‘Oxford Of Vidarbha’ At Ballarpur To Begin New Chapter In Women’s Education Construction of the all-women’s university in Ballarpur, Maharashtra, has reached 75% completion, with academic operations set to commence from the 2026-27 session. The institution, established by the state government, aims to address regional disparities in higher education for women by creating a holistic learning environment. Vice-chancellor Ujwala Chakradeo emphasized that the campus is designed not only as an academic hub but also as a space fostering life skills and cultural integration. The architecture blends British and Indian styles, reflecting traditional university towns while adapting to local climatic and cultural conditions. The design is centered around the theme of "motherhood," influencing both academic programming and student life, from classroom layouts to residential facilities. The campus, spanning 1.5 lakh square metres, includes a central academic complex with teaching spaces and a 65,000-square-foot exhibition hall. Chakradeo highlighted that the exhibition hall will narrate the journey of women, from girlhood to motherhood, featuring historical figures like Jijabai and Ahilyabai Holkar. The university, backed by the Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Department, plans to offer over 60 academic programs, prioritizing employability, interdisciplinary learning, and alignment with regional needs. A flagship residential program under the "Gurukul" initiative will provide fully residential courses for girls, marking a first in India. This program includes a bachelor’s degree in Indian knowledge systems, integrating traditional learning such as the Vedas with contemporary subjects.#maharashtra #gurukul #oxford_of_vidarbha #ballarpur #ujwala_chakradeo
‘Sankalp’ Series Review: The Grassroots Allure of Prakash Jha’s Storytelling The 10-episode political drama stars Nana Patekar as a Patna-based kingmaker entangled in a complex web of power and loyalty. Set against the backdrop of a fictionalized India, the series explores themes of mentorship, ambition, and the murky dynamics of political influence. Directed by Prakash Jha, the show blends traditional storytelling with modern narrative techniques, offering a sprawling yet deeply rooted exploration of grassroots politics and systemic control. The story centers on Ma’at Saab, a revered figure who runs an educational institution called Gurukul, where he scours impoverished families for gifted children to mold into future leaders. Over three decades, he cultivates a network of loyal followers, including the ambitious IPS officer Aditya Verma, whose moral ambiguity and loyalty to his mentor become central to the plot. The series unfolds as a series of interconnected subplots, each revealing the intricate relationships and power struggles within this tightly knit group. Jha’s direction leans into the grandeur of his earlier works, such as Raajneeti, with a focus on political machinations and the personal costs of ambition. The narrative is populated with a cast of characters, each representing different facets of power and ideology. From the Delhi Chief Minister, who grapples with the chaos of governance, to the cunning party leader Waqar, the series balances political intrigue with human drama. The inclusion of a counterfeit-currency scam, a vlogger’s struggle against censorship, and a student-politics angle further diversifies the storyline, though some critics argue the plot becomes overwhelming in its complexity.#nana_patekar #prakash_jha #gurukul #delhi_chief_minister #waqar
