Dr. Manu Prakash Delivers Murty Trust Annual Public Talk On 'Frugal Science' In Bengaluru

On Saturday, Sep 6th, the Murty Trust annual public talk was hosted by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, at Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall. This year’s invited speaker, Dr. Manu Prakash, Associate Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, is internationally recognised for his pioneering work in “frugal science” — developing low-cost scientific tools that democratise scientific discovery. A MacArthur Fellowship recipient and former Harvard Society of Fellows junior fellow, Manu is the brain behind several inventions, including the Foldscope, an origami-based paper microscope, and the Paperfuge, a hand-powered centrifuge. These ingenious tools are being used in schools, citizen science projects, community healthcare settings, and fieldwork around the world, showing that groundbreaking science doesn't require expensive laboratories.

In her welcome address to the gathering, Mrs. Sudha Murty, Chairperson of the Murty Trust said, “Science is truth, and truth should be accessible to everyone. At the Murty Trust, we are committed to bringing science to society. Dr. Manu Prakash exemplifies this beautifully — he creates scientific tools from simple materials that change how people view and engage with science. Our public talk series brings distinguished scientists like Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni from Caltech and Dr. Manu Prakash from Stanford directly to our community, fostering scientific curiosity and understanding."

The talk was titled, “From Paper Microscopes to Global Change: Story of Frugal Science". Manu spoke to the Bengaluru community about various applications of curiosity-driven science towards public benefit. He demonstrated how science can thrive outside the boundaries of traditional laboratories and expensive instruments, drawing on curiosity, improvisation, and simple materials to unlock new discoveries. Through stories about challenging expeditions to the Arctic and fieldwork in underserved African communities, he shared with the audience how making science accessible not only inspires wonder but also provides practical solutions to real-world challenges.

“It was an honor to be invited to deliver the public lecture at Town Hall, Bangalore and engage the broader scientific community in the area. It was pouring rain, and yet we saw the community come together - some travelling for hours in public trains - to join in a celebration of science speaks wonders to the scientific acumen of this city. I had heard Bangalore being the hub of science - now I understand that the success of a city is embedded in an old and deeply cultural fabric. I can’t wait for the next chapter of our journey together in Frugal Science,” said Dr Manu Prakash.

The event drew an enthusiastic audience of over 350 people, including students, teachers, science educators, and members of the wider public- all united by their love for discovery.  A brief question-and-answer segment followed the talk.

"At NCBS, we believe in cultivating curiosity-driven science, because it is the foundation of fundamental research. Foldscope and many such innovations of Manu motivate students to ask interesting questions. Given easy access, affordability and simplicity, those tools are powerful means to educate and inspire a whole generation of students in India,” adds Prof L. S. Shashidhara, Director of The National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru.

The Murty Trust's annual public talk series continues to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding. The event reaffirmed the transformative role of accessible, low-cost tools in democratizing science and sparking curiosity across all walks of life.

Bengaluru Metro Turns Into Green Corridor, Ensures Timely Heart Transplant At Apollo Seshadripuram

·         Bengaluru’s first Metro-Based Heart Transport for Transplant

In a first for the city, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, in collaboration with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and state health authority, Jeeva Sarthakathe (JSK), successfully facilitated the transportation of a donated human heart through the Metro rail network - finding a novel way to beat Bengaluru’s traffic woes.

The heart, harvested from a donor at a private hospital in Yeshwanthpur, was required to be transported swiftly to Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, for a critical heart transplant surgery. To ensure minimal transit time and avoid traffic delays, the heart was shifted using the routine Metro corridor from Goraguntepalya Metro Station to Mantri Square Metro Station, without causing inconvenience to passengers.

With seamless coordination between BMRCL, the city police, and the hospital’s transplant team, the heart was moved in just 18 minutes, well within the medically critical ‘golden window.’ This life-saving effort has given a new lease of life to a 33-year-old doctor from Assam, who had been suffering from heart failure since long.

 

He had been waiting for a heart transplant since 2023, but was unable to get a suitable heart donation. Awareness of organ donation and the tremendous work put in by JSK in co-ordination with expert transplant professionals from across hospitals in the state, has made organ donation a routine, making various organs available for patients desperately awaiting a lease of life. He was recently admitted to Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, where he was listed on an emergency basis. The transplant surgery was successfully completed by 4 AM on Friday. The team of experts from across the Apollo group, collaborated seamlessly to conduct the critical procedure. 

A senior cardiac surgeon from Apollo Seshadripuram, who was involved in this process said, “Every minute is precious when it comes to organ transplants. The cooperation extended by BMRCL and JSK ensured that the heart reached safely and quickly, saving a patient’s life. This initiative not only demonstrates how technology, infrastructure, and medical expertise can converge to save lives, but it also sets a precedent for future organ transport protocols in urban India. This also marks another milestone in Bengaluru’s efforts towards strengthening the green corridor and rapid organ transport system.”

Another senior spokesperson from Apollo Seshadripuram mentioned that, “It takes the seamless coordination of hundreds of people with the right intention, to execute such a feat — from ambulance drivers, nursing and OT staff, paramedics, healthcare services, security teams, and administrative staff, alongside the surgeons and anaesthetists who play the most vital role. We specially extend our gratitude to the donor family for their altruistic contribution and to all agencies involved in making this mission successful. We are also deeply grateful to BMRCL and Jeevasarthakathe for the smooth and timely coordination. Despite receiving just two hours’ prior notice, their teams responded immediately and ensured uninterrupted operation, making this life-saving effort possible.”

’After The Khalasi Phenomenon, Aditya Gadhvi Brings Meetha Khaara To Coke Studio Bharat This Festive Season”

Coke Studio Bharat, the platform celebrating India’s diverse musical heritage, has released its latest track of Season 3 Meetha Khaara. Introduced in the festive spirit of Navratri, the song has been curated, conceptualised, and composed by Siddharth Amit Bhavsar, and features the folk brilliance of Aditya Gadhvi, the soulful vocals of Madhubanti Bagchi, and the fresh promise of Thanu Khan. Crafted exclusively for Coke Studio Bharat, Meetha Khaara blends earthy folk rhythms with contemporary sounds, building on the legacy of the iconic Khalasi and once again spotlighting Gujarat’s cultural roots.

 

Anchored in the 600-year-old legacy of the Agariya community, Meetha Khaara reflects the profound paradox of their lives. In Gujarat, the word “meethu” means salt, something essential yet born of hardship. For the Agariyas, salt is more than just a livelihood, it is a heritage that carries resilience and a legacy that is passed down with pride. Told through the intimate lens of the characters, the track reveals how each generation learns to embrace this duality where what appears harsh (khaara) is, in truth, their sweetest (meetha) inheritance. Therefore, giving life to Meetha Khaara, a song of perseverance and identity, echoing a community whose spirit, like salt, endures across time.

 

Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola INSWA said, “Festivals are occasions when music serves as a cultural connector. With Meetha Khaara, our intent is to create a bridge between our tradition and youth’s passion point of music to connect with them in the most contemporary way. Coke Studio Bharat provides a platform to unite legendary voices like Aditya Gadhvi and Madhubanti Bagchi with young talent like Thanu Khan, creating authentic stories that connect music, culture, and consumers across India.”

 

Adding to the magic of Meetha Khaara is the collective artistry of its collaborators. The story was first given shape through Bhargav Purohit’s evocative lyrics, which grounded the track in authenticity. Building on this, Siddharth Amit Bhavsar brought the story of the Agariya community to life, transforming their hardships and heritage into a powerful musical narrative. Aditya Gadhvi enriched the track with his powerful vocals, while Madhubanti Bagchi layered it with a rare tenderness that amplified its emotional depth. Bringing it all together, Thanu Khan added his distinctive touch, giving the composition its final harmony.

 

Siddharth Amit Bhavsar, Music Composer and Producer said, “Meetha Khaara grew out of folk roots. We started with simple textures and let the story guide each choice, layering rhythms and instruments as the song evolved. The idea was to let every sound feel intentional, drawing from tradition while letting the music feel alive in its own moment.”

 

Bhargav Purohit said, “Writing this song was an honour because it allowed me to give words to the experiences of the Agariya community. The story is so layered with pride, resilience, and tradition, and I wanted the lyrics to carry that truth with simplicity and honesty. It feels great that these words have been brought to life through Coke Studio Bharat.”

 

Aditya Gadhvi said, “Working with Coke Studio Bharat again feels really special. With Meetha Khaara, we’re carrying forward the journey we started with Khalasi, bringing Gujarat’s folk stories to life in a fresh way. Making this song was pure joy, as it truly carries the essence of our culture and the pride of our people.”

 

Madhubanti Bagchi said, “For me, Meetha Khaara was a chance to let my artistry breathe in its truest form. As a musician, I often look for spaces where I can merge technique with emotion, tradition with individuality, and Coke Studio Bharat gave me exactly that. It allowed me to bring my own voice, my own experiences, and my own interpretation into the song, turning it into something that felt authentic to who I am as an artist.”

 

Thanu Khan said, “As a young artist, being part of Coke Studio Bharat has been a dream. To have my music tie together the essence of Meetha Khaara is an honor that will always stay with me”

 

Coke Studio Bharat connects with its audiences by turning every track into a moment of belonging. After the success of Khalasi, Season 3 continues to celebrate the country’s musical legacy by bringing together renowned voices and emerging talent.  By bridging the contemporary and traditional, Coke Studio Bharat has been bringing songs that reflect India’s people and their shared histories.

Chrysalis AI: A Pedagogy-Driven AI Co-Thinker Empowering Schools

Empowering Education at Scale: Chrysalis AI brings personalized learning, teacher support, and AI literacy to over 2,000 schools amidst India’s expanding USD 225 billion education ecosystem.

Chrysalis, a pioneering educational research organisation with over 20 years of expertise in pedagogy, learning design, and classroom innovation, today launched Chrysalis AI, a next-generation AI-powered Co-Thinker designed to empower schools, teachers, students, and parents. The launch event, themed “From Corrections to Connections,” highlighted the urgent need for schools to shift from traditional performance tracking to holistic, personalised learning journeys that truly understand each child’s potential.

 

Founded in 2001 by Chitra Ravi, Chrysalis has collaborated with over 2,000 schools in India and expanded its footprint to eight countries, including Singapore and several African nations. Its vision—to awaken the human potential in every child—now takes a transformative leap with Chrysalis AI, which translates classroom data into actionable insights, enabling teachers to personalise learning, support student growth, and strengthen home-school relationships.

 

“Assessments are often reduced to report cards, missing the richness of a child’s learning journey. Chrysalis AI goes beyond numbers to uncover misconceptions, thought processes, and emotional growth. It empowers teachers and parents to see each child as a whole learner, capable of growth in cognitive, social, and meta-cognitive dimensions, our goal is not to replace teachers but to amplify their impact. With research, AI-driven insights, and a community of educators, we are committed to building a future where learning is personalised, meaningful, and accessible to every child.” said Chitra Ravi, Founder & CEO of Chrysalis, during the launch event.

 

India’s education sector is one of the largest and fastest growing in the world. With over 1.5 million schools, approximately 260 million students enrolled from Class 1 to 12, and nearly 25 million students graduating annually, the system faces the dual challenge of scale and diversity. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), along with state boards, serves a significant portion of this population, with CBSE-affiliated schools numbering over 28,000 nationwide.

 

The Indian education industry is projected to reach USD 225 billion by 2025, driven by digital learning, infrastructure development, and pedagogical reforms. However, access, quality, and personalised learning remain key concerns, especially in government and affordable private schools serving underprivileged communities.

 

Against this backdrop, Chrysalis AI offers a scalable, empathetic, and research-backed solution to bridge learning gaps, improve academic outcomes, and promote inclusive education.

 

Key Features of Chrysalis AI

For Students:
• Real-time insights into strengths and areas for improvement.
• Personalised feedback to foster self-directed learning.

For Teachers:
• Detailed learning profiles for each child.
• Evidence-based recommendations for interventions.

For Parents:
• AI-powered reports that go beyond identifying struggles.
• Practical suggestions for supporting learning at home.

 

Chrysalis AI’s ability to analyse handwritten work—beyond simple keyword recognition—provides nuanced diagnostics, tracing misconceptions, uncovering thought patterns, and highlighting areas for intervention.

 

AI Literacy for All – Introducing AI Samarth

Alongside the AI Co-Thinker, Chrysalis announced AI Samarth, a free AI literacy initiative aimed at democratizing access to AI knowledge. In partnership with Central Square Foundation (CSF) and IIT Madras and developed by the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI, AI Samarth targets over 5 million students, parents, and educators from government and affordable private schools.

 

The curriculum introduces learners from middle and high school levels to the principles of AI, its ethical implications, and real-world applications—ensuring that future generations are equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

 

A Transformative Vision

Chrysalis continues to work with governments, schools, and educators to reimagine learning. The launch of Chrysalis AI represents a significant step forward—where technology, pedagogy, and empathy come together to support every learner’s journey.

MAHE Bengaluru To Host "alèy Literature Festival 2025" Celebrating Literary Diversity And Community Building

• Flagship literary initiative features International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, renowned authors, and engaging panel discussions celebrating the power of literature to build solidarity

• The two-day festival includes masterclasses, performances, workshops, and competitions designed to amplify diverse voices and foster a sense of community

 

The Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (DLHS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, is set to host the highly anticipated “alèy Literature Festival 2025” themed “Waves of Solidarity” on September 18-19, 2025, at MAHE Bengaluru campus. This flagship literary initiative aims to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling in fostering community, celebrating diversity, and amplifying significant voices.

The festival brings together distinguished authors, translators, publishers, and literary enthusiasts to create a comprehensive platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative expression. This year’s theme, "Waves of Solidarity," emphasizes literature's unique ability to bridge communities and strengthen understanding among people of diverse backgrounds.

The festival will be inaugurated with a keynote address by Banu Mushtaq, the 2025 International Booker Prize winner, setting the tone for two days of enriching literary discourse. The program features masterclasses by acclaimed literary figures, including S. Joseph on the subjectivity of poetry writing and V. Geetha on reading Babasaheb for contemporary times.

A series of engaging panel discussions will explore critical areas of contemporary literature. The session "Women Publish Women: Waves of Feminist Publishing" featuring Arpita Das and V. Geetha will examine the evolving landscape of feminist literary publishing. "Big Little Stories: Navigating Complexity in Children's Literature" with Menaka Raman and Sharanya Manivannan will delve into the nuanced world of children's storytelling.

The festival addresses the vital role of literary translation in today's globalized world through "Bridging the World with Words: Literary Translation Today" featuring Srinath Perur and Rahul Soni. Additionally, "Spaces of Solidarity: Reading in the City" will bring together community reading advocates Athul T (Cubbon Reads), Rajassekar (Sollazhi), and Lalitha Murugesan (Lalitha's Book Nook) to discuss the emerging trend of reading in public spaces and its role in urban community building.

A major highlight of the festival will be a book talk with renowned author Perumal Murugan discussing his work Students Etched in Memory with Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta, IAS, providing intimate insights into the lives of his rural students and the need for literature to shed light on marginalized lives.

The festival features compelling performances including the play “We Push the Sky” by Qabila Collective and an interactive Theatre of the Oppressed session “Listen-Connect-Amplify!” conducted by Radha Ramaswamy, demonstrating the power of the spoken word and performing arts to effect social change.

Educational components include a fiction writing workshop “Hatch a Plot!” led by author Neelima Vinod, specifically designed for school children to nurture young creative talents. The festival also hosts a vibrant array of competitions for students across school, college, and university levels, including Quiz, Stand-up Comedy, Cosplay, Slam Poetry, and Book Cover Designing, held both online and offline.

alèy Literature Festival 2025 reinforces MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to fostering literary culture and cross-cultural understanding beyond traditional academic boundaries. By bringing together established authors, emerging voices, publishers, translators, and literary enthusiasts, the festival creates an unprecedented opportunity for meaningful dialogue about literature’s role in building solidarity and celebrating diversity in contemporary society.

The festival's comprehensive approach encompasses various literary forms and expressions, from poetry and fiction to translation and performance, making it a celebration of literature’s boundless potential to connect communities and address the challenges of our times.

Registration and Details: For registration and additional information, visit: bit.ly/aley2025   

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

PNB Signs MoU With TCIL To Strengthen Comprehensive IT Solutions

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s leading public sector bank, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Communications, to strengthen PNB’s IT infrastructure and fast-track its technology transformation journey. This collaboration will enable faster, more reliable, and customer-centric digital services.

The signing ceremony took place at TCIL Headquarters, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries. PNB was represented by Shri Manish Agrawal, GM, along with senior executives from the Bank, while the TCIL delegation was led by Shri Sanjeev Kumar, CMD.

Under the MoU, TCIL will provide specialized expertise in IT consultancy, project management, and turnkey execution of complex technology initiatives. The collaboration aims to deliver robust, secure, and regulatory-compliant solutions that will reinforce PNB’s digital backbone, improve operational resilience, and support innovation in customer services.

Key areas of support include RFP lifecycle management, System Integration, IT Infrastructure Rollout, and Regulatory-Compliant Technology deployment. Depending on requirements, TCIL will serve as Project Management Consultant (PMC) or Project Implementing Agency (PIA), ensuring solutions aligned with PNB’s technology roadmap and customer priorities.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manish Agrawal, GM PNB, said: “This strategic partnership with TCIL marks a milestone in PNB’s IT transformation journey. Leveraging TCIL’s expertise, we will accelerate modernisation, enhance customer touchpoints, and deliver secure, seamless digital banking services across India. Together, we are creating a resilient, technology-driven, and customer-first banking ecosystem.”

Shri Sanjeev Kumar, CMD TCIL, said: “This partnership with Punjab National Bank underscores TCIL’s role as a trusted technology partner to leading institutions. By combining our expertise in IT consultancy, procurement, and turnkey execution, we will help PNB advance its IT foundation and deliver greater value to its customers.” 

This collaboration will enable PNB to adopt new technologies at speed, ensure secure and compliant operations, and offer customers quicker, more reliable, and digitally enabled banking experiences. The MoU also supports the Government of India’s Digital India vision, reinforcing trust in technology-driven financial services and advancing the nation’s digital banking landscape.

Mobilizing India’s Next Wave Of A Million Entrepreneurs: TiE To Set Up 20 New Chapters In Emerging Cities To Help Drive The Mission

• From Raipur to Rajkot, TiE New Chapters focuses on Tier-2/Tier-3 Cities

The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), which has played a pivotal role in creating over $1 trillion in global entrepreneurial wealth, is now turning its focus to India’s Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4 cities as part of its ambitious Mission 1x10x100. TiE currently has 30 Chapters and over 8000 members in India alone.

With the vision of fostering one million entrepreneurs in the next decade, generating over 10 million jobs and contributing more than $100 billion to the global GDP by 2035, TiE is expanding its footprint by launching 20 new potential spoke chapters across India to mentor aspiring founders, connect them with global partners, and provide the training and exposure needed to scale.

“To achieve this, TiE, which currently has 62 chapters globally, plans to increase the number to 100 by the end of this year. Of the 38 new chapters, at least 20 will be in India, across Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities such as Raipur, Rourkela, Madurai, Salem, Amravathi/Vijayawada/Nellore, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Amritsar, Rohtak, Ranchi, Ludhiana, Jamshedpur, Warangal, Jammu/Srinagar, Goa, Kozhikode, Guwahati, Belgaum, Nasik/Jalgaon, and Rajkot. On the global front, we will also expand into cities like Seoul, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Ho Chi Minh City,” said Vijay N Menon, Executive Director, TiE Global.

Murali Bukkapatnam, Chair of TiE Global Board of Trustees 2025, said, “India’s next wave of entrepreneurship will come from its heartlands. Our expansion into Tier-2, Tier-3, and Tier-4 cities ensures that entrepreneurs outside the metros have the same access to mentorship, capital, and global networks. This is about igniting possibilities across Bharat and making entrepreneurship a truly inclusive movement.”

TiE is also partnering with various state governments to align with local startup policies and unlock state-level resources, collaborating with corporates and academic institutions to strengthen innovation pipelines, and engaging with global investors and ecosystem partners to give smaller city entrepreneurs access to international markets.

With India already home to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, TiE believes that bold, inclusive initiatives are essential to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of smaller cities. “By strengthening its reach into new geographies, TiE aims to catalyze job creation, foster innovation, and inspire at least 35% of new entrepreneurs to be women, ensuring that the promise of entrepreneurship extends across every corner of the country,” Murali added.

TiE has built a strong legacy of mentoring entrepreneurs and supporting women-led ventures over last 25 years in India. Further, it will host the TiE Global Summit in Jaipur later this year, bringing in the global community. The summit will showcase India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, opportunities from 

Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and TiE’s commitment to empowering the next wave of entrepreneurship across the country.