The Igniting Ideas Forum 2026, organized by Pitambar Publishing Company at the India International Centre in New Delhi, focused on leadership, education, and nation-building. The event featured the launch of “Igniting a Billion Lamps” by renowned educationist Ashok K Pandey, serving as a platform for intellectual discussions rather than a traditional book release. Leading educationists, policymakers, and civil society members gathered to discuss the future of India’s education system.
Speakers at the forum highlighted the significance of value-based education, classroom innovation, character development, and critical thinking in shaping responsible leadership among students. Ashok K. Pandey clarified that his book, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, aims to envision a developed India by 2047, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in achieving this goal.
Amitabh Ranjan, Vice President of Pan IIT Alumni India, commended the book for offering leadership insights based on PM Modi’s philosophy of “Nishkam Karma” and the essence of a ‘Karmayogi’. He stressed the importance of holistic student development through curricula to prepare India’s future workforce for substantial contributions to national advancement.
Retired Major General PK Sehgal praised the seminar for its exceptional quality, noting the participation of distinguished contributors in the field of education and nation-building. He acknowledged Pandey’s efforts in facilitating a comprehensive dialogue on leadership and school education.
Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar, Secretary of the Judah Hyam Synagogue, urged youth to embrace value-based education, emphasizing compassion, humanity, and tolerance as essential qualities for holistic growth. He highlighted the transformative power of education in shaping a better world.
The forum concluded with an interactive session where participants exchanged ideas on enhancing India’s education system and nurturing future-ready leaders. The release of “Igniting a Billion Lamps” was widely acclaimed as a significant contribution to the national discourse.
