Category Archives: education

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin To Unveil E V Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ Portrait At Oxford University Today

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**Chennai:** Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will unveil a portrait of social reformer E.V. Ramasamy ‘Periyar’ at Oxford University’s St. Antony’s College in London on Thursday. This event marks the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement.

### About The Unveiling

The unveiling will take place during an international conference titled *The Self-Respect Movement and its Legacies 2025*, where Stalin has been invited as a special guest. The Chief Minister will also deliver a keynote address highlighting Periyar’s legacy and the enduring influence of Dravidian thought on social reforms and modern governance.

As part of the event, Stalin will release two books, *The Dravidian Pathway* and *The Cambridge Companion to Periyar*, underlining Tamil Nadu’s contribution to progressive and reformist ideologies.

This cultural milestone coincides with Stalin’s broader mission to attract global investments to Tamil Nadu, as his government pursues the ambitious goal of transforming the state into a $1 trillion economy.

### Investment Diplomacy and Overseas Engagements

Over the past few years, the DMK government has actively courted foreign investors through international summits and meetings. CM Stalin has undertaken four overseas visits so far, signing agreements worth Rs 18,500 crore.

After concluding his tour of Germany, where he engaged with industrial leaders, Stalin arrived in London to continue investment-focused discussions. On Wednesday, he witnessed the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with business groups, inviting them to set up operations in Tamil Nadu.

He emphasised the state’s industrial growth, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly environment as compelling reasons for investment in sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology.

### Engagement with the Tamil Diaspora

The CM’s itinerary also includes a visit to the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London on Friday. There, he will interact with about 30 Tamil students and graduates. This session aims to strengthen ties with the Tamil diaspora and encourage their participation in Tamil Nadu’s growth story.

### Conclusion

Through this blend of cultural assertion and investment diplomacy, CM Stalin is projecting Tamil Nadu as both a progressive state proud of its reformist heritage and a rising global economic hub.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/tamil-nadu-cm-m-k-stalin-to-unveil-e-v-ramasamy-periyar-portrait-at-oxford-university-today

Need to integrate trans-inclusive science in medical education, says study

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**Integrating Trans-Inclusive Science in Medical Education: A Crucial Step for India’s Healthcare System**

NEW DELHI: Transgender individuals in India routinely face discrimination in healthcare, often encountering prejudice and ignorance from medical providers. Addressing this issue, a recent study published in the American journal *Advances in Physiology Education* emphasizes the urgent need to integrate trans-inclusive science early within India’s medical curricula. This integration is essential to adequately meet the specific medical needs of transgender people.

Globally, many medical schools dedicate minimal to no hours to LGBT health education. India is no exception. Despite the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019—which prohibits discrimination—transgender individuals continue to face barriers in education and healthcare.

To tackle this challenge, a first-of-its-kind study was conducted in India, offering fresh hope if its recommendations are incorporated into medical education. Dr. Satendra Singh, Director Professor of the Department of Physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital in Delhi, and one of the study’s authors, highlighted the shortcomings of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the body that regulates medical education in India.

“The NMC has failed to adequately address LGBT health,” Dr. Singh said. “Unfortunately, the NMC has made repeated U-turns on including LGBTQI content in the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, first in 2019 and again in 2024.”

According to the 2011 census, India has approximately 4.88 lakh transgender persons. This study is the first in the country to longitudinally integrate trans-affirmative competencies into the MBBS physiology curriculum, marking a significant milestone for medical education in India.

Dr. Singh was recently honored with the prestigious WHO South-East Asia Region award for Public Health Champion in the individual category, recognizing his efforts in championing disability inclusion within health systems and medical education.

The pilot study employed a mixed-methods approach to integrate trans-affirmative competencies into the MBBS physiology curriculum, explained the study’s primary author, Dr. Athul KM, based in Kozhikode.

Co-author Prof. (Dr.) Aqsa Shaikh, Professor of Community Medicine at Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, added, “From dehumanization in the old curriculum to a human-centered approach in this pilot, we have taken a small step in the right direction.”

The findings from this study highlight a critical path forward for transforming India’s medical education system—towards inclusivity, sensitivity, and comprehensive care for transgender individuals.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2025/Sep/28/need-to-integrate-trans-inclusive-science-in-medical-education-says-study

Maharashtra Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar Inaugurates 360-Degree Cinema At Bollywood Park, Filmcity

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**‘360-Degree Cinema’ Inaugurated at Bollywood Park in Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri**

A new ‘360-Degree Cinema’ at Bollywood Park in Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri (Filmcity), Goregaon East was inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Cultural Minister, Ashish Shelar, on Saturday. This innovative addition promises to elevate the visitor experience by combining entertainment with education through cutting-edge technology.

**Bollywood Park: Entertainment Meets Education**

Bollywood Park aims to offer tourists a unique blend of entertainment, education, and information. It has already established itself as a major tourist attraction by providing visitors with glimpses of iconic locations featured in popular television series and feature films.

Santosh Mijgar, the director of Bollywood Park, highlighted the immersive experiences available at the venue. “From deep-sea diving to space exploration, volcanic eruptions to jungle safaris, our attractions make audiences feel like an integral part of the story,” he said. Mijgar added, “360-Degree Cinema is not just entertainment; it’s a blend of knowledge, thrill, and unforgettable experiences.”

**Boosting Maharashtra’s Tourism Identity**

Minister Ashish Shelar emphasized that innovative facilities such as the 360-Degree Cinema will offer visitors unique experiences and contribute significantly to strengthening Maharashtra’s cultural and tourism identity.

**Dignitaries Present**

The inauguration event was graced by Swati Mase Patil, Managing Director of Film City, along with several other dignitaries from the entertainment industry, marking the occasion as a significant milestone for Bollywood Park and Maharashtra’s tourism sector.

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### 360-Degree Cinema Features

– **Immersive Experience:** Audiences feel fully surrounded by the film, creating a sensation of being part of the story.
– **Edutainment:** Combines education and entertainment, making science, nature, and adventure films enjoyable, especially for children.
– **Advanced Technology:** Utilizes high-definition projection, 3D/7D effects, and surround sound to enhance the realism and thrill of the experience.

The ‘360-Degree Cinema’ is set to become a highlight at Bollywood Park, offering visitors of all ages a memorable and enriching experience.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-cultural-minister-ashish-shelar-inaugurates-360-degree-cinema-at-bollywood-park-filmcity

The plastic patriots want to bring Britain down – we won’t let them

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As members, activists, trade unionists, and politicians come together from across the country to fight for working people, we are laser-focused on whose side we’re on and who we’re delivering for. Because that is what phase two of this government is all about: delivery.

Our first year of government was about fixing the foundations and clearing up the mess the Tories left behind after 14 years of neglect and decline. In that time, we have made decisions that only a Labour government would make to change the lives of working people.

Free school meals for an extra half a million children, breakfast clubs, and 30 hours of free childcare will put cash in the pockets of parents, lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, and make life easier for hard-working families.

Five million extra NHS appointments — more than double what we promised in our manifesto — will mean millions of patients will get the care they need, when they need it.

Boosting the minimum wage will ease the burden for the three million lowest-paid during a cost of living crisis.

These are vital changes. But it’s just the beginning, and there’s a lot more to do to get the country back on track for the long term.

That’s because our economy was left to stagnate for 14 years. Skills and training were neglected, and we didn’t build the infrastructure we needed for a modern era. Add that to regional inequality and the last government’s botched Brexit deal, and it’s no wonder many people still don’t feel this country works for them.

Living standards have stagnated, public services have been struggling for years, and small boats are still arriving on our shores.

That’s why we’ve moved into phase two of this government. Our focus remains the same, but we go further.

We are boosting living standards across the country, fixing our public services, getting the NHS fit for the future, and making sure people feel safe in their communities and know their borders are secure.

Our focus remains the same, but we go further.

So at conference, this autumn and beyond, The House readers can expect us to make the reforms we need to make Britain work for working people once more.

That is why we are putting our efforts into investment in training and opportunities, so young people can begin good, well-paid jobs and businesses have the skills they need.

We’re unveiling further plans to tackle regional inequality and ensure growth benefits every corner of the country.

We’ll be focused on building homes and infrastructure like transport and grids, so people have a good standard of living and opportunities across the nation.

And we’re investing in the technologies of the future, like AI, to make workforces more productive and improve people’s lives.

Because we must rewire the country to close the fairness gaps.

These are the gaps between hard work and reward, background, opportunity, and different parts of the country that hold people back.

There isn’t an overnight fix. These problems require solutions for the long term, not sticking plasters.

My government won’t pull that lever.

We have always rejected the politics of the easy answer that others bang the drum for.

On one side, we’ve got the plastic patriots who don’t just want to talk Britain down — they want to bring Britain down. They rely on anger and grievance, so they don’t want things to get better at all.

On the other, we have the plastic progressives who oppose green infrastructure, block housebuilding, and want to take us out of NATO in the most volatile global era in decades.

There is only one patriotic, progressive party: the Labour Party.

There is only one party on the side of working people: the Labour Party.

And there’s only one party that can put the country on the path to renewal and deliver the change people deserve: the Labour Party.

This party conference and beyond, the country will see us doing just that.

Keir Starmer is Prime Minister and Labour leader.
https://www.politicshome.com/opinion/article/plastic-patriots-want-bring-britain-wont-let

Odisha Civil Services Exam Results Declared; Priyansu Pal Secures First Rank

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**Odisha Public Service Commission Declares Odisha Civil Services Examination 2023 Results**

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) announced the results of the Odisha Civil Services Examination 2023 on Friday. A total of 398 candidates have successfully cleared the examination, including 144 women.

The recruitment process was conducted in three phases: preliminary and main (written) examinations held during April–May 2025, followed by personality tests in September.

—

### Topper Profile: Priyansu Pal

Topping the merit list, Priyansu Pal, a resident of Angul district, secured the first rank. A mining engineering graduate from Government Engineering College, Keonjhar (2018), Priyansu had initially worked in a private firm before moving into a managerial role at a multinational company.

In January 2025, he resigned from his well-paying job to focus entirely on preparing for the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) exam. His dedication and hard work paid off, earning him the top spot in this year’s examination.

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### Other Top Performers

The second rank was claimed by Ananya Mishra, the only woman among the top 10 merit-holders, while Sovan Pattanaik secured the third position.

OPSC has clarified that the selection of candidates is provisional and contingent upon verification of original certificates by the appointing authorities.

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### Official Notification and Congratulatory Messages

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his congratulations to the successful candidates via a post on X, stating:

> “My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all who have succeeded in the Odisha Administrative Service Examination. Administrative service is a matter of pride and it plays an important role in the development trajectory of the state.
> I hope that you will work transparently, impartially, and with a people-oriented approach from the grassroots level for the development of the state.
> May your future career be bright, and I wish you progress in your professional life.”

—

This year’s results reflect an impressive performance by candidates across Odisha, highlighting the growing talent and commitment of young professionals like Priyansu Pal and Ananya Mishra. These promising individuals are set to contribute significantly to state governance and development at the grassroots level.

—

*For official details and notifications regarding the Odisha Civil Services Exam results, please visit the [OPSC website](#).*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/odisha-civil-services-exam-results-declared-priyansu-pal-secures-first-rank

Maharashtra Govt Announces ₹2,000 Diwali Gift For Anganwadi Workers & Helpers

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has announced a special Diwali gift for anganwadi workers and helpers serving under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. Each worker and helper will receive Rs 2,000 as a token of appreciation, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said.

The government has sanctioned Rs 40.61 crore for this initiative, with a formal government resolution issued on Thursday.

Minister Tatkare emphasized the vital role anganwadi workers and helpers play in the care, nutrition, and overall development of women and children. She stated, “Anganwadi workers and helpers play a crucial role in the care, nutrition, and overall development of women and children. To acknowledge their dedicated service and add joy to the festive season, the state government has sanctioned this Bhau Beej gift. Every anganwadi worker and helper is a true strength of our society, and we endeavour to make their festival more joyful.”

The amount will soon be disbursed to the beneficiaries through the ICDS commissioner’s office. This decision is expected to bring festive cheer to thousands of anganwadi workers and helpers across Maharashtra, making their Diwali celebrations brighter, the minister added.

(Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-announces-2000-diwali-gift-for-anganwadi-workers-helpers

Southern States of Mississippi and Louisiana Go Back to Teaching the Basics in School – Now Lead Liberal States Like California in Literacy

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Anyone who follows education news—or simply has children in public schools—knows that we are facing an education crisis in this country right now. Grade school students in multiple states cannot read or do math at grade level. The problem existed years ago, but school shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic made things even worse.

Now, some states in the South have discovered a solution: going back to basics and teaching foundational skills like phonics. It’s amazing—if you focus on teaching kids to read rather than prioritizing subjects like social justice and gender theory, they actually learn to read. Who knew?

Kelsey Piper writes at *The Argument* on Substack: *Illiteracy is a policy choice*.

This month, the Department of Education released its latest edition of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the standardized tests better known as the Nation’s Report Card. The results have left me blazing with rage.

In my home state of California, for instance, only 30% of public school fourth graders can read proficiently. Fully 41% cannot even read at a basic level—which means they cannot truly understand and interpret written text at all. Eighth graders look almost as bad.

But scores are not slipping everywhere. In Mississippi, they have been rising year over year. The state recovered from a brief decline during COVID and has now surpassed its pre-COVID highs. Its fourth-grade students outperform California’s on average, even though California is richer, has a more educated population, and spends about 50% more per pupil.

The difference is most pronounced when you look at the most disadvantaged students. In California, only 28% of Black fourth graders read at or above a basic level, compared to 52% in Mississippi.

But it’s not just that Mississippi has raised the floor. It has also raised the ceiling. The state is one of the nation’s best performers when you look at students who are *not* economically disadvantaged.

And it’s not just Mississippi. Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee have adopted the same strategies to stem the bleeding experienced in other states—and they have seen significant improvements.

This is the part of the story that has gotten the most attention: teach phonics! And you should, indeed, teach phonics. But making schools adopt this approach took more than a mere nudge.

The Southern Surge states have used a combination of earmarked funding, guidance to districts, and outright mandates to accomplish universal adoption of phonics-based instruction.

When schools embrace topics like gender and social justice at the expense of basic and necessary skills like reading and math, they rob students of the learning they need to succeed in life.

Every school in America needs to return to the basics. It is an absolute crime for a young person to go through years of schooling only to emerge unable to read.

Southern states are showing the way—and it works.
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/southern-states-mississippi-louisiana-go-back-teaching-basics/

Philadelphia school board extends superintendent’s contract through 2030

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Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. will continue leading the School District of Philadelphia through 2030, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Education to extend his contract. His original agreement was set to expire in 2027, falling a year short of his five-year strategic plan.

Under the new extension, Watlington will receive a 3% annual raise on his current salary of $367,700.

“Dr. Watlington, you have led with energy, vision and a deep commitment to our students,” said Board of Education President Reginald Streater during a recent board meeting. “Under your leadership, we have seen measurable progress. The board firmly believes that with you at the helm, we can continue to accelerate progress and deliver on our commitment to Philadelphia students,” he added.

Watlington expressed appreciation to the board for their continued confidence in his leadership. “It has been an honor to work under your leadership,” he said. “We’re going to roll up our sleeves and go to work. We’re going to do you proud.”

Appointed in 2022, Watlington was chosen by the school board from over 400 candidates to become superintendent. He previously served as superintendent of Rowan-Salisbury in North Carolina and is the first superintendent chosen by a locally governed school board since David Hornbeck in the 1990s.

Under his tenure, Philadelphia public schools have seen their first enrollment and graduation increases in over a decade, improved test scores for grades 3–8, and over 1,400 fewer dropouts.

The school district recently finalized new three-year contracts with two unions: the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) and the School Police Association.

The PFT represents approximately 14,000 members, including educators, counselors, nurses, paraprofessionals, and other school staff. The School Police Association represents about 350 School Safety Officers.

Joyce Wilkerson, board member and president emeritus, praised Watlington’s handling of contract negotiations with both unions. “You came from a jurisdiction that did not have unions,” Wilkerson said. “You’ve done a stellar job building relationships with our unions. You’ve encouraged us to focus on our children. There are huge challenges remaining, but I have confidence in your ability to lead us going forward,” she added.

Arthur Steinberg, president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said the district is experiencing a level of stability it hasn’t seen in years.

“Superintendent Watlington has demonstrated his respect for our members in the only way that matters: a strong, on-time labor contract,” he said in a statement.

“For veteran Philly public educators like myself who endured politicized, anti-educator and anti-labor leadership under the SRC, the respect and alignment on priorities such as state funding and improvement of staff hiring and retention are a long-fought achievement,” Steinberg continued. “I look forward to continuing to build on a productive and mutually respectful working relationship with superintendent Watlington,” he added.

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https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphia-school-board-extends-superintendents-contract-through-2030/article_255714e5-2956-459c-8605-046b0d28ef79.html

British Council Invites Applications For Study UK Alumni Awards To Honor Global Leaders

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The British Council, the UK’s international institution for cultural exchanges and educational opportunities, is now accepting applications for the 11th edition of its Study UK Alumni Awards programme.

The goal of the awards is to recognise leaders who have significantly impacted their communities, industries, and nations by using their education from the UK. The Study UK Alumni Awards are divided into four categories: business and innovation, social action, culture and creativity, and science and sustainability. These categories honour outstanding accomplishments and impacts in a variety of sectors.

Candidates who meet the requirements will be able to compete in the Alumni Awards on both national and international platforms. Recipients of the Global Alumni Award will get the opportunity to visit the UK for professional networking, helping them build their professional networks, enhance their careers, and raise their visibility internationally.

In addition, a national celebration honouring the finalists will be held in India. Applications must be submitted by October 21, 2024. While global winners will be recognised through a digital campaign showcasing their accomplishments, the India awards finalists and winners will be announced in March 2025.

Indian students have always favoured the UK as their study-abroad destination. Between July 2023 and June 2024, 147,051 sponsored study visas were issued, of which almost two-fifths (46%) were awarded to Indian students.

Speaking about the Alumni Awards 2025, Rittika Chanda Parruck, Director of Education, British Council India, said:

“The StudyUK Alumni Awards acknowledge and recognise exceptional individuals who have applied the expertise and experiences they gained while studying at UK universities to positively transform their home country, their communities, and the world beyond. These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also show the impact of a UK education locally and globally. I urge all eligible alumni to apply for the awards and share their inspirational stories with the world.”
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/british-council-invites-applications-for-study-uk-alumni-awards-to-honor-global-leaders

UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s Mission Shakti Empowers 1.91 Lakh Students Through Bank Visits

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Lucknow: The fifth phase of Mission Shakti for the year 2025-26, dedicated to the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls, created history on Thursday. Under the campaign inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on September 20, as many as 1.91 lakh students of classes 6 to 8 from Parishadiya schools and Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls’ Schools visited bank branches across Uttar Pradesh.

The initiative was more than just an educational visit. It served as a strong foundation for the future economic self-reliance of young girls, where students were introduced to the nuances of banking systems, financial services, and digital banking. The primary aim of the program was to familiarize them with savings, banking processes, and digital services.

During the visits, students learned the process of opening a bank account, the use of passbooks, chequebooks, and ATM cards. They also practiced filling deposit and withdrawal slips and experienced digital tools like mobile banking, UPI, and internet banking.

Focus on Savings and Investment

Special emphasis was laid on savings and investment schemes, helping students understand how small savings can lead to significant benefits in the future. Bank officials introduced them to basic investment options such as fixed deposits and recurring deposits.

Additionally, students were guided on financial security and online safety measures to conduct transactions responsibly.

Girls Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity

The visits were marked by the enthusiasm of the students, who actively interacted with bank officials. They asked questions with curiosity, which were patiently answered in simple language by the officials.

This exposure not only enriched their knowledge but also enhanced their confidence.

Key Learnings from the Visits

  • The process of opening a savings account and the required documents.
  • How to use a passbook, chequebook, and ATM card.
  • The procedure of filling deposit and withdrawal slips and the system of financial transactions.
  • Working of digital services such as mobile banking, UPI, and internet banking.
  • Importance and long-term benefits of savings and investment schemes.
  • Awareness about online fraud and precautions for ATM safety.

“During the auspicious days of Navratri, the bank visits by 1.91 lakh girls should not be seen merely as an activity. It is the foundation of tomorrow’s journey of economic empowerment for women. The aim of Mission Shakti is to provide daughters not only with knowledge but also with the power of self-reliance, and this initiative is a historic step in that direction.”

— Monika Rani, Director General, School Education

https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-cm-yogi-adityanaths-mission-shakti-empowers-191-lakh-students-through-bank-visits