MAM
Classmate All-Rounder (CAR) embraces NEP’s vision in 2764 schools for holistic development
Mumbai: Classmate a notebook brand with unmatched product quality and a strong commitment to partnering with students in their journey of learning and development, today organized the annual Classmate All-Rounder National Grand Finale in Delhi. Bringing alive the Government’s New Education Policy 2020, Classmate Allrounder was conceived and designed as a multi-skill inter-school challenge and a credible accreditation platform for the holistic skill development of students. In the 2023 edition, CAR was held over the last few months engaging 4.5 lakh students from 2764 schools, across 33 cities in the country.
Academics, CBSE director Joseph Emmanuel, the torch bearer of the National Education Policy in schools across graced the event as the chief guest. The occasion was also enriched by the presence of esteemed judges who have exhibited proficiency in diverse fields, such as Saina Nehwal (Former world no.1 Badminton player and currently training new talent), Swanand Kirkire (multi-faceted writer, actor, playback singer and 3 times National award winner) and Sangeeta Phogat (wrestler and dance show participant), who extended words of encouragement to all the finalists and winners.
Aligned with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes experiential, discussion-based, discovery-oriented, and enjoyable education, Classmate Allrounder aims to nurture students toward versatile skill development beyond academics. The CAR Platform, a novel Intellectual Property developed by Classmate, serves as a nurturing ground for school students to showcase multiple skills including general knowledge, writing, physical fitness, group discussion, public speaking, creativity and performing arts.
The challenge consisted of competitions in these multiple skills conducted across three rounds—School, City and National Finals. After rigorous evaluation of these multiple skills, students were awarded All-rounder scores, which are national percentile-based scores. This system aims to motivate students to benchmark themselves against their peers, making the All-rounder score an aspirational achievement to include on their resumes. The program also introduces the Star School Rating, assessing schools based on overall student participation in the All-rounder event, individual student scores and school infrastructure facilities. It encourages schools to develop comprehensive infrastructure, fostering a culture of innovation, interactive learning, flexibility, and practical application.
Speaking about CAR and the National Finale, ITC Ltd chief executive of the education and stationery products business division Vikas Gupta said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the CAR Challenge, and I wish every participant an educational journey filled with self-discovery, development of well-rounded capabilities and having a fulfilling learning experience. With a focus on these new ways of learning and recognizing students for their all-around accomplishments, along with rewarding schools that prioritize holistic development, Classmate Allrounder strives to establish an ecosystem where holistic development takes precedence. Classmate is dedicated to playing a key role in bringing the vision of the National Education Policy to fruition and fostering the comprehensive growth of students across India.”
“The guiding motto of Classmate is “Enjoy Learning,” and we aspire to be a constant companion in the learning journey of India’s student population. Our commitment involves close collaboration with CBSE, ICSE, state and other education boards. Classmate is dedicated to celebrating students and recognizing the unique potential within each child,” Gupta added.
Along with All Rounder, Classmate brings to life it’s motto of enjoying the learning and growth of students, through its entire range of other offerings, like Origami notebooks that encourage creativity and critical thinking, augmented reality notebooks educating students on important STEM concepts in an engaging immersive format, the Interaktiv Artscape, to let students unleash the true artist in them, and the new Myclassmate app, providing engaging games for skill development & capability-building.
Brands
Tata Sons defers decision on chairman N Chandrasekaran’s third term
Term runs till 2027, but board differences are stalling extension talks
MUMBAI: Tata Sons has deferred a decision on whether to extend the tenure of its chairman, N Chandrasekaran, injecting fresh uncertainty into the leadership timeline of India’s largest conglomerate.
The board had last year cleared a third executive term for Chandrasekaran running until February 2027, when he turned 65. However, deliberations on any further extension were put on hold this week after differences emerged during a board meeting, CNBC-TV18 reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The pause underscores internal strains as the group pushes through an aggressive investment cycle while grappling with uneven financial returns. The Economic Times reported that Chandrasekaran himself asked for discussions on his reappointment to be deferred after some directors raised concerns about mounting losses at several newer businesses.
Those concerns were led by Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, the principal shareholder of Tata Sons. Other board members countered that losses were expected in early-stage, capital-intensive ventures designed to secure the group’s long-term position.
Since taking charge in 2017, following the ouster of Cyrus Mistry, Chandrasekaran has driven a phase of expansion and consolidation. Over the past five years, the tata group has nearly doubled revenue and more than tripled net profit and market capitalisation, while committing about Rs 5.5 lakh crore to investments aimed at making the conglomerate “future fit”, according to its latest annual report.
Recent numbers, however, present a more mixed picture. Tata Sons reported a 24 per cent rise in revenue to Rs 5.92 lakh crore in fiscal 2025, while net profit fell 17 per cent to Rs 28,898 crore.
In its annual report, the company said the year opened with expectations of macroeconomic stability and easing inflation. That optimism faded as uncertainty over global trade policy intensified, complicating the operating environment.
For now, the question of leadership continuity at the apex of the Tata Group remains unresolved and closely watched by investors assessing the cost and conviction behind the conglomerate’s long-term bets.
