The Most Iconic Education Leaders Shaping the Future of Next Generation in 2025, June 2025

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OUR DIRECTOR

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Shaping Education with Purpose and Vision

Thisedition,TheMostIconic

EducationLeadersShaping theFutureofNext Generationin2025,isacelebrationof thosewhoareredefiningwhatitmeans toleadineducation.Itbringsinto focustheindividualswhoarenot contentwithtraditionalone,butwho continuetobuildsystemsthatare thoughtful,relevant,andfuture-ready

Theeducatorsandvisionariesfeatured herehaveintroducedmethodsand solutionsthatbringlearningcloserto life.Theyhaveidentifiedtheneedfor real-worldalignmentandactedwith clarityandconvictiontobridgethegap betweenknowledgeandapplication. Theirworkisshapinganewacademic reality,onethathelpsstudentsdevelop skillsthatmatterbeyondclassrooms.

Eachstoryinthiseditionreflectsa commitmenttodoingmorethanwhat isexpected.It’saboutbuilding institutions,tools,andpracticesthat equiplearnerstothinkindependently, adaptresponsibly,andgrowwith purpose.

Thisissuenotonlyrecognisestheir effortsbutalsoservesasasourceof inspirationforotherswhobelieve educationcan,andshould,createa lastingimpact.

Warmly, Manish Bansal Managing Director & CEO

Pioneering Minds, Lasting Impact

Inanagewherethevalueofeducationiscloselytiedto

real-worldapplication,thedemandforleaderswhobring vision,action,andpurposetoacademicsystemshasnever beenhigher.Theseleadersdon’tsimplyfollowtrends;they createenduringstructuresthatchallengeconventionsand addresspersistentgapsinthewayknowledgeisdeliveredand received.Theirworkextendsbeyondclassroomsintothevery mechanicsofhowlearningcanbemademorerelevant, inclusive,andfuture-ready.

Amongthevariousvoicescontributingtothisshift,some standoutnotonlyfortheirachievementsbutalsofortheir intent,tomakeeducationmoremeaningfulandpurposedriven.Theseareindividualswhoviewlearningasaplatform forempowermentratherthanasequenceofformalities.Their contributionspushboundariesandinspiresystemicchange, reshapinghowinstitutionspreparethenextgenerationfora futurefilledwithopportunitiesandresponsibilities.

Thisedition, The Most Iconic Education Leaders Shaping the Future of Next Generation in 2025,isatributetosuch changemakers.Itbringstolightthestoriesofpioneerswho havecommittedthemselvestoredefiningeducationthrough innovation,purpose,andrelentlesscommitment.These featuresaremorethanaccomplishments;theyreflectthelarger missiontoaligneducationwithsocietalprogressandindustrial relevance.

Amongtheleadersspotlightedinthiseditionisa visionarywhoturnedpersonalobservationintopurposeful impact.Withabackgroundinengineeringandacareer thatofferedexposuretopracticalchallenges,he recognisedthepressingneedforeducationtogobeyond textbooks.Hisworkindevelopinglabequipmentthat mirrorsrealindustrialenvironmentshasrevolutionised technicaltraininginacademicinstitutions.His organisation’scontributionshaveintroducedsmarter, practice-orientedtoolstotheeducationsystem,reshaping howstudentsengagewithengineeringconcepts.

Hisjourneystandsasapowerfulreminderofhow purpose-driveninnovationcantransformnotjust institutionsbutthefutureworkforce.Hisstoryreinforces theideathatmeaningfulchangeineducationbeginswith thosewhobelievethatbetterisalwayspossible.

Have an insightful read with each turning page!

DeekshaBanerjee

- Deeksha Banerjee

MANOJ BARTHWAL Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Leadership 26

EDUCATiON 5.0

Building a Future Where Technology Meets Human Insight

PRAKASH

Transforming Traditional Education Labs into Smart Learning Ecosystems for Future-Ready Engineers in India

Creators

this Publication

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Deeksha Banerjee

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June, 2025

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LEADERS

Brief Featuring

Aayush Mangal

Designation

Vice Chairman, Mangalmay Group Of Institutions

Kavita Sanghvi

Manoj Barthwal

Prakash Sulakhe

Prof. Dr. Biswajoy Chatterjee

Director of Education, Kotak Education Foundation

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd, Former Executive Director

Director, CadMech Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Vice Chancellor, Institute of Engineering & Management, Kolkata

Aayush Mangal is a visionary leader driving Mangalmay Group of Institutions toward global excellence through innovation and student-centric transformation.

Kavita Sanghvi is an award-winning educationist, global teacher finalist, ambassador for #TeachSDGs and Scientix, and innovative curriculum leader.

Manoj Barthwal is Executive Director at ONGC, known for his expertise in HR, negotiation, and strategic leadership.

Prakash Sulakhe bridges the gap between academic learning and industrial needs through innovative, real-time training solutions in education.

Prof. Dr. Biswajoy Chatterjee, Vice Chancellor of IEM and UEM Jaipur, is a distinguished academic leader and speaker.

PRAKASH

Sulakhe

Transforming Traditional Education Labs into Smart Learning Ecosystems for Future-Ready Engineers in India

Without leadership no businesses can grow same as without pilot no aircraft can fly. Leadership qualities are most important to drive any change or to go for innovation.

The

Thetransformativejourneyof

Mr.PrakashSulakheinto becomingaleadingfigurein India’seducationindustrywasnotone bornoutofconveniencebutrather conviction.Intheearlyphasesofhis professionallife,heexperiencedfirsthandthedisconnectbetween theoreticallearninganditsreal-world applications.Hisexposuretoongroundtechnicalchallengesandhis backgroundinengineeringledhimto identifypressingvoidsinhow educationwasbeingdeliveredacross institutions,especiallyinlaboratory infrastructureandhands-onindustrial training.Thisobservationwouldsoon evolveintoapowerfulmission:to buildabridgebetweenclassroom theoryandindustrialpracticethrough theinnovationoflabequipmentand smarteducationaltools.

Throughpersistenteffortanddeeprootedpassion,Mr.Sulakhedeveloped industry-standardlab equipment—rangingfromCNC TrainerMachinestoPneumaticand HydraulicWorkstations—thatbrought industrialrealismintotheacademic setting.Theseinnovationsweren’t merelytools;theywereenablersofa smarterlearningenvironment.The recognitionhisinnovationsgarnered

If you want to stay ahead in technology you need to collaborate with like-minded people rather than various technology people.

lackedfamiliaritywiththetoolsand systemsusedinreal-worldscenarios.

fromtheacademiccommunityadded momentumtohismission.Eventually, thismarkedthefull-fledgedentryof hisorganisationintotheeducation sector,drivenbyavisionofenabling practical,immersivelearning experiencesthatnurtureindustry-ready engineers.

WhatmakesMr.Sulakhe’s contributiontrulyremarkableisnot justtheinnovationinhardwareor softwarebuttheunderlyingpurpose:a deepcommitmenttoempowering students,educators,andinstitutions withtoolsthatreflectcurrentand futureindustryneeds.Hisworkspeaks toalargermovementwithinIndian education—onethatemphasises quality,accessibility,andtechnological alignmenttocreateengineerswho don’tjustgraduatebut excel inan evolvingindustriallandscape.

TheSparkBehindtheJourney Mr.PrakashSulakhe’sjourneyinthe educationdomainisrootedinpractical exposuretotheglaringinconsistencies betweentextbookknowledgeand industryrequirements.Whileexecuting severalrepairworksforeducational institutionsintheinitialstagesofhis business,hewitnessedtherudimentary infrastructurethatfailedtoprepare studentsformodern-dayindustrial demands.Itwasevidentthatwhile academiccurriculaprovided foundationalconcepts,thestudents

Theserealisationsservedasacatalyst. Recognisinganopportunitytoaddress thesegaps,Mr.Sulakhebegan developinglaboratorytraining equipmentthatmirroredreal-time industrialenvironments.Thisincluded CNCMachineTrainersandHydraulicPneumaticWorkstationsequippedwith genuineindustry-gradecomponents. Thesetoolsnotonlyenrichedthe understandingofstudentsbutalso inspiredconfidenceineducators.The academiccommunity’sappreciationof thesesolutionsreaffirmedMr. Sulakhe’sbeliefthateducation,when combinedwithinnovation,can producetransformativeresults.

Fuelledbythisbelief,hisorganisation wentontofocusentirelyon educationaltransformation.With consistentcommitmenttoinnovation, quality,trainingsupport,andcustomer service,thebrandsteadilyestablished itselfasatrustednameintechnical education,settingbenchmarksfor othersinthespace.

FoundationsofEffectiveLeadership

ForMr.Sulakhe,leadershipisakinto pilotinganaircraft—itisessential, directional,andtransformative.Inhis words,innovationwithoutleadershipis rudderless.Hisleadershipphilosophy isrootedintheprinciplesof inclusivity,stakeholderengagement, andsolution-orientedaction.He believesthatchange,particularlyinthe educationsector,requiresnotjust visionarythinkingbutacceptancefrom intellectualacademicbodiesand alignmentwithregulatoryframeworks.

Thisiswhyhisorganisationconstantly engagedwitheducatorswhile developingpioneeringsolutionssuch asIoT-basedMechatronicsTraining SetupsandComputerIntegrated

Prakash Sulakhe Director

CadMech Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Manufacturing(CIM)systems.These productsdidnotmerelyfollowtrends butanticipatedthem,giving educationalinstitutionstoolsthatwere future-ready.Histeamworked alongsideprofessors,labtechnicians, andcurriculumdeveloperstoensure thateachinnovationwasnotonly technicallyadvancedbutalso pedagogicallyrelevant.

Bybuildingfeedbackloops,focusing onuser-friendlyinterfaces,and integratingsimulation-basedlearning methods,Mr.Sulakheensuredthat studentscouldunderstandcomplex engineeringconceptsthrough experientiallearning.Hisleadership continuestoreflectthebeliefthata leadermustwalkalongsideevery stakeholderandaddresspainpoints withexecutablesolutions.

StayingAheadThroughProblemSolving

Mr.Sulakhe’sstrategytoremain relevantinafast-evolvinglandscapeis groundedinactiveengagementwith theecosystem.Heandhisteammakeit apointtoidentifyandrespondtothe challengesfacedbyeducators,faculty members,andengineeringstudents duringtightacademicschedules. Insteadofworkingaroundacademic calendars,hisorganisationalignsitself withtherhythmofeducational institutions,offeringtimely interventionsthataddvaluetothe teaching-learningprocess.

Fromdevelopingmaintenance-friendly equipmenttoofferingscalable software-basedsimulations,every productisdesignedtosolveaspecific need—beitenhancingstudent engagement,reducinglabdowntime,or boostingthetechnicalproficiencyof educators.Hiscompany’sconsistent emphasisonaddingvalue,training support,andtech-alignedcontenthas

helpeditthriveinaconstantly changingeducationalenvironment.

AdaptingtoLearner-Centric Evolution

Theshiftfromtraditionaltoolstosmart labinfrastructureinIndianeducation hasbeenmonumental,andMr.Sulakhe hasbeenoneofthekeyenablersofthis transition.Asindustriesbegan embracingautomation,PLC technologies,andCNC-basedsystems inthelate90s,academicinstitutions wereslowtocatchupduetocost constraintsandknowledgegaps.To addressthis,Mr.Sulakhe’steam developedIndia’sfirstaffordableCNC TrainerMachineandPLCTraining Kits—toolsthatallowedengineering studentstogainpracticalexposureto realindustrialtechnologieswithout steppingoutofcampus.

HealsoleveragedtheriseofWindowsbasedsoftwaretodevelopPC-based dataacquisitionsystemsin2000, offeringahighlyinteractiveand immersivelearningexperiencefor studentsworkingonenginetestingrigs orrefrigerationsystems.Astechnology

To shape the future of engineers, we need to adopt industry-oriented skills and digital transformation.

furtherevolved,hespearheadedtheinhousedevelopmentofIndia’sfirstSixAxisArticulatedRobotin2006and suppliedittoleadinginstituteslike NITJamshedpur—underscoringhis long-termvisionofaligningacademic trainingwithautomationtrends.

ImpactofRecognitionandAwards

Recognition,Mr.Sulakhebelieves,is notmerelyafeatherinthecapbuta reaffirmationofone’spurpose.Ina vastcountrylikeIndia,where grassroots-levelinnovationoftengoes unnoticed,awardsandaccoladesoffer much-neededvisibilityandauthority Thehonourshisorganisationhas

Industries and academic people need to go hand in hand to get results from industry training and also professional education. Professional education should create job opportunities, and Industrial training should create a career growth path in the future for aspirants.

receivedhaveservedtonotonlyboost theteam’smoralebutalsosolidifyits reputationintheacademicand industrialcommunities.

Onapersonallevel,Mr.Sulakhefinds motivationintheresponsibilitythese accoladesbring.Eachrecognition inspireshimtotakeonbigger challengesandtocontinueinnovating solutionsthatwillshapethenext generationofengineers.Italsodrivesa deepersenseofaccountabilitytoward theeducationsector,compellinghimto constantlypushtheenvelopeofwhat’s possible.

CollaborativeInnovationforFuture Readiness

InMr.Sulakhe’sview,collaborationis notoptional;it’sessential.Tostay relevantinamulti-disciplinaryworld, particularlyineducation,organisations mustworkhand-in-handwithdomain expertsfromdifferentbranchesof engineeringandtechnology.By fosteringpartnershipswithforwardthinkingcompanieslikePOCKETNC andWAZERintheUnitedStates,he hasensuredthathigh-endinternational tools,previouslyunavailableinIndia, arenowaccessibleforIndianresearch andacademicinstitutions.

Suchcollaborationsbringthebestof globaltechnologyintoIndian classrooms,enablingstudentsand

facultytoalignwithinternational standards.Thesepartnershipsalso strengthenIndia’seducation infrastructureandopenupnew researchavenuesforinstituteslikeIITs andNITs.ForMr.Sulakhe,community buildinggoeshand-in-handwith technologybuilding.

BuildingResilienceinUncertain Times

DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,when educationalinstitutionsacrossthe countrywereshutdownandfinancial uncertaintyloomedlarge,Mr. Sulakhe’sresponsestoodout.Instead ofretreating,hisorganisationdoubled

downoninnovation.Theybegan focusingonbuildingindustrialand digitalproducts,anticipatingthelongtermshiftindemandtoward automationandremotelearningtools.

Crucially,notasingleemployeewas laidoff,andinsteadofslashing salaries,thecompanygavea10% incrementacrosstheboard.This decisionbuiltdeeptrustwithinthe organisationandservedasapowerful motivator.Mr.Sulakhe’sleadership duringthisturbulentperiod underscoreshisbeliefthatinvestingin peopleandproducts—evenduring downturns—yieldsenduringreturns.

CurrentChallengesinProfessional Education

Thecurrentmismatchbetweenindustry requirementsandacademicoutcomes isoneofthemostpressingchallenges intheeducationsector,accordingto Mr.Sulakhe.Educationalinstitutions muststopviewingprofessional educationthroughthelensofcalendar deadlinesandinsteadpivottoamodel thatemphasisesindustry-relevant skills.

Forrealprogress,academicleadersand industryexpertsneedtocollaborate, shareinsights,anddeveloptraining programsthatpreparestudentsfor tomorrow’sjobs.Professional educationshouldopendoorsto employment,whileindustrialtraining mustprovidecareeradvancement pathways.Mr.Sulakheseesthis synergyascrucialforIndia’sgrowth.

AdviceforEmergingEducation Leaders

Emergingleaderswhowishtomakea lastingimpactintheeducationsector mustbedrivenbypassionandpurpose. AccordingtoMr.Sulakhe,true leadershipineducationisabout contributingtonation-buildingby reachingouttounderservedareasand introducingaffordable,technologydrivensolutions.Theseleadersmust remainagileandforward-looking, keepingpacewithglobaltechnology trendswhileaddressingthereal,

on-groundneedsoftheIndian educationsystem.

Digitaltransformation,heinsists,will bethebackboneofthenextphaseof educationevolution.Thosewhocan innovate,empathiseandexecute simultaneouslywilldefinethenext generationofeducationalreformers.

VisionBehind“SmartLabsfor SmarterEngineers”

Mr.Sulakhe’srecentlylaunchedbook, “SMART LABS FOR SMARTER ENGINEERS”,co-unveiledwithGoa’ ChiefMinisterMr.PramodSawant, MPHemaMalini,andMinisterMr Naik,encapsulateshis29yearsof experienceineducationinnovation. Thebookisapracticalguidefor engineeringcolleges,labtechnicians, anddecision-makerstotransitionfrom conventionalsetupstosmartlabs.

Completewithsamplelayouts,product listings,anddetailedimplementation strategies,itservesasago-tomanual foreducationalinstitutionsplanningto upgradetheirlabinfrastructure.By combiningeducatorinsights,industry trends,andreal-lifecasestudies,the bookmapstheroadtobuildingfuturereadyengineeringlabsacrossIndia.

LookingForward:TheVisionof 2025andBeyond

As2025unfolds,Mr.Sulakhe’s excitementliesindrivingIndiatoward globalparityinengineeringeducation. Withavisionof “Advancing Education, to Create Future-Ready Labs with Affordable Excellence,” he aimstodeepenthepenetrationofsmart labsacrosstier-2andruralinstitutions, makingcutting-edgelearning accessibletoall.

Tohim,engineersarecreatorsofthe world,andshapingthemisnotjusta responsibilitybutamission.His organizationcontinuestofocuson integratingindustry-alignedskills, digitaltools,andimmersivetechnology toredefinehowfutureengineersare trained.Theroadaheadisoneof inclusion,innovation,andimpact,and Mr.Sulakheisleadingtheway.

The Rise of Transformative Education Leadership

Leaderswhovaluevision, equity,andinnovationare transformingthefaceof educationalinstitutionsinaneraof rapidtransformation,social complexity,anddigitaldisruption.The changeisobservedintheemergenceof transformativeeducationleadership,an approachthatisfocusedon empoweringteamstodeveloptogether, embracingdiversity,andembarkingon systemicchange.

Transformativeleadersaredistinct fromconventionaladministrative officersbecausetheyfocusonthe future,aredrivenbyvalues,and possessemotionalintelligence.They createculturesthatempower educators,inspirelearners,and mobilisecommunities.Theydonot

wieldauthoritybutcreateasenseof purpose,whichisbecomingatrendin educationleadership.

VisionOverHierarchy

Aclearandcompellingvisionisoneof themainattributesoftransformative educationleaders.Present-dayleaders developaconsensusratherthan implementingtop-downdecisionsby collaboratingandcommunicatingwith thetargetaudience.Theparticipative formatwillensurethatstrategic directioncanaccommodatetheneeds ofvariousstakeholders,teachers, parents,andcommunities.

Studiesindicatethatthepredominantly visionaryandinclusiveheadsof schoolswhoareontheboardare characterisedbyelevatedlevelsof activity,teasermoraleandachievement ofstudents.Theleadershipmodelsturn outtobeastarkcontrasttothemodels ofthepast,basedonrigidbureaucracy butactonglobaleducational leadershiptrendsfocusedonshared ownershipanddistributedleadership.

EmotionalIntelligenceasaCore Competency

Oneoftherecentachievementsofthe fieldistheincreasingawarenessof emotionalintelligence(EQ)asan essentialleadershipqualityinschool practice.Self-awareandempathetic leaderswhocandealwithstressful situationsareinabetterpositionto assistemployees,copewiththecrisis, andbeexamplesofpositivebehaviour

Alongwiththeincreasedneedto addressmentalhealthinthe educationalenvironment,emotionally intelligentleadersaresecondtonone. Social-emotionallearning(SEL)and supportingeducatorwell-beingas,well asbuildingpsychologicallysafe environments,havebecomethefocal pointofmoderneducationleadership trends.

PromotingEquityandInclusion

Socialjusticemustbepartofthe educationaltransformation. Transformativeleadersadvocateequity andpayattentiontoidentifyingand addressingthebarrierstolearningto existatthesystemslevel.Thisisthe processofbringingagoodeducation regardlessofthesocialeconomic status,race,genderandgeography

Schooladministratorsaroundtheworld aremainstreamingindigenousformsof knowledge,culturalrelevanceand inclusivepedagogyinschool governanceandcurricula.The dynamicsofthesepracticesare preventingtrendsassociatedwiththe globaltransformationofeducation leadership,inwhichlearningisno longerlimitedtoacademic performancebutrathertotheintegrity andinclusionofeverylearner

LifelongLearningforLeaders

Educationalleadersthemselvesmust remainlearnersinachanging environmentsothattheyremain effective.Professionaldevelopment opportunitiesdeliveredcontinuously willhelpleaderskeepabreastofthe bestpracticesandchangesin technologyandpolicies.Theseinclude micro-credentials,leadership academies,andmentoring.Such initiativesreflectthetrendsinglobal educationleadership,whichfocuseson makinginnovation,finance,anddigital strategytodisplayall-encompassing andfuturisticleadership.

CommunityEngagementand NetworkedLeadership

Schoolsarenolongersilosin themselvesbutrathercentraltomore extensiveecosystems.Transformative leadersinteractwithcommunity organisations,parents,local governments,andbusinessesto establishapartnershipthatenhances

learningandreal-worldexperiences.

Moderntrendsineducationleadership arecharacterisedbynetworked leadershipwithitsknowledgeand resourcesdistributedacrossthe institutions.Itassistsschoolsinbeing agile,resourceful,andintouchwith theirsocialenvironments.

ChallengesonthePathAhead

Althoughthishasbeenhappening, transformativeleadershipisa challengingarea.Moreover, performinginhigh-pressure environmentssometimesgoesagainst thelong-termperspectivethatneedsto bedevelopedforsustainablechange.

Mostimportantly,evengood-hearted leadersmustprotectagainstblind spots.Withoutcontroloradjustmentto ethicalvalues,transformationalpower canrecreateinequalityorcreateastate ofdependencyinsteadof empowerment.

EndNote

Thefutureofeducationdoesnot simplylieinthecurriculumsor technologybutintheabilityofleaders totouchhearts,thinknewand motivate.Becauseleadership tendenciesineducationshowsignsof continuedchange,theroleofthe schoolleaderwillevolve,and individualresponsibilitieswillalso growtobecomeamentorandan advocate.

Transformativeleaderscanchangethe worldbyadoptingemotional intelligence,inclusivevalues,digital literacy,andlifelonglearningbecause theydealwiththetransformationsand transformers.Also,theyareinthe processofcreatingabrighter,more equitablefutureforlearnersanywhere.

Manoj

Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Leadership

Inthisexclusiveconversation,Ms.

KhushbooAgraharisitsdown withMr.ManojBarthwal, FormerExecutiveDirectorofONGC andaglobalmentor,toexplorea remarkablejourney—fromleading India'senergycorridorstoigniting innerclarityinboardroomsand classroomsaroundtheworld.With37 yearsofleadershipexperienceat ONGCandadeepgroundinginIndian wisdom,Mr.Barthwalhasredefined successthroughservice,strategy throughspirituality,anddiscipline throughpurpose.Hisstoryisnotjust aboutprofessionaltransformation,but alsoaboutpersonalawakening, offeringinsightsthatbridgeancient valueswithmodernleadership challenges.

1.Youdedicated37yearstoONGC, shapingIndia'senergysectorand leadingfromthefront.Whatwere somedefiningmomentsinthat journeythatstillinfluenceyour approachtoleadershipand mentorshiptoday?

BeforejoiningONGCin1985,Ibegan mycareerasajournalist,workingwith newspapers,hostingradioprograms, andparticipatingintelevisionshows.It wasavibrantandexpressivephaseof mylife,rootedincommunicationand creativity.ButsteppingintoONGC markedthebeginningofanentirely newchapter—onefilledwithpurpose, discipline,andtransformation.

WhatstoodoutimmediatelyatONGC wasthecultureofmentorship.Over time,Idiscoveredthatleadershipisnot justaboutgivingdirections—it's aboutsharingknowledge,inspiring others,andbeingopentolearningat everystage.

OneofthemostdefininglessonsI carrywithmeishowinstitutional wisdomispassedfromonegeneration tothenext.ONGCtaughtmethattrue mentorshipliesinenablingothersto growandlead.Thesevaluescontinue toguidemetoday,asIstrivetomentor youngmindswiththesamesincerity andcommitmentthatIoncereceived.

2.AfterretiringasExecutive DirectorfromONGC,youchosea pathofmentoring,training,and guidingprofessionalsacrossthe world.Whatmotivatedyoutoshift yourfocusfrommanagingenergyto energisingpeople?

Ineverymeeting,fieldvisitsand interaction,Ialwayssensedadeeper energy—theonethatpowerspurpose. Transitioningtomentoringfeltlike evolution,notretirement.Ihad harvestedinsights,notjustresults.The worldtodayseeksinnerstaminaas muchasoutersuccess,andthat'swhere mycallingmatured—frommanaging externalenvironmenttomanaging internalhumanresourcesandPolicy Formulation.Peopledon'tlack resources;theyseekdirection.

Myrolebecametoignitethatcompass withinthem.

3.FromFieldstomeetingsand internationalconferences,and traininghalls—yourjourneyhas beenvastanddiverse.Howdoyou tailoryourleadershipteachingsfor differentaudiences,fromcorporate CEOstoyounggraduates? Leadershipiscontextwithcharacter. WithCEOs,Ispeakofstrategy, stakeholderintegrity,andthelegacy question:Whatwilloutliveyou?With younggraduates,Iactivate awareness—whoyouarebeforewhat youdo.Mydeliveryadapts,butmy intentremainssingular:toawaken inneralignment.Ibringancient wisdomandcontemporarylogictothe table,sothatbothamillennialin MumbaiandapolicymakerinDelhior Dubaifindactionabledepth.

4.Youhavedeliveredsoftskillsand resiliencetraininginmultiple countries.Whataresomecore Indianleadershipvaluesor philosophiesthatresonatewith globalaudiencestoday?

Inmyglobaltrainingsessions,Ioften drawupontimelessIndianvaluesthat deeplyconnectwithdiverseaudiences —especiallytheemphasisonpurposedrivenleadershipandshared prosperity.

AguidingverseIfrequentlyreference is:

"Iseekneitherkingdom,norheaven, norrebirth.WhatIseekisthewelfare ofallbeings."

Thisphilosophyteachesthatleadership isaboutalleviatingsuffering, generatingemployment,andcreating impact—notaccumulatingwealthfor personalorgenerationalgain.Wealth mustcirculatetoupliftsociety.

TheseIndianidealsofselflessservice, resilience,andinclusivegrowthhave universalrelevanceandformthecore ofwhatIimpartglobally.

5.Asaboardmemberofprestigious institutions,howdoyouseethe futureofcorporategovernance evolving?Whatroleshouldethical leadershipandspiritualwisdomplay inshapingourinstitutions? Governanceisenteringaphasewhere wisdomisvaluedmorethanjust compliance.Futureinstitutionswill standonthetripodoftransparency, empathy,andforesight.Ethical leadershipmustbepracticed,not merelypreached.Spiritualintelligence bringsemotionalclarityand decisivenessrootedindharma.This convergenceofethicsandelevated consciousnesswilldistinguish enduringinstitutionsfromtransactional ones.

6.Manypeopleknowyouasa storytellerfromyourlectureseries whicharedrawnfromtheVedas, Panchatantra,andIndian mythology.Howdoyouusethese ancienttalestoteachmodern conceptslikeemotionalintelligence, conflictresolution,ordecisionmaking?

IoftenturntoclassicalIndianliterature

tobringouttimelessleadershipvalues. Onesuchexampleisfrom RaghuvaṃśhMahākāvyamby Kalidasa,wherehenarratesthestory ofKingDileepa—anancestorofLord Rama.WhenDileepadesiredachild,a sageadvisedhimtogototheforest andserveacow—anactknownas DileepasyaGo-Seva.

Life, like driving a car, requires different speeds for different terrains.

Mr. Manoj Barthwal Former Executive Director, ONGC

Don't rush through life. Build depth, not just speed.

Kālidāsa,oneofthegreatestpoetsand dramatistsofancientIndia,composed threeliterarymasterpieces: RaghuvaṃśaMahākāvya,Kumāra Sambhavam,andMeghadūtam.His writingsareatreasuretroveofwisdom, ethics,andphilosophicaldepththat continuetoinspiregenerations.

InRaghuvaṃśa,whiledescribingKing Dilīpa—thenobleancestorofLord Rāma—Kālidāsawrites:

remindsusofahigherideal —wherearulerorleader collectsresourcesnotfor self-indulgence,buttomultiplythem andreturnthemfortheprosperityof thepeople.KingDilīpa'sactionsreflect agovernancemodelrootedinservice, responsibility,andcompassion— valuesasrelevanttodayastheywere inancienttimes.

7.Inyourexperiencetraining professionals,whatdoyoubelieveis thebiggestchallengepeopleface internallytodayandhowcanone overcomeitwithclarityand courage?

meaningfuloutcomes—whether personalorprofessional—require patience,focus,andinnerpeace.One mustlearntopause,reflect,andstay centeredamidstnoise.Withdiscipline andself-awareness,clarityemerges, andcouragenaturallyfollows.

8.Lookingback,ifyoucouldgive onepieceofadvicetoyour30-yearoldselfduringyourONGCdays, whatwoulditbe?Andwhatmessage wouldyouliketogivetotheyouthof Indiatoday?

"Heacceptedtaxesfromhispeople solelyfortheirwell-being,justasthe sundrawsupwateronlytoreturnita thousandfoldasrain."

Thisversebeautifullycapturesthe essenceofethicalleadership.Atatime whenmodern-daybusinesstycoons mayaccumulatevastpersonalwealth andtravelinprivatejets,Kālidāsa

Intoday'sfast-pacedworld,thebiggest internalchallengeprofessionalsfaceis ashortattentionspan,drivenby constantdistractions.Addedtothisis thefloodofinformation—toomuch data,toolittlemeaning.Andperhaps mostsignificantly,thedesiretobe constantlynoticedhastakencenter stage.

Thesefactorscreaterestlessnessand cloudclarityofthought.But

IfIcouldspeaktomy30-year-oldself, Iwouldsay—enjoyeveryphaseof lifewithawareness.Life,likedrivinga car,requiresdifferentspeedsfor differentterrains.Whenyou're navigatinghillypaths,youmustslow downandstayfocused;youcan'tdrive atthesamespeedasonahighway. Similarly,inlife,therearemomentsto pause,reflect,andproceedwithcare— andthat'sperfectlyokay

Onapersonallevel,I'veembraced boththehighsandthelows.Infact, failureshaveoftenbeenbetterteachers

thansuccess.Theyshaperesilience, humility,andcharacter

TotheyouthofIndia,mymessageis: don'trushthroughlife.Builddepth,not justspeed.Inaworldobsessedwith quickresults,itsinnerclarity,patience, andperseverancethatwillhelpyougo thedistance.

9.Intoday'shyper-connectedworld, burnoutanddecisionfatigueare becomingcommonacrossall levels—fromstudentstoCEOs. Fromyourownlifeandtraining modules,whatarethreepractical techniquesyourecommendto maintainclarity,energy,and emotionalbalance?

Burnoutisrealandgrowing.Overthe years,I'vefoundthreesimpleyet powerfulpracticesthathelprestore clarity,energy,andemotionalbalance:

Sharpenyourawareness.Sitstill,close youreyes,andtrytoidentifythe faintestsoundaroundyou—adistant bird,atickingclock,evenyourbreath. Thisbringsyourscatteredmindback

The Most Iconic Education Leaders Shaping the Future of the Next Generation in 2025

tofocus.It'sagroundingexerciseI recommendtoall.

Understandstresstode-stress.Lie downquietlyandimaginetheworst possibleoutcomeyoufear Thenshift yourattentiontoallthatyoustillhave. Thiscontrastcreatesinstantmental reliefandreframesyourperspective.

Takelong,solitarywalks.Walking alonewithoutdistractionshelpsyour thoughtssettle.It'saformofmoving meditationthatbringssurprisingclarity overtime.

Thesesmallpractices,done consistently,canmakeabigdifference —notjustinperformance,butinpeace ofmind.

10.Ifyouweretodesigna"Life Curriculum"forschoolsor corporatescombiningONGC-style discipline,Panchatantrawisdom, andmodernleadership,whatwould its5pillarsbe,andhowcanreaders startapplyingatleastoneofthem fromtodayitself? IfIweretodesignaLifeCurriculum,it wouldblendstructureddiscipline, timelessIndianwisdom,andpractical skillsforthe21stcentury.Thesefive pillarswouldformitscore:

RespecttheEnvironment:Students andprofessionalsmustbetaughtearly tovaluenature.Fromconservingwater toreducingwaste,environmental respectfostersresponsibility.

PlantTrees,CreateLife:Simpleacts likeplantingtreesshouldbecome rituals.It'sapowerfulwaytonurture patience,purpose,andcontributionto futuregenerations.

AvoidJunkFood:EatforEnergy,Not JustTaste–Nutritioneducationshould beafoundation.Ahealthybodyleads toafocusedandbalancedmind.

DailySports&Play:Physicalactivity shouldnotbeoptional.Sportsteach teamwork,discipline,andresilience— traitsessentialinanyprofession.

AskMoreQuestions,FindCreative Solutions:Curiosityistheseedof innovation.Whetheryou'reinschool oraboardroom,askingtheright questionsismorevaluablethan memorisinganswers.

Starttodaybychoosingjustone:gofor a20-minutewalk,replaceajunksnack withfruit,orplantasapling.Change doesn'trequiregrandgestures—just consistentstepsintherightdirection.

11.Assomeonewhovaluesboth sportsandlaw,whatroledoyou believesportscanplayinshaping leadershipqualitiesamongtoday's students,especiallyinemerging institutionslikesportsuniversities? Sportsarevitalfordeveloping leadershipqualitiesliketeamwork, discipline,andresilience.AtONGC,I sawthisfirsthand—multidisciplinary teamshadtoworkinperfectsync, muchlikeonasportsfield.Iwasalso partoftheorganisingteamthat supportedONGCofficerswho successfullyclimbedMountEverest— aproudtestamenttocollectivestrength andspirit.

Sportsalsohelpreducestressandbuild camaraderie,makingthemessentialin education.Andjustaswemustlearn teamworkthroughsports,wemustalso understandthelaw,becausethelawis forall,andknowingitempowers responsiblecitizenship.

Sportsuniversities,therefore,aren't justshapingathletes—they'reshaping futureleaders.

Building a Future Where Technology Meets Human Insight

ThedevelopmentofEducation 5.0isasignificantchangeof perspectiveintheconstantly changingeducationworld:aparadigm towardsalearner-centredand technology-drivenfuture.This paradigmblendshightechnologiesand humanunderstandingintothevirtuous blendofcustomised,inclusive,and interactivelearning.Whenweventure deeperintotheessenceofEducation 5.0,wecandiscusshowtechnology willalterthefutureofeducation, providingpowerfulpositionsto supportlifelonglearning,inclusivity, andethicalconcerns.

PersonalisedLearningThrough AdvancedTechnologies

OneoftheconceptsofEducation5.0is calledpersonalizedlearning.By applyingtechnologiessuchasAI,

teacherswillbeabletotailor educationalcontenttothedemandsof students.TheAIalgorithmscanadvise betterteachingbyanalysingthe patternsoflearningsothatthestudents canlearnattheirpace.Notonlythe levelsofunderstandingwillbe improvedbuttherewillbeshapeda deeperrelationshipwiththetopicas well.

Moreover,othertechnologiessuchas VirtualReality(VR)andAugmented Reality(AR)alsoofferimmersive formsoflearning.Thetoolswillenable studentstointeractwiththecontentin dynamicformsthroughwhichtheycan adoptknowledgeofcomplexissues. Forexample,VRcantakestudentsto historicaleventsorscientificsettings, whichisimpossiblewithtraditional meansandprovidesanexperiencethat couldnotbeoffered.

PromotingLifelongLearningand SkillDevelopment

Education5.0believesthatoneneeds tokeeplearningandupdatingthem. Nowadays,inthemodernworldwhere everythingkeepschangingatevery instanceitisveryessentialtohavethe abilitytochangeandlearnsomething new.Studentsshouldbeabletoplan andreskillorupskillthroughthe adoptionofnewtechnologiessuchas AI-relatedplatformstoprescribe personallearningjourneysto understandgapsintheirknowledge.

Besides,gamificationandinteractive simulationsenhancethelearning experiencesinceitisinterestingand enjoyable.Theseaspectsnotonly encouragethestudentsbutalso increasetheknowledgeretentionand itsapplication.Education5.0exposes peopletoenvironmentsthatenable themtounderstandthedynamicsofthe contemporaryjobmarket;thisis

becauseitinculcateslearning throughoutlife.

EnsuringInclusivityand Accessibility

AmongthebenefitsofEducation5.0,it canprovideeducationdemocratisation. Educationthroughdigitaltoolsand applicationswillhavethepotentialto encompassabroaderpopulation includingindividualsinremoteor underservedareas.Itisalsopossibleto provideanindividualwithsupport withoutobstaclesduetogeographical andsocialeconomicbackgroundsdue toAI-driventools.

Moreover,assistivetechnologies providedisabledstudentswithanequal opportunitytoreceiveaneducation. Suchcharacteristics,suchasspeech-totext,screenreaderandadaptive interfaceswillenabletheresponseto thesevariouscategoriesoflearning needsandenablethecreationofan inclusivelearningenvironment.

EthicalConsiderationsandHuman Insight

Althoughtechnologywillbeatthe centralscopeofEducation5.0,human knowledgecannotbeignored.Teachers donotonlyactasknowledgeexporters butalsoascoacheswhotutorstudents throughtheireducationalexperiences. Technologyandhumansmustwork together,asopposedtorelyingon technologyasasubstituteforhuman influenceineducation.

Whenitcomestoeducational technologydeployment,ethical considerationsplaythefirstrole. Privacyofdata,databias,andthe digitaldivideshouldbeprioritisedto ensurethattechnologyisusedtothe benefitofeverylearning.Thereisa needtohavecraftedpoliciesand structuresthatwillregulatetheethical

applicationoftechnologyandprotect theinterestsofbothstudentsand teachers.

FinalWords

Tosumup,Education5.0harmonises thehouseholddeviceandthehuman intellectthathasrenderedthe educationalsettingfluidand inclusiveness.Thenewcutting-edge technologiesandthecultureoflifelong learningwillseeusproducethesystem ofeducationwhichwillbeflexible, fair,andadvanced.Doingevenmore explorationofchallengesofthedigital era,thereisneedtomakesurethatwe rememberaboutethicsandthevalues ofhumanbeingsothattechnology helpstoenhanceeducationratherthan corruptit.

Inthisrapidlychangingworld,the natureofthefutureofeducationisnot onlycharacterisedbytheadvancement oftechnologybutalsobythe promisingdedicationofhumankindto makingthelearningenvironment inclusive,ethicalandhuman-driven. Education5.0isanopportunitythat, whenthoughtfullycombinedwith technologyandhumanknowledge,will heraldthemoregloriousfutureof education.

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