EduConnect

Bhutan and Morocco Seek IIT Campuses as India’s Education Model Gains Global Demand


New Delhi, December 2025: India’s globally acclaimed technical education system continues to attract international attention, with Bhutan and Morocco formally requesting the establishment of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) campuses in their countries. Government sources confirmed that the proposals are part of a growing interest among nations seeking to replicate India’s successful higher education model.

The requests come on the heels of two landmark developments — the inauguration of IIT Madras in Zanzibar in November 2023 and the launch of IIT Delhi’s campus in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. These international campuses mark a significant shift in India’s education diplomacy and align with the country’s long-term goal of attracting one million international students by 2040.

The expansion of IITs overseas is a key component of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to internationalise Indian education and position the country as a global knowledge hub. Supporters of the initiative view the growing demand as a testament to the strength of the ‘Brand IIT’, widely regarded for its academic rigour, innovation, and contribution to global technology and research.

However, the move has also sparked debate domestically. While many celebrate the IITs’ global recognition, critics argue that India must first address challenges within its own institutions, including infrastructure gaps, faculty shortages, and the need to boost research output.

Despite differing opinions, the interest from Bhutan and Morocco highlights the IITs’ strong global reputation and reflects India’s rising influence in shaping international education frameworks. As discussions progress, the proposed campuses could further strengthen India’s role as a leading exporter of quality education and technical expertise.

EduConnect

Prof. (Dr.) Karuna Gokarn Appointed as First Woman Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai


Mumbai, October 2025: In a landmark development for one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, Prof. (Dr.) Karuna Gokarn has been appointed as the Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (subject to University and Government approval). This appointment marks a historic milestone, as Dr. Gokarn becomes the first woman to lead the college in its 156-year history since its establishment in 1869.

A senior faculty member of the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Gokarn has been associated with the institution for many years, contributing significantly to its academic and administrative progress. In her previous roles as Vice Principal (Academics) and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

Dr. Gokarn also served as the NEP Nodal Officer, playing a key role in the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring that the college adapted seamlessly to new academic frameworks.

Her appointment is seen as a progressive step towards inclusive leadership in higher education, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.

The college community has warmly congratulated Dr. Gokarn on her appointment, recognizing her dedication to academic innovation, holistic education, and student welfare.

As St. Xavier’s College embarks on a new chapter under her leadership, the institution looks forward to strengthening its legacy of excellence, while fostering an environment of equality, inspiration, and growth.

EduConnect

Bagless, But Not Brainless: Sunandabai Bandodkar High School Celebrates Learning Beyond Books


In a refreshing initiative, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School in Salvador do Mundo observed Bagless Day, giving students a break from routine and a gateway into creative, experiential learning.

The day included interactive sessions such as storytelling, arts and crafts, group games, basic life skills, and awareness workshops. Teachers designed activities aimed at improving cognitive skills, communication, collaboration, and curiosity—aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.

The initiative not only broke the monotony of traditional classroom teaching but also brought joy and excitement among students. It allowed them to learn through doing, sparking creativity and boosting morale.

The school staff and management received praise for organizing a day that both informed and inspired, building a bridge between academics and real-life learning.

📖 Explore the full story and more such educational highlights at allycaral.com
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EduConnect

Exercise at the Heart of National Sports Policy 2025: Jovito Lopes Emphasizes Holistic Health at GVM College


July 2025 — In a landmark discussion held at GVM College, Ponda, senior journalist and former sports administrator Jovito Lopes stressed that exercise and physical activity are not just lifestyle choices, but now officially national priorities, embedded deeply in the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.

The event, hosted by Karuna Football Foundation (Ponda) in collaboration with Civitas (Panjim), brought together faculty members of GVM’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics, Dr Dada Vaidya College of Education, and SNJ Aguiar High School, emphasizing the integration of sports into everyday life.

Lopes explained that Khelo Bharat Niti, as the NSP is also known, seeks to build a physically active society aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). The policy promotes grassroots sports, infrastructure development, coaching ecosystems, and most importantly, mass participation in physical activity.

“The link between sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases is undeniable,” Lopes said, quoting global studies that demonstrate a 39% reduced risk of early death with regular physical activity.

Key stats and messages shared:

  • Most adolescents and adults do not meet recommended activity levels.
  • Adults (18-64) should engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
  • Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental decline.
  • Daily steps—even modest ones—can significantly reduce the risk of early mortality and cardiovascular events.

Quoting Dr Bert Mandelboum, Lopes added:

“Exercise is probably the most robust drug we have—it leads to longevity.”

Also speaking at the event, Prof Teotone Vaz, Prof Jojen Mathew, Krishna Shetye, Geeta Shastri, and Betty D’Silva endorsed the policy’s grassroots vision and advocated for public fitness infrastructure like open-air gyms in parks.

The takeaway? “It’s never too late to start”—a message that resonated across age groups and institutions.

This session marked an important step in reshaping the role of education institutions in India’s sporting and health future, turning policy into grassroots action.

EduConnect

PM Shri GHS Morpirla Celebrates 10th Consecutive Year of 100% SSC Results


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Morpirla, Goa – The General Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting of PM Shri GHS Morpirla, held on 5th July 2025, became a heartwarming celebration of the school’s tenth consecutive year of 100% SSC results.

The event, originally organized to discuss academic updates and policies, quickly transformed into a celebration of academic excellence, with proud parents applauding the tireless efforts of the Headmistress and the entire teaching staff. The achievement, a decade in the making, was recognized as a result of consistent hard work by students and unwavering dedication by teachers.

The Headmistress addressed the gathering and shared how the PM SHRI Scheme has significantly benefited the school. From improved infrastructure and digital classrooms to access to modern learning tools, the scheme has enhanced the overall teaching-learning environment.

During the meeting, the school counselor spoke about the importance of proactive parenting. She encouraged parents to stay involved in their children’s emotional and mental well-being, not just their academics. She emphasized open communication and attentiveness to help students navigate challenges both in and outside school.

The Headmistress also shared information about scholarships available for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, urging eligible families to apply. She took the opportunity to brief parents about the New Education Policy (NEP) and the introduction of ‘Parakh’, a modern assessment system focused on all-round development, not just rote learning.

This PTA meeting was more than just a discussion—it was a proud reminder of what consistent effort, strong leadership, community support, and national schemes can achieve in even the most rural schools.

As PM Shri GHS Morpirla moves forward, it does so with confidence, vision, and a legacy of excellence.