The Delhi-based HCL Infosystems Ltd has signed an agreement with Delhi University (DU) to dispense ICT training to students. DUs Campus of Open Learning (COL) has introduced several short-term professional training programmes to bridge the skills-gap of its students. As part of this initiative, COL has signed an MoU with HCL Infosystems for conducting programmes on ICT and web technology at DUs Centre for Professional and Technical Training in Delhi.We believe that our students should be equipped with skills required by industry. These courses have been designed in consultation with industry and include hands-on training as well, says Dr. Savita Datta, director of COL.
HCL courses have been designed to transform young students into industry-ready professionals, prepared to take on industry responsibilities without further on-the-job training. We have designed our study courses together with leading corporations such as IBM, Microsoft, Red Hat and Oracle to develop state-of-the-art curriculums while adopting best IT global practices, adds George Paul, executive vice president of HCL Infosystems.
SPACE solar eclipse expeditions
Delhi-based NGO Science Popularisation Association of Communicators and Educators (SPACE), which has been promoting its Heliodyssey expeditions during solar eclipses since 2006, flew 100 school students from different parts of India to Taregna village, 30 km south of Patna (Bihar), to observe the total solar eclipse of July 22. The children conducted scientific experiments to measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, shadow band recording; practised sky photography, and studied diamond ring, plant and animal behaviour. The students experiments were conducted at the Patna Planetarium and the Shri Krishna Science Centre.
In addition, SPACE organised a special Eclipse Flight in collaboration with ECA (Eclipse Chasers Athenaeum) for citizens who were flown from Delhi and Kolkata, to Taregana. The objective behind organising the total solar eclipse Heliodyssey expeditions is to generate interest in the science of astronomy within the citizenry, explains Sachin Bahmba, the promoter chairman of SPACE.
Asia Pacific Future 100 program
The Hong Kong-based Foundation of Youth Entrepreneurship (FYSE) has launched its inaugural Asia Pacific Future 100 program, with the objective of inspiring young people to become entrepreneurs.
As many countries cannot create adequate jobs to integrate all young people into the economy, FYSE believes that there are many potential young entrepreneurs and social change makers in Asia. For that reason we identify 100 young entrepreneurs annually, who will be extensively profiled to young people in Asia through blogs, interviews and videos to inspire other young people through their stories. To reach out to them, Future 100 fellows will visit schools and universities and share their experiences directly with youth, says Andreas Krause, executive director of FYSE.
The nomination period for the program began on May 1 and will be open until August 31. All young entrepreneurs and social change makers under 30 years of age from the Asia-Pacific region (including India) are eligible to apply.
Through their one-year fellowship, Asia Pacific Future 100 fellows will receive mentorship and technical assistance as well as access to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs to improve their business prospects. For further information visit www.fyse.org or e-mail hello@fyse.org
Manipal U-Nobel Biocare concordat
The Zurich (Switerzland)-based Nobel Biocare, a well-known name in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, has introduced a one-year certificate course in oral implantology in association with Manipal University. The course, designed for graduates who have cleared BDS (bachelor of dental surgery) from any institution recognised by the Dental Council of India, is slated to begin in September at the Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal.
We have partnered with several leading dental colleges to impart dental education, to bridge the huge shortage of dental professionals specialising in implantology in the country. We are playing a major role in offering courses in dental implants and metals-free aesthetics solutions, which deliver superior treatment benefits and options to dental professionals and their patients, says Sameer Bhat, country manager of the Mumbai-based Nobel Biocare India Pvt. Ltd.
HiCON set to become operational
A newly-constructed Hiranandani College of Nursing (HiCON), sited in Powai in suburban Mumbai, is all set to receive its first batch of 45 students in September. Nursing, in our country as well as abroad, is undergoing a transition and is increasingly being looked upon as a profession of choice, says Niranjan Hiranandani, managing director of Hiranandani group of companies, Mumbai.
Supported by excellent infrastructure and equipped with matchless training aids procured from the very best vendors worldwide, the course curriculum of HiCON will be in accordance with the specifications of the Indian Nursing Council. Moreover the college will also offer a diploma programme in health management and a B.Sc (nursing) degree programme.
Pune school wins exhibition debate
The S.M. Choksey High School and Junior College, Pune, the current India champion of Debating Matters — a higher secondary (classes XI-XII) debates competition held in the UK and several Commonwealth countries — won an exhibition debate against this years UK Debating Matters champion Durham Johnston Comprehensive School in London on July 5. The S.M. Choksey team successfully proposed the motion Protecting the public from terrorism should come before civil liberties, to win this first-of-its-kind exhibition debate.
Launched in India by the British Council, Debating Matters is a successful schools debate competition in the UK. Less formal than traditional debating competitions, but rigorous and research driven, Debating Matters is open to students of classes XI and XII in schools and junior colleges.