Dr. Nitya Prakash Honoured as “Change Maker of the Year 2025” at MIECA 2025
Making India Employable Conference & Awards (MIECA 2025)
By Staff Writer | Mumbai | November 7, 2025
The third edition of the Making India Employable Conference & Awards (MIECA) 2025, hosted by TeamLease EdTech at Novotel Mumbai International Airport, celebrated India’s brightest minds driving transformation in education, employability, and skill development. Under the powerful theme “Accelerating Impact. Enabling Dreams,” the event brought together policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to discuss how India can bridge the gap between learning and livelihood.
Out of thousands of nominations from across the country, a handful of changemakers emerged as the torchbearers of transformation. Among them, Dr. Nitya Prakash, CEO of Quality New Zealand Education Ltd, stood tall — receiving the prestigious “Change Maker of the Year 2025” award.
The honour was conferred upon Dr. Prakash by Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and Executive Committee Chairman of NAAC & NBA, in a ceremony that drew thunderous applause from the audience.
A Visionary Bridging Continents Through Education
Dr. Nitya Prakash’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and innovation. As the CEO of Quality New Zealand Education Ltd, he has championed a new model of cross-border learning and global employability, connecting India and New Zealand through partnerships that empower students, educators, and industry professionals alike.
Under his leadership, QNZEd has collaborated with leading institutions such as the BSE Institute and New Zealand’s top universities to launch global certification programs, digital campuses, and employability-focused learning pathways. His work has redefined how students and professionals access quality education, bridging the gap between academia and the workforce.
A Nobel Peace Prize nominee (2022) and award-winning author of 15 books including EdTech 2050, Dr. Prakash has consistently advocated for the democratization of education and skill transformation. His initiatives have empowered thousands of learners to think beyond borders — both geographical and intellectual.
“Employability is not just about getting jobs; it’s about finding purpose, cultivating adaptability, and embracing lifelong learning,” Dr. Prakash said while receiving the award.
“This recognition belongs to every educator, innovator, and learner who dares to make education more inclusive and impactful.”
The Giants of Education Honoured
MIECA 2025 also celebrated two stalwarts of Indian education and industry with the Lifetime Achievement Award:
- Mr. T. V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal Global Education and Aarin Capital, was recognised for his monumental contribution to higher education reform, corporate governance, and India’s digital transformation journey.
- Dr. Indira Parikh, Founder President of FLAME University and former Dean at IIM Ahmedabad, was honoured for her lifelong commitment to human development, institution building, and thought leadership in education.
Their recognition symbolised the continuum of Indian excellence — from the visionary founders who shaped the nation’s learning landscape to the new-age leaders like Dr. Prakash carrying that torch into the digital era.
A Jury of Eminent Visionaries
The credibility of MIECA 2025 lies in its rigorous selection process. The awards were adjudicated by a distinguished jury comprising:
- Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, renowned scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee
- Roma Balwani, corporate strategist and CSR champion
- Siddharth Pai, venture capital leader and technology strategist
- Prof. T. N. Singh, respected academic and institutional leader
- Dr. Chenraj Roychand, visionary educationist and entrepreneur
The jury evaluated thousands of nominations based on innovation, scalability, social impact, and measurable outcomes — narrowing them down to a select few whose work is redefining India’s employability ecosystem.
Bridging India’s Skill Gap: The Conference at a Glance
With more than 300 delegates, 50+ sessions, and 120+ recognitions, MIECA 2025 was more than an awards ceremony — it was a movement. The event spotlighted critical discussions around AI in learning, industry-aligned curricula, and future-ready skill development.
In his inaugural address, Shantanu Rooj, CEO of TeamLease EdTech, urged collective action to bridge India’s skill gap:
“Employability is not just an education problem — it’s a national mission. Together, academia, government, and industry must ensure India’s youth are ready for a fast-evolving world of work.”
About the Awardee
Dr. Nitya Prakash is an acclaimed author, educator, and CEO of Quality New Zealand Education Ltd.
He has been instrumental in creating Indo–New Zealand education bridges, mentoring innovation at IIT Bombay and NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission, and leading global initiatives that empower learners through technology, creativity, and purpose.
Supported by New Zealand cricket legends such as Sir Richard Hadlee and Brendon McCullum, Dr. Prakash continues to reimagine the future of education through his philosophy of “The Visa of Education” — a vision of global learning without boundaries.
The Spirit of MIECA
At its core, MIECA 2025 represented something far greater than accolades — it symbolised a collective belief that education and employability must move hand in hand to achieve India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 dream.
And in that spirit, Dr. Nitya Prakash’s award serves as a reminder: true changemakers don’t just adapt to the future — they design it.
