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Three Indians Named Global Finalists for World Education Medals 2025 for AI Innovations

Three Indians Named Global Finalists for World Education Medals 2025 for AI Innovations

India has earned global recognition once again as an Indian teacher and two young student innovators have been named among the 15 finalists for the prestigious World Education Medals 2025. The finalists include Vineeta Garg, an experienced educator from Delhi; Raul John Aju, a tech-driven student innovator from Kerala; and Ashwat Prasanna, a Bengaluru-based student known for his curiosity and projects in artificial intelligence. Their selection highlights India’s growing contribution to AI-led learning and education reform.

At a time when AI is reshaping careers, teaching methods and problem-solving abilities, seeing an Indian educator and two students being recognised on the world stage is both inspiring and significant. It reinforces the idea that innovation does not depend on age but on access, passion and the willingness to experiment. Sharing this story can motivate students, teachers and parents to embrace creative learning models, explore new technologies and understand how AI can be used to solve real-world challenges. It also showcases the growing role of Indian talent in shaping the future of global education.

About the World Education Medals 2025

The World Education Medals are awarded annually to teachers and students who have demonstrated exceptional impact through education-related initiatives. This includes contributions in innovation, community empowerment, digital learning and the development of tools that support learners across different backgrounds.

Being listed among the top 15 global finalists is a major achievement, as nominees come from various countries with groundbreaking work in STEM, AI, social learning, environmental education and more.

Meet the Indian Finalists

Vineeta Garg – Educator from Delhi

A seasoned teacher known for her work in integrating artificial intelligence into school-level learning, Vineeta Garg has helped students understand AI concepts through practical tools and activity-based methods. She has introduced ethical AI discussions in classrooms and worked with students on projects that solve everyday problems. Her nomination recognises her role in making technology accessible and non-intimidating for young learners.

Raul John Aju – Student Innovator from Kerala

Raul is known for his curiosity in AI-driven projects, especially those aimed at social impact. His work focuses on using technology to solve community-level challenges. He has been part of coding and innovation programmes where he built prototypes that attracted national attention. His inclusion as a finalist celebrates student-driven problem-solving and the value of early exposure to technology.

Ashwat Prasanna – Student from Bengaluru

Ashwat has been recognised for his enthusiasm for AI research and hands-on experimentation. His projects often explore how machine learning can be used in fields like environment monitoring, accessibility and smart systems. Teachers describe him as a student who learns beyond the syllabus and experiments until he finds practical solutions.

Together, the three finalists represent India’s diverse pool of talent—spanning both educators and young innovators.

Why Their Work Stands Out

Each of these finalists has used AI not as a buzzword but as a genuine tool for learning and problem-solving. Their work matters because:

  • It shows that AI education is reaching school classrooms
  • Students are using technology to solve real issues, not just theoretical exercises
  • Teachers are guiding learners to think beyond rote learning
  • India is emerging as a strong contributor to global education innovation

Their achievements reflect a shift where Indian schools are embracing technology-led creativity.

Importance of AI in Education Today

Artificial intelligence is now a key part of skill development. For students, AI-based learning encourages:

  • Critical thinking
  • Analytical reasoning
  • Creativity and design thinking
  • Early exposure to technology careers

For teachers, AI creates opportunities to personalise learning and introduce new ways of understanding complex topics. The recognition of Indian finalists signals that India is aligning with global education trends.

Impact of This Global Recognition

Being named a finalist for the World Education Medals brings global visibility and can open doors to:

  • International collaborations
  • Funding for innovative projects
  • Exchange programmes
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Wider adoption of their ideas in schools across India

It also shows that meaningful innovation is possible within school settings without requiring large budgets.

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Maharashtra Mandates ‘Disha’ App in Special Schools to Standardise Special Education

Maharashtra Mandates ‘Disha’ App in Special Schools to Standardise Special Education

In a significant move to strengthen education for students with intellectual disabilities, the state Department of Disability Welfare has announced that the ‘Disha’ app will now be compulsory in all special schools. The decision mandates the uniform adoption of the Disha special curriculum, digital learning portal, and assessment system across the state.

By making the platform mandatory, the department aims to ensure consistent teaching methods, standardised evaluations, and equal learning opportunities for students in special schools, irrespective of their location or the institution’s management. The move is expected to improve quality, accountability, and continuity in special education services statewide.

I am writing about this development because special education often suffers from uneven implementation and lack of standard benchmarks. When different schools follow different methods, students are the ones who lose out. Making a common digital curriculum and evaluation system mandatory is a significant policy shift. It directly affects students, teachers, parents, and school administrators, and signals the government’s intent to bring structure, accountability, and continuity into special education.

What Is the ‘Disha’ App and Curriculum

The Disha app is a specially designed digital platform developed for students with intellectual disabilities. It includes a structured curriculum, teaching tools, and an evaluation framework aligned with the learning needs of special children.

The platform helps teachers track student progress in a systematic way and ensures that learning goals are clearly defined and measurable.

Why the State Made Disha Mandatory

According to the disability welfare department, the lack of a uniform curriculum across special schools has led to gaps in learning outcomes. Some schools follow advanced methods, while others struggle with outdated practices.

Announcing the decision, Tukaram Mundhe, secretary of the disability welfare department, said the Disha system would help bring “uniformity and continuity into special education while supporting the overall development of students”.

How This Will Help Students

With the Disha system in place, students across the state will now follow a common learning structure suited to their abilities. This ensures smoother academic progression, especially for students who move between schools or districts.

Standardised evaluation will also help identify learning gaps early and provide targeted support.

Impact on Teachers and Special Schools

Teachers will now receive a clear framework for lesson planning, assessment, and reporting. This reduces confusion and improves teaching quality. Schools will also be accountable for following the prescribed curriculum and updating student progress on the portal.

While some schools may need time to adapt, the long-term goal is better coordination and quality control.

Concerns and Challenges on the Ground

Some educators have raised concerns about training, digital access, and infrastructure, especially in smaller or rural special schools. Successful implementation will depend on proper teacher training, technical support, and continuous monitoring by authorities.

Without these, the system risks becoming a formality rather than a meaningful reform.

Why Uniformity Matters in Special Education

Special education requires consistency more than flexibility. Students with intellectual disabilities benefit from structured routines, clear goals, and continuity in teaching methods. A common curriculum helps ensure that every child, irrespective of school, receives comparable support and opportunities.

This move aligns policy with actual learning needs.

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