ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 held on 28th November in Jammu

A Transformative Gathering in the Heart of Jammu

The ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025, held on 28th November in Jammu, successfully convened distinguished educators, policymakers, corporate leaders, and innovators for a transformative dialogue on the future of learning. Centred on the theme “Redefining Skilling & Learning in the Digital Era: Empowering Future Leaders in J&K,” the summit highlighted the region’s growing momentum in adopting forward-thinking educational models. The event underscored how Jammu & Kashmir is poised to shape a new generation of skilled, tech-enabled, and future-ready learners by integrating digital tools, industry-driven curricula, and inclusive pedagogies that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce landscape.

Strengthening Education in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir has made significant progress in enhancing access to quality education through greater digital equity, improved literacy, and NEP 2020-led reforms. Government initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, Mid-Day Meal, and Diksha continue to support inclusive learning. The summit created a collaborative platform for all stakeholders to exchange insights and chart a unified path toward future-ready education ecosystems.

Support from Esteemed Government Leaders

The summit received heartfelt encouragement and goodwill messages from distinguished leaders of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, whose support added immense value to the event’s vision. Shri Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister (Public Works (R&B), Industries & Commerce, Mining, Labour & Employment and Skill Development Departments), conveyed his warm greetings and applauded ArdorComm’s efforts in fostering meaningful discussions around skilling, employability, and digital empowerment in the region. Ms. Sakeena Itoo, Hon’ble Minister for School Education, Higher Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare Department, also extended her best wishes, appreciating the summit’s role in bringing together leaders committed to redefining learning pathways for the youth of J&K. Their support reinforced the importance of collaborative action in building a strong, future-ready educational ecosystem across the Union Territory.

Industry Leaders and Keynote Speakers 

The inaugural session of the ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 set an inspiring tone with insightful perspectives from distinguished industry leaders and keynote speakers. Delivering the Welcome Address, Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, emphasised the importance of collaborative innovation in shaping a digitally empowered education ecosystem for Jammu & Kashmir. The session was graced by the Guest of Honour, Shahzad Alam, IAS, Director – Employment & Skill Development and MD – Mission YUVA, Govt. of J&K, who highlighted the government’s progressive initiatives aimed at strengthening youth employability and future-readiness. Adding depth to the discussion were the esteemed Keynote Speakers, Dr. S. K. Rathor, Founder, Chairman & MD, SANFORT Group of Schools, and Gagan Agrawal, Head – Academic Partnerships (North & Central India), IBM Career Education, both of whom shared compelling insights on redefining learning and skilling frameworks to align with the demands of the digital era. Their combined wisdom laid a strong foundation for the day’s conversations around empowering future leaders in the region.

The first panel discussion, “Digital India in the Himalayas: Bridging the Tech Divide for Learning Equity,” brought together an esteemed lineup of academic leaders and innovators from across the region. The session was moderated by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Director, Institute of Management Sciences, Jammu, and featured distinguished panelists including Dr. Balbinder Singh Pathania, Executive Director, Dronacharya PG College, Kangra; Prof. (Dr.) Hanan Khalid Khan, Director, ASE Group of Institutions, Kashmir; Prof. (Dr.) C.V. Gopinath, Director, Majhighariani Institute of Technology and Science, Rayagada; Dr. Atul Hans, Director Academics, International Daily Rising School, Jammu; Anu Kaushal, Director – Training & Communications, Lamrin Tech Skills University, Ropar; Ikkz Ikbal, Principal, Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpara Qaziabad, Srinagar; and Rajeev Sharma, Principal, J&K Police Public School, Jammu. Together, they contributed their diverse perspectives to this important conversation on ensuring equitable access to technology-driven learning in the Himalayan region.

The second panel discussion, “Fostering Future Leaders: How Values-Based Education Can Inspire Peace & Progress,” featured a distinguished group of education leaders who shared their perspectives on nurturing character, compassion, and responsible citizenship in learners. The session was moderated by Arvind Mahajan, Chairman & MD, Spring Dales English School, Kathua, and brought together eminent speakers including Ritesh Kapoor, Director–Principal, A.S.N. Hr. Secondary School, Channi Himmat, Jammu; Tarvinder Kaur, Regional Director, Sanfort Group of Schools, Jammu; Irtiqa Kaushfi, Principal, Hissam Institute of Learning & Leadership, Srinagar; Ishfaq Sayeed, Chairman, New Light Public Model School, Chitterkote Karnah, Kashmir; and Riyaz Kathjoo, Principal, Green Valley Educational Institute, Srinagar. Their collective insights highlighted the transformative power of values-driven education in shaping peaceful, progressive, and future-ready communities.

The third panel discussion, “Last-Mile Learning: Leveraging Innovation to Make Education Inclusive and Equitable,” brought together renowned academic leaders and experts committed to expanding access and ensuring quality learning opportunities for all. The session was moderated by Er. Dinesh Gupta, Dean Academics, Yogananda College of Engineering & Technology, Jammu, and featured an esteemed panel including Gagan Agrawal, Head – Academic Partnerships (North & Central India), IBM Career Education; Prof. (Dr.) Manish Kumar Srivastava, Pro Vice Chancellor, Arni University, Indora; Prof. (Dr.) Sandhya Tiwari, Dean, School of Languages & Member Executive Council, Central University of Kashmir; Prof. Vandana Sharma, Dean, School of Languages, Central University of Jammu; and Prof. Savita Nayyar, Director – Centre for Women Studies, University of Jammu, Jammu Tawi. Together, they contributed valuable perspectives on harnessing innovation to strengthen last-mile delivery and build an inclusive, equitable education ecosystem.

The fourth panel, “Skills to Success: Reimagining Curriculum with Insights that Drive Enrollment to Employment,” featured distinguished academic and industry leaders who shared forward-looking perspectives on bridging the gap between education and employability. The session was moderated by Siddhartth Singh, Director at Meritto, and included esteemed speakers such as Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh; Rehman Malik, Chairman, UEG College of Paramedical Science; Anup Shukla, Dean (Student Affairs), IIT Jammu; Kapil Kapoor, Registrar, Abhilashi University; and Shamim Ahmed Bandey, Principal, SKC Government Degree College. Together, they brought valuable insights on curriculum redesign, skill-based learning pathways, and data-driven strategies that can effectively transform students’ journeys from enrollment to meaningful employment.

The fifth panel, “Educators as Changemakers: Empowering Teachers with Tools, Tech & Training,” highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in shaping future-ready learners through continuous innovation and professional development. The session was moderated by Adit Gupta, Group Director, MIER Group of Institutions, and featured esteemed academic leaders including Naseer Iqbal, Registrar, University of Kashmir; Subrat Sharma, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Ladakh; and Sanjay Guleria, Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology. Together, they emphasized the need for empowering educators with modern tools, emerging technologies, and structured training frameworks to drive impactful, future-centric teaching in the region.

Industry Speeches

The first industry address, “Samsung for Education,” was delivered by Susheel Kumar Bhat, Deputy General Manager, Samsung India, who highlighted innovative solutions aimed at enhancing digital learning environments across institutions.

The second industry speech, “Building a Connected School Ecosystem: One Platform for Teaching, Learning & Administration,” was presented by Urvashi Rana, Senior Sales Manager, PowerSchool. She emphasized the importance of unified digital platforms to streamline academic and administrative workflows.

The third industry talk, “Making of Education Industry’s Digital Backbone,” was delivered by Siddhartth Singh, Director, Meritto, focusing on how robust technological infrastructure is becoming essential for institutional growth and learner success.

The fourth industry session, “Bridging Education, Employment, and Trust through Blockchain & AI,” was addressed by CA Mayur Zanwar, Co-Founder, TruScholar, who discussed how emerging technologies can build transparency and credibility across academic and professional ecosystems.

The fifth industry speech, “Empowering Youth in the Digital Era through Skilling,” was delivered by Gagan Agrawal, Head – Academic Partnerships (North & Central India), IBM Career Education, centering on industry-aligned skilling initiatives that prepare young learners for future careers.

The sixth industry address, “Adoption of AI & ICT in Education: Empowering Institutions for the Future,” was presented by Mustak Rogatya, Vice President, MasterSoft ERP, who highlighted the transformative role of AI-driven systems in improving institutional efficiency and learner engagement.

Roundtable Discussion

The Roundtable Discussion on “Technology for Teachers: Empowering Educators with Tools, Training & Tech” brought together an extensive panel of influential education leaders and industry experts committed to advancing digital empowerment for teachers across Jammu & Kashmir. The discussion featured key industry representatives including Susheel Kumar Bha and Pradeep Nayar from Samsung India, alongside prominent academic leaders such as Hitesh Mahajan, Owner & Director, R.N. Tagore Hr. Sec. School, Jammu; KCS Mehta, Director Academics/Principal, International Delhi Public School, Akhnoor; Shatambary Sharma, Founder & Chairperson, Sheffield World School, Jammu; Rohini Aima, Vice-Chairperson & Principal, Jammu Sanskriti School, Jammu Tawi; Isher Singh, Chairman, D S Heritage Scholars School, Kathua; Mohammad Altaf Bhat, Owner, My Dolphin School, Kupwara; Indu Kapoor, Principal, British International School, Sainik Colony, Jammu; Prashant Salaria, Managing Director, Prashant Public School, Udhampur; Vikesh Kaur, Founder Principal, Doon International School Jammu; Arvind Mahajan, Chairman & MD, Spring Dales English School, Kathua; Atul Hans, Director Academics, International Daily Rising School, Jammu; Ashraf, Chairman, Alexandra Secondary School, Jammu; Nazrul Islam, Chairman, Life Foundation School, Budgam; Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Managing Director, Rich Harvest School, Jammu; Kunal Saini, Trustee & MD, Stephens International Public School, Jammu; Pragati Sharma, Chairperson & Director, Universal Delhi Public School, Rajouri; Ritesh Kapoor, Director-Principal, A.S.N. Hr. Secondary School, Channi Himmat, Jammu; Ishfaq Sayeed, Chairman, New Light Public Model School, Chitterkote Karnah, Kashmir; Lokesh Kumar, Principal, Cambridge International School, Kathua; Ikkz Ikbal, Principal, Maryam Memorial Institute, Pandithpara Qaziabad, Srinagar; Malik Shabir Ahmad, Chairperson, Cambridge Senior Secondary School, Nagbal Shopian, Kashmir; and Rajeev Sharma, Principal, J&K Police Public School, Jammu.

Together, these distinguished leaders shared insights on integrating digital tools, enhancing teacher training, and strengthening the technological capabilities of educators to build a more innovative and future-ready education ecosystem in the region.

Recognizing Excellence: ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025

The ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals, institutions, and EdTech organizations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and leadership in the education sector. The awards recognized achievements across six key segments: Preschools, School Education, Higher Education, Skills & Training, EdTech Startups, and EdTech Corporates. Through these accolades, ArdorComm Media Group honoured educators, administrators, and organizations who have tirelessly worked to transform teaching, learning, and employability outcomes, setting benchmarks for quality, innovation, and future-ready education. The ceremony highlighted the remarkable efforts of the awardees in driving positive change and inspiring the broader education community across India.

Looking Ahead

As the ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2025 concluded, the discussions, insights, and collaborations from the day underscored the immense potential of Jammu & Kashmir’s education ecosystem in the digital era. The summit not only celebrated excellence but also charted a clear path for redefining skilling, learning, and teacher empowerment in the region. With innovative practices, technology integration, and values-driven education at the forefront, stakeholders left with renewed commitment to shaping future-ready leaders. ArdorComm Media Group looks forward to continuing this journey of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and recognition, driving lasting impact and transformative growth across the education landscape of J&K and beyond.

Event Glimpses: https://ardorcomm-media.com/aelsa/aelsajammu-glimpses/

Event Website: https://ardorcomm-media.com/aelsa/aelsajammu/