Jeetu Rohira: Lighting the Pathway for a Generation

Building a platform where values, purpose, and learning come together!

Education today stands at a critical crossroads, an ever-growing sector closely linked to national development, social transformation, and future readiness. Yet, despite increased investments and innovation, many institutions remain tethered to outdated models focused on rote learning, exam scores, and academic rankings. In the race for measurable outcomes, the deeper purpose of education, character-building, value formation, and cultivating lifelong purpose, is often side-lined. As systems expand, the soul of education risks being forgotten.

The consequences of this imbalance are profound. A poorly nurtured mind may carry confusion and disconnection into adulthood. A compromised school culture can shape generations to come. Unlike other professions, where errors are visible and quickly corrected, in education, the impact of missteps is slow-burning but deeply embedded, quietly shaping the future of individuals, communities, and entire societies. In such a space, the need for thoughtful, visionary leadership is not optional, it is essential.

In an era where education is often reduced to grades, rankings, and outcomes, Jeetu Rohira stands out as a rare visionary who believes that true learning begins with values and culminates in purpose. With a foundation in engineering and business, he chose not the conventional path of corporate success, but a calling rooted in the transformation of minds, communities, and institutions. His work is a testament to the belief that education, when guided by integrity and vision, can shape not just successful individuals, but a better world.

Jeetu Rohira, an Engineer and MBA by qualification, has dedicated over two decades to a path far more purposeful than conventional career success, one rooted in nation-building through education. His journey did not begin in boardrooms, but in classrooms and spiritual spaces, where the seeds of his philosophy were sown.

Jeetu’s most defining formative years were spent at the Sri Ma Group of Institutions, founded under the spiritual guidance of Beloved Guru Sri Tara Mataji – SRI MA. This experience was not just professional, it was profoundly spiritual. For over a decade, he served with unwavering dedication, absorbing a way of thinking where education was not transactional but transformational. Under the guidance of his Guru SRI MA, he learned that the true purpose of education is to shape character before building careers, a philosophy that continues to guide his work.

His journey deepened during his leadership role at the MVM Group of Schools, a Mogaveera community initiative in Mumbai. Here, Jeetu gained invaluable experience in community-driven schooling, trust governance, and value-based educational leadership. He realized that systemic change in education requires shifting beliefs, among teachers, parents, and learners, not just policies or infrastructure.

Today, Jeetu serves as the Founding Director of the Acharya Mahashraman International School (AMIS Group of Schools), one of the most ambitious educational initiatives in India. A vision of the Jain Shwetamber Terapanthi Mahasabha Trust, spiritually guided by Acharya Shri Mahashraman Ji, supported by Shri Vishrut Munishriji and Shri Sameer Vakil, AMIS is setting out to build 100 model schools across the country. These institutions will aim to integrate global academic standards with Sanskaar Yukt Shiksha – education rooted in Indian values. Under Jeetu’s leadership, AMIS is redefining schooling by blending international best practices with cultural and moral grounding, while emphasizing academics, life skills, sports, and character development.

In parallel, Jeetu plays a strategic leadership role as Advisor to the Radcliffe Group of Schools, where he leads public relations, institutional strategy, and operational leadership across multiple campuses. His involvement has been pivotal in strengthening the Group’s identity, stakeholder engagement, and operational excellence.

Whether designing greenfield institutions from the ground up, mentoring educators, or transforming school cultures, Jeetu’s work is centered on a single powerful principle: education must empower, not just instruct. His student-first mindset is evident in every decision, from preserving creative programs over cost-cutting, to launching digital platforms for underserved communities, to embedding life skills into academic frameworks.

At heart, Jeetu Rohira is more than a school builder. He is a mentor, spiritual learner, and community transformer. His legacy lies not just in the campuses he has built, but in the lives he has uplifted. As he often says, “When education is done right, it doesn’t just teach—it transforms.”

1.Let us delve into his educational philosophy, as revealed in the interview conducted by our reporter.

2. Your journey in education has inspired many. What key moments or turning points defined your commitment to driving institutional growth and academic excellence?

For me, the most defining moment wasn’t just a single event, but a realization that came from being around children every day. The energy, the curiosity, the honesty of children, there’s a different kind of joy and fulfillment in this environment that no other career can offer. You can build companies, design structures, or manage businesses, but seeing a child’s eyes light up when they learn something new, that’s an experience that truly moves you.

Over time, I understood the deeper responsibility that comes with being in education. A doctor’s mistake can cost a patient’s life and impact a family. A civil engineer’s error might endanger a building or infrastructure. But when an educationist makes a mistake when we compromise on values, quality, or direction, we risk affecting an entire generation. The repercussions are not just individual but societal, impacting the country and even the world at large.

This understanding gave me a strong sense of purpose: to build institutions that don’t just educate, but uplift; that don’t just prepare for exams, but for life. Education is the most powerful lever for positive change, and I’m committed to ensuring that every institution I develop contributes to building capable, ethical, and inspired citizens.

3. As a leader in education, what values or vision guide your decisions and innovations in the academic sector?

At the heart of my approach is a collective commitment to integrity, student-first thinking, and building an ecosystem where both students and staff can truly thrive. Every decision we make runs through a simple guiding principle: Will this empower our students? Will it enable our teachers to deliver their best? Will it enrich the overall learning experience?

I remember during the planning phase of one of our schools, there was a practical suggestion to reduce the budget allocated for sports and creative arts facilities to manage costs. On paper, it made financial sense. But during a site visit, we saw local children playing with minimal resources, inventing their own games with incredible creativity and enthusiasm. It struck us that these avenues are not “extra” but essential for developing confidence, teamwork, and life skills. We made a conscious decision to retain and even expand these facilities. A few years later, several of those students excelled not just in academics but also in sports and arts, with some earning scholarships and national-level recognition.

This experience reaffirmed our belief that academic success must go hand-in-hand with personal development. Our vision is to build institutions where education shapes capable professionals and responsible, well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.

Tell us about an initiative or transformation you led that significantly impacted students, faculty, or the broader learning ecosystem. What challenges did you overcome?

One of the most fulfilling transformations we led was not just in infrastructure, but in mindset. We were establishing a new K12 school in a semi-urban location where most parents prioritized rote learning, believing marks were the only measure of success. The challenge wasn’t just to build a school, but to shift an entire community’s perspective on education.

We introduced activity-based learning, life-skills programs, and a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities right from the beginning. Initially, there was resistance—parents questioned why their children were spending time in art rooms, sports grounds, or language labs instead of doing more worksheets. Even some faculty members, coming from conventional teaching backgrounds, were unsure of these new approaches.

To bridge this gap, we created open classroom days where parents were invited to witness these activities firsthand, and we invested in regular faculty workshops and peer learning programs. I’ll never forget a particular parent-teacher meet, where a father stood up and said, “For the first time, I see my child excited to come to school—not scared.” That moment stayed with all of us.

Today, that school not only produces academically successful students but also confident, socially aware individuals. Teachers feel more empowered, students more engaged, and parents more involved in the learning journey. The biggest success was shifting the entire ecosystem to embrace learning beyond textbooks.

2. How do you ensure continuous quality improvement, modernization, and relevance in the curriculum and institutional practices under your leadership?

My approach has always been continuous evolution, not occasional upgrades. I recall an instance where student feedback highlighted a disconnect between textbook knowledge and practical application in a subject. We responded by initiating a curriculum review, involving teachers, industry experts, and even senior students. This resulted in the integration of case-based learning and life skills modules. The positive feedback and improved engagement levels reaffirmed our belief that co-creating solutions leads to sustainable improvements.

2. Technology is reshaping how we learn. How have you embraced or led digital transformation in your institution?

For us, technology is not just about gadgets, it’s about enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for the future. We have always approached digital transformation with a balanced mindset: using technology as a tool to make learning more engaging, accessible, and personalized, without letting it replace the human connection that is vital in education.

A memorable example was during the transition to blended learning even before the pandemic made it a necessity. We introduced smart classrooms, digital learning platforms, and student progress tracking systems across our institutions. Initially, many teachers were hesitant about adopting these new tools. To address this, we focused on consistent training, peer support, and gradually introduced technology in ways that complemented their teaching rather than overwhelmed them.

One initiative we are especially proud of is the “Digital Connect Program,” where we used interactive apps and recorded lessons not just for our regular students but also extended access to underprivileged children in nearby communities. The joy of seeing a child from a remote village access the same quality learning as a child in the main school was a powerful reminder of how technology can break barriers.

Today, our approach is clear, technology should simplify teaching, personalize student learning, and expand access. It should never replace the teacher, but rather empower both teachers and students to achieve more.

2. What strategies do you use to build a strong, inclusive, and motivated academic community?

In one of our schools, we started a program called “Voice of the Faculty,” where teachers presented ideas for academic and operational improvements directly to leadership every month. One suggestion led to a more efficient timetable structure, reducing student stress and increasing teacher planning time. Empowering voices at every level fosters ownership and belonging, creating an inclusive culture where everyone thrives.

4. In your view, what defines educational excellence today and how do you measure success beyond grades and rankings?

Today, educational excellence is defined by how well we prepare students for life, not just for exams. It’s about building well-rounded individuals who can think critically, communicate effectively, adapt to change, and contribute positively to society. While grades and academic performance are important, they are only one part of the bigger picture.

A story that stays with us is of a student who struggled with academics but found her confidence through community service projects at school. She developed leadership skills, built emotional resilience, and today is leading a successful social enterprise. By traditional academic metrics, she was considered “average,” but in reality, she became an inspiring change-maker.

That’s why in our institutions, we measure success through multiple dimensions: student well-being, creativity, social responsibility, leadership skills, and overall personal growth. We track alumni journeys, encourage portfolio-based assessments, and celebrate achievements in diverse fields, whether it’s innovation, sports, arts, or community service.

For us, true educational excellence is when a student graduates not just with good marks, but with a strong sense of purpose, life skills, and the confidence to create value for themselves and for the world.

2. Mentorship plays a critical role in educational growth. How do you support and uplift emerging educators, administrators, and student leaders?

We believe the world is full of potential, what it often lacks is encouragement and direction. I’ve always felt that people, irrespective of their background or role, need someone to believe in them, to motivate them. That’s where I see my role, not just as an administrator, but as a mentor who can light that spark. I often say half-jokingly to my team, “If I see an ant trying to lift a rock, I’ll motivate it to believe it can do it , and I’ve seen results when people are pushed with the right encouragement.”

There was a young teacher in one of our schools, quiet and reserved, who avoided leadership roles thinking she was just meant for classroom teaching. Through regular one-on-one sessions, small leadership responsibilities, and constant motivation, we helped her unlock a side of herself even she didn’t know existed. Today, she leads key academic initiatives and inspires other teachers.

It’s these transformations that give us the greatest satisfaction seeing people discover their own hidden capabilities. We have structured mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and growth pathways within our institutions, but beyond systems, it is the personal belief in people that makes the biggest difference. When people feel valued and guided, they don’t just perform better they thrive.

2. What role does sustainability, equity, and social responsibility play in your institution’s long-term vision?

For us, sustainability, equity, and social responsibility are not just add-ons—they are part of the very foundation on which we build institutions. We believe that schools and colleges should not only create successful individuals but also responsible citizens who are sensitive to the world around them.

I clearly remember a community project we initiated with our students, where they worked to revamp a nearby government school. The students didn’t just donate supplies, they painted classrooms, set up a small library, and spent time mentoring younger children. The pride our students felt after seeing the visible impact of their efforts was incredible. It taught them empathy, leadership, and teamwork—qualities that no textbook could have delivered.

In every institution we develop, we consciously integrate green practices like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient buildings, and minimizing plastic usage. Our admissions and scholarship policies are designed to ensure equity, giving deserving students access to quality education regardless of their background.

Ultimately, we believe schools are mini-societies. If we can teach students to value inclusion, care for the environment, and give back to the community, we are preparing them to become responsible contributors to the country and the world. That is how we define long-term impact, education that not only builds careers but also builds character.

2. Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave in the world of education both as an institution-builder and a human being shaping future generations?

My vision has always been clear to leave behind institutions that don’t just deliver education, but nurture generations of responsible, capable, and value-driven individuals. I along with my team believe true success lies in building ecosystems where students receive not just academic knowledge, but life lessons, values, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to society.

Currently, I have the privilege of serving as the Founding Director of The Acharya Mahashraman International School, a group of schools with an ambitious project size of 100 schools across India. What makes this initiative truly special to me is its alignment with the timeless ideology of Acharya Shri Mahashraman Ji, who envisions “Sanskaar Yukt Shiksha” Education enriched with Values. This philosophy perfectly resonates with my own belief that education in India must go beyond textbooks to shape character and build strong ethical foundations in students.

We are in the process of launching five pilot schools, which will stand as model campuses offering world-class infrastructure, academic excellence, and a strong focus on sports, life skills, and overall personality development. Our goal is to ensure every child has the environment to discover their full potential, not just to succeed professionally, but to live purposefully and contribute positively to the nation.

For me, the real legacy lies beyond the physical campuses. If years from now, a student looks back and says, “My school gave me the confidence to be more than I imagined,” or a teacher feels empowered to innovate because of the culture we created, that will be my greatest reward. I want to be remembered for nurturing lives, building learning communities, and contributing to a generation that upholds values, chases excellence, and serves society with purpose and pride.

As we reflect on Jeetu Rohira’s journey and the institutions he has shaped, one truth becomes clear: his work is not just about building schools, it’s about reimagining what education can and should be.

Closing Remarks

Education, at its core, is not just about knowledge, it is about nurturing the soul of a society. When guided by purpose, values, and vision, it becomes the most powerful tool for transformation. Jeetu Rohira’s journey reminds us that true education must go beyond classrooms and curriculums; it must awaken minds, shape character, and build communities. In a world racing toward progress, his work is a call to pause, reflect, and rebuild education as a sacred responsibility. Because when we educate with empathy, integrity, and intention, we don’t just create successful individuals, we create a stronger, more compassionate world.