The late twentieth century in India saw significant changes in the education sector. With the rise of the technology industry and an increasing need for skilled professionals, private educational institutions began to play an essential role in addressing the gap between traditional academic structures and the evolving demands of the industry. Karnataka, especially Bangalore, became a focal point for this transformation as new schools and colleges were established to serve students seeking global opportunities while remaining grounded in Indian values. In this dynamic environment, Dr. Mohan Manghnani emerged as a pivotal figure. Born in 1962 in Mumbai to a middle-class family, he pursued management studies and obtained an MBA in the United States before starting his business career.
He launched ventures in Mumbai and the Middle East and worked as a management consultant, offering strategic advice to various organizations. His early professional experiences were characterized by entrepreneurship and exposure to global practices, which later influenced his vision for building educational institutions. Dr. Manghnani eventually shifted from business to education, motivated by his belief that quality learning must encompass both academic training and personal development alongside ethical grounding. Taking the helm of New Horizon Educational Institutions in Karnataka, he led its growth into a network of schools, colleges, and professional programs serving thousands of students. Under his guidance, the group embraced a model that integrated classroom learning with skill development, value education, and a commitment to holistic growth.
His methodology reflected his business expertise and his responsiveness to social needs. Dr. Manghnani contended that institutions should act not merely as centers of knowledge but as environments where individuals cultivate resilience, adaptability, and moral responsibility. He introduced a philosophy that harmonized modern techniques with traditional values, asserting that education should equip individuals for life, not just careers. By institutionalizing this approach across various educational levels, he played a key role in establishing New Horizon as one of the leading education groups in Bangalore. In addition to his educational contributions, Dr. Manghnani has held leadership positions in national and civic organizations.
He is the National Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Vice Chairman of the National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language under the Ministry of Education. He is also involved in civic and healthcare initiatives, serving as Life Trustee of the B.W. Lions Super Speciality Eye Hospital and President of the Bangalore Footpath Users’ Association. His efforts have earned him various awards and recognitions, including the Kannada Rajyotsava Award, an Honorary Doctorate from Gulbarga University, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Education Today. From his entrepreneurial beginnings to his later role as an educationist, Dr. Mohan Manghnani’s career exemplifies a broader narrative of India’s private education sector adapting to new challenges while maintaining cultural identity.
His journey illustrates how industry experience and business insights can be redirected to develop sustainable learning models that address both individual aspirations and societal needs.
