IIM Nagpur Hosts IPEC 2026, Celebrating Educational Innovations
The International Principals’ Educational Conference at IIM Nagpur emphasizes the potential of youth and innovative educational approaches.
IIM Nagpur hosts the ninth International Principals’ Educational Conference.
Padma Shri Vasudeo Kamath and Prof Dr Debashis Chatterjee receive the Sarvottam Nachiketa Puraskar.
The conference focuses on bridging educational insights with the aspirations of young learners.
The ninth edition of the International Principals’ Educational Conference (IPEC 2026) commenced on Thursday at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Nagpur, highlighting the transformative potential of the youth. Karnail Singh Cheema, a prominent leader in education, emphasized that the younger generation represents opportunities rather than challenges during the opening remarks. The event, organized by The South Public School, aims to bring together educational leaders from across the globe to discuss innovative approaches in education.
This year’s conference theme, 'Understanding WOW – The World of Wonderful Generations: Bridging Insights and Innovations,' seeks to address the evolving aspirations of young learners and the need for educational systems to adapt accordingly. Dr Mrunalini Dasture, the convener of IPEC, noted that the conference aims to create inclusive and future-ready learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of students.
A significant moment of the event was the awarding of the prestigious Sarvottam Nachiketa Puraskar to Padma Shri Vasudeo Kamath and Prof Dr Debashis Chatterjee for their outstanding contributions to education. The ceremony featured notable attendees, including Dr Bhimraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, and other educational leaders who participated in discussions and shared insights on improving educational practices.
In his keynote address, Prof Dr Debashis Chatterjee highlighted the importance of listening to the unheard voices within the education system. He argued that many existing challenges could be addressed by understanding the perspectives of students. He likened the role of a principal to a guiding force, akin to a door connected to a kite, allowing students the freedom to soar while providing direction. His insights resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need for a strong cultural foundation to ensure a brighter future for students.
As the conference progresses, participants are encouraged to engage in interactive sessions to explore innovative solutions that align with the aspirations of the new generation. The discussions aim to foster collaboration among educational leaders to enhance learning experiences and outcomes for students across India and beyond.


