A System That Fails the Dreams
Abhishek’s story begins with an encounter that would leave a lasting mark on his understanding of life. He met a man whose entire educational upbringing revolved around a singular goal – becoming an IAS officer. From childhood, every step was aimed at achieving this dream. But life, as it often does, had other plans. As this dream shattered with age, so did the man’s self-confidence. He found himself standing at a crossroads, unsure of which path to follow next.
This profound experience led Abhishek to reflect on the deeper problem affecting today’s youth. The struggle wasn’t limited to one man; it echoed in the lives of countless young people. They too, despite the shrinking opportunities in government jobs, were caught in a relentless pursuit of limited careers. And lurking behind this frustration was a larger issue — the education system itself. An institution that only pushes students towards employment, ignoring the vast world of entrepreneurship and creativity that lay outside.
Abhishek’s mind raced. What if the system could be changed? What if schools didn’t just teach children to seek jobs, but also how to create them? This was the beginning of a transformative idea.
The Foundation of New Possibilities
Born and raised in Deoria’s Umanagar neighborhood, Abhishek Tiwari’s family was deeply rooted in business. Despite having completed his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and later a B.Ed., he found himself naturally drawn towards entrepreneurship. In 2016, he laid the foundation for the Tejasvi Early Education Centre in his hometown, envisioning an entirely different model of schooling.
His vision was to create an education system that not only focused on academic excellence but integrated entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and cultural heritage. Abhishek was committed to nurturing the spirit of enterprise among young minds, ensuring that children weren’t just learners but future creators. His school hosted regular workshops on entrepreneurship and marketing, encouraging children to set up stalls where they could present new business ideas. These hands-on experiences gave students the confidence to think beyond traditional career paths and embrace their own potential as innovators.
The Spark of Innovation
Like many others, Abhishek faced his own set of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, and by 2022, his school was struggling. Student enrollment had dwindled, and meeting the salaries of his teachers seemed like an uphill battle. The dream he had worked so hard for was on the verge of collapse.
But Abhishek was not one to give up easily. He had heard of Jagriti — a movement fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across India. In September of that year, he applied for Jagriti’s Incubation Cohort and was selected. Through this, he was introduced to Rajesh Kachru, a mentor who would guide him on the road to recovery.
Rajesh’s advice was simple yet powerful. He urged Abhishek to leverage social media to promote his school’s unique education system and to organize workshops that showcased its innovative approach. Jagriti’s team also played a pivotal role in shaping these entrepreneurial workshops, bringing in fresh perspectives and helping Abhishek redefine his mission. The results were nothing short of miraculous. From a mere 75 students, the school’s enrollment skyrocketed to 225 in just a short span. The journey was back on track, stronger than ever.
Abhishek’s vision harnessed through Jagriti, today has the power to reshape the way we think about schooling. His journey is one of personal triumph, of hope, and a reminder that the true purpose of education is not merely to fit into a system, but to rise above it.
