Fadnavis presents Nachiketa Awards as 9th principals' conference IPEC 2026 ends in Nagpur

The 9th International Principals' Educational Conference (IPEC) 2026 concluded in Nagpur. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. He honoured educationists, policymakers and other eminent people who have made exemplary contributions to education and various other fields with the Nachiketa Awards.

On the dais were Minister of State Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, former MP and noted actor Dr Nitish Bharadwaj, IPEC chief convener Dr Mrinalini Dastur, IIM Nagpur director Dr Bhimaraya Metri and The South Public School director Deven Dastur. Several other figures from education and society also attended.

The Best Nachiketa Award went to former MP and actor Dr Nitish Bharadwaj. The Nachiketa Lifetime Achievement Award was given to two people: Dr Razia Hussain, principal of MSB Educational Institute, and Shraddha Kelapure, former principal of The South Public School, Nagpur.

The Super Nachiketa Award also went to two people. Dr Indira Nayana, director and head (academic adviser) of Billabong High International School, Mumbai, received the honour. The other award was given to Kanchan Uke, principal of Centre Point School in Vardhaman Nagar, Nagpur.

Chief Minister Fadnavis congratulated all the award winners and wished them well for their future work.

Addressing the gathering, Fadnavis said education and teachers have the foremost role in building a prosperous nation. He praised the winners. In his words, the Nachiketa Award is not merely an honour. It is a recognition of the selfless service and dedication of the visionary leaders who are shaping the country's bright future.

Fadnavis also said schools, teachers and principals play a key role in developing our capacity to think. According to him, the capacity to think turns information into knowledge.