Latest news with #IITKharagpur
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Will Panchayat actor Jitendra Kumar, an IITian, appear for the UPSC civil services exam? He still gets exam date reminders from parents
Even after winning hearts as Jeetu Bhaiya and Abhishek Tripathi, bagging multiple awards, and headlining one of India's most beloved web series, Panchayat , actor Jitendra Kumar still can't escape a uniquely desi rite of passage — the UPSC reminder from mom and dad. Despite making it big in Bollywood and OTT, the IIT Kharagpur alumnus recently revealed that his parents still remind him of UPSC prelims dates every year, 'just in case.' From IIT Kharagpur to stage spotlight Jitendra Kumar's journey is as unconventional as it is inspiring. A civil engineering graduate from IIT Kharagpur, Kumar's passion for acting took root during his college days. While juggling assignments and engineering labs, he found his true calling on stage. As Governor of the Hindi Technology Dramatics Society at IIT, he performed in numerous stage plays — experiences that would later shape his acting career. Jeetu Bhaiya and the IIT paradox Kumar shot to fame with The Viral Fever 's (TVF) Kota Factory , where he played the widely adored Jeetu Bhaiya — a mentor figure so impactful that students across the country wished they had one in real life. Yet, the irony wasn't lost on fans or comedians. During a recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, host Kapil Sharma playfully grilled Kumar, asking why, if acting was his goal, he made his parents invest in an IIT education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 '실비보험' 최적가 가입인기! "보험사별 맞춤설계+할인혜택"... 굿리치 [등록번호:제2006038313호] 가입하기 Undo Jitendra laughed as he recalled the initial frustration from his parents. He admitted that his parents were angry at first, but he convinced them with his acting chops. Still, old habits die hard — 'Even now, they remind me when UPSC prelims forms are out,' he added with a smile. The rise of a small-town hero Jitendra's most iconic role to date remains Abhishek Tripathi in Panchayat — the reluctant urban youth turned Panchayat secretary posted in the fictional village of Phulera, Uttar Pradesh. His performance struck a chord with millions for its simplicity, relatability, and quiet humour. The series, produced by TVF and streamed on Amazon Prime Video , has earned both critical acclaim and a cult following. He was last seen in Panchayat Season 4, continuing to bring authenticity and heart to the role. More than just OTT Beyond Panchayat and Kota Factory, Kumar has made a mark in films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Jaadugar, and Dry Day. He's also won multiple awards, including two Filmfare OTT Awards — proof that his decision to pivot from engineering to acting was no fluke.
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Be10x Review: Aditya Kachave and Aditya Goenka's Mission to Transform AI Education in India
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 15: In an age where artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining industries and job markets, Be10x stands out as a pioneering ed-tech platform dedicated to equipping Indian professionals and youth with essential AI skills. Founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni Aditya Kachave and Aditya Goenka, Be10x is more than just a learning platform, it's a movement to empower India's workforce, giving them a competitive edge over global peers. This Be10x review explores how the brand is reshaping AI education, its innovative offerings, and its profound societal impact. A Vision to Upskill India for the Global Stage Aditya Kachave and Aditya Goenka launched Be10x with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between traditional education and the practical skills demanded by today's AI-driven world. Their goal is ambitious yet grounded--to upskill Indian professionals and students not only to meet international standards but also to surpass them. "We want Indian talent to lead the AI revolution," says Goenka. "By mastering AI skills, our learners gain a serious advantage over their peers, positioning India as a global powerhouse in technology." This vision stems from their own experiences as students and professionals, where they noticed a disconnect between academic learning and real-world needs. Be10x addresses this by focusing on accessible, hands-on AI education that empowers learners to excel in a rapidly evolving job market. Innovative Learning for Real-World Impact Be10x sets itself apart with a dynamic and practical approach to education. Unlike conventional platforms that lean on theoretical lectures, Be10x mastery course blends live, interactive sessions with on-demand video lessons. This hybrid model enables learners to engage with instructors in real-time while retaining the flexibility to revisit material at their own pace. The platform's flagship offering, the Be10x AI Tools Workshop, teaches participants how to leverage AI technologies like Prompt Engineering and ChatGPT. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing productivity, the curriculum emphasizes real-world applications. Weekly doubt-solving sessions further enhance the experience, providing personalized support to ensure no learner is left behind. A standout innovation is Be10x's use of AI-generated content to enrich its courses. By integrating cutting-edge tools, the platform demonstrates how AI can streamline workflows and spark creativity, skills that learners can immediately apply in their careers. "We don't just teach AI; we show how it can transform your work," explains Kachave. Empowering Indian Youth and Professionals Be10x is committed to preparing India's youth and workforce for the future. With AI poised to disrupt millions of jobs globally, the platform offers a lifeline, equipping learners with skills to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it's a student aiming to break into tech or a professional seeking to future-proof their career, Be10x courses deliver tangible value. "Our students don't just learn, they thrive," says Goenka. Alumni have reported career boosts, from promotions to launching AI-driven ventures. By fostering a generation of AI-literate individuals, the Be10x workshop is helping India claim its place as a leader in the global tech landscape. Founders' Dedication to Continuous Improvement What truly drives Be10x is the founders' relentless commitment to excellence. Kachave and Goenka view themselves as lifelong learners, a mindset they instill in their students. They continuously refine the curriculum, incorporating the latest AI advancements to keep the content relevant and impactful. "We're obsessed with making the course better," Kachave admits. "Feedback from our learners is invaluable, it shapes everything we do." This dedication extends to offering lifetime access to course materials, ensuring participants can stay updated as AI evolves. Their passion for education isn't new. Both founders have been teaching since their college days, and that experience informs Be10x's student-centric approach. From interactive workshops to responsive support, their focus is on creating a learning environment where everyone succeeds. Voices of Impact: Student Testimonials The true measure of Be10x's success lies in its learners' stories. Here's what some participants have said: -Priya Sharma, Working Professional: "The practical tools I learned saved me hours at work. The Be10x workshop gave me skills I could use instantly." -Rahul Bose, Student: "The live sessions were a game-changer. I understood complex concepts and even started a side project using AI." -Anita Shukla, Entrepreneur: "This workshop was worth every penny. It's not just education, it's empowerment." With an average rating of 4.92/5 from over 24,563 participants, Be10x has earned its reputation as a transformative force in ed-tech. A Legacy of Societal Good Beyond individual success, Be10x is contributing to society by democratizing AI education. By making high-quality learning accessible and affordable, the platform is leveling the playing field for Indian youth and professionals. Its impact--over 50,000 upskilled learners and counting, signals a brighter, tech-savvy future for India. As Kachave puts it, "AI isn't just a skill, it's an opportunity. We're here to ensure every Indian can seize it." Through innovation, dedication, and a focus on real-world value, Be10x is not only educating individuals but also uplifting a nation. Visit their website to start your AI journey today! Company: Be10x Website: Email ID: hello@ Contact No.: +91-9147330989
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AI tool, ‘campus moms' to curb IIT Kharagpur student deaths
Kolkata: The rising number of student deaths on campus has prompted IIT Kharagpur to launch a first-of-its-kind AI-powered emotional health monitoring tool that enables anonymous self check-ins and early alert systems. Besides, the institute will also introduce an initiative titled 'campus mothers', under which wives of faculty members and staffers, along with mental health professionals, will offer the warmth of parental care and affection to holistically address the emotional crisis of students. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The AI tool integrated in an app is part of the institute's holistic wellness and engagement framework — Support, Empathy, Transformation, and Upliftment (SETU), which will roll out from July 25 during the induction programme of a new undergraduate (UG) batch. "The app will be secured so that vulnerable student data is not leaked. The system will allow wardens, faculty advisors, and trained peer mentors to respond in real-time with contextual sensitivity," director Suman Chakraborty said. The tool is being developed by in-house experts and a consultancy tech firm. SETU will also include professional care by psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors. It will also focus on peer empowerment, and community bonding to address the well-being of students. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo "It is the students who can be vigilant and alert us whenever they see some complex behavioural change among their hostel mates," added Chakraborty, while explaining the peer-empowered initiative. The institute has witnessed three suicide deaths in six months and nine deaths in the last five years. "With 20,000 students and 15 mental health experts at the counselling centre, it is physically not possible to cater to the needs of the students. Therefore, we need technological intervention along with a human touch so that the quality of life of the students on campus becomes better," the director said. The initiative is being rolled out as a pilot project at IIT Kharagpur and will serve as a national model for the other IITs. TOI earlier reported about Sarth (Support, Acceptance, Resilience, Therapy, and Healing), which focused on upgrading the institute's counselling centre and offering one-on-one therapy and psychiatric consultations while maintaining confidentiality, hostel-level outreach programmes, 24/7 online counselling via Your Dost, among other measures.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
IITian still remembers each of 75 rejections but went on to build a Rs 9,500 crore business. Who is Pavan Guntupalli, founder of Rapido?
Synopsis Pavan Guntupalli, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus, transformed a simple concept into Rapido, a bike-taxi service valued at ₹6,700 crore. Overcoming initial setbacks with his logistics startup and investor skepticism, Guntupalli secured funding from Hero MotoCorp's Pawan Munjal. Agencies How this IITian Turned Startup Failure Into India's Largest Bike-Taxi Platform While it's common to hear tales of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni achieving stellar positions in global corporations, one particular journey stands out for breaking the mold—a tale of entrepreneurship, resilience, and remarkable brand-building worth Rs 6,700 crore in under ten years. This narrative has become a beacon of motivation for many aspiring Indian the many successful IITians, Pavan Guntupalli's story shines as a standout example. Originating from Telangana, Guntupalli cracked the demanding IIT-JEE entrance exam and completed his degree at IIT Kharagpur. He began his professional journey at tech giant Samsung before venturing into the startup world. His initial business effort was a logistics venture named 'theKarrier,' which he co-founded with a friend. Despite their dedication, the company didn't take off and eventually shut down. Yet, Guntupalli remained undeterred. Using his learning from that setback, he launched Rapido—a bike-taxi and auto-rickshaw service aimed at offering quick and inexpensive commuting options to everyday his vision to life wasn't easy. Convincing investors of Rapido's potential was a daunting challenge. Over 75 potential funders rejected the proposal, largely due to fears that the startup couldn't compete with dominant players. But Pavan's determination never wavered. In an interview with NDTV Profit, he said that he still remembers the 75 rejections but acknowledges that some of them were valid. "We learnt from it," he said. What gave Rapido an edge was its unconventional growth strategy. While most ride-hailing services zeroed in on India's metro cities, Rapido turned its focus to tier-1 and tier-2 towns, where mobility issues were widespread and solutions limited. Initially, the company offered highly competitive rates—a base fare of Rs 15 and Rs 3 per kilometer—prioritizing affordability even at the cost of grassroots-level thinking paid off. Rapido gradually expanded across India and today operates in over 100 cities. Its mobile app has recorded over 5 crore downloads, and it boasts a dedicated network of 50,000 riders, referred to as 'captains,' serving a growing user base of around 7 lakh active of 2025, Rapido has grown into a solid brand valued at Rs 9,350 crore, as per a report. According to a report by Inc42 , the company's annual revenue has crossed Rs 1,000 crore, solidifying its position in India's fast-growing mobility sector—all born from one man's refusal to quit after failure.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
What Is 'Campus Mothers' Programme At IIT Kharagpur? Explained
In a unique step towards enhancing student well-being, IIT Kharagpur is planning to roll out a new initiative called Campus Mothers - a community-led support system aimed at helping students cope with emotional stress. Women on Campus as Everyday Emotional Anchors The programme, currently under consideration, seeks to involve women on campus - including faculty members and family members of staff - as everyday emotional anchors for students. These women, referred to as "campus mothers," will be trained to recognise signs of distress and provide informal, empathetic support through casual interactions such as conversations over tea or shared meals. Creating Trust Outside Formal Counselling Spaces The goal is to build trust and offer comfort in everyday settings - outside of formal counselling environments - creating a sense of home and community for students living away from their families. IIT Kharagpur officials clarified that this initiative is not meant to replace professional mental health services, but to complement them by adding a layer of emotional presence and human connection. Student Welcome Committee and Digital Support Tools The institute has formed a Student Welcome Committee to drive student engagement and support across departments and hostels. The committee is also working on introducing AI-based tools that will allow students to anonymously express emotions, report stress, and access early-stage help. These digital efforts will run alongside offline activities such as theatre, sports, and group discussions to foster emotional openness and peer bonding. A Shift Towards Everyday Emotional Support The Campus Mothers programme reflects a major shift in how educational institutions address student mental health - moving from crisis-based interventions to creating consistent, supportive touchpoints in daily campus life.
