Born and raised in Rudrapur, a small town in Uttarakhand, India, my journey has been one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to making a social impact through education. This blog is a reflection of my life's journey so far, the challenges I've faced, the steps I've taken, and my ambitions for the future.
Growing up in Rudrapur, I was acutely aware of the limited opportunities available, especially for girls. Witnessing a close friend being married off at the age of 19 against her will was a turning point in my life. It ignited a fire within me to fight for education equality, particularly for underprivileged children and women.
In 2013, I embarked on my journey in higher education, pursuing engineering. During my college years, I joined an NGO in 2014, where I taught over 300 children and conducted door-to-door campaigns promoting education. These efforts led to 156 females graduating from high school and 48 girls enrolling in college. This was my first real step towards making a tangible impact on society.
Professional journey
Upon graduating in 2017, I faced a choice: pursue lucrative offers in consulting and mechanical engineering or continue my mission in education. I chose the latter, joining India’s largest and most valued EdTech firm. Starting as an intern and later becoming a Business Development Associate, I engaged in direct sales, interacting with over 500+ clients.
In 2019, I was tasked with setting up a new office in Nashik, Maharashtra. This opportunity at the age of 23 made me one of the youngest Business Development Managers in the company. Leading a 31-person team, I focused on semi-urban and rural markets, enrolling over 10,000 students and making a significant impact on their education.
Realizing the power of training and leadership, I transitioned to the role of Central Training Manager. Overseeing the training of more than 2,000 business development trainees and 100+ managers, I played a crucial role in enhancing our sales cycle management across 30+ locations in India, resulting in a 2.5 times revenue increase to around 2.1 million pounds.
My time at India’s largest EdTech firm has not only honed my leadership and strategic thinking skills but also reinforced my passion for education. I’ve been actively involved in various non-profits, such as Uddeshhya and Crowdwave Trust, and have continued to teach children in my community.
Apart from my professional endeavors, I have a deep love for teaching children various subjects, be it math, science, or soft skills.
Oxford MBA: A strategic move
My decision to pursue an MBA at Oxford’s Saïd Business School was a strategic step towards achieving my long-term goal of bridging the education gap in India by starting my own EdTech firm.
The Oxford MBA has equipped me with the necessary skills in marketing, finance, and product management, and provided a global network of professionals and mentors.
Long-term goals: Beyond the MBA
My long-term goal is to bridge the education gap in India by starting an EdTech firm focused on product management and social impact.
I envision a future where every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality education that empowers them to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.
The mission of my future EdTech firm will be to create affordable, accessible, and engaging educational tools that cater to the diverse needs of students across India, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
I am pleased to share with you, over the remainder of this blog, how I plan to achieve this vision and mission.
1. Developing innovative educational products
I plan to develop an app that functions seamlessly on basic mobile devices with minimal internet connectivity. This app will be designed to provide interactive and engaging educational content that adapts to the local language and cultural context of the students.
The educational content will be regularly updated to align with the latest curriculum standards and incorporate feedback from students and educators. This ensures that the learning materials remain relevant and effective.
In addition to the mobile app, a web-based platform will be created to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and mentoring. This platform will connect students with educators and volunteers who can provide additional support and guidance.
Leveraging gamification techniques and interactive learning modules, the platform will make education fun and engaging, encouraging students to actively participate in their learning journey.
2. Leveraging technology for impact
By integrating AI and ML technologies, the platform will offer personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's strengths and weaknesses. This adaptive learning approach will help identify learning gaps and provide targeted interventions.
Exploring the potential of virtual and augmented reality, the platform will create immersive learning experiences that bring complex concepts to life, making them easier to understand and retain.
Utilizing blockchain technology for secure credentialing, the platform will ensure the authenticity and transparency of academic records, making it easier for students to showcase their achievements.
3. Business model and sustainability
The platform will adopt a freemium model, offering basic educational content for free while providing premium features and advanced courses at a nominal cost. This ensures that essential education remains accessible to all, while generating revenue to sustain and expand the platform.
Forming strategic partnerships with government agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions will be crucial. These collaborations will help in reaching a wider audience, securing funding, and enhancing the quality of educational content.
Engaging with corporations through their CSR initiatives can provide additional funding and resources. These partnerships can also facilitate the implementation of educational programs in underserved communities.
4. Building a strong team and network
Building a team of passionate and skilled professionals who share the vision of transforming education is essential. This includes educators, technologists, designers, and business strategists.
Establishing an advisory board comprising industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and education leaders will provide valuable guidance and mentorship. Their insights and experience will be instrumental in navigating challenges and making informed decisions.
Leveraging the extensive network of Oxford alumni and other professional connections, I will seek advice, partnerships, and potential investors. Engaging with this network will open doors to opportunities and resources critical for the success of the EdTech firm.
5. Social impact and community engagement
Implementing outreach programs in rural and semi-urban areas to raise awareness about the importance of education and encourage community involvement. These programs will aim to create a supportive environment for students and their families.
Establishing scholarship programs for underprivileged students to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their educational aspirations. Collaborating with sponsors to fund these scholarships will be a priority.
Actively seeking feedback from students, educators, and the community to continuously improve the platform and its offerings. This participatory approach ensures that the platform remains responsive to the needs of its users.
6. Measuring success and impact
Setting clear KPIs to measure the success and impact of the EdTech firm will be key. These may include metrics such as student enrolment numbers, course completion rates, and improvements in academic performance.
Conducting regular impact assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the platform in achieving its mission. This will involve both quantitative and qualitative analyses to understand the broader social impact.
Based on the success and learnings from the initial implementation, plans will be made to scale the platform to other regions in India and eventually to other developing countries facing similar educational challenges.
Reflections
I feel that my journey from a small town in India to Oxford's Saïd Business School is a testament to the power of education and determination.
My long-term goal of bridging the education gap in India through an innovative EdTech firm is driven by a deep-seated passion for education and social impact. By leveraging technology, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging with the community, I aim to create a sustainable and scalable solution that transforms the educational landscape for underprivileged children.
And I can proudly say that the Oxford MBA has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to bring this vision to life and make a lasting difference in the world.
