‘School Leadership Summit’ on Jan 30, 2026

Smt Mitra Ghosh Ji, First Lady of Haryana

Shri Rohit Ji, Director North, Times of India

Smt Anjali Ji, Branch Head, Chandigarh, Times of India

Shri Manish Ji, Chief Manager, Times of India

Shri Prakul Ji, Deputy Chief Minister, Times of India

Shri Kulbhushan Ji, President, National Independent Schools Alliance

V Shri Pradeep Ji, NISA President, Kaithal

Shri Sushil Ji, Vice President, Initiative, NISA

Noted academicians, school leaders, principals, educators and distinguished guests

I take this opportunity as a privilege to address this School Leadership Summit organised by The Times of India in collaboration with the National Independent School Association.

This platform rightly places school education at the heart of India’s future, and at the centre of that future stands a critical moral challenge: Ensuring that every child, regardless of social or economic background, has access to quality and affordable schooling.
I commend The Times of India for this timely initiative. By focusing attention on school leadership and inclusion, it once again reinforces its commitment to nation-building. I also congratulate NISA for serving families from deprived and marginalised communities, often where no viable alternatives exist.
Dear Friends,
Education is the strongest force for social mobility. For millions of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, a school is not merely a place of learning but is a gateway to dignity, opportunity and hope.
Budget private schools have played an indispensable role in bringing first-generation learners into the mainstream, offering affordable education rooted in aspiration and accountability.
I strongly feel that teachers and school leaders are the true architects of this transformation. With limited resources but limitless commitment, they nurture confidence, values and ambition in young minds.
The National Education Policy-2020 recognises this truth by reimagining education around conceptual learning, foundational literacy, creativity and ethical grounding. Yet policies succeed only when translated into classrooms, especially classrooms serving the most vulnerable children.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we deliberate today, let us commit to expanding access, strengthening affordability and improving quality so that no child is left behind due to circumstance of birth. When we educate the most deprived, we strengthen the nation the most.
I once again congratulate The Times of India and NISA for leading this vital conversation. Investing in inclusive school education is not charity. It is nation-building.

Thank You! Jai Hind!