The 13th National Conference on K-12 Leadership 2025, in conjunction with the India School Merit Awards 2025, marked a significant milestone in India’s educational landscape landscape on December 5th, 2025 at The Taj, Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru. Hosted by EducationToday and powered by UniPro, the event convened leading educationists, visionary school leaders, and policy influencers, offering a dynamic platform to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations shaping K-12 education across the nation.

The conference was distinguished not only by its eminent participants but also by the presence of sponsors and partners whose contributions continue to support progressive educational initiatives. These included UniPro, LiveLife Education Pvt. Ltd., AddressHealth Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., Academica International Studies, Entab, Arko Global, CENTA, OpenDoor, Alumnatis Club, EDHR Recruitments, My School Admission, and Education News Network. Their engagement underscores the collaborative spirit essential for advancing quality education in India.

Inaugural Session: A Confluence of Visionaries

The event commenced with a prestigious inaugural session, attended by leaders whose contributions have profoundly influenced the education sector. The ceremony was graced by:

• Mr. Anil Sharma, Managing Director, EducationToday
• Ms. Vibha Raj, CEO, EducationToday
• Dr. Anand Lakshman, Founder & CEO, AddressHealth Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.
• Dr. Kannan Gireesh, Founder & CEO, LiveLife Education Pvt. Ltd.
• Dr. Revathi Srinivasan, Principal, Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School

This assembly of education stalwarts set the tone for a conference that blended thought leadership with actionable insights. The inaugural addresses highlighted the pivotal role of holistic education in nurturing future-ready learners capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving global environment.

Panel 1: Holistic Learning & Well-being

The first panel, titled “Holistic Learning & Well-being: Fostering Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Emotional Resilience”, was moderated by Dr. Manila Carvalho, Principal of DPS Bangalore East. Dr. Carvalho, a distinguished educationist with over 34 years of experience, is recognised for her work in adolescent mental health and innovative pedagogical approaches. A recipient of numerous state, national, and international awards, she has been invited to address student delegates at the IMIB Summit at the UN in Geneva, reflecting her stature as a global thought leader.

The panel featured eminent speakers:

• Mr. Ramesh Mudgal, Director, Chirec International School, Hyderabad, who has led schools across India and Southeast Asia, bringing insights on leadership excellence and innovative academic frameworks.
• Dr. Hamsa K Venugopal, Principal of New Baldwin Group of Institutions, whose dual PhDs in Design Thinking and Curriculum Development, along with extensive international exposure, have transformed NBGI into a hub of innovation and educational excellence.
• Mr. Shantanu Das, Principal of Sarala Birla Academy, Bengaluru, who combines academic leadership with a global perspective cultivated through extensive international travels and training at premier institutions including Harvard and UC Berkeley.
• Dr. Anil Kumar T, Principal, Amarajyothi Public School, Bengaluru, whose expertise in institutional growth, team building, and curriculum innovation has strengthened the foundations of multiple leading schools.
• Dr. Revathi Srinivasan, Principal, Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School, celebrated for her extensive experience in school administration and dedication to teacher and student development.

The discussion emphasised the integration of emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving within school curricula. Panellists shared exemplary strategies for nurturing resilience, fostering creativity, and promoting mental health among students, recognising that holistic learning is not merely academic but deeply interwoven with emotional and social development.

Panel 2: Building Global Citizens

The second panel, “Building Global Citizens – Balancing International Exposure with Rooted Cultural Values”, was moderated by Dr. Sangeeta Bhatia, Principal, KIIT World School. Awarded the National Award for Education by the Ministry of Education (MHRD), Dr. Bhatia’s leadership philosophy centres on empowering students to embrace global perspectives while remaining grounded in their cultural roots. With over 30 years of experience, she has tirelessly championed progressive, student-centric learning environments.

The panel included distinguished speakers:

• Ms. Suseela Santosh, Director, Vishwa Vidyapeeth Group of Schools, recognised for pioneering initiatives such as Microsoft’s Skype-a-thon for virtual global classroom exchange, and her innovative Mother-on-Duty and Parent Engagement Workshops.
• Ms. Nafeesa Ahmed, Director, Presidency Group of Institutions, who has expertly steered her institution to balance academic excellence with international exposure and holistic development.
• Mr. Manas Mehrotra, Trustee of Greenwood High International School and Chief Mentor at Kara4Kids, Bengaluru, who leverages his extensive corporate and legal background to enhance education systems and youth empowerment programmes.
• Mrs. Suja George, Vice Chairperson, Alpha Group of Institutions, whose meticulous leadership and lifelong dedication to academic excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including the Biozone Icon Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Mr. Vittal Bhandary, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Learning Edge India Pvt. Ltd., whose pioneering contributions span early childhood education, teacher training, and holistic child development.

The dialogue illuminated the significance of nurturing students who are globally competent yet culturally grounded. Speakers stressed the importance of cross-cultural experiences, technological integration, and values-driven education in preparing learners for a rapidly globalising world.

Keynote Address: A Visionary Perspective

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Dr. Cdr. Kartikay Saini, Founder and Chairman of Scottish High International School, Gurgaon, who was honored with the Education Maestro of the Year 2025 award by EducationToday. With a career spanning over three decades in the Indian Navy and the field of education, Dr. Saini exemplifies leadership, vision, and dedicated service.

Drawing from his extensive experience in Defence and education, Dr. Saini emphasised the transformative power of visionary leadership, innovation, and resilience in educational institutions. He underscored the importance of mentoring and inspiring students to become socially responsible global citizens, highlighting the pivotal role schools play in shaping India’s future.

India School Merit Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence

The India School Merit Awards continue to be the benchmark for recognising outstanding contributions in education. Schools were celebrated for academic excellence, innovation in pedagogy, holistic development, and a commitment to nurturing future-ready learners. The 2025 rankings across various boards underscored exemplary leadership and sustained performance:

Top CBSE Schools:

• SSVM World School, Coimbatore – No.1 in Tamil Nadu, No.1 in India
• St. Montfort School, Bhopal – No.1 in Madhya Pradesh, No.2 in India
• Satluj Public School, Panchkula – No.1 in Haryana, No.3 in India
• Lotus Valley International School, Gurugram – No.1 in Haryana, No.3 in India

Top ICSE Schools:

• Greenwood High International School, Sarjapura – No.1 in Karnataka, No.1 in India
• Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School – No.1 in Maharashtra, No.2 in India
• N.L. Dalmia High School, Mira Road – No.1 in Maharashtra, No.2 in India
• The Cathedral & John Connon School, Mumbai – No.1 in Mumbai, No.2 in India
• Gitanjali Senior School – No.1 in Telangana, No.3 in India

Top International Schools:

• Dhirubai Ambani International School, Bandra East – No.1 in Mumbai, No.1 in India
• NES International School, Mulund West – No.1 in Mumbai, No.1 in India
• Scottish High International School, Gurugram – No.1 in Gurugram, No.1 in India
• Pathways School, Gurugram – No.1 in Gurugram, No.1 in India
• Legacy School, Bangalore – No.1 in Bengaluru, No.2 in India
  Chirec Intaernational School, Serilingampally – No.1 in Hyderabad, No.3 in India

Top State Bord Schools:

• Little Flower Matric Higher Secondary School, Chennai – No.1 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and India
• St. Xaviers’ English High School & Junior College – No.1 in Thane, Maharashtra, and India
• Madras Christian College Higher Secondary School – No.2 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and India
• Alpha Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Sembakkam – No.3 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and India

These accolades reflect not merely the academic achievements of the institutions but also their commitment to nurturing holistic development, instilling values, and fostering leadership skills among students.

Conclusion

The 13th National Conference on K-12 Leadership and the India School Merit Awards 2025 served as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education. By bringing together trailblazing educators, global thought leaders, and exemplary institutions, the conference highlighted the relentless dedication, innovation, and vision required to shape India’s next generation of learners.

As education evolves in response to technological advancements, global integration, and societal needs, platforms such as this continue to play a pivotal role in celebrating excellence, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration across the educational ecosystem. Indeed, the event reaffirmed that the pursuit of holistic, value-driven, and globally relevant education is central to building a resilient, creative, and enlightened generation of learners.