In this interview, we explore the journey and impact of Kico-India’s Kitaab Copy, led by Gunjan Chowdhary. The company has made significant strides in transforming the lives of unskilled youth in rural areas through skill-based education. Gunjan shares insights into the challenges faced, the progress made, and the vision for the future.
Q. Can you tell us about your company and its mission?
A. Kico-India’s Kitaab Copy was founded in 2021 with the mission to provide quality education and skills training to underserved communities. We started with K-12 education and quickly expanded to include skill-based education. Our goal is to bridge the gap between joblessness and available opportunities by equipping youth with valuable skills. We operate digital centers in 65 villages, offering training in digital marketing, graphic design, social media marketing, and communication skills.
Q. What inspired you to start Kico-India’s Kitaab Copy?
A. The inspiration came from witnessing the struggles of poor, jobless youth. It was heartbreaking to see so many young people struggling to find employment despite the availability of jobs. I realized that the key issue was the lack of skills, not the lack of jobs. By providing training in high-demand skills, we could help these youth achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life.
Q. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
A. One of the biggest challenges was breaking the awareness funnel of the common masses towards skill education and its importance parallel to conventional academics. Many people in the villages had no idea about the opportunities that skill training could provide. We overcame this by setting up digital centers and actively promoting the benefits of skill education through community engagement and awareness programs.
Q. Can you share some of the successes Kico-India’s Kitaab Copy has achieved?
A. Since our inception, we have trained over 1000 students. Many of them are now working as freelancers or employees in premium organizations across the country. One of our notable achievements was raising angel investment in 2022, which allowed us to expand our reach and impact. Our programs have transformed the lives of countless youth, helping them transition from joblessness to financial independence.
Q. What are some specific stories of transformation from your students?
A. One story that stands out is of a young man from a remote village who had no prior knowledge of digital marketing. After completing our training program, he started working as a freelancer and eventually secured a job with a leading marketing firm. His journey from being unskilled and jobless to becoming financially independent is a testament to the power of skill-based education.
Q. What is your vision for the future of Kico-India’s Kitaab Copy?
A. Our vision is to provide everyone with the desired transformation through skill-based education without resorting to fancy or unaffordable methods. We want to continue expanding our reach, setting up more digital centers in rural areas, and helping more youth achieve their potential. We believe that eating good food is not the enemy; similarly, acquiring valuable skills can significantly enhance one’s life.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
A. Yes, I would like to emphasize the importance of continuous learning and skill development. To all the youth out there, don’t be afraid to invest time in learning new skills. The opportunities are vast, and with the right skills, you can achieve financial independence and improve your quality of life. Stay curious, stay motivated, and always strive to learn and grow.
In conclusion, Gunjan Chowdhary’s dedication to empowering rural youth through skill-based education is truly inspiring. Kico-India’s Kitaab Copy is making a significant impact by transforming the lives of unskilled youth and helping them achieve financial independence. Their commitment to providing accessible and valuable education is a beacon of hope for many underserved communities.
