Policy Workshop – Secretaries
Number of Attendees: 15 Secretaries of School Education from various states
Date: July 19-20, 2025
Venue: Ahmedabad

The inaugural Policy Workshop was held on July 19–20, 2024, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, bringing together 15 Secretaries of School Education from various states. The program was designed to enhance leadership capabilities, strategic policy execution, and foster innovation in the education sector.

Key objectives of the workshop included exploring personal leadership strengths, aligning state-level education goals with national policies, and integrating technology-driven solutions for educational governance. The sessions featured interactive discussions, keynote addresses, and immersive learning experiences that provided participants with practical frameworks to drive systemic reforms in their respective states.

This initiative highlights SOUL’s commitment to empowering top education leaders by equipping them with the tools, insights, and collaborations necessary to advance the public good and create lasting change in the education sector.

Program Overview:
Day-1 of the program begins with an inspiring introduction by Hasmukh Adhia (SOUL), who sets the stage for a deep dive into leadership development. Following this, Vivian, CEO of Breakthrough Consulting, leads a session on leadership through self-discovery, helping participants better understand their personal leadership styles and strengths. Through practical applications, participants will engage in interactive activities designed to refine their leadership abilities.

The focus then shifts to Leadership in Action, a keynote session by Hasmukh Adhia, exploring how effective leadership plays a vital role in the successful execution of policies. Participants will gain actionable insights into overcoming leadership challenges in governance and policy frameworks.

Following this, a hands-on immersive visit will provide a firsthand look at how technology is revolutionizing policy implementation, offering practical solutions to bridge the gap between policy design and real-world impact.

The evening session will feature a keynote address by Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, GOI, who will speak on the critical role of leadership in school education, highlighting strategies for transforming the education sector. This will be followed by an artistic performance, Harmony in Rhythm, by Ashirwad Acharekar, General Manager at Bosch. The performance will offer a moment of cultural reflection, celebrating the harmony between leadership and creativity.

The day concludes with an opportunity for informal networking and discussions over dinner, where participants can continue to exchange ideas and experiences.

Day-2 kicks off with Kiran Sethi, Founder of Riverside School, leading a session on design thinking for education. Participants will explore how this innovative approach can revolutionize the way education is structured, making it more responsive to the needs of students and communities.

Through design thinking, they will gain tools for problem-solving, creativity, and improving educational outcomes.

Next, a strategic planning session that will help them structure their long-term goals and identify pathways for achieving them. This reflective approach is designed to encourage leaders to think critically about their strategies and decision-making processes.

Following this, Geeta Goel, Managing Director of MSDF, will provide insights into alternative sources of financing for NEP (National Education Policy) implementation. This session will help leaders explore creative funding models that can help sustain educational reforms, making them accessible and impactful for all.

Participants will then engage in a session led by Prof. Vishal Gupta (IIMA) on structuring organizational effectiveness. This session will provide frameworks for designing high-functioning teams and organizations, focusing on creating systems that align with both short-term goals and long-term vision. Attendees will learn to optimize organizational structure, boost productivity, and ensure sustainable results in their institutions.

The program culminates with a powerful keynote address by Amarjeet Sinha, Former Advisor to the Prime Minister, who will discuss school education for nation-building. His insights on how education can be a transformative tool for national development will leave participants inspired and motivated to contribute to the broader vision of building a stronger, more equitable society.

Program Highlights
 – Leadership Development: Sessions on self-discovery, leadership in action, and strategic planning to develop personal and professional leadership capacities.

– Innovative Education Solutions: Design thinking and alternative financing for education reform, offering participants practical tools to innovate within their organizations and
communities.

– Policy Execution: Exploring real-world examples of technology-driven policy implementation and governance strategies that make a tangible difference.

– Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow leaders, policymakers, and experts in education and governance to foster collaboration and idea-sharing.

– Cultural Engagement: Enjoy a cultural performance that highlights the intersection of creativity and leadership, offering a reflective and enjoyable break from intense learning.

This exclusive leadership event provides a unique platform for leaders to expand their knowledge, gain actionable insights, and collaborate on ideas that will shape the future of governance and education.

Whether you’re a policymaker, educator, or administrator, this program will equip you with the skills, strategies, and connections to drive meaningful change and lead with impact.