“The young generation are not problems waiting to be solved, but possibilities waiting to be discovered,” said Karnail Singh Cheema, visionary leader and institution builder, at the inauguration of the ninth edition of the International Principals’ Educational Conference (IPEC 2026) at Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nagpur on Thursday. Organised by The South Public School, (TSPS) Nagpur, the three-day conference brought together principals and educational leaders from India and abroad to deliberate on emerging approaches to education. Prof Dr Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode, was the chief guest, while Padma Shri Vasudeo Kamath, eminent artist; and Dr Bhimraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur, were guests of honour. Devish Gala, President, Educational Books Division, Navneet Education; Dr Mrunalini Dasture, Principal, TSPS; Deaven Dasture, Director, TSPS, and other members of advisory committee shared the dais.

 

Theme for this year’s conference is ‘Understanding WOW – The World of Wonderful Generations: Bridging Insights and Innovations’, focusing on understanding changing aspirations of young learners and developing education systems that respond to their needs. Dr Mrunalini Dasture, convener of IPEC, traced the genesis of the conference. She said the current edition aims to foster inclusive, relevant and future-ready learning environments. Highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of prestigious Sarvottam Nachiketa Puraskar on Padma Shri Vasudeo Kamath and Prof Dr Debashis Chatterjee in recognition of their contributions. Anupama D’Souza compered the programme, Mangesh Chinewar, Vice-Principal of The South Public School, proposed a vote of thanks.

 

 

“Many challenges before the education system can be solved if we start hearing the unheard,” said Prof Dr Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM, Kozhikode, while delivering a keynote address on ‘Bridging Modern Learning Paradigms with Indian Traditions for WOW Generations,’ on the first day of IPEC-2026 at IIM, Nagpur on Thursday. Dr Chatterjee captivated audience with his profound insight and clarity of thought. Through a presentation, he highlighted change of perspective in education system to liberate students to explore their horizons. He also likened role of a Principal to a door connected with a kite that does not restrict its flight, but gives the freedom of kite a proper direction. The three-time IIM Director also underscored importance of strong cultural base to have a brighter future for students and said that principals have an important role to play by listening to students and finding new ways that can connect to new generation to propogate the message. The session concluded with an interactive session followed where delegates posed questions to the chief guest.