Bhatkal students’ startup wins NexGen Skills Shapers Award at India’s Iconic Business Awards
Bengaluru: Alliance ProLearn Private Limited, a startup founded by two young students from Bhatkal, has bagged the NexGen Skills Shapers Award 2025 at the 16th edition of India’s Business Iconic Awards held at the White Pearl ASR Convention Centre, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
The startup, co-founded by Mohammed Ismail and Mohammed Meera Mohtesham, focuses on upskilling school and college students in 21st-century skillsets including Robotics, Electronics, Coding, Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technologies, and even non-tech skills like Martial Arts. The initiative, which started with a vision to empower young learners with practical knowledge, has now been recognised at the national stage for its innovative approach.
Both Ismail, who is pursuing M.Tech in Robotics and Industrial Automation at MIT, Manipal, and Meera, currently studying Electronics Engineering at AITM, Bhatkal, dedicated the award to their late mentor Mohtesham Mohammed Yaseen (Yaseen sir) who passed away recently, recalling his guidance and encouragement in shaping the initiative.
In an official note, the founders described the award as a “dream turned into reality,” crediting their late-night brainstorming sessions, the hurdles they overcame, and the belief that skills can transform lives. They also expressed gratitude to their team members, learners who placed trust in them, and well-wishers who supported the journey.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
