Transforming Lives Through Education: Selva Pankaj's Journey to Top 100 Influential People 2025

The transformative power of education has shaped not just my personal journey, but my life’s mission. Being named among the Top 100 Influential People 2025 is a profound honour that reflects the collective impact of educational transformation. This recognition would not be possible without my wife, Tharshiny, whose visionary partnership has been instrumental in every achievement, and our daughters, who continuously inspire our commitment to educational excellence.

From Refugee to Educational Pioneer

Landing in the UK in 1990 as a refugee with just £100, I experienced firsthand how education could forge a path through uncertainty. A chartered accountancy course became my gateway to possibility, leading to positions at prestigious financial institutions. However, it was a simple decision in 1999 to begin tutoring students alongside my corporate career that revealed my true calling—empowering others through education.

What began as evening tutoring sessions has flourished into Regent Group, an organization that transforms thousands of lives globally. Together with Tharshiny, we’ve pioneered an educational approach that bridges traditional learning with future-focused innovation. Our journey from those humble beginnings to establishing a comprehensive educational platform demonstrates the exponential impact of combining vision with action.

Innovation and Impact in Education

At Regent Group, we’ve developed a unique synthesis of what I term “natural intelligence” with cutting-edge technology. Our flagship program, Thinking into Character, exemplifies this approach by nurturing both academic excellence and essential life skills. This holistic methodology prepares students not just for exams, but for the dynamic challenges of our rapidly evolving world.

Our commitment to accessibility has driven initiatives like Public Learn, which provides free courses to underserved communities. This dedication to inclusive education extends to our ambitious vision of establishing a British university by 2030. These initiatives reflect our core belief that quality education should be available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

The impact of our work manifests in countless success stories—students discovering their potential and using it to elevate their communities. From early years education to professional development, we’ve witnessed how quality learning experiences can catalyze personal and societal transformation. These outcomes reinforce our belief in education as the ultimate equalizer.

Shaping the Future of Learning

To aspiring learners worldwide: your potential knows no bounds. My journey from refugee to educational leader stands as testimony to education’s transformative power. It’s not merely about acquiring knowledge—it’s about discovering your purpose and developing the courage to pursue it.

Working alongside our dedicated team at Regent Group, we continue to push the boundaries of educational possibility. Our approach combines academic rigor with character development, creating a comprehensive framework for success in an increasingly complex world.

This recognition as one of the Top 100 Influential People 2025 strengthens our resolve to expand educational access globally. Deep appreciation goes to our remarkable team, our students, and the broader educational community who share our passion for learning. Together, we’re proving that education is more than a pathway to knowledge—it’s a catalyst for lasting positive change.

The future of education is boundless, and we remain committed to ensuring it reaches everyone who seeks to learn and grow. Through continued innovation and unwavering dedication to accessibility, we strive to create educational opportunities that transform lives and shape a brighter future for all.