KOLAB: Indo-Korean Music Collaboration, an IPRS and KOMCA Initiative at Vijaybhoomi University

Elizabeth John, BPA (Mus), Contemporary Performance

The first-ever Indo-Korean collaboration, KOLAB, was organized by the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) and the Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), hosted by Vijaybhoomi University and powered by the True School of Music. Held from 6th to 12th November 2024, this unique event featured a Songwriting Residency where artists immersed themselves in creating, collaborating, and producing music that fused Indian Music and K-Pop culture, using the state-of-the-art on-campus studio facilities to bridge a cross-cultural community.

The sessions were led by prominent Indian music industry professionals, including Bunty Bains and Mayur Puri, and featured a stellar line-up of 17 exclusive artists. Representing India were Aryan Katoch, Irfana Hameed, and Pari Pandher, while Dong Uk Kong, Hae Jin Yang, and Jinhoon Kim represented Korea, among others.

Listening Sessions were held at the end of each day, where artists showcased their projects, discussed their creative processes, and received feedback from an expert panel, including Mayur Puri, to refine their tracks.


The journey culminated on November 13th in Mumbai with a grand listening session, where emerging talents showcased their cross-cultural masterpieces to industry leaders, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

The IC3 Summit: Pioneering a Student-Centric Future in Higher Education 

Bhargavaram Krishnapur, BTech Computer Science and Engineering 

The IC3 Summit held at Vijaybhoomi University aimed to bridge the gap between secondary and higher education while also promoting a student-focused and an international approach to learning. Dr. Anirrban Ghosh, Associate Dean, JAGSoM, Vijaybhoomi University, highlighted that the summit displayed the university’s liberal, interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizing academic excellence and holistic development. Engaging and interacting with the 45 IC3 summit attendees, the summit fostered dialogues on career counselling, international partnership and the best practices in the industry, positioning Vijaybhoomi University as a leader in reimagining higher education. 

This year, the summit's focus spanned on multiple topics such as interdisciplinary education, global career counselling, industry-academic collaboration, and essential future-ready skills like critical thinking and adaptability. The key sessions featured the university's deans and notable faculty, with multiple workshops and speeches, including insights from Honorable Vice Chancellor Dr. Ravikesh Srivastava, addressing professional readiness and the evolution of learning. 

Dr. Ghosh pointed out how conferences like IC3 drive educational transformation by bringing in educators and leaders to exchange ideas and strategies. Trends highlighted included personalized learning, tech integration (AI, AR/VR), interdisciplinary approaches, cultural competence, and student well-being. He emphasized technology’s role in education, from increasing engagement through gamification to personalized learning with AI, paving the way for an adaptive, student-centered style of education. 

So, Dexter's lab usually involved this really boy genius, a dude who had his own high-fi lab set up inside his house and it's a lot of room blowing up and a lot of interesting, very funny to watch stuff. And I thought, hey, I wouldn't mind doing all those things. I really was fascinated by it. So, I thought I should learn chemistry.

How can students use chemistry in solving real world problems? 

Chemistry plays a crucial role in various fields, including the development of materials, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic methods. Chemists are essential in creating new sensors, drugs, and materials, contributing significantly to advancement in medicine and technology. 

What are some emerging trends in the field of chemistry that students should be aware of? 

Emerging trends include computational chemistry, which involves creating mathematical models to stimulate experiments that cannot be conducted in a lab. This field is increasingly integrating AI techniques for tasks like DNA structure analysis and protein folding, reflecting a shift towards stimulation and predictive analytics in chemistry. 

How can students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in chemistry? 

Students should learn chemistry as an interconnected subject rather than in isolated topics. Understanding the connections between different areas of chemistry is vital, and this can be developed through practice and a holistic approach to learning. 

Are there any misconceptions about chemistry you would like to address? 

Many students pursue chemistry due to lack of proficiency in math's or physics, rather than a genuine Passion for a subject. A significant misconception is that chemistry can be studied without a foundational understanding of physics and mathematics. Chemistry is often referred to as "Central Science" because it intersects with both physics and biology, necessitating a comprehensive approach to learning.

Over the years, her determination transformed Biocon into a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, renowned for affordable insulin and biosimilars that have improved access to treatment for millions. Her pioneering journey not only reshaped the biotechnology landscape but also inspired a new generation of women entrepreneurs to challenge norms and pursue their ambitions. 

"My legacy will be my belief that no one should be denied healthcare because they can't afford it." – Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw 

KOLAB 2024: Symphony of Cultures Celebrating the Grand Launch of Indo-Korean Music

APN News, 18th November, 2024

From November 6th to 12th, 2024, at the True School of Music, Vijaybhoomi University, Jamrung, 19 music creators from India and South Korea, collaborated to produce cross-cultural compositions. Through immersive sessions on songwriting, composition, and production, they blended Indian and Korean influences to create vibrant, globally appealing music. Guided by leading music creators, Bunty Bains and Mayur Puri, who were the Creative Directors at the song-camp, the participants drew from their diverse cultural backgrounds and distinctive musical styles, creating music that embodies the energy of this groundbreaking cultural exchange.

Bridging the Gap in Higher Education

Daily Excelsior, 22nd November, 2024

The NITI Aayog CEO’s recent address underscores the pressing need for India to double its universities to 2,500, enabling 50% of its age cohort to access higher education. This ambition reflects both a challenge and an opportunity for a nation striving to balance its demographic dividend with the demands of a modern economy. Currently, only 29 percent of India’s youth enroll in higher education, a stark contrast to the envisioned 50 percent.