FIRST IN CLASS CONCLAVE 2026 AWARDS CELEBRATE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

The Imperial Hotel transformed into a beacon of educational inspiration today as NewsX hosted the First in Class Conclave & Awards 2026, honoring India's top schools and principals pioneering National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms.

- TDG NETWORK

The glittering ceremony drew over 500 educators, policymakers, parents, and students to celebrate the shift from rote learning to holistic skill development. Chief Guest Ashish Sood presented trophies amid thunderous applause during the live-streamed event reaching millions nationwide. The awards ceremony was held in presence of Dr Aishwarya Pandit Sharma.

The awards capped high-impact panel discussions on holistic learning, mental health innovation, vocational skills, and foundational years education. Elite Delhi-NCR principals received accolades for redefining success beyond marks, building resilient learners for Al-driven futures, and implementing scalable NEP-aligned programs. NewsX anchors Rishab Gulati and Priya Seal masterfully emceed the gala.

TRANSFORMATIVE MORNING SESSIONS

The day ignited with “More Than Marks: Redefining Success in Schools,” featuring principals Puja Bharta (The RD School), Malika Puri (Tagore International School, East of Kailash), and Archa (Kulachi Hansraj Model School, Ashok Vihar). Moderated by Priya Seal, they challenged the toxic “95 or bust” mindset plaguing Indian education. Bharta showcased Montessori hands-on learning where children master fractions through tactile beads from infancy; Puri highlighted AI-vocational fusions creating content creators and sports psychologists; Archa detailed peer-led “Active Minds” programs dramatically reducing student stress through early intervention.

Bharta’s “RD Nest” model—where each staff member adopts five students for regular emotional check-ins—emerged as a breakthrough scalable mental health solution, earning widespread acclaim during the session.