Mr. Temurnikar Honored With Prestigious Award for Contributions to Education and Community
SINGAPORE, January 15, 2025 – In a significant recognition of his commitment to education and community, Mr. Atul Temurnikar, the Chairman and Co-founder of the Global Schools Foundation, has been awarded the esteemed Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) 2025. The award was presented by the President of India during a special ceremony held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on January 9.
The PBSA is the highest honor from the Government of India for overseas Indians and Indian-origin individuals and organizations that have excelled in their contributions both in India and worldwide. Mr. Temurnikar received this accolade for his efforts to enhance educational and cultural connections between India and various nations.
Upon receiving the award, Mr. Temurnikar expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the esteemed President Droupadi Murmu. It inspires me to continue my work for the diaspora and spread the rich cultural heritage and knowledge of India globally."
Mr. Temurnikar has played a vital role in transforming the educational landscape in Southeast and East Asia, particularly by establishing schools affiliated with India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. His relentless dedication to fostering cultural ties between India and these nations makes this award a well-deserved acknowledgment of his impact.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is awarded to non-resident Indians (NRIs) and organizations recognized for their remarkable contributions in various fields. Since its inception by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2003, this award is presented every two years during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), an event that unites the Indian diaspora to discuss mutual interests and current issues.
Mr. Temurnikar was one of 27 distinguished honorees during the 18th PBD, which took place from January 8 to 10, 2025. The award committee included the Vice-President of India and the External Affairs Minister, highlighting the significance of this recognition. Mr. Temurnikar became the fifth individual or entity from Singapore to receive the PBSA.
About Global Schools Foundation
Established in 2002, the Global Schools Foundation is dedicated to fostering community-based education. Its mission is to develop young individuals into future global leaders. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has provided quality academic and cultural education to more than 100,000 students across 70 countries. The Global Indian Foundation, its cultural arm, actively promotes Indian heritage through various programs, encouraging intercultural connections among students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the Global Schools Group operates 12 international schools across 11 countries, including Singapore, Japan, the UK, and the UAE.
