The Basic Science and Humanities Department, in association with IGNITIA – Science Forum, organized an invited talk titled “Innovate, Adapt and Lead: Blueprint for the Future Education” on the occasion of National Education Day on 13th November 2025 at 2:00 PM. The program was conducted with the objective of inspiring students and faculty to reimagine education through innovation, adaptability, and leadership in an ever-evolving global landscape. The invited talk was delivered by Dr. Arun M. Isloor, Professor and Former Head of the Department of Chemistry at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal. Dr. Isloor is a distinguished academician and researcher with over 18 years of teaching and research experience in the fields of chemistry and interdisciplinary sciences.

Dr. Arun M. Isloor holds an M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and has carried out postdoctoral research at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. His research contributions span diverse domains such as membrane technology, medicinal chemistry, organic electronics, nanomaterials, and crystallography. He has published 269 peer-reviewed research articles, presented his work in over 70 national and international conferences, and holds an h-index of 57 with more than 11,000 citations. He has authored three books and holds multiple patents, including an awarded Indian patent. His international exposure includes visiting scientist assignments in Israel, Malaysia, and Canada. He is a recipient of several prestigious recognitions, including being listed among the top 2% of scientists globally (Stanford University), the Best Teacher Award, and the Sir C. V. Raman Young Scientist – State Award in Chemical Science.

During the talk, Dr. Isloor emphasized the importance of cultivating an innovation-driven mindset through creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to take calculated risks. He highlighted the evolving role of education in preparing learners not just for employment, but for leadership, problem-solving, and lifelong learning. The speaker stressed the need for faculty and students to work collaboratively to nurture research excellence through curiosity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The session also underscored the significance of learning beyond the classroom, encouraging experiential learning, real-world exposure, and continuous personal and professional growth. Dr. Isloor highlighted the role of research-based startups, nature-inspired design, and sustainable innovation in addressing societal challenges, thereby aligning education with global sustainability goals.

A total of 108 students and 10 faculty members actively participated in the event. The session was highly engaging and thought-provoking, prompting participants to reflect on the future of education and their roles within it. Attendees expressed that the talk broadened their perspective on innovation, research, and leadership in education. Overall, the National Education Day celebration was a meaningful and impactful event that reinforced the importance of building future-ready educational ecosystems that are technologically progressive while remaining deeply rooted in human values.