The academy, which runs flagship programs like SIP Abacus, Globalart, MiKids, and CriCo English, marked the anniversary with a grand celebration at Grand Chennai by GRT Hotels. The event saw participation from top franchisees, alumni, educators, and partners — all part of a journey that has impacted over 14 lakh children across India.

Adding serious spark to the celebrations, SIP Academy announced three big initiatives that blend education, excitement, and environmental action:

1. National-Level Math Contest with an ISRO Rocket Launch as Grand Prize

The 10th edition of SIP’s flagship Arithmetic Genius Contest (AGC) isn’t just a competition — it’s a front-row seat to India’s future. National winners this year will be rewarded with the unforgettable experience of watching a live ISRO rocket launch at Sriharikota, bringing them face-to-face with India’s boldest achievements in science and space.

By giving children this direct exposure to India’s space frontier, SIP Academy is doing more than rewarding academic excellence — it is igniting imagination, fueling STEM dreams, and placing young Indians at the heart of the nation’s scientific aspirations.

2. Three New Miyawaki Forests to Turn Students into Eco-Champions

As conversations around climate change grow louder, SIP Academy is taking action by bringing nature into the heart of learning. To mark its 22nd year, the brand will plant three new Miyawaki forests in Kolkata, Thanjavur, and Sivakasi — dense, native green spaces created using the fast-growing Japanese technique.

3. New National TV Campaign to Spotlight India’s Brainpower

The new SIP Abacus television commercial, unveiled during the event, focuses on the real-life transformation of students to sharp, confident, and focused learners. With a nationwide roll-out, the campaign positions SIP Abacus as the go-to brand for parents seeking holistic development.

“In a world chasing shortcuts, we’ve stayed committed to building real skills, brick by brick, child by child. This milestone belongs to every student, teacher, franchisee, and parent who believed in our mission. Our next chapter is all about scaling impact — through innovation, sustainability, and a whole lot of heart,” said Dinesh Victor, Managing Director of SIP Academy

As it enters its 23rd year, SIP Academy is not just growing — it is reshaping the after-school learning ecosystem in India. With franchising success, social good, and scalable learning tools in its arsenal, the brand continues to prove that real education starts after the school bell rings.

The post SIP Academy’s 22-Year Journey appeared first on NRI News.

Set in the heart of the Indian jungle, the musical followed Mowgli’s journey to self-discovery, featuring beloved characters like Baloo, Bagheera, King Louie, and Shere Khan. The production embraced India’s rich heritage, weaving together the charm of Gond tribal art, brocade fabrics, and traditional silhouettes to create a visual spectacle rooted in cultural storytelling.

A first of its kind, this adaptation not only entertained but also educated, using music, movement, and vibrant costumes to bring ancient folklore to life on stage. With stunning choreography, heartfelt performances, and a clear message of unity and belonging, the show was a true celebration of WCI Pune’s global values and local spirit.

Olav Hekala, the Head of Music, loved his experience in preparing the students for Disney’s The Jungle Book. He highlighted, “How, though the production was challenging, it was also incredibly rewarding. Apart from the usual hurdles encountered with any musical, there was the looming question of how to present a story created by an Anglo Indian writer in a relevant and respectful way. The creative team, performers, and everyone involved went above and beyond to make this not just a relevant production but a fun one as well.”

The entire WCI Pune community, from teachers to technical crew, played a role in bringing this magical production to life—an unforgettable milestone in the school’s cultural journey.

The post The Premiere of Disney’s The Jungle Book at Wellington College International appeared first on NRI News.

“The book contains recipes of healthy, yummy, and easy-to-cook dishes to provide children with nutritious yet enjoyable meals. There are a variety of recipes adopted from India’s vast national palette captured in this book. Whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or mid-day snacks, I wrote this book to provide a delicious and balanced meal to help children build their strength and immunity. I have a deep-rooted passion for health and nutrition”, shares Harshita. She wrote this book in collaboration with the Cuddles Foundation. The book is dedicated to thousands of children supported by Cuddles Foundations. That’s not all – the book has been translated into Hindi and Marathi too, to reach a larger audience!

Harshita Jinaga graduated from the American School of Bombay last year and is currently a freshman at the University of California San Diego. She is majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She aspires to be an oncologist, specifically a surgical oncologist. This interest has been shaped over the years from working in research labs and interning in hospitals across Mumbai. She has always been interested in nutrition and how it can affect lives especially those of cancer patients. This interest stemmed from a passion for organic gardening and developed into learning the significance of nutrition and healthy eating in all our lives. “This book was a way for me to intersect my passion for oncology and my interest in nutrition”, she says.

‘Cooking Hope’ is a 65-page book published by APK Publishers. It is priced at Rs.500 and is currently available on Amazon and in bookstores. 

Proceeds of the sale will be donated to the Cuddles Foundation.

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9392830610 (Marathi)

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9392830750 (Hindi)

The post Fun and Easy Indian Recipes to Uplift Kids on Their Cancer Journey appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: Athletics Kids Cup is a new grassroots sports initiative for children and adolescents. Launched by Dspowerparts, a team of athletics enthusiasts from Switzerland, in collaboration with UBS, the initiative aims to promote physical activity among children and help tackle the growing concerns around childhood obesity among urban Indian children. The Athletics Kids Cup starts in the Mumbai region and aims to get tens of thousands of children moving. Schools are now invited to register for the Athletics Kids Cup.

Simple concept – huge impact

Athletics Kids Cup centers around three fundamental movements – running, jumping, throwing – that are required in almost every sport and are specifically practiced and perfected in athletics. The initiative features a triathlon-style competition comprising a 60m sprint, the long jump, and the ball throw and is open to children and young people between the ages of 7 and 15 from all walks of life.

Built with the conviction that sports, particularly athletics, can play a vital role in personal development, health promotion, and fostering mutual social understanding, the Athletics Kids Cup is an ideal platform for young participants to build character, values, integrity, mutual respect, and discipline. The initiative aims to inspire children to get the best out of themselves and to have the confidence to pursue their own ambitious goals.

India is on the brink of a health crisis with obesity rates rising sharply, particularly among children. Athletics Kids Cup aims to help counteract this problem by encouraging an active lifestyle as a means to improve overall health.

Schools in the spotlight

In the first season (2024/2025), the Athletics Kids Cup will focus on the Mumbai region. Schools will be key enablers in organizing school-level competitions with the help of a ready-to-use toolkit containing the material required to organize the competition independently, such as competition materials, bib numbers, certificates of participation, or a complete handbook. Dspowerparts and its partner Striders will provide all schools with the necessary help and advice to actively engage students in the initiative.

A platform for aspiring athletes

While it is of central importance to us to get all children moving, regardless of their background or talent, the Athletics Kids Cup also has the potential to grow as the perfect platform for aspiring athletes. The initiative features a three-stage competition structure. After participating in the school-organized event, the most talented girls and boys can qualify for one of the five regional finals in Mumbai, which will take place in January 2025. The top 30 athletes in each age category will get the chance to prove their mettle and be part of the Grand Finale on 15 February. These competitions will be organized in a professional setup, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the qualified young athletes.

Expansion planned for the 2025/2026 season

The initiators are already preparing for expansion. In the coming months, pilots will be carried out in Pune and Hyderabad, to expand the Athletics Kids Cup to these two cities in the 2025/2026 season. The expansion will be another step forward in spreading the grassroots initiative to other parts of India and making a significant impact in promoting healthy habits and physical activity among Indian children.

UBS enabling change that matters

The launch of the Athletics Kids Cup is made possible through the generous support of UBS, the Switzerland-based bank, which has had strong local ties with India for three decades. UBS is committed to empowering communities through catalytic programs that improve learning outcomes and the overall well-being of students, enabling them to achieve their full potential. The Athletics Kids Cup is a key initiative among UBS’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the development and success of India’s young generation.

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The initiative received an overwhelming response, with parents, students, and residents coming together to contribute books in large numbers. The diverse collection of books, ranging from classic literature to contemporary stories, reflects the community’s dedication to fostering a love for reading among children who may not have easy access to such resources.

The Book Donation Drive was more than a collection of books; it was a movement to bridge the educational gap for children in need. By providing access to quality reading material, this initiative aims to inspire young minds and open up new avenues for learning and imagination.

Deepti Sharma, Director, of The Lexicon Group, emphasized the significance of the drive, stating, “We believe that education is a fundamental right, and through this initiative, we wanted to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience the magic of books. This drive is a testament to the power of community when it comes together for a noble cause. We are proud to be a part of this initiative and are confident that the books donated will have a lasting impact on the lives of the children who receive them.”

For the community and Lexicon Kids Viman Nagar, the Book Donation Drive was a valuable learning experience. Through their participation, they learned about the importance of humility, generosity, and the profound impact that even small acts of kindness can have on others. The initiative also highlighted the value of sharing and empathy, core principles that will guide these young students as they grow into responsible and compassionate individuals.

The success of the Book Donation Drive would not have been possible without the collective efforts of the Viman Nagar community. Lexicon Kids Viman Nagar and the Viman Nagar Resident Association extend their deepest gratitude to all the parents, residents, and students who contributed to this noble cause. Your generosity has provided much-needed educational resources to underprivileged children but has also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility for the betterment of society.

These books will light up the lives of young readers, offering them new perspectives and opportunities that will shape their futures.

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The Summer Camp offered diverse activities tailored to stimulate sensory processing, enhance motor skills, and foster creativity in a fun and exploratory manner. Children could traverse through sensory paths filled with various textures, promoting balance and coordination while engaging their senses. They also crawled through tunnels, improving spatial awareness and motor skills.

Dynamic activities like jumping on the trampoline which increases muscle strength, coordination, and endurance building were part of the camp. Fine motor activities, including lacing, beading, and using toothpicks, helped children develop hand-eye coordination and concentration, essential for writing and self-care tasks.

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Summer Camp” We organized these activities to encourage learning with mindful playing activities that keep children occupied and engaged. We aimed to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children could learn, explore, and grow. The 1:1 student-teacher ratio allowed us to provide personalized attention, ensuring that each child could fully benefit from our diverse activities. The smiles on their faces and the skills they have developed are a testament to the positive impact of our program”, said Dr. Isha Soni, Senior Occupational Therapist and Centre Head at Lexicon Rainbow.

The camp featured an ocean-themed adventure that promoted sensory exploration and social interaction, fostering a love for marine life through imaginative play. Magnetic fishing games and exploring magnetic properties with different objects enhanced cognitive abilities and fine motor skills. Creative activities such as making colorful jellyfish with paper plates and designing crowns and bracelets using natural elements encouraged artistic expression and sensory exploration. Dinosaur-themed activities like shadow drawing and dino skeleton crafts stimulated imagination and tactile sensory experiences

Messy play activities allowed children to explore textures and engage in tactile learning, while Lego-themed construction activities developed fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities. Carnival-themed games provided a festive and engaging atmosphere, promoting coordination and social interaction.

Lexicon Rainbow continues to innovate and provide exceptional childhood experiences, fostering development and joy through creative and interactive activities.

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“House of Mess” offers a unique blend of interactive activities tailored for kids, focusing on science, paper, liquid, and sensory experiences. From thrilling volcano and slime science experiments to engaging in wraps and sand art made from paper, the event promises a myriad of activities to spark imaginations and foster creativity. Children can enjoy playdough, create personalized name bracelets, indulge in bubble art, participate in a car wash adventure, and explore number coloring and connect-the-dots challenges. Additionally, a photo booth and a ball pit with a swing await young adventurers and their families.

Event: House of Mess by Hamleys

Dates: 18th May to 9th June | Saturdays & Sundays

Timings: 12 PM – 9 PM

Venue: Kopa Mall, Koregaon Park

Upon arrival, children will receive an apron and a personalized bag to decorate with their name, adding a touch of personalization to their experience. “House of Mess” is not just about activities; it is about fostering lasting impacts on children. For a nominal fee, the children will take home not only memories but also a newfound sense of creativity, curiosity, and confidence.

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INDIA: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India has announced the opening of a new cinema, PVR Cinemagic at Ambience Mall, Gurugram. The 4-screen multiplex introduces two unique theme-based auditoriums, “Space and Forest” along with the multi-sensory 4DX and the Kid’s Auditorium Playhouse each catering to diverse customer preferences.

With the addition of PVR Cinemagic, PVR INOX continues its commitment to providing the most experiential out-of-home entertainment experiences across India. This marks the 14th cinema in Gurugram, bringing the total screen count to 64 in the city. In Haryana, PVR INOX now operates 22 properties with 93 screens, and in North India, it boasts 101 properties and 459 screens.

The distinctive theme-based auditoria – “Forest” transports viewers to a serene environment with its green hues and nature-inspired design, while the “Space” auditorium creates an intergalactic adventure with its blue and black color scheme, including a themed rainforest and out-of-space audio track that immerses the audience and takes their experience to new heights upon settling in their seat, before the on-screen feature begins. With a total seating capacity of 397 guests, the new cinema is equipped with the best-in-class theatrical technology with Dolby 7.1 sound, 2K laser projection, and 3D-enabled screens.

PVR Cinemagic features a 4DX auditorium that incorporates on-screen visuals with synchronized motion seats and environmental effects such as water, wind, fog, scent, snow, and more, to enhance the action on screen for an immersive multi-sensory cinematic experience. Further, the Playhouse Auditorium is a one-of-a-kind movie theater designed to captivate younger audiences with vibrant colors, playful elements, and a specially curated seating arrangement accompanied by slides.

Commenting on the announcement, Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited said, “In the past few years, there has been a notable shift in the theatrical landscape, with audiences showing a growing interest in distinctive out-of-home entertainment venues. Cinemagic represents our endeavor to make cinemas more experiential, blending diverse themes and sensations. It embodies our commitment to innovate and appeal to every facet of our clientele, promising a memorable cinematic encounter for all.”

The foyer of PVR Cinemagic is a testament to sophistication and modernity, featuring opulent finishes and modern design elements. LED columns create a dynamic atmosphere, while cozy seating spaces and framed artworks celebrating legendary actors and actresses add to the ambiance. The cinema promises culinary delight with a gourmet menu curated by celebrity chefs, featuring cinema classics and seasonal favorites

“PVR Cinemagic embodies our imaginative spirit and underscores our commitment to offering more than just movies; it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s the tranquil setting of the Forest or the cosmic journey through Space, each auditorium guarantees an unparalleled experience. Through cutting-edge technology and distinct thematic designs, our goal is to fashion an enchanting hub where cinema enthusiasts can delve into spellbinding narratives like never before,” remarked Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Limited.

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PUNE: KOPA Mall, Pune’s premier luxury lifestyle destination nestled within Koregaon Park, is pleased to announce the ‘Bricks and Blocks’ summer workshop, designed to engage children aged 4-10 years and foster their creativity and skill development through the world of LEGO®.  It will take place from April 19th through 28th (only Friday-Sunday) from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The workshop offers a unique blend of activities, team-building exercises, and skill-building challenges, all centered around LEGO®. Parents who value education with entertainment will find this workshop to be the perfect complement to summer break, providing a stimulating indoor activity that beats the heat.

The children will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting LEGO® building concepts, including space exploration, ocean life, jungle adventures, cupcakes for parties, dream car design, and even futuristic robots. The families can also admire a variety of LEGO® installations on display including Harry Potter castle, the Taj Mahal, London’s Tower Bridge, a motor-driven roller coaster, and even FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium.

This workshop goes beyond simple fun, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in a playful environment. For children, LEGO® is a fun activity that fosters a sense of accomplishment and ignites their creativity. Parents will welcome the value of LEGO® in promoting imagination, self-confidence, and essential problem-solving skills.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for a nominal fee to build memories and unleash your child’s inner building at the Bricks and Blocks summer workshop at KOPA.

Disclaimer: LEGO® and DUPLO® are registered trademarks of the LEGO® Group of companies, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these programs.

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The primary objective of these excursions is to teach a deep sense of environmental sensitivity and inculcate habits such as planting, wildlife conservation, waste disposal, and an overall commitment to keeping nature pristine. The program aims to imbue children with a love for nature and develop positive habits from an early age.

Students of Lexicon Kids visited the Palm Garden and Raje Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Udyan, gaining knowledge about various plants and comprehending the vital importance of environmental care.

Students engaged in fun and educational activities. The multifaceted benefits of these nature-centric outings include nature exploration, social interaction, physical activity, sensory experiences, and outdoor learning.

Reflecting on the initiative, Nasir Shaikh, Group Chief Executive Officer, The Lexicon Group of Institutes, EduCrack, & EasyRecruit+, expressed, “At Lexicon Kids, we believe in nurturing responsible citizens right from the beginning. By exposing our young learners to the wonders of nature and cultivating eco-friendly values, we aim to contribute to a sustainable and better world. These activities enhance their learning experience and impart valuable knowledge on ways to conserve the environment, ensuring they become stewards of a greener future.”

Top of Form

Lexicon Kids is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world by molding its students to lead the way toward a brighter, greener future. They emphasize key principles of environmental conservation, urging everyone to take actionable steps:

• Halt deforestation
• Optimize natural resources
• Implement strategies to prevent the loss of forest life
• Plant trees to rejuvenate the environment
• Raise public awareness
• Encourage recycling
• Make choices that benefit the environment
• Implement waste management techniques
• Preserve endangered species

Lexicon Kids believes that by imparting these principles, they are cultivating the foundations for a generation that will actively contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.

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