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Acclaimed visionary and co-founder of Global Schools Foundation (GSF), Mr. Atul Temurnikar has redefined global education through his tireless efforts and innovative vision. Recently honored 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 in-depth 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 tell us about your journey from Nagpur to Singapore – what were the key milestones that shaped your professional path in the education sector?
My journey has been gratifying, although not without its challenges. The turning point came in 1999 during the Y2K era when many tech professionals were moving to the US. When the opportunity arose, I decided to stay in Singapore – a place I loved – and address an important community issue. Families from the Indian subcontinent often return to India due to issues of educational compatibility and cost. I realized that as my son grew up, seeing the gap in affordable, high-quality schools would become a personal issue. Thus, the idea of starting a school was born. Our goal was clear: to provide good quality education at an affordable price. Despite 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 has reached such heights internationally, how do you reflect on your growth as an educational leader? Were there moments when your resolve was tested?
Leadership is a continuous process of learning and development. 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 their dedication, I wanted to create something meaningful for the community. When we started in 2002, the initial hurdles were daunting. Ensuring consistent quality was a significant challenge in many schools. As we expanded operations, concerns arose about declining quality, but our commitment to high education standards helped us overcome 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 a PBSA award is a humbling experience. This is a validation not only for me but for everyone who strives to bring about change in education. This award inspires me to continue working for the betterment of communities and inspire others to do the same.
I recall a conversation I had with Dr. Abdul Kalam, who once asked about the socio-economic background of our students. When I pointed out that there are no poor people in Singapore, he encouraged me to broaden my perspective and support vulnerable communities wherever we work. His guidance was invaluable, and since then, we have been 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 perspective. In the initial days, I noticed that many curriculums, like CBSE and ICSE, focused too much on rote learning. Although 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 classes one to twelve. Each school tailors its approach to the needs of the local community, ensuring 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 extra-curricular 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 give to young Indians who want to pursue global education or a career in other fields abroad?
My message to young Indians is simple: the world is full of opportunities. The “Develop India” program highlights education as one of India’s biggest exports, with institutions such as IITs and IIMs setting up campuses abroad. This is an important time for India to expand its global footprint in the field of education. I encourage aspiring leaders to explore new countries and regions. Success comes with perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Be it education or other industries, it is essential to balance personal growth with community service. Those who succeed should also strive to uplift others while creating an impact of positive change.
The journey of Shri Atul Temurnikar exemplifies the power of foresight, determination to bring about change and a sense of purpose. His emphasis on balancing individual development with community progress underlines the importance of holistic education. Recognition through the PBSA Awards and their 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.”
