Sunil Kumar Soni, Sagar Public School, Madhya Pradesh
Sunil Kumar Soni exemplifies entrepreneurial resilience and steadfast commitment to education-traits he developed through the years. Sharing his story, he says, “I was raised in a middle-class household in Talen, Shahjahanpur, where life was straightforward, and my dad operated a small store. We didn’t possess much, yet I consistently believed in aspiring beyond my situation.”
Beginning his journey as a teacher, Sunil found a greater purpose that transcended beyond merely sharing knowledge. His enthusiasm for teaching transformed into a goal to establish a school that offers contemporary education and supports young individuals in thriving and succeeding in today’s competitive landscape. “To me, education goes beyond academics; it involves creating opportunities and building a better future for each student,” he states.
Background
Sunil Kumar’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in mathematics, which later inspired him to pursue science after graduation. Reflecting on his early days, he shares, “My passion for teaching started during my tuition days. Teaching mathematics for three to four years not only sharpened my skills but also helped me save enough to take my first steps toward building a school.”
As a child, Sunil dreamt of entering the medical field, but choosing mathematics led him in a different direction. He adds, “Teaching became more than just a profession; it became my purpose. I realized the impact it could have on shaping young minds and building their future.”
Starting the School
In 2003, Sunil turned his vision into reality by establishing Sagar Public School, starting as a primary school. Sharing his thoughts, he says, “The journey wasn’t easy. My father lost his job, and we faced financial struggles, but I stayed focused and used my earnings from tuition to support this dream.”
Sunil’s brother, Sachiv, later joined him in this mission, adding strength to their shared goals. The name “Sagar Public School” was carefully chosen by Sunil for its positive and pleasant sound. He explains, “We began with just 100 students, and it’s amazing to see how the school has grown to over 400 students today. This progress is the result of dedication and constantly working to create better opportunities for students.”
Modern Facilities and Affordable Education
Sunil highlights the significance of offering modern learning facilities for students, stating, “At Sagar Public School, we implement digital boards and audio-visual tools to establish a learning atmosphere that is engaging and valuable for all students.”
His commitment to ensuring education is accessible is evident in the low fee structure, particularly for students from rural regions. He shares, “Access to quality education must not be a luxury.” That’s the reason we have maintained the yearly fees at Rs. 9,000 and 10,000, making certain that families with financial constraints can still provide their children the chance to learn and develop.”
Overcoming Challenges with Varthana’s Support
For financial assistance, Sunil turned to Varthana in 2017. He was able to obtain a loan of Rs. 4 lakh and then another Rs. 5.64 lakh. He shares, “These loans gave me the opportunity to improve the school’s infrastructure. We focused on upgrading the building, adding essential amenities, and constructing a boundary wall to create a safe and welcoming space for students.”
The impact of these upgrades was significant. Sunil notes, “With better facilities, more families started enrolling their children in the school. The increased enrollment not only strengthened the school’s reputation but also allowed us to serve our community better.”
A Legacy of Empowerment for Future
Sunil’s journey is a shining example of what dedication and a passion for education can accomplish. He transformed his vision from modest beginnings into a flourishing institution that still serves as an inspiration to many. He says, “My focus remains on improving the school’s infrastructure and teaching standards so we can adapt to the changing needs of education.”
His story reflects how education can bring about real and lasting change. Sunil shares, “I believe in creating an environment where every child can learn, grow, and build a better future. This is what drives me every day.”
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