In the small town of Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh, where dreams often seem out of reach, Stafford Burns dared to chase his. With a heart full of hope and a little help from Varthana, he transformed his vision into reality.
Stafford left the comfort of his family’s automobile business to start Angels Anglo Public School, despite facing skepticism and having no prior experience in education. But his dream required more than just determination—it also needed financial support and a lot of encouragement, especially in tough situations where resources are scarce. In regions like Gariyaband, where schools are underfunded and economic conditions are tight, even the most passionate and hardworking individuals can struggle to make an impact.
Financial help from Varthana gave Stafford the tools he desperately needed, and he became unstoppable in creating a brighter future for his community. He watched as his small school grew from 70 to 700 students by 2023. Stafford’s story proves how essential support can help educators overcome challenges, and how even the smallest spark can ignite a world of change.
Similar journeys of Bangalore’s Manjunath and Raj Shekar, Hyderabad’s Jhansi Rani, and Lucknow’s Gourav Sahu show that sometimes, all it takes is a little push for hope to prevail, dreams to be realized and lives to change.
With Varthana’s support, these school leaders transformed their passion for education into a lasting impact, creating a brighter future for their communities.
Inspiring Journeys of Transformation Across India
At Varthana, we highlight real stories that show how our support helps individuals achieve their dreams and overcome challenges. These stories reflect our commitment to transforming education.
These success stories reveal how Varthana helps turn aspirations into achievements. Every dream deserves a chance, and our customers’ experiences showcase our dedication to making those dreams a reality. By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire others and show how Varthana promotes educational growth.
Varthana Success Story #1: Manjunath and Mr. Raj Shekar, Sunrise International School, Bangalore
In Bangalore, Manjunath shares the inspiring story of his uncle, Siddappa, who founded Sunrise International School. Despite challenges like long travel times, Siddappa was determined to make a difference in his community. “I wanted to provide affordable education that could match city schools,” he said.
In 2008, Siddappa opened the school with just 200 students from nearby villages. Now, it serves 1,200 students up to 12th grade. He charged lower fees to ensure education was accessible for families in construction and agriculture. “Education should never be out of reach for anyone,” Siddappa added.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges. To keep students engaged, the school organized gatherings in villages, distributing homework and conducting lessons with volunteer teachers. “We worked together to ensure our students didn’t fall behind,” Manjunath recalled.
While budget constraints initially limited growth, Varthana provided a loan of ₹1 crore for constructing two new buildings. “With Varthana’s support, we can now enroll an additional 1,000 students,” Manjunath noted.
Today, Sunrise International School reflects Siddappa’s dedication and Varthana’s support. “We’re proud to provide a quality education that rivals city schools,” Siddappa emphasized, as they aim to expand further and potentially open colleges in the future.
Varthana Success Story #2: Jhansi Rani, New St. Maria High School, Hyderabad
In the heart of Hyderabad, Jhansi Rani transformed her personal loss into a powerful commitment to quality education. After losing her 3-year-old daughter, Rani found purpose in working with children, establishing New St. Maria High School with just three rooms and eight students. Today, the school serves 975 students in higher grades and 500 in primary.
Rani faced financial challenges when purchasing land, as banks were slow to help. “With Varthana’s support, we could build a better school for our children,” she said. Their timely loan of ₹2.5 crores allowed Rani to expand the school’s infrastructure and enhance educational services.
The school combines traditional teaching with activities like martial arts and practical science classes. Parents appreciate the quality education at nominal fees.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to digital learning. Rani stated, “After losing my daughter, I found purpose in education.” She invited trainers to help teachers adapt and used Varthana’s Unlock program to maintain continuity.
Looking ahead, Rani aims to enroll 5,000 students by 2030. “I want every student to aspire to be a social icon,” she expressed. Jhansi’s story exemplifies resilience, with Varthana’s support shaping a brighter future for thousands of students. “Our holistic approach ensures students receive the best education possible.”
Varthana Success Story #3: Gourav Sahu, Radhe Lal Sahu Inter College, Lucknow
In the village of Samrai Road, where educational opportunities are scarce, Gaurav Sahu rose to meet the challenge. Growing up in a family that valued education, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of local children who had to travel long distances for schooling. Inspired by his father, who founded a primary school in 1985, Gaurav decided to take action.
After earning his MBA and working as a territorial manager at ICICI Bank, Gaurav discovered his true passion was to improve education in his community. In 2014, he founded Radhelal Sahu Inter College, initially recognized by the U.P. Board up to 10th grade.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Gaurav faced a daunting challenge: running online classes with limited resources. “I couldn’t let my students fall behind,” he recalled, waiving fees for classes 6 to 12, amounting to about ₹32 lakhs for the year.
Varthana stepped in as a crucial partner, providing over ₹30 lakhs in funding. “Their support has been a game-changer for us,” Gaurav shared. With this assistance, he is now expanding his school, aiming to create more educational opportunities. “Education can break the cycle of poverty,” he believes. Gaurav’s journey embodies the transformative power of support and determination, lighting the way for future generations in underserved communities.
Empowering Education through Financial Backing
In a country where quality education can feel out of reach, Varthana empowers individuals to turn their aspirations into reality. Varthana’s role goes beyond financing; it’s about empowering visionary school leaders to build sustainable educational institutions in underserved areas. With loans tailored for private school owners, Varthana enables these leaders to invest in infrastructure, teacher training, and innovative learning methods. By addressing their unique needs, Varthana helps schools become community assets that nurture young minds.
Financial Support and Beyond
Varthana not only provides financial aid but also offers academic and management solutions tailored to school leaders’ needs. Through dedicated relationship managers, Varthana ensures school leaders receive continuous support, helping them navigate challenges and deliver high-quality education. This holistic approach fosters recognition and growth, enhancing the educational landscape in India.
Conclusion
Varthana is committed to transforming India’s educational ecosystem by supporting affordable private schools in their journey toward sustainable growth. With customized resources and loans, Varthana empowers school leaders to overcome challenges, expand infrastructure, and implement modern teaching methods. Together, Varthana and its partner schools are paving the way for a brighter future in education.
If you’re a school leader looking to unlock your school’s potential, contact Varthana today and join the movement to make quality education accessible to every child across India.
FAQs
1. What kind of leadership is needed to transform a school?
Transformational leadership plays a crucial role in bringing about changes in a school. Leaders should motivate teachers, students, and staff by providing a clear vision, promoting creativity, and nurturing a culture of ongoing growth.
If you are a school leader who wants to unleash your school’s potential, get in touch with Varthana now and become part of the initiative to provide quality education to every child in India.
2. What is the role of community in modern education?
The community is essential in assisting education by offering resources, fostering a team-based atmosphere, and contributing to student growth. Active participation from the community improves learning opportunities and enables schools to address the specific needs of the local area.
3. What are the best leadership qualities?
Successful leaders have characteristics such as empathy, vision, effective communication, and the talent to motivate individuals. They must be flexible, make quick decisions, and create a supportive atmosphere for progress and improvement.
Social