Dr. Dinesh Sabnis Honoured with Rashtriya Shiksha Samman for his Contributions to Global Education & Youth Diplomacy by NEF.
In a grand ceremony held during the final week of December 2025, Dr. Dinesh Sabnis, Assistant General Manager for Sports & Activities working in the prestigious organization, Ashoka Group of Schools, was conferred with the Rashtriya Shiksha Samman. This accolade recognizes Dr.Sabnis unwavering commitment to education and innovative youth diplomacy efforts that have shaped the future of countless young minds across India.
Dr. Sabnis, an esteemed educator and advocate for youth engagement, was lauded for his pioneering initiatives that bridge the gap between education and diplomacy. ”Education is not just about academic excellence; it is about nurturing global citizens who can lead with empathy and proper diplomacy understanding,” Dr. Sabnis stated during his acceptance speech.
The ceremony, which drew prominent educationists, policymakers, and scholars from across the country, highlighted Dr. Sabnis’s pioneering efforts in integrating Youth Diplomacy and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the school curriculum. Under his guidance, students from the Ashoka Group of Schools have consistently reached international platforms, including the United Nations offices in Geneva and Vienna, to advocate for global peace and sustainability.
The National Education Forum lauded his “innovative leadership” and his role in bridging the gap between traditional classroom learning and international relations. This accolade adds to a long list of prestigious honors for Dr. Sabnis, including the State Rajya Puraskar and various international commendations for his work in diplomacy and peace advocacy.
Dr. Sabnis, a former Ranji Trophy cricketer and an expert in sports science and youth diplomacy, has spent over two decades bridging the gap between education, culture and international relations. His work as an Additional Representative to the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) and his leadership in various international United Nations bodies have made him a key figure in global peacebuilding advocacy.
The Rashtriya Shiksha Samman served not only as a recognition of individual efforts but also as a beacon of hope for educational initiatives across the country. As India navigates the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the emphasis on education and diplomacy becomes ever more critical.
The management and staff of Ashoka Group of Schools expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that such recognition reinforces the institution’s commitment to holistic development and educational excellence on a national scale.
