‘Felt Heard & Valued’: Principals Hail TOI Conclave

Nagpur: For school principals across Nagpur, the Times of India's Principals Conclave 2026 proved to be a rare opportunity to engage directly with those shaping education policy. From private English-medium institutions to aided and Urdu-medium schools, principals described the conclave as timely, relevant and reassuring, particularly for the open interaction it enabled with education minister Dr Pankaj Bhoyar.Several principals said the conclave stood out for its smooth organisation and focused discussions. Laxmi Mozarkar, from Baba Nanak Sindhi Hindi High School, said the event was well managed from start to finish. She highlighted the direct and interactive session with the minister as the most significant takeaway. "Such meaningful interactions are extremely important for educators, as they allow us to express our views and concerns directly," she said, adding that platforms like these add real value to the education community.Echoing this sentiment, Kalpana Dharneshwar, veteran from Mother's Pet Kindergarten, said the interaction with the minister left a lasting impression. She noted that the minister was attentive and receptive to issues raised by educators. "It felt reassuring to see our matters being heard with seriousness and respect," she said, expressing gratitude to the TOI Nagpur team for creating the platform and hoping for more such initiatives in the future.For many, the conclave was also a learning experience. Pushpa Parmar, from Tejaswini Vidya Mandir High School, said the event offered insights into multiple aspects of education beyond routine academic discussions. She described the conclave as informative and inspiring, adding that such programmes help educators stay engaged with evolving trends and challenges.The importance of direct dialogue was underlined by principals from aided and minority institutions as well. Laiquzzaman Khan, Principal of Millat Urdu High School, said interacting directly with the education minister was especially crucial. "It provided a platform to discuss real challenges and expectations," he said, stressing that such conversations are necessary for constructive improvements in the education system.Principals from large private schools also appreciated the conclave's relevance. A representative from Delhi Public School, Mihan, said the event was informative and engaging, and helped educators feel more connected to policymakers. "Such events should be organised more frequently, as they encourage open discussion and collaboration," he said.Across institutions, the common thread was clear—principals valued being heard. By facilitating direct engagement between educators and decision-makers, The Times of India's Principals Conclave reinforced its role as a platform that not only raises issues, but also brings stakeholders together to seek solutions.