Curriculum Mag May 2020

www.curriculum-magazine.com RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Vol 10 No 7 magazine THE INDIA EDUCATION LANDSCAPE UPDATE May 16 2020 IN BRIEF Technology Driven Education with Equity post-COVID Government announces Reforms and Enablers across Education Sector under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan UGC sets up Covid19 Key Announcements helpline, email l PM eVIDYA, a programme for multi-mode access to Universities regulator, UGC, now has a dedicated email & digital/online education to be launched immediately. helpline number to redress l Over 100 top universities will be permitted to start academic-related grievances for students, teachers, and online courses by May end. institutions, arising due to l DIKSHA to become 'one nation, one digital platform' #COVID19 pandemic. The help line number is 011- for school education 23236374 l TV channel earmarked for each class from standard 1 to And, the dedicated email address : 12 under 'one class one channel programme', [email protected] Community Radios to broadcast education content New session for NEET on July 26; JEE l Special e-content for visually and hearing impaired students MAIN fromJuly 18-23 l New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework for school, early childhood freshers in JEE(Advance) may be held in August; UGC NET 2020 and teachers will also be launched. universities/colleges exam date to be l National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission for ensuring that every child from September announced soon attains Learning levels and outcomes in grade 5 by 2025 will be launched by The academic session in universities NEET will be held on 26thJuly, 2020. JEE MAIN December 2020. and higher educational institutions will be held on 18th, 20th, l Manodarpan, an initiative for psycho-social support for students, teachers and 21st, 22nd and 23rdJuly, 2020. can be started from September JEE(Advance) may be held in families for mental health and emotional well-being to be launched immediately as August . The date of UGC instead of July in view of the NET 2020 awill be announced well. soon. COVID-19 situation in the country, a While responding to the query relating to fee hike for NITs, panel appointed by the University IITs & IIITs for academic year 20-21, the HRD Minister said Grants Commission (UGC) has that there will be no fees increase for IIT, IIITs and NITs recommended. The guidelines for the academic year 2020-21. Over 100 top universities will be permitted to start online “Guidelines on Examinations and NTA has further extended courses by May end dates for application Academic Calendar for the submission of various exams Universities in View of COVID-I9 In a notification today, National Testing Agency Pandemic and Subsequent (NTA) has further extended/revised dates for DIKSHA to become 'one nation, one digital platform’ for school edu Lockdown”are advisory in nature. online application to various examinations. Please see A Covid cell will be constituted in notification dates on page 6. Over 100 top universities will be learning by liberalizing open, Seetharaman said in her fifth part every university which will be permitted to start online courses distance, and online education of Aatmnirbhar Bharat package The pending CBSE by May end regulatory framework, the top press briefing on May 17. Diksha empowered to solve the issues of exams of class 10, 12 Union Finance Minister, Nirmala 100 universities will start online will provide e- content and QR from July 1 to 15 Seetharaman, in her fifth part of courses. Online components in coded energised textbooks for all students related to academic calendar Aatmnirbhar Bharat package conventional Universities and grades. This will benefit nearly 25 The Central Board of press briefing on May 17, ODL programmes will also be crore school going children across and examinations. Contd P3 Secondary Education launched PM eVidya programme, raised from 20% to 40%,” the the country. (CBSE) has announced the a programme for multi-mode Union HRD minister Ramesh Over the next three month a large Interview: Geeta revised datesheet of the access to digital/online education Pokhriyal Nishank said in a number of high-quality e- Dharmarajan, class 10, 12 pending with immediate effect. Under this tweet.. resources for learning and teaching Founder-President, exams. The exams will be programme, over 100 top DIKSHA, a MHRD online will be made available on publisher and editor-in- conducted from July 1 to 15. universities will be permitted to repository of NCERT content for DIKSHA through the recently chief of Katha...P10 The exams will be held only start online courses by May 30. K-12 will become 'one nation, one launched VidyaDaan Program. for 29 major papers – “To provide enhanced learning digital platform' for school VidyaDaan is conceptualised as a We couldn't go to includes six exams for class opportunities to 3.7 crore students education in states and union common national program for school, our school came 10 students for North-East in higher education and expand e- territories, FM Nirmala individuals & organizations across to us!'...P8 Delhi and 12 subjects for students of class 12 to be Contd on Pg 3 held across the country. Full datesheet on Page 6 PMRF Scheme reformed to facilitate more researchers for boosting research in the country, Research and Innovation Division set up by MHRD PMRF Scheme reformed to division will be headed by a through a rigorous selection or 24 months as per certain facilitate more researchers for director who will be coordinating process and their performance requirements) can also apply to boosting research in the country, research work of various will be reviewed suitably through become fellow under the scheme as per Research and Innovation institutions coming under MHRD. a national convention. Starting new guidelines. Division set up by MHRD A cademic Year 2020-21, NITs, which appear in top 25 To boost research in the country In another major reform, now for candidates can apply for PMRF institutions as per NIRF Ranking various amendments have been the students from any recognised through either direct entry (overall) can also become PMRF carried out in Prime Minister's institute/ university (other than channel or lateral entry channel. Granting institution. Research Fellowship Scheme IISc/ IITs/NITs/IISERs/IIEST/CF Further, now onwards there will (PMRF Scheme) including IIITs), the requirement of GATE be two channels of entries, one The HRD Minister said. “With creation of a dedicated Division Score is reduced to 650 from 750 direct entry and lateral entry. In attractive fellowships, the scheme in the ministry of HRD with the apart from minimum CGPA of 8 or lateral entry, the students, who are seeks to attract the best talent into name of “Research and equivalent. pursuing PhD in PMRF granting research thereby realizing the vision of Innovation Division”. This institutions (completed 12 months development through innovation.” Candidates will be selected Contd on Pg3

2 Curriculum May 16, 2020 News Updates Central University of Odisha launches said Ravi Patap Singh, International Program Director – Aide et Action Ajinkya Rahane appointed helpline 'Bharosa' for students across International. universities Brand Ambassador by ELSA Study to Understand the Impact of the With the aim at providing Cognitive Emotional Rehabilitation Corp for its app Services to all University Students of Odisha, Central University of Pandemic on Industry by IET Odisha has launched Helpline “Bharosa” and its Helpline Number Cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane who is 08046801010. The Vice Chancellor of CUO Prof I Ramabrahmam has The Indian arm of the IET has announced the start of a massive dialogue also the Vice-Captain of the reiterated that the CUO Helpline 'Bharosa' addresses the concerns of with industry and academia to understand these issues. Under the banner Indian Cricket Test Team has any student of any University in Odisha and added that over 400 calls of its already established IET India Digital Conversations, this study will been appointed by ELSA Corp have been received in the Pilot phase of the CUO Helpline. create a platform for professionals across various career stages, to voice (English Language Speech Union HRD minister Ramesh Pokjriyal formally launched the their deepest concerns regarding the uncertainties they envisage. These Assistant Corporation) as its Helpline and announced its number for the benefit of the students and discussions named 'Your post COVID strategies' will throw up the brand ambassador for India, their parents today. Odisha State Minister, Dept of Higher Education, biggest challenges of India's professional world and how the future will Middle East, ANZ & SAARC. Government of Odisha, Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo was also present completely change due to them. The announcement was in a web during the occasion. The programme was coordinated by Vice IET India would like to invite people from varied backgrounds and conference by Manit Parikh, Chancellor, Prof I Ramabrahmam, Central University of Odisha. experience to participate in this study. The format of this study will be Country Head – India, ELSA Madhusudan Mishra, Collector and District Magistrate, Koraput was similar to a focus group discussion – therefore, every attendee gets a Corp in presence of Ajinkya instrumental in Piloting the 'Bharosa' initiative of CUO before its chance, to not just share their perspectives but also hear about the Rahane today. formal launch today.Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo, Minister, Dept of Higher challenges that their peers are grappling with. There will be a series of ELSA Speak is a Mobile App, Education, Government of Odisha lauded the efforts of the Central discussions starting from 4 May 2020. The form to participate in these which uses speech recognition University of Odisha and expressed hope that it will help the students discussions are now available: https://bit.ly/3eHlpJR. These can also be technology and artificial in distress during COVID-19. found on IET India's social media handles. IET India encourages all intelligence (A.I.) to help professionals to step forward and voice their opinion to bring about a language learners improve their Six courses of SWAYAM appeared in best positive change in the future of work. English pronunciation. Rahane Speaking about the initiative, Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and will be endorsing the brand's 30 online courses of 2019 in the Class Director, IET India said, “This initiative will help us consolidate the mobile application to popularize voices of professionals across sectors and career stages, so that we get a the app amongst Indian Central list 360 degree view. We are hopeful that the perspectives that we gain will individuals who want to better help enterprises shape useful approaches to address the concerns of their English pronunciation. The Class Central, a listing cum aggregator of online courses portal Indian workforce.” Talking about the association, has released the list of best 30 online courses of 2019. Six of these are Ajinkya Rahane said, from India's SWAYAM. Earlier, the reputed search site had published Vijaybhoomi University, Karjat “Communication on the field is results to highest rated online courses in January this year. These six very vital in the sport of cricket courses of SWAYAM have been listed in the best 30 online coursed of announces its Governing Council, 5 new and playing the sport at a 2019 are” professional, international level, 1. Academic Writing: H.N.B Garhwal University (A Central schools we need to be equipped to University) Srinagar Garhwal communicate effectively with 2. Digital Marketing: Punjab University Chandigarh. Probably the first-of-its-kind in the world wherein the first governing key stakeholders – international 3.ANIMATIONs: Banaras Hindu University. body meeting was conducted virtually due to the Covid-19 lockdown colleagues, fans and media. Since 4. Mathematical Economics: Doon University, Dehradun situation, Vijaybhoomi University, Karjat today announced its English is a language commonly 5. Python for Data Science: Indian Institute of Technology Madras Governing Council after a virtual meeting under chaired by Sanjay used in international cricket 6. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE): Avianshilingam Padode, nominated founding President of Vijaybhoomi University, circles, it becomes very useful to Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Karjat, and the Chairman of IFIM Institutions, Bangalore. be able to understand and speak Coimbatore During the meeting, the Governing Body approved the appointment of the language. ELSA is a great The 'Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds' following University officials: Sanjay Padode – President, Vijaybhoomi communication. I have used the (SWAYAM) is an integrated platform for online courses by UGC, from University, Dr. A. Parasuraman – Pro-Chancellor – Academics, app for a while now and I believe school (9th to 12th) to Post Graduate Level. Till date, a total of 2867 Vijaybhoomi University, Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma – Pro-Chancellor – it can be a great resource.” Courses have been offered through SWAYAM and 568 courses have Administration, Vijaybhoomi University, Dr. Atish Chattopadhyay – Manit Parikh, Country Head – been uploaded to offer for January 2020 Semester. About 57 lakhs Vice-Chancellor, Vijaybhoomi University, Mrs. Surekha Shetty – India, ELSA Corp said, “Ajinkya (57,84,770) unique users / registrations have been made on SWAYAM Registrar, Vijaybhoomi University, Dr. Venkatesh Sunkad, Dean – is the perfect embodiment of the platform and about 1.25 cr (125,04,722) enrollments in various INSOFE School of Data Science, Vijaybhoomi University, Prof. Dr. 'ELSA way of life' and therefore courses of SWAYAM. It also offers online courses for students, Navneet Sharma, Dean – IFIM Business School, Vijaybhoomi he is the best fit. We are looking teachers and teacher educators. It may be accessed on swayam.gov.in. University, Prof. Pravin Mishra, Dean – Vijaybhoomi School of Design. forward to a great partnership The Governing Body also passed the necessary resolutions to establish with him.” Free learning app, “iDream Learning App” for K-12 five schools in the University: IFIM Business School, INSOFE School of rural students Data Science, Vijaybhoomi School of Law, Vijaybhoomi School of MyPedia Alexa skill for Design, Vijaybhoomi School ofArts and Humanities iDream Education launched a free learning app initiative to help Sanjay Padode accepted the appointmentas President of Vijaybhoomi English learners by underserved children in rural areas continuing their Education from homes. The app is available in Hindi, English, Telugu, Tamil, University and said, “The appointed University Pearson India Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Oriya language. Aide et officials have been working together with me for the Action is partnering iDream Education in this initiative that targets last decade to build quality educational institutions, it Pearson India has introduced an 10,000 students in a time span of one month. is indeed my privilege to be continuing with them to interactive skill on Amazon Subsequently, it will be widened to reach children in urban-sub-urban build India's first liberal professional university to Alexa for students and learners of and locations. The initiative comes in the wake of the lockdown enable individuals, society and the country towards all age groups to learn English. triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the closure of prosperity, happiness and good. The University shall The Pearson MyPedia skill offers schools, leaving digital Education as the only choice to sustain the blend the liberal arts curriculum with professional a collection of engaging stories momentum of academics. education to prepare students to deal with coupled with fun facts, trivia, The launch coincides with International Girls in ICT Day, which aims complexity, diversity and change, also enable them to be design thinkers, quizzes and rewards. The to empower and motivate women to choose careers in the information specialists, honest, accountable and self-regulated.” interactive format of the skill can and technology domain. Information Communication Technology The meeting was attended by all the Governing Body members except help improve English (ICT) has proven to be a crucial enabler to Education. for the Government nominees. The external members of the Governing vocabulary, listening, speaking, The app caters to all the subjects for classes 1 to 12 with content Body included: Mr. Jaspal Sidhu – Chairman of Singapore International comprehension, and storytelling. available in the form of animated video lessons connected to real life, Schools, Singapore, Dr. V A Sastry – He was a Director on the Board of To get started say “Alexa, open free activities and project making, life skills, including a rich digital Infosys Technologies from 1990 to 1996, responsible for Quality and MyPedia”, or simply “Alexa, I book library. ” The current times demand that we ensure an in-home Productivity. Dr. Sastry is the founder Director of MUSA Software want to learn English”. digital education supplement for every student in the remotest corner Engineering Pvt. Ltd handling consulting assignments and RelQ The MyPedia skill is designed to of our country,” said Puneet Goyal – Director, iDream Education. Software Pvt Ltd., Mr. Manoj A Shah – Chairman of Nightingale enhance the interest of students in “Learning for some of the most underprivileged children in Aide et Empowerment Foundation, an NGO working for the well-being of the English language. The stories Action Project locations across India, during the COVID-19 lockdown Senior Citizens in Bangalore, Mrs. Kalpana Padode – An Entrepreneur used in the skill can inspire them and beyond, has been possible because of the special features of and Founder of Home Food Services Ltd., Mrs. Kritika P. Bhandari – An to be authors and be imaginative iDream Learning App, which, among others, include the availability alumnus of National Law University, Delhi.Apracticing Lawyer at Delhi while writing in English. The of content in different languages and soft-skills related content and High Court and Supreme Court of India. Mr. L. Sridhar – Fellow member skill's simple voice interface can videos. Its ability to accommodate many other features based on the of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Fellow member of enable students to learn in an emerging needs of its diverse users make the iDream Learning App the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. interactive manner, at their own suitable for school children in many other parts of the world as well,”

Curriculum May 16, 2020 3 News Feature Contd from P1 Technology Driven Education with Equity post-COVID announcements UGC Guidelines For existing students, the session may begin in August, PHD students will get six month extension VidyaDaan is conceptualised as a common national program for individuals while as pending Semester exams will take place in July only in non containment zones & organizations across the country to donate/contribute e-learning resources for school education to ensure continuity of quality learning. Two committees were examinations, academic calendar, education, was led by Indira DIKSHA has content in 14 languages - Assamese, Bengali, English, constituted by the UGC to look admissions, online teaching- Gandhi National Open University Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, into the issues of academic loss learning and provide flexibility for (IGNOU) V-C Nageshwar Rao. Urdu, Chhattisgarhi. and online education in the wake adoption by the universities. “The Both the panels submitted their of the lockdown in the country universities may adopt / adapt and reports on Friday. TV channel earmarked for each class from stan- due to the coronavirus pandemic. implement these Guidelines “One panel has recommended that dard 1 to 12 under 'one class one channel In a letter, UGC secretary, Rajesh uniformly in a transparent manner. the academic session be started programme' Jain wrote, “In view of the In view of the location and from September than July. The Covid-l9 pandemic and diversity of universities and second panel has suggested that In order to support and reach out to those who do not have much access to the subsequent lockdown, the colleges, their level of universities should conduct online internet, MHRD introduced SWAYAM PRABHADTH channels. SWAYAM University Grants Commission preparedness, residential status of exams if they have the PRABHA is a group of 32 channels devoted to telecast of high-quality (UGC) constituted an Expert the students, status of COVID-19 infrastructure and means or wait educational programmes. Committee to deliberate and pandemic spread in different for the lockdown to get over and Four of these channels (27- Panini, 28-Sharda, 30- Gyanamrit and 32- make recommendations on the regions / state and other factors, then decide a date for pen-and- Vagda) are already being used by NIOS and one channel (31- Kishore issues related to the the universities, after making a paper examinations,” a source Manch) by NCERT to telecast school education related learning and teaching Examinations and the Academic comprehensive assessment of all said. material. These channels can be accessed through DD, Dish TV and Jio TV Calendar for avoiding academic such factors, may chart out a-plan According to HRD Ministry app. loss and taking appropriate for the examinations and the officials, the two reports will now NIOS organises live interactive web-streaming of Personal Contact measures in the interest of academic calendar, to deal with be studied and official guidelines Programmes (PCPs) on various subjects of Secondary, Senior Secondary and students. The Expert Committee any sort of exigency. It is in this regard are expected to be Vocational courses for its enrolled learners through Mukta Vidya Vani interacted with the stakeholders reiterated that the universities notified by next week. (MVV). Radio Vahini also broadcast these PCPs to maximize its reach not such as Vice Chancellors of the should keep in view the best “It is not binding that all the only among the learners but to the masses in general. universities, Principals of the interests of all the stakeholders, recommendations will be colleges and academia through giving highest priority to health accepted. After deliberating on the Radio & podcasts various electronic means such as and safety of all concerned, feasibility issues and keeping the email, phone, WhatsApp, online following the protocols for situation in mind, guidelines will There will be extensive use of radio, community radio and podcasts among meetings etc. and submitted its preventive measures, while be issued,” an official said. students. The use of 289 Community Radio Stations will be attempted for Report to the UGC. Based on the adopting and implementing the Another hurdle in starting the school education. recommendations of the Expert Guidelines.” academic session is the delay in Podcast called Shiksha Vani of CBSE disseminates audio content for various Committee, the Commission has One of the committees led by conducting entrance examinations subjects of grades 9 to 12, in a timely, educative, lucid and seamless manner. developed, “Guidelines on Haryana University Vice- as well as the pending board CBSE-Shiksha Vani is available on Play Store for Android phone users. So Examinations and Academic Chancellor RC Kuhad was formed exams, the panel has pointed out. far Shikshavani contains approximately 400 pieces of content in the form of Calendar for the Universities in to look into the ways of “As of now the plan is to conduct audio files on topics in accordance with NCERT curriculum. View of COVID-I9 Pandemic conducting exams in universities entrance examinations like NEET Special e-content for visually and hearing impaired students. “This is going and Subsequent Lockdown” amid the lockdown and work on and JEE in June. But it is extremely to be one of the biggest steps forward and I personally feel very touched by The UGC Guidelines are an alternate academic calendar. important to keep reviewing the this attempt of HRD ministry to provide equal access to good quality advisory in nature, covering The second committee, to suggest COVID-19 situation,” the official education to the Divyang students,” the finance minister said in a press important dimensions related to measures to improve online said. conference. Special e-content will be provided for visually and hearing impaired Contd from P1 Reactions on FM’s children. It is developed on Digitally Accessible Information System announcements (DAISY) and in sign language on NIOS website/ YouTube, the PMRF Scheme Modifications HRD minister informed in a tweet. \"The thrust on online education by DIRECT ENTRY CHANNEL academic competitions, grades way of SWAYAM PRABHA DTH For the Visually Impaired Learners To apply for PMRF through this and recommendation letters. channels for reaching those who do channel, the candidate must LATERAL ENTRY not have access to the internet Study material has been developed in Digitally Accessible Information satisfy all of the following CHANNEL addresses the challenges faced by a System(DAISY), a technical standard for digital audiobooks, periodicals criteria: To apply for PMRF through this large part of the student population. and computerized text. Learners can access all study material of NIOS 1. In the preceding three channel, the candidate must However, there has to be a stronger through DAISY. These lessons are broadcast on Gyanamrit, Channel 30 of years, the candidate should have satisfy all of the following criteria: focus on measuring effectiveness. Swayam Prabha either: (i) completed or be 1. The candidate should be The government needs to look at For the Hearing impaired learners pursuing the final year of pursuing Ph.D. in one of the third-party credible sources for Course content (Selected ones) of NIOS has also been recorded in sign Bachelors or Masters degree in PMRF granting institutions. making fair assessments” language which is placed on NIOS website as well as on YouTube. The Science and Technology streams Further, he/she should have Rustom Kerawalla, Founder recorded content is sent to HI learners on DVD. IITPAL for IITJEE/NEET from any of the completed at most 12 months in Chairman, VIBGYOR Group of preparation. Institute/University recognized in the PhD programme if he/she Schools . India with CGPA of 8.0 or above joined the programme with a Other Programmes: and GATE score of 650 or above Master's degree; and should have “Technology driven education in the relevant subject (the GATE completed at most 24 months in would leapfrog spread of education Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also talked about various other criteria is waived if the qualifying the PhD programme if he/she across the Country. It would programmesfor boosting the education system in a press conference on May degree is from one of the centrally joined the PhD programme with a democratise knowledge and skills. 17. funded technical institutes), or, Bachelor's degree. He/she should And the beneficiary would not just 1. Manordarpan: Finance minister also launched Manodarpan, an initiative ( i i ) q u a l i f i e d G AT E a n d have completed at least four be the millions of students but even for psychological support and counselling of students, teachers and families completed or be pursuing courses in the PhD programme millions of adults who got deprived for mental health and emotional well-being. M.Tech./MS by research at one of with CGPA/ CPI of 8.5 or above. of education at home. Technology 2. New National Curriculum and Pedagogical framework for school, early the PMRF Granting Institutes 2. The PMRF Granting can get the best global teachers, childhood and teachers will also be launched. It will be integrated with global having a minimum CGPA of 8.0 Institute, in which the student is unique teaching methods and their and 21st century skill requirements. or above at the end of the first enrolled, makes a strong experiences at virtually zero cost 3. National Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Mission for ensuring that semester with a minimum of four recommendation for the candidate that would be the real game every child attains learning levels and outcomes in grade 5 by 2025 will be courses. and uploads the relevant changer for India.” launched by December 2020 2. They apply and get information on the PMRF web- Nitin Potdar, Partner, J Sagar selected in the Ph.D. programme portal, in view of his/her merit Associates “Allowing top 100 universities to “During this challenging time, many in one of the PMRF granting clearly demonstrated during the run online courses, will useful. publishing groups went ahead and institutes. first 12-24 months (as relevant) of “Noteworthy is the Diksha However, let us face it the biggest offered their resources, which 3. The PMRF granting the program; initiative to provide content – rich challenge is that a large segment of include e-books, concept videos and institute, which has admitted the § The metrics on which interactive sessions by experts – our population may not have access assessments, free of cost to learners student in the Ph.D. programme the candidates will be judged clearly demonstrating the need to to infrastructure that is needed to and teaching community to ensure through the regular selection include (but not restricted to) a impart education digitally in a post carry on any meaningful learning. . that the learning of students does not process (interveiw), makes a strong research proposal, Covid world. Top 100 Universities More innovative thinking is needed. suffer while observing lockdown strong recommendation for publications record and grades. being permitted to automatically ” Dr Partha Chatterjee, Shiv protocol”. award of PMRF in view of his/her Due weightage should be given to start on-line courses is a major Nadar University Monica Malhotra Kandhari, MD, merit. The metrics on which the publication in reputed reform, and this will provide a big MBD Group: candidates will be judged will journals/conferences. fillip to tertiary education – both in include (but not restricted to): terms of reach and affordability. .” research exposure, publications, Narayanan Ramaswamy, KPMG performance in international in India

4 Curriculum May 16, 2020 Useful News NEWS YOU CAN USE LSAT-INDIA 2020 EXAM goes online Civil services preliminary 30, 2020. opportunities online. Students can Candidates seeking admission to law schools in the examination deferred VC Fund Competition for browse through the listed country will be able to take the LSAT—India from The civil services preliminary examination, scheduled to be held high-school students by internships, see what project 14 June 2020 on May 31, has been deferred. The decision was taken during a Atria University themes are trending, and apply for In an unprecedented technological move, the US-based The Law meeting held by the Union Public School Admission Council (LSAC) has decided to administer the Service Commission (UPSC) Students aged 16-18 years with any the relevant ones. Credits will be 2020 LSAT—India entrance examination online for the first time today to review the situation after academic background are eligible ever, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. LSAT—India™ is a standardised the second-phase of the COVID- to participate, INR 30 lakhs and awarded depending on the kind of test adopted as an admission criterion by multiple law colleges across 19-induced nationwide lockdown. industry mentorship for top 3 ideas India. 'Taking notice of the extension of Atria University, Bengaluru has projects chosen. This unique Candidates seeking admission to law schools in the country will be restrictions, the commission announced a Venture Capital Fund able to take the LSAT—India from 14 June 2020 using an online test decided that it will not be possible Competition for students aged product offers students internship delivery system. Pearson VUE administers this test as an Artificial to resume examinations and between 16-18 years and is open to Intelligence (AI)-enabled, online solution for aspirants to take their interview for the present,' the students from any academic opportunities round the year, even required college admissions tests in a safe manner, thereby UPSC said in a communiqué. background to pitch innovative overcoming the restrictions posed by the Covid-19 lockdown. The civil services (preliminary) business solutions. The solutions during the pandemic, while Speaking about the move to take LSAT—India online, LSAC's examination 2020, scheduled to be can be in any of the 5 emerging President & CEO Kellye Testy said, “The worldwide pandemic held on May 31, therefore, stands disciplines: Digital providing companies with a Covid-19 has clearly had a profound impact on how we live and on deferred, it said. 'As and when the Transformation, Energy Sciences, how business is conducted around the world. But we know, too, that it dates are decided for the deferred Interactive Technologies, Mobility, structured digital framework that is acutely affecting the academic pursuits of millions of students tests/examinations, it will be and Sustainable Life Sciences. everywhere. In order to safeguard the ability of Indian students to ensured that candidates are given a Shortlisted participants will get an is compliant with AICTE apply to law schools in India, we have partnered with Pearson VUE to notice of at least 30 days,' the opportunity to present ideas to a offer students a technologically advanced entrance exam this year. communique said. world-class panel comprising guidelines. The test delivery system has technical features that ensure the academic and business leaders. Powered by the TCS iON Digital transparency, convenience, and integrity of the testing process, IMA Research Foundation Top 3 entries will get mentorship without sacrificing security.” from industry experts, an induction Learning Platform, Remote Applicants will continue to register for the LSAT—India™ by Launches 2020 Call for into Atria University's Business visiting discoverlaw.in/register-for-the-test. After the closure of Incubation Center (ABiC), as well Internships provides a structured registration period, candidates will receive information regarding the Research Proposals as a cumulative initial commitment date and slot during which they will be required to appear for the test. of 30 lakhs. learning environment with access Log-in details and instructions for appearing for the test will be IMA® (Institute of Management Commenting on the initiative, shared closer to the assigned test slot to ensure a seamless experience. Accountants), the association of Shaheem Rahiman, CEO AU said,” to industry mentors, industry- Applicants can prepare for the test using the material that is free to accountants and financial A new world order is being shaped download from the Discover Law website professionals in business, has by technology, design, and curated learning material, (https://www.discoverlaw.in/prepare-for-the-test). launched its 2020 Call for Research innovation today. We want to It is the first time in more than 25 years of existence of Pearson's Proposals through the IMA nurture the next generation to projects, and videos or webinars. Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) that an Artificial Intelligence- Research Foundation (IRF). The survive, thrive, and find meaning in enabled remote-proctored online solution has been made available in IRF is dedicated to funding the new world.The Student Venture Interns can also interact and share this format. relevant, thought-provoking Fund Competition shows our “LSAT—India has given hope and aspiration by launching this exam research that furthers the commitment to invest and nurture ideas with peers and the mentors in an online format. ,” said Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding knowledge and scope of future leaders. We are excited to Vice Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) & Founding accounting and financial host this unique competition and through a social format. Academic Dean, Jindal Global Law School. management. welcome the groundbreaking ideas In a statement The Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), one of the The call welcomes grant proposals that young minds have to offer. guides can track each student's reputed law education schools in India said that students seeking that address research questions With this competition, we aim to admission to all programmes of Jindal Global Law School can take relating to the role of the CFO and provide an exclusive opportunity progress for award of academic this exam at their own convenience from the safety of their homes or the finance team as it transitions for students to address and solve the other settings to complete the admissions process in an efficient and from value stewardship to value challenges in their surrounding credits. It includes a feature to timely manner. LSAT–India (Law School Admission Test–India) is creation. Research proposals in the environment and help realize their the only admission test for the flagship 5-year BA/BBALLB Hons. areas of financial planning and true potential.” conduct exit tests and integrate the programme of JGLS for the last 11 years and it also remains the key analysis, corporate social T h e Ve n t u r e C a p i t a l F u n d exam for admission to LLB, LLM and BA (Hons.) in Legal Studies responsibility and sustainability, Competition 2020 will accept viva voce score as well. programs. digital transformation, and ethics submissions until May 17th, 2020. and corporate governance are Shortlisted finalists will be As part of the launch, more than TiE Delhi-NCR launches TiE Institute especially welcome, although announced on May 22nd, 2020. proposals in other areas will be After a presentation to an eclectic 100 internship projects have been Online considered as well. Proposed group of panelists from academia studies can use basic or applied and industry, the winners will be curated under a large number of It will be a digital platform with courses to facilitate knowledge- research methods including announced on May 31st, 2020. sharing and mentorship for startups analytical, archival, experimental, Students can know more about the domains for students to explore. TiE Delhi-NCR recently announced the launch of TiE Institute survey, or case study. competition and submit their ideas Commenting on the Online. The move aims to facilitate on-demand educational content Up to three proposals will receive here. for startups besides enabling them to remotely connect with mentors $10,000 grants from the IRF, and a n n o u n c e m e n t , Ve n g u s w a m y and experts irrespective of their geographical location. In the current others will be considered for grants TCS iON Launches scheme of things, this development also brings much-needed succour of $5,000. Grants will be awarded Ramaswamy, Global Head, TCS to the quarantined venture builders by connecting them with to proposals based on their Remote Internships experienced industry stakeholders and experts through a series of potential to advance the iON, said,“We are excited to courses & webinars. management accounting Digital Internship Product is Some of the online courses that entrepreneurs can look forward to profession. Aligned to AICTE Guidelines and launch this product just in time for attending include 'Consumer Brands in times of COVID 19' featuring Researchers will be expected to Helps Students Learn from the Rajan Anandan, President, TiE Delhi-NCR & MD, Sequoia Capital develop a 3,000-word report for a Industry and Earn Academic the summer internships, and bring and Kanwaljit Singh Founder & Managing Partner, Fireside Ventures | professional audience. Proposals Credits 'Writing An Awesome Business Plan For Fundraising' by Ashish should meet the submission TCS iONTM has launched Remote the industry and students together Kashyap, Founder, IndWealth, Goibibo, RedBus & PayU; guidelines for IRF proposals, Internships, a unique digital 'Demystifying Fundraising' by Sandeep Aggarwal, Founder, according to the researcher's status internship product to connect on a single digital platform. ShopClues & Droom & many more. as faculty or student. students directly with corporates “In the post-pandemic world, the integration of digital tools for Applications are to be submitted to and industry mentors and provide a Through this product we hope to carrying out everyday business activities will become a new normal. [email protected]. The structured learning environment to As a pioneering organization focused on empowering young deadline for the submission of execute the internship projects enable streamlined and innovators in the country, we have launched 'TiE Institute Online' to proposals is June 1, 2020 at remotely. stay ahead of the digital curve,” Geetika Dayal, Executive Director, midnight EDT/9:30 AM IST. TCS iON Remote Internships helps uninterrupted learning for TiE Delhi-NCR, commented. “Entrepreneurs can access this Winners will be announced by June companies post internship knowledge bank anytime, anywhere by enrolling for courses on TiE students on trending industry Institute Online hosted on the Knorish platform. They will also benefit from the vast wealth of experience and expertise of the faculty topics, ensuring that they earn comprising top industry stakeholders. The initiative is aimed at enabling innovators with answers to their ecosystem-related queries, their academic credits, even in the be it concerning the accessibility of funds, attracting the right investor, or devising an effective business plan that will help them midst of a pandemic.” overcome all odds – all at the click of a button!” Students can apply for remote internships at https://iur.ls/RemoteInternships Shouryaa Edutech launches online store of courses and articles Shouryaa Edutech Pvt. Ltd announced launch of www.shouryaaonline.com, an online marketplace offering online courses, books and articles on all kinds of academic and professional certifications. ShouryaaOnline has partnered with various raining institutions across the country to showcase the best courses across all fields. The major highlight of ShouryaaOnline is that it not only offers online education but also helps students to get a certification for their efforts.

Curriculum May 16, 2020 5 Entrepreneurships/ India Skills National Technology Day 2020 all about Covid pandemic Google Cloud starts Cloud DevJam program on TechGig to upskill Digital Conference, RE-START 'Make in India' Programme. This growth. According to him, developers on cloud technologies – 'Reboot the Economy through has brought in scientific rebooting the economy requires Science, Technology and institutions and startups to new age technologies, appropriate TechGig in collaboration with Google Cloud launched the Cloud DevJam, an Research Translations' hosted to develop the Covid-19 tests, national missions, programmes interactive upskilling online program designed to help Indian IT professionals mark the day becomes a platform masks, sanitizers, personal and schemes to get into quick enhance their cloud-based skills and apply knowledge to advance their to talk ecosystem's response and protective equipment (PPEs) and action. He added that wherever professional careers. The program has been designed to enable developers to agenda ventilators,” he further added. readymade solutions are not build their skills while at home during the current scenario. “Indian Government, academia, On the theme for the National available, research and Cloud DevJam program participants can build their expertise around an array of scientists, startups, Technology Day this year, Dr. development needs to be more Google cloud Platform (GCP) skills including Core Infrastructure, Data & entrepreneurs and industry have Harsh Vardhan pointed out, “We profound, relevant, speedy, Machine Learning, Application Development and more. With live interactive been working relentlessly to find need to mitigate the widespread impactful and strongly connected sessions led by Google Cloud experts, developers can apply and test their solutions to combat this economic impact and prepare for a to industry. The lessons learnt now knowledge through multiple choice question tests, hands-on labs, hackathons, pandemic. We must appreciate stronger recovery using self- would continue to assist us in and other skill-tests. Every participant of the program will also have the the efforts of our scientists, our reliance as the new mantra. Thus, addressing the overarching opportunity to validate their knowledge by applying and completing their Google entrepreneurs and our we look towards new challenges of the Cloud certification. With points to be earned with each activity, developers can institutions working to find quick opportunities to galvanize growth future—sustainable development, earn the recognition of 'Cloud DevJam Champions' at the end of the program. and deployable solutions for in the technological and industrial climate change, industry 4.0, anti- Sanjay Goyal, Business Head, TimesJobs and TechGig said, “The COVID-19 Covid-19. New discoveries, sector.” microbial resistance, etc. outbreak, and the social lockdown, has made it critically important for everyone industry partnerships, and Principal Scientific Advisor to the Dr. Saumya Swaminathan, Chief to remain updated with the newer technologies. Today, the digital frontier – led by enhanced researches have thus, Government of India, Professor K. Scientist, World Health the cloud-based technologies – is driving most initiatives in all the sectors. I am been rapidly developed and Vijay Raghavan, pointed out how Organisation, highlighted the steps glad that at such juncture, TechGig – in collaboration with Google Cloud – is adopted”, said Dr. Harsh technology can change the way we taken internationally to combat the launching 'Cloud DevJam', a unique opportunity for the technologists to explore, Vardhan, Union Minister of live our lives and the way we do pandemic and the way forward. Dr. learn and upskill on the Google Cloud Platform. This program has been curated to Science & Technology, Earth things in future, particularly so in Swaminathan appreciated the way help the developers learn and understand the fundamentals of Google Cloud and Sciences and Health & Family the post-COVID era. He pointed India has tackled the COVID-1 advance their skills in the process. I welcome all the IT professionals to Welfare at the Digital out that this is an opportunity to challenge. participate in the 'Cloud DevJam' hackathons and skill-based contests and Conference, RE-START – gear up for the future that lies At this occasion, Dr. Harsh showcase their innovative ideas”. 'Reboot the Economy through ahead, and a better-equipped R&D Vardhan also inaugurated a virtual Karan Bajwa, Managing Director, Google Cloud India said, “One thing that Science, Technology and workforce and ecosystem will exposition of companies whose recent events has made clearer than ever is the importance for organisations Research Translations', prepare India better for future technologies have been supported and tech talent to be digital-first and cloud-ready. The Cloud DevJam is organised to celebrate the challenges. by TDB. Various organizations unique because it's been conceptualized to enable developers to build their National Technology Day on DST has stepped into its 50th year and companies showcased their knowledge while at home, and companies will need to call on their skills in May 11. of existence. DST Secretary products in the exposition through the immediate and long term to ensure business agility, resilience and overall “Within a short period of time, Professor Ashutosh Sharma thus, a digital B2B lounge. competitiveness.” the nation has been able to underlined the significance of the mobilize a number of researchers National Technology Day in view Getting started : Interested participants can visit Cloud DevJam to develop new testing kits, of the challenges faced during (https://www.techgig.com/googlecloud) to register and join the learning protective equipment, these times of COVID-19. He journey that best suits them. respiratory devices, etc”, he further emphasized that the added. COVID-19 crisis had led R & D Coursera Launches Workforce Recovery The minister also apprised the and technology development to audience about the 'COVID-19 work in various modes. The Initiative with 3800 upskilling courses Task Force' set up by the private-public model has Government to map the COVID- encouraged R&D to greater Online learning platform, Coursera, will provide unemployed workers 19 related technology heights. Plausible translations, with free access to 3,800 online courses under this initiative. The capabilities. “Our Government prototyping, start-ups, and initiative also includes Professional Certificates, like the Google IT has vigorously supported the Industry have seen immense Support Professional Certificate, designed specifically to train people for high-demand jobs. Liqvd Asia and Frameboxx 2.0 come together to launch Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative is part of the Coursera for Digital Marketing Courses Government offering, which was launched in 2017 to equip government employees and citizens with in-demand skills. Now, it is here to help Liqvd Asia, a digital 1st all service a hobby or career in digital Director of ADMC & Founder of governments worldwide provide unemployed workers impacted workers advertising agency based out of marketing. It will capture and aid Frameboxx 2.0 said, “Digital develop the knowledge and skills to become re-employed. Governments India & Singapore and Frameboxx the current growth of digital Marketing and Online presence of Colombia, Costa Rica, Greece, Malaysia, Panama, Ukraine, and 2.0, a premier academy for media learning for GenZ, Newcomers, are fast becoming the norm over Uzbekistan, and the US states of Illinois, Arizona, and Oklahoma will be and creative arts have joined Teenagers, upcoming Marketing traditional mediums of the first to give their unemployed workers free access to Coursera. forces to launch The ADMC, Professionals and anyone who communication with our target Over the next few weeks, more U.S. states and countries around the Academy for Digital Marketing aspires to be the best digital audience. In fact, in the current world will announce the initiative to their people. Courses, to improve digital marketer. ADMC which also times more and more people are As businesses across sectors lay off workers due to an abrupt economic marketing knowledge with creatively stands for Advertising. online and so it has become even slowdown, the world faces the biggest unemployment crisis in the modern comprehensive, training Digital. Media. & Coding. is the more relevant today. Keeping this era. The pandemic has affected the livelihoods of 2.7 billion workers programmes, LIVE projects and right place for all career skilling in mind we are launching along globally, with millions at risk in India. more importantly guaranteed training for the future. with Liqvd Asia a reputed Through the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative, governments will be job focused certifications that ADMC' offers a range of flexible company in the field of digital able to provide unemployed workers, many of whom lack financial connect aspirants to real programs like Full Time courses, experiential marketing an resources, with job-relevant online learning. The 3,800 courses on opportunities. Weekend and Weekday courses academy for Digital Marketing Coursera are taught by the world's leading university and industry Starting 21st May, 2020, ADMC and even Short-Term courses courses designed by domain educators, covering critical business, technology, and data science skills. will provide learning specifically designed keeping in experts with over 10 years of “India has shown tremendous leadership in containing the spread of opportunities to everybody mind different types of experience in the field. Our COVID-19. However, as the home to the largest working-age population interested in learning the knowledge seekers. ADMC industry-relevant curriculum will in the world, it will have to get ahead of the unemployment crisis,” said different aspects of digital aspires to launch new age ensure that the trainee comes out Leah Belsky, Chief Enterprise Officer, Coursera. “ marketing. The courses are programs around Influencer of the course ready to enter the The Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative is modeled after a highly designed to build on the Marketing, Use of Instagram as a job market. An internationally successful initiative that the company launched onMarch 12, 2020, to foundation of the changing marketing channel, TikTok recognized certification will also offer free courses to colleges and universities that have closed their aspects of online learning. ADMC Marketing, Python Programming, be a part of these programs.” campuses. In just six weeks, this first initiative has launched 6,400 will play a major role to up skill AI Basics & Advanced and more Dinesh Swamy, Chief Creative programs for 2,800 colleges and universities around the world, helping digital marketers who specialize importantly a yearlong Officer, Bcwebwise, a well-known 475,000 displaced students who have enrolled in 1.1 million courses. In in a particular area but want to membership that will allow premium digital advertising India alone, over 2,100 programs have been launched across 600 colleges advance their current users/students in general to keep agency with over 2.5 decades of and universities. knowledge, business owners abreast with this forever experience & one of the chief looking to use digital strategies to changing medium and stay ahead mentors of ADMC said “Digital grow their business or even of the curve. marketing is now mainstream and beginners or students looking for Rajesh R. Turakhia, Managing brands are preferring 'Digital First'

6 Curriculum May 16, 2020 Free Access During Lockdown Protect All Rights of Children during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: RTE Forum More than 100 dignitaries including educationists, academia, social BasicFirst announces 'Doubts activists, Teachers' Union, CSOs and various networks through a on Video' feature for Students memorandum submitted by Right to Education (RTE) Forum to the in India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 13 urged the government to BasicFirst Learning OPC Pvt. Ltd take the appropriate steps to safeguard children rights to survival, – an aptitude-based personalized protection, education and development during and after the COVID- e-learning platform – has 19 pandemic. The memorandum recommended immediate and announced the launch of the necessary actions to ensure child rights are protected to stop the world's first 'Doubts on Video' increase of out of school children, child labour and child trafficking. service on its mobile application The memorandum divided in 3 segments urges the government to for students from classes 6th to safeguard food security of India's children by ensuring smooth 12th across all major Education implementation of home-delivery of mid-day meals. The Boards in India (including CBSE, memorandum further recommended that rapid testing for Covid-19 ICSE, IGCSE and other State should be ramped up and made free in both Government and private Boards) and major competitive hospitals for everyone. examinations such as IIT Main, The second segment shares recommendations to ensure children are JEE Advance, NEET, AIIMS, protected from risk of violence and abuse during the lockdown and NTSE, Olympiads and more. suggests measures to prevent the same. The third section discusses the In the current scenario with right to education of children and puts forward suggestions to ensure schools shuttered and exams on no child is denied of their fundamental right to education. Ambarish hold, the new 'Doubts on Video' Rai, national convenor, RTE Forum, mentioned, “If there is too much feature is poised to empower focus on online modes of teaching, then majority of children students for engaging in self- especially from marginalized communities will be deprived of their study and clarifying doubts by right to education.” Keeping in mind the existing digital divide, the uploading a video or submitting memorandum suggests the use of offline modes to reach children by the question on the mobile maintaining physical distance. The memorandum further suggests application. The unique feature that educational materials could be provided along with relief and dry empowers students by conve- food packages by the Government. Citing provisions of Section niently resolving their doubts via 10(2)(1) of the Disaster Management Act, the memorandum suggests face-to-face communication. that an order must be issued to place a moratorium on private schools Students receive personalized hiking or collecting any fees until normalcy is restored. attention from an experienced The memorandum mentioned “Extraordinary circumstances demand mentor in either Hindi or English extraordinary measures, and every measure should be in accordance – making BasicFirst the world's with the values and provisions of the Constitution of India. These first company to nurture and measures must have a humane approach and provide a level playing strengthen student-mentor field for all. relationships by venturing beyond The signatories highlight, that once situation normalizes all enrolled the confines of conventional students must be tracked, especially girls to ensure no one drops out classrooms. and schools should be regularly and thoroughly sanitized and BasicFirst is offering its 'Doubts equipped with safe drinking water and adequate hygiene facilities. on Video' service at reasonable The memorandum concludes by urging the government to increase monthly subscriptions beginning investments to strengthen the public health and public education from INR300, providing students systems. The signatories pledged to extend support in all possible 60 minutes of video call time. ways to the Government in reaching out to the unreached at this hour Early subscribers can avail an of crisis. extra 30 minutes of video time The signatories include: Prof. Muchkund Dubey, Former Foreign across all packages. BasicFirst Secretary; Ms. Shantha Sinha, Former Chairperson, NCPCR; Dr. releases students from long-term Vasanthi Devi, Former Vice-Chancellor of M.S University, Tamil monetary commitments by Nadu; Prof. R. Govinda, Former ViceChancellor NUEPA; Ambarish offering an easy pay-as-you-use Rai, National Convener, RTE Forum; Kedar Nath Pandey, MLC, model through a simple recharge, President, Bihar Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh; Rampal Singh, whereby students can connect President, All India Primary Teachers Federation; Prof. Jayati Ghosh, with a teacher over video call. No Economist, JNU, New Delhi; Prof. Mohoranjan Mohanty, Delhi other platform offers such University; Ashok Agarwal, Senior Advocate, High Court, Delhi; convenient subscriptions. Prof. Anita Rampal, Delhi University; Prof. Emeritus Venita Kaul, Announcing the launch, Randhir Ambedkar University; Prof Geetha Nambissan, Former Professor Kumar, Founder and Chief (retired), JNU; Prof. Poonam Batra, Delhi University; Prof. D. M. Mentor – BasicFirst Learning Diwakar, Former Director, A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, OPC Pvt. Ltd said, “True learning Patna; prominent social activists Aruna Roy and Nikhil Dey; Dr. begins when doubts are aptly Niranjanardhya V. P., National Law School of India University, addressed and resolved – enabling Karnatka; Child RightsActivists Razia Ismail and Devika Singh along with state representatives of RTE Forum and representatives of various networks, CSOs and social activists signed the memorandum. Memorandum is endorsed by Campaign against Child Labour (CACL), Alliance for Right to ECD, Wada Na Todo Abhiyan, Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti (BGVS), National Coalition for Education(NCE) India, Right to Food Campaign, Oxfam India, Save the Children, CARE India, Action Aid, Child Rights and You (CRY), Child Fund India, World Vision India and others. National Testing Agency (NTA) has further extended/revised dates

Curriculum May 16, 2020 7 Focus The aftershocks of COVID-19 pandemic on school education in India will need a rebuilding of the RTE movement At a webinar titled, 'Reaffirming the Right to Education in Challenging Times' organized by RTE Forum on May 5, some of the country's top school education experts warned of a whopping 20% children population dropping out of education system even as the existing schooling is likely to suffer mutations and there may be a need of finding viable solutions to protect the right of education for the children …a report byAutar Nehru Forget about asking the of vaccine against fake news and this lockdown and surge in online large number of customers. While discrimination of all types and question, how do you make up offer immunization against education. Raising this issue, Dr. referring to Delhi government's while referring to education of girl for the loss of teaching/learning wrong decisions and thinking. Annie Koshi, Principal of St. decision to shift online quickly in child, they said that the girls in time due to school closures in “Children are not affected Mary's School Delhi and wake of lockdown, Prof Rampal lockdown will be preferred in this pandemic! Because, it is severely by infection but they can education activist emphasized the said that even though the household chores and it will be important to stay optimistic be biggest carriers as they are need to realize that almost half of attendance to these online classes challenge to keep their education about the future and not bother carefree and mingle easily with India's children can't be reached was around 20%, education going. They also talked about about this lightweight question others, that is why even a country out online for education. “What minister ordered Maths classes children developing certain kind of in face of this grave crisis. “ like Singapore has again closed we know is that 40% of mobile from Khan Academy as if his own attitudes and therefore there is a Better, think this as an extended schools for one more month… phones don't have wifi or high Maths teachers were incompetent need of empathy to be taught to summer vacation and think We need to understand science of speed connectivity and another to deliver. “When NCERT wrote them. The teachers too after the about the bigger challenges ,” it. I was surprised when I learnt 10% don't have access to mobile Mathematics textbooks, elements schools open, will need to be much said Prof R Govinda, former VC some class 9 upward students phones or smart phones. Then of social justice were carefully more cooperative and empathetic to of NUEPA and one of the saying that they broke thalis there are special needs child inserted in it so that learners know parents. architect-engineer of Right to (plates) in the hope of killing population, who just can't use or about their society while learning Talking about way forward, the EducationAct, 2009. Coronavirus (with noise) on feel like using devices,” she said. mathematics, but what Khan experts said that while there is a Actually this loss is nothing March 22 when PM Modi gave a Saying that online education is not Academy has done is, it has need to find and develop call for honoring covid warriors a solution, Prof Govinda said that removed all contexts in their alternatives, solutions must be compared to how our schooling (healthcare workers, police and let nobody be under illusion of videos. These are the kind of localized and uniform norms and others personnel involved in learning by technology as is made dangers with brazen privatization one=size fits all must be desisted. will become once this pandemic frontline fight against pandemic) out. “The actual learning happens that will only increase in coming “This is long term challenge as is a by clapping/playing plates/bill through socialization and so far time,” she added. weaker economy,” said Prof retreats and allows normalcy to ringing for five minutes,” she schools have been its medium. Prof Rampal also talked about the Govinda, while as Prof Rampal felt said. Think not to get seduced by adaptive assessments using lack of real data at district level is an return in our lives. “This is a technology platforms. The online algorithm as regressive. impediment for policy making at Commenting upon the prospect can be best a stopgap “Customized education is that level. “It is ironical that some time, we should develop an of schooling, once conditions arrangement. The technology dangerous and have a lot of states have even outsourced policy permit their reopening, Prof companies are pushing it to just to limitations, we must understand,” making to firms like Boston understanding of this crisis and Govinda said there is a fear that make money,” he said while she said. Consulting, which is getting paid to gains of universal enrolment will explaining that there is going to be Experts also said that crisis of this close our schools$?,” she said that will help in contributing to be lost as an estimated 8-20% of a push for centralized teaching nature promote segregation and sarcastically. The panel said that the children may dropout owing to and outsourcing as government movement for ensuring education informed and good decisions,” poverty and displacements. “The will cite lack of money even as as a right to children must keep the parents may not be able to teacher recruitment process will debate going to ensure right said Prof Anita Rampal, a support their education as become tardy and add to teacher decisions in coming months. priority will be survival. It is not shortages. physicist turned professor of only the migrant workers whom we see today who will cause this Taking the discussion further Prof education at Delhi University effect, but a large number of Anita Rampal while citing the middle income people will also appearance of several top and someone who is an be losing jobs and they will executives of online education become job seekers in a situation players on all major TV channels acclaimed authority on where jobs themselves will in past a few weeks a bid to become scarce,” he explained. consolidate this thinking and pedagogy and teacher education The digital divide has never globalization of different kind come in sharp focus as during where these big players are eyeing in this country. In view of Rampal, education in current context should be seen as a kind Teachers get a pat on the back from HRD minister for showing resilience and reinforcing their facilitating role NET Exam dates soon, those awaiting appointment in JNVS will get letters after lockdown is over Teachers across the country have teachers will carry out the various checklists to ensure they don't development. The Union Minister teachers participation has increased in discharged their responsibilities, tasks such as defining specific miss out anything. CBSE will be also mourned the death of a teacher these training programs. Teachers which is commendable,” said roles and responsibilities of all sharing the checklists soon. of primary school in Delhi due to have expressed their willingness to union HRD minister Ramesh stakeholders at the school level, During the interaction, Pokhriyal Corona Virus. connect themselves with new Pokhriyal during a webinar with defining and establishing Health said that due to the efforts made Responding to the question on technologies to teach students. teachers today. The Minister and Hygiene and other Safety by the teachers, the online teachers training Pokhriyal said NET/Appointments expressed his gratitude to all the Protocols or Standard Operating education system of the country is that the training of teachers for The teachers selected in the teachers for spreading awareness Procedures (SOPs) before and proving successful. Many online education system is going recruitment process of Navodaya relating to COVID-19 among the after opening of schools, teachers were not expert in on with full readiness and lakhs of Vidyalaya will get appointment letters students and society at large. A redefining or readjusting School technology but still they trained teachers are also undergoing once the lockdown ends. Pokhriyal large number of teachers joined Calendar and Annual Curriculum themselves for the benefit of training. Pandit Madan Mohan said that our government believes that the webinar and also asked Plans, ensuring smooth transition students and contributed to online Malviya National Mission on the posts of teachers should not be kept questions to the Union Minister. of students from home-based education. The crisis period has Teachers training vacant and the Ministry is taking all While replying to the question schooling during lockdown to further confirmed that if the (PMMMNMTT), training of possible steps to fill the vacancies regarding opening of schools post formal schooling and ensuring teacher of the country is strong teachers is being organized for the soon. lockdown, the Minister informed emotional well-being of students. and responsible, then that country use of e-learning resources.The that the school administration and He added that school will prepare will always go on the path of Minister also informed that the

8 Curriculum May 16, 2020 VIEWS (Edit/Guest Column...) OPINION: Covid-19 Lockdown Challenges for India are far bigger and multiplying Present tense, future progressive... Dr.Nitesh Dhawan , Public Servant (Govt of UP) and Author Digital transformation of education debate hasn't settled as yet THERE are six major concerns only a handful of institutions are able economic relief packages from the that would need immediate to provide online educational government to provide stimulus and AS one of our authors in our April edition and attention pertaining to deteriorating services to their students, for the rest increase demand in the economy. several others have put it, the accelerated economy, massive job losses, pathetic it is left to the students and their In a situation when joblessness has evolution towards online or Internet enabled mode of condition of migrant workers, rural – personal approach and resources. In increased three fold since lockdown education by the Covid19 pandemic has been a 'future urban divide in terms of digitization, the lockdown period people are and unemployment to 23.5 percent brought to present' kind of event that is occurring inadequacies of health sector and facing economic crunch due to loss (CMIE data), the youth is undergoing despite our unpreparedness or in contravention of social menaces that precipitated due of work especially those people who career uncertainties and insecurities organic evolution rules. If communication technologies, to lockdown compulsions work in unorganised sectors like about their future. This means that connectivity and programmed devices were not there, According to UNESCO, shutting daily wagers, vendors, maintenance one out of four people lost the job the disruption would have been catastrophic and one down of schools due to Covid-19 workers, small tradesperson etc. and during March-April. Among large full academic year could have been lost. So, because of pandemic comes with a warning of most of the population in rural States, unemployment was highest in the all three, that situation has been averted and we 'potential for increased drop-out rates regions comprises of such individu- Tamilnadu, Jharkhand and Bihar. must thank the human quest, spirit and staggered which will disproportionately affect als. In such circumstances, when Moreover, University helplines are progress of explorations, inventions, innovations and adolescent girls, further entrench people are unable to meet up two flooded with panic calls from students industrialization—very intricately connected to gender gaps in education and lead to meals a day, it would be very harsh to during the coronavirus pandemic academic world and its processes. increased risk of sexual exploitation, assume that they would spend money pertaining to career related anxiety At the same time, the acclimatization to digital or more early pregnancy and early and forced on internet and Wi-Fi services to and other counselling services. UGC precisely online mode is itself painful as is evident from marriage'. There are already reports of resume education of their children. has directed universities and colleges the experience of last two months and needs more time increased child abuse, child pornogra- Moreover, not every rural household to set up mental health helplines to and intervention to get normalized. It is fashionable to phy and cases of domestic violence has luxury of having a smart phone, address student's concerns during call it new normal, but the fact is even the best of during this period. In view of these and if they do have, then the device health crisis. techno savvy parents have gone nuts, the competencies socio-economic challenges, the remains with the elders for their The situation of migrant workers of teachers have been exposed, children are receiving government needs to muster support personal use and could not be stucked during the lockdown period overdoses of infotainments and yet there is the other from different stakeholders and adopt engaged for 3-4 hours for online has also been of great concern. About side of this wall where lives have been shattered, people a decentralised approach in order to studies. 6.3 lakh migrant workers were given are walking hundreds of miles, some have phones but prepare a road map for short -term and shelter in 22,567 government relief not always smart, some don't have and a lot don't have long-term goals for mitigating the The other challenges camps. They were stranded in the city money even to recharge mobiles. It is a kind of damage done by this unprecedented The corona crisis aggravating with where they work, like millions of melancholy and confused order but again natural and crisis. It would require a herculean the time has forced the government other informal migrant labourers will settle to acceptable level on a future date, hopefully effort both at macro and micro levels. for an extended period of lockdown across the country. Many lost touch sooner than later. The extended lockdown period calls posing different challenges for with their families. Though state This world has always been uneven and therefore equity for digital dissemination of education governance. The government finds government took several initiatives and access are objectives which many societies and to students in order to minimize the itself in a tricky situation to do a like providing them shelter homes, nations haven't yet achieved. At least theoretically, it is crucial time loss of academic session balancing act between saving lives of food and medical facilities, they being considered that a proviso of equal educational at all levels. But the digital depriva- people and restoring their liveli- became desperate with each passing opportunities is achievable with policy interventions tion in rural areas and small towns has hoods. There are six major concerns day about their uncertain future. The and laws. And that was the underlying belief for actually exposed the rural – urban that would need immediate attention scenes of massive migrant workers UNESCO's Education for All and now Sustainable divide in terms of availability of pertaining to deteriorating economy, getting impatient to go to their native Development Goals (SDGS). However, what the present digital infrastructure at macro level. massive job losses, pathetic places during lockdown in various pandemic and compulsion to go fully online has done is The widespread use of technology in condition of migrant workers, rural – States prompted governments to that it has made digital divide itself so wide that forget education clearly depicts that we are urban divide in terms of digitization, make arrangements for their about closing the gap, there is now requirement of more heading towards a knowledge-based inadequacies of health sector and migration. During post-lockdown bridges and their varieties than we could possibly think. society where the portals of knowl- social menaces that precipitated due period, there is a possibility of The policy makers, providers and administrations must edge are globally connected giving to lockdown compulsions. massive job loss in informal sectors always keep basics of learning/teaching process in rise to a large network of information According to the Centrum and may take several months to get mind. You can't just drown down the wisdom that transfer. According to AISHE Report Institutional Research, the country back on track. socialization is best way to learn, peer learning is a (2018-19) around 90% universities stares at the possibility of low single- The Coronavirus pandemic has science and emotional quotient is also proportion to and 86% colleges in India have the digit economic growth for the current exposed the inadequacies of health these two. Schooling and learning, which until now facility of computer centres which financial year. Acuite Ratings & infrastructure like insufficient testing were viewed inseparable as there was no need to see shows that these are well equipped Research Ltd earlier estimated that labs and lack of medical equipments them separately has to be understood differently now. with hardware resources to facilitate lockdown will cost the Indian and practitioners that led to poor Some schooling process in online learning will be online education. However, only 39 economy almost USD 4.64 billion testing ratio in comparison to other required to make the transformation effective in the percent of Universities, 22 percent of everyday and that a 21 day lockdown nations across the world. The health long run. colleges and 20 percent of stand alone period would have resulted in a GDP needs are largely taken care of by As of now CIET (Central Institute of Educational institutions are connected to National loss of almost Rs. 7.5 lakh crore. This private sector. Hospitalization Technology) of NCERT and various other academic Mission on Education through ICT. would only lead to compounding capacity is very low at 0.7 beds per bodies under union ministry of HRD have increased The statistics reveals the presence of losses with further extension of thousand inhabitants on an their effort and are relying on TV to deliver lessons basic minimum resources, but despite lockdown period. The sectors that average.This demands for huge through a set of channels (Swayam Prabha) but it is that the students studying in rural are most severely hit are transport, increase in public spending in the miserably failing to engage young children (K-12) areas in India are still deprived of such tourism, hotel, restaurant and real post-lockdown period in health segment. Standalone or productions on some specific advanced facilities. estate activities. The informal sector infrastructure which has remained topics that these departments produced had an audience In our country 65.97% population and MSMEs would be adversely largely stagnant in the last two in the past and at best a complement and a statutory belongs to rural areas where modern affected as these are driving force of decades. requirement. But delivering to a restive lot needs a lot facilities are still not available or the economy engaging a huge of newer approach and not just false hopes. moderately available due to which workforce. This would require big Printed, Published and Owned by: Avtar Krishen Kaul, Saraswati Editor: Autar Nehru Associate Editor: Suneel Bhan W: www.curriculum-magazine.com REACH US Colony, Smith Nagar, PO- Prem Nagar, Dehradun (Uttrakhand)- Editorial/Marketing : 248001 and Printed at Microsoft Technoprint India Private Limited, Consulting Editors: Sudha Passi, M K Bhat, Ramanathan Iyer Circulation 37 Old Cannaught Place, Dehradun (UttraKhand) and Published at [email protected] Dimple Nehru, Ganesh Saraswati Colony, Smith Nagar, PO- Prem Nagar, Dehradun Advisory Board Members: Ashok Pandey. Dehradun: A K Koul; Meerut: Uzma Rizvi (Uttrakhand)-248001, Prof. Raj Kachroo, Navin Bhatia [email protected] Patna: Manoj Kumar; Jammu: Sandeep Dhar General inquiry Editor: Avtar Nehru RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Director Outreach: Farindra Pande call us at 011-28051642/22; 9868256512 Associates : Gurbinder Kaur, Akshay Sahu Business Development: Ashok Bhat, Vijay K Rajesh Kaul

Curriculum May 16, 2020 9 Spotlight The pandemic response and changes have given us a glimpse of how school education coud change in the long term Shobha Mishra Ghosh virus has changed how services to various education to teaching will not hold up in § Not just the current students and youth are institutions. In the current this moment of crisis, which pandemic but increased Asst. Secretary General, educated and trained around scenario, India has become the demands from teachers not economic competition in FICCI the world. Those changes second largest market for e- just to replicate their lessons in industrialized countries is have given us a glimpse of learning after the US. Users of another medium, but to find setting up the demand for new In the current scenario, how education could change online education in India are entirely new responses to what types of skills and new forms of India has become the in the long term. On the expected to reach 9.5 million people learn, how people professional education & second largest market for demand side, ILO report says by 2021 from 1.9 million in learn, where people learn and training. Teachers are going to e-learning after the US. Users that coronavirus pandemic 2017-18. With the current when they learn use of strongest pillar for adopting of online education in India are could trigger a global eco- outbreak I am sure we will technology in teaching and new pedagogy and hence a expected to reach 9.5 million nomic crisis and destroy up to overpass all such estimates. learning.Technology cannot robust 'capacity building' by 2021 from 1.9 million in 25 million jobs around the In the current scenario, the just change methods of system is required for the k-12 2017-18. With the current world if governments do not Government has also taken teaching, it can also elevate sector. outbreak these estimates will act fast to shield workers from proactive measures to promote the role of teachers from § Not just learning but overpass all such estimates. the impact. digital learning so that students imparting received knowledge performance assessment On its part, FICCI, under the Schools around the country can continue their learning by towards working as co- systems in education will be ambit of FICCI ARISE has have been impacted by making full use of available creators of knowledge. It is required to evolve to allow been facilitating 'Virtual Meets' Covid-19, facing closures that Digital/ e-Learning Platforms imperative to design capacity continuous assessment. in collaboration with Google could last for several weeks. during the period for which the building and training programs Teachers should be trained on India that aim to support The structure of schooling educational institutions are that empower them to effec- new assessments processes schools through providing and learning, including closed. For Schools programs tively leverage technology and as well. distance learning solutions, teaching and assessment like Diksha, e-Pathshala, make learning meaningful. At the end I just want to say that trainings, and resources methodologies, was the first NROER (National Repository There is a famous saying, a multi-pronged strategy is The last few weeks have to be affected by these of Open Educational “Never lose the opportunity of necessary to manage the crisis witnessed unprecedented closures. With ICT infrastruc- Resources) are there. Diksha a crisis”. And in this situation, and build a resilient Indian situation where multiple ture not being uniformly has more than 80,000 e-Books we don't simply should look to education system in the long sectors have been affected. pervasive in India across for classes I to XII created by frantically struggle to restore term. The current crisis is The service sector in India regions and types of schools, CBSE, NCERT and States / UT the status quo but also re- perhaps challenge of our employs 32% of the workforce only a small percentage of which are available in multiple invent our approach towards lifetime. Our own lives will be while contributing 55% of schools are equipped to languages. e-Pathshala is a imparting education. There are known for before and after national GDP. This is where provide access to online portal where NCERT has things we can learn in the Covid-19. We should all come the effect of the pandemic has education. The low-income deployed 1886 audios, 2000 chaos of adapting through this together to ensure that been most devastating. private and government videos, 696 e-Books (ePubs) crisis, which has revealed 'learning doesn't stop'. Heightened awareness of the schools have completely shut and 504 Flip Books for classes profound disparities in threat from the outbreak of down due to lack of e-learning I to XII in different languages. children's access to quality IMPORTANT COVID-19 (coronavirus) has resources. Additionally, Similarly NROER is a portal education. Question arises COMMUNICATION hugely impacted two of the students have no longer has a total of 14527 files that what could be the key most important social sectors- access to mid-day meals including 401 collections, 2779 measures? I suggest the We are going to start Education and Skill during this time and are also documents, 1345 interactive, following: publication of webinar Development. subject to socio-economic 1664 audios, 2586 images and § Open-source digital summaries from now Educators, administrators, problems. 6153 videos on different learning solutions and onwards. Host , training organisations, service We all agree that within a languages. Learning Management institution, organizations providers, parents and matter of weeks, the outbreak Software should be adopted so and public relation students around the world are has changed how students FICCI has also taken various teachers can conduct teaching agencies can share feeling the extraordinary ripple are educated around the initiatives. Under the ambit of online. The DIKSHA platform, details for listing and effect of the crisis as educa- world. These changes have our school education commit- with reach across all states in later the summaries for tional institutions and training given us a glimpse of how tee, FICCI ARISE (Alliance for India, can be further strength- online publication centres shut down amid the school education could Re-imagining School ened to ensure accessibility of public health emergency. In a change in the long term. Education), we have facilitated learning to the students. email: matter of weeks the spread of Personally, I believe that in 'Virtual Meets' in collaboration § Secondly, inclusive [email protected] the changed scenario the two with Google India that aim to learning solutions, especially most important elements that support schools through for the most vulnerable and For attention would play a crucial role are- providing distance learning marginalized, need to be of institutions Technology and Teacher. To solutions, trainings, and developed. With a rapid ensure continuity in learning, resources. Three 'Virtual increase of mobile internet Notices Beyond 200 most of the Schools are Meets' have already been users in India, which is words will be transitioning to online classes conducted in the series that expected to reach 85% considered classified and digital learning. Today, it have reached out to about 500 households by 2024, technol- advertisements and is a new reality that only school leaders and educators, ogy is enabling ubiquitous therefore published only technology enabled educa- from close to 200 schools, access and personalization of against payments. tional institutions can ensure across 46 cities, 26 states and education even in the remotest that learning continues by three countries, with the goals parts of the country. Many Thank you implementing live classes of shared e-learning solutions. aspirational districts have where teachers can continue We have also organised a initiated innovative, mobile- to take classes from their series of webinars covering based learning models for homes and students can areas like using technology to effective delivery of education, participate in from the comfort deliver lessons, technology which can be adopted by of their own homes. usage for assessments, others. Organisations like engaging tech- platforms for § It is also important to Extramarks Education, Khan better learning outcomes etc. establish quality assurance Academy, Microsoft, Google. In the current mechanisms and quality Byju's and many others are circumstances,simply perpetu- benchmark for online learning already providing their ating our prescriptive approach developed and offered by e- learning platforms.

10 Curriculum May 16, 2020 Interview/Special Geeta Dharmarajan, Founder-president and editor-in-chief of Katha Children in poverty cannot be made to postpone learning, it is in the national interest to reach out Geeta Dharmarajan, the founder president, publisher and editor-in-chief of Katha, a nonprofit social enterprise, is also a former honorary chairperson of National Bal Bhavan. Easily one of the finest authors of children’s books in contemporary India, she is the person behind the Katha Prize Stories, again a watershed in publishing history of the country where some of the best regional stories got translated and crossed the language barriers. No doubt, a Padma Shri in 2012 came as a well deserved recognition of her great contributions which are still continuing. More than an author, editor or an ace translator, Geeta Dharmarajan's journey with Katha that she founded in 1988, is a case study and offers potential insights into how the plethora of challenges thrown up by Covid-19 can be tackled vis-à-vis learning and schooling. For those, who are not familiar with Katha, it is the earliest known pedagogical interventional experiment of using story as a pedagogical tool, a pioneer in entrepreneurship education and in mainstreaming teacher mentoring. Autar Nehru, in this backdrop spoke with Geeta Dharmarajan to explore what of Katha's success and wealth of experience could possibly be applied in the current extraordinary Covid-19 pandemic. Katha's exemplar work has parent and teacher. There are a whole been more as the story of educational transformation of bundle of websites –gaming and the first generation learners and in fact most of the field- otherwise -- to watch and play, which work by Katha happens in slum communities and schools are not violent and which we need to catering to them. This pan- demic and lockdown has introduce to children. impacted children of these communities along with I can cite an example. In this migrants more than others. After prodding them to get into lockdown a 10-year old boy Ahswin school, there is now a similar challenge of bridging the from Muscat (Oman)is reading our digital divide that threatens to leave them behind. So in a way books and converting them into audio life has come to a full circle for them. Give us a few insights books on his own. And he feels ontop from Katha's own journey that makes this proposition look less of the world after reading our stories. grave? Children in poverty cannot be Now he didn't do it on his own. His made to wait for solutions and those who can provide these must mother initiated him into this. He has come forward and this is a national service. created a beautiful video around our We at Katha have realized this long before and moved with Corona ebook and uploaded it on technology change and seen this can be done. Let me briefly YouTube. His younger brother Arjun explain. When I started Katha I was already an author of is two years junior to him and yet he children’s books, translating stories for adults, editing a too is seen doing his act in the video. children’s magazine for first generation learners. I fundamen- When it is uploaded, it will have his tally enjoy being a writer. So when we went to the two slums name and that of his school.And they (in Govindpuri, Delhi), we thought we have books, children have shred this with children across will read them and all will be happy.Our story books will the globe and got their feedback. See engage them. But soon I realized these children cannot read.Many hand hygiene like washing hands children, it will be the same this video of them were not going to school. with soap. It was done in five pairing thing, I just mentioned. So we started the Katha School in computers and expanded the IT languages and sent to all our Speaking can be a great learning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= 1990 to bring them to school. education. children and over 2000 schools. We are in a situation where most But in spite of our efforts I Volunteers have come forward to parents don't know about wLXut59dGic couldn’t get more than 5 children. make make an audio, dramatised homeschooling. We need to think The mothers were unwilling rendering, film etc, and all this is schooling and learning in a There is a lot of positive gamification. tosend their children to school, as being circulated and has gone different way and help our they needed them to earn a little In 2001, we started the Katha viral across the globe. Hear this children by making them There is a way out, we need to be for the family. So, we had to think Hindi narration by a volunteer. empathetic. To learn to care and of putting some money into their Infotech and Ecom School https://www.youtube.com/watch share, and be the agents of change positive. Our children are smarter hands. With this came our income ?v=XlY4URusG_k for a more sustainable way of generation program and then the (KITES)A number of IT living and combating climate than we were ever. They understand Katha School of Digital is the way to go, at least change. Entrepreneurship (KSE) with the interventions have followed, at the moment as it has been things, they could do things we didn't objective of helping women and accelerated by the current Mobile and online Gaming and children develop an entrepre- bringing excitement and deeper pandemic, can we call this a near addiction to playing these and they do it so well. There was no neurial mind. When we were paradigm shift or just a games is a big talk point setting up KSE, we received a learning to children: temporary arrangment? How especially for community of mobile phone 20 years ago and down computer in donation and we had can the impact of disruption on parents and even teachers. This thought of using this for the · The K-SMSes (SMS learning by this pandemic be lockdown has only aggravated the line after 20 years there will be publishing unit but before that we reduced? situation with a lot of time at put it in the school and for learning for children through Children learn from one another. disposal of children. How do you something, God knows what. So what children to see and feel it. They This is fun, proven and practical. take this? were so excited and engrossed parents) and mobile phone based Three years ago we had floated Why can't you use something will they need is curiosity, creativity with it that we later got 30 more the concept of pairing of children which is so popular with children multiple choice questions, when as most reports and students were to make them learn, expose to big and critical thinking for this kind of telling us that 50% of the 300 ideas, make them think critically. it was unheard of, million school children can't read. What do I have to tell them aisa future. Let's grow these three in our If they read together, they can mat karo mat karo (don't do this). · IT based MACH learn from one another. This was It can be a win win situation both children as thse are absolutely the 300M Challenge and the for the parent as well as child. We (Modern Applications for ECTC way of getting all children don't teach our children for necessary to fulfill their potential and to read well, for fun and meaning. meaning, so much in this world, Children (MACh) Centres in So the same concept can be tried gamification opens doors to a I must add parents and teachers don't when we are in strict isolation. whole new experience in each of the classroom right from The least we can do is if someone exploration. allow them to be critical thinkers. We does something interesting and For me gaming is also about preschool. creative, we can spread that learning big ideas, opening doors shouldn't give up on our children, but through the mobile. If this corona of this unexplored world to our · The Robotics Lab has taught us a thing, it is to be children. There is so much channelize them suitably. compassionate and empathatic. learning potential of gaming. At With time and need, we brought So, we have to act as a community the same time, I agree killing, and do this for the country. If we kicking and stabbing are more all our resources for teachers and can make this acceptable that we attractive to children than Katha is also distinctly known for share phones with children and compassion, fun and inquisitive- storytelling pedagogy. Tell us more mentors under one platform, make parents and mentors talk to ness. But here comes our role as about it. We are bringing StoryPedagogy® under the PadhopyarSe website. into the curriculum and then into the classroom by which teachers access under one roof. Now we have knowledge and broadcast that knowledge in an interesting way expanded this and migrated to a using drama.StoryPedagogy has been ideated and developed by me to make bigger site learning child-centred and exciting for the child. It incorporates key ideas (childrensunivesity.in). We from the 2000 year old treatise on drama, the Natya Shastra. It uses have put select 15 book titles on stories as the basis for all learning.Stories make a rich Kindle purposely during this curriculum and through these stoires they learn to listen, ask questions, lockdown so that reading and become critical thinkers working out answers for their own issues. learning continues. Some of our Normally educators talk of LSRW (Listen, Speak, Read &Write.) But in books are on Google Bolo. Let Katha we believe that Storytelling is an important skill which builds me tell you, we have prepared and innovatedeach stage for all these 30 years and we are ready for this moment (of going digital). I began the work of Katha with a computer, and you can now say it is in the genes of our organization. Katha also brought out an Contd on Pg 13 ebook on CoronaVirus? Yes, “The Mystery of The Missing Soap” a simple story on how to tackle Coronavirus by

Curriculum May 16, 2020 11 Careerwsie “The Day After”, Hospitality is the future Benoit-Etienne Domenget – CEO Sommet Education, Glion-Les Roches-Ecole Ducasse, Switzerland A massive 75 million are GDP loss with 80% of small and learning, producing thousands of 2008 crisis. Hospitality, amounting to 10% of jobs at risk as per the UN medium-sized companies videos on nearly all topics covering As a first sign of recovery, close to global GDP and accounting for one World Tourism endangered. But hospitality is everything from mixology to 90% of the hotels in China are now out of nine jobs worldwide, will be Organization, a 20 to 30% one of the most resilient finance or revenue management. reopened, and China air traffic is one of the main contributors to the expected drop in international industries and has the ability to Our faculty members have once running at above 40% of its rebound of the world economy and to tourist arrivals, 2.1 Trillion $ of recover quickly again proven their incredible capacity. Moreover, governments job market recovery. commitment to our students who around the globe are preparing and It is possible to combine the Four months. Over 7.1 million are now connected to us from starting to implement post- development of world exchanges, people infected in all regions of everywhere in the world. confinement strategies. travel, access to leisure for the many, the world and far too many Every day around the world, A rapid and strong rebound is while being more respectful of losses. World Trade expected to corporate, personal and collective possible. Decisions taken now will resources, more engaged in nurturing fall by between 13% and 32%. initiatives are multiplying to shape the recovery and global local communities and The figures of the actual support medical and hospital staff, growth of tomorrow. We need to businesses.Managing this complexity pandemic seem unreal and who are more mobilized now than lay the foundations for a strong, is the challenge of our generation. Is it question all of us to our very ever. The Chefs of our schools have sustained and socially inclusive also our commitment towards the core. Our lives and economies joined forces to support and bring a recovery now. next generation. are impacted as rarely before. bit of comfort to these health I am convinced that this crisis is the Education institutions are already at Within this context, the Sommet warriors. undesired spark that will help us the forefront of this transformation. Education community is no I feel honored and proud to be part reconcile visions of the world that Relying on Emotional Intelligence to exception. Our campus of this agile team. Everywhere, our have been opposed for far too long. manage complex environments, operations are either closed or sense of responsibility, collective Uncontrolled globalization reinventing models, mastering the reduced to the minimum, solidarity and creativity has never without limits is not sustainable codes to better create new ones, and offering shelter to our students been so vibrant. The word and nor is the temptation to being committed to a sustainable who could not reach out to their “Hospitality” has never been so withdraw or the pursuit of future, are just a glimpse of what we families, while many of us are meaningful: empathy, generosity, idealized economic deceleration. teach and seek to instill in our working at home. sense of service… We have the unique opportunity to students. Our teams have been striving These words must and will create a “Day After” that is more T​ hese are the many qualities the tirelessly over the past weeks to endure”The DayAfter”. balanced and more sustainable, coming generation of leaders will ensure the maximum safety for History tells us that this steep and Hospitality will be one of its need to succeed “The DayAfter”. all, and to enable our students to downturn will be followed by a driving forces. In “The Day After”, Hospitality is the continue their studies with the strong rebound of the industry. Hospitality is so much more than future. same level of excellence. Hospitality is one of the most an industry. Hospitality at its core In a matter of weeks, thanks to a resilient industries and has already is the art of service, dedication to dedicated on-line task force, we demonstrated its ability to recover others, the quest for generosity, as all switched to distant and online quickly, as it did after 9.11 and the well as openness to the world. Online classes creating ripples but not drowning the centuries of traditional way of teaching Mayel Hadi With the Corona lockdown very much active, one sector that will be because it does not engage them in thought and teachers because it doesn't affected at the foundational level is the education system. The lockdown test their skills. It doesn't matter if the child remembers it even after the has forced schools and colleges to deliver education at a whole new level of exam. The education system is designed in a way to judge learning by heart advancement and the online education started by schools may change the (read cramming) capabilities rather than understanding. The current online course of the Indian education system in the coming years. Traditionally, classes have not changed the system per se but have certainly opened doors our education system comes from years of strict “Gurukul” and “Madarsa” to a new world of learning and resources. The online world is filled with teaching methods, which the Britishers did not change except, they lectures on each subject from teachers all over the world. They are designed introduced western scientific subjects. The Britishers did not need for each level of the student, so any student at any level can choose their “educated” Indians, but “literate” ones, who could read, write and speak favourite content. The focus has now changed from content to education the English language. This is why we have an obsession with accountants, delivery, resulting in a change in learning by heart method to a method of engineers or doctors and not with scientists, teachers and artists. Even understanding and applying. It has changed the pace, level of teaching and when kids have their parents' mobile phones and can access it for rhymes, options from all over the world. poems, stories and lectures, India has seen little advancement in its New dawn? education delivery methods on a larger scale. The interactive videos and Optimists might say this will obviate our classroom teaching methods applications may have developed interests, increased knowledge but their completely but I don't think this is going to happen anytime soon. It is attachment from school remains the same. In times when technology has merely a dream as Indian parents may allow educational technology for side surrounded us, education is the only sector that has kept its distance. learning or an extra course, but replacing traditional schooling seems like a Although the current online classes may be a new wave of transformation far ahead dream. Another issue with this education system is that the Indian in developing a relationship between educational delivery and technology, education system has Educational Boards, primarily CBSE, ICSE and State yet blackboards and textbooks do not seem to be a thing of the past. Boards, and these online educational methods are not recognized by any of Bridging the gap? the boards, hence the schooling system is yet to stay. Currently, the Education in India is filled with inequalities. Haves and have nots go to maximum disruption can be in private tuitions or coaching education but separate schools and have different perspectives on education. It is more adjustments in school education seem like a farfetched idea. ` apparent in metropolitans, where merely the school that a kid attends is suggestive of his family's class, whereas small cities have fewer school India has inertia for our traditional classroom teaching. Even when there is a options, therefore, it doesn't leave much room for class bias. Even access to frequent skill change in the job market with technological improvement, the education is different and incomparable between urban and rural India. school curricula have remained the same for decades. There are various This inequality does not reflect in just the reception of education but has a applications and software for new and creative learning but the backbone of butterfly effect on the individual's personality as well as the opportunities education remains intact. Parents keep reminding children of “Board” presented. Education through online classes will assist in reducing the gap exams quoting, “a good score is a guarantee for a successful and happy life”. as the online content can be shared, forwarded or watched with others. This It is a dream for parents and a nightmare for students. Preparation is based on has made education affordable to people from all socioeconomic classes as cramming everything and priority is the marks. In this lockdown, online well as people living in remote parts of the county. Currently, we use classes may have found its space but there is a meek chance that it will technology to upskill or enhance ourselves but this online schooling has disrupt the education system. To achieve the goal of changing education changed the trend to teach from nursery to K12. This not only will reduce system, parents need to prioritize learning more than marks, problem- the discrimination amongst our next generation but will also be able to solving should be more important than problem remembering and creativity provide equal opportunity to people belonging to all classes and from all must triumph cramming. The technology in education is merely an added geographical locations of the country. source of learning whereas the primary system is the traditional educational Disrupting Status Quo? teaching delivery. No matter how long the lockdown continues for schools Our education system is all about cramming and being able to produce it on or how many online classes are conducted, the classroom and traditional paper on the day of the exam. It doesn't test students or teachers, students education are here to stay.

12 Curriculum May16, 2020 School Buzz ‘We couldn't go to school, our school came to us!' Although the present Covid-19 pandemic has had drastic impact on all our lives and brought changes in several fields including education yet, Krishnagar Public School, Nadia district (Bengal) has embraced these challenges with purposeful interventions to ensure continuity of academics writes Ramesh Kumar Agarwal, VICE- PRINCIPAL of the school Yes, you heard it right the students via ERP softwares learning experience, the students School. connection with the students, guys! “Actually, our and even popular social media. get bored very soon and they are However, challenges were many however, the personal interaction school, Krishnagar They are also making effective highly creative in their excuses for as they cater to students from always remain unparallel as it Public School, Nadia district use of O-Labs and other digital not joining the online lessons so various socio-economic contributes the EQ of students and started these Virtual classes, so educational initiatives in a during the online classes, teachers background and they were also even teachers. More importantly the that we remained in touch with routine manner to ensure provide guidance and ensure the aware that most students don't role of parents too has increased our courses and kept upto the effective learning. Since students understanding of the learn as well online as they do in manifold especially in monitoring the schedule. The teachers are even education is no more confined to content they are learning through face-to-face classes. Further, young children and supervising them providing extra notes and study the walls of schools there is now the Extramarks App and interactive conducting classes alone was not during the use of electronic weblinks material to compensate the limitless possibility to explore. websites like Pschool.in in a fun enough, they had to provide and pages. physical absence. There is a While online classes were manner. ample support materials and other Considering it as a moral obligation, regular timetable for the classes started, the lack of books has Though there are huge challenges guidance as most of the students letters were issued to students and staff and even after they are over, become an impediment to the that the teachers are encountering were without books. Moreover, pointing the challenges the determined there's follow up to do. So students. To overcome this KPS on a regular basis including addressing the issue of the healthcare workers are facing due to basically, I'm properly engaged urged the publishers to provide e- jamming of servers of these virtual challenge of addressing rural and scarcity of adequate PPE and COVID- the whole day,” says one books to all students. The class platforms due to excessive economically-challenged 19 testing kits apart from several other student of the school. publishers gladly agreed, which traffic, network issues, guiding students who do not have access basic requirements. Further, the In the wake of the nation-wide enabled the students to consult those parents who are not too tech- to laptops and smart phones, and lockdown situation has resulted in loss lock down situation to contain the text books while taking online savvy. But with genuine overcoming the digital divide was of employment opportunities for a the Novel Coronavirus classes from their respective appreciation from parents and something very pertinent for us. huge percentage of our population. pandemic, educational teachers. families for their efforts and “Thankfully, our educational Businesses are running at a loss, institutions like schools, After a week of successful initiatives amidst the crisis, the institution has the capacity to families are starving and people are colleges and universities have completion of online classes for team implemented the fourth phase adopt it and our teachers the suffering. As responsible future been closed resulting in Classes X and XII, they started with virtual classes for the pre- bandwidth to teach over video citizens of the nation, the school urged complete education disruption. similar schedule for it's middle primary students. Though thrice a conferencing apps. Moreover, it's students to try and make as much There are various challenges school, Classes VI to IX as well. week, these classes are interactive every child's coping mechanism is contribution as is possible from their faced by the educational As students in this category do and activity based with rhymes, different and to ensure the holistic end to ensure the safety and well-being institutions in the present times. not even have their texts books, songs, crafts and other activities. – physical, emotional and mental of all fellow citizens, as the school This is a serious concern teachers are first sharing the e- The 'chotkus'(little ones) start well-being of children we are believed, even little amount kept aside because not only does the texts of the chapters they are pouring comments like 'Ma'am, sincerely trying our best to make from the pocket money as donation lockdown keep people from going to start the following day. please don't get out of your house… the days and life of our students can make a huge difference to a large going to work, it keeps them at The teachers even interacted with naughty virus will attack you' or 'It's stress-free and lively”, revealed home which at times may be parents and students individually a long time we have shared our Dr Dutta. number of people in these challenging very depressing, especially via Whatsapp and Google Duos tiffin together… when will we have It's very important to teach life times and eventually help the greater when it comes to young not only to provide technical our next class party, Ma'am?' skills too at this time, apart from community. Stress was given on the children. support but also to clear making the teachers so emotional. academics. It is a very pertinent new vision of the school, 'It is time to Krishnagar Public School, a individual doubts. After Naturally, the parents are highly time for all to realize the necessity unite and show solidarity towards the CBSE affiliated school in Nadia achieving the right balance of integrating social skills team entire nation in this global crisis'. The district, West Bengal in its battle between 'chalk & talk' and 'click satisfied and relieved and students work and internet etiquette and teachers and staff contributed their one to fight this crisis situation has & navigate' the next challenge is find it exciting. They can now protocol not only for the students day's salary and plan to organize other tried to come up with some to achieve the right mix of fruitfully use their time in a but for all stakeholders to ensure help and assistance programs for those unique and innovative instructor led learning & self- structured way. safe cyberspace for all and in need during this crisis situation. measures to continue their learning. promote Digital Citizenship teaching-learning process with Success in implementing the “Our School like many other CBSE amongst students. This crisis is As all this requires a lot of the least disruption possible. same strategy even in the middle schools traditionally begins its new testing all our resources and also coordination and teamwork, KPS While completely obeying the school has given them the sessions in the first week of April challenging us to explore all the Director, Amitava Guha is directive of social distancing, confidence of start the same and then break for summer untapped potential with a very contributing to the ongoing virtual KPS has started live online structure for their primary vacations in May. This pattern, positive manner. classroom project enthusiastically. classes for its Class X and XII section, Class I to V as well. With however, will have to be changed Keeping these ideas in mind, the Headmistress, Indrani Bhattacharyya students following a regular the understanding that such this year as schools cannot reopen next stage was to introduce co- is leading a committed team and schedule from 25th March, smaller students would find it in the first week of April due to the curricular activities to help the making it a cooperative and 2020. In order to facilitate the difficult to read e-texts, they have lockdown. But we could not have students emotionally and collaborative experience for both learning process further, the kept the study materials based on waited for the situation to return to ethically fight this lock down teachers as well as students. teachers are preparing digital Extramarks App that the students normal for us to begin with our new period. Sessions on lifeskills, Surely, this experience has brought in a content and videos on the would find interactive and fun. session, that would mean that all dance, music, yoga and freehand new way of life amidst this global relevant topics and sharing with Unless we vary the method of our students would be deprived of exercises were introduced, even pandemic. their basic right, i.e, education for for parents at a separate time slot. months. We are trying to adapt Special Japanese language classes policies that we feel would be in the were also introduced keeping in best interest of our students,” mind the linguistic intelligence of explained Dr. Sankar Prasad Dutta the students. KPS believes in Principal, Krishnagar Public multiple intelligence and plans to deliver cratering to all the intelligences. Following the guidance of CBSE, the school decided to participate in the FitIndia Movement to encourage the students to remain healthy by including exercises and sports as their daily habit. Undoubtedly, it is difficult to run such classes but one must agree that at least this platform has given them an interrupted Advertise with us To Book an ad call at 9811824444 [email protected] 8076071802

Curriculum May 16, 2020 13 School Buzz Nadia's KPS has found a way of sustaining co-scholastic activities lockdown After losing no time in rolling our virtual classrooms after Covid19 pandemic lockdown commenced on March 24, KPS, Nadia, is virtually doing everything as a normal school, and therefore setting the bar. Indrani Bhattacharyya, Headmistress (Secondary), KPS, Nadia writes: Krishnagar Public School day/ ) and released on each moment to innovate and holistic development of the (KPS), Nadia, is all set Early this month (May), the YouTube for or the implement newer initiatives,” students. And that is exactly what to virtually celebrate school took to celebrating the public to see. The says Dr Sankar Prasad Dutta, they are constantly striving to upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to send 159th birth anniversary of students gave their principal. achieve. out messages of communal Nobel laureate Gurudev heart and soul to The school is about to start harmony. The school is also Rabindranath Tagore on the the performances another innovative initiative, planning to celebrate virtual platform. Students of to make their 'Khulke Jio' sessions inculcating upcoming Father's Day in the different age group participated mothers feel Life Skills and Stress digital platform as well. They in the program to pay tribute to special on the Management training for both are also planning to organise a the noble laureate by their special occasion. students and parents, something Photography Competition for recitation, song, dance and Preparation of they consider as 'the need of the senior students on in the musical presentation . He was Dalgona Coffee by hour'.The school believes in the month of June on Camera Day never more relevant than these a student of Class II B, Parnava importance of physical, social, to celebrate the invention of testing times , so his Saha for his mother really cognitive, creative and emotional Camera and its significance. compositions are in particular surprised everybody. skills and how all these different As the entire nation is soothing and inspiring. The school celebrated the skills compliment and interact stranded in the confines of the Students shared videos of their completion of 50 Days of Online with each other to bring about the homes, several schools have performances paying tribute to Classes on the 15th of May 2020 taken to virtual platforms to the great poet. Later, on the day with fun and fiesta while Contd from ...Interview render academic support to of Rabindra Jayanti the acknowledging each-others theie students. However, a performances were released as efforts and contribution. Geeta Dharmarajan, Founder-president and school is not merely the place a compilation on YouTube Interestingly, the day coincided editor-in-chief of Katha for the academic development (Watch video here: with the International Day of of the students, but it is also https://youtu.be/ntro0Zz2a6c). Families and gave a suitable So in Katha we add one more S (Storytelling) and talk of LSSRW being the centre for developing co- Pt was one of our students of opportunity to acknowledge the basic language skills. The purpose of education is ultimately to build a good scholastic activities and a Class IX, Nilabhra Guha who contribution of the parents and the human being, a concerned active citizen in society. training ground in took great initiative in creating extended families of the students As I said, westarted the Katha Lab School, in 1990, but as this developed appreciating culture and and uploading the video in in their holistic development, Government realised this was an excellent model for their schools catering to heritage. youtube. It was an instant something that has escalated even mostly first generation learners whose parents were not that literate. On the While several schools are still success and was appreciated by more during the crisis period. invitation of the Governement and the Municipal Corporation, from 2008, trying to find a way to start several educators and (Watch video here: we partnered with Governement and started the I Love Reading Programme with these important aspects Principals, teachers and https://youtu.be/ynW0FMekuCc in their schools. Working with students, teachers, principals and the of the school life for the students from other schools ) Education Dept to get children reading well and for fun and meaning. This students, Krishnagar Public who were invited to join as an The school is continuing with really improved Attendance Retention and Performance parameters School (KPS), Nadia has audience. virtual co-scholastic activity significantly in measurable terms. found a unique way of Again on 10th of May, on the classes for all grades in the Then we were asked to partner with a few schools, which were performing bringing a sense of normalcy occasion of International evenings. They are even badly, to run them with The Katha system of Education and in the lives of students even Mother's Day, the students organizing certain sessions on StoryPedagogy.We brought in a good library and digital resources, amidst this pandemic appreciated the contributions of Spoken English and Yoga for the smartboards, computer lab, and robotics labschools or running schools with lockdown. The school has their mothers and other parents. The school has low attendance.And that really attracted more children into school and introduced co-scholastic motherly figures in their lives associated itself in the Fit India performance improved significantly. classes for the students in the on the virtual platform. The Movement by the Government of As we moved to working with more schools, we realized that our teachers evenings, which cater to students of the primary section India and thereby conducting were not remembering certain things. As is in general practice the syllabus different interests of the of KPS shared special video regular Yoga Sessions for was the curriculum and that in turn was the content of the textbook. So, we students, from Art and Craft to messages for their mothers. students as well as parents to knew these teachers need to have continuous discussion with mentors on how Dance, from Yoga to Foreign (Watch video here: inculcate a consciousness for to connect with story resources and connect to the NCERT curriculum. As we Languages. https://youtu.be/mgczDJbiUb health and fitness amongst all. were not a moneyed organization we had to think of a frugal way of helping Soon, realising the challenges M )The senior students, Being associated with the Khelo them. We set up a help line where these teachers would call up mentors and and anxiety in the lives of however performed special acts India initiative, the school is seek support. Then we put all resources we hadlike teacher lesson plans, parents as well, the school to make their mother feel about to commence with the graphic organizers,story resources, checklists and other informationinto a wanted to reach out, and help special on this day. Some Khelo India activities in the website which they could access freely. We also trained a number of their them de-stress and engage prepared handmade cards and coming weeks to ensure sporting teachers on how to effectively use the website. their time in a more fruitful artworks to express their love activities amongst students. way. Hence, the school started and respect for the mothers, Further, by now the students have Give us a brief snapshot of Katha? with Yoga and Spoken English while others recited poems, become comfortable and We work in Delhi NCR region with over 1000 communities and 1000+ sessions for parents as well. sang songs, or cooked the familiarized with online schools. We are partnering with government in states like Haryana and UP. Earlier in the month of April, Mother's favourite dish to bring happiness classes-starting from We have been able to turn around low enrolment and attendance schools. We KPS celebrated Earth Day on a smile on the face of most virtual class assemblies, story have are palnninf for similar intervention in Maharashtra and Tamilnadu. the virtual platform by poster important women off their telling, inspirational time, circle Through the library network, we have reached out with our books to 10 making activity organised by lives. time, debate hour to yoga, million children all these years. Our publishing continues to be a major the senior students to express The messages, artworks and meditation, music, paper-craft, activity and already we have published over 400 titles so far. their concern and their performances were later origami, science experiments in thoughtful messages for our compiled into a single video addition to its regular scheduled Lastly, how did you end up doing what you are doing in Katha? Mother Earth. They also took academic periods. I think my childhood experience drove me to this field. I have seen my father, part in an Essay Writing “These past couple of months a doctor, as a giver. He would charge 50 paise for an injection but put a one Competition where they wrote have been really challenging for rupee back in pocket of his patient to take care of child. Then as a student in a about their concerns for the all of us. We had to let go a lot of missionary school, I developed respect for all and also compassion. And, sustainability of the Earth and convictions we held strongly during my husband's rural postings, I started to work for children and raised also took their individual earlier and adapt to the changing funds for flood victims. But the real trigger came after I returned home from pledge for the Earth. (Read times. The determination to the US after a two year stint, working with The Pennsylvania Gazette, an ivy more ensure that our students' lives are league magazine started by Benjamin Franklin. I did some freelancing with here:https://newsfromnadia.i not disrupted or irreparably Indian Expres running a weekly column forchildren. I headed the Education n/krishnagar-public-school- affected by the consequences of programme for Intach Chennai chapter, edited a teacher’smagazine for celebrated-50th-world-earth- this global crisis motivates us INTACH. I had also an exposure of the work Krishnamurthy foundation school did.Ad then one fine day, after my husband transferred to Delhi, I came to face this reality that so many children do not go to school, cannot read. And so started Katha in 1988, with the mission of enhancing the joy of reading and culture link through translation. And since then, this has been a 24 X 7 volunteer work for me.

14 Curriculum May 16, 2020 Campus Update 900+ Student graduands from JIM credit and show them our love and appreciation for being a spectacular Three schools start regular batch that has achieved great results. It was heart-warming to see the Korean language class receive diplomas at E-convocation parents' faces beaming with pride and the students excited with big smiles spread across their face. We wish all the students a successful life With the support of Ministry of Jaipuria Institute of Management organized its first-ever E- ahead and together we pray for these unprecedented times to tide over.” Education and Ministry of Culture, Convocation today, where 900+ students from Noida, Lucknow, Sports and Tourism, the Republic of Jaipur, and Indore campuses were conferred course completion GIM have been shortlisted as finalist for Korea, Korean Cultural Centre India diplomas and certificates. Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence was the (KCCI) has launched regular Korean chief guest. the 2020 Flourish Prizes language class at three schools in Delhi These included 293 students who graduated From Noida, 295 from and Manipur. JIM's Lucknow campus, 226 students that graduated from Jaipur Three projects from the B-school Goa Institute of Management (GIM) Through the initiated project till now campus and 127 students graduated from Indore. The students logged have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2020 Flourish Prizes from KCCI could reach out with the basics of on through facebook to the ceremony which was hosted live online among 824 entries from across the globe. These stories showcase Korean language to 468 students of 14 through video conferencing. positive business innovations that span the globe and demonstrate schools since July last year. As the pilot Congratulating the graduates and motivating them for their future, how business can help achieve the 17 UN Global Goals for Sustainable program has successfully finished, now Rajnath Singh said “I convey my best wishes to all the graduates and Development (SDGs). the centre pursues and extends adoption congratulate them on their efforts and perseverance throughout their GIM has collaborated with AIM2Flourish, an initiative of the Fowler of Korean language in CBSE educational journey. I am sure the learning provided by Jaipuria Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit at the Weatherhead curriculum.In the time of the lockdown, Institutes will empower you and give you the strength to face the School of Management – Case Western Reserve University and the the regular class has started in online challenges of the future and sail through them smoothly.” world's first higher-education curriculum for the UN Sustainable platform. He emphasised on the the power of youth and mentioned that Development Goals (SDGs) as part of their Social Responsibility and ASN Senior Secondary School and collaboration and collective efforts will be the key to success. He Action (SRA) course. Using the UN SDGs as their lens, students from Greenway Modern School in Delhi added that whenever in history the youth has come together, they have GIM have done the research, identified an innovation, interviewed a opened the class with 87 students from created and rewritten the history itself. The usage of technology to business leader and then submitted their stories 6th grade, three days a week. Mangal invent innovative solutions will become a norm for success. Students Vishal Sharma, Tanushka Malhotra, Arushi Bansal, Sakshi Kids School will resume its regular Technology can be a real rescue in difficult and challenging times. So, Ajmera, Pruthvi Sainath and Yeshitesh Shirodkar submitted the story class after lockdown. both technology and youth have immense potential for India. 'Protecting Motherhood'. There is a range of adverse health effects Kim Kum-pyoung, Director KCCI, Based on his own experiences, he provided the following life lessons associated with maternal under nutrition (malnutrition and micro- said “We witnessed mesmerizing and to the students. nutrient deficiency), anaemia and lack of facilities which can lead to the passionate response from the students a) Follow your passion: He advised all passing out students to death of the pregnant women. To curb it, four youngsters for Nashik who took the Korean language class last follow their passion and listen to their hearts to succeed in life have developed the 'Maatritva' app. The vision of Maatritva is not only year. It was the first step to adapt b) Learn to learn: He mentioned that Graduation day is not the end to reduce the number of preventable deaths but to enhance the Korean and Hindi in the regular of learning rather it has just begun and will continue throughout. experience of motherhood and enable safe delivery. This goes in line curriculum of each countries. I am Hence, it is important to learn new lessons and skills in order to survive with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health convinced that those who learn Korean and succeed in the corporate world and Well-being) that aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well- language in regular curriculum will c) Critical Thinking: He said critical thinking is one of the most being. contribute a lot in the bilateral relation- sought after attributes in the corporate world. Tackling problems with 'On my Own' was submitted by GIM students Nitin Singh Bundela, ship after graduation”, he added. an open and objective mind helps in finding the best solutions to Aatish Agrawal, Kaiwal Shah, Nikunj Agarwal, Aakansha, and Megha Thanks to its pop culture, K- Drama and combat them Goel. On my Own is a business that enables differently-abled to learn to K-Pop, the Korean language has been In the end, he shared and emphasised on the vision of Prime Minister drive on their own. It is a business solution that promotes mobility gaining global popularity in recent Shri Narendra Modi for India of 21st century; Balwaan, Dhanwaan, independence and helps people with disabilities to feel more years. It's not only the universities that Gyanvaan and Atma Nirbhar Bharat and urged the student to brace connected to the world around them. This innovation helps solve good witness the growing number of the themselves and come forward to realize this dream. health and well-being by gaining a new perspective, decent work and students learning Korean language. “Despite the various challenges including the unprecedented spread economic growth by opening new doors of employment and help Furthermore, Korean language has of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaipuria Institutes have shown resilience reduce inequalities. been included in Baccalaureate in 2017, and adaptability in its response, trying to continuously serve the 'Digitisation of Healthcare' was the subject picked by students Arushi which is a French national academic interests of all its stakeholders especially students in this uncertain Kapila, Parth Ajmera, Sourabh Kale, Ashi Garg and Abhishek Kumar and qualification. time. For most of our students, Jaipuria is the beginning of a corporate the company they chose to focus on was Stetho Healthcare Systems. career and our team continues to work tirelessly hand-in-hand with the Thanks to Stetho Healthcare Systems, doctors and patients have BML Munjal University students for their placements,” said . Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice quicker and easier access to more data. Whereas before, a patient Chairman. would have to bring various documents, which might easily be lost, launches virtual master- Jaipuria Institute of Management also handed out best faculty awards when visiting a doctor, now, this information is always at the doctor's to deserving faculty members and awards to distinguished alumni. 8 and patient's fingertips. What's more Stetho's innovation is cutting class series on change awards were given to faculty members under the categories 'Teaching down on paper waste by keeping information digitally. excellence' and 'Overall positive impact'. For teaching excellence, Dr. The stories which have qualified the review process are then made The Series, 'When Tomorrow Comes', Athar Mahmod from Jaipuria Lucknow, Dr. S.R Singhvi from Jaipuria available on the AIM2Flourish platform. curates the experience of accomplished Noida, Dr. Jagdish Bhagwat from Jaipuria Indore and Dr. Swati Soni leaders in the fields of education, film from Jaipuria Jaipur won the prestigious award. For overall positive IMS Noida Hosts International Webinar on making, music, sports, human rights, impact, Dr. Athar Mahmod from Jaipuria Lucknow, Prof. Ajay Bansal New Skills to Succeed in Times of Crisis others on how to prepare for and from Jaipuria Noida, Prof Rima Namhata from Jaipuria Jaipur and embrace change to be future-ready! Devika Trehan from Jaipuria Indore won the award. School of Management, IMS Noida as part of International Web Lecture BML Munjal University (BMU), Felicitating the alumni, Jaipuria Institute of Management also handed Series organized its first Webinar on the topic “New Skills to Succeed in Gurgaon, has launched a virtual out awards to their alumni achievers. From the Jaipuria Lucknow Times of Crisis”. The session was delivered by Prof. Ivan Muniz masterclass series, titled –When Campus, awards were given to Prof. Ruby Bakshi Khurdi (Batch Rothgiesser, an International Speaker, author, coach and a Professor at Tomorrow Comes. Targeted at all 1995-1997) for academic excellence, Sachin Kapoor (Batch 2000- Finance and Regulation Institute, ESAN University, Lima, Republic of students – the university's own and 2002) for entrepreneurship, Rupesh Nath (Batch 2001-2003) for Peru. otherwise, the series aims to provide corporate excellence and Garima Srivastava (Batch 2012-2014) for President of IMS Noida Rajiv Gupta Said that “session aimed is motivation and the right mindset to be notable public service. encouraging students on the need to develop new abilities for enhancing ready and resilient for whatever the communication skills during the time of Crisis. This time students changes, revolutionary or evolutionary Aditya Birla World Academy hosted constantly upgrade and up skill themselves for their bright future. that the future might throw their way. Learning is never ending process, we learn something new every day The 60 minute live sessions are being Graduation Ceremony online and this time universe give us opportunity to learn as much as we can. held weekly. The first masterclass Utilize the time to learn something new, which help you to upgrade your featured Sunil Kant Munjal, Mumbai's Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), one of Mumbai's skills”. Chancellor, BML Munjal University, leading International schools, hosted a virtual graduation day to During the session Prof. Ivan Muniz Rothgiesser delivered a lot of life and was hosted by Prof Nigam applaud the successful completion of the academic year for their skills to be imbibed by the students in order to succeed. He said that you Nuggehalli, Dean, School of Law. Mr. students. should strive to become a better version of yourself. Further he added Munjal discussed the importance of Proud of their students, ABWA made this decision to host an that people around you would see things before you do, so recognize adapting to change, citing examples of innovative virtual graduation celebration – a heartfelt farewell to their your strengths and look for continuous improvement and development. the Hero Group's journey, the Grade 12 students (IBDP and A Level). It included the release of the He further iterated. importance and humility of yearbook, a heart touching video of memorable experiences of the The webinar was attended by students as well as the faculty members of appreciating other people's work, and students over the year and a snapshot of the universities they have management, IT and Journalism department. The session was indeed a shared how people need to lead by applied to. wonderful experience and a great learning session for everyone. example, take criticism constructively Radhika Sinha, Principal, said, “These are really difficult times that is and always possess the desire to learn, impacting all our lives. Our Grade 12 students and their parents were in order to be ready when tomorrow very emotional about not being able to say a proper good-bye to their comes. The second episode classmates and celebrate a successful academic year. Our school masterclass featured Sonam Kalra, an decided to host a virtual graduation to be able to give student their due accomplished Sufi Singer and Composer, and Soumik Sen, a renowned Screenwriter and Film Director.

Curriculum May 16, 2020 15 Covid 19: Innovations Winners of CODE19 Online Hackathon against Coronavirus in India awarded BasicFirst announces 'Doubts on Video' feature for Students in India BasicFirst Learning OPC Pvt. Ltd – an Two engineering students from Kerala bag the first prize of $10,000 for creating a virtual classroom for the aptitude-based personalized e-learning millennial generation; The second prize of $5,000 was claimed by six students of Manipal Institute of platform – has announced the launch of the world's first 'Doubts on Video' Technology for enabling remote diagnosis of Covid19 service on its mobile application for students from classes 6th to 12th across all major Education Boards in India Abhinand C and Shilpa Rajeev, two students from the Government (including CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and College of Engineering in Kannur, Kerala, have bagged the first prize other State Boards) and major of $10,000 at the 72-hour CODE19 online hackathon against competitive examinations such as IIT Coronavirus in India held that started on April 10. Their winning entry, Main, JEE Advance, NEET, AIIMS, called iClassroom, involved a modern virtual classroom for the NTSE, Olympiads and more. millennial generation. It connects students with teachers through a In the current scenario with schools social media-type interface for uninterrupted learning in the time of shuttered and exams on hold, the new the pandemic. 'Doubts on Video' feature is poised to The second prize of $5,000 was claimed by six students—Jithin empower students for engaging in self- Sunny, Joel Jogy George, Rohan Rout, Rakshit Naidu, Megha Baid study and clarifying doubts by and Shivangi Shukla of Manipal Institute of Technology for enabling has a web presence and they usually depend on customers to reach out to uploading a video or submitting the remote diagnosis of Covid19 patients to reduce the risk of infection for them on their own. Grape Community will enable people to order their question on the mobile application. The healthcare workers. Their solution, TeleVital, captures a patient's vital daily essentials from the neighborhood shops and suppliers and keep unique feature empowers students by statistics remotely through a Web cam and browser. track of orders and deliveries. It will benefit both traders and customers conveniently resolving their doubts via The third position was divided into three categories, with each of the by facilitating commerce in this period of lockdown and social face-to-face communication. Students three winning teams awarded $3,000 as prize money. The winners distancing.” receive personalized attention from an included SoloCoin which gamifies social distancing by allowing experienced mentor in either Hindi or people to earn “solo coins” by staying at home and redeeming them for English – making BasicFirst the world's rewards from various merchants; the Covid19 Fact Checker, a fake first company to nurture and strengthen student-mentor relationships by NIF's Challenge COVID-19 Competitionnews checker that leverages authentic government, scientific, and public health information to bust misinformation about the Covid19 venturing beyond the confines of conventional classrooms. (C3) winning models ready to make apandemic; and Grape Community, an open platform that connects people with their neighborhood shopkeepers and suppliers. difference BasicFirst is offering its 'Doubts on In addition, 10 best innovative solutions were awarded $1,000 each at Video' service at reasonable monthly the hackathon. Hundreds of innovators and developers competed The National Innovation Foundation – India (NIF), an autonomous subscriptions beginning from INR300, online to create open-source solutions against the Coronavirus crisis body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has providing students 60 minutes of video during the hackathon. identified several S&T based innovative solutions through the call time. Early subscribers can avail an iClassroom co-creator bhinand C while commenting on their win Challenge COVID-19 Competition (C3), a campaign which was extra 30 minutes of video time across said: “Our winning entry is a virtual classroom that makes learning running from 31st March to 10th May 2020 for engaging innovative all packages. BasicFirst releases easier and more intuitive by providing an engaging peer-to-peer social citizens to come up with ideas and innovations to tackle the pandemic. A students from long-term monetary media type platform. Students and teachers can interact with each foot-operated device for hand sanitization and washing and an commitments by offering an easy pay- other, clear their doubts, mentor others and conduct online classes. We innovative sprayer for sanitization are the two recently supported as-you-use model through a simple developed iClassromm as a dedicated platform for students to innovations under the campaign. recharge, whereby students can connect continue with their studies uninterrupted in the prevailing pandemic Mupparapu Raju from Warrangal, Telangana, has designed the foot- with a teacher over video call. No other conditions and serve as a tool for enhanced learning within and outside operated device for hand sanitization and washing, which is a timely platform offers such convenient physical classrooms.” Shilpa Rajeev added, “We built this platform as solution in response to need for contactless devices in the prevailing subscriptions. a practical solution for all learning communities to interact with each COVID-19 environment. It facilitates dispensing of soap and water by Announcing the launch, Randhir other, share resources and keep track of progress in selected courses, way of operating the device by foot, and not hands. As a result, there is Kumar, Founder and Chief Mentor – rather than use multiple communication tools for this purpose. We now no hand-related contact between the user and sanitizer, soap, or water, BasicFirst Learning OPC Pvt. Ltd said, intend to enhance iClassroom's functionality by integrating several which are adequately stored in separate containers as a part of the “True learning begins when doubts are useful apps.” device. Shri Raju has implemented the device at various locations aptly addressed and resolved – enabling TeleVital team member Jithin Sunny said : “We wanted to reduce (Warrangal, Mahabubabad, and others) in the State of Telangana. NIF students to gain a good grasp over the overcrowding at hospitals and the attendant risk of infection for has extended support to the innovator for value addition and in meeting concept as well as the subject. While healthcare professionals by devising a way to analyze the health of the production commitments. schools are now switching to online patients right at their homes. After consulting a few doctors treating The other supported innovation is an innovative sprayer capable of learning, students are missing the COVID19 patients, we realized that vital statistics play a major role in sanitizing or washing large areas like roads, societies, doors, personal touch. With our new feature, deciding if a patient needs hospitalization or not. We decided to create compounds, walls, etc. The sprayer consists of two radial fans of we are providing clarity of concepts to a solution to record a patient's heart rate, respiratory rate, body aluminum moving opposite to each other. In terms of mechanism, each students through individualized temperature, etc. without any contact-based measurement tool. We fan sucks air from two opposite directions, which is released through attention. Our 'Doubts on Video' service also built a system to check if any individual was at the risk of getting nozzles at high pressure with minute droplets sizes. As the panel rotates will ensure the growth of students infected or being a carrier of the virus through our AI-based chatbot to 180 degrees, it can cover from the ground upto 15 feet tall walls. Any remains unaffected even during the check travel history and map other symptoms.” Adding to this, Megha tractor of power more than 15 horsepower(hp) can be used to operate lockdown while being enhanced in Baid said : “Since mobiles and laptops are readily available at many this through Power Take-Off (PTO). By deploying this sprayer, one can some ways.” people's homes today, we decided to capture vitals and other health sanitize the societies, roads, and so on at a maximum distance of 30 feet parameters of a person through a Web browser and Web camera, and from the center of machine and upto 15 feet height. Which means the GetMyUni acquires IELTS establish online communication between the patient and the doctor. machine will sanitise 30 feet horizontally and 15 feet vertically. As a We have implemented an algorithm that we believe is superior to the result, compounds, doors can easily be sanitized with this sprayer. Material existing ones out there. We now intend to improve the accuracy and Nozzles in the sprayer are such that during operation of the device, the efficiency of TeleVital and add more features to enhance the overall required area can be sanitized at ease, be it a spacious location or a EdTech startup GetMyUni has acquired user experience.” congested location. online IELTS test preparation platform The sprayer has been actively used at various locations in the State of ieltsmaterial.com in an all-cash deal on 15th Apr 2020. Post the acquisition, IELTS Material operations have been 3rd prize innovations in brief: Maharashtra viz. Satana, Nashik, etc. merged with GetMyUni. SoloCoin: Created by a team of eight students from various colleges “Unleashing the partnership, ownership and creativity potential of our The strategic move was made by across India, led by Project Lead Arbob Mehmood of UPES citizens in COVID-19 solutions and actions is a huge opportunity which GetMyUni in a bid to get in on the fast University, Dehradun. SoloCoin gamifies social distancing. It is an is made visible by the NIF challenge. This is empowering our grass- growing e-learning market, which has app that rewards users in virtual coins for engaging in social roots innovators and entrepreneurs by recognition, prototyping help and exploded post Covid-19 has forced distancing. Virtual coins can be redeemed for coupons with select thus translation of their relevant ideas into products.”, said Prof students to learn online. The platform merchants. has already seen a 2x growth in learners Covid19 Fact Checker: Created by a team of four students from Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST. and e-book sales since the acquisition. AISSMS College of Engineering, Pune, including Rohan Sarnjit Founded in 2014, IELTS Material is Dhiman, Shreyas Abhay Ghorpade, Ankita Shashikant Shinde and one of the largest IELTS preparation Swapnil Jawale. Said Rohan Sarnjit Dhiman: “Misinformation and platforms and serves 3.5M learners fake news are a serious problem in troubled times. Smart phones and annually in more than 100 countries. social media platforms can spread these very quickly among masses. The platform offers free study material We have built a tool called Covid19 Fact Checker that can conduct to millions of IELTS learners helping verification of any news regarding Coronavirus on its own and them succeed in their Endeavour to conclude whether it is fake or real. Users can thus avoid getting misled study overseas. by misinformation that circulates online.” IELTS is an English language exam that Grape Community: Created by Ranjoy Sen, a 35-year-old software is required to be taken by international professional working in Bengaluru, Grape Community is an open candidates who are considering platform to connect communities with shopkeepers and suppliers in studying or working in a country where any area. Said Ranjoy Sen: “Small traders and shopkeepers are English is the main language of suffering the most from the Covid19 lockdown. Hardly any of them communication. IELTS is accepted

16 Curriculum May 16, 2020 News Extra Researchers launch race to develop sustainable For a self-reliant India, an autonomous and COVID-19 vaccine delivery financially self-sustaining higher education along with a continued industry- Scientists are launching a country's overall vaccine needs. preventable diseases every year major new research project in The vaccination program will – 30% of which are among community engagement critical India that will help to require millions of citizens of all children under five. WHO Higher education sector must find innovative solutions with economic engineer an efficient and age group to be vaccinated estimates that more than 25% of sustainability at this hour of crisis say Nitin Gadkari, union minister of sustainable delivery mecha- within a short span of time. Our some vaccines may be wasted Road Transport & Highways and MSME. Addressing the webinar on nism – ready to get an effort is designed to help India globally every year because of 'Impact of Higher Education In The Post COVID Economy' organized by eventual COVID-19 vaccine overcome this massive logistic temperature control and FICCI in partnership with AIU on May 15, Gadkari said, “Education and to billions of people around challenge sustainably and create logistics failure. research play an important role in helping any sector. Innovation, the globe. a model of global adoption.” Researchers at the University of entrepreneurship, science and technology are all part of knowledge. Researchers racing to Research in India led by Centre Birmingham and Heriot-Watt Conversion of knowledge into wealth is the future of the country.” develop, test and manufacture for Environment Education, and University believe that their The Vision of Prime Minister Modi for a self-reliant India can be achieved an effective coronavirus supported by commercial work in this area will ultimately through collaborations and partnerships between higher educational vaccine will also need to partners such as Zanotti (a part help to: institutions, industry, government and society. The MSME industry today distribute the drug globally, of the Daikin Group), SureChill contributes about 29 % of GDP. The vision of MSME contribution to 50 % but universal vaccine access and Nexleaf Analytics, will ● Develop a short- to of GDP by 2025 can be achieved through mentorship, capacity building and is already a major challenge, begin addressing on the group joint research with our higher educational institutions and universities. particularly in low-income research to address a number of medium-term crisis exit In this context, the Minister also urged the industry to collaborate with countries across the global questions that will be key to solution aimed to deliver educational institutions to support government projects. “We must use the South – partly due to the lack solving the cold-chain conun- COVID-19 vaccine in a safe, skilled manpower in the universities in governmental and industrial of robust cold-chains. drum, including: efficient and clean manner, projects. A win-win situation needs to be developed,” said Gadkari while The Global Alliance for while still maintaining routine emphasizing on the need for limiting the government interventions in the Vaccines and Immunization ● Does any country have the vaccine deliveries. education sector. “Government should not control but only support the estimates that only 10% of sector,” he added. health care facilities in the infrastructure, resources and ● Create a long-term Dr Ms Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, AIU said that the higher education world's poorest countries planning capability to meet the sector contributes significantly to the economy. “With US and Europe most have a reliable electricity demand of COVID-19 immuni- contingency framework affected by COVID, there may be an influx of students towards India for supply while in some sation, while still meeting through establishment of higher education,” she added. countries less than 5% of current vaccine needs? logistics specifically for Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE highlighted that AICTE is health centres have vaccine- medicine, blood, vaccines, that bringing in all the requisite reforms for a seamless and an impactful qualified refrigerators. ● If not, what infrastructure is cost-effective, sustainable delivery of technical education in the country at this hour of crisis. He Backed by the Shakti and responsive to different further stressed on the capacity building programs that AICTE is rigorously Sustainable Energy and training do we need in levels of challenge – basic conducting to onboard faculty for effective digital teaching-learning. Foundation, experts from the place? needs, natural disasters/ Dr Vidya Yeravdekar, Chairperson-FICCI Higher Education Committee University of Birmingham regional epidemics, national and Pro Chancellor- Symbiosis International University urged various and Heriot-Watt University, ● What are the short- and pandemics. other ministries like MSME to outsource some of their projects to various Edinburgh are joining forces universities in India. “Universities already have a lot of talent,” she added. with non-profit, commercial long-term infrastructure ● Deliver lasting value by Ronnie Screwvala, Co-Founder and Chairman, Upgrad said, “Online and academic partners to financing requirements to create education is no more just about a camera in front of the reader or showing begin investigating the scale such an efficient vaccine meeting current unmet and video content. It is about the overall learning experience.” of challenge involved in delivery system? future vaccine demand. distributing a potentially “Out-of-the-box thinking is 'Padhai Par Lockdown Nahi' campaign for temperature-sensitive ● Can we achieve this needed if we are to define COVID-19 vaccine. sustainable and inclusive rural children by Marico Toby Peters, Professor of sustainably – economically, solutions that can be delivered Cold Economy at the socially and environmentally? quickly and at scale to beat this To reinforce its brand value and add cause of education to its Nihar Shanti University of Birmingham, Clean cold experts from the pandemic and unlock connec- commented: “Universal University of Birmingham and tions between COVID-19 Amla brand, beauty and wellness major, Marico has been supporting vaccine access is already a Heriot-Watt University are vaccine deployment, sustain- major challenge. With already working with Indian able cold chain and develop- various education initiatives particularly for rural India. Continuing with COVID-19, rapid mass counterparts Centre for ment of clean energy infrastruc- immunisation will probably Environment Education and MP ture.” this initiative, the company has launched a special campaign 'Padhai Par be required; maintaining a Ensystems to explore how continuous cold chain to integrated 'Community Cooling Lockdown Nahi' whereby it has combined some of its earlier initiatives rapidly transport and deliver Hubs' can integrate food cold COVID-19 vaccines to all chains with other cold- and also partnered with AAS Vidyalaya to make other subjects available communities, many where dependent services such as electricity supply and cooling community health facilities, free on the Paathshala Funwala app. It covers 6th-10th grade curriculum social facilities and even emergency services. designed as per CBSE, UP& NOIS board. Pathshala Funwala app is Professor Phil Greening, from WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME PART OF the Centre for Sustainable Road INDIA'S EDUCATION STORY! Freight at Heriot-Watt University, commented: “We may have 12-18 months to infrastructure is often non- engineer a robust, efficient existent or unreliable, will be distribution system to ensure You can advertise in curriculum magazine or and also put an a daunting task. any vaccine for COVID-19 can advertorial highlighting your company/services/campus/ products etc. “Given most of the technolo- reach the world's population, This will greatly support your marketing effort and enhance your gies deployed today will still whether they are in urban or visibility and recall value with your current and potential clients be in operation in the next remote rural areas. decade, the emergence of “A radical approach like sustainable and off-grid cold- community cooling hubs could chain devices allows us the o p p o r t u n i t y t o c r e a t e help meet the different commu- sustainable solutions for nities' cooling needs in a clean, OUR FOCUS COVID-19 vaccine deploy- affordable and sustainable way ment that also can deliver while helping to safeguard resilient and sustainable people's health. There will be health cold-chain systems as a many knowns and unknowns in lasting legacy.” Shubhashis Dey, Associate facing the coronavirus chal- Director of Shakti lenge, but a vaccine is one of the — We cover latest news, product launches, current events and trends S u s t a i n a b l e E n e r g y very few exit strategies around — News features, Guest Articles, Expert columns Foundation commented: “COVID-19 related mass which scientists and govern- — Career counselling, Skill India, Entrepreneurships immunization requirements ment are aligned.” — School/College /university events offer us an opportunity to not The World Health Organisation — Achievements by students, faculty, institutions only increase our vaccine (WHO) estimates that, as a — Education Technology — Study Abroad production, but also create a result of broken cold-chain, robust logistics cold chain there are more than 1.5 million — Institution/people profiles system that can handle the deaths globally from vaccine-