Education is often seen as the key to unlocking a better future, but for Kanika Vijan and Ajay Singh, it became much more than that—it became a mission. The duo co-founded Saarthi Education, a venture aimed at bridging the gap between quality education and affordability.
What began in 2016 as a small initiative in Dehradun has since grown into a multifaceted movement, encompassing K-12 tutorial services, a preschool, and social initiatives for parents seeking quality education for their children, aspiring learners and underserved communities.
Kanika and Ajay’s vision for Saarthi was born out of their personal experiences and observations of the education system. Kanika recalls her early schooling years, where classrooms revolved around rote learning, with students seated in neat rows and teachers delivering lectures. “That’s how education had always been for me,” she shares. But her perspective shifted when she joined the prestigious Delhi University and encountered a broader approach to learning. “Scoring marks shouldn’t be the end purpose of education. Its real goal is to ignite curiosity, nurture potential, and help us understand the practical aspects of what we study,” she says.
Inspired by alternative teaching methods and Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of education as the development of mind, body, and soul, the idea of Saarthi Education began to take shape. Its an undeniable truth that in today’s times quality education remains a distant dream for many, not because of dearth of ambition or potential, but due to the high prices.
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The goal of Saarthi Education was clear: narrowing the gap between quality education and its affordability, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, had access to meaningful learning experiences.
Starting small, Saarthi Education initially offered tutorial services with a focus on innovative teaching. Over time, it expanded to include the Kites Play and Remedial School, an affordable preschool designed to foster holistic child development. The venture also launched social initiatives through the NGO Silverlining, reaching underserved children and families with the transformative power of education.
The journey has been anything but easy. Establishing credibility in the competitive education sector was a challenge, as was maintaining affordability without compromising on quality. But Kanika and Ajay were undeterred. Their determination to provide personal attention to each student and introduce innovative teaching methods helped them build trust and a loyal base of students and parents. “Persistence was key,” Kanika reflects. “Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.”
Today, Saarthi Education stands as a testament to their hard work and vision. It has helped countless students improve academically and develop a deeper understanding of their subjects. The preschool, with its carefully designed curriculum, has become a trusted name among parents for its focus on early childhood development. The NGO-led initiatives have touched countless lives, bringing education to those who need it the most.
Recognition has followed naturally. Saarthi Education has received multiple awards, including the ‘Uttarakhand Achievers Award’, the ‘Indian School Award’, and the ‘International Preschool Award’. Kanika and Ajay have been celebrated as leaders in their field, with accolades such as the ‘40 under 40 Leaders’, the ‘Super 30 Teachers Award’, and the ‘National Award for Social Excellence’ in 2021. Their contributions have also earned them the ‘Global Changemaker Award’ by Crowdera, affirming their impact not just locally but globally.
What sets Saarthi apart is its holistic approach to education. Kanika describes Saarthi as more than a business—it’s a movement. “We aren’t just teaching; we’re creating a ripple effect of change,” she says. By combining affordability with personal attention and innovative teaching methods, Saarthi Education ensures that every child has the tools to thrive. But the real magic lies in the social purpose at the heart of the venture. Whether it’s through partnerships with rural communities or creating accessible digital content, Saarthi is driven by the belief that education is a right, not a privilege.
As entrepreneurs, Kanika and Ajay have learned invaluable lessons along the way. Kanika’s advice for young dreamers is simple yet profound: “Stay focused on your mission, and never lose sight of why you started.” She believes that clarity of purpose is the foundation for long-term success, even in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, the vision for Saarthi Education is ambitious yet grounded in its core values. Plans include expanding the brand’s reach to new cities and rural areas, integrating technology to make learning more accessible, and eventually transforming Saarthi into a cutting-edge edtech platform with a global impact. For Kanika and Ajay, the journey is far from over—they see endless possibilities in using education to create meaningful change.
At its heart, Saarthi Education embodies the idea that learning can be a powerful force for good. Kanika and Ajay’s message to the world is as inspiring as their journey: “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world, and everyone deserves access to it.” Through their work, they aim to empower the next generation with knowledge, confidence, and values that will shape a brighter future.
Saarthi, which means “charioteer,” is more than just a name—it’s a promise. A promise to guide, inspire, and empower learners at every stage of their journey. And with Kanika and Ajay leading the way, the path ahead looks nothing short of remarkable.
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