Inaugural Session: Tech, Talent & Transformation: Rethinking Education with 21st Century Skills
The inaugural session, themed “Tech, Talent & Transformation: Rethinking Education with 21st Century Skills,” set a powerful tone for the event, emphasizing the need to align education with the demands of a rapidly evolving world. The session was opened with a warm welcome by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO, and Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group. Guest of Honour Smt. Subhashree Nanda, IAS, Chairperson of the Council of Higher Secondary Education and Addl. Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha underscored the importance of embedding modern skills into the curriculum to prepare learners for the future. Special guests Dr. Mamata Panda, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha, and Shri Ajit Sarangi, CTO of the Odisha Skill Development Authority (OSDA) shared valuable insights into the state’s vision for digital transformation and skill development. The keynote address by Manik Kathuria, Regional Account Director at Coursera highlighted the transformative role of technology and global learning platforms in equipping students with critical 21st-century competencies. The session provided a comprehensive outlook on systemic reforms, leadership strategies, and the integration of technology in education to nurture an agile, innovative, and future-ready workforce. Watch the session on ArdorComm TV YouTube Channel.
Panel 1: NEP 2020 Beyond Textbooks: The Rise of Experiential & Industry-Integrated Learning
The first panel discussion of the summit, titled “NEP 2020 – Beyond Textbooks: The Rise of Experiential & Industry-Integrated Learning,” set the tone for a day of visionary dialogue. The session was moderated by Dr. Ashwini Kumar Tiwari, Vice Chairman, Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School, Bhubaneswar, and brought together a distinguished panel of education leaders. Prof. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Bhubaneswar; Prof. (Dr.) B. Majhi, Vice Chancellor, C. V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar; Prof. Chandrashekhar N. Bhende, Dean – Postgraduate & Research Program, IIT Bhubaneswar; Dr. Meghna Mishra, Founder & Director, Ashelles Public School, Cuttack; and Anjali R. Pandey, Principal/ Head of the School, B.S.M. Dnyananand School, Thane, offered profound insights into how the New Education Policy encourages hands-on, real-world learning experiences. The discussion emphasized the critical need for bridging theoretical knowledge with industry practices, thus redefining classroom learning in today’s dynamic educational ecosystem. Watch the panel session on ArdorComm TV YouTube Channel.
Panel 2: Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era: Building a Continuous Upskilling Culture
The second panel discussion, titled “Lifelong Learning in the Digital Era: Building a Continuous Upskilling Culture,” brought to the fore the pressing need for adaptability and ongoing professional development in the 21st century. The session was moderated by Kumud Mohapatra, Trustee, Sikshadaan International School, Bhubaneswar, who guided the conversation around fostering a mindset of continuous learning. The panel featured prominent educational leaders including Er. Monoj Kumar Dash, Chairman, Dadhichi Group of Institutions, Bhubaneswar; Ganesh Prasad Biswal, Managing Director, Empower Group of Institutions, Kendrapara; and Prof. (Dr.) Amiyakanta Mishra, Vice Chairman, Sai Smart School, Puri. Each speaker emphasized the importance of embedding a culture of reskilling and upskilling in institutions to prepare learners for the evolving demands of the digital age. Watch the panel session on ArdorComm TV YouTube Channel.
Panel 3: Ethical AI in Education and Hiring: Ensuring Fairness, Transparency, and Data Security
The third panel discussion, “Ethical AI in Education and Hiring: Ensuring Fairness, Transparency, and Data Security,” delved into one of the most crucial conversations in today’s tech-integrated educational landscape. The session was moderated by Venkatesh Vijayapandi, Associate Director, META-i Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, who steered the discourse on responsible AI implementation. Esteemed panelists included Prof. (Dr.) Amarendra Narayan Misra, Vice Chancellor, Jagadguru Kripalu University, Cuttack; Er. Uttam Kumar Panigrahi, Chairman, Gayatri Group Of Institutions, Bhubaneswar; and Prof. (Dr.) Kapileswar Mishra, Director, Indian Institute for Production Management (IIPM), Kansbahal. Together, they explored how artificial intelligence can be harnessed ethically in educational and recruitment ecosystems while upholding the principles of fairness, accountability, and data protection.Watch the panel session on ArdorComm TV YouTube Channel.
Panel 4: EdTech 5.0: How Emerging Technologies Are Redefining Education & Work
Panel 5: Human Vs Machine: The Critical Role of Soft Skills in a Tech-Driven World
The fifth and final panel, “Human Vs Machine: The Critical Role of Soft Skills in a Tech-Driven World,” delved into the evolving importance of human-centric capabilities amidst rapid technological advancement. The session was steered by Prof. (Dr.) Dindayal Swain, Director, Sri Sri Advanced Global Centre for Leadership and Ethics, Sri Sri University, Cuttack, who emphasized the growing demand for emotional intelligence, leadership, communication, and ethical reasoning in the digital era. The panel featured thought-provoking insights from Dr. Srikanta Patnaik, Chairman, Board of Trustee, Interscience Institute of Management and Technology, Bhubaneswar; Prof. (Dr.) Srinibas Mahapatro, Chairman, Presidency Group of Institutions, Berhampur; Prof. (Dr.) K.C. Mohanty, Chairman, Newton College of Science & Technology, Bhubaneswar; and Sarasweta Patra, Managing Director, SAMET School of Management, Bhubaneswar. Together, they underscored how a balanced synergy between technology and soft skills is vital for preparing future-ready learners and leaders. Watch the panel session on ArdorComm TV YouTube Channel.
Industry Presentation
Sanjeev Sarma
Sanjeev Sarma, General Manager, SAMSUNG delivered a speech on "SAMSUNG Role in Digital Transformation." He emphasized how the tech giant is driving digital transformation in the education sector, integrating advanced tools and technologies to enhance learning experiences.
Industry Presentation
Shefaly Dutta
Shefaly Dutta, Leader - Academic Partnerships East India and Extended Countries at IBM, spoke on "From Classrooms to Careers: IBM’s Pathways to Academic Excellence and Industry-Driven Skill Development." She shed light on how IBM's initiatives are bridging the gap between academia and the workforce, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market
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CA Mayur Zanwar
CA Mayur Zanwar, Co-Founder of TruScholar, presented a compelling speech on "Enabling NAD, ABC & NEP 2020 Compliances with Blockchain-Powered Credentials." He discussed how blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way academic credentials are verified, ensuring transparency, security, and compliance with national standards.
Venkatraman Umakanth
Venkatraman Umakanth, Senior Vice President & Head at HireMee & Meta-i Technologies, delivered an inspiring address on "Empowering Education Leaders: Strategies for Tech Adoption, Talent Development, and Transformational Change." He shared strategies for educational leaders to embrace technology, enhance talent development, and foster a culture of transformation within institutions.
Award & Felicitation Ceremony
The ArdorComm Education Leadership Award 2024 and Felicitation Ceremony was a highlight of the 13th ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024’ held on 15th November 2024 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This prestigious event celebrated excellence, innovation, and transformative contributions in the education sector. The ArdorComm Media Education Leadership Awards 2024 recognized outstanding individuals, institutions, and EdTech companies that have significantly impacted teaching, learning, and employability outcomes. Honorees included preschools, schools, higher educational institutions, corporations, and EdTech startups, each acknowledged for their exemplary initiatives and commitment to advancing education. The ceremony celebrated trailblazers and innovators who are shaping the future of education, fostering a culture of excellence, and driving progress in the field.
