NMIMS Chandigarh Celebrates the Success of MANIFEST 2025 , Inter-College Quiz Competition

Chandigarh, September 29, 2025 – The School of Commerce at NMIMS Chandigarh, in association with the Corporate Interface Cell, successfully organized MANIFEST 2025, its flagship inter-college quiz competition, bringing together some of the brightest young minds from across the region.

Held at the NMIMS Chandigarh campus, the event attracted 210 participants across 105 teams, representing top institutions such as Panjab University, PEC, SD College Chandigarh, AMITY, and Chandigarh University. The competition created an energetic environment of intellectual engagement and healthy rivalry.

The day began with registrations from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by an inaugural session in the campus auditorium. The quiz commenced at 10:00 AM and featured three dynamic rounds:

• Quiz & Wordplay

• Escape Room

• Corporate Bidding

These rounds challenged students on multiple fronts — testing their knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork.

Participants vied for prizes worth INR 40,000, along with certificates and exclusive goodies for all, recognizing both effort and excellence.

The event was graced by Mr. Anurag Aggarwal, President – Mohali Industrial Association & Vice President – Chandigarh Club, who shared an inspiring message with the students, urging them to “dream boldly, believe in themselves, and create the future they envision.”

Winners of MANIFEST 2025:

• First Position: Yashank Paliwal & Chaitanya Sharma
  (Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46, Chandigarh)

• Second Position: Nishka Setiya & Ghazal Kataria
  (School of Commerce, NMIMS Chandigarh)

• Third Position: Chaitanya Mahajan & Manav Singla
  (School of Law, NMIMS Chandigarh)

Dr. Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, NMIMS Chandigarh, congratulated the winners and all participants. She emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering holistic development, highlighting platforms like the Out of Class Academic Association (OCAC) that encourage learning beyond textbooks.

The prize distribution was conducted by Dr. Ankita Bhardwaj, Program Chairperson, School of Commerce, NMIMS Chandigarh. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by CA Kunal Pasari.

AASOKA by MBD Group Charts Global Expansion, Focuses to Democratize STEM Education

Mumbai, 26th September 2025: AASOKA, the flagship EdTech platform of MBD Group that recently crossed the ₹100 crore revenue milestone, is now accelerating its growth journey with a clear vision for global expansion. With a strong foundation in India, the company is preparing to extend its footprint to the Middle East and South Africa, bringing its future-ready learning ecosystem to thousands of students and educators worldwide.

Currently, AASOKA powers 4,000+ schools, 9.5 lakh students, and 80,000 teachers throughout the country. Building on this momentum, the company aims to partner with 20,000 schools over the next three years, strengthening its presence across India while also expanding into international markets.

Speaking on the company’s vision, Ms Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Managing Director, AASOKA by MBD Group, said, “AASOKA carries forward the MBD Group’s legacy of inclusive education by offering an intuitive, one-stop solution for schools. We believe true change happens when opportunity meets ambition. The Robotics Lab on Wheels initiative, launched by the Ashok Malhotra Charitable Trust—the CSR wing of the MBD Group—is our way of leveling the playing field by ensuring that students in smaller towns have access to the same opportunities as those in metropolitan cities. This initiative has been introduced under Ashok Karya, a long-term social impact movement established to honour the legacy of our founder. With initiatives like WizKids and the AI STEAM Lab, we are bridging the digital divide while inspiring young minds to imagine, innovate, and lead with purpose.”

Adding to this, Mr Praveen Singh, CEO of AASOKA, said, “Crossing the ₹100 crore milestone was only the beginning. Our plan for the next five years is to bring the Robotics Lab on Wheels to 1,000+ schools and train over 100,000 students aged 7–16, giving them early exposure to robotics, coding, engineering, and innovation. By expanding globally and strengthening our ecosystem with innovations like WizKids and AI STEAM Lab, we are committed to delivering accessible, outcome-driven, and future-ready education to every learner.”

Robotics Lab on Wheels is a STEM education initiative designed to provide budget schools with access to robotics and coding. This compact, custom-designed van is equipped with Arduino boards, sensors, motors, and robotics kits, offering hands-on, instructor-led learning experiences without requiring additional infrastructure. Its mobility ensures access even in remote or densely populated areas, making advanced STEM education a reality for all learners. Training to build awareness of AI, including its concepts, uses, and real-world impact, will also be provided to students and teachers.

At the heart of this success is a blend of innovation, intention, and inclusivity. AASOKA is reshaping how children experience learning through tools like WizKids, a comprehensivekit featuring screenless coding bot for ages 4–10 that builds literacy, numeracy, and coding skills through tactile play. Complementing it, the AI STEAM Lab engages students aged 8+ in robotics, 3D designs, and artificial intelligence with hands-on kits aligned to curricula—helping them explore and prepare not just for exams, but for the future.

With these initiatives, AASOKA is driving toward a future where geography is no barrier to meaningful, experiential education—empowering learners with the skills, creativity, and confidence they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Winpe Welcomes Sheffield Haworth as Knowledge Partner for ProClub Mentorship Program

New Delhi, 25 September 2025: Winpe, a leading platform advocating gender diversity in investing, has announced Sheffield Haworth as the Knowledge Partner for its flagship Winpe ProClub Mentorship Program, aiming to help expand the careers of high-potential women in private equity, venture capital, and their portfolio companies.

Winpe ProClub is a year-long, one-on-one mentorship initiative that pairs women professionals with senior leaders from top private equity and venture capital firms. With five cohorts completed and the sixth underway, Winpe ProClub has mentored 59 women professionals through 29 senior leaders across 46 leading firms. Nearly 76% of participants have reported tangible career progression, underscoring the program’s ability to create impact across the investing ecosystem.

Nupur Garg, Founder, Winpe, said, “At Winpe, our mission has always been to create real, lasting pathways for women to lead. We are pleased to welcome Sheffield Haworth as a strategic partner in our journey to transform the investing landscape as we position more women for roles of influence in private equity and venture capital. We look forward to working together in developing an ecosystem where diversity is intrinsic, anticipated, and celebrated.”

“At Sheffield Haworth, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the investing industry. Partnering with Winpe allows us to bring our expertise and advisory experience to a program that is truly shaping the future. Together, we will create pathways for talented women to thrive as leaders,” said Avaneesh Raghuvanshi, Head, Financial Services and Private Equity Practice – India, Sheffield Haworth. Through this partnership, Sheffield Haworth brings its global reach and leadership expertise to help guide the next generation of women leaders in finance.

ProClub stands out as a mentorship platform that builds lasting trust and adapts to the changing careers of its mentees. The program offers valuable insights into growth strategies, helps enhance influence in key decision-making groups, and boosts confidence to tackle challenging career shifts. Since its inception in October 2020, Winpe ProClub has built a strong ecosystem of women founders and investment professionals and secured mentorship from senior partners, board directors, CXOs, and heads of investments at leading Indian and global firms. The initiative redefines support for women aiming at leadership roles across the investment ecosystem through high-impact, long-term mentorship, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem integration. Notable women leaders like Anshul Jain, (Managing Director, Lighthouse Advisors), Gurnoor Kaur (SVP, TA Associates) and Vineeta Singh (CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics) are from past cohorts and have benefited from the program at crucial points in their careers.

Bengaluru’s Harrow school wins World’s Best Designed School Award

New Delhi, 24th September 2025: Selected from over 550 entries across 49 countries, Harrow International School, Bengaluru, designed by CP Kukreja Architects, has been recognised as one of the Winners in the Architecture – Educational Buildings category at the LOOP Design Awards 2025. This international honour underscores the project’s contribution to advancing institutional design by interweaving heritage, ecology, and pedagogy. The LOOP Design Awards, based in Portugal, is an international platform celebrating innovation and excellence in architecture, interiors, and product design. The 2025 edition highlighted exemplary works from leading practices worldwide, with Harrow International School, Bengaluru, standing out within this highly competitive field.

Harrow’s first campus in India extends the legacy of a 450-year-old institution into the Indian subcontinent, reinterpreting its classical identity within the ecological and cultural setting of Bengaluru. The campus is structured around a preserved natural water channel that becomes both a landscape feature and a spatial organiser. Academic, residential, cultural, and athletic facilities are arranged in dialogue with courtyards, shaded pathways, and landscaped spines, fostering a continuum between built form and environment.

“Education is as much about the spaces in which it unfolds as it is about the curriculum it imparts. At Harrow International School Bengaluru, architecture becomes a catalyst for learning, where a preserved creek, courtyards, and walkways create an environment that inspires curiosity and community. This global recognition affirms our belief that schools must nurture not only academic excellence but also a deeper awareness of culture, ecology, and the responsibilities of citizenship in a changing world.” says, Dr. Aseem Chauhan, Chairman, Governing Body, Harrow International School Bengaluru. 

Reflecting on the recognition, Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal, CP Kukreja Architects, remarked: “Architecture for education must do more than provide infrastructure; it must cultivate imagination, community, and resilience. At Harrow International School, Bengaluru, we sought to craft a milieu where heritage and modernity converse, where sustainability is embedded in every gesture, and where the built environment itself becomes a teacher. This award reaffirms the responsibility of architecture to shape futures, not just buildings.”

The masterplan positions the creek as a unifying thread, bridges, shaded walkways, and green spines extend across its course, ensuring that the natural water system is not hidden but celebrated as an active part of campus life. Academic, residential, cultural, and athletic facilities are thus arranged in dialogue with courtyards, shaded pathways, and the flowing creek, creating a continuum between built form and environment.

The design reimagines Harrow’s iconic brick architecture through locally sourced materials and draws from Bengaluru’s tradition of palaces, gardens, and lakes. A 30-metre-high clock tower emerges as both a symbolic anchor and an infrastructural innovation, consolidating building services within a vertical core and thereby reducing the ecological footprint.

The campus integrates bioswales, pedestrian networks, and north-south orientation of blocks to optimise daylight and ventilation. Passive strategies embedded in the masterplan, from shaded arcades to internal courtyards that buffer heat gain complement high-performance systems, while water-sensitive planning ensures complete on-site rainwater management. These principles have been recognised with a USGBC Platinum rating, affirming the project’s role as a benchmark for sustainable educational environments.

The LOOP Design Awards is an international platform celebrating innovation and excellence in architecture, interiors, and product design. The 2025 edition highlighted exemplary works from leading practices worldwide, with Harrow International School, Bengaluru, standing out within this highly competitive field.

CP Kukreja Architects (CPKA) is one of the world’s largest architecture and urban design practices, with offices in India, Vietnam, Japan, and the USA. Founded in 1969 in Delhi by the late CP Kukreja, and currently helmed by Managing Principal Dikshu C. Kukreja, the award-winning firm’s work is rooted in contextuality and driven by a sustainable approach reinforced through innovative technologies. Over the last five decades, CPKA has left its mark in 40+ countries with 1500+ projects across scales and typologies. The practice comprises over 150 professionals from multiple disciplines working in tandem to deliver holistic, end-to-end solutions for the built environment.

ZeOpto IT Services Conducts Two-Day SAP Technology Workshop at Amrapali University

Gautam Budha Nagar ,Haldwani, 24th september 2025: Noida-based Renowned IT company ZeOpto IT Services organized a two-day workshop on SAP technology at Amrapali University, Haldwani on September 21 and 23. The workshop witnessed the enthusiastic participation of more than 500 students from B.Tech, MCA, MBA, BCA, BBA, and B.Com programs of the university.

The sessions were led by Gunjan Tewari and Abhijit Vyas, Directors of ZeOpto IT Services, who shared in-depth insights into the importance of SAP technology in today’s IT industry. They emphasized that almost every major global corporation relies on SAP for managing production, orders, and supply chain operations.

Sharing his 20 years of industry experience, Abhijit Vyas remarked, “Companies often work on Excel sheets, but billion-dollar enterprises cannot rely on Excel to manage vast amounts of data and transactions. This is where SAP becomes indispensable. From Domino’s pizzas to Nestlé’s Maggi, every stage of production and supply passes through SAP.”

Meanwhile, Gunjan Tewari, who brings over 30 years of expertise in SAP, highlighted the wide career opportunities the technology offers. He explained that becoming an SAP consultant is not limited to B.Tech or MCA graduates; students from MBA, BBA, B.Com, and even BA backgrounds can also pursue successful careers in SAP. He added, “Every year, around 2 million graduates look for jobs, but due to limited openings, many face challenges. Learning SAP can set students apart from the crowd, offering better opportunities and higher salary prospects.”

During the workshop, students also gained hands-on exposure to SAP software widely used in industries, which further fuelled their interest in the field. The event proved to be a milestone for students in bridging academic learning with industry-relevant skills, giving them a strong direction for future career opportunities.

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dean of Engineering, and Dr. Gautam Pant, Dean of Management at Amrapali University, expressed their gratitude to the directors of ZeOpto IT Services. Faculty members including Dr. Mahesh Kumar Sharma, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Yogesh Joshi, and Ruchi were also present during the workshop.

PhysicsWallah Launches LexGlobal to Connect Legal Education with Industry Practice

India,24th September, 2025: Education platform PhysicsWallah (PW) announced the launch of LexGlobal, which will be dedicated to legal certifications and upskilling at an event in Delhi. The launch witnessed the presence of students, advocates, and professionals from the legal sector.

 LexGlobal will try to address the gap between traditional legal education and practical expertise.  With the legal industry expanding rapidly, driven by startup growth, global deal-making, compliance requirements, and IP-heavy sectors, the need for accessible, practice-focused training is stronger than ever. LexGlobal is dedicated to graduates and early professionals seeking hands-on exposure to areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, and dispute resolution.

LexGlobal will introduce four flagship certifications in Contract Drafting & Negotiation, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The certificates will feature the names and logos of PW, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and top law firms, guiding the creation of the course.

Adding to the launch, Atul Kumar, CEO, PhysicsWallah (PW) Online, said, “With LexGlobal, we are trying to make legal learning practical. It’s not just about courses; we’re attempting to create spaces where students and professionals can actually apply what they learn, whether it’s drafting a contract or preparing for arbitration. We will try to keep improving it with feedback from learners and the legal community so it can try to meet their needs and also help us to keep up with how the legal world is evolving today.” 

Each course blends recorded sessions, live faculty interactions, case studies, simulations, and capstone projects to provide learners with practical exposure. Programs are structured to engage learners with real-world contracts, simulated negotiations, case-based M&A walkthroughs, IP strategy modules, and mock arbitral proceedings. There are dedicated modules on AI tools and automation for streamlining compliance and redlining. Additionally, the courses also cover international standards such as CISG, FIDIC, and cross-jurisdiction enforceability, in an effort to help learners gain both domestic and global perspectives. With a focus on applied learning, LexGlobal will try to serve not just law students but also early-career professionals, in-house counsels, and corporate legal teams seeking structured upskilling.

LexGlobal currently has micro-certifications spanning 6-8 weeks and aims to expand its portfolio with advanced programs, stackable credentials, and diploma courses.

IICT Launches India’s First On-Demand Introduction to AI-Powered AVGC Course

India, 22nd september 2025:In a landmark step toward merging creativity with technology, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), a Government of India initiative, has announced the launch of its first-ever “Introduction to AI-Powered AVGC” course. This one-month program, set to begin on September 26, 2025, aims to equip learners with foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in Artificial Intelligence as applied across Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Live-Action content production.

Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT said, “Though we already offer long-term programs in AI and creative technologies, the overwhelming demand and frequent queries from learners prompted us to introduce this short-term course. AI is no longer a future concept, it’s actively reshaping how stories are told, games are designed, and visual effects are created. This course is not just about tools; it’s about preparing the next generation of creators for the AI-driven future of media and entertainment.”

The program has been carefully curated for fresh graduates, AVGC students, and career switchers seeking to transition into the rapidly expanding creative economy. Over the course of four weeks, participants will be introduced to AI applications in areas such as character animation, comics, VFX, and immersive media workflows. Along with gaining exposure to AI-generated assets for live action, animation, and VR experiences, learners will benefit from industry-driven masterclasses and practical sessions led by veteran professionals from leading studios and production houses.

Every participant will also receive a certification from IICT upon successful completion of the course.

Classes will be offered in two flexible formats. The on-campus program will be held at the IICT Mumbai campus on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with four-hour sessions each day, at a fee of INR9,900. For those who prefer remote learning, online live sessions will be conducted on the same days for two hours per day, at a fee of INR4,900.

With limited seats available for this first batch, IICT has already seen strong interest and registrations are filling quickly, underscoring the growing demand for AI-focused creative training in India. As the media and entertainment sector continues to embrace technology at a rapid pace, this program offers a timely opportunity for learners to step into the future of storytelling and production with confidence.

IIM Sambalpur Inaugurates First-Ever Batch of B.S. Programme

22 Sept, 2025; Sambalpur: Following the announcement made in May 2025, IIM Sambalpur launched these two cutting-edge programmes in Delhi, and has now welcomed the inaugural batch of its first-ever B.S. Programme in Data Science & AI and B.S. Programme in Management & Public Policy at the Sambalpur campus in Odisha.

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur has launched its two cutting-edge new undergraduate programmes: “Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy” and “Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” in May 2025. The course curriculum is aligned with the world’s top universities such as MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Carnegie Mellon University, all of which offer BS programs with similar names.

The inaugural batch welcomed 178 students across the two programmes, 88 in Data Science & AI and 90 in Management & Public Policy. Representing more than 20 states of India, including Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Lakshadweep, the batch reflects strong regional diversity. The B.S. in Data Science & AI programme has enrolled 69 male and 19 female students, while the B.S. in Management & Public Policy has 51 male and 39 female students, ensuring a healthy gender balance.

Admission Process

Admissions were made through JEE (Main) 2025 for Data Science & AI, with the highest admitted rank being 44,645, and through CUET (UG) 2025 for Management & Public Policy, where the top scorers achieved a 99.80 percentile. The academic credentials of the cohort are equally impressive, with an average Class 12th score of 90.5% for Data Science & AI students and 88.2% for those in Management & Public Policy.

Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network India graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Amit Sareen, Managing Director, Accenture and Anjan A, Vice President, North Trust were present as the Guests of honour. Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur along with faculty and students were also present during the event.

The event also featured expert speaker sessions in which the esteemed speakers were Vivek Agarwal, Country Director, Tony Blair Institute; Harpreet Singh, Head –Counterparty Credit Risk, BFSI Sector; Gangadhar Yasam, Head of IT Strategy, Ford Motor Company; Divay Pranav, Business Strategy & Partnerships, Hyundai Motors; Arpit Bajpai, Co-Founder, Neurosensum, were present as key note speakers in the event.

During his inaugural address, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, “This is a historic step for IIM Sambalpur. By launching these B.S. programmes, we are investing in young minds who will become leaders in technology, policy, and society. These programmes will not only prepare students with academic excellence but also instil in them the values of integrity, innovation, and responsibility towards nation-building. Anchored in the core values of Integrity and Innovation, the programmes provides strong roots in data analysis, critical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. The cross-functional courses are designed to develop responsible leaders who can address intricate societal and industrial challenges with innovation, compassion, and a global perspective. This degree program is pioneering and will be adopted by other top management institutes.”

Apart from that, Prof. Jaiswal advised students and said, “Students need to nurture four kinds of intelligence for holistic growth. First is IQ, which sharpens the intellect. Second is EQ, which teaches them to manage their emotions effectively. Third is PQ, which emphasizes the importance of good health, physical fitness, and preferring naturopathy. And Finally, SQ – the spiritual quotient – which helps them reflect on the deeper purpose of life”.

While addressing the students, Chief Guest, Ratnesh Jha, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network, said, “Congratulation to IIM Sambalpur for excellent NIRF rankings 2025 and for successful inauguration of the first batch of the B.S. Programme. IIM Sambalpur continues to be a hub of creativity and inspiration, opening new avenues for the younger generation. The four-year B.S. Programme holds immense potential to transform students into accomplished professional, well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the nation. He further emphasized that, while striving for academic excellence, ratings and rankings, it is equally important not to overlook spiritual growth and physical well-being. He added that students must focus on the four Cs, as the absence of any one of them makes progress incomplete and less fulfilling”.

The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots level.

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.

The inaugural marks a new chapter in IIM Sambalpur’s journey to shape responsible leaders with a balance of academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. Notably, IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management & Public Policy programme through CUET, both prestigious national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency.

IIM Sambalpur has reached a significant milestone this year, climbing 16 positions in the NIRF ranking 2025. Speaking on the institute’s accreditation journey, Prof. Soumya Guha Deb, Dean (Ranking & Accreditation), highlighted the strategic initiatives and sustained efforts that have contributed to this remarkable achievement.

Prof. Diwahar S Nadar and Prof. Rohit Gupta introduced the B.S. Programmes. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Diptiranjan Mahapatra, Dean, (Academics), while the vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Diwahar S Nadar.

Super 30 Founder Anand Kumar Encourages Students to Blend Knowledge with Social Responsibility

India, 16th September 2025: Renowned mathematician and Super 30 founder Anand Kumar addressed students at Marwadi University on the 58th National Engineers’ Day as part of the Human Library Series, inspiring them with a powerful message on learning for knowledge, building resilience under pressure, and embracing technology responsibly

Opening his talk, Kumar urged students to view Engineers’ Day as an opportunity to ‘recommit to knowledge, not just credentials.’ He cautioned against reducing education to mere marketing or short-term outcomes, emphasizing that strong content and clear concepts must always come before scale. ‘Everyone talks about growth and promotion, but few focus on strengthening the content,’ he said. ‘Study for knowledge and to innovate — jobs and money will follow when you truly understand your subject

Drawing on three decades of teaching, Kumar shared powerful stories of students whose persistence transformed their lives. He spoke about Abhishek Raj, who once studied under a streetlight while working odd jobs, went on to qualify for IIT Kharagpur, and now holds a senior position in the United States. He also highlighted the journey of Shashi Narayan, who overcame personal loss to top a global science scholarship competition in France, pursue Computer Science at IIT Kharagpur, and now works as a scientist in London. ‘Hard work has no substitute,’ Kumar reminded the students. ‘When faced with difficulties, don’t change your path change your effort.’

Kumar urged students to measure success by the problems they solve and the value they create, rather than the immediate salary packages they receive. He framed AI as both an opportunity and a test, emphasizing the need for continuous upskilling and global awareness. He encouraged students to study how subjects are taught around the world and to focus on what unique contributions they can make. Reflecting on his own early struggles and the inception of Super 30, Kumar shared how curiosity about global learning trends and early adoption of new tools shaped his own journey

In closing, Kumar urged students to nurture four qualities for meaningful success: an unrelenting thirst for goals, positive thinking through setbacks, hard work to build true strength, and patience to endure the journey. He praised the audience’s focus, reminding them that listening is the first step to creating anything worthwhile, and left them with a powerful message — knowledge, character, and contribution must go hand in hand, especially on a day that celebrates engineers’ role in shaping society.

IIM Bodh Gaya hosts Convergence 2.0: Re-imagining Healthcare Ecosystem with Technological Advancements

Bodh Gaya, September 15, 2025: The Indian Institute of Management, Bodh Gaya, hosted Convergence 2.0, its flagship healthcare leadership summit, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, clinicians and innovators to discuss a technology-driven, patient-centric future for healthcare in India. The event, held on September 14, was organised around the theme “Re-imagining Healthcare Ecosystem with Technological Advancements” and brought together experts to share practical insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping the healthcare landscape.

The day opened with inaugural ceremonies, after which Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, emphasised the need for an India-specific healthcare vision, stating “India cannot afford healthcare the way the West does. What we need is a nation that is well, healthy, and strong in body and spirit.” Prof. Swapnarag Swain, Chairperson MBA(Hospital & Healthcare Management) IIM Bodh Gaya, highlighted the purpose of the leadership summit to establish a strong and continued exchange of knowledge between academia and industry. The remarks framed the summit’s focus on scalable, equitable solutions and set the tone for the discussions that followed.

A series of panel discussions led by senior practitioners and thought leaders then examined key aspects of the healthcare ecosystem. The opening panel, “Innovating Healthcare with MedTech and Medical Devices,” examined the R&D-to-deployment lifecycle, the case for indigenous manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, regulatory considerations for ethical adoption, and the role of AI, IoT and robotics in improving device performance and patient outcomes. Panelists included Mr. Ajay Bagga, MD & Country Head, Zimmer Biomet; Mr. Manish Sardana, MD & GM, South Asia, Vygon; Mr. Ram Panda, MD, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Alvarez & Marsal; Dr. Bhupendra Tripathi, Deputy Director, Gates Foundation; Ms. Pragati Awasthi, Group VP, Romsons Group; Dr. Lalit Kanodia, VP, Hospitals & Corporate Services, Tata 1mg; and Mr. Anith Sankaran, Head of Supply Chain, Shalby MedTech.

Another session, “Healthcare Services Redefined through Digital Transformation,” addressed interoperable digital health records, AI and predictive modelling to improve diagnoses and outcomes, and the scaling of personalised care through digital platforms. The panel discussed how telemedicine and wearable technologies are changing patient access and considered strategies for developing a digital-ready healthcare workforce. Speakers included Mr. Navneet Bali, CEO, Clearmedi Healthcare; Dr. Sameer Gupta, Senior Cardiologist, Metro Hospitals; Mr. Vikram Anand, Partner, Healthcare, Deloitte; Mr. Neeraj Lal, Regional Director, Medicover Hospitals; Mr. Durga P. Nayak, Head HR, Aster DM Healthcare; and Dr. Abhishek Pawar, Associate Director, Hosmac India.

The programme also addressed the pharmaceutical and life-sciences sector, with a panel on supply-chain resilience, affordability and access to innovative therapies, the role of clinical trials, and emerging trends in vaccines, immunotherapy and personalised medicine. Panelists included Mr. Manpreet Singh Sodhi, Sr. VP People & Culture, Synthimed Labs; Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pebbilli, Global Head HR, ACG Pharmapack; Mr. Suhas Ram C, Head Talent Management, Aurobindo Pharma; Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Lead HR, Boehringer Ingelheim; Mr. Mausham Kumar, Lead HR Business Partner, Dr. Reddy’s; and Mr. Prithwish PathakAssociate VP Learning, Alkem Labs.

The concluding discussion on provider–payer synergies considered value-based care models, integrated insurance solutions to enhance patient access, financial innovation through digital payments, and the development of sustainable partnerships to improve long-term health outcomes. Contributors to this session included Mr. Vaibhav Arora, Director Healthcare Consulting, KPMG; Mr. Suvendu Shekhar Tripathy, Associate Partner, Cognizant; Ms. Shilpa Arora, Co-Founder & COO, Insurance Samadhan; and Col. Hemraj Singh Parmar, Co-Founder, AyushPay.

Convergence 2.0 highlighted the potential of technology to support a cohesive and resilient healthcare ecosystem. Discussions covered AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, connected medical devices and data intelligence, and produced actionable recommendations for improving interoperability, strengthening supply chains and promoting responsible adoption of new technologies. The summit brought together diverse stakeholders, leaving participants with clear avenues for collaboration to advance a technology-enabled, patient-centred healthcare system. IIM Bodh Gaya is committed to shaping its MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management (HHM) programme as a highly industry-centric, practice-oriented course aligned with the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.