Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

EDII Launches AICTE-Approved PGDM in Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups in Bengaluru

Tanisha Cardozo

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), one of India’s pioneering institutions in entrepreneurship education, has announced the launch of a new AICTE-approved PGDM specialisation in “Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups” in Bengaluru. The programme is designed to empower tech professionals with entrepreneurial learning, structured mentorship and venture-building support to help transform high-potential ideas into successful startups.

The Tech Startups specialisation focuses on high-growth sectors such as EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AI-driven enterprises and scalable digital ventures. The curriculum adopts a practical, milestone-based approach, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with skills in opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, business model creation, product development, funding readiness and go-to-market strategies.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, highlighted Bengaluru’s central role in India’s technology ecosystem and Karnataka’s prominence in the startup landscape. He noted that the new specialisation aligns with the growing trend of young professionals choosing entrepreneurship as a purposeful career path and supports the broader vision of contributing to India’s development goals by 2047.

The two-year PGDM in Entrepreneurship, introduced in 1998, is focused exclusively on entrepreneurship development. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, accredited by the National Board of Accreditation and holds MBA-equivalent status from the Association of Indian Universities. With more than 2,200 alumni and approximately 79% becoming active entrepreneurs, EDII’s programme has established a strong track record in venture creation.

Students benefit from organised mentoring, sector exposure, incubation support through EDII’s Centre for Advancing and Launching Enterprises (CALEL), and milestone-linked seed grants. In addition to the new Tech Startups specialisation, learners can choose from New Enterprise Creation, Family Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship, making the PGDM a comprehensive platform for diverse entrepreneurial journeys.

Beyond academics, EDII has maintained a strong presence in Karnataka since establishing its regional office in Bengaluru in 1997. The institute has partnered with the state government and corporate organisations on CSR-driven entrepreneurship initiatives focused on women empowerment, MSME development, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in districts including Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar and Nelamangala. Collaborations with companies such as Accenture, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and IDBI Bank have further strengthened grassroots entrepreneurship development.

Initiatives like Entrepreneurship Hubba in Bengaluru reflect EDII’s commitment to inclusive growth, enabling women to build home-based and small-scale enterprises. With the launch of the Tech Startups specialisation, EDII reinforces its mission of building entrepreneurs who create enterprises, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation-driven economy.

EduConnect

Parul University Goa Creates History at AIU South-West Zone Youth Festival

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa witnessed a proud and historic moment as the students of Parul University Goa delivered an exceptional performance at the 39th AIU Inter-University South-West Zone Youth Festival.


With unwavering dedication, creativity, and team spirit, students represented the university across diverse cultural domains including Literary Events, Theatre, Music, Dance, and Fine Arts. Their remarkable participation reflected not just talent, but months of preparation, passion, and perseverance.

This achievement stands as a testament to the vibrant cultural ecosystem at Parul University Goa — where talent is nurtured, confidence is built, and excellence is celebrated.

The university’s participation spanned multiple artistic and intellectual disciplines, showcasing versatility and all-round cultural strength:
Theatre
• One Act Play
• Skit
• Mime
• Cultural Procession
Music
• Folk Orchestra
• Classical Instrumental (Solo)
• Classical Vocal
• Western Instrumental
• Light Vocal (Indian)
• Group Song
Dance
• Folk / Tribal Dance
• Creative Choreography
Fine Arts
• Poster Making
• Collage Making
Literary Events
• Hindi Debate
• Hindi Elocution
• English Elocution
• English Debate

This historic moment reinforces Parul University Goa’s commitment to holistic development — empowering students to excel beyond academics and shine on prestigious national platforms.

EduConnect

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Felicitates Goa’s Young Robotics & STEM Champions

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud moment for Goa’s education and innovation ecosystem, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, felicitated the State’s outstanding young achievers who have brought laurels through exceptional performances in Robotics and STEM competitions at national and international platforms. The ceremony recognised students who have excelled at prestigious events such as the World STEM & Robotics Olympiad (WSRO), VEX Robotics Championships, and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), underscoring Goa’s growing prominence in technology-driven education.

The event brought together students, mentors, school leaders, and parents who have collectively contributed to this remarkable success. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant congratulated the young innovators and their mentors, stating that their achievements exemplify innovation, discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of scientific inquiry. He reiterated the Government of Goa’s strong commitment to promoting STEM education, innovation, and future-ready skills in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasised that such accomplishments reflect the State’s determination to ensure that Goan youth are prepared to compete and succeed on global platforms.

The Chief Minister lauded the role of Qurious Mind Infotainment Pvt. Ltd., a Goa-based robotics education organisation, for its sustained efforts in nurturing young talent and building a robust ecosystem for hands-on STEM learning across the State. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Department of Education, Government of Goa, school managements, teachers, mentors, and parents who have collectively enabled students to reach new heights in competitive arenas.

Among those honoured were Ronav Chodankar and Ariana Chodankar of Sharada Mandir School, mentored by Dr. Deepa Chodankar, who received the Judges’ Choice Award – Young Scientist (All STEM – Open Category) at the WSRO National Championship. Shlok R. Juvatkar of Mahila & Nutan English High School, guided by Mahadev Mishal, secured 1st Place in the Junior Robo Race category. Students representing Goa at the VEX Robotics Regional and National Championships, including Mast Vedang Anay Kamat, Miss Surabhi Shubhesh Manerikar, Miss Rajvi Vishwanath Marathe, and Mast Shourya Ganpat Prabhu Kapdi, were also recognised for their exemplary participation.

At the FIRST Tech Challenge, students such as Soham Mahesh Redkar, Dhruv Sameer Salgaonkar, Sparsh Swapnesh Verlekar, and Sairaj Amonkar from Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, along with Anam Raza of Podar International School, Panelim, Avaneesh Devendra Phadte of Mushtifund High School, Cujira, and Sai Pranav Gandhi of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, were honoured for leadership and excellence within the international competition framework.

Goa’s representation at the WSRO International Championship marked a particularly proud milestone. Students from New English High School, Digas Panchwadi—Miss Paravi Prakash Gaonkar, Miss Shravya Rajendra Naik, Miss Akshavi Ashok Gaonkar, and Miss Aarushi Arun Sawant—mentored by Atul Shirodkar, earned international participation recognition in the Industry 4.0 category, reflecting the highest level of competition and global exposure.

Additional accolades included Mast Dilraj Dilip Kavthankar of Pradnya High School securing 6th Prize in the Line Follower category under the mentorship of Prasad Gadekar; Mast Ian Nunes of St. Bartholomew’s High School, Chorao, mentored by Vincent Toscano, winning 5th Prize in Young Scientist (Algorithms); Mast Vedang Kamat of Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, mentored by Anay Kamat, earning 4th Prize in Industry 4.0; and the team of Manish Mahadev Gawandi, Nirbhay Manoj Talkar, and Mayank Sandeep Kavathankar from Pradnya High School achieving 3rd Prize in the Line Follower category, guided by Prasad Gadekar.

The ceremony concluded with an engaging interaction between the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the students, followed by official photographs, marking a proud and inspiring chapter in Goa’s journey towards becoming an emerging hub for robotics, innovation, and technology education. The achievements celebrated at this event stand as a testament to what focused mentorship, institutional support, and youthful determination can accomplish, placing Goa firmly on the national and global STEM map.

EduConnect

“Goa Is the Best Place for a Young Girl to Grow Up”: Vogue India’s Rochelle Pinto at CTGD Centenary Lecture

Tanisha Cardozo

“Goa is the best place for a young girl to grow up. Here, women are so empowered; I have a sense of confidence because I grew up in Goa,” said Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, while addressing the centenary lecture of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias titled ‘Women in Leadership: How to Build a Career in Media’ in Panaji.

In conversation with Goan fashion designer Simran Dhond, Pinto reflected on how Goa’s multicultural environment and inclusive ethos shaped both her worldview and professional journey. She emphasised that in Goa, women are not treated as second-class citizens and that the State’s diversity creates a natural sense of equality. “It never occurred to me that I had to ask permission to take up space. Also in Goa, we have multiculturalism. There is a sense of equality and diversity, and we celebrate it. It is a world that almost looks like a fairy tale now. I think we need to all fight to protect that,” she said.

Pinto began her journey in media at the age of 11 as a child radio jockey at All India Radio, Goa. Despite now being a leading voice in fashion media, she shared that she did not grow up in a fashion-conscious environment, something she considers a blessing. Growing up as what she described as an “outsider” in a multicultural society gave her a deep sense of rootedness and curiosity. “There is a deep sense of rootedness because of being an outsider. As I grew up in a multi-cultural environment, there is a sense of curiosity, and I do not have a myopic view,” she said.

Now based in Mumbai with over 15 years of experience across print and digital platforms, Pinto has worked with leading brands such as Tweak India and the Condé Nast group. Throughout the interaction, she repeatedly underlined how being Goan has shaped her approach to storytelling and leadership. She explained that her Goan upbringing allows her to see individuals for who they are and engage with them at a human level, a quality that has helped her navigate the competitive media landscape.

Offering advice to young aspirants, Pinto stressed that talent alone is not enough to survive in the media industry. She spoke about the importance of ethics, resilience, and the ability to accept criticism. “Do whatever it takes to get the job done. You need to learn to do everything, as it gives you a sense of confidence and you know exactly what you are talking about. I am a doer and not a dweller,” she said, encouraging youngsters to build both skill and stamina.

She also addressed the common perception that women compete aggressively for limited opportunities. Dispelling the myth, she stated that women often support and uplift each other, both professionally and personally. During an interaction with the audience, Pinto described journalism as a field that still demands old-school rigour. “Journalists are like vultures; others see a carcass, but we see a full meal there. If you have that mentality, you can find a story anywhere,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of fieldwork and curiosity in an evolving digital age.

Having also taught at Istituto Marangoni in Italy and St Paul’s Institute of Communication and Education in Mumbai, Pinto shared her perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in media. She observed that fear of new technology is not new, recalling that similar anxieties existed even during the invention of the printing press. “Writers have to evolve their skillset. Maybe they may not be writing anymore as the medium will change. I am not worried but more fired up to hone my craft and new opportunities to express myself,” she said.

Her reflections served not only as a celebration of Goa’s empowering environment but also as a call to protect its inclusive and multicultural fabric. For many in attendance, Pinto’s journey stood as proof that confidence rooted in identity, combined with discipline and adaptability, can shape a successful career on both national and international stages.

EduConnect

Class 12 Board Exams Begin Today; Students Call English Paper Easy and Balanced

allycaralgoa

The much-awaited Class 12 board examinations commenced today with the English paper, marking the beginning of an important academic milestone for students across the region. According to early reactions from candidates, the question paper was largely considered easy, balanced, and within the expected syllabus.

Many students shared that the reading comprehension and writing sections were straightforward, allowing them to manage their time effectively during the exam. Teachers and education experts also noted that a well-structured English paper often helps students start the examination season with confidence, reducing stress for the upcoming subjects.

With the first exam completed, students now shift their focus toward preparation for the next paper, which is scheduled day after tomorrow. The entire examination cycle will conclude on February 23, bringing an end to months of rigorous study and revision.

Board examinations remain a significant moment in a student’s academic journey, shaping future opportunities in higher education and career paths. While performance pressure can be high, experts continue to encourage students to maintain balanced routines, get adequate rest, and approach each paper with calm and focus.

As the exam season unfolds, student feedback and performance trends will continue to highlight how preparation strategies and curriculum alignment impact overall outcomes.