CEO Insights Magazine

International residential schools play a vital role in shaping future-ready global citizens by combining academic excellence with character development, leadership training, and immersive residential learning. The success of such institutions often depends on visionary leaders who can integrate educational innovation with social responsibility.

Among them, Dasari Murali Krishna, Founder Chairman of the Krishna Vikash Group (formerly Vikash Group), stands out as a distinguished educationist, entrepreneur, and social reformer who has dedicated more than two decades to transforming lives through education, healthcare, and community development.

The life journey of Dasari Murali Krishna is both inspiring and transformative. Having lost his father at a very young age, he faced severe hardships during childhood, including selling milk door-to-door to support his family.

These early struggles instilled in him resilience, determination, and a deep understanding of life's realities. His professional journey began modestly as a Tractor Sales Executive, where he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and human connection.

The evolution of his personality and leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in this formative phase of life. It taught him that true education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom; it is acquired in the open laboratory of society through experience, observation, challenges, and interactions with people from diverse walks of life.

These life lessons shaped his vision, strengthened his commitment to social transformation, and eventually inspired him to create educational institutions that focus not only on academic excellence but also on character, values, life skills, and holistic development.

Under his dynamic leadership, the Krishna Vikash Group has evolved into one of Eastern India's leading educational ecosystems, comprising 17 institutions (Schools, Colleges & University) across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh along with three Super specialty Hospitals with 450 beds.

Today, the group serves more than 15,000 students and provides direct and indirect livelihood opportunities to over 3,500 individuals, making a significant contribution to regional human capital development.

Driven by a deep commitment to making quality education accessible to underserved and rural communities, Murali Krishna established Vikash Residential School in Bargarh in 2002, followed by a CHSE-affiliated Higher Secondary School in 2003.

At a time when quality residential education was largely concentrated in metropolitan centres, his vision of creating world-class educational opportunities in Western Odisha was met with skepticism. However, through perseverance, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education, he successfully translated that vision into reality.

What began in a modest rented building has today grown into a comprehensive educational network spanning schools, colleges, professional institutions, and a university. Guided by his strong believe in the philosophy of holistic development and inspired by Bloom’s Taxonomy, Krishna Vikash institutions focus not only on academic achievement but also on critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, leadership, life skills, and experiential learning.

His fundamental approach for well-being of students is the Mentoring Model designed in a scientific way, across his schools bring a distinct identity to this Krishna Vikash educational ecosystem.

From its strong foundations in Bargarh and Rourkela, the group expanded across Odisha to Angul and Berhampur, while also establishing a significant presence in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.

The group's institutions in Raipur have diversified into higher education, offering programs in engineering, pharmacy, commerce, management, education, and allied disciplines under the umbrella of Krishna Vikash Global University along with Krishna Vikash Global Schools of both IB & CBSE curriculum.

Schools in Bhilai and Jagdalpur have further extended access to quality education, while Vijayam School in Visakhapatnam reflects the group's growing footprint in Andhra Pradesh. The self-sustained Green Campuses is the reflection of his vision.

Murali Krishna's vision extends beyond conventional education. Recognizing the growing need for specialized healthcare education and public health leadership, he is having the Public Health and Allied health Science University (AIPH University), a State Private University located near IIT Bhubaneswar.

As Eastern India's first dedicated Public Health University, AIPH University represents his pioneering effort to strengthen healthcare education, research, innovation, and workforce development for the future.

Beyond the educational sector, Murali Krishna has emerged as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation and sustainable development. Through the GARUDA Eco Project, he has contributed to strengthening Odisha's eco-tourism landscape while promoting environmental conservation and rural livelihoods.

His upcoming House Boat Project in the Hirakud Reservoir region is envisioned as a landmark tourism initiative that will generate employment, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and showcase the immense tourism potential of Western Odisha.

At the heart of Murali Krishna's journey lies a simple yet powerful belief: education is the most effective instrument of social transformation. Murali Krishna Foundation, a NGO founded by him, which is providing free education and boarding to 400 students an English medium Residential School and IT Institute, extending free health care service through his hospitals and arranging various activities for women empowerment, environment etc.

His institutions have empowered thousands of first-generation learners, nurtured future professionals and leaders, strengthened local economies, and created pathways for inclusive growth. Through a unique blend of educational excellence, social commitment, entrepreneurship, and nation-building, Dasari Murali Krishna continues to leave a lasting impact on society, transforming lives and communities across Eastern and Central India.

His journey from establishing a single school to building a multi-state educational and social development ecosystem stands as a remarkable example of visionary leadership, demonstrating how education, when guided by purpose and values, it can become a powerful force for individual empowerment and societal progress.

In this exclusive interview, Dasari Murali Krishna shares his vision, leadership philosophy, and the journey behind building Krishna Vikash Global School into a growing educational force in India.

How do you define the role of value-based education in shaping students, and how is it integrated into academic learning and discipline at Krishna Vikash?

I believe value-based education is the cornerstone of meaningful learning. Academic excellence without integrity, empathy, discipline, and responsibility is incomplete. At Krishna Vikash, values are woven into every aspect of student life, from classroom learning and leadership activities to community service and daily interactions. We encourage students to develop respect, accountability, resilience, and a spirit of service.

By integrating these principles into our educational framework, we aim to shape individuals who not only excel academically but also contribute positively to society and lead with character.

Krishna Vikash has expanded across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and beyond - what key strategic factors guide your decision-making when establishing new campuses in different regions?

Our expansion decisions are guided by a simple prin­ciple: creating meaningful impact where quality ed­ucation is most needed. We carefully assess educa­tional gaps, community requirements, accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and long-term development potential before establishing a new campus. We also fo­cus on engaging with local communities and building strong academic ecosystems that can create opportuni­ties for students and families.

Every Krishna Vikash in­stitution is designed not just as a school, but as a catalyst for regional development while upholding our commit­ment to educational excellence and social responsibility.

How does Krishna Vikash integrate CBSE-based academics with global learning methodologies to ensure students are prepared for higher education and international career pathways?

While our academic foundation is based on the CBSE curriculum, we complement it with global teaching methodologies that emphasize experiential learning, critical thinking, communication, and innovation. Students engage in project-based learning, leadership development programs, collaborative activities, and technology-enabled education.

We focus on building analytical skills, adaptability, and a global perspective that prepares students for higher education and evolving career opportunities. Our objective is to ensure that students are academically strong while also developing the confidence and competencies needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

As a leader managing a growing educational network, what leadership principles and operational strategies have helped you maintain consistency, trust, and scalability across all campuses?

I believe that true leadership lies in serving others, embracing continuous learning, and empowering people to become the best versions of themselves. Consistency across campuses comes from clear systems, strong governance, regular training, and a shared institutional culture. Trust is built through transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to students, parents, and staff.

We invest heavily in leadership development and encourage every team member to align with our vision and values. Sustainable growth is possible only when people, processes, and purpose evolve together, and that philosophy has guided our journey across multiple institutions and regions.

Where do you see Krishna Vikash Global School in the next five years in terms of growth, inno­vation, and positioning among India’s leading international residential school brands?

I believe the next five years will be transformative for Krishna Vikash. We plan to expand our educational footprint in different metro cities, strengthen academ­ic innovation, and deepen our impact on communities.

Our upcoming university initiatives, strategic collabo­rations, and investments in technology-driven learning will further enhance the quality of education we offer. We aspire to be recognized among India's leading in­ternational residential school brands, known for ex­cellence, values, innovation, and social responsibility. Above all, our focus will remain on empowering stu­dents and creating meaningful opportunities for future generations.

Dasari Murali Krishna, Founder Chairman, Krishna Vikash Group

Dasari Murali Krishna is a visionary educationist, entrepreneur, and social reformer with over two decades of experience in education and community development. As Founder Chairman of the Krishna Vikash Group, he has established 17 institutions across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh, empowering thousands of students while advancing healthcare, women empowerment, and rural development. His contributions span education, healthcare, tourism, and social welfare, making him one of the prominent drivers of inclusive development in eastern India.

At a Glance: Dasari Murali Krishna

• Founder Chairman of the Vikash Group which is now rebranded as Krishna Vikash Group, which operates 17 institutions across Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
• 450 Bedded Three Super Specialty Hospitals with Advance Level Health Care Facilities
• Over two decades of experience as an educationist, entrepreneur, and social transformer dedicated to rural empowerment.
• Has impacted more than 15,000 students and generated employment opportunities for over 3,500 individuals.
• Expanded his mission beyond education into healthcare by establishing 3 Super Specialty Hospitals, women's empowerment, rural development, and social welfare initiatives.
• Spearheaded transformative projects such as the GARUDA Eco Project and upcoming House Boat initiative at the Hirakud backwaters.
• A lifelong learner and servant leader who recently completed an Executive MBA from IIM Sambalpur and continues to champion community development and leadership.