From left to right: Mr. Kaustubh Bodhankar, Deputy CEO of Global Schools Foundation; Ms. Madhu Khanna, Principal of GIIS Queens-town Campus; Mr. Atul Temurnikar, Chairman and Co-Founder of GIIS
The Global Indian International School (GIIS), one of Asia’s leading international schools, was awarded the National Service (NS) Advocate Award in the annual Total Defence Awards Dinner held at the Fairmont Hotel, Singapore, last night. GIIS Co-Founder, Mr. Atul Temurnikar, received the award from Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen at the event.
The NS Advocate Award is the highest accolade conferred on organisations, businesses and individuals in recognition of their exemplary support towards Total Defence and National Service. GIIS was one of 14 organisations presented with the award this year.
Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng emphasised the increased relevance of Total Defence in the current security environment. He said, "The concept of Total Defence introduced over three decades ago, but today it is as relevant as ever, if not more so. The Total Defence Awards ceremony, is not just another event held annually to recognise those who have contributed to this cause. The significance lies in that collective will to strengthen year after year, against threats old and new, to stand up against them as one people united in resolve and action."
On GIIS recognition as an NS Advocate, Mr. Atul Temurnikar believes that a school plays a significant role in building character and not just academic excellence, thus instilling a sense of responsibility to protect and safeguard one’s nation is crucial.
He said, “We seek to mould our students into individuals of character, discipline, integrity and selflessness; equipping them with the skills, ability and intention to serve and to lead by example. Service is an element enshrined in our 9GEMS learning model, and we strongly support Total Defence and National Service which refines such integral qualities in our younger generation.”
Earlier this year, GIIS held an NS familiarisation program aimed to educate students and parents alike on NS, dispel their fears and motivate students to take on patriotic duties confidently. These sessions as well as other GIIS programs, enable students to be prepared both physically and mentally during their stint in NS.
To date, over 300 GIIS students have participated in Singapore’s National Service Program.
