Bangalore, January 19, 2025 – The much-anticipated 2nd Edition of The Academic Insights Education Excellence Awards and Summit 2024 concluded successfully yesterday at the Courtyard by Marriott, Hebbal, Bangalore. With nearly 180 dignitaries from education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship domains in attendance, the event was a grand celebration of innovation and excellence in the field of education.
Setting the Stage for Excellence
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished dignitaries, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and excellence. Among the esteemed participants were:
Prof. Bhabendranath Deka, Chancellor, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Prof. G.D. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya, Prof. Dr. Anjanappa T.H, Chairman, KIMS Medical College, Dr.Prakash Rao Sathe, the Chairman of New Pratham Public School, and Mr.Rakesh Kumar Singh, CEO of The Academic Insights Magazine.
Insightful Panel Discussions:
The event commenced with a panel discussion on “The Role of Government Policies in Shaping Educational Excellence”, moderated by Moin Rehman, Managing Editor, The Academic Insights Magazine. Esteemed panelists, including Dr. Mridul Hazarika, Dr. R. Kishore Kumar, Dr. Malini M Dutta, Dr. A. Loganathan, and Dr. S.R. Sridharamurthy, delved into the impact of government policies, particularly NEP 2020, on education. Thought-provoking discussions and audience participation highlighted key challenges and opportunities for policy-driven reforms.
Recognizing Lifelong Contributions
The event celebrated trailblazers with the Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring:
- Sri Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust for its longstanding commitment to education and societal development.
- Sri Sri Dr. Prakashnath Swamiji, Managing Director of BGS and SJB Group of Institutions, for his transformative contributions to K12 education.
The awards were presented by Prof. Bhabendranath Deka, adding significance to the honor. Collecting the award on Swamiji’s behalf, Dr. Malini Dutta, Principal of BGS National Public School, expressed her pride in receiving the award on the birthday of the Trust’s visionary founder.
Celebrating Excellence Across Educational Segments:
The awards recognized outstanding institutions and individuals from various educational segments. Linden Montessori Preschool and Safari Kid Global Preschool stood out in the preschool category for their innovative pedagogies. Iconic schools such as Tenbroeck Academy, St. Germain Academy, and Billabong High International School were lauded for their holistic and student-centric approaches.
Individual excellence was also honored, with Stuti Mehrotra (Linden Montessori Preschool) and Sunitha Grace (Magic Spell Preschool) recognized as Pragmatic Woman Leaders in Preschool Education 2024. Institutions from across India and beyond, including National Model Group of Schools, St. George’s British International School (Rome), and Amrita Vidyalayam, Thalassery, also took home prestigious accolades.
Preschool Winners:
- Linden Montessori Preschool – Outstanding Preschool of the Year 2024 – Innovative Pedagogy
- Gurukul Vidya Mandira – Outstanding Preschool of the Year 2024 – Comprehensive Educational Service
- Makoons Preschool – Best Promising Preschool of the Year 2024 – Fostering Innovation
- Safari Kid Global Preschool & Daycare – Best Preschool of the Year 2024 – Innovative Play-Based Learning
- Nanhe Kadam Pre School & Daycare – Best Preschool of the Year 2024 – Affordable Personalized Learning
- KLAY Preschools & Daycare – Best Preschool of the Year 2024 – Transformative Thematic Education
- Podar Jumbo Kids – Mulund East – Best Preschool of the Year 2024 – Balanced Cognitive Development
School Winners:
- Tenbroeck Academy – India’s Top ICSE School of the Year 2024
- St. Germain Academy – Best ICSE School of the Year 2024 – Commitment to Student Growth
- Vinayaka Public School – Best ICSE School of the Year 2024 – Holistic and Innovative Learning
- Billabong High International School, Kanpur – Best International School of the Year 2024
- Candor International School – Top International School in Bangalore 2024
- Vikaasa World School – Best International Day School of the Year 2024
- K.M.V. Red Hills Senior Secondary School – Outstanding CBSE School of the Year 2024 – Excellence in Career Development
- Achiever’s Academy – Outstanding CBSE School of the Year 2024 – Excellence Beyond Academics
- Gyan International School – Outstanding CBSE School of the Year 2024 – Global Competency Development
- Aum Valley School – Outstanding CBSE School of the Year 2024 – Supportive Academic Framework
- Chandramari International School – Outstanding International CBSE School of the Year 2024
- TIPS International School, Coimbatore – Outstanding IB School of the Year 2024 – Dynamic Teaching Practices
- Goldcrest International School – Best IB School of the Year 2024 – Innovative Pedagogy and Real-World Learning
- Knowledge Academy School – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Inclusive Educational Practices
- New Millennium School – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Affordable Education with Academic Distinction
- Colonel’s Academy – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Splendid Academic Development
- Infinity Podar Learn School – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Academic Reputation
- Kola Perumal Chetty Vaishnav Senior Secondary School – Outstanding Contribution to Education 2024
- Neerja Modi School – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Excellence Beyond Academics
- Kukadi Valley Public School and Jr. College – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Holistic and Value-Based Education
- Delhi Public School, Kanpur – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Futuristic Academic Orientation
- Springdales Senior Secondary School – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Multi-Dimensional Curriculum
- Spring Mount Valley School – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Holistic Education and Discipline
- Presidency School, Bangalore North – Outstanding School of the Year 2024 – Holistic Academic Enrichment
- Gram Vikas Residential School – Outstanding Boarding School of the Year 2024
- National Model Group of Schools – Innovative K12 Education Group of the Year 2024
- St. George’s British International School, Rome – International School of the Year 2024 (Italy)
- St. John’s Public School – India’s Best CBSE School of the Year 2024
- Auden Public School – Best ICSE School of the Year 2024
- TIPS International School Hyderabad – Best CBSE School of the Year 2024 – Balanced Academic and Co-Curricular Excellence
- National Hill View Public School Banashankari – Best CBSE School of the Year 2024 – Futuristic Orientation
- Redbridge International Academy, Bengaluru – Best International Day School of the Year 2024
Complete list of individuals winning school awards, separated by their categories:
Pragmatic Woman Leader in K12 Education 2024:
- Mrs. L. Suguna (President – Suguna International School)
- Ms. Suruchi Gandhi (Principal – Bal Bharati Public School)
- Dr. Neetha Sathe (Managing Trustee – New Pratham Public School, Bangalore)
Most Prominent Principal of the Year 2024 in K12 Education:
- Mrs. Ritambra Ghai (Principal – Army Public School, Dagshai)
- Dr. Angel Mary (Principal – Baldwin Boys’ High School)
- Tr. Saravanan Thiyagarajan (Principal – Jain Public School Chennai)
Educator of the Year 2024:
- Menakath Sripadam Sreesan (Principal – Yajnavalkya Public School, Hiriyur)
Faculty Excellence Award 2024 – Unwavering Dedication to Education:
- Ms. P. Kavitha (Kola Perumal Chetty Vaishnav Senior Secondary School)
Inspiring K12 Educator of the Year 2024:
- May Ruth D’Souza (Founder Principal – Insight Academy)
Future Visionary Principal 2024 – Grassroots Education:
- Bhawana Ranjan (Principal – Thikra Convent Dalmianagar Rohtas)
Transformational Woman Leader in Education 2024:
- Dr. Nalini Prabhu Shanker (Founder & Chairperson – Spring Mount Valley School)
Transformational K12 Principal of the Year 2024:
- Dr. Malini M Dutta (Principal – BGS National Public School)
Business School Awards:
The event spotlighted premier business schools that have transformed management education with their innovative approaches, outstanding industry partnerships, and holistic student development.
- RV Institute of Management was lauded as the Business School of the Year 2024 for its exemplary focus on industry partnerships. Dr. Purushottam Bung, Professor and Director, accepted the honor.
- Regional College of Management received accolades for its stellar placement records and career development initiatives, with Director Dr. Pritam Pal accepting the award.
- SCMS Cochin School of Business was recognized for its vibrant campus life and student-centric approach. Director Dr. Indu Nair accepted this honor.
- Avidus Academy of Management (AAM Business School) was named Management College of the Year 2024 for its industry-aligned curriculum, with Dr. Roshini and Mr. S. Alex Melwyn accepting the award.
- Sri Siddhartha Institute of Management earned the Business School of the Year 2024 title for its robust student-industry interface. The award was accepted by Dr. B. Azmathulla, Principal; Dr. Linge Gouda, Hon’ble VC; and Dr. M.Z. Kurian, Registrar.
- Uniqfin Business School was celebrated for its niche expertise in finance and investment education, with Founder CA Madan Reddy receiving the accolade.
- M. S. Ramaiah Institute of Management was commended for its focus on innovation and research. Professor and Dean Dr. A. V. Arunkumar accepted the honor.
- Other noteworthy institutions included Institute of Public Enterprise, Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Lingaya’s Lalita Devi Institute of Management & Sciences, Paari School of Business (SRM University-AP), International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship, Amrita Business School, Shanti Business School, and Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies & Research.
In a special segment, Dr. Sammita Jadhav, Director of Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, was honored as the Pioneering Leader in Healthcare Management and Education 2024.
Engineering College Awards:
The engineering segment celebrated institutions leading in academic excellence, innovation, and skill development:
- R. V. S. College of Engineering & Technology: Best Private Engineering College of the Year 2024 in Jharkhand and Bihar.
- R P Sarathy Institute of Technology: Engineering College of the Year 2024 – Skill Development Innovator.
- Ramco Institute of Technology: Engineering College of the Year 2024 – Career Assurance.
- Mangalam College of Engineering: Engineering College of the Year 2024 – Research & Innovation Repository.
- Annasaheb Dange College of Engineering and Technology, Ashta: Engineering College of the Year 2024 – Academic Reputation.
The ceremony also honored outstanding leaders for their transformative contributions to engineering education:
- Smt. Srividya Reddy Gunampalli, Vice-Chairperson of G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science, as Pragmatic Woman Leader in Higher Education 2024.
- Dr. V. Nirmal Kannan, Principal of Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, and Dr. K. E. Sreenivasa Murthy, Principal of Ravindra College of Engineering for Women, as Most Prominent Principals of the Year 2024.
- Dr. C. D. Naidu, Principal of VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, was also recognized in this category.
- Mr. Manjunath Bhandary, Chairman of Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management (Autonomous), was celebrated as India’s Most Inspiring Education Leader 2024.
A highlight was the recognition of Mr. B. Nitish Harihar and Mrs. Aishwarya Nitish, Chairman and Pro-Chairman of R P Sarathy Institute of Technology, as The Educational Power Duo 2024.
University Awards:
Universities making significant strides in education and community impact were celebrated:
- Adichunchanagiri University: Community Impact University of the Year 2024.
- University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya: University of the Year 2024 – Socio-Economic Impact and Inclusivity.
- Other notable universities included Glocal University, Gautam Buddha University, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, and Central University of Tamil Nadu.
Prominent leaders like Prof. Nilanjan Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University, and Prof. Bhabendra Nath Deka, Chancellor of Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, were celebrated for their visionary leadership.
Higher Education and Special Awards:
The Institutes Excelling in Medical, Dental, Media, and Design Education have also been honored for their remarkable contributions to shaping future professionals across various fields. Here’s the list of those recognized for their excellence in 2024:
Medical & Dental Education:
- Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre – India’s Best Medical College of the Year 2024 for Research-driven Excellence
- Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre – Top College in India for Academic Excellence 2024
- ESIC Medical College & Hospital – Top Medical College in India 2024
- SDM College of Dental Sciences & Hospital – India’s Best Dental College of the Year 2024
- M G V’s Karmaveer Bhausaheb Hiray Dental College and Hospital – India’s Best Dental College of the Year 2024
- Asian Institute of Nursing Education – Best Nursing College of the Year 2024
- Bangalore Group of Institutions – India’s Top Nursing College of the Year 2024
Media & Mass Communication:
- College of Journalism & Mass Communication, Dayananda Sagar University – Best Media and Mass Communication Institute of the Year 2024 for Career-Focused Learning Experience
- Xavier Institute of Communications – Best Media and Mass Communication Institute of the Year 2024 for Comprehensive Professional Training
- Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication – Best Media and Mass Communication Institute of the Year 2024 for Industry-Centric Learning Approach
- Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism – Best Film Institute of the Year 2024
Design & Hospitality Education:
- Nitte School of Fashion Technology and Interior Design – Best Fashion Design Institute of the Year 2024 for Industry-Driven Design Education
- IMI International Management Institute Switzerland – Top Swiss Institution for World-Class Hospitality Education 2024
- Krystal School of Excellence – India’s Top Tourism & Hospitality Institute 2024
Business & Management Education:
- ITS College of Professional Studies – Top BBA & BCA College of the Year 2024
- N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research – Top Business Analytics College in India 2024
Degree Colleges:
- Shri Shankarlal Sundarbai Shasun Jain College for Women – Prominent Degree College of the Year 2024
- Lakshmibai National College for Physical Education – College of the Year 2024 – Excellence in Physical Education and Sports Training
The final educational award of the gathering, celebrated Iguider Learning Private Limited as the Best EdTech Company of the Year 2024.
Before transitioning to the Industry Insights Business Excellence Awards, the second panel discussion took place on the Importance of Mental Health, emphasizing its critical role in today’s world. The panel featured distinguished experts, including:
- Dr. T. H. Anjanappa (Chairman, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences)
- Col. Rajeev Mannali (CEO, Sree Uthradom Thirunal Hospital)
- Dr. Anil Kumar Pandey (Dean, ESIC Medical College & Hospital)
- Dr. Neema Bisht (COO, CareerInPharma)
- Dr. Aparna Rao (Director & Principal, International Academy of Management & Entrepreneurship)
The moderator, Mr. Moin Rehman, Managing Editor of The Academic Insights, yet again guided the conversation. The panelists stressed the importance of counseling for everyone, highlighting the stigma that still surrounds it. Dr. Anjanappa shared a personal experience of losing a colleague to suicide, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible healthcare support across various domains, especially considering the mental health challenges which grew manifold during the pandemic. Once the second panel discussion concluded, it was time for the TII Business Excellence Awards 2024, where hospitals and home healthcare services that set new standards for care and innovation were honored.
The winners of TII Business Excellence Awards were:
- Asirvatham Speciality Hospital, Madurai – India’s Best Hospital of the Year 2024 for Oncology Leadership
- Sunburst Healthcare – India’s Best Home Healthcare Service Providers 2024
- Medway Hospitals – India’s Best Hospital of the Year 2024 for Pioneers in Cardiac and Multispecialty Care
- GNRC Hospitals – India’s Best Hospital of the Year 2024 for Excellence in Neurology
- KIMS Sreechand Hospital, Kannur – India’s Best Hospital of the Year 2024 for Affordable, High-Quality Patient Care
- Sree Uthradom Thirunal (SUT) Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram – India’s Best Hospital of the Year 2024 for Tertiary Care Excellence
- Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital – Top Maternity Hospital in Bangalore 2024
- Rainbow Children’s Hospital – Top Maternity Hospital in Bangalore 2024
These organizations demonstrated exceptional leadership in healthcare, contributing significantly to patient care and innovative medical solutions. The awards recognized the outstanding work they have done over the years in advancing healthcare excellence.
Closing Remarks
The event concluded with heartfelt thanks to the dignitaries, award winners, attendees, and the organizing team. The success of the event was celebrated, and attendees were encouraged to network and continue sharing ideas for the future of education and innovation. The closing sentiment was one of gratitude and anticipation for future collaborations and events.