EDUCATION: IIHM BANGALORE HONOURS EDUCATORS AT 12TH TEACHERS’ DAY AWARDS, SPOTLIGHTS AI-ENABLED FUTURE OF EDUCATION

TTT NEWS NETWORK

BENGALURU | 19 SEPTEMBER 2026

International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Bangalore celebrated the 12th edition of the IIHM Teachers’ Day Awards 2026, honouring distinguished principals, teachers, educators and academic leaders for their exemplary service and contribution to education. This year’s ceremony centred on the theme ‘Empowering Educators in the Age of AI-Education Sets You Free, Now AI Gives You Wings,’ reflecting on how technology can strengthen the role of educators while keeping human values at the heart of learning.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman and Chief Mentor, IIHM, said, “Education has always had the power to set people free by opening their minds to knowledge, possibilities and new ways of thinking. Artificial Intelligence is now giving education new wings, enabling teachers and students to explore, create and learn in ways that were unimaginable earlier. But technology can never replace the inspiration, empathy and mentorship that a great teacher brings. Our educators must lead this transformation by combining the possibilities of AI with the values and wisdom that make education truly meaningful.”

The awards recognised excellence across three categories were Teacher Par Excellence, Principal Par Excellence and Special Awards, celebrating educators whose work has made a meaningful impact on students and the wider academic community. The categories formed an important part of IIHM’s continuing effort to recognise the people behind transformative learning experiences.

Ms. Sanchari Chowdhury, Director, IIHM Bangalore and Head-South Operations, said, “The role of a teacher is becoming even more significant in an AI-driven world. Information may now be available instantly, but students still need educators who can help them think critically, make the right choices and use technology responsibly. Today’s teacher is not merely a provider of knowledge but a mentor who encourages curiosity, creativity, confidence and compassion. Through these awards, we celebrate educators who continue to evolve while remaining deeply committed to their students.”

*Honouring Educators Who Inspire, Innovate and Lead*

The ceremony brought together senior representatives from education, academia, international institutions and the hospitality sector. Among the distinguished guests were D.L. Krishnamoorthy, District Skill Development Officer and Principal of Government ITI, Bengaluru and President of Lions Club of Vidyagaya, Thrinagara; Ms. Anupama Ramachandra, Founder Principal, Delhi Public School Electronic City; Mr. Vaibhav Sahu, Chargé de Mission Scientifique à Bangalore and Scientific Affairs Officer, Consulat Général de France à Bangalore; and Maxence Liniere, Chargé de mission de coopération universitaire and Academic Cooperation Officer.

The gathering also included Mr. Shanmugam, Regional Director, IGNOU Bangalore, Dr. Virupaxi V. Betagiri, Director, Principal Shushruti Institute of Management Studies; Ms. Roopa Hemanth, President and Centre Head, Rasa Aadharan and Shiv Bose, FIIM, General Manager, Holiday Inn, Race Course Road, Bengaluru.

The IIHM Teachers’ Day Awards, now in their 12th edition, have evolved into a platform for recognising educators who go beyond conventional teaching to mentor students, foster innovation and nurture responsible future citizens. The awards also acknowledge the leadership of principals and academic heads who create environments in which both teachers and students can grow.

With Artificial Intelligence increasingly becoming part of classrooms, workplaces and everyday life, the 2026 edition turned attention to the changing expectations from educational institutions. Rather than viewing AI merely as a technological tool, the event highlighted the importance of educators guiding students to use it thoughtfully, creatively and ethically.

For IIHM, the celebration also reaffirmed the institution’s belief that the future of education must bring together knowledge, innovation and human values. As learning methodologies continue to evolve, educators remain central to ensuring that technology expands opportunities without diminishing the human connection that shapes a student’s character, aspirations and outlook.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations to the award recipients for their sustained commitment to education and for continuing to inspire generations of learners through their leadership, dedication and pursuit of excellence.