In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian education, few leaders have left as profound a mark as Ajay Gupta, the Founder and CEO of Bachpan Play School and Academic Heights Public School (AHPS). With over 1200 and 120 branches nationwide respectively, his visionary approach has redefined early childhood education and nurtured a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence. Beyond schools, Ajay’s work spans university education, disability inclusion, and entrepreneurship, making him a pivotal figure shaping India’s educational and social ecosystem. We sat down with Ajay to explore his journey, insights, and his bold vision for the future.
Q1: Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to enter the field of education?
I’m Ajay Gupta, and my journey in education started from a very personal place. Back in 2004, as a concerned father searching for quality early learning opportunities for my daughter, I encountered a stark reality—there were very few structured preschools that genuinely understood the critical importance of early brain development. Most centers then were more like daycare facilities, lacking a developmental focus. This gap inspired me to create Bachpan Play School, an institution that honors and nurtures the foundational years of a child’s life with scientific, research-backed methods and passionate educators.
This personal quest soon evolved into a larger mission—to democratize quality education across all age groups, making it accessible and meaningful for children from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, this mission expanded to include Academic Heights Public School (AHPS), a school network for higher grades, as well as co-founding Rishihood University, and establishing the Hum Honge Kamyab Foundation, which is committed to disability inclusion. The core values driving me have always been innovation, inclusivity, and impact—building ecosystems that nurture both the heart and the mind.
Q2: Your educational ventures have grown tremendously. What are some of your most notable achievements and recognitions?
I am deeply proud of the achievements of Bachpan and AHPS. These schools are not just institutions; they have become movements shaping young minds across India. Our work spans curriculum innovation, operational excellence, teacher training, and technology integration, and every milestone reflects the relentless energy, creativity, and commitment of our dedicated teams.
Personally, I have been humbled to receive several awards that reaffirm our mission and push me to strive harder. These include the Sewa Samman Awards 2024 (Sewa Bhushan), Jagran Josh Education Awards 2024 where I was named the “Most Outstanding Educational Leader,” and the Helen Keller Awards 2023 recognizing me as a “Role Model Entrepreneur With Disabilities.” Earlier, I was honored with the Global Choice Awards 2021 as “Edupreneur of the Year” and the prestigious Kailashpat Singhania Award in 2019.
Apart from awards, one of my proudest moments was speaking on the TEDx platform, where I shared the philosophies that drive my work. In addition, my book, “Decoding Business Minds,” became an Amazon bestseller in 2022, born out of the real-world lessons and lived experiences I wanted to share with aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders.
Q3: You’ve made significant contributions to early childhood education. Could you share some of your innovations that transformed this field?
When I founded Bachpan Play School, early childhood education in India was largely undervalued. It was either ignored or seen as mere babysitting. We challenged this status quo by creating a scalable, franchise-based, research-driven ecosystem that made quality preschool education accessible nationwide.
Our most notable innovation is the SPROUT Curriculum—a curriculum that we developed over 35,000+ hours of dedicated research. It aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS) 2022. This curriculum goes beyond academics to foster holistic development by blending sensory, play-based, and cognitive learning through SILK activities (Sensory, Inquiry, Language, Knowledge).
Additionally, we have incorporated over 250 hands-on teaching aids and created Concept Rooms—such as the Doll Room, Audio-Visual Room, and Dining Room—that provide immersive learning environments where children learn by experiencing rather than rote memorization.
On the technological front, Bachpan was among the pioneers to integrate modern technology into early education. We introduced Robotics, Smartboards, and the innovative Speak-O-Kit, which engages young learners in interactive language development, preparing them for a future driven by technology and digital literacy.
With two decades of experience and a proven model, we are now actively preparing to scale Bachpan internationally. Our goal is to bring these effective and tested practices to global markets, helping raise preschool education standards worldwide.
Q4: Every journey comes with challenges. Can you share a significant challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
One of the most profound challenges was educating society about the real value of preschool education. In the early 2000s, most parents considered preschool as a place to keep kids occupied while they worked—not as a critical stage for cognitive, emotional, and social development. This required deep, patient engagement, educating parents and communities about how early years form the foundation for lifelong learning and success.
We adopted a transparent and consultative approach—sharing research, demonstrating results, and building trust over time. This persistence paid off as our network grew from a single school to over 1200 locations across India.
As we expanded our ventures beyond preschools into higher education and social causes, leadership and management became another challenge. I quickly realized that to sustain growth, I needed to empower others, build strong teams, and put in place systems that allowed delegation and accountability. This shift from a hands-on founder to a visionary leader overseeing multiple entities demanded constant learning, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.
Q5: What is your vision for the future, and how do you plan to continue influencing positive change in education and entrepreneurship?
I believe technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), will revolutionize both education and entrepreneurship. AI’s potential to personalize learning experiences can make education more accessible, adaptive, and effective for every child, irrespective of socioeconomic background.
My vision is to integrate AI-driven learning tools into our curricula, enabling teachers to tailor lessons to individual needs, while also automating administrative tasks to let educators focus on mentorship and creativity. Such technology can bridge gaps and unlock hidden potential in students across India and beyond.
At the same time, I am passionate about empowering entrepreneurs, especially small and medium businesses that form the backbone of the Indian economy. Through mentorship programs, technology-enabled platforms, and sharing practical insights (like those in my book), I want to build a new generation of resilient and innovative business leaders.
Ultimately, my dream is to create ecosystems where education and entrepreneurship fuel each other, driving inclusive growth, job creation, and meaningful social impact on a large scale.
Q6: What advice would you offer to those aspiring to excel in education or entrepreneurship?
My advice is simple but powerful: stay patient and stay persistent. Success rarely happens overnight, especially when you are trying to challenge existing mindsets or build something new. The setbacks and obstacles you face will be tough, but they are also the most valuable lessons.
Secondly, learn to build and trust your team. No one succeeds alone. Empowering others and creating a shared vision will multiply your impact far beyond what you can do on your own.
Finally, never lose sight of your purpose. When your work is fueled by genuine passion and a desire to create impact—whether in educating children or uplifting entrepreneurs—you’ll find the strength to persevere through the toughest times. Innovation and success come when passion meets perseverance.
Closing Thoughts
Ajay Gupta’s story is a beacon of visionary leadership, demonstrating how one person’s mission can evolve into a national movement that transforms an entire sector. His dedication to innovation, inclusivity, and impact has not only elevated the standards of preschool education in India but has also sown the seeds for future-ready learning ecosystems and entrepreneurial growth.
In a country where education and enterprise are critical to social and economic progress, Ajay’s work exemplifies how passion, persistence, and a clear purpose can create lasting, positive change. His journey reminds us that building a better tomorrow begins with investing in the potential of today’s children and empowering the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Discover more about Ajay Gupta’s initiatives:
- Bachpan Play School
- Academic Heights Public School (AHPS)
- Rishihood University
- Hum Honge Kamyab Foundation
- Book: Decoding Business Minds
