Category: Education

New book reveals why being yourself at work feels so difficult and how to change it

Organisational psychologist Becky Westwood challenges workplace perfectionism in The Joy of Awkward

‘The Joy of Awkward: Why being seen at work feels so terrifying and how to do it anyway’, the powerful new book from organisational psychologist and award-winning author, Becky Westwood.

Published on 12th November 2026, the book offers a practical roadmap for leaders, managers and professionals who want to build trust, foster authentic relationships and step away from the exhausting pressure of appearing perfect at work.

In today’s workplace, employees are frequently encouraged to “bring their whole selves to work”, yet many still feel compelled to maintain a flawless professional image. In ‘The Joy of Awkward’, Becky Westwood argues that this pursuit of perfection comes at a significant personal and organisational cost. She introduces a vital distinction between vulnerability and humanness, helping readers understand how they can be genuine and authentic without oversharing or compromising professional boundaries.

Drawing on more than 18 years of experience in leadership coaching, psychology and workplace training, Westwood explores the reasons why admitting uncertainty, mistakes or challenges can trigger such discomfort. Combining psychological insight, neuroscience and practical workplace strategies, she provides readers with tools to overcome the fear of being seen as imperfect.

The book helps readers:

• Identify their personal “Humanness Profile” and recognise the energy lost through maintaining a perfect professional persona.
• Understand the brain’s panic response to perceived exposure and imperfection.
• Build trust through safe, practical “micro-experiments” that encourage authentic communication.
• Create healthier workplace cultures that reward honesty, trust and effective relationships rather than performative perfection.
• Develop greater confidence as leaders, managers and professionals.

Speaking about the book, Becky Westwood says:

“Many people believe that being professional means being flawless. The reality is that this pressure is exhausting and often prevents genuine connection. ‘The Joy of Awkward’ is about helping people discover that they don’t need to reveal their deepest wounds to be authentic. They simply need permission to be human. When we stop hiding our operational reality, we create stronger relationships, healthier teams and more sustainable success.”

Ideal for leaders struggling to connect, high-achievers battling perfectionism and organisations seeking to build more trusting cultures, ‘The Joy of Awkward’ offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to work more honestly and effectively.

About the Author: Becky Westwood is CEO of Monkey Puzzle Training and Consultancy and an organisational psychologist with an MSc in Psychology. With over 18 years’ experience in training, coaching and leadership development, she has worked with organisations across the UK, Europe and the United States. Her expertise spans leadership development, workplace psychology and supporting individuals experiencing social anxiety. See: https://monkeypuzzletraining.co.uk

KIIT Ranked 4th Best University in India in THE World University Rankings 2027

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) has secured the 4th position among Indian universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, while emerging as the top-ranked university in Eastern India.

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Founded by educationist and social reformer Dr. Achyuta Samanta, KIIT’s latest performance in the global rankings marks another recognition of its position in India’s higher education landscape.

The THE World University Rankings 2027 assess universities on a range of indicators covering teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry engagement.

KIIT’s fourth position nationally and first rank in Eastern India reflect its performance across these broad parameters and further strengthen the institution’s visibility at both the national and international levels.

The latest ranking has also drawn a positive response from the KIIT community, with faculty members, staff and students expressing happiness over the institution’s recognition in the 2027 global rankings.

The achievement is expected to further reinforce KIIT’s profile as a prominent higher education institution in Odisha and Eastern India.

Odisha Launches Statewide Innovation Challenge to Tap Grassroots Ideas

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 1 (UDN): The Odisha government on Wednesday launched the Odisha Seva First Innovation Challenge (OSFIC), a statewide initiative aimed at identifying innovative ideas and developing practical solutions to challenges faced by people and communities.

 Pic Credit: x.com/SampadSwainBJP

The programme was launched by Startup Odisha under the MSME Department at O-Hub in Bhubaneswar in the presence of state ministers, policymakers, industry representatives and members of the startup ecosystem.

Over one lakh participants targeted

The innovation challenge seeks to bring together more than one lakh participants under three broad categories — Students, Youth and Grassroots Innovation Talents.

The initiative is open to students from schools, universities and technical institutions, startups and MSMEs, as well as artisans, farmers, women’s self-help groups, senior citizens and members of NCC and NSS units, among other eligible participants.

MSME and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the ideas emerging from the top 20 winners would be compiled into a dedicated compendium to showcase their innovations and potentially help connect them with investment opportunities.

He encouraged students and young people to pursue innovative ideas and assured them of government support in taking promising concepts forward. He also highlighted the need to strengthen incubation infrastructure and foster entrepreneurship.

Ministers pitch innovation for public good

Industries and Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said innovative ideas could emerge from diverse sections of society, including villages, farms, artisan communities, educational institutions and women-led initiatives.

He stressed that innovation should ultimately contribute to improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens.

Science & Technology and Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra called for greater focus on innovations that can contribute to public service and nation-building.

He also said a blueprint had been prepared under the proposed Odisha Innovation Mission, with areas such as biotechnology and artificial intelligence identified for attention.

Portal launched, MoUs signed

The launch event also saw the unveiling of the OSFIC web portal, through which eligible participants can register for the challenge.

Strategic MoUs were signed between Startup Odisha and AIIMS Bhubaneswar, World Skill Centre and ASSOCHAM as part of efforts to strengthen the innovation ecosystem.

One-time capital grants were also distributed to incubators, including ACURATE, NIST, CIPET and SOA.

Startup Odisha CEO Smruti Ranjan Pradhan delivered the welcome address, while MSME Commissioner-cum-Secretary and Startup Odisha Chairperson Rashmita Panda outlined the initiative’s objectives.

Former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik attended the launch as the distinguished guest.

The challenge will culminate in a grand finale, where selected innovators will receive financial rewards. The initiative is aimed at creating a wider platform for ideas emerging not only from established startups and institutions but also from communities and individuals working at the grassroots level.

Odisha Extends Scholarship Application Deadline To October 30

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 (UDN): Students eligible for Odisha’s Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarship schemes for the 2026-27 academic session have been given additional time to submit their applications, with the state government extending the deadline to October 30.

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The ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department announced the revised schedule on Wednesday.

The extension covers eligible students from the Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories.

Students seeking fresh scholarships or renewal of existing applications have been advised to complete the online process through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal within the extended deadline.

Under the revised schedule, educational institutions will get time until November 10, 2026, to verify and forward the applications.

The final deadline for online approval by the designated approving authority has been fixed for November 30, 2026.

The department has asked students and educational institutions to follow the revised timeline carefully to ensure that applications are processed and scholarship benefits are released without delay.

Officials have also indicated that requests for any further extension of the schedule may not be considered.

Students eligible for the scholarships have therefore been advised not to wait until the last date and complete the registration or renewal process at the earliest.

IHM Bhubaneswar Successfully Hosts Closing Ceremony of Hindi Pakhwada-2026 & Kavi Sammelan “Hasya Surabhi 2.0”

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30: The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHM), Bhubaneswar, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, successfully organised the grand closing ceremony of Hindi Pakhwada-2026 along with the Kavi Sammelan “Hasya Surabhi 2.0” at its main auditorium today.

The programme commenced with the lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana. Shri Sardar Singh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Shri Narsingh Jethi, Deputy Director General (Programmes), Doordarshan Kendra, Bhubaneswar, attended as the Honoured Guest, while Dr. Debakanta Samal, Registrar, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, and Principal Smt. Sharada Ghosh were the Special Guests.
The Rajbhasha Karmaveer Samman was conferred upon Shri Dhananjay Prasad Sharma (Principal, KV-2 Bhubaneswar) in the field of Education, Shri Vikramaditya Singh in Hindi Literature & Library, and Shri Sudhakar Kumar Shahi in Journalism. Certificates and mementos were also presented to staff for outstanding Rajbhasha work and to student competition winners.

The poetic session “Hasya Surabhi 2.0” featured renowned poets Anup Agrawal, Rajesh Chaturvedi, Itishree Singh Rathore, Santosh Das, and stage coordinator Ashish Vidyarthi, who delighted the audience with humour and satire.
IHM Bhubaneswar: Five Decades of Excellence in Hospitality Education & Nation-BuildingEstablished in 1973 as the Food Craft Institute, the institute was upgraded to the State Institute of Hotel Management in 1981 and further elevated to a national-level Institute of Hotel Management by the Government of India in 1984. Today, it stands among the ten oldest Central IHMs in the country and is the only one with a dedicated Incubation Centre.

Over five decades, IHM Bhubaneswar has produced more than 10,000 professionals who are serving the global hospitality industry. Its alumni include Major Padmapani Acharya, Maha Vir Chakra awardee, and heads of more than one-third of the Central IHMs across India. The institute consistently ranks among the top hospitality institutes (India Today, GHRDC etc.) and maintains excellent placements with leading brands such as Taj, Oberoi, ITC, Hyatt and others.

As the Principal Training Partner of the Department of Mission Shakti, Odisha Livelihood Mission, Odisha Millet Mission and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (Eco-Tourism), the institute actively contributes to skill development and rural tourism initiatives. Through the Hunar Se Rozgar programme of the Ministry of Tourism, it has empowered thousands of youth with employable skills.

In Rajbhasha implementation, the institute was awarded the First Prize by the Town Official Language Implementation Committee in 2025 for exemplary work. The unique Readers Club and Rajbhasha Club continue to promote literary culture among students.

Under the dynamic leadership of Principal Smt. Sharada Ghosh, IHM Bhubaneswar remains committed to excellence in hospitality education, skill development, promotion of Hindi, and supporting national tourism goals.

NIT Rourkela Hosts India-Sri Lanka Workshop On Sustainable Food Processing And Waste Valorisation

Rourkela, Sept. 29 (UDN): The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela hosted a seven-day India-Sri Lanka workshop aimed at advancing sustainable food processing technologies, reducing industrial waste and promoting the conversion of waste into value-added products.

Organised by the Department of Food Process Engineering from September 21 to 27, 2026, the workshop focused on “Advanced Thermal and Non-Thermal Sustainable Technologies for Food Industry Waste Reduction and Waste Valorization.”

The programme was sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and supported by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Science and Technology.

Experts From India, Sri Lanka Participate

Convened by Prof. Winny Routray and Prof. Rachna Sehrawat, the programme was chaired by Prof. Sabyasachi Mishra, Head of the Department of Food Process Engineering.

The workshop brought together academics, researchers, students, experts and early-career professionals from both countries to exchange knowledge and explore collaborative solutions in sustainable food processing and waste utilisation.

The Sri Lankan delegation included experts from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University College Matara, University of Vocational Technology and BMS Campus. Dr Dulani Somendrika, Prof. Indira Wickramasinghe, Dr I. G. Gimanie Kasunmala and Chalani Akmeeman were among the participating delegates.

Focus On Emerging Food Technologies

Technical sessions were conducted by experts from NIT Rourkela, IIT Patna, IIT Kharagpur, NIFTEM Kundli, ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) and ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture.

Industry representatives from Biotez Agrinovation Pvt. Ltd. and Koel Fresh Private Limited also participated.

Discussions covered a wide range of emerging technologies, including zero-waste food production, biofertiliser generation from industrial waste, agricultural and aquaculture waste valorisation, sustainable packaging, smart sensing, protein and starch recovery, green drying technologies, membrane separation and extrusion.

Advanced processing of oilseeds and spices, crystallisation and bio-inspired engineering were among the other areas discussed, with emphasis on cleaner production, food safety, value addition and commercialisation.

Participants Get Hands-On Research Exposure

A major component of the workshop was practical exposure to advanced research facilities at NIT Rourkela’s Central Research Facility.

Participants received demonstrations of technologies and equipment used in electron microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis, X-ray techniques, ICP-OES, 3D printing, liquid nitrogen applications and cold plasma technology.

Laboratory visits to the Department of Food Process Engineering further complemented the technical sessions and provided participants with an opportunity to understand ongoing research and applications.

NIT Director Highlights Academic Collaboration

Addressing the Sri Lankan delegation, NIT Rourkela Director Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao said such programmes provide an important platform for researchers and students to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies and develop academic partnerships.

He highlighted sustainable food processing and waste valorisation as important areas where scientific innovation can contribute to resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and value creation.

Scope For Joint Research

The workshop also explored ways to transform food and industrial waste into useful products, including biofertilisers and functional packaging materials.

The programme concluded with renewed academic and scientific engagement between participating institutions from India and Sri Lanka, with discussions paving the way for future joint research, institutional partnerships and continued knowledge exchange in sustainable food processing and waste valorisation.

OSSSC Reschedules Counselling For RI, ICDS Supervisor And Other Posts

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Odisha Sub-ordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) has rescheduled the counselling process for choice of post and district for several district cadre posts under CRE-2023(IV).

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The counselling, earlier scheduled for September 30, 2026, will now be conducted on October 6, 2026, following the Odisha Bandh called by the Naba Nirmana Krushaka Sangathana on September 30.

Counselling For Five Posts Deferred

As per an OSSSC notice issued on September 28, the revised schedule applies to candidates appearing for counselling for the posts of:

Revenue Inspector (RI)
ICDS Supervisor
Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI)
Amin
Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS)

The Commission took the decision to defer the counselling in view of the bandh and has fixed October 6 as the new date.

Existing Intimation Letters Remain Valid

OSSSC clarified that candidates whose roll numbers were included in Annexure-XIV of its earlier notice, issued on September 22, 2026, are required to attend the counselling on the revised date.

Candidates do not need to download fresh intimation letters. The letters already downloaded for the September 30 counselling will remain valid for the rescheduled session on October 6.

Time And Venue Unchanged

The Commission further stated that the time and venue mentioned in the existing intimation letters will remain unchanged.

All other terms, conditions and instructions contained in the earlier counselling notice will continue to apply.

Candidates have been advised to take note of the revised date and attend the counselling process accordingly.

PMO Seeks Odisha Govt Response Over Alleged Textbook Printing Irregularities

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 29 (UDN): The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a response from the Odisha government over allegations of large-scale irregularities in the printing and distribution of school textbooks in the state.

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The development follows a complaint submitted by RTI activist and whistleblower Pradip Pradhan, who alleged financial irregularities, conflict of interest and lapses in the textbook printing process.

Education Ministry Seeks State Response

Following the complaint, the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education reportedly sought a response from Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department.

The state department has been asked to examine the allegations and take appropriate action, according to reports.

Pradhan has alleged that a deputy director-level official associated with the government press has been involved in overseeing textbook printing work since 2022 despite the responsibility, according to his complaint, falling under the School and Mass Education Department.

Conflict Of Interest Alleged

The whistleblower has further alleged that the official facilitated printing and supply contracts involving a private agency allegedly operated by the officer’s wife.

Pradhan has sought a detailed investigation into the matter, alleging that such an arrangement could constitute a conflict of interest and have financial implications for the state exchequer.

He has also alleged that lapses in quality control resulted in error-filled textbooks being supplied to students across Odisha.

The allegations are subject to examination by the concerned authorities.

1,741 Errors Found In School Textbooks

The controversy comes amid disclosures made by the Odisha government in the State Assembly regarding errors in school textbooks.

According to a written reply by School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, as many as 1,741 errors were identified in textbooks for Classes 1 to 8.

The government informed the Assembly that around Rs 175 crore had been spent on the printing and publication of these textbooks.

The PMO’s intervention has now brought renewed attention to the textbook production process, with the state government expected to respond to the allegations and clarify the steps taken to address the reported irregularities.

Puri Beach Waste Turned Into Record-Breaking Art Installation, Enters India Book of Records

Puri, Sept. 29 (UDN): Discarded fishing nets and other marine waste collected from the Puri coastline have been transformed into a large-scale art installation, earning a place in the India Book of Records for promoting coastal and marine conservation.

The record, titled “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness,” was achieved by Spandan in partnership with HCL Foundation as part of an initiative to highlight the growing threat posed by marine waste.

The installation was created using waste recovered during a major coastal cleanup drive held at Puri on September 19, coinciding with International Coastal Cleanup Day.

10,000 Kg Of Waste Collected

Around 700 marine activists, volunteers and members of various organisations participated in the cleanup along the Bay of Bengal coast.

The participants included personnel from the Indian Coast Guard, Puri Mahanagar Nigam, women self-help groups, Scouts and Guides, the Puri Cricket Association, members of the Fishery Association and other local volunteers.

The drive resulted in the collection of more than 10,000 kg of solid waste from the beach.

Among the waste were abandoned fishing nets and discarded fishing gear, which can pose significant risks to marine animals and affect coastal ecosystems.

Waste Transformed Into Art

Following the cleanup, the collected material was segregated and handed over for an innovative community art initiative.

Young members of the local community used the discarded materials to create a large artistic installation aimed at drawing attention to marine pollution and the impact of fishing-related waste on marine biodiversity.

The artwork was displayed at Penthakotta in Puri on September 28.

India Book Of Records Recognition

The unique installation was formally recognised by the India Book of Records under the category of “Largest Artistic Display for Coastal and Marine Conservation Awareness.”

India Book of Records adjudicator Sanjay Kumar Bhola attended the event and presented the record recognition to members of the team.

He also appreciated the efforts of Spandan and HCL Foundation in using collected coastal waste to create awareness about marine conservation and the protection of India’s coastal ecosystem.

The initiative has given discarded beach waste a new purpose—turning material that threatened the marine environment into a public artwork carrying a message of conservation.

University of Michigan Health-West Expands Use of Canopy’s Wearable Safety Technology, Adding to its Commitment to Staff Safety

Nearly 1,900 additional employees at UM Health-West’s Village campus to receive wearable safety devices, building on the Canopy program already in place

WYOMING, MI– Sept. 29, 2026 — Canopy, the leader in connected safety technology for healthcare, is announcing that University of Michigan Health-West (UM Health-West) has deployed Canopy Protect, Canopy’s workplace safety platform, to nearly 1,900 employees across its Village campus. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 24, UM Health-West is distributing 1,875 wearable safety devices, giving staff a fast, discreet way to alert security and nearby colleagues the moment they need support. 

With two quick presses of the wearable device, the Canopy Button instantly sends the employee’s name and location to security dispatch and alerts nearby colleagues, enabling a faster, more coordinated response before a situation escalates. The rollout is supported by the LocationID Network, with indoor and outdoor gateways providing coverage across the hospital, surrounding parking lots, and walking paths.

“There isn’t one single piece of technology or one security program that can address every situation we encounter,” said Gary Gorski, director of security at UM Health-West. “That’s why we’ve built this system in layers. Our K9 teams provide a visible presence and can help de-escalate situations. Weapons detection helps us keep dangerous items out of the ED and hospital, and Canopy gives our employees a way to discreetly call for help and tell us exactly where they are at a time when seconds matter.”

UM Health-West first piloted Canopy Protect in its Emergency Department in 2023. Following the success of that pilot, the hospital is now expanding the technology system-wide across its Village campus, making it available to clinical and non-clinical staff alike.

The deployment marks the latest expansion of Canopy’s presence within University of Michigan Health. University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, part of the same health system, has equipped thousands of staff with wearable duress buttons since introducing the program, and in May 2026 extended the technology to its hospice and home care teams, allowing clinicians who work inside patients’ homes to call for help just as discreetly as staff on hospital floors. UM Health-West’s rollout extends that same connected safety infrastructure to another University of Michigan Health community, reflecting a system-wide investment in giving frontline staff a fast, reliable way to call for help. 

“Healthcare workers and frontline staff deserve to feel safe every time they step onto the floor, and we’re proud to partner with organizations like UM Health-West that are making workplace safety a priority,” said Shan Sinha, CEO and founder of Canopy. 

Workplace violence remains one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges, with frontline caregivers frequently facing verbal threats and physical aggression on the job. By giving staff a direct line to security and colleagues, UM Health-West is equipping employees with a solution to intervene before situations escalate, complementing the training and response protocols already in place.