Message from World Leaders

	Mr Anand Mahindra Chairman and Managing Director Mahindra & Mahindra You are the new X-men. Educated and vibrant, you will change India.

	Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Former President of India Dear students, when you complete your education, what will you carry with you? It is knowledge. Knowledge has three components: creativity, righteousness and courage. The combination of these characteristics can generate enlightened citizens.

	Tharman Shanmugaratnam Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Minister For Finance, Government of Singapore GIIS in Singapore has shown remarkable growth, from just 48 students at the Mount Sophia campus, to its current size. This achievement is tribute to the efforts of the Global Schools Foundation, which has also done much to promote Indian culture in fine arts, music and dance. I would also like to commend the Indian expatriate community in Singapore for its initiative and spirit in helping realise the aim of building a school that caters to the needs of their children.

	Dr Vivian Balakrishnan Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Government of Singapore I would like to congratulate the Global Schools Foundation for the excellent work you are doing and the significant growth in your group. I hope the foundation will continue to build on its strengths and forge even stronger bonds between the Indian Diaspora and the resident communities in their host countries.

	Baey Yam Keng Member of Parliament, Tampines GRC Government of Singapore I am glad that the Global Indian International School in Singapore has expanded to its third campus in a short time frame of six years. GIIS has been working very closely with the Queenstown community and has contributed significantly through the offering of various programmes such as Yoga classes. I am sure the school and the Global Schools Foundation will continue their untiring efforts as an integrated member of the Queenstown community.


	Boon Yoon Chiang Deputy Chairman, Jardine Cycle & Carriage Group, Singapore Country Chairman, Jardine Matheson Group, Singapore With the encouragement of the Government, Global Indian International School (GIIS) is privileged to have joined several other leading educational institutions to establish a presence in Singapore. GIIS has gained recognition and reputation both within Singapore and internationally with its offering of niche Indian education apart from IB and IGCE (Cambridge) programmes. As GIIS continues to expand in Singapore and beyond, GIIS offers a unique advantage for the young to understand and appreciate living in a multi-cultural and multi-racial environment. In this way, its students will be better equipped to cope with challenges of growing globalisation.

	His Holiness the Dalai Lama Humans have incredible potential in terms of intelligence. It is important to advance it constructively. At the same time warm heartedness and altruism are equally very important. I therefore urge you all to put efforts in combining the two–intelligence and altruism.

	Prof Richard Ernst Nobel Prize laureate (1991) It is a great pleasure for me to present a lecture at the Global Indian International School. For me, young people are our only hope for a better future. They have to know that there are pleasures and dangers in life. All of us have to develop responsibility towards mankind in order to find beneficial avenues that can lead to the prosperity and happiness of everybody.

	Kamal Nath Former Minister of Urban Development, Government of India I'm delighted to be here because the Global Schools Foundation with its network of Global Indian International Schools is the laboratory, which unleashes India's intellectuals and entrepreneurial abilities.

	Richard Armitage Former US Deputy Secretary of State My advise to GIIS students is – do the best where you are; live in the moment. And take advantage of your opportunities. Secondly, if you want to become a policy-maker like me, you must not become a geek. You have got to be well rounded persons; you have got to have other interests rather than just policy-making.

	Charles Chong Member of Parliament, Joo Chiat SMC and Deputy Speaker Government of Singapore Congratulations GIIS! Many Nationalities, Diverse Cultures – One World.

	Sushma Swaraj Minister of External Affairs, Government of India I would like to tell the GIIS students that about 60% of India is young and you people are the future, so never lose self-confidence in yourself. Always think you can do anything and everything and this is more so for the girls with females having entered fields such as navy, air force, mountaineering, even police and they have excelled.

	Helen Clark Former Prime Minister of New Zealand I would like to congratulate the Global Schools Foundation on the 5th anniversary of the school and wish all the best to the students, teachers and Board in providing great education for children in our community.

	N R Narayana Murthy Executive Chairman, Infosys The Global Schools Foundation has so far lived up to its mission of providing high quality international and Indian education at very affordable rates around the world. From its modest beginnings in Singapore, Global Indian International School now successfully operates in several countries including Malaysia, India and Japan. I am quite hopeful that the Foundation will continue creating institutions with the highest educational standards and consequently producing some of the best leaders of the future. I wish the Global Schools Foundation a wonderful journey ahead.

	Zainul Abidin Rasheed Former Member of Parliament, Government of Singapore GIIS' emphasis on a well-rounded educational syllabus that encompasses academic teaching as well as cultural and social education will provide a solid foundation for students to meet the challenges in the global marketplace in the future. Singapore welcomes Indian nationals and their families to work, live and study in Singapore. When people-to-people linkages between India and Singapore deepen, the overall bilateral relationship is fortified. I wish GIIS more success.

	Shabana Azmi Goodwill Ambassador, United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) Member of Rajya Sabha, Government of India Personality Development is a very strategic skill that any Global citizen should have. I am pleased with the approach and focus the Global Indian International School has undertaken in this respect through Personality and Speech & Drama development programmes. Our students would thus emerge more communicative, articulate and expressive and would truly represent the Global Indians.

	Mekin Methavikul Former Governor of Pathum Thani Province We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to the Global Indian International School (GIIS) to our Pathum Thani Province. GIIS pioneer the International Indian Education System for the local international communities in Thailand. Most of all, the Global Indian Foundation has informed us of their intention to cooperate with the Pathum Thani Province in introducing the Indian CBSE Curriculum to the education public in Thailand, to help supporting the Thai education reform to commemorate His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej on His 80th Anniversary.

	Chan Soo Sen Former Member of Parliament Government of Singapore Although a relative new comer, Global Indian International School has exceeded in offering good educational programmes to Indian expatriate children in Singapore. I am also happy to note that your campuses have been linking up with the local community. You have provided an important service to enable more investors and professionals from India to come to Singapore. I can feel the vibrancy of the students, professionalism of the staff, and support of the parents whenever I visit your campuses.

	Late Dr Abid Hussain Founding Patron, Global Schools Foundation The Global Indian International Schools in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India, UAE, Vietnam and Thailand are providing world-class Indian education to the children of our pravasi bharatiyas and the Global Indian Cultural Centres are helping to preserve and reinforce the rich values of our vibrant Indian culture. It has carefully integrated with the social fabric of various countries and this is evident from the fact that Singaporeans are learning Yoga at your centres, Malaysian and Japanese students are attending your schools and the Thai students are attending your cultural centres for value education. I am delighted to hear that GIIS schools are promoting "Gandhian Values and Thoughts" through its Mahatma Gandhi Centres and these very values are a cornerstone for religious harmony and peace.

	Dr S Jaishankar Former High Commissioner of India, Singapore In a very short period, the school has established a reputation for academic excellence and has displayed an ability to meet the schooling requirements of the growing Indian community in Singapore. The establishment and functioning of this school reflects new directions of India's growth and the many ways in which we now seek to engage other societies. The cultural centre of the school adds to its dimensions of service in Singapore and provides a forum for both Indians and other nationalities to acquaint them with our culture.

	Latha Reddy Embassy of India, Bangkok It gives me great pleasure to learn that the Global Indian International School (GIIS) has been established in Bangkok. GIIS Thailand would provide a unique opportunity to aspiring students to choose from CBSE, British and IB curricula. I am sure that the school will also provide for all-round development of personality for its students. I am happy that the Indian and other international communities in Bangkok have wholeheartedly welcomed the opening of the Global Indian International School. The establishment of GIIS in Bangkok fulfils the longstanding need of the Indian communities for a school with CBSE system. GIIS Thailand is a welcome addition to the international schools in Bangkok. On behalf of the Indian Embassy, and on my own behalf, I wish the students, parents, teachers and the school management every success in their endeavour.

	H.E. Calvin Eu Singapore's Trade Representative to Taiwan Former High Commissioner of Singapore to the Republic of India Being the largest international school in Singapore, the GIIS has made significant contributions to the development of Singapore as a premier international education hub. We are proud to be a partner to the continuing success of the GIIS.

	Aftab Seth Former Indian Ambassador to Japan Advisory Board (Japan), Global Schools Foundation I am happy to be associated with the foundation's work in Japan for over a year. I have seen the activities of the foundation in the realm of education; culture and community relations grow impressively in this period. Apart from running these schools which have a fair number of Japanese children, apart from the Indians, the Foundation has also worked through the Cultural Centres to popularise various aspects of Indian traditions. These activities have enabled the foundation to establish a broad network with the local Japanese community. In this sense the foundation has helped in the task of promoting a better relationship between India and Japan. I wish every success to the organisation, the dedicated teachers that we are proud to have with us and above all to the talented children who come to us for assistance in the noble task of pursuing knowledge.

	Sajjad Ashraf Adjunct Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Former High Commissioner of Pakistan to Singapore The Global Schools Foundation has done great work not only in providing education to thousands of children but in trying to connect communities together in many countries in South East Asia and beyond. The rapid growth of the GIIS in Singapore and many countries of the region is indicative of the quality of their education and the fact that they are filling in the gap which was needed in this part of the world.

	Dr Hari N Harilela Member, Presidium of Patrons Global Schools Foundation The Foundation has been in the forefront in promoting the cause of Indian culture and languages and providing quality education at its schools in the Asia Pacific region which not only benefit the Indian expatriate families but also the local communities in the respective countries. I would like to compliment Mr Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of Global Schools Foundation and his committee members for their excellent work and take this opportunity to wish the Foundation continued growth and success in many years ahead.

	Ashok Ganguly Former Chairman Central Board of Secondary Education, India As GIIS, CBSE schools have been making inroads in various Asian countries, CBSE too has been introducing special subjects such as the Bahasa Malay language as 2nd language for Malaysian and Indonesian students, Japanese for the Japanese students etc. To enable the overseas students from non-CBSE schools to join the CBSE programme for medium or high schools, CBSE has announced the introduction of South East Asian Social studies so that the students can join the CBSE programme midway. I am delighted to hear that GIIS schools are promoting Gandhian values and thoughts through its Mahatma Gandhi centres as these very values are a cornerstone for religious harmony and peace.

	Prof Anil Gupta Vice Chairman, IIM Ahmedabad The school education and cultural institution that the foundation has created will be long valued by the entire Indian community in many countries and I wish the foundation many more years of excellence ahead. I also hope that the 'tribal school' initiative of Global Indian Foundation in Gujarat will benefit some of the less advantaged back home, who will soon acquire tools, content and other education services available through children to children networking. I also hope that creativity, collaboration and compassion will be enhanced through such interactions.

	Ralph Marshall Member, Advisory Board (Malaysia) Global Indian International School Global Indian International School has greatly benefitted expatriates in the region, as it provides continuity in education for their children. As a member of the Advisory Board of Global Indian International School, it is extremely satisfying to note that many Malaysian parents have embraced the ideals and principles of our school, which successfully integrates the best of the Indian curriculum with local requirements. I have been approached by many for advice on admission to GIIS Kaula Lumpur, which in itself bears testimony to the reputation it has established within such a short span of time.

	Masahiko Kaji President Tata Consultancy Services Japan Ltd GIIS in Japan has provided a new avenue for learning in a cross-cultural environment, which does have a big impact on children's life and careers. GIIS, in this short span school has secured very good attention from the expatriate and local community in Japan. Such education institutes are pivotal in building healthy relationships in a multi-cultural environment. Due to this sincere effort of contributing to society through education, school has always received full hearted support of our company and local government. GIIS operations in Japan will go long way in facilitating the new relationship building between Japan and India.

	Ashok Soota Chairman, Mindtree Consulting, USA Member, Advisory Board, Global Schools Foundation I found that the concept of the Global Schools Foundation is really a unique and innovative one. The idea of compulsory yoga and teaching Sanskrit is really great because it helps to ensure the continuation of our own Indian culture.

	Satpal Khattar Chairman, Khattar Holdings, Singapore Both in terms of the speed with which they have been able to set up and institutions that are recognised for high quality education speaks well for the foundation. And for the two schools in Singapore and the other schools in the region, I see a very bright future. What the Foundation and the school are doing in Singapore ties in perfectly with Singapore's attempt to be a hub for education in this part of the world.

	Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Hussin bin Abdul Hamid Chairman, Advisory Board – Malaysia Global Indian International School I am very proud to see that the GIIS Malaysia has exceeded expectations of the Malaysian public. Many people including the people from the Government have asked me about this new school.

	Dada J P Vaswani Head, Sadhu Vaswani Foundation Children of the school, I am very happy to have visited your school and I feel so happy to look at your twinkling eyes and your smiling faces and I will ask you to keep on smiling all the time. We have inaugurated the statue of one of the greatest leaders of humanity – that is Mahatma Gandhi. A time will come and people will realize what a truly great man he was and I want to leave with you his teaching. I want you to bear witness to it in deeds of daily living. One day he addressed a meeting of students and he said to them, "You are not truly dressed... if you want to be truly dressed, then your face should wear a smile." So keep on smiling all the while.

	R N Misra Executive Director Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Trichy, India Global Schools Foundation, Singapore, took over the management of R.S. Krishnan Higher Secondary School on the campus of BHEL Township, Tiruchirappalli, India, with effect from April 2006. Since then, the school has taken a positive kink towards professionalism. The performance of the students academically and in all other respects has been very encouraging. I have been discussing with the principal, Mr P. Varadarajan regularly about the various changes and innovations that he brought about in the school. I had a chance to discuss with a cross section of the parents of the students of the school, and I have found them to be quite happy about the progress of their wards in RSK.

	Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria Member, Advisory Board – Malaysia Global Indian International School I am impressed with the ethos and operational policies of the Global Schools Foundation in providing excellent academics and good quality education together with character development based on universal values in a multi-cultural environment. Keep up the good work and may god bless these efforts in creating young global human beings who I believe will make a difference to the world.

	Mother A Mangalam President, The Pure Life Society, Malaysia The promotion of Indian harmony across the globe is a praiseworthy move for further development of the Indian Diaspora which has made its impact across the oceans in many fields of achievement.

	Dr N Varaprasad Former CEO, National Library Board, Singapore The rapid expansion of the Global Indian International School (GIIS) in Singapore, resulting in the opening of its third campus at Balestier, is testimony to two compelling developments. First, the unparalleled popularity of the GIIS, its staff, curriculum and pedagogy among parents and students alike. Second, the open-door policy of the Singapore government in attracting talent from all parts of the world, based on capability and merit. These have combined to bring success to GIIS. I wish GIIS a bright future, and hope that it will do its best to continue the noble task of preparing young people for a future of dynamic change.

	Dr M P Chhaya Member, Governing Board Global Schools Foundation All our Global Indian International Schools have a curriculum which is the sum total of a large number of experiences that each of our schools provides to the child in order to achieve the goal of total development of its personality. Our curriculum consists of both formal learning experiences provided through teaching of different subjects and non-formal learning experiences provided in the form of a variety of activities carried out outside the classroom. It is important for us to realise that a judicious development of both formal and non-formal types of experiences provided to the child should result in COMPLETE EDUCATION.

	H.E. Dato' Seri S. Samy Vellu Former Minister of Works, Malaysia Hon. Member of Presidium of Patrons Global Schools Foundation The foundation's untiring work in setting up schools and cultural centres around the world and in inculcating Indian values and tradition has benefited people in all walks of life and I am sure this good work will be carried on in more parts of world, so as to benefit more people. I am proud to be the patron of an organisation that is doing excellent work in education at the global level.