On 15th November 2024, the vibrant city of Visakhapatnam, often referred to as the Jewel of Andhra Pradesh, became the hub of groundbreaking conversations and insights as the 13th edition of the ArdorComm – New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards (ELSA) 2024 took place. The event attracted a distinguished gathering of thought leaders, educators, policymakers, and industry experts, all united by a shared mission to explore and shape the future of education. With the theme “Future-Forward Education: Cultivating Skills and Mindsets in the 21st Century Workplace,” the summit set the stage for transformative discussions aimed at empowering the next generation of learners and professionals. A Milestone Event for Education Excellence ArdorComm Media Group continues its legacy of facilitating impactful dialogues and recognizing excellence in education. This year’s summit lived up to its reputation, drawing over 150 higher education institutions, 75 schools, 15 EdTech startups, and 50+ eminent speakers. The event also witnessed active participation from government dignitaries, corporates, and industry experts, all united by the common goal of envisioning the future of education. The event celebrated Andhra Pradesh’s remarkable progress in education and skilling initiatives, showcasing government programs such as Mana Badi Nadu-Nedu, Jagananna Amma Vodi, and Vidya Kanuka, which have revolutionized traditional learning through digital transformation. Highlights from the Summit The 13th ArdorComm Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 commenced with a warm Welcome Address by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor of ArdorComm Media Group, setting an inspiring tone for the event. The inaugural session was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Sribharat Mathukumilli, Member of Parliament for Visakhapatnam Constituency and President of GITAM, as the Chief Guest, and Kathawate Mayur Ashok, IAS, Joint Collector & Additional District Magistrate of Visakhapatnam, as the Guest of Honour. Adding to the richness of the discussion were Dr. Manjula Pooja Shroff, MD and CEO of Kalorex Group, and Saba Karim, India Head, Public Sector at LinkedIn, who shared their visionary insights on transforming education to meet the demands of the 21st-century workplace. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in shaping the future of education and skills development. The Panel 1 session on “Leveraging AI and EdTech: Enhancing Student Engagement and Personalized Learning” featured an illustrious lineup of speakers, moderated by N.V.K. Prasad, Principal, Delhi Public School, Anandpuram, Visakhapatnam. The panel included prominent educators and leaders such as Ashok Varma, Managing Director, Fort City School, Vizianagram; Anuradha Batthula, Chairperson, St. Johns School, Anakapalle; Rajesh Babu Srimusuru, CEO & MD, Radiant Technologies, Narayana Co-Olympiad School, Visakhapatnam; Vanisri Malla, Principal, School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam; Prof. Shalivahan, Director, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Visakhapatnam; Dr. J. Sudhakar, Principal, Vignan’s Institute of Information Technology, Visakhapatnam; Roja Paul K, Principal, Meridian School Uppal, Secunderabad; and Dr. SK Chaitanya Ch, Principal, Vignan’s World One School, Visakhapatnam. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and innovative perspectives to the discussion. The Panel 2 session on “Building Emotional Resilience: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning into the Curriculum” brought together a distinguished group of experts in education. Moderated by Dr. M.V.V. Prasada Rao, an esteemed educationist and Advisor to Schools, and Retired Director of CBSE, the panel featured thought leaders like Rev. John Vesly, Founder/Director of Hebron Mission School, Ichapuram; Rajini Chitra, Director-Academics at The Intelli School Vizag and Pollocks Schools, Visakhapatnam; Mohammad Omer, Chairman of New Era International School, Hyderabad; P Chandra Sekhara Rao, Director of Chigurupati Sri Krishnaveni School, Poranki, Vijayawada; and Dr. Archana Rai, Director-Academics at Sriveda Universe The School, Hyderabad. Together, they explored strategies to foster emotional resilience in students by incorporating social-emotional learning into educational frameworks. The Panel 3 session on “Data-Driven Decision Making: How Analytics Can Transform Educational Strategies and Outcomes” showcased a panel of accomplished leaders and innovators in education and analytics. Moderated by Anchal Chopra, Regional Head – North Academic & Government (A&G) Business at LinkedIn, the session featured influential speakers including Ln. P. Kanakaraju, Founder Chairman of ADARSA Group of Institutions and Founder Secretary of KORINGA Educational Institutes; Prof. M. Sashibhushana Rao, Joint Secretary & Director at Satya Group of Educational Institutions, Vizianagaram; Dr. Prasanta Kumar Mohanty, Vice Chancellor of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Visakhapatnam; and Imtiyaz Arshad, Chief General Manager of HR at HPCL and CEO & Secretary of the Skill Development Institute, Visakhapatnam. The panel delved into how leveraging data analytics can revolutionize educational strategies, improve decision-making, and enhance learning outcomes. The Panel 4 session on “Harnessing Digital Tools: Transforming Traditional Classrooms into Dynamic Learning Environments” featured a distinguished panel of experts dedicated to revolutionizing education through digital innovation. Moderated by Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, Director – South Asia at D2L, the panel included esteemed speakers such as Murarji Kotipalli, Founder & Chairman of Educare Group of Institutions, East Godavari; Neeraj Deshpande, Account Director for Coursera for Campus; Dr. Nagajyothi Koripella, Pro Vice Chancellor of B.E.S.T. Innovation University, Anantapur and Dr. Ameet Chavan, Director (IIEC) at VIT-AP University, Amaravati. The session explored the integration of cutting-edge digital tools to redefine traditional teaching methods and create interactive, dynamic learning experiences for students. The Panel 5 session on “Preparing Students for Future Careers: Aligning Education with Emerging Industry Trends and Skills” brought together a distinguished panel of education leaders focused on bridging the gap between academic learning and the evolving job market. Moderated by Prof. P. M. Balaji, Joint Director at IIAM, Visakhapatnam, the panel included influential speakers such as Ramu Naidu Malla, Director of School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam; Dr. Smt Eshwari Prabhakar, Principal of Visakha Valley School, Visakhapatnam and Indukuri Deepika Rani, Co Ordinator, School of Wonder Kids, Visakhapatnam. The session focused on equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to meet the demands of emerging industries and future career opportunities. The Valedictory Session of the 13th ArdorComm – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 culminated with a Felicitation & Award Ceremony. The event was graced by Shri T. Anil Kumar, Regional Employment Officer Zone-I, Visakhapatnam, and Ch. Subbi Reddy, District Employment Officer, Visakhapatnam, both from the Department of Employment and Training, Government of
