Leaders

Education, when rooted in vision and sacrifice, has the power to transform entire communities. Sometimes it begins with an unfulfilled dream, like that of Nisha Anil Jain’s mother, who was denied the chance for higher education, yet goes on to inspire generations to carry the baton forward.

This very spirit defines Anubhuti International School, led by Director, Nisha Anil Jain, an engineer-turned-educationist whose journey reflects both purpose and perseverance.

Nisha’s path unfolded in unexpected ways. Raised in Aurangabad and gently guided to­ward the value of education by her mother, she earned an engineering degree from Marathwa­da University and began her career as a systems analyst. After marriage, she moved to Jalga­on, where she gained further experience working in the computer division.

It was Nisha’s innovative recommendations on teaching methods that gradually steered her toward education. Recognizing her natural ability to reimagine learning, three schools invited her to join their boards, even before she held any formal qualification in the field.

The true turning point came when her father-in-law, a Padma Shri awardee and visionary entrepreneur, conceived a school that would nurture not just thinkers but also doers. In less than nine months, Anubhuti’s world-class campus—complete with advanced laboratories, international-standard sports facilities, and a library unrivaled in the region—came to life. As Director, Nisha continues to cultivate a holistic environment where academics, culture, sports, and industry engagement thrive in harmony.

What inspired your shift from engineering to education?

I grew up in Aurangabad in a family that placed education above everything else. My mother, who had to stop studying after the 10th grade, was determined that her children would go further, while my father hoped I would become a doctor. I followed my own path instead, earning an engineering degree from Marathwada University and starting my career as a systems analyst.

Marriage took me to Jalgaon, where I worked briefly in the computer division of Jain Irrigation Systems Limited before stepping back to focus on infant care and of my ailing mother-in-law. Around that time, I began advising schools, and my ideas on learning led to invitations to join the boards of three institutions—my unexpected gateway into education.

When I saw my own children struggle in traditional classrooms, I suggested a residential setup. Inspired by Rishi Valley, my father-in-law proposed creating a school of our own. Despite many challenges, we built a strong CISCE-affiliated institution.

Introduce us to Anubhuti International School. What is the vision behind it?

My father-in-law, a visionary entrepreneur, believed the next generation should be doers as well as thinkers. Guided by this conviction, he oversaw the creation of a wide spread, lush green 100-acre Anubhuti’s campus in just nine months—complete with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and international-standard sports complex.

Anubhuti is a co-educational, fully residential school for Classes 5 to 12, founded on three pillars—Indian culture, interdependence, and enlightened entrepreneurship, with the core belief that business exists to serve society. Its mission is to imbibe values for entrepreneurship building and lifelong learning.

How has your role and approach to hiring evolved post-COVID? How do you balance academics with real-world exposure for student success?

Anubhuti nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Surprise tests sharpen academics; compulsory sports build physical strength and mental balance; and exposure to industry through factory visits and inspiring sessions with luminaries such as Ramji Raghavan, Hema Malini, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Dr Anil Kakodkar, D. R. Mehta, Dr Jayant Narlikar, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Vasudev Kamat, and Prof. Vidyadhar Panat and many more foster curiosity and confidence.

This rich blend of rigorous academics, real-world exposure and vibrant extracurricular is evident in our alumni achievements. From a Femina Miss India finalist and a pioneering bank founder to engineers, doctors and researchers at Princeton, our graduates embody the spirit of Anubhuti. With thirteen graduating batches, these accomplished alumni stand as thriving seeds once sown at Anubhuti—now growing far and wide, carrying the school’s values into the world.

How do you find and support passionate teachers?

The biggest challenge is finding teachers who are truly passionate about education—a task that calls for both understanding and persistent effort. While many graduates choose careers in medicine, engineering, or business, few feel a genuine calling to teach, so recruiting committed educators requires exceptional care. I personally lead this deliberately rigorous process: we screen dozens of applicants, interview 20–25, and observe their adaptability over three to four days to ensure they are genuinely dedicated and unlikely to leave quickly.

At Anubhuti, we call our teachers “associates”, honoring them as enlightened entrepreneurs who shape young minds and embody a strong sense of team spirit. They work collaboratively, sharing ideas and supporting one another, so that every child benefits from a community of educators united in purpose.

My role goes beyond recruitment—I focus on their well-being, supporting them through health concerns or personal challenges, especially during midlife transitions. My door remains open to students as well, for questions, concerns, or simply a conversation, so that everyone feels heard, supported, and truly at home.

What drives your journey to support students and their growth?

Reputed media outlets have consistently ranked Anubhuti among the top schools for its academic results, boarding facilities, architectural design and overall excellence in education. Our eco-friendly campus—home to over 80,000+ trees and strong sustainable practices— has earned both the Gobar Times Green School Award and the WIPRO Earthian Award.

Though I began my career as a computer engineer, my journey into education started with my own children, and I have never looked back. Shaping young minds fills me with hope for the nation’s future. Guided by my father-in-law’s principle, “Whatever you want to become, be a good human being”, we engage with students every Sunday, collaborate and navigate challenges together, building lasting trust within our school community.

Anubhuti International School stands as a living example of education rooted in vision, values and holistic growth. Guided by Director Nisha Anil Jain’s journey from engineer to educationist, the school blends rigorous academics with entrepreneurship, culture, sustainability and real-world exposure. From this emerges an enduring message: when learning is student-centered and value-driven, it not only builds scholars but also compassionate, capable citizens.

Anubhuti’s story reminds us that true success lies in nurturing good human beings—thinkers and doers who carry integrity, curiosity and social responsibility into every sphere of life.

Nisha Anil Jain, Director, Anubhuti International School

Nisha Anil Jain is an educationist who transforms learning through creative, student-centered strategies, empowering students to excel academically, embrace entrepreneurship and grow as responsible global citizens.