Transforming education and communities from the ground up

For Jayant Gauri, schools are more than classrooms, they’re places where real change can happen. As Founder of Raintree Schools in Bangalore, Jayant leads a growing network serving over 1,000 students across two campuses, powered by more than 80 educators. But Raintree is more than a school; it’s a movement built on the belief that quality education must be inclusive, holistic, and accessible to all.

Education for all

Jayant’s model is both high-quality and affordable, blending academic rigour with life skills, mental health support, climate education, and Indian values, all within a globally relevant curriculum. His leadership is hands-on and deeply personal; whether it’s admissions or teacher development, he’s there every step of the way.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jayant led a fundraising campaign to provide tablets for students without digital access, ensuring no child was left behind. He also contributed to national education policy consultations and submitted a white paper on safe school reopening protocols directly to the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

From classrooms to communities

Beyond the classroom, Jayant has championed a range of community initiatives from launching the Excellence in Teaching Awards for educators in budget private schools, to organising sustainability and public health programmes like breast cancer screenings and textile recycling projects that empower women in underserved communities.

He has represented India at global forums such as the World Economic Forum, the British South Asian Youth Summit, and Nepal’s Global Education Webinar. He recently delivered a keynote address at Christ University’s International Women’s Day celebration and was the subject of a student-authored entrepreneurship case study.

Quiet leadership, bold impact

What makes Jayant’s impact so powerful is its quiet consistency. He hasn’t just built a school, he’s built an ecosystem. His work is grounded, inclusive, and enduring. By combining entrepreneurial thinking with empathy and public service, Jayant continues to redefine what sustainable change looks like in education and beyond.

Jayant’s work has earned him the Community Empowerment Award at the WBS annual alumni awards 2025.

I’m honoured to be part of a community that champions purpose-driven leadership. This award is a tribute to the power of collective effort and the impact of service-led entrepreneurship.