World Youth Skills Day highlights the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge, mindset and abilities required to succeed in the 21st century. Building future-ready individuals requires a balanced approach that combines academic understanding with practical application and real-world exposure.

Today, competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability and digital literacy have become essential for success. These skills enable young people to innovate, solve problems and confidently navigate change in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Recognising this shift, Birla Open Minds is equipping students with these future-ready competencies through experiential learning, innovation-led education, project-based learning and life skills programmes. Initiatives such as hands-on learning experiences, innovation platforms like the AeroBay Lab, Soul Science, Crickingdom, LogIQids and opportunities for collaborative problem-solving encourage students to experiment, create and apply classroom concepts to real-world situations.

As the world continues to evolve, education must remain focused not only on helping students excel academically but also on preparing them to become adaptable professionals, responsible citizens and lifelong learners capable of shaping the future.

World Youth Skills Day highlights the importance of empowering young people with the knowledge, mindset and abilities required to succeed in the 21st century. Building future-ready individuals requires a balanced approach that combines academic understanding with practical application and real-world exposure.

Today, competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability and digital literacy have become essential for success. These skills enable young people to innovate, solve problems and confidently navigate change in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Recognising this shift, Birla Open Minds is equipping students with these future-ready competencies through experiential learning, innovation-led education, project-based learning and life skills programmes. Initiatives such as hands-on learning experiences, innovation platforms like the AeroBay Lab, Soul Science, Crickingdom, LogIQids and opportunities for collaborative problem-solving encourage students to experiment, create and apply classroom concepts to real-world situations.

As the world continues to evolve, education must remain focused not only on helping students excel academically but also on preparing them to become adaptable professionals, responsible citizens and lifelong learners capable of shaping the future.

With the right skills, young people can become competent individuals and be able to play an important role in society and the workplace. Leadership skills, ability to communicate, willingness to think critically and solve problems, etc., are important for young people to deal with problems and strive for their success in an environment of change.

The emergence of artificial intelligence and new technologies has significantly changed the skills landscape, adding the need for digital literacy and technology fluency for the workers of the future. However, while technology can carry out certain tasks, the real leaders will still be the ones who combine technology with human qualities needed for successful leaders.

In response to these changes, WeSchool is training professionals for the future through experiential education, collaborations with various industries, projects and initiatives in entrepreneurship, and a decentralised approach through the REDX Innovation Lab. The focus is also on the teaching of the principles of design thinking, readiness for artificial intelligence, leadership, and critical and analytical thinking.

It is important to understand that entrepreneurial thinking has become another crucial skill of Generation Y. The skill of recognising opportunities and taking action allows young people to become innovators who can drive change in the economy and society.

The event was attended by senior BPCL representatives, including D. Parthasarthy, ED (HRS), Rajesh Tikhe, DGM Finance (CSR), and Shivani Yadav, Assistant Executive, CSR. The labs will directly benefit nearly 50,000 students across 19 States and Union Territories, enabling them to explore advanced fields like aerospace, astronomy, satellite technology, and robotics.

Highlighting the transformative power of scientific education, the President emphasized the need for more such laboratories to expand advanced learning opportunities. BPCL remains committed to investing in young minds and creating an inclusive, future-ready India.

#BPCL #CSR #SpaceLabs #STEMEducation #TribalEmpowerment #Education #Innovation #SpaceTechnology #FutureReadyIndia #EnergisingLives #NationBuilding

Hardeep Singh Puri Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India Neeraj Mittal

The meetup was thoughtfully curated to encourage meaningful interactions and practical industry exposure. Faculty members from Welingkar Institute of Management actively represented the institution throughout the day by participating in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions centered around healthcare innovation and emerging trends shaping the industry.

Further strengthening the institution’s participation, five students from the PGDM Healthcare Management programme attended the evening sessions: Anviti Kulshrestha, Yash Singh, Varunraj Gharge, Varun Bothe, and Swastik Khade.

One of the key highlights of the event was the opportunity to directly interact with healthcare startups and industry experts who are redefining the future of healthcare delivery and technology. The collaborative workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions enabled participants to gain practical insights and understand how innovative ideas are translated into real-world healthcare solutions.

The students and faculty members also engaged in meaningful conversations with professionals from diverse sectors, exchanged perspectives, and explored possibilities for future collaboration. These interactions not only broadened their understanding of the healthcare ecosystem but also strengthened professional networking opportunities.

Sharing thoughts on the experience, a program Dr. Anjali Kumar, head of healthcare, said, “The DHN City Meetup provided an excellent platform for our students and faculty to connect with healthcare leaders and innovators. Such industry interactions are essential in helping students bridge academic concepts with practical applications while encouraging collaborative and forward-thinking approaches toward healthcare management.”

The DHN Mumbai Meetup proved to be an enriching and insightful experience for both students and faculty members. Through participation in such industry-driven platforms, Welingkar Institute of Management continues to encourage experiential learning, innovation, and meaningful academic-industry engagement in the evolving field of healthcare management.

Designed to mirror the real-world startup journey from idea to investor pitch, the Global Young Innovators Challenge 2026 invited teams of 3–4 learners to identify a real-world problem and develop an innovative, sustainable solution. The competition was structured across two rounds – a written idea submission followed by a live virtual pitch before an expert panel of judges, offering participants a rigorous and meaningful entrepreneurial experience that extended well beyond the classroom.

The challenge drew exceptional participation, with 42 schools registering across 12 cities in India and globally 700+ learners participating and 169 teams advancing to the final submission round. What stood out was not merely the scale of participation, but the dedication with which teams approached the brief, arriving at the finals with solutions that were researched, viable, and in several cases, genuinely ready to be taken further.

To lend academic rigour and mentorship depth to the initiative, JBCN International School partnered with SP Jain School of Global Management as its academic collaborator. The institute delivered masterclasses for registered participants, conducted finalist preparation sessions, and provided judging support for the live virtual pitch finals. The collaboration ensured that learners were exposed to the highest standards of entrepreneurial thinking and global business education.

The winning team, Project Zenitech from Reliance Foundation School, was awarded a fully funded place at the SP Jain Singapore Summer School, sponsored by SP Jain School of Global Management, covering programme fees and accommodation worth SGD 3,200. The first runner-up team, Project Sustain X from MVN School, and the second runner-up team, Project Change Trinity from JBCN International School, Borivali, received full fee waivers for the SP Jain Mumbai Summer School Programme.

Ms Debika Chatterjee, Director Principal, JBCN International School, Borivali, shared, “The Global Young Innovators Challenge 2026 reflects our belief that entrepreneurship is not a subject to be taught but a mindset to be cultivated. Watching learners from across India and globally translate real-world challenges into sustainable, future-ready solutions has been deeply inspiring. This initiative is a testament to the kind of experiential learning that JBCN International School has always stood for — one that prepares our learners not just for examinations but for life. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the SP Jain School of Global Management for lending their support and expertise for this initiative.”

Mr. Pratik Acharya, Head Outreach, of SP Jain School of Global Management, added, “The Global Young Innovators Challenge 2026 served as a dynamic platform for students to showcase original ideas and solution-oriented approaches to modern-day challenges. The event highlighted creativity, and collaborative spirit of young learners while providing them with meaningful guidance from experienced professionals and faculty members. Through this initiative, SP Jain School of Global Management and JBCN International School continue to create opportunities that inspire curiosity, confidence, and future-focused learning among students.”

JBCN International School remains steadfast in its vision to nurture globally minded, future-ready changemakers through meaningful experiential learning opportunities. The Global Young Innovators Challenge 2026 is one such expression of that vision and the beginning of what the institution envisions as a growing platform for young innovators across the world.

Under the initiative, NTPC will provide financial support of up to ?1.48 crore through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to strengthen science and technology education in the district.

The project will involve setting up STEM laboratories equipped with learning tools such as robotics kits, renewable energy models, electronics modules, and digital learning aids. It will also include teacher training programmes, infrastructure support, and maintenance assistance.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and Amit Kumar Asthana, Head of Human Resources at NTPC Bongaigaon.

According to officials, the Ri-Bhoi district administration will serve as the implementing agency and oversee procurement, execution, quality assurance, and coordination with participating schools. NTPC will monitor progress through periodic reviews and impact assessments.

The initiative aims to promote experiential learning and strengthen students’ understanding of science and technology through hands-on activities rather than classroom instruction alone.

A centrepiece of this launch is the Soul Science Kit, an integral part of the Primary Learner’s Kit that prioritizes emotional wellbeing alongside academic success. Recognizing that modern education must address the whole child, this kit uses mindful games, art, and calm play to help students in Grades 1–4 develop essential life skills like empathy, resilience, and self-awareness.

For Preschoolers (LY1–LY4), the kits feature eight specialized activities focusing on literacy, motor skills, and social-emotional growth. Primary students in Grades 1-2 receive nine activities covering English, Hindi, EVS, and Math, while Grades 3-4 transition into STEM-focused learning with eight targeted activities, ensuring a seamless academic progression that encourages curiosity and reflective thinking.

On this occasion, Mr. Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director, Birla Open Minds said, “At Birla Open Minds, we believe that education should nurture both the mind and the heart. Our new Learner’s Kit are designed to take the pressure off rote learning and replace it with learning by doing. By integrating the Soul Science Kit, we are ensuring that our students don’t just excel in academics, but also develop the emotional strength and mindfulness needed to navigate the modern world with confidence and kindness.”

Through these Learner’s Kit, Birla Open Minds continues to lead the way in providing students with the tools to become focused, empathetic, and academically proficient individuals. The initiative aims to lead the future of holistic education, ensuring every child grows into a balanced, well-rounded, and future-ready individual.