Engineering the Future: Global Leaders Converge at GITAM for ICTIEE 2026

Bengaluru, January 8, 2026:
GITAM (Deemed to be University) hosted the 13th International Conference on Transformations in Engineering Education (ICTIEE 2026) at its Bengaluru campus, bringing together global academic and industry leaders to reimagine the future of engineering education in an AI-driven world.

Organised in collaboration with the Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE Foundation), the conference was themed “Transforming Teaching and Learning Ecosystems in the AI-Driven World.” Over 500 delegates participated in the two-day forum, which focused on building interactive, resilient and student-centric learning environments. The conference also witnessed the presentation of 76 research papers by faculty members, which will be published in the Journal of Engineering Education Transformations (JEET).

The event was graced by Dr. S. Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor, Visvesvaraya Technological University; Dr. Ashok S. Shettar, Pro Chancellor, KLE Technological University; and Prof. Basavaraj Gundappa K, Pro Vice Chancellor, GITAM University, Bengaluru and Conference General Chair, along with other dignitaries, faculty members and students.

Dr. Vidyashankar stressed that transformation in engineering education is no longer optional, stressing the need to adopt global best practices to keep Indian graduates globally competitive. Dr. Shettar highlighted that classrooms must evolve into centres of innovation, supported by strong multidisciplinary collaboration.

Prof. Basavaraj Gundappa K said, the focus of ICTIEE 2026 was to integrate AI while keeping students at the heart of the learning process. Keynote sessions explored AI-enabled classrooms, gamified curricula and emerging teaching models, reinforcing the view that AI should act as an enabler, not a replacement, for educators.

The conference also featured a panel discussion on leadership in the age of AI and hosted the IUCEE Annual Student Forum 2026, offering students a platform to showcase innovation, collaboration and leadership.

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Oasis Fertility’s Janani Yatra Arrives in Bengaluru, Strengthening Fertility Awareness at the Grassroots

Expert consultations, free fertility tests and science-backed guidance brought directly to communities

Bengaluru, 7 January 2026:
Oasis Fertility, one of India’s most trusted names in reproductive medicine, has brought its nationwide fertility awareness campaign — Oasis Janani Yatra — to Bengaluru, marking its next milestone at HSR Layout. After successfully covering several regions across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, the initiative continues its mission of taking credible fertility education, early screening and expert medical guidance directly to people across Tier I, II and III regions.

The Bengaluru leg of the Janani Yatra was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Mangala Devi, President, Bangalore Society of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (BSOG), along with other dignitaries, who lauded Oasis Fertility for its community-centric approach to reproductive health education and early intervention.

With fertility challenges on the rise due to changing lifestyles, delayed parenthood and limited access to scientific information, the Janani Yatra addresses a critical gap in awareness. The specially designed mobile unit offers free fertility consultations, complimentary AMH and haemoglobin tests, free semen analysis, and safe, hygienic sample collection facilities, ensuring couples receive timely, accurate and compassionate guidance at the very first step.

From Bengaluru’s HSR Layout, the Janani Yatra will travel to Attibele, Hoskote and Hosur in the coming days, expanding its outreach and bringing essential fertility screening services closer to more communities.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mangala Devi, BSOG President, said, “In my clinical practice, I have seen how lack of awareness delays diagnosis and adds emotional stress for couples aspiring to become parents. The Oasis Janani Yatra is a pioneering effort that addresses this challenge head-on by delivering science-led, compassionate reproductive care at the community level. It sets a strong example for the healthcare ecosystem.”

Dr. Durga G. Rao, Medical Director and Co-founder, Oasis Fertility, stated, “Advancements in reproductive science have transformed fertility care. Through the Janani Yatra, we are ensuring that accurate, evidence-based information and early medical guidance reach couples at the grassroots, empowering them to take informed steps on their journey towards parenthood.”

Highlighting the broader demographic context, Mr. Pushkaraj Shenai, CEO, Oasis Fertility, said, “With India’s fertility rate steadily declining, timely access to reproductive care has become more important than ever. Our goal is to extend the ‘Good Hands of Science’ through expert counselling, early diagnostics and guided support, enabling couples to make confident, informed decisions.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Chinmayie, Senior Fertility Consultant, observed, “The strong response to the Janani Yatra reflects how much couples value the right information and empathetic guidance. This initiative helps bridge long-standing gaps in awareness around fertility challenges and advanced treatment options.”

Dr. Rekha Vishwanath, Consultant – Fertility, added, “The Janani Yatra will play a vital role in helping couples in and around Bengaluru understand their reproductive health better and feel empowered to choose the right path towards parenthood.”

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Mangaluru to Host SDPI’s 6th National Representative Council on January 20–21

SDPI to Convene 6th National Representative Council in Mangaluru on January 20–21

Mangaluru: The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is set to hold its 6th National Representative Council (NRC) on January 20 and 21, 2026, in Mangaluru, Karnataka. The NRC, being the party’s highest representative and decision-making body, is expected to play a crucial role in defining SDPI’s organisational course and political vision for the coming years.

Delegates from various states across the country will take part in the two-day meet, underlining the party’s nationwide reach and its commitment to internal democracy. A major highlight of the council will be the election of the new National Working Committee along with its office bearers, who will guide the party in the next phase of its political journey.

The council will also witness the presentation of the term report, detailing the party’s organisational growth and political activities during the previous tenure. This will be followed by in-depth discussions and deliberations on key issues. A comprehensive review of the prevailing national political scenario will be undertaken, with focused discussions on SDPI’s political approach, future roadmap, and strategies to strengthen its interventions at the national level.
Terming the 6th NRC as a landmark event, SDPI leaders stated that the council would further reinforce the party’s dedication to democratic values, social justice, and inclusive politics.

Addressing the media on the forthcoming council were Mohammad Elyas Thumbe, National General Secretary; Riyaz Farangipete, National Secretary; Puttananjayya, State Vice President of Karnataka; and Afsar Kodlipet, State General Secretary of Karnataka.

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A Convention with a Cause: Free Ambulance Service Dedicated to Drivers’ Families

Drivers’ Convention Marks a Milestone with Free Ambulance Service Launch

Dakshina Kannada District witnessed a meaningful and service-oriented initiative during the grand 3rd Annual Drivers’ Convention, where a free ambulance service dedicated to the welfare of drivers’ families was formally inaugurated. The service was jointly launched by Honorary President Gandasi Sadananda Swamy, President SnehaJeevi Santhosh Kumar, and General Secretary Raju Kannadiga, marking a significant step towards community healthcare support.

The convention also became a platform to recognize excellence and service. Senior drivers with distinguished service records, ASHA workers, and students who achieved top academic ranks were felicitated and honoured, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to social responsibility and encouragement of merit.

The event was graced by prominent dignitaries including Bantwal MLA Rajesh Naik Udupi Guttu, former MLA Ramanath Rai, Shaheed Tekkilu, Sudeep Kumar Shetty Mani, Fouzia, Sushanth Shetty, Sajid IG, Rajesh Bare, Shameer Parliya, Nagesh, Kalandar, Harishchandra, Khaseem, Keshav Vagga, Ilyas, and Altaf, whose presence added stature to the convention.

Several office bearers and organisers—Lingaraju, Usman Pasha, Nehru, Babajan, Srinivas Chikkappa, Chand Pasha, Nanjundaiah, Girish Sirivara, Mimicry Manju, Kempegowda, Saravana, Naveen Lawrence—along with SnehaJeevi district office bearers and members, actively participated and worked collectively to ensure the programme’s success.

The convention stood out as a powerful example of unity, service, and social commitment, reinforcing the vital role of drivers and community workers in society.

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Historic Confluence of Seers at Jayanagar Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt Brings Decades-Old Dispute to a Peaceful Close


Bengaluru: A long-standing legal and spiritual dispute between the Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt and the Uttaradi Mutt, relating to the worship of the Yatis at the Navabrindavana in Anegondi, has now been officially and amicably resolved, bringing immense relief and joy to devotees.

For several decades, the issue had been the subject of legal proceedings, including a case before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. During this prolonged period, devotees of both Mutts were troubled by uncertainty and emotional distress. However, in a historic and heartwarming development, the heads of both Mutts came together at the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, marking a new chapter of harmony and mutual respect.

On this auspicious occasion, the pontiff of the Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt warmly received the pontiff of the Uttaradi Mutt with floral showers and traditional honours. The seers together offered Mangalarati to Sri Raghavendra Swamy and, in the presence of their disciples, held cordial discussions and formally signed a harmonious agreement, thereby putting an end to the long-pending dispute and dispelling the anxieties of devotees.

This significant development was shared in a press statement by Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt’s Power of Attorney, Sri R. K. Vadindra Acharya, who stated that the unity and mutual understanding demonstrated by both pontiffs had brought great happiness and reassurance to disciples and devotees alike.

The occasion was graced by the presence of several revered seers and scholars, including the pontiff of Kudli Mutt, and eminent scholars such as Raja S. Giriyacharya, Guttala Rangacharya, N. Vadiraja Acharya, Gautam Acharya, Anand Teerthacharya, Sudheendra Acharya, Surindra Acharya, Vyasanakere Prabanjanacharya, Vidyasinha Acharya, Vidyadheesha Acharya, Satyadhyana Katti Acharya, among many others.

Several distinguished personalities also attended the historic gathering, including Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi, Justice Sridhar Rao, Gopal Hosur, Subbanarasimha, Bhaskar Rao, along with a large number of disciples and devotees.
The historic meeting at Jayanagar stands as a powerful symbol of unity, reconciliation, and spiritual harmony, reinforcing faith among devotees and setting an inspiring example of resolving differences through dialogue and mutual respect.

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