Mr. Irrfan Rauf – Founder & Chairman, Kids IT World Group of Schools & Junior Colleges
Established in 2002 with an aim to nurture young minds, Irrfan Rauf, formed ‘Kids IT World’ to create an interesting learning environment through holistic education. He started his first school in Aurangabad with just 7 students that has now grew upto 2500+ students spread across 5 schools which is currently manned by over 145 teaching and non-teaching staffs. The group has since been establishing new standards in quality education, which are now being appreciated by students, parents and educators in the city.
Irrfan started his entrepreneurial journey at an age of 22 and with a meagre investment of Rs 1200 he opened up Kids IT World which now generates a turnover of above 5 crore annually. After completion of his post-graduation in commerce he thought of getting into job but then the idea of doing business loomed large as it would also provide employment to others. He chose to get into education sector, as he wanted to make education available to lower middle class and middle class of the society. Through pre-primary and junior colleges of his group he wants to uplift the youth of this country, thereby help in nation building through educated and responsible citizens.
Being into the education sector is beneficial beyond business, it imprints values beyond literacy and spreads love. With an aim to provide affordable and quality education to kids, Irrfan opened up pre-school till junior college. Encouragement from parents and society has been the greatest motivating factor to keep this entrepreneurial journey afloat. Irrfan candidly confesses that, “New India should be literate India. Education should reach every class of our society and the exorbitant fees shouldn’t be keep away the masses from being literate.”
His mother has always been an inspiration to him. Before her marriage she was a teacher and post marriage to an orthodox family she continued taking tuitions. She was an advocate of women’s self-dependency. It was Irrfan’s mother’s indomitable spirit and encouragement that remained embedded in him. He also idolises Dr Rafiq Zakaria, the founder of Moulana Azad College.
Like every Startup, Irrfan too faced initial challenges and hardships. Managing the school was tough with lack of funds. He even had to sell off his two-wheeler in 2004, in order to pay salaries to his employees. He often sank into depression and his mother used to motivate him for a brighter next day. His middle-class struggle also taught him how to deal with everyday problems in life.
Being awarded for ranking Top Ten schools in Maharashtra (2017), besides being identified as top school in Aurangabad (2018), he has won India Leadership awards in 2018. And this all proves beyond doubt that his entrepreneurial expedition is on the right track; thereby inspiring others to follow the same. Even though being successful in his venture, Irrfan leads a simple life and his humbleness has always drawn a lot of praise among his colleagues.
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