MICA students and the Faculty with the Award wiiner- NE photo
- Prestigious honour by Khandwalla Creativity Foundation and MICA celebrates transformative mentorship in the creative ecosystem
- Instituted by former IIM Ahmedabad Director Prof. Pradip Khandwalla to recognise educators who unlock the creative potential of young minds
- Veteran creative professional joins a distinguished list of mentors including Alina Alam and musician Prof. Anil Srinivasan
- 32-year industry journey bridges academia and media-entertainment sector while nurturing global-level Indian talent
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 15
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to nurturing creative talent and inspiring the next generation of innovators, Sathish Narayanan has been honoured with the Anjali Khandwalla Creative Mentorship Award 2026.
The prestigious award, instituted by the Khandwalla Creativity Foundation in collaboration with Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad, celebrates mentors who go beyond conventional teaching to ignite creativity, confidence and innovation among young learners.
The award commemorates the legacy of Anjali Khandwalla and was instituted by Pradip Khandwalla, former Director of Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, to honour educators who help students overcome mental barriers and transform imagination into meaningful achievements.
Narayanan now joins a distinguished group of past awardees, including Alina Alam, Founder of Mitti Café, and noted musician Anil Srinivasan.
A Mentor Shaping Creative Futures
With over 32 years of experience in the Creative Art and Media & Entertainment industry, Narayanan has devoted his career to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry realities.
As the Founder Director of Design Media & Edutainment Solutions, he has helped design academic curricula for numerous universities while also serving as a Chief Expert for WorldSkills India.
His mentorship has propelled Indian talent onto the global stage, guiding students who have gone on to win Bronze Medals and Medallions of Excellence at the WorldSkills Competition, often described as the Skills Olympics.
Prof. Pradip Khandwalla explained that the award seeks mentors who combine knowledge, creativity and technology to empower young minds, ensuring that their mentees experience the excitement of turning ideas into success.
“Creativity Flourishes Where Mentorship Meets Trust”
Accepting the award, Sathish Narayanan reflected on the deeper meaning of teaching and mentorship.
“I have come to believe that creativity flourishes where mentorship meets trust,” Narayanan shared. “When students feel encouraged to question, experiment, fail, and try again, something extraordinary begins to happen. They stop merely learning skills, they start discovering their voice.”
He dedicated the recognition to his students and colleagues, acknowledging that their “fearless imagination” continually inspires him to grow and evolve as a mentor.
Reaffirming his commitment to nurturing creative talent, Narayanan said he would continue his journey as a Skills Olympics coach, sharing his experience and guidance to inspire the next generation of Indian creators.
