DBS Global University, India’s Leading AI University, welcomed more than 500 school principals, educators, and academic administrators from across the country to our Selaqui campus for the National Education Excellence Awards 2026 and Principal Conclave, hosted in association with the All India Principal Association (AIPA) and the National Federation of Independent Schools (NFIS). The day went well beyond felicitation. Alongside honouring outstanding contributions to Indian school education, we gave principals a firsthand look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of learning.

A First-of-Its-Kind AI Workshop for School Principals

Reflecting our position as India’s foremost AI-driven university, we organised a dedicated AI Workshop for school principals, believed to be the first initiative of its kind at a national principals’ conclave.

Dr. Raghav Upadhyay led the session, walking participants through the practical potential of AI in school education, from intelligent classrooms and personalised learning to AI-assisted administration and data-driven academic planning.

Principals engaged immediately. They raised questions on bringing AI tools into their own school systems, upskilling teachers, and preparing students for an AI-enabled world. For many, this was their first structured exposure to AI as a hands-on leadership tool, and they left with both clarity and enthusiasm.

Voices from the Conclave

Our Vice Chancellor Dr. Sanjay Jasola told the gathering that the principals present were not merely teachers but nation-builders. He described integrating AI into education as an imperative rather than an option, and called the workshop our way of putting that belief into action, and just the beginning of a wider effort to help every principal in India understand and harness AI.

Dr. Navdeep Bhardwaj, National President of both NFIS and AIPA, reflected that honouring a single principal means honouring the thousands of students whose lives that principal has shaped. He added that the day’s AI workshop offered everyone a glimpse of the future awaiting Indian education.

Dr. Amit Sehgal, State President of AIPA, spoke of Uttarakhand as a land of knowledge and wisdom, and urged every educator to embrace change and lead their schools forward with confidence.

Mr. Mohit Agarwal, President, called education the most powerful infrastructure a nation can build. He congratulated every awardee as a true architect of India’s tomorrow and expressed hope that events like the National Education Excellence Awards become a national tradition.

Senior Leadership in Attendance

Our senior leadership took part in the event, including Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, Dr. Manish Prateek, and Associate Dean Dr. Navjyoti Singh Negi, along with faculty members and administrators who joined the assembled principals and guests in making the occasion a success.

The Principal Conclave also featured lively panel discussions on student-centric learning, the digital transformation of classrooms, inclusive education, and the evolving role of school leaders. Deep Connection supported the event.