Pranav Kothari, CEO of Educational Initiatives (Ei), and Ashish Dhawan, Founder and Chairperson of the Central Square Foundation (CSF), have been named finalists for the inaugural Asia Education Medal, launched by T4 Education and HP. This prestigious award recognizes individuals with exceptional impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

Kothari, through Ei, addresses critical challenges in Indian education, such as rote learning and ineffective assessments. Ei’s flagship tool, Mindspark, offers personalized adaptive learning by diagnosing student needs and tailoring instruction, reaching over 500,000 students across five countries. Kothari’s approach aims to transform traditional education methods and improve learning outcomes.

Dhawan, leading CSF, has made significant strides in promoting foundational literacy and numeracy across India. CSF’s efforts have shifted the focus of the K-12 education system towards these essential skills, impacting the education of 250 million children. Dhawan’s work has positioned him as a leading figure in education philanthropy in India.

The Asia Education Medal is one of three World Education Medals introduced this year, joining the Africa Education Medal and the Latin America Education Medal. The medal winner will attend the World Schools Summit in Dubai and can nominate a school for T4 Education’s Best School to Work program, which certifies schools for their culture and ability to attract and retain top teachers.

Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader at HP, praised Kothari’s dedication to transforming education. Vikas Pota, Founder and CEO of T4 Education, emphasized that the medal honors leaders like Kothari who drive educational change where it is most needed.

The finalists for the Asia Education Medal 2024 include:

– Baela Jamil, CEO, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), Pakistan
– Duriya Aziz Singapore Wala, Senior VP (Education, International), Scholastic Inc., Singapore
– Ethel Agnes Pascua-Valenzuela, Commissioner, Commission on Higher Education, Philippines
– Korvi Rakshand, Founder & Executive Director, JAAGO Foundation, Bangladesh
– Nargish Khambatta, Principal & CEO, GEMS Modern Academy, UAE
– Pranav Kothari, CEO, Educational Initiatives, India
– Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson, LeapEd Services Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
– Shinichi Yamanaka, President, KADOKAWA DWANGO Education Institute, Japan
– Yuhyun Park, Founder & CEO, DQ Institute, Singapore

Also read: 50 Leaders who can revive Indian education – Ashish Dhawan