ICAI also issued 16 audit standards on social audits across 16 thematic focus areas, making India the first country in the world to have social impact assessment standards. ICAI is also engaging with key stakeholders and encouraging organizations to adopt a responsible, growth- oriented framework for sustainable reporting. Towards capacity building and creating awareness ICAI is conducting a Certificate Course on Business Responsibility & Sustainability Reporting and an extensive training course on Social Audit for NISM Series XXIII: Social Auditors Certification Examination.

CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, Vice-President, ICAI said, “We are thrilled to receive this ISAR Honours. This is a historic moment for ICAI and the entire country. Such awards will support our ambition to build a more sustainable economy for the future. ICAI is working in tandem with the regulators and institutions proactively taking all necessary steps to develop and strengthen the Sustainability Reporting framework in India.”

Initiatives like hosting Carbon Neutral WCOA 2022, Sustainability Literacy Drive, ESG round tables, National and International Sustainability Awards and regularly coming out with various technical literature to create awareness and enhance knowledge are key steps towards creating a sustainable ecosystem. Practicing a sustainability as a way of life, ICAI is a leading professional body that has initiated efforts to be carbon neutral in all locations pan India. In addition, towards environmental sustainability ICAI also focuses on reducing paper consumption by encouraging paperless working, promoting e- meetings and e-journals. Institute also actively conducts countrywide Tree Plantation Drives and other sustainable initiatives towards creating a sustainable future.

The post ICAI receives the prestigious UN Award for its Contribution to Sustainability Reporting appeared first on Higher Education Plus.

The World University of Design, based in Sonipat, has hosted the 15th International Conference on Doctoral Education in Design. The prestigious biennial event, organized by the European Academy of Design, has been held in India for the first time.It saw presentation by more than 25 researchers with over 150 delegates and invitees in attendance from major universities of design, industry, stakeholders, and doctoral students. The participants explored doctoral design research and education and their role in defining agendas for the next 25 years.

Addressing the audiences, Sudipto Mukherjee, the Henry Ford Chair Professor at Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Delhi, spoke about how important it is for designers to develop the mind’s eye. Hesaid: “Much of the creative thought of designers in today’s technological world is non-verbal and not contained in letters. This intellectual component of technology, which is non-literary and non-scientific, has been ignored because its origins lie in art, not in science. The advent of computers has hastened this process by exponentially increasing the scientific component of knowledge. Thus, the critical part played by non-verbal knowledge in making big decisions of form, arrangement, and texture, which determine the parameters within which a system will operate, has largely been subsumed. It is now very important to develop new paradigms to visualize, propagate, and argue with representations of entire systems.”

The noted designer and IIT Kanpur alumni Mukul Goyal, who has created the eponymous label comprising of objects of home decor, spoke about the interwoven relationships between tradition, materials, and processes for contemporary design. He highlighted the relationship between the legacy and technology of traditional metal crafts, the skill of the craft-persons and the intervention of design to bring the versatility of the crafts to the fore in contemporary spaces.

Delivering the keynote address,Jay Dhariwal, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Design, IIT Delhi,said that the design discipline needs to evolve with the times to offer solutions for the unprecedented challenges facing the world such as climate change, poverty, threat of pandemics, water scarcity, food security, and over-population. This, he said, can be done by moving beyond human-centered design research. “Design researchers are best placed to play a leading role in solving the problems of our era due to their ability to work with socio-technical systems. But for this, they will have to value compassion towards a better world more than their allegiance to form or functional aspects of design. Scientific thinking, interdisciplinary learning, as well as environmental and social sustainability need to become the core of design while preserving the design ethos. Designers should understand how every sphere of our life – be it the products we use, the transport, the shelter or even the food we eat – has negatively impacted the environment. A possible way out would be to look beyond human-centered design research to make it more environment-centered,”Jay Dhariwaladded.

Speaking about doctoral design research and education and its role in defining agendas for the next 25 years, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor, World University of Design, Sonipat, said:“As India is moving up from just being a vendor to global buyers, to being the originator of good design, a research-based approach in design holds immense significance in India’s education landscape. Such researchers will emerge as thought leaders, influencing design discourse and education quality. Their interdisciplinary approach will foster innovation and bridge academia-industry gaps. Such people can play a pivotal role in policy formulation, curriculum development, and mentorship, contributing to national development.”

The 2023 conference of the European Academy of Design was delivered over one-day events in five cities in the world including Sonipat, Bilbao (Spain), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Espoo (Finland) and Glasgow (the UK).Each of the country hubsfocused on different themes: Beyond Human-Centred Design Research (Sonipat); The Discipline of Design – Transdisciplinary Practices (Bilbao); Living in the Pluriverse (São Paulo); Exploring the Social Impact of Design Research (Espoo); and Extreme Making (Glasgow).

World University of Design, Sonipat, Haryana, is India’s first and only university dedicated to education in creative domains such as Fashion, Design, Arts and Architecture

The post Int’l Conference on Doctoral Education in Design Held at World University of Design, Sonipat appeared first on Higher Education Plus.