Ajay Gupta, who was once carried on the shoulders of other people to school due to his polio-stricken legs, defied all odds to revolutionize the education sector in India. Today, he is the visionary behind over 1,100 Bachpan schools across the country, where thousands of children are receiving quality education.
Contracting polio at just nine months old in the 1970s, Ajay Gupta’s legs were rendered useless below the waist. Despite his family’s relentless efforts to seek treatment, medical solutions were limited during that time. A turning point in his life came when a government school teacher persuaded the family to send him to school, emphasizing that despite his physical disability, his mind was unaffected and education was still an achievable goal for him.
Ajay Gupta, raised in a joint family in Delhi, was struck by polio at a young age, which permanently affected both his legs. His grandfather’s sweet shop became the center of his world, where he was surrounded by the love and care of his family. However, his life took a significant turn when a teacher urged his grandfather to send him to school. In the beginning, getting Ajay to school was a challenge. His family made tireless efforts to ensure his education. Initially, he was carried in their arms, then supported on their backs, and eventually, he was taken to school on a bicycle. Ajay’s classmates had a lot of sympathy for him and would often wait to walk back with him. This sometimes led to scoldings from his mother.
Despite his physical limitations, Ajay was excellent in his studies. However, he soon realized that regular schooling was not practical for him. He began assisting his family in their sweet shop and later helped at his father’s sanitary goods store as well.
As Ajay grew older, marriage proposals started coming his way. However, his family was concerned that finding a life partner for a disabled person would be a difficult task. That was when Ajay met Deepashikha, who was six years older than him and more educated. Despite objections from their families, Ajay remained firm in his decision and married Deepashikha.
In Ajay’s life, Deepashikha proved to be a pillar of strength. She provided unwavering support and encouragement to both Ajay and his family. The couple has two children. Throughout their education, Deepashikha took charge of taking their son and daughter to school and college. Today, their son is a lawyer, and their daughter is a doctor.
With the advent of the computer revolution in India, Ajay recognized the potential of technology and started working at computer centers. However, a new purpose in his life emerged when he became a parent. He realized that there was a lack of engaging and effective educational programs for young children. This led him to start working on an innovative play school concept.
In 2004, Ajay opened his first “Bachpan Play School” in Hisar, Haryana. This school reflected his vision of creating an environment where children could learn through play. With Ajay’s business acumen and Deepashikha’s steadfast support, “Bachpan” quickly gained popularity.
Over time, “Bachpan Play School” expanded rapidly, establishing over 1,200 franchises across India. With a business turnover of Rs. 100 crores, Ajay’s concept had become a reality. Not only did he build a successful business, but he also touched the lives of countless children, making a significant impact on their early education.
Contracting polio at just nine months old in the 1970s, Ajay Gupta’s legs were rendered useless below the waist. Despite his family’s relentless efforts to seek treatment, medical solutions were limited during that time. A turning point in his life came when a government school teacher persuaded the family to send him to school, emphasizing that despite his physical disability, his mind was unaffected and education was still an achievable goal for him.
Ajay Gupta’s early life
Ajay Gupta, raised in a joint family in Delhi, was struck by polio at a young age, which permanently affected both his legs. His grandfather’s sweet shop became the center of his world, where he was surrounded by the love and care of his family. However, his life took a significant turn when a teacher urged his grandfather to send him to school. In the beginning, getting Ajay to school was a challenge. His family made tireless efforts to ensure his education. Initially, he was carried in their arms, then supported on their backs, and eventually, he was taken to school on a bicycle. Ajay’s classmates had a lot of sympathy for him and would often wait to walk back with him. This sometimes led to scoldings from his mother.
Helped in family business
Despite his physical limitations, Ajay was excellent in his studies. However, he soon realized that regular schooling was not practical for him. He began assisting his family in their sweet shop and later helped at his father’s sanitary goods store as well.
As Ajay grew older, marriage proposals started coming his way. However, his family was concerned that finding a life partner for a disabled person would be a difficult task. That was when Ajay met Deepashikha, who was six years older than him and more educated. Despite objections from their families, Ajay remained firm in his decision and married Deepashikha.
Support from his wife
In Ajay’s life, Deepashikha proved to be a pillar of strength. She provided unwavering support and encouragement to both Ajay and his family. The couple has two children. Throughout their education, Deepashikha took charge of taking their son and daughter to school and college. Today, their son is a lawyer, and their daughter is a doctor.
Birth of Bachpan Play School
With the advent of the computer revolution in India, Ajay recognized the potential of technology and started working at computer centers. However, a new purpose in his life emerged when he became a parent. He realized that there was a lack of engaging and effective educational programs for young children. This led him to start working on an innovative play school concept.
In 2004, Ajay opened his first “Bachpan Play School” in Hisar, Haryana. This school reflected his vision of creating an environment where children could learn through play. With Ajay’s business acumen and Deepashikha’s steadfast support, “Bachpan” quickly gained popularity.
Over time, “Bachpan Play School” expanded rapidly, establishing over 1,200 franchises across India. With a business turnover of Rs. 100 crores, Ajay’s concept had become a reality. Not only did he build a successful business, but he also touched the lives of countless children, making a significant impact on their early education.