Revitalised resource-deficient classrooms, making learning joyful.
A Global Dialogue on Education Leadership
February 6th & 7th, 2026
Prestige Center for Performing Arts (PCPA), Bengaluru, 09:00 AM Onward
Days
Hours
Minutes
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InvokED 5.0: Mission to Movement
6-7th February, 2026
This milestone edition of InvokED will turn bold ideas into action. A space where diverse voices shape the dialogue to accelerate India’s public education transformation with their ideas, energy, and experiences. Together we’ll celebrate local leadership, systemic innovations, and collective action transforming learning for millions of children in India & Global South.
Over two days, 1000+ participants will experience the dialogue through unique formats like Leadership Spotlights, Bright Spots Showcases, Braindates, Experience Zones, Dialogue Corners and much more..
Agenda
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
09:00 AM – 09:30 AM
Registration & Networking
Main Audi
Meeting & greeting over light breakfast
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Welcome Address
Main Audi
Setting the stage for two-day dialogue towards strengthening leadership for a billion learners
SD Shibulal
Founder, ShikshaLokam Co-founder, Infosys
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Fireside Chat: Leadership in the New Age
Main Audi
Exploring evolving models of leadership and collaboration from across the globe
Wendy Kopp
CEO & Co-founder, Teach For All
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Shikshagraha Awards
Main Audi
Recognising champion leaders who are driving equity and innovations in education ecosystem
Dr Subramanian Rangan
Professor, Strategy and Management, INSEAD
Dr Urvashi Sahni
Co-founder, Catalyst 2030 President and CEO, SHEF
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Reflections
Shri Sanjay Kumar
Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
Main Audi
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Networking over tea, coffee & savouries
12:00 PM – 01:00 PM
Leadership Spotlights
Main Audi
Lightening talks showcasing stories of leadership and transformation from across the ecosystem
01:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Exploring food for thought with food on plate
01:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Immersing into the best practices, tech innovations, solutions that are helping local leaders transform ground reality of education system
02:30 PM – 04:00 PM
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Alex Beard
Senior Director, Global Learning Lab, Teach For All
Harry Bregazi
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
Cynthia Rayner
Senior Researcher & Adjunct Lecturer, Bertha Centre for Social Innovation
Manisha Shah Nayyar
Philanthropy Partner (Asia), Synergos
Shri Anandrao V. Patil
Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
Rucha Pande
COO, CoLab
Dr Pratibha Narayanan
Co-founder, Involve
Vyjayanthi Mala
Chief, Open Learning Network, Centre for Exponential Change
02:30 PM – 04:00 PM
Unique space designed to facilitate one-on-one meaningful and in-depth interactions between participants and subject-matter experts
04:00 PM – 04:30 PM
Networking over tea, coffee & savouries
04:30 PM – 05:30 PM
A plenary-led launch moment highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Shruti Shibulal
Executive Vice Chair, Tamara Leisure Experiences
Camille Massey
President and CEO, Synergos
Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi
Joint Secretary (SS-l & AE Bureau), Ministry of Education
Meenakshi Ramesh
CEO Designate, Pratham Education Foundation
Camila Pereira
CEO, Global School Leaders
06:30 PM – 08:00 PM
Ending the day with a vibrant cultural evening & dinner
09:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Shikshagraha Utsav : Opening
Main Audi
Moving from ideas to action: Showcase & celebration of Shikshagraha in action
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar
Royal House Mysore
Member of Parliament, Mysore
Member of Parliament, Mysore
Sanjay Purohit
CEO & Chief Curator, Centre for Exponential Change
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Bright Spots Showcase
Main Audi
Showcasing powerful impact stories of Samaaj-Sarkaar-Bazaar-Sanchaar collaboration from five states driving local innovation, leadership, and collective problem-solving
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Introducing Shikshagraha Collectives
Main Audi
Meeting Shikshagraha sub-collectives & anchors and immersing into the focus, vision and journey so far
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Networking over tea, coffee & savouries
12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Dr Aditya Vishwanath
Co-Founder, MakerGhat
Dr Krithi K. Karanth
CEO, Centre for Wildlife Studies
Sonali Saini
Founder, Sol's ARC
01:30 PM onwards
Wraping up with reflections and shared commitments towards Shikshagraha followed by a hearty lunch
Alex Beard
Senior Director, Global Learning Lab, Teach For All
About the Speaker
Alex Beard is Senior Director of the Global Learning Lab at Teach For All, where he leads global research, knowledge sharing, and learning partnerships across the network. Beginning his career as a teacher in London, he has dedicated himself to understanding how learning can be transformed for rapidly changing societies. His work focuses on identifying promising, locally rooted innovations and connecting educators and leaders across countries to strengthen collective learning. Alex is also a widely published writer and speaker on the future of learning, leadership in education, and the skills young people need to thrive. He brings a global systems lens to improving education outcomes at scale.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Dr Subramanian Rangan
Professor, Strategy and Management, INSEAD
About the Speaker
Dr Subramanian “Subi” Rangan is Professor of Strategy and Management at INSEAD, where he also holds the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Endowed Chair in Societal Progress. His work explores how leaders and institutions can integrate economic performance with social purpose, reimagining capitalism for an era of systemic challenges. A widely respected thinker, he founded the Society for Progress, a global community of scholars and practitioners examining the moral foundations of markets. His teaching and research span global strategy, sustainable development, and the evolution of leadership from transactional outcomes to transformational outlook. Dr Rangan is known for shaping conversations on responsible business and societal progress.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Awards
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Main Audi
Recognising champion leaders who are driving equity and innovations in education ecosystem
Dr Urvashi Sahni
Co-founder, Catalyst 2030 President and CEO, SHEF
About the Speaker
Dr Urvashi Sahni is an educationist, social entrepreneur, and a leading voice in girls’ rights and feminist pedagogy in India. She is the President and CEO of the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), which delivers quality, rights-based education to thousands of girls from marginalised communities. As Co-founder of Catalyst 2030, she also helps convene global social innovators to accelerate systems change. Over four decades, her work has influenced national education policy, strengthened government partnerships, and advanced community-driven models of schooling. She is recognised internationally for developing scalable approaches that nurture agency, critical thinking, and leadership among girls, transforming both classrooms and communities.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Awards
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Main Audi
Recognising champion leaders who are driving equity and innovations in education ecosystem
Dr Harry Bregazzi
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Blavatnik School of Government
About the Speaker
Dr Harry Bregazzi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Government Outcomes Lab, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. His research examines how governments can design and deliver public services through outcomes-based partnerships, with a particular focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. He has contributed to global learning on evidence-driven policymaking, public service reform, and innovative financing models. Harry also works with international networks of scholars and practitioners exploring peacebuilding, governance, and public sector capability. With expertise spanning data analysis, social policy, and institutional design, he brings a rigorous academic perspective to understanding what enables effective, accountable, and citizen-centred service delivery.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
S. D. Shibulal
Founder, ShikshaLokam Co-founder, Infosys
About the Speaker
S. D. Shibulal is Co-founder of Infosys and one of India’s most respected technology and business leaders. After serving as CEO and MD of Infosys, he expanded his focus to entrepreneurship, impact-driven investments, and philanthropy. As Founder of ShikshaLokam, he is committed to strengthening India’s public education system through leadership development and collective action. His work spans digital public goods, systems transformation, and enabling millions of education leaders to drive micro-improvements within schools. Through initiatives under the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Investments, he supports large-scale programmes in learning, skilling, and societal development. He continues to champion technology-enabled solutions for inclusive and equitable growth.
Sessions by speaker
Welcome Address
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Main Audi
Setting the stage for two-day dialogue towards strengtheing leadership for a billion learners
Wendy Kopp
CEO & Co-founder, Teach For All
About the Speaker
Wendy Kopp is the CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All, a global network of independent organisations working to expand educational opportunity in over 60 countries. She founded Teach For America in 1990, catalysing a new generation of leaders committed to addressing educational inequity in the United States. With Teach For All, she has extended this mission globally by supporting locally led organisations and cultivating a worldwide community of educators, social entrepreneurs, and systems leaders. Wendy’s work has shaped education reform for over three decades, emphasising collective leadership, community partnership, and long-term systemic change to ensure every child can fulfil their potential.
Sessions by speaker
Fireside Chat: Leadership in the New Age
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Main Audi
Exploring evolving models of leadership and collaboration from across the globe
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar
Royal House Mysore
Member of Parliament, Mysore
Member of Parliament, Mysore
About the Speaker
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is an elected member of parliament, representing the Mysore constituency in Karnataka and the 27th Custodian of the Royal House of Mysore, a lineage that has played a central role in Karnataka’s cultural, educational, and social development for centuries. Educated in economics and English literature in the United States, he combines heritage stewardship with a modern, community-oriented outlook. He is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, cultural preservation, youth engagement, and public outreach on issues of regional and national significance. Yaduveer continues to champion Mysuru’s rich traditions while promoting progressive development rooted in social responsibility, sustainability, and public service.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Utsav : Opening
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Main Audi
Moving from ideas to action: Showcase & celebration of Shikshagraha in action
Sanjay Purohit
CEO & Chief Curator, Centre for Exponential Change
About the Speaker
Sanjay Purohit is the CEO and Chief Curator of the Centre for Exponential Change, where he advances “Societal Thinking” as an open approach to solving complex challenges at a population scale. With over three decades of experience across corporate and development sectors, he has worked with hundreds of change leaders in more than 20 countries on areas such as education, climate action, healthcare, gender equity, and livelihoods, helping them design for speed, scale, and sustainability. His work, captured in his “Think Books” and related writings, focuses on curating ideas, networks, and technology platforms that enable collaborative problem-solving, while he also mentors mission-driven organisations and co-founded apurva.ai to amplify collective wisdom through AI.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Utsav : Opening
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Main Audi
Moving from ideas to action: Showcase & celebration of Shikshagraha in action
Shri Sanjay Kumar
Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
About the Speaker
Shri Sanjay Kumar is Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, leading the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 across the school system. A senior Indian Administrative Service officer, he brings decades of experience in governance and education, overseeing large-scale initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and national efforts in foundational learning, digital education, and inclusion.
Sessions by speaker
Reflections
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Main Audi
Cynthia Rayner
Senior Researcher & Adjunct Lecturer, Bertha Centre for Social Innovation
About the Speaker
Cynthia Rayner is a Senior Researcher and Adjunct Lecturer at the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, and a Visiting Fellow at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Her research explores how organisations, governments, and communities work collectively to shape social systems, with a focus on practical methods that enable long-term, systemic social change. A former management consultant, she has worked across the corporate and nonprofit sectors, including roles with Generation Ubuntu, mothers2mothers, and the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, bringing strategy and systems thinking to issues of health, education, and child wellbeing in Southern Africa. Cynthia is co-author of “The Systems Work of Social Change” and is recognised internationally for bridging rigorous qualitative research with practitioner insight to strengthen movements for equity and collective leadership.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Manisha Shah Nayyar
Philanthropy Partner (Asia), Synergos
About the Speaker
Manisha Shah Nayyar is Philanthropy Partner (Asia) at Synergos, where she works with philanthropists and family offices to design collaborative, trust-based approaches that address complex social challenges across the region. Drawing on experience across private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, she supports members of the Global Philanthropists Circle to shift from project-based giving to long-term, ecosystem-strengthening investments rooted in local leadership and systems change.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Shri Anandrao V. Patil
Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
About the Speaker
Shri Anandrao V. Patil is the Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, where he steers key portfolios including PM POSHAN, digital initiatives, and programme management. An Indian Administrative Service officer with extensive experience in education and public administration, he focuses on using data, technology, and centre–state coordination to strengthen school nutrition, improve learning conditions, and advance the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Rucha Pande
COO, CoLab
About the Speaker
Rucha Pande is the Founder of CoLab Global, a learning and collaboration space that brings together education practitioners, researchers, and system leaders to explore how complex change happens in public education systems. Through her experience as Chief Operating Officer at Mantra4Change, she has helped build programmes and partnerships across multiple states, strengthening leadership development, collective action, and ecosystem collaborations such as the Punjab Education Collective. With a decade of work in the education sector and an MA in Education from Azim Premji University, she specialises in designing for scale, nurturing communities of practice, and translating field insights into practical tools for systems change.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Dr Pratibha Narayanan
Co-founder, Involve
About the Speaker
Dr Pratibha Narayanan is Co-founder of Involve, a non-profit social enterprise that nurtures agency in students by enabling peer teaching and student-led learning in schools across India. A neuroscientist turned educationist and an Acumen Fellow, she brings classroom experience and research training to reimagine how young people take ownership of their learning, designing programmes and tools that help students become self-reliant, collaborative problem-solvers.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Vyjayanthi Mala
Chief, Open Learning Network, Centre for Exponential Change
About the Speaker
Vyjayanthi Mala is Chief of the Open Learning Network at the Centre for Exponential Change, where she works on making “Societal Thinking” practices accessible to change leaders through open resources, communities, and learning experiences. A climate action enthusiast with a background in community building and communications, she curates stories, tools, and peer spaces that help practitioners across sectors design for scale, resilience, and shared ownership in their work.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Shruti Shibulal
Executive Vice Chair, Tamara Leisure Experiences
About the Speaker
Shruti Shibulal is Executive Vice Chair of Tamara Leisure Experiences, a hospitality group known for its commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable luxury. She has helped shape Tamara’s portfolio of resorts and hotels in India and Europe, embedding environmental stewardship, renewable energy use, and local employment into the core business model. A strong advocate for inclusive growth, Shruti launched SAATHIYA, a hospitality skilling initiative that equips young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with industry-relevant skills and career pathways in hotels and restaurants. She also serves as a Trustee of the Advaith Foundation, SD Foundation, and ATREE, where she supports programmes in education, healthcare, and ecological conservation that enable communities to thrive alongside thriving enterprises.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Camille Massey
President and CEO, Synergos
About the Speaker
Camille Massey is the President and CEO of Synergos, a global organisation dedicated to solving complex problems through trust-building, collaboration, and systems leadership. With a career spanning human rights, international development, philanthropy, and social innovation, she is known for bringing cross-sector partners together to create equitable and lasting change. Prior to Synergos, she held senior roles at the Council on Foreign Relations, Human Rights First, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Camille champions “bridging leadership” and community-centred approaches that strengthen social cohesion and unlock collective potential. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, peace, and wellbeing for vulnerable communities around the world.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi
Joint Secretary (SS-l & AE Bureau), Ministry of Education
About the Speaker
Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi is Joint Secretary (SS-I & Adult Education Bureau) in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. She leads portfolios spanning adult education, literacy, gender and equity, adolescent education, and support to voluntary agencies, working to strengthen flagship initiatives such as ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram and make school and adult education more inclusive and effective.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Meenakshi Ramesh
CEO Designate, Pratham Education Foundation
About the Speaker
Meenakshi Ramesh is CEO Designate of Pratham Education Foundation, one of India’s largest education nonprofits, marking a meaningful return to the organisation where she began her social sector journey as a volunteer 25 years ago. With more than two decades of leadership across education, civic engagement, and media, including co-founding Oorvani Foundation, she brings deep experience in building scalable social impact initiatives that improve learning at population scale. In her new role, she will help steer Pratham’s next phase of innovation and partnerships while upholding its mission of ensuring every child is in school and learning well.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 7, 2026
A plenary-led launch moment highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Camila Pereira
CEO, Global School Leaders
About the Speaker
Camila Pereira is CEO of Global School Leaders, an international non-profit that develops and supports school leaders across the Global South to improve teaching and learning for children in under-resourced communities. A social impact leader with extensive experience in education and leadership development, she previously served as Chief Impact Officer at the Lemann Foundation in Brazil, where she led large-scale initiatives to strengthen school leadership and education systems. She continues to champion school leaders as the crucial bridge between policy and classroom practice, shaping strategies, partnerships, and networks that enable them to drive equitable, systemic change in education.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 7, 2026
A plenary-led launch moment highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Dr Aditya Vishwanath
Co-Founder, MakerGhat
About the Speaker
Dr Aditya Vishwanath is Co-founder of MakerGhat, a network of makerspaces and innovation labs that enables young people from low-income communities to learn through making, experimentation, and problem-solving. A researcher and technologist who also co-founded the XR learning company Inspirit, he works at the intersection of education, immersive technology, and social entrepreneurship to build 21st-century skills and inform systemic change in how classrooms prepare learners for the future.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates with Anchor Organisations
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Dr Krithi K. Karanth
CEO, Centre for Wildlife Studies
About the Speaker
Dr Krithi K. Karanth is CEO and Chief Conservation Scientist at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, a leading conservation organisation that integrates rigorous science, policy engagement, and community partnerships to protect wildlife and habitats in India. A conservation biologist with degrees from the University of Florida, Yale University, and Duke University, she has led pioneering work on human–wildlife interactions and designed flagship programmes such as Wild Seve, Wild Shaale, and Wild Surakshe to support coexistence between people and wildlife.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates with Anchor Organisations
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Sonali Saini
Founder, Sol's ARC
About the Speaker
Sonali Saini is Founder and Executive Director of Sol’s ARC (Sol’s Assessment and Remedial Centre), a nonprofit advancing inclusive education and better learning outcomes for children and youth from marginalised and vulnerable communities. A special educator and social entrepreneur, she has developed inclusive curricula, assessment tools, and technology-enabled models that support diverse learners, including children with disabilities, and partners with governments and NGOs to embed these approaches into mainstream education and skilling systems.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates with Anchor Organisations
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Alex Beard
Senior Director, Global Learning Lab, Teach For All
Camille Massey
President and CEO, Synergos
Cynthia Rayner
Senior Researcher & Adjunct Lecturer, Bertha Centre for Social Innovation
Camila Pereira
CEO, Global School Leaders
Dr Aditya Vishwanath
Co-Founder, MakerGhat
Dr Urvashi Sahni
Co-founder, Catalyst 2030 President and CEO, SHEF
Dr Santhosh Mathew
Country Lead Public Policy and Finance, Gates Foundation
Dr Subramanian Rangan
Professor, Strategy and Management, INSEAD
Dr Krithi K. Karanth
CEO, Centre for Wildlife Studies
Dr Pratibha Narayanan
Co-founder, Involve
Harry Bregazzi
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Blavatnik School of Government
His Highness Yaduveer Wadiyar
King of Mysore, Karnataka
Kumari Shibulal
Founder & Chairperson, The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives
Manisha Shah Nayyar
Philanthropy Partner (Asia), Synergos
Meenakshi Ramesh
CEO Designate, Pratham Education Foundation
Manisha Shah Nayyar
Philanthropy Partner (Asia), Synergos
Rucha Pande
COO, CoLab
SD Shibulal
Founder, ShikshaLokam Co-founder, Infosys
Shruti Shibulal
Executive Vice Chair, Tamara Leisure Experiences
Sanjay Purohit
CEO & Chief Curator, Centre for Exponential Change
Shri Sanjay Kumar
Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi
Joint Secretary (SS-l & AE Bureau), Ministry of Education
Sophia Otoo
Programme and Community Lead, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
Shri Anandrao V. Patil
Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
Sonali Saini
Founder, Sol's ARC
Vyjayanthi Mala
Chief, Open Learning Network, Centre for Exponential Change
Wendy Kopp
CEO & Co-founder, Teach For All
Alex Beard
Senior Director, Global Learning Lab, Teach For All
About the Speaker
Alex Beard is Senior Director of the Global Learning Lab at Teach For All, where he leads global research, knowledge sharing, and learning partnerships across the network. Beginning his career as a teacher in London, he has dedicated himself to understanding how learning can be transformed for rapidly changing societies. His work focuses on identifying promising, locally rooted innovations and connecting educators and leaders across countries to strengthen collective learning. Alex is also a widely published writer and speaker on the future of learning, leadership in education, and the skills young people need to thrive. He brings a global systems lens to improving education outcomes at scale.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Camille Massey
President and CEO, Synergos
About the Speaker
Camille Massey is the President and CEO of Synergos, a global organisation dedicated to solving complex problems through trust-building, collaboration, and systems leadership. With a career spanning human rights, international development, philanthropy, and social innovation, she is known for bringing cross-sector partners together to create equitable and lasting change. Prior to Synergos, she held senior roles at the Council on Foreign Relations, Human Rights First, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. Camille champions “bridging leadership” and community-centred approaches that strengthen social cohesion and unlock collective potential. She is deeply committed to advancing equity, peace, and wellbeing for vulnerable communities around the world.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Cynthia Rayner
Senior Researcher & Adjunct Lecturer, Bertha Centre for Social Innovation
About the Speaker
Cynthia Rayner is a Senior Researcher and Adjunct Lecturer at the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, and a Visiting Fellow at the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Her research explores how organisations, governments, and communities work collectively to shape social systems, with a focus on practical methods that enable long-term, systemic social change. A former management consultant, she has worked across the corporate and nonprofit sectors, including roles with Generation Ubuntu, mothers2mothers, and the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, bringing strategy and systems thinking to issues of health, education, and child wellbeing in Southern Africa. Cynthia is co-author of “The Systems Work of Social Change” and is recognised internationally for bridging rigorous qualitative research with practitioner insight to strengthen movements for equity and collective leadership.
Sessions by speaker
Camila Pereira
CEO, Global School Leaders
About the Speaker
Camila Pereira is CEO of Global School Leaders, an international non-profit that develops and supports school leaders across the Global South to improve teaching and learning for children in under-resourced communities. A social impact leader with extensive experience in education and leadership development, she previously served as Chief Impact Officer at the Lemann Foundation in Brazil, where she led large-scale initiatives to strengthen school leadership and education systems. She continues to champion school leaders as the crucial bridge between policy and classroom practice, shaping strategies, partnerships, and networks that enable them to drive equitable, systemic change in education.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Dr Aditya Vishwanath
Co-Founder, MakerGhat
About the Speaker
Dr Aditya Vishwanath is Co-founder of MakerGhat, a network of makerspaces and innovation labs that enables young people from low-income communities to learn through making, experimentation, and problem-solving. A researcher and technologist who also co-founded the XR learning company Inspirit, he works at the intersection of education, immersive technology, and social entrepreneurship to build 21st-century skills and inform systemic change in how classrooms prepare learners for the future.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates with Anchor Organisations
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Dr Urvashi Sahni
Co-founder, Catalyst 2030 President and CEO, SHEF
About the Speaker
Dr Urvashi Sahni is an educationist, social entrepreneur, and a leading voice in girls’ rights and feminist pedagogy in India. She is the President and CEO of the Study Hall Educational Foundation (SHEF), which delivers quality, rights-based education to thousands of girls from marginalised communities. As Co-founder of Catalyst 2030, she also helps convene global social innovators to accelerate systems change. Over four decades, her work has influenced national education policy, strengthened government partnerships, and advanced community-driven models of schooling. She is recognised internationally for developing scalable approaches that nurture agency, critical thinking, and leadership among girls, transforming both classrooms and communities.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Awards
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Recognising champion leaders who are driving equity and innovations in education ecosystem
Dr Santhosh Mathew
Country Lead Public Policy and Finance, Gates Foundation
About the Speaker
Dr Santhosh Mathew is the India Country Lead for Public Policy and Finance at the Gates Foundation, where he leads work on state capacity, public finance, health systems design, and philanthropic partnerships. A political economist and former Indian Administrative Service officer of the Bihar cadre, he served for over three decades in senior roles including Additional Chief Secretary, Chair of the National Council for Teacher Education, and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development. His work has spanned rural development, skills and employment, and education reform, combining policy design with on-the-ground implementation across Indian states. Dr Mathew continues to contribute to national and global development debates through board roles and advisory positions, advancing evidence-informed governance and investments that improve outcomes for low-income communities.
Sessions by speaker
Dr Subramanian Rangan
Professor, Strategy and Management, INSEAD
About the Speaker
Dr Subramanian “Subi” Rangan is Professor of Strategy and Management at INSEAD, where he also holds the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court Endowed Chair in Societal Progress. His work explores how leaders and institutions can integrate economic performance with social purpose, reimagining capitalism for an era of systemic challenges. A widely respected thinker, he founded the Society for Progress, a global community of scholars and practitioners examining the moral foundations of markets. His teaching and research span global strategy, sustainable development, and the evolution of leadership from transactional outcomes to transformational outlook. Dr Rangan is known for shaping conversations on responsible business and societal progress.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Awards
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Recognising champion leaders who are driving equity and innovations in education ecosystem
Dr Krithi K. Karanth
CEO, Centre for Wildlife Studies
About the Speaker
Dr Krithi K. Karanth is CEO and Chief Conservation Scientist at the Centre for Wildlife Studies, a leading conservation organisation that integrates rigorous science, policy engagement, and community partnerships to protect wildlife and habitats in India. A conservation biologist with degrees from the University of Florida, Yale University, and Duke University, she has led pioneering work on human–wildlife interactions and designed flagship programmes such as Wild Seve, Wild Shaale, and Wild Surakshe to support coexistence between people and wildlife.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates with Anchor Organisations
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Dr Pratibha Narayanan
Co-founder, Involve
About the Speaker
Dr Pratibha Narayanan is Co-founder of Involve, a non-profit social enterprise that nurtures agency in students by enabling peer teaching and student-led learning in schools across India. A neuroscientist turned educationist and an Acumen Fellow, she brings classroom experience and research training to reimagine how young people take ownership of their learning, designing programmes and tools that help students become self-reliant, collaborative problem-solvers.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Harry Bregazzi
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Blavatnik School of Government
About the Speaker
Dr Harry Bregazzi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Government Outcomes Lab, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. His research examines how governments can design and deliver public services through outcomes-based partnerships, with a particular focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. He has contributed to global learning on evidence-driven policymaking, public service reform, and innovative financing models. Harry also works with international networks of scholars and practitioners exploring peacebuilding, governance, and public sector capability. With expertise spanning data analysis, social policy, and institutional design, he brings a rigorous academic perspective to understanding what enables effective, accountable, and citizen-centred service delivery.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
His Highness Yaduveer Wadiyar
King of Mysore, Karnataka
About the Speaker
Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar is an elected member of parliament, representing the Mysore constituency in Karnataka and the 27th Custodian of the Royal House of Mysore, a lineage that has played a central role in Karnataka’s cultural, educational, and social development for centuries. Educated in economics and English literature in the United States, he combines heritage stewardship with a modern, community-oriented outlook. He is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, cultural preservation, youth engagement, and public outreach on issues of regional and national significance. Yaduveer continues to champion Mysuru’s rich traditions while promoting progressive development rooted in social responsibility, sustainability, and public service.
Sessions by speaker
Shikshagraha Utsav : Opening
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Moving from ideas to action: Showcase & celebration of Shikshagraha in action
Kumari Shibulal
Founder & Chairperson, The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives
About the Speaker
Kumari Shibulal is the Founder and Chairperson of The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), under which she has led a 25-year journey focused on transforming lives through education, healthcare, organic farming, and social welfare. Anchored in her belief that education is the cornerstone of nation-building, she has nurtured programmes such as Vidyadhan, Ankur, Vidyarakshak, The Samhita Academy, and ShikshaLokam, which expand access to quality learning and leadership development for students and school communities across India. Recognised among India’s most generous women philanthropists, Kumari continues to champion holistic, long-term investments that empower underserved families and build ecosystems of opportunity and dignity.
Sessions by speaker
Manisha Shah Nayyar
Philanthropy Partner (Asia), Synergos
About the Speaker
Manisha Shah Nayyar is Philanthropy Partner (Asia) at Synergos, where she works with philanthropists and family offices to design collaborative, trust-based approaches that address complex social challenges across the region. Drawing on experience across private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, she supports members of the Global Philanthropists Circle to shift from project-based giving to long-term, ecosystem-strengthening investments rooted in local leadership and systems change.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Meenakshi Ramesh
CEO Designate, Pratham Education Foundation
About the Speaker
Meenakshi Ramesh is CEO Designate of Pratham Education Foundation, one of India’s largest education nonprofits, marking a meaningful return to the organisation where she began her social sector journey as a volunteer 25 years ago. With more than two decades of leadership across education, civic engagement, and media, including co-founding Oorvani Foundation, she brings deep experience in building scalable social impact initiatives that improve learning at population scale. In her new role, she will help steer Pratham’s next phase of innovation and partnerships while upholding its mission of ensuring every child is in school and learning well.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Manisha Shah Nayyar
Philanthropy Partner (Asia), Synergos
About the Speaker
Manisha Shah Nayyar is Philanthropy Partner (Asia) at Synergos, where she works with philanthropists and family offices to design collaborative, trust-based approaches that address complex social challenges across the region. Drawing on experience across private, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, she supports members of the Global Philanthropists Circle to shift from project-based giving to long-term, ecosystem-strengthening investments rooted in local leadership and systems change.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Rucha Pande
COO, CoLab
About the Speaker
Rucha Pande is the Founder of CoLab Global, a learning and collaboration space that brings together education practitioners, researchers, and system leaders to explore how complex change happens in public education systems. Through her experience as Chief Operating Officer at Mantra4Change, she has helped build programmes and partnerships across multiple states, strengthening leadership development, collective action, and ecosystem collaborations such as the Punjab Education Collective. With a decade of work in the education sector and an MA in Education from Azim Premji University, she specialises in designing for scale, nurturing communities of practice, and translating field insights into practical tools for systems change.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
SD Shibulal
Founder, ShikshaLokam Co-founder, Infosys
About the Speaker
S. D. Shibulal is Co-founder of Infosys and one of India’s most respected technology and business leaders. After serving as CEO and MD of Infosys, he expanded his focus to entrepreneurship, impact-driven investments, and philanthropy. As Founder of ShikshaLokam, he is committed to strengthening India’s public education system through leadership development and collective action. His work spans digital public goods, systems transformation, and enabling millions of education leaders to drive micro-improvements within schools. Through initiatives under the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Investments, he supports large-scale programmes in learning, skilling, and societal development. He continues to champion technology-enabled solutions for inclusive and equitable growth.
Sessions by speaker
Welcome Address
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Setting the stage for two-day dialogue towards strengtheing leadership for a billion learners
Shruti Shibulal
Executive Vice Chair, Tamara Leisure Experiences
About the Speaker
Shruti Shibulal is Executive Vice Chair of Tamara Leisure Experiences, a hospitality group known for its commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable luxury. She has helped shape Tamara’s portfolio of resorts and hotels in India and Europe, embedding environmental stewardship, renewable energy use, and local employment into the core business model. A strong advocate for inclusive growth, Shruti launched SAATHIYA, a hospitality skilling initiative that equips young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with industry-relevant skills and career pathways in hotels and restaurants. She also serves as a Trustee of the Advaith Foundation, SD Foundation, and ATREE, where she supports programmes in education, healthcare, and ecological conservation that enable communities to thrive alongside thriving enterprises.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Sanjay Purohit
CEO & Chief Curator, Centre for Exponential Change
About the Speaker
Sanjay Purohit is the CEO and Chief Curator of the Centre for Exponential Change, where he advances “Societal Thinking” as an open approach to solving complex challenges at a population scale. With over three decades of experience across corporate and development sectors, he has worked with hundreds of change leaders in more than 20 countries on areas such as education, climate action, healthcare, gender equity, and livelihoods, helping them design for speed, scale, and sustainability. His work, captured in his “Think Books” and related writings, focuses on curating ideas, networks, and technology platforms that enable collaborative problem-solving, while he also mentors mission-driven organisations and co-founded apurva.ai to amplify collective wisdom through AI.
Sessions by speaker
Shri Sanjay Kumar
Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
About the Speaker
Shri Sanjay Kumar is Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, leading the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 across the school system. A senior Indian Administrative Service officer, he brings decades of experience in governance and education, overseeing large-scale initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and national efforts in foundational learning, digital education, and inclusion.
Sessions by speaker
Reflections
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi
Joint Secretary (SS-l & AE Bureau), Ministry of Education
About the Speaker
Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi is Joint Secretary (SS-I & Adult Education Bureau) in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. She leads portfolios spanning adult education, literacy, gender and equity, adolescent education, and support to voluntary agencies, working to strengthen flagship initiatives such as ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram and make school and adult education more inclusive and effective.
Sessions by speaker
Painting a Vision for a Billion Futures: Learning’s from the Global South
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
A plenary-led launch, highlighting India’s leadership in shaping education transformation for the Global South
Sophia Otoo
Programme and Community Lead, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
About the Speaker
Sophia Otoo is Programme and Community Lead at the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, part of the World Economic Forum, where she curates a global community of leading social innovators and their partners. Her work centres on designing programmes, peer-learning spaces, and platforms for collaboration that enable social entrepreneurs, public leaders, and businesses to co-create solutions and scale impact on systemic challenges worldwide.
Sessions by speaker
Shri Anandrao V. Patil
Additional Secretary, DoSEL, Ministry of Education
About the Speaker
Shri Anandrao V. Patil is the Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, where he steers key portfolios including PM POSHAN, digital initiatives, and programme management. An Indian Administrative Service officer with extensive experience in education and public administration, he focuses on using data, technology, and centre–state coordination to strengthen school nutrition, improve learning conditions, and advance the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Sonali Saini
Founder, Sol's ARC
About the Speaker
Sonali Saini is Founder and Executive Director of Sol’s ARC (Sol’s Assessment and Remedial Centre), a nonprofit advancing inclusive education and better learning outcomes for children and youth from marginalised and vulnerable communities. A special educator and social entrepreneur, she has developed inclusive curricula, assessment tools, and technology-enabled models that support diverse learners, including children with disabilities, and partners with governments and NGOs to embed these approaches into mainstream education and skilling systems.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates with Anchor Organisations
Day 2 | February 7, 2026
Thematic invite-only discussions curated by anchor organisations deep-diving into collective priorities and next steps
Vyjayanthi Mala
Chief, Open Learning Network, Centre for Exponential Change
About the Speaker
Vyjayanthi Mala is Chief of the Open Learning Network at the Centre for Exponential Change, where she works on making “Societal Thinking” practices accessible to change leaders through open resources, communities, and learning experiences. A climate action enthusiast with a background in community building and communications, she curates stories, tools, and peer spaces that help practitioners across sectors design for scale, resilience, and shared ownership in their work.
Sessions by speaker
Brain Dates
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Thematic open discussions curated by global institutions invoking curiosity, real stories, and meaningful connections
Wendy Kopp
CEO & Co-founder, Teach For All
About the Speaker
Wendy Kopp is the CEO and Co-founder of Teach For All, a global network of independent organisations working to expand educational opportunity in over 60 countries. She founded Teach For America in 1990, catalysing a new generation of leaders committed to addressing educational inequity in the United States. With Teach For All, she has extended this mission globally by supporting locally led organisations and cultivating a worldwide community of educators, social entrepreneurs, and systems leaders. Wendy’s work has shaped education reform for over three decades, emphasising collective leadership, community partnership, and long-term systemic change to ensure every child can fulfil their potential.
Sessions by speaker
Fireside Chat: Leadership in the New Age
Day 1 | February 6, 2026
Exploring evolving models of leadership and collaboration from across the globe
Shikshagraha Awards
Celebrating Leadership in Education Equity
Launched in 2025, The Shikshagraha Awards, instituted by The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives, celebrate leaders who go beyond their roles to create an equitable and inclusive education ecosystem. Every year at InvokED, we honour these unsung heroes selected by a jury chair who make the vision of an equitable future a reality by driving systemic change in their communities.
Watch the impact story of past awardees:
Rajan Kumar
Rajitha N
Championed inclusivity in early childhood education for marginalised children.
Xavier Chandra Kumar
Created a safe, inclusive school environment, tackling caste discrimination.
Muskan (Special Mention)
Created an enriching learning space for young readers with ‘Kitabi Masti’, a community-driven library initiative.
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Why Attend
Shape a Better Future for Children
Build an understanding of how to ensure that all our children exercise their right to dream, learn and succeed, and know why we need an education movement for it.
Hear Stories and Get Inspired
Deep dive into the art of movement orchestration, explore visionary leadership in education, and envision the transformative 2030 roadmap for education in India.
Meet, Listen and Exchange Ideas
Meet peers, experts, influencers, philanthropists and storytellers. Exchange ideas with others and takeback learnings to boost your organisation’s programs.
Shape a Better Future for Children
Build an understanding of how to ensure that all our children exercise their right to dream, learn and succeed, and know why we need an education movement for it.
Hear Stories and Get Inspired
Deep dive into the art of movement orchestration, explore visionary leadership in education, and envision the transformative 2030 roadmap for education in India.
Meet, Listen and Exchange Ideas
Meet peers, experts, influencers, philanthropists and storytellers. Exchange ideas with others and takeback learnings to boost your organisation’s programs.
If you are interested in co-creating the space with us or have any questions/feedback,
write to Shwetha Kamath, Head- Ecosystem Development at shwetha@shikshalokam.org
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