Visionary Educationist Dr. Arun Upadhyay has led his group of schools to become one of the fastest-growing schools in the region with outstanding results in international Olympiads. He blends global education standards with Indian values, fostering holistic student development.

Dr. Arun Upadhyay is the Director of the Roots Group of Schools in Kota. The institution holds international affiliation with Cambridge University. Backed by a dedicated and extensive team, they are currently operating three schools in Kota.

The school was established in 2014 and has since become one of the most renowned and rapidly growing institutions in Kota. Dr. Upadhyay shares that they are planning to expand the group of schools across Rajasthan in the first phase, followed by a nationwide presence, with hopes of accomplishing this vision as soon as possible.

Dr. Upadhyay highlights that Roots School follows the Cambridge International pattern, which emphasizes not only academics but also co-curricular activities. He explains that international curricula are generally structured to maintain a balanced approach, rather than concentrating solely on academic content.

He says their students are excelling in both academics and co-curricular activities. Students of Roots School have secured 187 gold, 57 silver, and approximately 24 bronze medals in various international Olympiads — a remarkable achievement in itself. Out of 315 participants, nearly 287 students won medals, showcasing their strong academic growth.

Dr. Arun Upadhyay asserts that Roots School students possess strong confidence, effective communication skills, and deep respect for elders — values they have imbibed from the very beginning. The vision of Roots School is to offer international education integrated with Indian values, ensuring that students benefit from globally recognized academic standards while staying rooted in the rich cultural ethos India is known for. He proudly shares that they are successfully achieving this vision.

Educator Dr. Arun Upadhyay mentions that he never initially intended to enter the field of education and describes his path as guided by destiny — a path in which his wife, Kavita Upadhyay, played a significant role. He shares that she had substantial experience in the education sector and always dreamed of opening a school. When she expressed her desire to him, it was with the aim of providing a high standard of education in Kota.

He points out that Kota already holds a strong reputation in the field of education, with numerous reputed institutes and schools. However, his wife envisioned establishing a school that offers education blending international standards with Indian values.

Before opening the school, Dr. Arun Upadhyay was working in the corporate sector and mentions that he had experience across various organizations. He began his career with Indian Oil Corporation, where he initially sold cards at a petrol pump. Over time, he received different opportunities and continued to progress in his career.

The best thing about him was that he never said no to any work. He advanced and grew with every opportunity that came his way. He eventually resigned from his position as Branch Manager at one of India’s leading companies. In 2013, he moved to Kota — his wife’s hometown — and they started the school in 2014. With God's grace, they pursued their vision and have been progressing ever since. He firmly believes that if they continue to do good work with consistency, then Roots School has the potential to become not just the best in Kota or Rajasthan, but one of the finest schools across India.

Hailing from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Arun Upadhyay shares that his father worked in the Public Works Department (PWD). He completed his early education in Gwalior before earning his graduation degree from MIT Pune. He further pursued his postgraduate studies and doctorate at the University of Maryland, USA. He acknowledges receiving excellent education and international exposure, which he actively incorporates in his schools.

He highlights a significant moment in his life, sharing that his father, known for his honesty at work, clearly told him that while he could provide good discipline and education, everything else he would have to earn on his own.

At the time, he wondered how a father could say something like that, but today he deeply respects his father’s lesson. He believes that if his father hadn’t taught him to take responsibility for everything in life, he might not have achieved his current position. For this, he is truly grateful. He also highlights that although his father passed away three years ago, he still feels blessed by his guidance.

Dr. Arun Upadhyay shares that, like everyone, he has both good and bad memories from his childhood. He recalls that his father had a reward system related to education—setting monthly incentives in April for achieving specific ranks. He mentions that this motivation pushed him and is the reason he has excelled academically since childhood.

He was a gold medalist in both his graduation and postgraduation and consistently ranked among the top three in his school. He credits this achievement to his father’s reward system, as the incentives—such as a bicycle or other valuable prizes—were highly motivating at the time.

His father always celebrated their birthdays joyfully, even with limited resources. He believed that if they had accomplished or learned something meaningful in the past 12 months, it was a reason to rejoice with family and friends. He also emphasized that time never stands still—it keeps passing—so everyone should create memories. If the year was productive, celebrate it; if not, reflect on the changes that can be made moving forward.

Dr. Arun Upadhyay believes in having multiple role models throughout life. He highlights that India is rich with inspiring figures—many have been his role models and idols—and if he were to compile a list, it could easily fill a book.

Above all, he deeply admires and appreciates the late Ratan Tata, who was not only a successful businessman but also a remarkable philanthropist. Dr. Upadhyay feels that Ratan Tata didn’t just earn from his businesses; he reinvested and circulated those earnings back into the market to help people and support various good causes.

Dr. Upadhyay believes that in business, there are only two paths: one is to earn a substantial amount of money, and the other is to build a lasting reputation that people will remember. Ratan Tata excelled at both, serving as a great inspiration not only to him but also to his children and students. He highlights that a framed photo of Ratan Tata is displayed in every school of the Roots group. He believes that seeing these photos will inspire students and his children alike, as what Ratan Tata achieved for the country is no small feat.

Dr. Arun Upadhyay draws inspiration from various quotes and highlights one of his favorites: “Koshish karne walon ki kabhi haar nahi hoti.” He also shares a song he often listens to—“Yuhi Chala Chal Rahi”—which he loves because it beautifully expresses the essence of life. He explains that life is short; while one’s age may be long, life itself is brief. Therefore, it’s important to live fully, enjoying and cherishing every moment.

When asked about his leisure activities, he  mentions his love for travel and how he often travels with his family. Recently, they visited Guwahati and Shillong. He believes that traveling is the best way to gain life experiences and emphasizes that regular travel is essential for broadening one’s horizons.

He explains that in our country, many great religious teachers and personalities—ranging from Guru Nanak Dev Sahib to Gautam Buddha—traveled extensively to gain knowledge. He emphasizes that traveling is the best way to connect with people from all walks of life. He encourages everyone to travel and reiterates that the song he mentioned perfectly reflects the essence of life.

He believes that everyone should enjoy the present moment and not wait for grand events to find happiness. Small moments bring greater joy, and recognizing this is important. He follows this approach in his own life and credits it for his success in serving society and nurturing children.

Owner of Roots School Dr. Arun Upadhyay shares that he has a personal story he recalls whenever he feels stressed or stuck. Instead of seeking inspiration from others, he reflects on his own life—remembering where he started, his efforts, and what he has achieved so far. He believes this is the true path to happiness, as comparing oneself to greater achievers often leads to feelings of inadequacy.

He states that one should always reflect on past achievements to recognize how far they have come, which brings a sense of gratitude. He recalls that when he wanted to gain admission to MIT for his graduation, his father preferred that he study in their hometown. However, he had bigger dreams. Being disciplined and respectful, he was initially afraid to ask his father for the admission fees. To pursue his goals, he sought help from friends. After arranging the fees, he informed his father, who then gave his approval.

He describes that when he moved to Pune, he received a very limited monthly allowance from his father due to their financial constraints. Rather than indulging in a lifestyle like his friends, he focused on his goals and academic achievements. He completed his graduation with excellent marks and high attendance. He believes that having limited resources may have actually motivated him to perform better. All these experiences and memories have provided valuable lessons.

Dr. Upadhyay says that having limitations in resources is not a drawback but actually a positive aspect. He explains with an example: if children are given everything they ask for, it creates a habit where they expect to get whatever they want, and the excitement of playing with toys quickly fades. He suggests that there should always be some limits—for instance, if a child asks for 10, giving only 7. These small restrictions motivate children to strive and achieve more in life. He believes that while resource limitations might seem challenging initially, they ultimately provide valuable lifelong lessons.

He rejoices in that moment and feels grateful to God and the Universe for those shortcomings. He believes that without those challenges in his past, he might not have reached his current position, so he is truly thankful for them.

When asked about his motive behind establishing Roots School, Dr. Arun Upadhyay shares that while many good institutions and schools exist, one of their key reasons was the desire to broaden students’ horizons beyond becoming doctors or engineers. He acknowledges that these professions are valuable, but emphasizes that the world offers a wide range of career paths—many of which most people are unaware of—that they are now exploring at Roots School.

He recalls that whenever he visits classrooms and asks students about their future ambitions, only about 5 to 10% say they want to be doctors or engineers. The rest mention diverse professions like philanthropist, astronaut, researcher, scientist, or roles in AI. This makes him very happy, as it shows they are progressing along the vision set at the school’s inception. He also appeals to parents not to limit their children’s aspirations to just becoming doctors or engineers. While these careers are admirable, he believes not every student can or should pursue them.

He highlights that many parents are doing well in life, whether they are publishers, school owners, writers, or working in other fields. Similarly, there are numerous professions students can pursue. This approach has two key benefits. First, it addresses concerns like the recent suicide cases in Kota— a situation no one wants, and for which no one is entirely at fault, as everyone tries their best. However, the pressure placed on students to become only doctors or engineers, with no other options considered, creates a mental barrier. While many students can handle this pressure, what about those who cannot?

He explains that there are limited seats available in these fields, but the number of students applying is much higher. For example, if only 2 seats are available and 10 students apply, only 2 get in, and it might seem like the careers of the remaining 8 are over. However, that’s not the case. For those 8 students, parents can help create new paths and guide them toward different fields. He emphasizes the importance of having Plan B and Plan C ready. Children often perform better when they’re not under intense pressure. He suggests that parents should encourage their children and help them explore various professions rather than pressuring them.

Many universities worldwide offer diverse opportunities. Using Roots School as an example, he highlights that it is affiliated to the Cambridge International University, which helped them realize how vast the world is and how many opportunities exist. Dr. Arun Upadhyay claims that Cambridge University is one of the best in the world. If someone doesn’t want to pursue a career as a doctor or engineer, there are numerous excellent universities and fields available globally. He firmly believes that if one works hard and does their best, success will inevitably follow.

Director of Roots School, Dr. Arun Upadhyay is a member of the Rotary Club Kota North, and has been associated with the Club for a long time. He joined the club motivated by a common desire to help those in need—something many people think about but often can’t act on due to various circumstances. Being part of a club like Rotary, where everyone collaborates to serve society, creates a powerful impact. When like-minded individuals come together, they can truly create miracles by working towards the betterment of the community.

Rotary Club Kota North regularly plans and executes various projects for the benefit of society. He encourages people to join any club, big or small, emphasizing that what truly matters is the fellowship. Such connections enable you to do beyond what you could achieve alone.

Concluding his #MeriKahani, Dr. Arun Upadhyay shares a message for the youth, emphasizing the importance of the current era in India—the “Made in Bharat” movement. Though this initiative might not have seemed essential ten years ago, the Prime Minister’s vision of a self-reliant India is crucial. He explains that when India becomes self-dependent, it won’t have to fear any other country, and instead of just taking, India will be in a position to give. He appreciates the many campaigns across the country promoting “Made in Bharat” and encourages people to buy products made in India, as it instills a sense of pride in the nation’s achievements.

He says that the government offers various opportunities for those with good business ideas, and individuals can approach the government for support. Additionally, they can reach out to Rotary Club Kota North, which provides guidance and assistance.

Signing off, he advises everyone to be honest in their work and shares this message especially with school owners. He emphasizes that the focus should not be limited to the four hours of school but should extend to the overall development and growth of students during that time. Since parents entrust their children with great belief and expectations, it is our responsibility to give 200% effort for the students, as they are the future of our country.