Insights

For decades the United State has been the dream destination for Indian Students looking to pursue higher education abroad. American universities like Harward,MIT,Stanford and UCLA were not justy educational institutions they were symbols of ambition,success and prestige.

But times are changing.More and more Indian students are now looking beyond the US and choosing destinations such as Canada,Germany, The UK, Australia and even countries in Asia and the Middle East.The global higher map is expanding and Indian students are right at the center of this shift.

So,what’s driving this change?

The Rising Cost of Education in the US- The US still offers world class education,but it comes at a price. Tuition fees,living expenses,healthcare and accommodation make studying in America extremely costly.

Average tuition : $30,000- $50,000 per year

Living Expenses- $15000- $20,000 per year

For many middle class families in India ,this is simply unaffordable especially when Canada, Germany or even France offers top ranked universities at much lower tuition costs in some cases,even free education like Germany’s  public universities.

Visa Challenges and Uncertainty Indian students are often concerned about :

• Long waiting time for US visas.
• Strict rules for work permits. 
• Uncertainty about permanent residency.

In contrast, Canada and Australia have introduced student- friendly visa policies, offering post study work permits and clear pathways to permanent residency. This makes them highly attractive for students who want to build a life abroad after studies.  

Better Return on Investment (ROI)

Students and parents today are more practical. They are asking Will the degree pay off? Countries like Germany and Canada have a much better ROI because of low fees and good job opportunities.Even the UK,despite being costly, offers 1 to 2 years of post study work visas making the investment more worthwhile.

Job opportunities and Immigration Pathways

Studying abroad is no longer just about getting a degree,it’s about securing a future.Canada.  offers an easy transiction  from student visas to permanent residency. Australia has extended post study opportunities in certain fields.Germany has a strong demand for engineers,IT professionals and skilled workers. The US on the other hand,still has H-1B visa uncertainties making students nervous about long term stability.

• Global Exposure and Diversity
• Studying in different countries gives students exposure to multicultural classrooms.
• Opportunities to learn new languages.
• Access to unique cultural experiences

For instance a student in Berlin experiences European culture and innovation while a student in Toronto grows in a diverse immigrant community.

Digital Media and Online Influence- Today’s generation is heavily influenced by Youtube Vloggers ,Instagrams reels,and Linkedin Stories. Indian students can see the success stories of their peers studying in Germany, Canada or Australia and feel inspired to explore new options. Social Media has widened horizons like never before.

What Should Students Do Next?

•  If you are planning to study abroad ,do the needful steps for sure
• Research Destinations- Don’t just limit yourself to the US. Compare programs in Canada,Germany and Australia.
• Calculate ROI- Check tuition fees,living costs and job opportunities. 
• Look at Visa & PR Policies- If you want to settle abroad, it is crucial.
• Apply Early for Scholarships- Many countries offer financial support for Indian students.

A World Full of Choices-

The United State is still an excellent option for higher education,but it is not the only option. Indian students today have the freedom to choose from a variety of countries that offer world class education affordability, cultural diversity and better job prospects.

The dream is no longer just about the American Degree.It is about global learning, financial stability and building a secure future.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday declared that 87 students have been chosen for the Viksit Delhi CM Internship Programme, which will start from Monday. The chosen students will be working closely with the Delhi government for three months and will be getting a monthly stipend of ₹20,000.

9,000 Applications, 87 Selections

The internship programme, as per the Chief Minister, received a mammoth response, with almost 9,000 students vying for a limited number of positions.It is a singular chance for them to see how the system functions from within," she added.

Who Can Apply?

The scheme is available for graduation and post-graduation students. Shortlisted fellows will work with the government for three months, engaging in policy research, data analysis, and field work. The monthly stipend of ₹20,000 is focused on making sure that students from different economic backgrounds can engage without strain. 

Focus on Transparency

Gupta also made a contrast with past internship practices, accusing past governments of employing such chances as means for political ends and bestowing financial gain on select individuals. "This time, the choice was strictly based on the basis of talent and merit. No political bias was involved," she stated.

Empowering Youth Through Governance

The Viksit Delhi CM Internship Programme is being viewed as Delhi government's bigger initiative to engage youth in governance and policy-making. Officials think that the program will not only offer useful experience to students but also enable the administration to gain from new ideas.

For the chosen interns, the next three months will be a stepping stone to public policy, administration, and governance. With competition being so stiff—87 selected out of 9,000—the programme has already created a benchmark for youth-led governance programmes.

In the journey every student faces countless challenges,self doubt and pressure to fit into a mold created by society.But in this race we often forget something important. Each one of us is born with the spark. A spark that can shine brightly if we polish ourselves with perseverance, purpose and passion. That’s why today we ask you not just to grow but to “Be the Diamond" ,rare, precious and unbreakable. Diamonds are not born perfect. They are formed deep beneath the earth under extreme pressure and intense heat. Just like that,life will test you,challenge you,and sometimes break you.But if you endure,you will shine.

The Journey of A Diamond - Born Under Pressure

Have you ever thought about how a diamond is formed? It starts as a simple piece of carbon.It’s not glamorous. It’s not shiny.But What time,under immense pressure and heat it transforms into one of the world’s most valuable gems. Similarly,every student is born with potential.You may feel like you are just a common stone ,unseen and ordinary. But your struggles,your hard days, your failures,these are your pressure.If you don’t run from them but face them,one day you will transform.

Never curse your challenges.Embrace them.They are shaping you into something rare.

Be Rare- Stand out in a World That Wants You to Fit in -

In today’s world,it is easy to be a copy.Social media,peer pressure and competition often make students feel they must be like everyone else to be successful. But diamonds are rare. They are not found everywhere. And that’s exactly what makes them special. You don’t have to be like everyone else to be successful.You don’t need the same journey grades, talents or goals. What you need is authenticity . Be proud of your individuality. Discover your uniqueness and nourish it. That’s how you become rare.

Start asking yourself  What makes me different? That’s your strength.

Be Precious, Know Your Worth Before The World Does

One of the saddest things is when students underestimate themselves. They don’t see their worth and wait for someone else to validate them as a teacher, parent friend or even social media followers. But a diamond does not become valuable when someone wears it.It is always valuable.You,too must realise your worth from within.Whether you are great at your studies or not whether you speak confidently or stay silent whether you come from a big city or a small village  your worth is not defined by others.It is defined by how you see yourself.

You are precious not because of what you do,but because of who you are.

Keep Growing Even Diamonds Need Care-

Even after a diamond is cut and polished it needs care.Dust can dull it. Similarly, your growth should never stop.

You Are the Diamond! Believe it , Live It

It’s not about becoming someone else.It’s about realising who is beneath fear,doubt and confusion.Every time you choose honesty over shortcuts,you shine. Everytime you try again after failing,you shine. Every time you help someone without expecting anything in return you shine.

You don’t need a spotlight. YOU ARE THE LIGHT.

The world does not need more noise. It needs more diamond students who know their worth, who rise under pressure, who reflect kindness and who never forget that even in darkness they can shine.

Be the Diamond.

Because the world needs you to shine.

In a time when ambition and independence can often take partners in divergent directions, a simple act by an Indian fitness coach is giving hope back to union. Kanav Vohra, an erstwhile legal professional who switched to being a fitness and nutrition coach, went public recently in an Instagram post where he disclosed that he relocated to Dublin, Ireland—not for career, not for travel—but to advance his wife's professional aspirations. The post went on to become viral, with netizens praising his unshakeable support.

A Journey That Begun With Belief

Kanav, who once quit a stable law career to start his fitness business, getfitwithkanav, gives credit to his wife Ritika Vij for supporting him during the times of uncertainty. In a previous post, he remembered how Ritika encouraged him when he didn't have any clients, no business plan, and only an idea. "She believed in GetFitWithKanav before it was even a name," he had written.

Flash forward to their second anniversary of marriage, and Kanav revealed how it was now his time to be there for her. "Now, it's her turn to shine. And my turn to be her biggest cheerleader!" he wrote, attaching a sentimental clip that showed the world about their life and love.

Why Ireland? Because of Her Dreams

The question that most were wondering—"Why did you relocate to Ireland?"—was answered in the video. Kanav's response was followed by a smiling photograph of Ritika with the caption: "Because of this woman and her big dreams."

Ritika, who went to college in Dublin and eventually got her dream job there, encouraged Kanav to follow. "She stood by me when I had no clients, no clarity, just a big dream and even bigger fears," he said. "Showing up for her? That's the easiest thing I've ever done."

Social Media Cheers On

The post resonated with people all over the world, having received more than four lakh views and loads of encouraging comments. One of the users commented, "Such a beautiful post! It's so heartening to see how grateful you and your wife are towards each other… It's indeed a blessing to have the people who support us and believe in us." Another added, "When two fortunate people find each other and form a beautiful demonstration of love."

To most, Kanav's decision was not just admirable—it was inspiring. "Love is being there for one another in the journey," one of his followers noted, sentiments expressed by thousands.

Kanav's anniversary message to Ritika also showed how their relationship flourishes based on empathy and shared aspirations. "Life with you has been nothing short of amazing. From laughing together to fighting over desserts, lifting each other through every high and low…" he wrote. "The best part of my story will always be you.".

In the world today, relationships are usually challenged by career demands and spatial distances. But Kanav's action of traveling across continents for his wife's dreams is an indication that love is not only a word—it's in action.

The principal student factions have released their manifestos that address education, accessibility, campus security and well-being as the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections approach. The front runners are the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the SFI-AISA combination.

The ABVP has pointed out that its manifesto was influenced by over 5,000 suggestions garnered from students. It has promised subsidised health insurance, more money for academic and cultural societies, enhanced sports facilities with nutrition for sportspersons, and accessibility audits to open up campuses. Free Wi-Fi in DU and scholarship for final-year research scholars are also on its agenda.

The NSUI, however, has emphasized affordability, accessibility, and students' rights in its manifesto. It has come up with a barrier-free campus, Rs 5,000 monthly stipend for disabled students, and their representation in major university committees. It also vowed protection schemes for North-Eastern and linguistic minority students, along with green campus initiatives.

In its independent women's manifesto, NSUI has emphasized safety and health with promises of dedicated helplines, sanitary pad dispensing machines, menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns and gender sensitivity training on campus. The organization has also demanded rejecting the National Education Policy (NEP) in place of increased public funding.

The SFI-AISA alliance has set forth its agenda as "a true student-centric manifesto". It has vowed to fight against fee increases, advocate for elected Internal Complaints Committees, insist on gender sensitisation cells, and revive grievance redressal apparatuses. The alliance has also committed menstrual leave for women students and exhorted women's colleges such as Lady Shri Ram, Gargi and Daulat Ram to come under the union.

The alliance contended that crucial teaching hours were being sidetracked towards "bogus courses" in the Skill Enhancement and Value Added categories, rather than core subjects. It pledged to restore core course credits, rework internal assessments and reintroduce entrance examinations.

As per the official time table, voting for DUSU elections will be conducted on Thursday, 18th September, 2025. Two shifts have been arranged for voting: from 8:30 am to 1 pm for day students and from 3 pm to 7:30 pm for evening students. The counting of votes is scheduled for the following day, Friday, 19th September, 2025.

Mathematics has been aptly called the language of logic, pattern, and structure. However, for most students, it turns into a language that is alien, replete with symbols and processes that appear abstracted from reality. An ongoing question is: Why is it that learners are doing well on textbook problems but can't seem to bring the same principles to bear when confronted with new, everyday situations? This disconnect between procedural and conceptual understanding is being increasingly highlighted with India's embrace of the National Education Policy (NEP).

With the new curriculum, there is a deliberate shift towards competency-based learning. For instance, students are increasingly being examined on how they can apply mathematical logic to case studies and emerging problems. Yet classroom instruction continues to focus on solving standard, textbook problems. This causes a disconnect, Students perform well in scripted formats but falter when asked to use the very same concepts under unfamiliar settings.

The imbalance in the way mathematics is taught, examined, and applied in everyday life renders even top-performing students inadequately prepared for examinations that attempt to test real understanding.

Ramana Andra, Lead Faculty, and Krishnan VP, Research Associate, Prayoga, stress that mathematics comes across as abstract and isolated for students. They point out that India's NEP emphasizes learning mathematics by intuition, practical applications, and inter-disciplinary relations.

ABSTRACT BEFORE EXPERIENCE

In most classrooms, formulae and definitions are given early on, occasionally without sufficient context. The student may understand that a linear equation has the form "ax + by + c = 0", and that such an equation graphs as a straight line. But the deeper concept, that this form describes a constant rate of change in a relation between two variables, is stressed infrequently. The result is an ability to perform symbolic operations without grasping the conceptual foundations behind them.

This lack of continuity is revealed in assessments. It is not uncommon for "sharp" students, students who have memorized solutions of textbook problems, to flunk when requested to solve or interpret a problem not encountered before. They do not fail because they are less able or less hard-working, but because they have been taught merely to remember and regurgitate rather than think and analyze.

Recognizing the Problem

The 2023 National Curriculum Framework for School Education is recognizing this problem, noting that "conventional methods of teaching mathematics directly dive into abstract symbolic manipulation". In so doing, they lose sight of the importance of building intuition and capacity to apply in the real world. As an example, a physics concept like Hooke's Law, where the displacement of a spring is in proportion to the force used.

Concepts of proportionality, variation, and rate of change are learned in separate subject areas so that students can't see the underlying patterns that mathematics is designed to reveal.

At the university level too, math students might be good at doing things with n-dimensional vector spaces and playing around with abstract symbols effectively. Yet, many of them have difficulty with fundamental principles in physical settings, e.g., torque or electromagnetic theory.

TEACHING FOR INTUITION AND APPLYING

The answer is not to cut the mathematics down to its simplest level, but to rearrange how it is first introduced and encountered. Rather than starting with symbols, students should be led to discover mathematical concepts through examples, patterns, and models from their surroundings. Visual argumentation, testing, and everyday contexts provide good points of departure for learning, like using pictures, manipulatives, or everyday examples make ideas more concrete.

  Shifting beyond x and y does not imply throwing away symbols, it implies grounding them in experience, so that students can view mathematics not as a method to conform to, but as a prism to comprehend the world.