ArdorComm Media Bureau
April 19, 2025
The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 held in the culturally rich city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, was a powerful confluence of voices, visions, and values that are shaping the future of education in India. Organized by ArdorComm Media Group, the summit was an inspiring testament to the education sector’s evolving dynamics, as it brought together distinguished academicians, educationists, policy makers, government officials, and edtech leaders under one roof to address the most pressing needs of modern education.
With the overarching theme of “Tech, Talent & Transformation: Rethinking Education with 21st Century Skills,” the summit unfolded into a vibrant dialogue on how the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, digital transformation, and future skills are influencing institutional priorities and learner outcomes across India.
A Day of Vision, Dialogue, and Transformation
The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 unfolded as a dynamic and forward-thinking gathering that brought together over 150+ higher education leaders, 100+ school education professionals, and influential EdTech organizations from across India. With more than 50 thought leaders and experts sharing their insights, the day featured an immersive agenda filled with panel discussions, keynote addresses, industry presentations, and collaborative roundtables. The summit served as a vibrant platform for exchanging innovative ideas, fostering partnerships, and addressing the evolving needs of India’s education ecosystem. Key discussions delved into pivotal themes such as the implementation of NEP 2020 through experiential and industry-integrated learning, fostering a culture of continuous upskilling, navigating the ethics of AI in education and recruitment, exploring the possibilities of EdTech 5.0, and the indispensable role of soft skills in a technology-driven era.
Support from Esteemed Government Leaders of Odisha
The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 received immense encouragement and support from esteemed dignitaries of the Government of Odisha. Shri Nityananda Gond, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for School and Mass Education, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, ST & SC, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare; Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia Language, Literature & Culture; and Shri Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, IAS, Director of the Higher Education Department, Govt. of Odisha, extended their best wishes for the successful conduct of the summit. Their gracious support underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in transforming the education landscape of the state and the nation at large.
Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers
The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 featured an exceptional lineup of industry leaders and experts who shared their insights on the future of education. The event was inaugurated with a warm welcome address by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO, and Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, who set the tone for the day’s discussions.
The 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, highlighted the importance of integrating modern skills into the educational landscape. 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), also graced the event as special guests, bringing forward the government’s vision for skilling and digital transformation in education.
The keynote address was delivered by Manik Kathuria, Regional Account Director at Coursera, who shed light on the evolving role of digital platforms in reshaping education and skill development, emphasizing the need for a global perspective on 21st-century skills in education. The presence of these distinguished leaders set the stage for a truly inspiring and insightful day, as they shared their expertise and best practices for building a future-ready education system.
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.
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.
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.
The fourth panel discussion, “EdTech 5.0: How Emerging Technologies Are Redefining Education & Work,” highlighted the transformative potential of advanced technologies in reshaping educational ecosystems and the future of work. The session was adeptly moderated by Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, Director – South Asia, D2L, who navigated the dialogue around digital innovation in pedagogy. Contributing their expert insights were distinguished speakers: Dr. (Er.) Sunil Kumar Pattanayak, Chairman, Suddhananda Group of Institutions, Bhubaneswar; Prof. (Dr.) Priyadarsan Patra, Vice Chancellor, NIST University, Berhampur; and Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Kumar Hota, Vice Chancellor, DRIEMS University, Cuttack. The panel explored how tools like AI, immersive learning, and smart platforms are redefining how knowledge is delivered, consumed, and applied in real-world careers.
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.
Industry Speeches
The event also featured insightful industry speeches that highlighted the transformative role of technology and innovation in education.
The first speech, “SAMSUNG Role in Digital Transformation,” was delivered by Sanjeev Sarma, General Manager, SAMSUNG. He emphasized how the tech giant is driving digital transformation in the education sector, integrating advanced tools and technologies to enhance learning experiences.
Next, 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.
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.
Lastly, 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.
These speeches provided a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and educators in shaping the future of education.
Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable Discussion 1: Advancing Competency-Based Education with Digital Tools
A key roundtable discussion on Advancing Competency-Based Education with Digital Tools included the following speakers:
- Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, Director – South Asia, D2L (Session Moderator)
- Dr. Pabitra Kumar Tripathy, Principal, Kalam Institute of Technology Berhampur
- Prof. (Dr.) Srinibas Mahapatro, Chairman, Presidency Group of Institutions, Berhampur
- Prof. (Dr.) Priyadarsan Patra, Vice Chancellor, NIST University, Berhampur
- Prof. (Dr.) B. Majhi, Vice Chancellor, C. V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Srikanta Patnaik, Chairman, Interscience Institute of Management and Technology, Bhubaneswar
- Prof. (Dr.) K.C. Mohanty, Chairman, Newton College of Science & Technology, Bhubaneswar
- Prof. (Dr.) R. N. Satpathy, Dean, Faculty of Engineering & Technology, Sri Sri University, Cuttack
- Madhusudan Mishra, Registrar, Jagadguru Kripalu University, Cuttack
- Prof. (Dr.) C.V. Gopinath, Director, Majhighariani Institute of Technology and Science, Rayagada
- Sarasweta Patra, Managing Director, SAMET School of Management, Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Rajat Kumar Kar, Principal, Dadhichi College of Pharmacy, Cuttack
- Prof. (Dr.) P. C. Samantaray, Director, Suddhananda School of Management and Computer Science, Bhubaneswar
- Prof. Vivek Sharma, Director, Indotech College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar
The discussion focused on how digital tools can transform competency-based education and help institutions deliver personalized, skill-focused learning pathways for students.
Roundtable Discussion 2: AI-Powered Learning: Unlocking Student Success with Data-Driven Insights
The roundtable discussion on AI-Powered Learning: Unlocking Student Success with Data-Driven Insights featured the following distinguished speakers:
- Anurag Walia, Founder & CEO, Aplus Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd (Session Moderator)
- Sanjeev Sarma, General Manager, SAMSUNG
- Debasis Dixit, Chairman, SBD International School, Bhadrak
- Babita Dash, Managing Trustee, Dadhichi Group of Institutions, Bhubaneswar
- Smruti Sarika, CEO, Times Scholars Gurukul, Bhubaneswar
- Sikata Das, Director, Bhubaneswar Model Public School, Bhubaneswar
- Dillip Kumar Mishra, Owner, Balbikash Public School, Jajpur
- Kumud Mohapatra, Trustee, Sikshadaan International School, Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Meghna Mishra, Founder & Director, Ashelles Public School, Cuttack
- Er. Monoj Kumar Dash, Chairman, Dadhichi Group of Institutions, Bhubaneswar
- Vikas Bahinipati, Vice-Chairman, Cohen International School, Bhubaneswar
- Pabitra Routray, Chairman, Shree Krishna International School, Bhubaneswar
- Nadia Moghbelpour, Founder Director, Blossoms School, Bhubaneswar
- Subrat Kumar Sarangi, Principal / Head of the Institution, ODM Global School, Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Sujata Ghosh, Principal, Pranaballav Public School, Keonjhar
- Dwarika Nath Panda, Principal, Matrushree Anglo Vedic School, Berhampur
- Pallabi Mohapatra, Vice Principal, Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School, Bhubaneswar
- Lipsita Mohanty, Principal, Bhubaneswar Model Public School | Irc Village Takshila
- Nirupama Patra, Principal, Jupiter Public School Khurda
- Debasish Mahapatra, Founder and Managing Director, Toshali Vidyamandir Tusra
- Ganesh Prasad Biswal, Managing Director, Empower Group of Institutions Kendrapara
This roundtable explored how AI-driven tools and data insights can enhance personalized learning experiences, providing students with tailored educational pathways that improve learning outcomes and long-term success.
Recognizing Excellence: ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025
The ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 were presented during the summit to honor outstanding individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the advancement of education and the future of learning. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and transformative educational practices.
The awards were designed to recognize individuals and institutions across various sectors, from K-12 education to higher education and EdTech, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to shaping the future of education. The recipients were selected based on their contributions to promoting digital learning, fostering industry partnerships, integrating emerging technologies, and championing inclusive and accessible education models.
The award ceremony was a key highlight of the summit, as leaders in education were acknowledged for their vision and tireless efforts in driving positive change in the education sector. These leaders have set new standards for educational excellence, impacting thousands of students and institutions across the nation.
The ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 underscored the importance of recognizing the trailblazers who are actively shaping the future of education, empowering students, and preparing them for success in the 21st century workforce. The event was an inspiring moment for all attendees, motivating further innovation and dedication in the educational landscape.
Conclusion
The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 was more than just an event; it was a powerful call to action for reimagining and redefining the future of education in India. With its insightful discussions, visionary leaders, and innovative ideas, the summit successfully highlighted the pressing need for a shift in how we approach education, skills development, and the integration of technology in learning.
As we move further into the 21st century, the lessons drawn from the summit are clear—education must evolve to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The focus on experiential learning, continuous upskilling, ethical AI, and the indispensable role of soft skills presents a roadmap for a more inclusive, future-ready educational ecosystem. The collaboration between government, academia, and industry, as seen in the event, will play a pivotal role in driving these changes.
The ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 served as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the individuals and institutions that are leading the charge toward educational transformation. Their vision and commitment are not just reshaping the present but are also creating pathways for future generations to thrive in an increasingly complex and digital world.
As the summit concluded, it left behind a legacy of inspiration and collaboration, encouraging all stakeholders in education to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The journey toward a future-ready India begins with the dedication and passion of leaders like those gathered at this summit, who are paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful education system.
Stay Connected!
Follow ArdorComm Media for more updates on upcoming events!
Event Glimpses: https://ardorcomm-media.com/aelsa/glimpses/
Event Website: https://ardorcomm-media.com/aelsa/
Event Video: https://shorturl.at/SQGVb