Inaugural Session: Digital India Rising: Transforming Education, Skilling & Employability
The Inaugural Session of the ArdorComm Digital Bharat Education Conclave 2025, themed “Digital India Rising: Transforming Education, Skilling & Employability,” set a forward-looking tone for the day, highlighting the transformative impact of technology on education and workforce readiness. Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing ArdorComm’s mission to bridge gaps between academia, industry, and governance. The session was graced by Smt Kanta Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC) & Karnataka Vocational Training and Skill Development Corporation (KVTSDC), Government of Karnataka, who highlighted initiatives empowering youth with 21st-century skills. Dr. Shobha G, Director, Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka; Lakhan Lal Meena, CBSE Regional Officer, Government of India; and Dr. Pranati Rohit Tilak, Chairman, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyalaya, delivered thought-provoking insights on higher education reforms, technology integration, and strategies to enhance employability in the digital era. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Panel 1: Empowering Students for the Global Stage: Skills for 21st Century Workforce
The first panel, “Empowering Students for the Global Stage: Skills for 21st Century Workforce,” delved into the essential competencies required for students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic world. Moderated by Javeria Khan, Director, Aryan Institute, the session brought together a distinguished group of education leaders including Manjula V, Founder, International Institute for Cognitive and Learning Sciences; Chirag Agarwal, Founder Director, EarlyVentions Chains of Pre School; Dr. Hemalatha S. Murthy, Director Principal, White Petals Group of Institutions; Dr. Pranati Rohit Tilak, Chairman, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyalaya; Hamsa Venugopal, Managing Director, New Baldwin Group of Institutions; and M. Rama Devi, Principal, Reindeer International School. The discussion highlighted the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, digital literacy, collaboration, and cultural intelligence in preparing students for global challenges. Speakers emphasized innovative curricula, forward-thinking pedagogy, and assessment methods designed to nurture resilience, ethical values, and industry readiness. By focusing on these strategies, the panel underscored how institutions can cultivate a generation capable of leading change in a fast-evolving economy. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Panel 2: Inclusive Campus in Digital Era: Addressing Digital Divides, Diversifying Curricula
The second panel, “Inclusive Campus in Digital Era: Addressing Digital Divides, Diversifying Curricula,” explored strategies to create equitable and accessible learning environments in a digitally-driven education landscape. Moderated by Dr. Sami Ulla M, CEO, MEGA Educational Group, the panel featured distinguished speakers including Shwetha Sumanth, Owner & Principal, Shanthinikethana School; Dr. Harshita Sharma, Founder Director, Brainstorm International School; Manish Rastogi, Group CEO and Wholetime Director, Zee Learn Limited; Ashok KM Gowda, Chairman, Ekam Group of Institution, Electronic City; Pritam Kumar Agarwal, Founder & Director, Hello Kids; and Deepak Agarwal, Founder, Cubs The Preschool & Cubs – Sankalp School. Discussions focused on bridging digital divides, fostering accessibility, and designing curricula that reflect diverse perspectives while promoting learner-centric approaches. The panel emphasized how inclusive digital campuses can empower all students, ensuring equitable participation and preparing them for the demands of the modern workforce. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Panel 3: Degrees to Skills: Rethinking Higher Education Outcomes for the Future Workforce
The third panel, “Degrees to Skills: Rethinking Higher Education Outcomes for the Future Workforce,” examined the shift from traditional degree-focused education to skill-based learning that aligns with the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce. Moderated by Dr. Sibi Shaji, Pro Vice Chancellor, Garden City University, the session featured eminent speakers including Anand Subramaniam, Chief Business Officer – IndiaEd Finance, Auxilo Finserve Pvt Ltd; Dr. Manish Kothari, Founder and President, ISBR Group of Institutions; Dr. Shaleesha A. Stanley, Pro Chancellor, Jeppiaar University; Prof. Anant Chakradeo, Group Provost, MIT Group, India; Dr. Jayanthi V, Vice Chancellor, Sapthagiri NPS University; Prof. B. S. Satyanarayana, Vice Chancellor, Dayananda Sagar University; and Dr. Balakrishna P. Shetty, Vice Chancellor, Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth. The discussion emphasized integrating experiential learning, fostering industry collaborations, and redesigning curricula to equip graduates with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills necessary for the future workforce. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Panel 4: Education 5.0: Redefining Education by Integrating Immersive & Advanced Technologies
The fourth panel, “Education 5.0: Redefining Education by Integrating Immersive & Advanced Technologies,” delved into the transformative potential of AI, VR, AR, metaverse, and adaptive learning platforms in creating interactive and personalized learning experiences. Moderated by Dr. N. Kannan, Dean, School of Engineering & Technology, CMR University, the panel included distinguished speakers Nikhil Abhichandani, Associate Director, Meritto; Prof. Harish Kumar Sardana, Director, IIIT Raichur; Dr. K.B. Lingegowda, Vice Chancellor, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education; and Prof. Dr. Rajesh S, Vice Chancellor, MIT ADT University. Discussions highlighted how Education 5.0 integrates technology with human-centered learning, enhances engagement, and equips learners with competencies essential for future workplaces while emphasizing responsible implementation and accessibility. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Panel 5: Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Education: Institutional Perspectives for Scalable Impact
The fifth panel, “Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Education: Institutional Perspectives for Scalable Impact,” explored how collaborations between government bodies and private institutions can drive inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready education. Moderated by Dr. Y. Ramalinga Reddy, Pro Vice Chancellor, REVA University, the panel featured distinguished speakers CA Dr. Vishnu Bharath Alampalli, President, APS Group of Institutions; Yashaswi Nagori, Managing Trustee, Arihant Group of Institutions; Dr. Uttama Singh, CEO, MKM Group of Colleges for Girls; and Dr. S.N. Sridhara Col. (Hon. Retd.), Vice Chancellor, Adichunchanagiri University, B.G. Nagara. The discussion highlighted frameworks for leveraging shared resources, aligning objectives, and ensuring accountability to create scalable impact across schools, universities, and vocational training institutions. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Priyansh Singh
The first industry speech, “Envisioning AI Landscape in Education,” was delivered by Priyansh Singh, Deputy General Manager – Display Business, Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd. He shared valuable insights on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education, highlighting how AI-driven tools and solutions are enhancing personalized learning, improving student engagement, and shaping the future of skill development. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Sharath Chandra Ayyalasomayajula
“Making of the Digital Backbone of the Education Industry,” was delivered by Sharath Chandra Ayyalasomayajula, Deputy Manager, Meritto. He discussed the development and importance of robust digital infrastructure in the education sector, emphasizing how technology-driven platforms are enabling efficiency, innovation, and scalable learning solutions. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Krishna Kumar
“Mastersoft for Higher Education,” was delivered by Krishna Kumar, Vice President of Sales, MasterSoft. He provided an in-depth overview of Mastersoft’s solutions for higher education, highlighting how digital tools and platforms are transforming administrative processes, enhancing learning experiences, and supporting academic excellence. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Abdul Ahad
The fourth industry speech, “From Skills to Systems: Building a Future-Ready Education Ecosystem,” was delivered by Abdul Ahad, General Manager, Global Expansion, NetCom+. He shared insights on creating an integrated, technology-driven education ecosystem that connects skill development, digital learning, and employability, preparing students for the demands of the modern workforce. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Rohit More
The fifth industry speech, “Transforming the Future of Education in India,” was delivered by Rohit More, Head – Channel & Alliances – India, SkillSoft. He highlighted how digital learning solutions and innovative training platforms are revolutionizing education, enhancing skill development, and creating future-ready learners across India. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Sooraj K Paul
The sixth industry speech, “Sustainable AV Solutions,” was delivered by Sooraj K Paul, Regional Manager (South & West), Godrej Interio. He shared perspectives on implementing sustainable audio-visual technologies in educational institutions, emphasizing eco-friendly solutions that enhance learning environments while minimizing environmental impact. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
RoundTable Discussion: Responsible AI in Education: Smart, Scalable, and Aligned for Societal Good
The RoundTable Discussion, themed “Responsible AI in Education: Smart, Scalable, and Aligned for Societal Good,” was moderated by Priyansh Singh, Deputy General Manager – Display Business, Samsung India Electronics Pvt Ltd. The session featured a distinguished panel of education leaders, including Dr. Vanitha Lokesh S K, Principal & Managing Director, Srushti Group of Institution; Dr. Syeda Nusrath, Founder-Director, Aryan Institute; VamsheePriya Amar, Principal, MVJ International School; Sushmitha Prashanth, Managing Trustee & Owner, PRISM ACADEMY School; Sauda Sadaf, Chairman & Managing Director, Meridian English School; Yogita Agarwal, Co-Founder, Sankalp School; Kubra Hussain, CEO and Principal, Grandeur Group of Schools; Anupama Ramachandra, Principal, Delhi Public School, Electronic City; Sunitha Vasanth, Founder Director & Trustee, Samskrithi Academy; Pruthvi Banwasi, Founder, Roots Educational Institutions; Dr. Rudrayya M Hiremath, Founder Principal and Chairman, Indian Public School; Sumanth Narayan, Vice Chairman, Shanthi Nikethana Schools; Kalesha Inaganti, Executive Director, BS International School; M. Rama Devi, Principal, Reindeer International School; Dr. Sunitha Khanapure, Principal, Christ International School; Manish Rastogi, Group CEO and Wholetime Director, Zee Learn Limited; Dr. Jain Sonal, Principal, Delhi Public International School; Prabhu Halewadimath, Principal, Prarthana International School; Dr. Durgesh B M, CEO and Principal, S K N International School; Vidya MV Prabhu Shankar, Principal, Orchids Group of Schools; and Deepak Agarwal, Founder, Cubs The Preschool & Cubs – Sankalp School. The discussion centered on how artificial intelligence can be harnessed responsibly in education, with insights on scalable innovations, ethical integration, and impactful applications designed to align with societal good. Watch the insightful session on ArdorComm TV.
Award & Felicitation Ceremony
The ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2025 culminated with a Felicitation & Award Ceremony, celebrating the exemplary contributions of educators, institutions, and EdTech innovators. The awards recognized outstanding leadership, innovation, and transformative practices in the education sector, highlighting achievements in digital learning, skill development, and future-ready education. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt Thank You Note by Kumar Chandan Anand, Founder, CEO & Group Editor, ArdorComm Media Group, expressing gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners for making the conclave a remarkable success. Watch the ceremony on ArdorComm TV.
