Odisha Citizen Forum to Host Drawing and Essay Competition Celebrating Car Festival of Lord Shri Jagannath

Drawing & Essay Competition Held on the Occasion of Bharat Ratna Late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s 34th Death Anniversary

essay comp2

Bhubaneswar, May 21, 2025 — On the solemn occasion of the 34th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, the Odisha Citizen Forum organized a Drawing and Essay Competition to commemorate his legacy and celebrate Odisha’s cultural heritage. The event was held on May 21, 2025, at the New Hall, Buddha Mandir, Madhusudan Marg, Unit-9, Bhubaneswar.

The theme for both competitions was “Rath Yatra of Lord Shri Jagannath,” aiming to engage young students in exploring the spiritual and cultural significance of the iconic Rath Yatra .

The competition was open to students from Pre-Nursery to Class 12, and the schedule was as follows:

  • Drawing Competition: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

  • Essay Competition: 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM

  • Registration Time: 8:30 AM

  • Registration Fee: ₹100

essay comp

Shri Suresh Kumar Routray, veteran politician from Odisha, attended as Chief Guest, offering his support and words of encouragement to the young participants.

Mr. Bhaskar Charchi, Principal, expressed his appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of combining cultural education with national remembrance.

Organized by the Odisha Citizen Forum, the event served not only as a tribute to a visionary leader but also as an opportunity for students to connect with their heritage through creativity and expression. Prizes and certificates were awarded to outstanding participants, making the event both meaningful and memorable.

Why Is University Selection Challenging for Students Planning to Study Abroad?

By Mr. Manohar Malhotra, Head of Admissions at Merrakii

It is the dream of many students to study abroad, but deciding on the correct university is a multifaceted and confusing Task. University selection can appear challenging at first sight but in fact, the procedure is based very deeply on an even more crucial and basic choice: selecting the correct country.

Country First, University Second

Before a student compares universities, they need to analyze which country will best fit their long-term interests and objectives first. This includes learning about the norms of the country’s education, cultural setting, immigration policies, employment opportunities and political landscape. For example, recent debates in the United States regarding possible policy shifts for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program has raised alarm among international students, especially those from nations such as India. If such shifts cut or nullify opportunities for students to pursue work after graduation, it might encourage them to look for alternative destinations. Once the country is selected, students can focus on finding the right university. Several key factors influence this decision:

1. Course Offerings and Curriculum 

The foremost concern needs to be about the availability of the preferred course. The students need to take care that the universities provide the appropriate subjects and specializations reflecting their interests as well as long-term career aims. The curricula framework, credit system and the professional expertise of faculties also significantly impact a student’s educational experience.

2. Scholarships and Financial Support  

For most families, budget is the key deciding factor. Tuition and living costs differ greatly from one university to another and one country to another. Thus, obtaining scholarships or financial assistance often becomes crucial. A substantial scholarship package can strongly sway the decision especially among middle class-income families.

3. Location and Career Opportunities

Education in industry-focused cities can greatly increase post-graduation prospects. Being close to potential employers means greater opportunities for internships, networking and placements, so university location becomes a key consideration in the selection process.

 4. University Reputation and Exposure

Elite universities like the Ivy League may gain students even when they do not offer financial aid given their brand value in the long run. Yet most students will have to balance between elite and affordability, particularly given options outside of elite colleges that offer good programs and significant scholarship money.

5. Faculty and Research Opportunities

For students seeking higher degrees or academic careers, it is essential to take into account the expertise of the faculty, research opportunities available, and the ability to pursue further studies under the same mentorship from master’s to PhD.

Simplifying the Application Process

To minimize the intricacies involved in applying to foreign universities, students need to take a few strategic steps:

Early Planning

Plan at least 12 months before the university course commencement. It gives sufficient time to collect documents, appear for standardized tests, and do comprehensive research on universities.

Clarity on Goals

Having clear goals for the desired course and country narrows down the list of universities effectively.

Balanced Application Strategy

Students should categorize their options into three groups: Dream (aspirational choices), Reach (within realistic possibility), and Safe (safe choices). This balanced strategy minimizes risk and maximizes acceptance opportunities.

Organized Documentation

Students must make all necessary documents—transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letter of Recommendation (LOR), CV and test scores—well ahead of time to prevent the eleventh-hour rush.

Role of Visa Assistance

It’s an equally important and sometimes intimidating part of the study abroad process to obtain a student visa. Visa requirements and application processes vary by country. Professional visa assistance services can prove to be hugely beneficial in assisting students:

 – Know evolving visa policies and qualification criteria

– File correct documents within specified timelines

– Get ready for visa interviews

– Adapt to policy changes with ease and confidence

Having recent facts and professional guidance can markedly lower stress and enhance the likelihood of a successful visa result.

Universities are not solely ranked by their academic status—it’s a complex choice based on factors such as location, course options available, cost implications and future career goals. With proper planning, awareness and advice the student can successfully navigate the process and make decisions that will establish them for academic and professional success overseas.

 

 

Prodigy Finance Flags Currency Volatility as Rising Concern for Study Abroad Aspirants

Currency volatility is becoming one of the biggest challenges for students planning to study abroad. When exchange rates fluctuate, the cost of tuition, housing, and everyday expenses can shift dramatically, often without warning. For students from countries where the local currency is weakening against the US dollar, pound, or euro, this can lead to serious financial strain, forcing them to either stretch their budgets or reconsider their plans.

Even minor shifts in exchange rates can significantly inflate tuition and living costs. This leads to substantial increases in the amount of home currency required to cover the same expenses, placing additional pressure on students already managing tight budgets.

Students are doing all the right things like planning early and budgeting wisely, but currency depreciation can undo all that effort in an instant,” said Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance. “That’s why we’ve designed a loan solution that protects students from this very risk.”

Traditional education loans, typically disbursed in a student’s local currency, add another layer of uncertainty. If the value of the home currency drops between the time a loan is approved and when tuition is due, students may find themselves suddenly short of funds or facing higher repayments than planned. This unpredictability can cause significant stress and, in some cases, derail a student’s academic plans.

Prodigy Finance is addressing this challenge head-on by offering a solution designed specifically for international students. The lender provides loans directly in USD, GBP, and EUR, and disburses funds directly to universities. This shields students from the risks of currency depreciation and conversion losses, ensuring they know exactly how much they will receive and repay, regardless of what happens to their home currency during their studies.

Prodigy Finance offers education loans at interest rates that can be up to 3% lower than typical market rates, which range between 9.99% and 13.25%, depending on the applicant’s profile and loan type. This potential saving can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying abroad, easing long-term financial pressure on international students

Student loans are available without the need for collateral or a co-signer, and the application process is fully online, making it accessible to students from over 150 countries. Prodigy Finance also offers a new co-signer loan option for Indian students with even lower interest rates, starting from 8.35%. Moreover, a six-month grace period is also provided to allow full time students to find employment before repayments begin.

In a world where currency markets can change overnight and the value of money is never guaranteed, Prodigy Finance’s approach provides international students with stability, transparency, and real savings, helping them focus on their studies and future rather than worrying about exchange rates.

BML Munjal University Pays Tribute To Mothers With Self-Shot Film Called ‘She Taught Me First’

Gurugram, 11th May 2025: BML Munjal University (BMU), a Hero Group initiative, released a selfshot film titled She Taught Me First to mark this year’s Mother’s Day. The film celebrates mothers as the first mentors, role models, and educators in every student’s journey, shaping their values and guiding principles long before formal education begins.

The heartfelt video features students, faculty, and staff from across the university capturing unscripted moments, sharing stories, and expressing gratitude to their mothers. From teaching life’s earliest lessons to instilling confidence and compassion, the film reflects the deeply personal and universal impact of maternal influence.

Sharing her thoughts on the SelfShot FilmShadan Raza Ahmed, Head People and Culture, BML Munjal University, said, “At BMU, we truly believe that education goes beyond classrooms. Mothers are every child’s first teachers, and this film is a tribute to their timeless wisdom, resilience, and unconditional love. It’s a reminder that the foundation of every great learner is laid at home.”

Conceptualised and executed in-house by the BMU student community, the film captures the spirit of authenticity and gratitude, aligning with the university’s values of empathy, experiential learning, and holistic development.

Manipal Group of Institutions Honor Visionary Founder Dr T.M.A Pai on 127th Birth Anniversary

Manipal, 03 May 2025: Manipal Group of Institutions celebrated the 127th birth anniversary of its founder Dr TMA Pai in solemn and respectful ceremony held at Manipal on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.  Paying rich tributes to the remarkable legacy of Dr TMA Pai on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Hon’ble Justice Shri S Abdul Nazeer, His Excellency the Governor of Andhra Pradeshdescribed him as a ‘legendary visionary’ whose pioneering efforts in education and healthcare have transformed lives and continue to inspire generations.

He remembered Dr. Pai as a multi-faceted personality, an educationist, banker, philanthropist, and a true nation builder. “Dr. Pai believed that poverty could be eradicated by eliminating illiteracy and ill health. Dr. Pai is a true Karma Yogi. He viewed educated children not just as assets to their families, but as the pillars of a progressive nation,” he added.

On a heartfelt personal note, the Governor also shared his connection to Dr. Pai’s legacy. “I am a proud alumnus of Mahaveera College at Moodbidri, an institution founded by Dr. T.M.A. Pai.  His vision shaped my educational journey and career,” he said.

The celebration was also attended by dignitaries from the Manipal Group comprising of Mrs Vasanti R Pai, Trustee, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Trust, Dr Ranjan R Pai, President, MAHE Trust, Registrar, Academy of General Education & Chairman, Manipal Education and  Medical Group (MEMG), Bengaluru, Mr T Ashok Pai, President of Dr TMA Pai Foundation, Manipal, Mr T Satish U Pai, Executive Chairman, Manipal Media Network Ltd., & Vice President, AGE, Dr HS Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE & President, AGE, Manipal, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, MAHE, Manipal.  The event was also graced by several senior officials from the Manipal Group, making it a significant celebration of Dr TMA Pai’s lasting legacy.

Each year Manipal Group of Institutions celebrates Founder’s Day on April 30th on his birth anniversary to honor and remember the legacy of Dr TMA Pai, the visionary founder of the Manipal Group, who transformed the once barren hilltop of Manipal into a globally renowned educational hub. This year’s celebration featured several programs, beginning with a heartfelt floral tribute to Dr TMA Pai by all the distinguished guests and dignitaries.

Welcoming the august gathering, Dr HS Ballal, President-AGE Manipal & Pro Chancellor-MAHE , said, “We are reminded of the extraordinary vision of our founder Dr TMA Pai that has shaped not just an institution, but an entire educational ecosystem.  Dr Pai’s anticipation into establishing self-financing educational institutions in the 1950s was revolutionary for its time and continues to inspire our approach to education today.  Today, as we honor his memory, we entrust ourselves to his principles of accessible quality education, innovation, and service to society that have become the traditional hallmark of the Manipal experience.”

Addressing the audience, Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said, “As we celebrate the 127th birth anniversary of our founder, Dr TMA Pai, we reflect on a legacy that continues to guide our institution’s mission and vision.  Dr Pai’s remarkable journey from establishing a single medical college to creating this comprehensive educational ecosystem exemplifies what visionary leadership can accomplish. His basic belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic differences, remains central to the base of our institution.  In the past year, we have further strengthened our commitment to this vision through expanded scholarship programs, research initiatives addressing societal challenges, and international collaborations that provide our students with global perspectives.”

The event featured several award presentations, including the “Kundapur Mohan and Latha Bhandarkars’ Merit-cum-Means Scholarships,” the “Smt. Sharada M Pai – Dr Padma Rao Memorial Award” for the Best Nursing and Anganwadi Service, the “Smt. Sharada M Pai – Dr Padma Rao A- MMS Diamond Jubilee Award” for the Best Female Warden/Caretaker (Non-Teaching Staff), and the “Smt. Geetha K Nayak Memorial Award” for the Senior Nurses of Kasturba Hospital. The event also honored rank holders from AGE Colleges, recipients of Kadambi Scholarships, and Manipal Scholars.

Dr Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology & Science, MAHE, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all those who contributed to making the celebration a success.

 

Navrachana University Hosts 7th Entrepreneurship Summit to Boost Startup Culture

Vadodara, April 30, 2025

The School of Business and Law at Navrachana University Vadodara (NUV), in collaboration with the Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), Government of Gujarat, and the Navrachana Innovation Foundation, successfully hosted the 7th edition of its flagship Entrepreneurship Summit on April 22 to April 25, 2025.

The summit brought together a vibrant mix of young innovators, startup founders, industry leaders, and students from across the country. It served as a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and collaboration.

The summit began with an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Manish Jain, Director of the Creativity Lab at IIT Gandhinagar, who spoke on The Role of Education in Driving Entrepreneurship. He highlighted the importance of experiential learning in fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and urged students to explore production-based business models over conventional app-based aggregators.

A series of engaging speaker sessions followed, featuring key industry voices. Mr. Karan Tanna (Blinkit) discussed the growth of dark stores and the evolution of quick commerce. Dr. Deep Lodhari (BeChef) reflected on the powerful lessons learned from entrepreneurial failures. Ms. Akansha Gandhi (Vadilal) spoke about the unique challenges of sustaining legacy brands in a rapidly changing market. Mr. Naitik Chotai, founder of Fundoolabs, provided an honest account of the lesser-known struggles of startup life, sharing insights from his Shark Tank journey.

In a focused technical session, Mr. Apoorva Vora, CEO of Finolutions, demystified how investors evaluate startups and outlined common red flags to avoid. Participants also benefited from hands-on workshops on Design Thinking by Mr. David P. Isaac (Co-founder, IRIS Training & Consulting, Mumbai) and Performance Marketing by Ms. Pranali Buch (COO, Bestow), gaining practical tools to enhance innovation and brand strategy.

A major highlight of the summit was the Business Plan Competition, which attracted 95 participants across 40 teams from premier institutions such as IIT Hyderabad, Symbiosis, and Christ University, and School students also confidently showcased a range of creative and innovative ideas.

Judged by a panel of startup mentors, venture capitalists, and academic experts, the competition offered valuable feedback and real-world perspectives to budding entrepreneurs. The price of 1 lakh rupees is distributed among the winning teams to take their ideas further.

Some standout ideas included a hyper-local event discovery app, a pet-on-rent service, an anti-dandruff cap, agricultural robots, herbal bandages, self-lacing shoes, a safe pesticide spraying device (Dripsafe), vaccine transport solutions, and a smart financial analysis platform.

Prof. Sandeep Vasant, Registrar, Navrachana University Vadodara, expressed, “The 7th Entrepreneurship Summit reflects our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. It provided a dynamic platform for students to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and gain real-world insights. Through collaborations with SSIP and the Navrachana Innovation Foundation (Incubation Centre), we continue to empower students to scale their entrepreneurial ventures.”

Dr. Hitesh Bhatia, Dean, School of Business and Law, remarked, “The 7th Entrepreneurship Summit reaffirmed our dedication to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship. The summit’s interactive format, practical insights, and real-world mentorship left participants inspired and better equipped to make a meaningful impact.”

Rockwell Automation, STEM Foundation Unite to Empower Youth Innovators

National, 30 April, 2025: Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has partnered with the India STEM Foundation to establish Science Labs, Robo Siksha Kendra, and Atal Tinkering Labs at two schools in Bengaluru: Government High School, Cox Town, and VKO Government School, Shivaji Nagar.

The Robo Siksha Kendra and Tinkering Lab are equipped with the latest technologies to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) learning and communicate core STEM concepts to students in grades 7-10. Students engage in hands-on activities, plan and conduct simple experiments, build, test, and evaluate projects, and explore ideas to solve real-world problems using technology, reasoning, design thinking, conflict resolution, and collaboration under the mentorship of our qualified engineer facilitators.

Speaking about the initiative, Dilip Sawhney, managing director, Rockwell Automation India said, “we are deeply committed to promoting STEM education and empowering young minds. With these initiatives, we aim to inspire future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders who will drive sustainable growth and technological advancement.”

By providing hands-on learning opportunities and access to modern technology, Rockwell Automation is committed to nurturing future talent and contributing to India’s growth as a technological hub.

Rockwell Automation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives extend to Pune, where the company supports STEM education at Huzurpaga Girls’ English Medium School. An exhibition attended by dignitaries from the Maharashtra Girls’ Education Society showcased innovative student projects across multiple grade levels, highlighting the positive impact of tinkering labs on problem-solving and creativity.

A global outlook : Cambridge Schools in Delhi- NCR celebrate World Dance Day 2025

New Delhi, 29th April 2025: Cambridge School, New Friends Colony, marked World Dance Day 2025 with a special assembly. The event celebrated the different dance traditions from around the world as the students presented a volley of dances. The performances included Indian classical, folk, contemporary, and fusion styles. 

World Dance Day was established in 1982 under the auspices of UNESCO. It marks the birthday of Jean- Georges Noverre (1727-1810). He was a French dancer, ballet master, and is considered the creator of modern ballet. 

World Dance Day celebrations at Cambridge School began with a traditional performance that symbolised a call to invoke the universe. The presentation involved the use of the various mudras (starting point of dance skills) and Abhinaya (a higher-order skill in Indian classical dances). It was followed by solo and group dances on songs like Monkey Dance (contemporary freestyle), Staying Alive (popular disco), Uptown Funk (hip hop style), Ramti Aave Maadi (garbha) and so on. Over a hundred students participated in the celebrations. The dance performances were followed by a quiz on the significance of World Dance Day. The event concluded with a grand finale in which everyone – students, teachers, and staff – joined in.

Speaking on the occasion, Sunandita Ganguly, Headmistress, Cambridge School, New Friends Colony, said “World Dance Day at Cambridge Schools is not another day in the school calendar. It is about understanding dance as a medium of expression and a reflection of cultural heritage. Our students tell stories through their performances. Besides this, the day also serves as a reminder of how dance can be an effective exercise to achieve physical and mental fitness.”

The Cambridge Schools in Delhi– NCR propagate an environment in which their students learn to recognise and celebrate the diversity of cultures across the globe. Here, music and dance are not merely co-curricular activities but are deeply embedded in the core functioning of the schools. Festivals are frequently organised to celebrate music, dance, art, literature from different cultures, while recognising the underlying universal emotions and elements of harmony, balance and grace. Expert artists are often invited to interact with the students.

All the branches of Cambridge School – Srinivaspuri, New Friends Colony, Noida, Indirapuram and Greater Noida, celebrated World Dance Day 2025 with great fervour. 

Oxford International Invites Indian Students to Apply for University of Roehampton’s July 2025 Session

Bengaluru 29th April 2025: The University of Roehampton London, in collaboration with its esteemed international partner Oxford International Education Services (OIES), a division of Oxford International Education Group, rolls out admissions for the July 2025 intake across a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Courses available in this special July intake include MBA (Early Career & Healthcare Management), MSc Data Science, Cyber Security, Project Management, Digital Marketing, Banking and Finance, and Global Logistics. These programmes are designed to equip students with future-ready skills and strong industry connections in a globally competitive environment.

Situated on a picturesque 54-acre parkland campus in southwest London—just 30 minutes from Central London—the University of Roehampton offers a unique blend of serene academic surroundings and immediate access to the bustling professional landscape of the UK capital. Its modern campus boasts cutting-edge facilities while preserving the charm of traditional British architecture, making it an ideal destination for international students.

With over 180 years of academic heritage, Roehampton is celebrated for its academic excellence, inclusive community, and strong student support. It is ranked in the top 15% of universities worldwide by the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, and consistently features among the top 10 universities in London. It also holds the distinction of being the 6th best university in the UK for student satisfaction. Home to a vibrant student body representing over 140 countries, Roehampton offers an immersive global learning experience, combining world-class teaching with real-world relevance.

Speaking on the launch of the July intake, Mohit Gambir, Managing Director of Oxford International Education Services, said, “The University of Roehampton has built a reputation for delivering quality education with strong industry links and a student-first approach. For Indian students looking to fast-track their international education, the July 2025 intake offers not just flexibility and scholarships, but access to a vibrant London campus that blends academic excellence with real-world relevance.”

Oxford International Education Services, with over 50,000 successful student admissions to date, specializes in helping universities expand their global footprint and connect students to direct degree programmes, vocational training, and pathway options.

The induction for the July 2025 intake begins from 25 June 2025. Prospective students are encouraged to take a virtual tour of the campus and learn more about student life at Roehampton by visiting the university’s official website.

Childhood Unlocked: Celebrating Karnataka’s Progress in Early Childhood Education

Bengaluru, Apr 28, 2025: Key Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting government systems to deliver quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) for children between the ages of 3-6, hosted the “Childhood Unlocked” event at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. The event brought together 150-200 ECE advocates, including senior government officials, policy experts, teachers, parents, and children, to celebrate the progress made by the state of Karnataka in furthering excellent ECE inside government schools since 2019.

“Our youngest citizens deserve an education system that unlocks their full potential. We’re thrilled to celebrate the progress made by Karnataka in providing quality ECE and look forward to continued collaboration with the government to ensure every child enters school ready to learn and ready for life,” said Swetha Guhan, Co-founder of Key Education Foundation.

Childhood Unlocked is a platform for us to come together and reimagine what quality learning can look like for our children. We’re proud to showcase the recent progress made by the LKG and UKG model in ensuring quality ECE and share our partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka towards achieving this mission,” added Swetha Guhan.

Event Highlights:

The event featured interactive exhibits, including the Bachpan Manao Stall and playful learning interactions, allowing attendees to experience playful learning and carry it back with them. The agenda included celebrating government officials who ensured quality implementation of the pre-primary program across districts, discussing future priorities for the early years, and showcasing grassroots stakeholders like teachers, parents, and children.

Early childhood is a critical period of growth, requiring nurturing and comprehensive support. Research shows that most brain development occurs in early years, and deficits at this stage can impact a child’s life trajectory. Karnataka has made consistent efforts in refining policy decisions to ensure sustained efforts for providing quality early education to children in the state.

Progress Made by Karnataka:

Karnataka has been among the first few states to pioneer the initiation of Early Childhood classrooms in government schools. Started in 2019, with the introduction of kindergarten sections in 285 Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), the state now has early childhood sections in approximately 2700 government schools across the state, with a plan to expand to 5000 schools in the next 1-2 years.

Key Education Foundation’s Partnership with Samagra Shikshana Karnataka

Key Education Foundation works in partnership with Samagra Shishana, Dept. of School Education in the state of Karnataka to strengthen the quality and provision of pre-primary programs in Government Schools. The foundation takes a holistic approach, ensuring enriching classroom environments, equipping teachers with training and support, and empowering parents with resources and awareness to create opportunities for playful learning at home.