Legacy and Impact:
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Atul Temurnikar’s journey from a small-town student in India to a global education pioneer epitomizes visionary leadership
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His initiatives at GSF have touched thousands of lives, fostering cultural integration and educational excellence
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By strengthening ties between India and Singapore, he has set a benchmark for international cooperation in education
Atul Temurnikar, a luminary in the field of education and the co-founder and Executive Chairman of Singapore-based Global Schools Foundation (GSF), has been awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) for 2025. Conferred by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, this award is the highest honor for overseas Indians. Temurnikar’s recognition underscores his transformative contributions to education and his dedication to fostering equality and well-being across the globe.
Early Life: A Foundation of Excellence
Born into a middle-class family in Maharashtra, India, Atul Temurnikar’s early academic achievements set the stage for his future endeavors. Ranking third among a million students in the 1979 Maharashtra state board Grade 12 examinations, he exhibited an extraordinary aptitude for learning that would later drive his pioneering work in education and technology.
From Corporate Success to Educational Innovation
Before venturing into education, Temurnikar carved out a distinguished 16-year career in technology, holding key leadership roles at IBM ASEAN South Asia and HCL Technologies. At IBM, he ascended to the position of country manager for retail in Singapore. His transition to education was inspired by the challenges faced by expatriate families in Singapore, particularly the lack of educational continuity for their children.
Recognizing the disconnect between Singapore’s Cambridge-derived curriculum and India’s CBSE system, Temurnikar founded GSF, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bridging these gaps. His efforts revolutionized international education, creating an inclusive system that caters to diverse expatriate communities.
A Visionary in Policy and Leadership
Temurnikar’s impact extends beyond institutional leadership. In India, his recommendations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in education were implemented in 2013, marking a milestone in policy reform. Many of his insights contributed to the National Education Policy 2020, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to education.
In Singapore, he serves on the Schools Sub-committee of the National Integration Committee (NIC), championing educational inclusivity. As Patron of the Singapore chapter of the Institute of Directors (IOD India), he bridges educational and business communities between India and Singapore.
Recognitions and Awards
Temurnikar’s trailblazing efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including:
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Distinguished Fellow Award from the Institute of Directors, India
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Walter L. Hurd Executive Medal from the Walter Hurd Foundation, USA
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Social Recognition Award from SINDA, presented by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2006
A Thought Leader in Education
A sought-after speaker, Temurnikar shares his insights on platforms such as the Global Convention of the Institute of Directors in London, Horasis forums, and podcasts like XL with Graham Brown. His engagements often address topics like leadership, entrepreneurship, agile education, and mental health, emphasizing their critical role in shaping future generations.
Receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025 is a testament to Temurnikar’s enduring impact on education and his unwavering commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive world for students everywhere.
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