News Headline
Arise unveils new governing body for 2025
MUMBAI: The Association for Reinventing School Education (Arise) has introduced its governing body for 2025 during its first annual general meeting (AGM) held at Ficci on 13 December 2024. Attended by members from across the nation, including the Arise board, state chairs, and representatives from Ficci, the meeting focused on the announcement of the new leadership team.
The newly inducted members of the ARISE Governing Body are:
– . Praveen Raju – Founder of Suchitra Academy and president of Arise
– . Arunabh Singh – Director at Healthy Planet TGA and Nehru World School, senior vice president of Arise
– . (Ms.) Silpi Sahoo – Chairperson of Sai International Education Group, vice president of Arise
– . Vardan Kabra – Co-Founder and Head of School at Fountain Head School, vice president of Arise
– . Vedant Khaitan – Vice Chairperson of Khaitan Welfare Foundation, vice president of Arise
Additionally, . Prabhat Jain , Director at Pathways World School, will assume the role of immediate past president for 2025.
In his farewell speech, outgoing president Shishir Jaipuria commended Jain’s leadership, noting his pivotal role in transitioning ARISE into a robust entity with an operational secretariat aimed at enhancing the school education landscape in India. Jain stated, “Arise has been at the forefront of significant reforms in the education sector, laying the groundwork for its future as a leading voice for school reforms.”
Incoming President Praveen Raju expressed gratitude and a commitment to progress: “I am honored to lead Arise in 2025. Our members are forward-thinking, and with the support of the secretariat, we will work diligently to elevate Arise to new heights.”
Raju was welcomed by Manit Jain, Co-Founder of Heritage Schools and Director at Arise , with coordination by Vinesh Menon, Director General & CEO of Arise.
Founded in 2016 and reconstituted as a not-for-profit independent chamber in March 2024, Arise is dedicated to transforming K-12 education in India, providing a platform for collaboration, research, and advocacy for policy reforms to foster holistic student development.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
