Counsel from those
who shape education.

With 42 years of distinguished experience in education, Kalyani Patnaik currently serves as Principal and Head of School at Hiranandani Foundation School and HFS International, Powai — an institution she has led for over 18 years. Under her stewardship, the school has grown to a strength of 2,400+ students and 100+ staff, and successfully established the IBDP programme under HFS International.

She holds an M.Ed. from St. Xavier's College of Education (Mumbai University), an M.A. in Economics from Delhi University (specialising in Public Finance and Classical Political Economy), and a B.Ed. from Kanpur University where she secured first position. Her credentials are further strengthened by certifications in School Guidance & Counselling (IGNOU), IB Administration, NABET Assessor qualification, and Leadership Training from IIM Kolkata.

A prolific author, Kalyani has published four books on education and leadership:

• The Path to Leadership (Jaico Publishing House) — recognised at the Golden Book Awards 2026
• Empowerment through Learning (Penguin Publishing House)
• Knowledge Trails 1 & 2 (Scholastic)

She is also a TEDx Speaker and organised the 6th edition of TEDx at her school.

Conferred a Doctorate of Letters (D.Litt.) by the International Economics University, SAARC Countries, for her contributions to education and school administration. Other notable honours include:

• Lifetime Achievement Award in Educational Excellence — Indo European Excellence Award
• Woman of Substance Award — YEP Giants Group
• Future 50 Effective Principal
• Rotary Club of Bombay (Powai) Excellence Award for exemplary service in education
• Three-time recipient of the Science Olympiad Best Principal prize
• Felicitated by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and by ATLEAST University in the presence of the Governor of Maharashtra

Under her leadership, HFS has consistently ranked among India's top schools by Hindustan Times, Education Today, EducationWorld, and the Digital Learning Group. She has pioneered transformative initiatives including the Avanti Young Leadership Programme, HFS MUN, HFS Liga (inter-school football & basketball), Mindscape, the Mock Stock Exchange in partnership with NSE, and the EUMIND (Europe Meets India) cultural exchange programme.

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Ashish Gupta is a higher education leader, career coach, author, and podcast host with over 15 years of experience in admissions, outreach, student engagement, and educational leadership.

He currently serves as Director of Outreach at Indian Educational Services (IES), Host of The IES Podcast, and President of the Rotary E-Club of Bangalore. Through his work, he actively collaborates with educational institutions, industry leaders, policymakers, and changemakers to advance innovation and excellence in education.

Over the course of his career, Ashish has held senior positions as Director of Admissions & Outreach at leading institutions, including:

• RV University
• IFIM Institutions
• O.P. Jindal Global University
• Jagran Lakecity University

At each, he played a pivotal role in driving admissions growth, brand building, outreach strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

A prolific author, Ashish has written 20 books on career guidance, admissions, outreach, and personal development, including the widely acclaimed AG's Book of Careers series and The Admissions & Outreach Playbook for Indian Universities. His work has guided thousands of students, parents, educators, and professionals in making informed career and education decisions.

Passionate about empowering the next generation, Ashish continues to contribute to the education ecosystem through thought leadership, mentoring, public speaking, podcasts, and community service initiatives.

Lt. Gen. Surendra Kulkarni has served in the Indian Army for nearly four decades. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the Armed Forces, he has been honoured with eight awards — including four Commendation Cards, the Vishisht Seva Medal twice, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and finally the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the highest peacetime distinguished service award in the Armed Forces, conferred by the President of India.

An economics graduate from the prestigious Fergusson College, Pune, he was a UGC Merit Scholar at the postgraduate level before joining the Army. He holds four Master's degrees, including an M.Phil., and has had the rare privilege of representing the Army abroad three times on academic assignments.

An alumnus of Mayo College, Ajmer — an iconic institution celebrating its 150th year — Gen. Kulkarni served as Director from January 2015 for nine years. Under his stewardship, Mayo continued to maintain a fine balance between tradition and modernity. He painstakingly modernised the school's approach to holistic education, with the rare ability to see the big picture while keeping an eye on minute detail. Several teachers he mentored now head prestigious schools across the country.

He is widely respected and liked across the education community for his ability to simplify complex issues and to manage every form of adversity with equanimity and ready wit. He currently serves on the advisory panels of multiple organisations and is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from four educational entities. He has also been a Trustee of the Round Square organisation and the International Boys School Coalition.