The visionary entrepreneur who is transforming the K-12 Education sector in India

 

India’s K12 education sector has seen significant transformation over the past two decades, with visionary leaders driving this change. Among them is Rustom Kerawalla, Founder Chairman of Ampersand Group and the VIBGYOR Group of Schools, who has been at the forefront of this evolution. Reflecting on the impact of education, Kerawalla says, “I view education as the key that unlocks the doors to a brighter and more prosperous future for India’s youth.”

India’s demographic dividend is the potential for economic gains that can be achieved by harnessing the full potential of its working-age population. In order to equip the future generations with crucial skills and knowledge, it is of utmost important to get the foundation of education right. 

The journey towards establishing high standards in educational excellence began with the opening of the first VIBGYOR school in Malad, Mumbai, in 2004. By 2006, this vision of creating a quality educational institution had evolved into a professionally managed network of schools, all committed to a holistic approach to learning that blends arts, athletics, and academics to foster the overall development of students. Today, the VIBGYOR Group of Schools has grown into a network of 39 esteemed institutions, dedicated to holistic growth and academic excellence.

Rustom Kerawalla’s vision to reap the benefits of India’s huge demographic dividend has driven him to push the boundaries in the education and skill development space. He says, “In my opinion, education and skill development are essential for the development of a nation. It is these sectors which ensure that the future generations are skilled, employable and employed gainfully, and thereby in a position to contribute towards the progress of the nation. The vision is to create sustainable, scalable solutions that will enable access to education, skill development and livelihood opportunities for all.”

A Holistic Approach

VIBGYOR embraces this evolution in education with open arms. By closely aligning with the best global practices in education, its curriculum development team ensures the integration of STEM education, project-based learning, soft skills development, and career guidance to support holistic growth. Their focus on inclusivity, diversity, and community engagement nurtures well-rounded individuals, ready to face the challenges of tomorrow. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions in the arts, sports, and community service, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness.

According to Rustom Kerawalla, the focus needs to be on the child’s overall development, He says, “I would encourage parents to think about their child’s overall development, not just their academic performance. At VIBGYOR, we believe that education isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. It should go beyond textbooks, igniting a passion for learning, creativity, and personal growth in every child. Parents should encourage their children to explore their interests, whether it’s in sports, arts, or any other activity that excites them. Our programmes are designed to nurture and develop their passion, helping students become well-rounded individuals who are curious, confident, and ready to take on the challenges in the future.”  

VIBGYOR’s Education Philosophy

As Founder Chairman, Rustom Kerawalla also elaborated on the educational philosophy that VIBGYOR follows. It is the belief of “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds”. It stems from a solid conviction that only when education is rooted in moral and ethical values, can a student truly evolve to be a responsible citizen of India. 

It also reflects a holistic approach to shaping well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society. Rooted in the belief that character development is as crucial as academic success, this philosophy emphasizes the importance of nurturing ethical and moral values in students.

Good Thoughts: At VIBGYOR, fostering positive thinking is the foundation for personal growth. Students are encouraged to develop a mindset that is empathetic, inclusive, and growth-oriented. By focusing on constructive thinking, students are prepared to approach challenges with resilience and optimism.

Good Words: Communication is key to building relationships and understanding others. VIBGYOR places a strong emphasis on teaching students the importance of respectful, kind, and thoughtful communication. This principle instills a sense of responsibility for how one’s words can impact others, promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.

Good Deeds: Actions define character. VIBGYOR encourages students to translate their positive thoughts and words into meaningful actions, fostering a spirit of service, compassion, and leadership. By focusing on good deeds, the institution aims to inspire students to be active contributors to their communities and the world.

Together, these principles create a learning environment where students grow into compassionate, responsible, and globally conscious individuals.

The VIBGYOR Factor 

As one of the pioneers in India’s K12 education sector, VIBGYOR’s offerings stand out from the crowd. A great example of this is the VIBGYOR MUN programme, which offers students a platform to delve into international relations, sharpen essential skills like research and communication, and cultivate a sense of global citizenship. 

The V-Embark program goes beyond traditional learning, igniting students’ passion for knowledge through a variety of educational clubs and activities that extend far beyond the classroom.

VIBGYOR’s robust Sports & Performing Arts curriculum complements academics, promoting physical fitness and creative thinking. This balanced approach identifies each child’s unique talents, builds confidence, and fosters personality development.

VIBGYOR is the only school group in Asia with 33 Climate Academies, highlighting our strong commitment to environmental protection. Drawing from scientific surveys conducted among stakeholders, we offer programmes like VIBGYOR ACE, designed to develop leadership skills and enhance personality, preparing our students to thrive as part of tomorrow’s global workforce.

With these various offerings, Rustom Kerawalla says, “It’s important to create a supportive environment where our children feel safe to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. We’re here to walk with you on this journey, ensuring that children not only excel academically but also develop the life skills they need to thrive in the future.”
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