Category Archives: Education

TCS Tech Bytes in Karnataka

Business & Economy, Education, Science & Technology

Bangalore , MAR 1:

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the Karnataka Board for IT Education Standards (KBITES), an autonomous agency for the promotion of IT education, will roll out the fourth edition of the Engineering IT Quiz – TCS Tech Bytes.

The quiz is open to engineering students (BE/BTech) of all streams in Karnataka. N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, President – TCS Financial Solutions said, “TCS TechBytes encourages participants to develop an understanding of technology in a changing landscape.

The programme aims at fostering lateral thinking and teamwork among students, underlining that learning is a continuous process for one to excel in a competitive environment.”

source: http://www.TheHinduBusinessLine.com / Home> News> Education / by The Hindu Bureau / Bangalore, March 01st, 2013

Azim Premji transfers Rs 12,300 crore to his not-for-profit foundation

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology

Bangalore :

Azim Premji, chairman of the Azim Premji   Foundation, announced on Friday that he has transferred 295.5 million equity shares representing 12% of the total shares of Wipro Ltd , held by certain entities controlled by him, to an irrevocable trust. With this transfer (valued at about Rs 12,300 crore based on current market price), the trust’s shareholding in Wipro will go up to about 19.93%.

This trust will utilize the endowment to fund social, not-for-profit initiatives of the foundation, which are expected to scale significantly over the next few years.

The “Giving Pledge” campaign had recently announced that Premji was amongst the billionaires around the world to commit half their wealth to philanthropy. The campaign, led by billionaires  Warren Buffet, Bill Gates  and others, is a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.

Azim Premji Foundation  is a not-for-profit organization set up in 2001 with the goal to create and sustain initiatives to contribute to a just, equitable, humane and sustainable society. The foundation has worked largely in rural India, often in close partnership with various state governments, to help contribute to the improvement of quality and equity of school education.

Currently the foundation’s work is spread across Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

The foundation’s strategy focuses on creating and scaling up a network of institutions at various levels to contribute to improvement in the school education system and allied areas. As part of this strategy, over the last two years, the foundation has set up the Azim Premji University  at Bangalore, state level institutes in three states, district level institutes in seven districts and six demonstration schools associated with the district institutes. Seven more district level institutes are in various stages of formation.

The University has been established with the social purpose of developing outstanding professionals in the domains of education and development for the entire country. The University does this through offering various kinds of degree programmes, continuing education programmes and creation of knowledge in education and allied development areas. Currently, the university offers MA Education and MA Development programmes. It offers specializations in school leadership & management and curriculum & pedagogy under MA in education, and livelihood, public policy, health & nutrition and law & governance under MA in Development.

As part of scaling up of the institutional strategy, over the next 4 to 5 years, the number of district level institutions will expand to 50-60, state level institutions to 6-8 and the university will expand to have 3,500 students with 350 faculty members across multiple programs. The foundation will also have 50-100 demonstration schools associated with district level institutions. During this period, the team size is expected to grow from the current 800 people to about 4,000 people.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Tech> Tech News> Software & Services / by Sujit John, TNN / February 22nd, 2013

Mumbai: Kannada Sangha celebrates 55th annual day

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Mumbai, Feb 18:

Kannada Sangha recently celebrated its 55th annual day at Billava Bhavan’s Shree Naryana Guru Convention hall at Santa Cruz East.

Veteran hotelier Padmanabha S Payyode inaugurated the programme in the presidential presence of L V Amin.

 

Businessmen Suresh R Kanchan distributed annual scholarships to students.

Naryana S Shetty former advisor of the organization was also felicitated on the occasion.

B D Suvarna, BR Punja, vice president Nithyanada D Kotiyan, honorary chief secretary Sujatha R Shetty, honorary treasurer Chandrahasa J Kotiyan, joint secretary JR Bangera, joint treasurer RP Hegde, auditor Dinesh Amin, were present on the dais.

Education committee secretary Sudhakar Uchil, social and cultural committee working president Prema R Kotian, secretary Shardha S Poojary, organization member Shivaram Kotiyan, Mahesh Karkal, Suma M Poojary, Raghunath B Poojary and all committee members were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.Daijiworld.com / Home> Mumbai / by Rons Bantwal, Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (DV) / Monday, February 18th, 2013

JSS Polytechnic for differently abled receives National Award

Education, Records, All

Mysore, Feb. 17:

Recognising the yeoman service being rendered by JSS Polytechnic for the Differently Abled in Mysore, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, honoured the Polytechnic with the National Award (Additional) 2012 under the category “Best Institution Working for the Cause of Persons with Disabilities.”

The award was presented to Nanjundaswamy, Principal of the Polytechnic, by President Pranab Mukherjee on Feb.6 in a function held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. Kumari Selja, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and D. Napoleon, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, were present.

The differently abled need equality, opportunity and accessibility in all respects to prove their abilities and not the mere sympathy. Knowing this philosophy, the JSS Mahavidyapeetha established JSS Polytechnic for the Differently Abled in Mysore in 1991 with the support of the Dept. of Technical Education and Govt. of Karnataka under its World Bank Assistance Scheme.

The Polytechnic was the first of its kind in India which started to provide formal professional education at diploma level exclusively for the Differently Abled.

The new campus of the Polytechnic was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Jan.3, 1999 in the presence of Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Mahaswamiji, President of JSS Mahavidyapeetha.

Initially, three diploma courses namely Architecture, Computer Science and Commercial Practice were started as aided courses. Three more diploma courses were added later in Jewellery Design & Technology, Electronics & Communication Engineering and Computer Applications for the Visually Impaired.

Totally, 439 differently abled candidates are studying during the current academic year 2012-13 in the Polytechnic and about 75% of them are hearing impaired.

About 1,100 differently abledcandidates have obtained diploma from the Polytechnic so far. Many of them are well placed in educational institutions and companies like IBM, Wipro, Infosys, Excel Soft etc.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> General News / February 17th, 2013

Seminar on making of a nation at Bhandarkar’s College, Kundapur

Education, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Mangalore :

Bhandarkars’ Arts and Science College, Kundapur will organize a two day national level seminar on a subject “Locality, Region and Making of the Nation,” at RN Shetty Hall of the college from February 15.

The sub-themes of the seminar are: archaeological findings of South Canara and Coorg; Regional expressions in Temple Art and Architecture;) Agrarian relations in South Canara and Coorg districts; Port trade and commerce; Social dynamics of South Canara; Interaction with regional societies; Colonial experience; Nationalist expressions and Nationalist movement; Post- Colonial Developments and research prospects in South Canara and Coorg.

According to a release from the college, the main endeavour of the seminar is to look into the question of regions not only to examine but to understand the characteristics and the process of their formation. The seminar hopes to situate the regions of South Canara and Coorg in the context of Karnataka and India, while yet highlighting their uniqueness and dynamism, the release added.

source: http://www.m.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Mobile / Home> Mangalore / TNN / by Stanley Pinto / February 12th, 2013

Manipal University fetes staff, achievers

Education

Manipal :

As many as 150 employees, who completed 25 years of service in various institutions of Manipal University, were feted at the annual felicitation and awards function held here recently.

Along with employees, 58 students, who are availing university’s scholarship, were also felicitated.

For the first time, innovation awards carrying cash prizes and certificates were conferred on 14 students at the event. The university has also introduced cash awards for staff excelling at state, national and international events from this year onwards. There were 15 recipients in this category this year.

Kadami scholarship, and Kunadapur Mohan and Lata Bhandarkar merit-cum-means scholarships were also given away. The best posters, in health sciences and technical sections, were also awarded.

“We recognize the contribution you have made for the steady development of various sections of the university and its constituent units, both academic and non-academic. Expression of gratitude and appreciation is a great human virtue and it is this human aspect that has enabled the management to honour our employees and awardees,” said Dr Ramdas M Pai, chancellor of Manipal University.

Innovation awards: Team – Aero MIT (first); Mobility Sanjeevini, MCIS (second) and reaction timer to assess lower limb’s reaction time, MCOAHS (third). Low cost anterior ocular imaging tool (MCOAHS), human machine interface with brain waves (MIT), horizontal angulation indicating dial for dental x-ray units (MCODS, Mangalore) and solarmobil Manipal, MIT bagged consolation prizes.

MIT, MCOAHS and MCOPS bagged the first, second and third place in the innovation award category for institutions. Certificatess of appreciation was awarded to MCIS, KMC, Mangalore, MCON, Manipal and MCOPS, Manipal.

Kundapur Mohan and Lata Bhandarkars merit-cum-means scholarship were given to Rishik Debnath, (Mechanical, MIT, Manipal); Vida Rebello, BPT, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal; Renita Melvin D’Souza, BPT, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal; Vidya CV, Karamjeet Kaur, and Namgyal Dolma; all BSc Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal.

Harish Rotti, Manipal Life Sciences Centre, Manipal; Sudhanshu Sekhar Sahu, KMC, Mangalore; and Raghavendra U, MIT received the Kundapur Mohan and Lata Bhandarkars’ merit-cum-means scholarship for PhD scholars.

The best poster award in the health sciences category went to Samatha Bhat, Manipal Life Science Centre, Manipal, Mohammad Mahboob Kanafi, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore. The best poster award in technical was conferred on Manjunath MS, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal.

Harish Rotti of MLSC, Manipal bagged the certificate of appreciation.

The 12th Kadambi scholarship for excellence in sports and academics for the year 2012-13 was presented to Renu Ramesh Tambat, KMC Mangalore, and Sonakshi Watel, MIT, Manipal.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mangalore / TNN / January 31st, 2013

Competition with a spiritual touch

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Gospel event

The students of St Joseph’s College of Commerce recently held their annual gospel fest, ‘Revelations’.

The inter-collegiate fest not only gave the students a platform to showcase their talent, but also a chance to get in touch with their spiritual side.

One would assume that a gospel fest would tend to be a bit boring, but the fest was anything but that. There was a lot of healthy competition and fun-filled events, like in any other fest.

There were close to 17 colleges that registered for the various events. While the events revolved around the biblical theme, each had its own fun twist.

The day-long fest had events like ‘ice-breaker’, ‘western music’, ‘vernacular music’, ‘creative writing’, ‘collage’, ‘debate’, ‘Bible quiz’, ‘costume presentation’, treasure hunt’, ‘street play’, ‘Bible punter’, ‘pick and sing’ and many others.

“This fest really aims at bringing out the best in each one of us. Also, it helps us youngsters get in touch with our spiritual side,” says Pilith Pericho, a student of SJCC.

The highlight was the ‘ice breaker’ round, where students from various colleges came up on stage in groups of eight and presented the vision of their college in a unique and funny way. While some sang songs, others danced.

There were also a few who used skits with funny one-liners to introduce their college.
Girls from Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College put up one of the skits in the round.  Gurneet, a student of the college, says that such fests really help the students get charged up.

“We tried to show the vision of our college in the form of a skit. Such events really help us bond and give us a chance to get to know many others in the student  community,” she adds.

Another highlight was the ‘Bible punter’, where the students were tested on their knowledge of the Bible.

For Adrian Jeffery, a student of SJCC, the best event was the western music competition.
“There is some really good talent here. It is a great platform to show that,” he adds. At the end of the day, Kristu Jayanthi College took the overall trophy and St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science was the runners up.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013

SJCE students bags highest paying job

Business & Economy, Education, Records, All

Caption: Nandini, Darshan

Mysore, Jan. 2:

Two final year students of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE) — N.A. Nandini Bhavasar and T.A. Darshan — have bagged the highest paying job offer from Microsoft Corporation, an American Multinational Software Corporation. It has recruited these students SJCE from BE Computer Science and Information Science branch for its Research and Development job profile by paying the highest salary of Rs. 16 lakhs.

College Principal Dr. B.G. Sangameshwara said that Microsoft interviewed over 100 students from various branches and selected Darshan and Nandini after several rounds of interviews and added that the pay package is the highest in the College’s 50-year history.

Placement officer N. Pradeep said that the interview had six rounds spread over three months in which three rounds were held at the campus and the other three rounds were held in the Company’s Bangalore office.

Principal Dr. B.G. Sangameshwara has congratulated the students and lauded the efforts and support from the Management & staff of the College and placement team led by Prof. B. Mahananda, supported by Dr. Srinidhi and Pradeep.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / January 02nd, 2013

Aeromodelling takes wings here

Education, Science & Technology

Hubli :

Students of BVB College of Engineering & Technology (BVB-CET) are learning the techniques of manufacturing an aircraft, helicopters and other safety measures to be incorporated in an aircraft.

The robotics and automation department of BVB College’s initiative has formed the Aeromodelling Club to provide a platform for engineering students to learn how to make aircraft models.

Students will not only get first hand information on how to make an aircraft, but will also be given a chance to create their own aircraft or helicopter by utilizing the available resources in the club and make it fly in their leisure time.

Taking advantage of the club, some students have already created 15-20 different aircraft models. Over 50 students have enrolled with the club and spend their weekends poring over aircraft models and plans.

Speaking to TOI, Chandrakant Narayan Shet, coordinator of Aeromodelling Club, said: “we set up the club with the intention of providing real time experience of making aircraft models to college students, club. Balsa wood, circuits, controller, transmitters, receiver and servo motors and other things are used to design the model aircraft.”

There is no fee to be a member of the club. “We are also planning to train students in making quarter copter which can be used to take aerial photographs or video graph,”Shet added. “Right now the training is for our students. We are ready to guide other college students,” he added.

Mahantesh Bali, 3rd semester student of robotics and automation department, BVB College said: “We get real experience while making of aero models. Recently, I designed a boomerang copter model with the help of the resources available in the club.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Hubli / by Srinivas Reddy, TNN / December 27th, 2012

Mural of good hope

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education

Bengaluru:

Walk past PESIT college on Mysore Road and you will see an impressive mural adorning the wall. You will also see an illustrious bunch of teenagers, working dedicatedly on the wall, guided by a woman with a powerful voice. That is Arzu Mistry, who, along with her class, is commemorating 25 years of PESIT in a unique manner. Titled ‘Wall meets Paint’, the 7,500 square foot mural has 21 students working on it daily, to commemorate the silver jubilee of one of Bengaluru’s prestigious educational institutions.

The mural primarily uses paint along with metal and found materials to capture the essence of PESIT. From the left side of the mural, moving towards the right, the design commemorates student life through shades of blue, from the time they enter the college to graduation and beyond. From right to left, the mural moves from cool to warm colours tracking the history of the college and marking points in the journey of the college. Dragonflies are a dominant feature of the mural representing metamorphosis and movement.

Arzu Mistry believes in integrating art and education, much like her mural. Born in Mumbai, brought up in the Bengaluru, Arzu moved to the States to pursue her studies. She studied at the California College of The Arts, and then did a Masters at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. “My parents lived in Iran when I was a child. They are architects and always wanted to pursue art and design.”

Never the one to go by conventional methods of education, an experience in USA changed everything. “I remember when the Iraq War was declared in 2008, many of my students faced the crisis personally. The neighbourhood near the school had a high immigrant population. Several fathers, uncles, brothers of these children were being sent to war and we didn’t have a way to help them deal with it.” Now, Arzu goes to the US every year and teaches children. Math and science usually give children nightmares but when combined with interesting forms of theatre, dance, visual art and mixed media, it can be a lot of fun! “Art needn’t be abstract at all, in fact, can be used to teach various disciplines because art appeals to one’s mind like nothing else.”

Her latest pet project is another way to integrate the city and its various elements into art, and not make creativity an exclusive item. “It’s amazing how receptive people are. One day, a man on a motorcycle got off and asked me if he can paint with us. He actually painted a portion of the wall and took off. We have a coconut-vendor who gives my students free coconut water everyday. A chaiwalla stops by to give us chai every evening. The local policeman makes sure the area is cleared for us  and mans the traffic especially for us.  There is a distinct manner in which art communicates beyond boundaries.”

source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Lifestyle> Books/Art / DC, by Shindhuja Balaji / December 07th, 2012