- Inaugural Session
- Panel 1
- Panel 2
- Panel 3
- Panel 4
- Panel 5
- Industry Speech – Samsung
- Industry Speech – Rajib Dey, National Coach (India)
- Industry Speech – Meritto
- Industry Speech – TruScholar
- Industry Speech – MasterSoft
- Industry Speech – Smartbridge Educational Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Roundtable
- Valedictory Session
- Award & Felicitation Ceremony
- Thank You
- Glimpses
Inaugural Session: Empowering Uttarakhand in the Digital Era – Expanding Boundaries of Education, Skill and Employability
The summit commenced with an impactful Inaugural Session that set the tone for the day, themed around empowering Uttarakhand through digital transformation in education, skill development, and employability. In his welcome address, Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, emphasized the importance of building a future-ready education ecosystem rooted in collaboration and innovation. The Guest of Honour, C. Ravi Shankar, IAS, Secretary – Skill Development & Employment Department, Government of Uttarakhand, underscored the state’s commitment to fostering digital literacy and vocational growth across all districts. The session featured compelling addresses by Dr. Sunil Rai, President, UPES, Dehradun, and Gagan Agrawal, Head – Academic Partnerships (North & Central India), IBM Career Education, who shared insights on creating digitally empowered academic environments and aligning education with industry needs. Together, the speakers highlighted how policy, partnerships, and purposeful innovation can drive inclusive growth and make Uttarakhand a model for education-led digital progress. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Panel 1: NEP and Tech Advantage for KG to PG: Building a Future-Ready Generation
The session on “NEP and Tech Advantage for KG to PG: Building a Future-Ready Generation” delved into how the transformative vision of NEP 2020, combined with strategic technology integration, can reshape India’s education landscape from foundational years to advanced research. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving knowledge economy, the panel explored how digital tools, adaptive learning platforms, and multidisciplinary approaches are bridging learning gaps, enhancing personalization, and aligning curricula with future workforce needs. Moderated by Sandip Sen, Principal, SERS Public School, Guwahati, the discussion featured distinguished education leaders including Cdr. (Dr.) Gurdaman Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SRM University, Gangtok; Prof. (Dr.) Ginlianlal Buhril, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI University, Mizoram; Dr. Nitai Pradhan, Principal, Good Shepherd’s Home English Medium High School, Nagaon; and Mohan Raghavan, Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The panelists emphasised curriculum flexibility, experiential and research-oriented learning, digital integration across classrooms, and continuous teacher capacity-building as critical enablers in nurturing future-ready skills and resilient mindsets from KG to PG, ensuring equitable access and holistic development across the academic continuum. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Panel 2: Digital Pathways to Lifelong Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion & Ethics
The panel discussion on “Digital Pathways to Lifelong Learning: Balancing Innovation, Inclusion & Ethics” examined how rapid technological advancements are redefining learning beyond traditional classrooms, enabling individuals to continuously reskill and upskill in an increasingly dynamic knowledge economy. Anchored in NEP 2020’s vision of digital empowerment and lifelong learning, the session explored the opportunities created by AI-driven tools, online platforms, and blended learning ecosystems, while also addressing pressing concerns around digital equity, data privacy, ethical technology use, and learner well-being. Moderated by Gariasi Dutta, Chairperson, The down town Group Schools, Guwahati, the panel brought together Diwan Siraj Munir, Executive Director & CEO, Sublime Academy, Barpeta; Dr. Durlav Sarkar, Founder & Director, Gurukul Group of Educational Wing, Mangaldai; Mallika Das Singh, Founder & Director, Lakshya International School, Tezpur; and Anuraag Saraf, Founder & Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati. The discussion highlighted the need for inclusive digital infrastructure, responsible and ethical integration of technology, robust blended learning models, and the cultivation of critical thinking and digital citizenship to ensure that innovation remains learner-centric, equitable, and sustainable across all stages of education. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Panel 3: Bridging Education and Employability: Skills for the 21st Century Workforce
The session on “Bridging Education and Employability: Skills for the 21st Century Workforce” placed a sharp focus on aligning academic ecosystems with the rapidly evolving demands of industry and the global economy. Against the backdrop of automation, digital transformation, and increasing interconnectedness, the panel underscored the urgent need to move beyond traditional knowledge frameworks toward competency-based, experiential, and industry-integrated learning models, as envisioned under NEP 2020. Moderated by Prof. Himanshu Panchal, Vice Chancellor, EdTech Skills University, Tinsukia, the panel brought together eminent leaders including Kuldip Sarma, Co-Founder & Pro-Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University, Singtam; Manik Kathuria, Regional Account Director, Coursera; Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa, AVSM, Pro Chancellor (Emeritus), IILM University, Greater Noida; Prof. (Dr.) K. V. S. Sarma, Vice Chancellor, National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati; Dr. Bibhas Deb, Vice Chancellor, Maharaja Bir Bikram University, Agartala; Prof. (Dr.) Ajeya Jha, Vice Chancellor, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai; and Dr. Debmalya Bhattacharya, Pro Vice Chancellor, MIT University of Meghalaya. The discussion emphasised the integration of industry-aligned curricula, micro-credentials, internships and apprenticeships, leadership development, and robust academia–industry collaboration to create seamless pathways from education to employment, ensuring that learners from the Northeast are equipped with critical thinking, adaptability, digital literacy, and ethical leadership skills to thrive in a dynamic 21st century workforce. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Panel 4: Reimagining Higher Ed in the Digital Era: Transformation, Trends & Pathways
The panel on “Reimagining Higher Education in the Digital Era: Transformation, Trends & Pathways” examined the sweeping changes redefining universities in an age shaped by digital innovation, shifting learner expectations, and intensifying global competition. Set within the reformative framework of NEP 2020, the discussion explored how institutions are embracing blended learning models, digital credentials, interdisciplinary programs, research-driven ecosystems, and global partnerships to enhance access, quality, and relevance. At the same time, panelists reflected on critical challenges including faculty readiness, governance reforms, infrastructure development, and quality assurance mechanisms necessary to sustain long-term transformation. Moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran, Vice Chancellor, Himalayan University, Itanagar, the panel featured distinguished academic and industry leaders including Subrato Ganguly, Senior Manager – Business Development, Meritto; Prof. (Dr.) Gauri Dutt Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya; Prof. Narendra S. Chaudhari, Vice Chancellor, Assam Science & Technology University, Guwahati; Prof. Ajanta Borgohain Rajkonwar, Vice Chancellor, Assam Women’s University, Jorhat; Dr. Alicia Gatphoh, Vice Chancellor, The ICFAI University, Meghalaya; Dr. Sagar Onkarrao Manjare, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya; and Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, Lumami. The discussion underscored the importance of strategic digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, collaborative innovation, and learner-centric approaches as essential pathways for building resilient, future-ready, and globally competitive higher education institutions. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Panel 5: AI, Innovation & Inclusion: Reimagining Education for Tomorrow’s Northeast
The concluding panel on “AI, Innovation & Inclusion: Reimagining Education for Tomorrow’s Northeast” explored how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are reshaping education through personalized learning, predictive analytics, and data-driven institutional strategies. In the context of the Northeast’s unique geographical and socio-economic landscape, the session highlighted how AI-powered solutions can help bridge access gaps, strengthen infrastructure limitations, and unlock regional talent—while remaining aligned with NEP 2020’s emphasis on equity, inclusion, and responsible technology integration. Moderated by Prof. (Dr.) K. Sai Prasad, Dean – College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dayananda Sagar University, Bengaluru, the panel featured Viswajeet Biswal, Vice President, KollegeApply.com; Prof. Pranveer Singh, Pro Vice Chancellor, Assam down town University, Guwahati; Prof. Ch. Ibohal Singh, Dean, Students’ Welfare, Manipur University, Imphal; and Dr. Binud Ch. Borah, Registrar, Assam Women’s University, Jorhat, Assam. The discussion underscored the need for ethical AI frameworks, innovation-driven pedagogy, capacity-building for educators, and inclusive digital strategies to ensure that technological advancements translate into meaningful, equitable learning outcomes and prepare the youth of the Northeast for emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Sanjeev Sarma
“Samsung for Education”, was delivered by Sanjeev Sarma, General Manager, Samsung India, who highlighted Samsung’s initiatives to support digital classrooms and enable future-ready learning through technology-driven education solutions.
Rajib Dey
Inclusivity of Para-Sports in the Sports Ecosystem”, was presented by Rajib Dey, General Secretary, Paralympic Association of Assam and National Coach (India) for Swimming & Para Swimming, who emphasised the need for inclusive sports education and equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Subrato Ganguly
Why Student Enrollment Doesn’t Need More Tools”, by Subrato Ganguly, Senior Manager – Business Development, Meritto, offered a fresh perspective on simplifying enrollment processes by focusing on strategy, experience and meaningful engagement rather than adding more technology layers.
Naim Shekh
“Turning Education Reform into Reality: AI and Blockchain for Global Academic Mobility”, was delivered by Naim Shekh, Vice President, TruScholar, who demonstrated how emerging technologies can enable secure, transparent and globally recognised academic credentials.
Krishna Kumar
“MasterSoft for Higher Education”, was presented by Krishna Kumar, Vice President of Sales, MasterSoft, highlighting digital solutions designed to strengthen academic administration and institutional efficiency.
Sridevi Sira
“SkillWallet as Credit Course: Creating Industry-Ready Talent Pool in the Northeast”, was delivered by Sridevi Sira, Vice President – Strategic Partnerships, Smartbridge Educational Services Pvt. Ltd., focusing on integrating skill-based credit courses to enhance employability and workforce readiness.
RoundTable Discussion: Beyond Devices: Building Integrated Smart Campuses with Connected Classrooms
The summit also featured an engaging Roundtable Discussion titled “Beyond Devices: Building Integrated Smart Campuses with Connected Classrooms,” which brought together prominent school leaders and education practitioners to deliberate on holistic and sustainable approaches to digital transformation. Moving beyond the mere adoption of hardware, the conversation centred on creating integrated smart campuses powered by connected classrooms, robust digital ecosystems, teacher readiness, and data-driven decision-making frameworks that enhance student-centric learning experiences. Moderated by Sanjeev Sarma, General Manager, Samsung India, the roundtable witnessed insightful contributions from Rahul A. Saikia, Managing Director, Holy Mary International School, Guwahati; Monmoyuree Borkotoky, Principal, Delhi Public School, Khanapara, Guwahati; Dr. Bandana Baruah, Principal, Army Public School, Narangi, Guwahati; Sekh Abdul Firuz, Managing Director & Principal, Rupkonwar Academy, Changsari; Dr. Durlav Sarkar, Founder & Director, Gurukul Group of Educational Wing, Mangaldai; Dr. Diganta Halder, Principal, Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati; Jugal Chandra Borah, Principal, Faculty Higher Secondary School, North Guwahati; Dr. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director, Sai Vikash Educational Institution, Guwahati; Krishna Baruah, Principal, Army Public School, Dinjan, Dibrugarh; Mohan Raghavan, Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati; Sulipi Halder, Principal, Modern Public Academy, Alikash, Guwahati; Diwan Siraj Munir, Executive Director & CEO, Sublime Academy, Barpeta; Maya Fernandes, Principal, The down town School, Guwahati; Dr. Nitai Pradhan, Principal, Good Shepherd’s Home English Medium High School, Nagaon; Anuraag Saraf, Founder & Director, Mind Matters Educational Group, Guwahati; Dr. Shivani Johri, Principal, Modern Public Academy, Rampur; Bipul Choudhary, Principal, Tezpur Gurukul School, Tezpur; Gariasi Dutta, Chairperson, The down town Group Schools, Guwahati; and Sharafudheen Arimbra Malappuram, Director, Funoon Academy, Barpeta. The discussion underscored the importance of collaborative leadership, seamless technology integration, capacity-building for educators, and strategic planning to build future-ready, digitally empowered school ecosystems across the Northeast. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Valedictory Session
The summit concluded with a dignified Valedictory Session and Felicitation & Award Ceremony, marking a fitting close to a day of impactful discussions and knowledge exchange. Dr. M. S. Lakshmi Priya, IAS, Secretary – Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department (SEED) and Mission Director, Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM), graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, sharing valuable perspectives on strengthening skill ecosystems and enhancing employability outcomes in alignment with regional and national priorities. The session concluded with a Thank You Note by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, partners and participants for their contributions in making the summit a meaningful platform for advancing future-ready education in the Northeast. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.
Award & Felicitation Ceremony
A major highlight of the summit was the ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2026, which celebrated outstanding individuals, institutions, EdTech startups, and corporate organisations that have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and impact in the education ecosystem during transformative times. The awards recognised excellence across six key segments—Preschools, School Education, Higher Education, Skills & Training, EdTech Startups, and EdTech Corporate—reflecting the breadth and diversity of the learning landscape. Honourees were acknowledged for driving meaningful change through pioneering innovation, re-skilling and upskilling initiatives, technology integration, inclusive education practices, and outcome-driven models that have positively influenced learners and communities. Beyond celebrating achievement, the awards served as a catalyst for inspiration, encouraging the wider education fraternity to push boundaries, embrace forward-thinking approaches, and collectively reimagine the future of learning. Watch the ceremony on ArdorComm TV.
The award ceremony honored visionary leaders who have set new benchmarks for excellence, transforming the educational landscape and positively impacting countless students and institutions nationwide. By acknowledging these trailblazers, the ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 underscored the importance of continuous innovation and dedication to shaping a future-ready education system. This inspiring moment served to motivate all attendees, emphasizing the vital role of leadership in empowering students and preparing them for success in the rapidly evolving workforce of the 21st century. Watch the session at ArdorComm TV.