Mr. Atul Temurnikar, an acclaimed visionary and co-founder of the Global Schools Foundation (GSF), has redefined global education through his relentless efforts and innovative vision. Recently honoured with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) by the President of India, Mr. Temurnikar’s journey from Nagpur to Singapore represents a bridge connecting communities, cultures, and countries through education. Our insightful conversation with Mr. Atul Temurnikar revealed his professional journey, leadership philosophy, the inspiration behind GSF, and valuable advice for future global leaders.

1. Can you walk us through your journey from Nagpur to Singapore—what were the key milestones that shaped your professional path in the education sector?

My journey has been fulfilling, though not without its challenges. The turning point came in 1999 during the Y2K era when many tech professionals were heading to the US. While opportunities beckoned, I chose to stay in Singapore—a place I loved—and decided to address a pressing community issue. Families from the Indian subcontinent often moved back to India due to educational compatibility and cost issues. I realized this would become a personal problem as my son grew, given the gap in affordable, high-quality schools.Thus, the idea of starting a school was born. Our goal was clear: offer good-quality education at an affordable cost. Despite the initial challenges, we started with 48 students. Today, 22 years later, GSF has grown to 64 campuses in 11 countries, educating approximately 45,000 students.

2. As someone who started in India and reached such heights internationally, how do you reflect on your evolution as an educational leader? Were there moments that tested your resolve?

Leadership is a continuous process of learning and growth. My father, who worked in coal mines and wrote safety books to prevent workplace injuries, taught me the invaluable lesson of educating others to save lives. Inspired by his dedication, I wanted to create something meaningful for the community.When we started  in 2002, the initial hurdles were daunting. Ensuring consistent quality across multiple schools was a significant challenge. Concerns about quality dilution arose as we scaled operations, but our commitment to high education standards helped us navigate these challenges. Determination and adaptability have been key to overcoming obstacles and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve.

3. What does receiving the prestigious PBSA award mean to you personally and professionally, and how do you think it will inspire other NRIs working in the education sector?

Receiving the PBSA award is a humbling experience. It’s a recognition not just for me but for everyone striving to make a difference in education. This award motivates me to continue working for the betterment of communities and inspires others to do the same.

I recall a conversation with Dr. Abdul Kalam, who once asked about the socio-economic backgrounds of our students. When I mentioned that there were no poor people in Singapore, he encouraged me to broaden our perspective and support vulnerable communities wherever we operate. His guidance was invaluable, and since then, we have actively engaged in initiatives to help underprivileged children, including managing a tribal school in India.

4. Tell us about Global Schools Foundation—how did your personal journey influence its vision?

Personal experiences often shape our professional vision. In the early days, I observed that many curriculums, such as CBSE and ICSE, focused heavily on rote learning. While they had their strengths, we felt the need for a more holistic approach to education. This led to the creation of our School Academic Framework, which integrates academics with community service, sports, leadership, and entrepreneurship.Our goal is to provide a balanced educational experience from grade one to twelve. Each school tailors its approach to the local community’s needs while ensuring a consistent quality of education. Beyond academics, we emphasize life skills, fostering well-rounded individuals capable of contributing to society.In places like Singapore and Japan, where stress levels are high, we encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities and community service. Our efforts also include supporting underprivileged communities, ensuring that education remains a tool for social upliftment.

5. What message would you like to convey to young Indians aspiring to build a career in global education or other sectors overseas?

My message to young Indians is simple: the world is full of opportunities. The "Viksit Bharat" program highlights education as one of India’s biggest exports, with institutions like IITs and IIMs setting up campuses abroad. This is a crucial time for India to expand its global footprint in education.I encourage aspiring leaders to explore new countries and sectors. Success comes with persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Whether in education or other industries, it’s essential to balance personal growth with community service. Those who succeed should also strive to uplift others, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Mr. Atul Temurnikar’s journey exemplifies the power of vision, determination to bring about a change and a sense of purpose. His emphasis on balancing personal growth with the progress of the community underscores the importance of holistic education. The recognition through the PBSA award and his work with GSF highlights the transformative impact of dedicated individuals in the education sector. We look forward to seeing what new heights GSF and Mr Temurnikar will achieve next.