Our Founders

Yogendra K Gurwara was a distinguished educationist and visionary teacher who dedicated his life to nurturing young minds with compassion, discipline, and purpose. With teaching experience at institutions such as St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling, Sherwood College, Nainital, and Daly College, Indore, he brought together academic rigour and a deep understanding of child psychology.

A passionate advocate of experiential learning, Gurwara Sir believed that education extended far beyond classrooms and textbooks. He envisioned schools set in green, open spaces where children could learn freely, explore confidently, and grow naturally. This belief led to the founding of Sherwood Public School, Secunderabad in 1984, and Heritage Valley - The Indian School, Shadnagar in 2005.

An accomplished athlete and committed mentor, he led by example across academics, sports, co-curricular life, and outdoor learning experiences, instilling confidence, self-belief, and a strong sense of social responsibility in his students. His values-based approach laid the foundation for Sherwood’s enduring ethos and continues to guide the institution today.

He passed away in August 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy reflected in the lives of thousands of students across the world who carry forward his ideals of learning, integrity, and service to society.

Mrs. Jyoti Gurwara comes from a distinguished family of educationists and has devoted her life to nurturing meaningful relationships with teachers, students, and parents. Alongside her husband, she played a central role in shaping Sherwood’s open, positive, and student-focused culture.

A trained librarian, compassionate teacher, and capable administrator, Mrs Gurwara has guided generations of students through stories drawn from Indian and world literature, encouraging reflection, curiosity, and emotional growth. She, along with Mr Gurwara, served in some of the country’s most reputed public schools, bringing immense depth of experience and educational insight.

With a strong grounding in music and dance, and as a melodious singer herself, she has led the school’s cultural life with sensitivity and purpose. Her NCC background and spirit of adventure have further enabled her to organise and participate in adventure camps, fostering confidence, discipline, and resilience in students.

She is the daughter of the late Shri Krishna Dutt, Founder-Principal of Hindi Mahavidyalaya, Hyderabad, and the late Smt Kaushalya Dutt, Principal of Keshav Memorial Girls’ College, Hyderabad.