
KU inks pact with Vidya Bharati to promote Indian knowledge traditions
In a move to promote India's rich intellectual and cultural traditions under the National Education Policy (NEP), Kurukshetra University (KU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Vidya Bharati Institute of Training and Research Trust, Kurukshetra.
The MoU was signed by Virender Pal, Registrar, KU and Surendra Atri, North Zone Head of Vidya Bharati, during a formal event chaired by KU Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Som Nath Sachdeva.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Sachdeva congratulated both institutions and emphasized the importance of English communication skills in the modern world. Prof Sachdeva stated that this collaboration aims to foster teacher training, enhance English language proficiency among educators, and introduce students to India's ancient knowledge systems on a broader platform, while also offering an opportunity to share them globally—aligning with the broader goals of the NEP.
Prof Sachdeva highlighted that this initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini, who are committed to integrating Indian knowledge systems into school and higher education. As part of the collaboration, experts associated with Vidya Bharti will visit Kurukshetra University (KU) to deliver lectures and share their research work on Indian knowledge traditions.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Secure your family's future!
ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan
Get Quote
Undo
Surender Atri, North Zone Head of Vidya Bharati, remarked that the Vidya Bharati Institute of Training and Research Trust is a key unit of the Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan. The Trust focuses on teacher training, educational research, and promoting a value-based education model rooted in Indian culture and heritage.
Prof Brajesh Sawhney, Chairperson, Department of English informed that this MoU will also facilitate the training of teachers from Vidya Bharati's North Zone schools in core English language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—through programmes conducted by KU's Department of English.
In turn, Vidya Bharati will offer internship opportunities to KU's English students in its network of schools, providing valuable practical experience and fostering skill development. Research scholars from the English Department will also be allowed to collect data from these schools for their language-teaching research, strengthening the academic research ecosystem.
Also present at the event were Prof Sunil Dhingra, Prof Pradeep Kumar, Prof Rashmi Verma, Prof Sunita Siroha, Geeta School Manager Virender Walia, Nidhi Sachchar (Principal, Vidya Bharati Institute of Training and Research), Pankaj (President, Alumni Association), and Ramendra Pratap Thakur (Manager, Vidya Bharati Institute of Training and Research).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Why DU's curriculum overhaul is raising concerns over academic transparency amid FYUP rollout
How Delhi University is preparing for the fourth year under NEP 2020 with infrastructure and staffing plans Delhi University (DU) has approved a major set of academic and infrastructural changes, including the introduction of the fourth year in undergraduate courses under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the administration claims readiness, sections of the university community have raised concerns about transparency, governance, and academic rigour linked to the curriculum changes. The approval came during a meeting of DU's Executive Council, where several key proposals were passed. Among the most contested changes is the removal of content related to Pakistan, Islam, and China from the postgraduate Political Science syllabus — a move that has attracted criticism from within the university's academic bodies. Controversial syllabus changes draw opposition The changes to the syllabus, initially cleared by the Academic Council on June 5, were formally approved by the Executive Council. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a member of the Executive Council, objected to the manner in which the changes were implemented. He alleged that several courses were significantly altered before reaching the Academic Council, thereby bypassing standard academic procedure. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ingin Tahu Tentang Diagnosis Limfoma? Dapatkan Info Selengkapnya Limfoma Baca Undo As reported by the PTI, Dhusiya said this compromised transparency in curriculum development. Preparedness for FYUP and staffing concerns Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh chaired the Executive Council meeting and asserted that DU is "fully prepared" for the implementation of the fourth year under the FYUP beginning in the 2025–26 academic session. As quoted by the PTI, Singh said that more than 60 per cent of undergraduate students are expected to opt for the fourth year. In response to staffing concerns, Singh stated that only regular faculty will teach fourth-year students, while guest faculty may assist with teaching in lower years. According to the PTI, he also mentioned that regular teachers may take additional classes and that provision for adequate compensation would be made for both teaching and non-teaching staff. Major infrastructure projects underway The university has approved infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 1,912.15 crore, with Rs 329 crore already released, according to updates shared at the meeting. These projects include the WUS Health Centre and a new computer centre in North Campus, as well as expansions to the science block and Social Centre School Building at Maurice Nagar. In South Campus, new academic buildings are planned, including one at the SP Jain parking area. Hostel projects have also been approved, including new accommodations for female students and working women at Dhaka campus, and expansions to existing hostels. Digital access and entrepreneurship initiatives Professor Singh also highlighted recent digital upgrades. As reported by the PTI, he said that Wi-Fi infrastructure across the university has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 65.71 crore, and the university library is now fully digitised, giving students round-the-clock access to more than two lakh e-books and journals. College principals were encouraged to establish start-up incubators and register Section-8 companies to promote entrepreneurship among students. Additional initiatives and recognitions Other decisions included a proposal to develop Dr B.R. Ambedkar Udyan in the Faculty of Social Sciences and to rename an auditorium in his honour. A committee has also been formed to explore the launch of a sports scholarship in memory of late Union minister and DU alumnus Arun Jaitley. The PTI reported that the committee will consult Jaitley's family before finalising the proposal. Delhi University's performance in the QS World University Rankings 2026 was also shared. DU has reached 30th position globally in employment outcomes, rising 14 spots, and now ranks seventh among Indian institutions with an overall global rank of 328.
&w=3840&q=100)

Business Standard
an hour ago
- Business Standard
Costa Coffee's India FY25 sales jump 30%, gross margin declines marginally
British coffee chain brand Costa Coffee's India revenue from operations surged 30.76 per cent to ₹198.5 crore in FY25, and its profit rose 28.4 per cent to ₹149.7 crore. The growth was driven by store expansion, as the number of outlets increased from 179 to 220 in FY25, according to the latest annual report of Devynai International Ltd (DIL). Its revenue from operations was ₹151.8 crore, and profit stood at 116.6 crore for the financial year ended March 31, 2024. Costa Coffee's gross margin declined marginally to 75.4 per cent from 76.8 per cent in FY24, primarily because of inflation in coffee beans and other input materials. "The brand contribution margin came down from 17 per cent to 16.1 per cent, with average daily sales (ADS) per store declining from ₹33,000 to ₹27,000, translating into a reduction of same store aales growth (SSSG) from 8.7 per cent to 4.1 per cent during this period," said DIL. Costa Coffee is operated in India through its franchise partner DIL, a leading QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) chain operator. Earlier this year, in April, Costa Coffee's Global CEO Philippe Schaillee, who was on a visit here, told PTI that India is going to be among the top five global markets for the British coffee chain brand. The coffee brand, now owned by beverage major Coca-Cola, is currently among the top ten global markets. "Costa Coffee is aggressively expanding in India, targeting 40-50 new outlets annually despite global economic uncertainties. DIL sees India as a high-potential market, driven by a growing preference for premium coffee among millennials and Gen Z," said DIL. This trend is manifest in the fact that the coffee space in the country is growing at 10 to 12 per cent, double the rate of global markets. "India, which is among Costa's top 10 markets globally, has the potential to get into the top five markets in five years, and Costa Coffee is just the sweetly aromatic spot to seize this strong opportunity," the report said. According to DIL, India, which is largely a 'chai' (tea) loving nation, is becoming a country of a growing populace of coffee lovers, with a massive cultural shift in its drinking habits over the years. Coffee is now the first love of many Gen Z Indians influenced strongly by Western culture, which is often a part of their work ethos. "At Costa Coffee, this has actuated a strong focus on expanding the brand's presence in high footfall locations, such as airports and multiplexes," said DIL. In the Indian cafe market, Costa Coffee competes with international chains such as Starbucks, Tim Horton, McCafe, and Dunkin'. Besides, local chains like Cafe Coffee Day, Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee and Barista are also amplifying their play in the fast-growing cafe market in India.


India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav to leave for Dubai today for investment outreach
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 13 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is scheduled to go on an official visit to Dubai in the UAE and Spain from July 13 to July 19. The aim of his visit is to bring global investment to Madhya Pradesh, encourage technology sharing, and create new job opportunities. As per the release, Yadav will leave for Dubai on Sunday afternoon. Soon after reaching, he will meet several well-known people to tell them about the strengths of Madhya Pradesh. He will speak about investment, education, and building strong cultural ties between Madhya Pradesh and Dubai. He will also meet members of the Indian community living there. During his visit, Yadav will also visit a temple in Dubai whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apart from this, he will also hold the first international roadshow in Dubai. Yadav's visit will start with several meetings. There will be important discussions along with lunch in the initial meeting. Reliance Group SR Vice President Farhan Ansari, as well as Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammad Al Yamahi will also be present in this meeting. In this meeting, topics like strategic investment cooperation, education, youth exchange program, parliamentary dialogue and cultural friendship between Madhya Pradesh and Dubai will be discussed. After this, Yadav will hold a meeting with the Indian business delegation in Dubai. The Chief Minister will visit the grand BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The foundation stone of this temple was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024. This temple is the first traditional stone-built Hindu temple in the Middle East region. It is a living symbol of spiritual tolerance and cultural harmony between India and the United Arab Emirates. CM Yadav will participate in a round table meeting on the tourism sector in Dubai in the evening. It will include tourism experts, hoteliers, travel agents and other stakeholders. Attempt to reconnect with roots In the evening, the 'NRI and Friends of MP Samvad' program will be held at the Taj Hotel, Dubai. More than 500 NRI entrepreneurs, professionals, cultural representatives and prominent institutional members will participate in it. This event will not be just a formal dialogue, but will be an extension of the spirit of Chief Minister Yadav through which he will urge the diaspora community to reconnect with their roots, enrich the state with their experiences and make them partners in the development of their state. This strategic engagement will form a solid foundation for future social and industrial investment. Chief Minister Yadav will also hold the first international road show of 'Industry and Employment Year 2025'. Next day, Chief Minister Yadav will hold one-to-one meetings with various global groups. In these discussions, the possibilities of joint ventures, technical cooperation and FDI projects in areas like food processing, renewable energy, logistics, IT, urban infrastructure, mining, textile and tourism will be considered. Investors are showing special interest in projects related to farm-to-market supply chain, infrastructure, solar-green energy, cold chain logistics, data centres, smart city models, rare earth mineral processing, export-oriented textile hubs and development of religious tourism. The same evening, 'Invest in Madhya Pradesh-Business Forum' will be organised at the Taj Hotel. In this, the state government will present its new industrial policies, logistics network, skill cluster, textile park, MSME zone and major tourism investment schemes to global investors. Through this forum, the preliminary outline of investment proposals, MoUs and possible joint projects will also be discussed. (ANI)