Maharashtra’s push for NEP integration—including the foundational “Aadharshila” curriculum, trilingual instruction, and project-based assessments—has put immense pressure on schools to ensure teachers are NEP-ready. However, most in-service educators have had limited exposure to the digital, inclusive, and experiential pedagogies central to the policy. According to a 2023 government review, only 30% of India’s 9.7 million teachers have received formal training in these areas.

Recognizing the growing skill gap, ABEA’s PGDGE provides a nationally recognized, NEP-aligned curriculum that meets global standards, tailored for both aspiring and experienced teachers. The year-long online program blends live sessions, asynchronous modules, and mentorship, focusing on learner-centric instruction, digital fluency, multilingual strategies, and real-world classroom innovation.

“Pune has always been an educational frontrunner, but the NEP demands a shift in how our teachers engage students,” said Pradipta Hore, Programme Director, ABEA. “PGDGE gives educators the tools to lead this transformation—with confidence, creativity, and cultural relevance.”

Since its inception, PGDGE has trained educators from Mumbai, Aurangabad, Hyderabad, and international cities, including Sharjah, Qatar, and Bangladesh. In the 2023–24 cohort, 88% reported alignment with global and NEP frameworks, while 68% said it directly enhanced their classroom practice. Teachers cited modules on 21st-century skills, project-based learning, and educator leadership as the most impactful. Importantly, 72% of participants were under age 40, reflecting strong demand from India’s next-gen educators.

The PGDGE model aligns with Maharashtra’s shift toward blended teacher training, supported by SCERT and DIKSHA initiatives, making it a scalable option for cities like Pune, where both government and private institutions are transitioning rapidly.

Educators from Pune, especially those in CBSE, ICSE, and SSC-affiliated schools preparing for NEP-aligned assessments and curriculum reform, stand to benefit from the flexibility and depth offered by PGDGE. The course also helps teachers meet Continuous Professional Development (CPD) expectations under the emerging National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST).

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INDIA: La Fondation Dassault Systèmes India, in collaboration with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, successfully concluded the 2024–25 season of ‘Made in 3D – Seed the Future Entrepreneurs’,  its flagship school initiative. The program’s grand finale, held in Pune on June 14, featured 10 finalist teams out of the 260 participating schools from 29 states and union territories across India, reinforcing the program’s mission of preparing youth for the future of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

In this year’s edition, student teams were encouraged to develop solutions for problems that they observe in their daily lives, focusing on “Health, Safety, and Wellness”, “Best from Waste” and “Smart Villages and Cities”. Using design thinking methodology and a step-by-step approach, they developed innovative solutions, from from concept design to prototyping.  The finalists presented their ‘pseudo-start-ups’, showcasing their product prototypes, business strategies, and marketing campaigns.

2024-2025 Winners

• First Place: Dr. Kalmadi Shamarao High School, Ganesh Nagar, Pune–for their Startup “Creovista” – Product “Zenith – Waste Collection”. Their product can collect & process algae from water bodies to make algae oil, biofertilizer. Algae are a major menace to water bodies, and the product can be a true savior for them!
• Second Place: Akshara International School, Wakad, Pune – for their Startup “Kavach” – Product “MediPen Medipen is an Innovative, efficient, easy to use & carry “All in one” first aid kit which can be attached to your bag. As their tagline says: “Clip it like a Pro and use it like a Lifeline!”
• Third Place: New English School Dhamari, Pune – for their Startup “Root Bound Farms” – Product “Cut Master”. Cut Master is a faster & efficient machine to help harvest the onions faster. It can help to harvest up to 35 onions per minute. Reduces the cost of labor required and improves overall profitability while reducing the cost of production.

The winning teams impressed with their ability to identify societal and local challenges and turn them into viable, design-driven business ideas using professional 3D digital technology. Their projects reflected deep creativity, practical design thinking, and a strong understanding of entrepreneurship. The grand finale was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents in India, who served as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, former Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission; Sudarshan Mogasale, President, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes India, CEO, Dassault Systèmes Solutions Lab; Deepali Upadhyaya, Project Directo,r Atal Innovation Mission; Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice President & Head Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Capgemini; Dhanashree Page – Head of Operation,s Digital Inclusion CSR, Capgemini; Anshul Pandey, Head of Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini India; Motohiro ASAI, Director of Tire Performance Analysis & Simulation, Michelin; and Priyadarshini Kachroo, Chief

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INDIA: ADP, a global leader in human capital management, proudly announces a significant collaboration with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide 900,000 meals to 37,000 children studying in government schools across India. This initiative under Tarang – ADP India CSR Program, is aimed at feeding these children for 1 entire month, underscoring ADP’s enduring commitment to community service and social responsibility.

This initiative is inspired by the choice of ADP associates, who expressed their support for the company to make this donation. Effectively, each ADP associate and their family will feed three children for an entire month!

“At ADP, we strongly believe in giving back and the positive impact we can create as a strong family of 11,700+ associates to the communities where we live and work,” said Vijay Vemulapalli, General Manager and Managing Director, ADP India. “Feeding children is not just about providing meals; it’s about nourishing their dreams and futures. By ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals at least once a day, we believe that we are also supporting their education and well-being. We are deeply committed to making a difference, and I am incredibly proud of our associates for their overwhelming support of this initiative, especially as a token of gratitude for our communities for making us their part for the last 25 years in India.”

“At ADP, each of us deeply understands the profound impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in nurturing inclusive growth. The compassion and dedication of our associates to social responsibility are truly inspiring. This partnership with the Akshaya Patra Foundation reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that no child goes hungry. Our objective is to transform lives and create a brighter future for children through this initiative and other flagship Tarang programs like MIDAS, Model Schools, and more which support the Education and well-being of 35000+ children from the underserved communities of Hyderabad and Pune. Together, we are not just providing meals; we are fostering hope and opportunity for thousands of children.” said Sujnan Venkatesh, Senior Vice President and Head of HR, ADP Pvt. Ltd.

This donation is part of ADP’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility through Tarang. Over the past 25 years of its operations in India, ADP has made significant contributions to various causes, including the installation of 83 CCTV cameras for community safety in Hyderabad, the establishment of an ICU ward at Nilofer Children’s Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and donation to the PM COVID Relief Fund. Most recently, ADP concluded its May Month of Caring 2024, which involved numerous charitable activities through associate donations and volunteer efforts across its Hyderabad and Pune offices. In addition to several initiatives for children, women and youth empowerment, and community health and sustainability, this amplifies ADP India’s larger CSR strategy that looks at the company’s behavior towards a wave of corporate citizenship and social development.

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