Ajay Gupta, once carried on the shoulders of other people to school, due to his polio-stricken legs, defied all odds to transform the educational landscape across the country. Today, he is the visionary behind over 1,100 ‘Bachpan’ schools nationwide, where thousands of children receive their education. Recalling his journey, Gupta recounted a childhood marked by adversity. Contracting polio at just nine months old in the 1970s, his legs were rendered useless below the waist. Despite relentless efforts by his family to seek treatment, medical solutions were limited during that era.
However, a turning point came when a government school teacher visited Gupta’s grandfather’s sweet shop. Upon learning about Ajay’s situation, the teacher persuaded the family that education was still viable for him, emphasising that his mind was unaffected despite his physical condition. Driven by this encouragement, Gupta embarked on a mission to redefine education accessibility for children across the nation. His ‘Bachpan Play School’ initiative not only provided education but also hope to countless families, demonstrating that determination and belief can transcend physical limitations.
Today, Ajay Gupta stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with resilience and vision, one can turn personal adversity into a catalyst for societal change.
Gupta recounted how his family heeded the teacher’s advice, enabling him to attend school with the help of others carrying him on their shoulders. Beginning his education in the third grade, Gupta persisted unwaveringly, continuing his studies despite challenges. Subsequently, he adapted to attending school and college in a wheelchair, successfully completing his academic journey. Reflecting on his life, Gupta acknowledged facing numerous obstacles but remained resilient throughout, never losing his determination.
Despite facing disability, he harboured ambitions for entrepreneurial success. Initially met with reluctance from his family, Gupta eventually gained their support. His first venture into hardware business proved unsuccessful, prompting a shift towards computer education. He established a successful computer coaching institute with branches spanning multiple cities. However, the business faced a setback when government colleges began offering computer education, leading to its eventual closure.
The inception of ‘Bachpan’ came about when Gupta, while searching for a suitable play school for his daughter, found the options lacking. Inspired by this gap in the market, Gupta established ‘SK Educations’ in 2004, laying the foundation for the ‘Bachpan’ school chain. Today, over 1,100 ‘Bachpan’ play school franchises operate nationwide, catering to thousands of children.
Ajay Gupta’s entrepreneurial journey also includes the founding of ‘Academic Heights Public School’ in 2009 and ‘Rishihood University’ in 2015. Despite facing physical challenges, Gupta persevered, building a business empire worth crores. His ventures stand as a testament to his resilience and vision in the field of education.
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