Award Winner Interview
Category: Dynamic School Awards
Mr. Nagarjun Karnatakam, Founder and Principal of Penguin Montessori School, Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh, described being named Dynamic Principal of 2026 by EducationToday and EducationNewsNetwork as a privilege. Reflecting on the recognition at the South India Educators’ Summit & Dynamic School Awards 2026, he noted that while he had previously received awards for his school, this was his first individual recognition as a principal.
He credited the achievement to the collective efforts of his vice-principal, coordinators, teachers, core team and parents. He also appreciated the summit’s panel discussions, describing them as informative and valuable for educators from across South India.
Sharing advice for aspiring education leaders, Mr. Karnatakam emphasised the need to balance academic learning with practical skills in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
“Each and every educator should focus mainly on skills rather than academics. Academics also play a very major role, but now skills play a very major role for this upcoming century.”
His perspective highlights the importance of equipping students with practical abilities alongside academic knowledge, helping them adapt to emerging technologies and the changing demands of the future.
Mr. Nagarjun Karnatakam emphasises skill-based learning to prepare the next generation with practical abilities and essential competencies.
Skill-based learning focuses on developing practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and competencies that students can apply in real-life situations.
It helps students build confidence, adaptability, creativity, and practical skills that can support their future academic and professional journeys.
Schools can incorporate hands-on projects, experiential activities, workshops, collaborative assignments, and real-world problem-solving.
Critical thinking, communication, creativity, collaboration, digital literacy, and adaptability are important skills for future readiness.
