AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 12th MARCH 2026 — The Khandwalla Creativity Foundation, in collaboration with MICA- The School of Ideas, Ahmedabad, is proud to announce Sathish Narayanan as the recipient of the Anjali Khandwalla Creative Mentorship Award 2026. This prestigious honour, instituted in memory of the late Smt. Anjali Khandwalla, celebrates individuals who transcend traditional teaching to ignite the creative potential of the next generation.
Instituted by Prof. Pradip Khandwalla, former Director of IIM Ahmedabad, the award recognizes mentors who help young minds break through mental blocks and transform imagination into reality. Sathish Narayanan joins an illustrious group of past recipients, including Alina Alam of Mitti Café and renowned musician Prof. Anil Srinivasan.
Prof. Khandwalla described the essence of the award as finding mentors who empower through knowledge and technology while ensuring their mentees experience the thrill of success.
With over 32 years of experience in the Creative Art and Media & Entertainment industry, Sathish Narayanan has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between academia and industry. As the Founder Director of Design Media & Edutainment Solutions, he has been instrumental in designing curricula for numerous universities and serving as a Chief Expert for WorldSkills India.
His mentorship has led Indian talent to the global stage, coaching students to win Bronze Medals and Medallions of Excellence at the World Skills Olympics.
During his acceptance speech, Narayanan emphasized that the true reward of teaching is not the transfer of facts, but the unlocking of human potential. “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, noting that their “fearless imagination” constantly pushes him to evolve.
Narayanan concluded with a renewed commitment to nurturing creative talent, vowing to help more young minds believe in their ideas and build something meaningful for the world. He will
continue his journey as a Skills Olympics coach, sharing his experiences to inspire the next wave of Indian creators.
