In the heart of India’s most populous state, one man has dedicated his life to reshaping the educational landscape—Praakhar Srivastava, the Managing Director of Chitravanshm Group of Colleges and Secretary of Chitravanshm Society. With roots in Prayagraj (Allahabad) and a vision that spans continents, Srivastava has become a formidable force in promoting accessible, quality education across Uttar Pradesh.

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Mr. Srivastava about his early influences, the challenges of leading an educational movement, the global recognition he’s received, and his vision for the future of Indian education.

Q: Mr. Srivastava, thank you for joining us. To begin, could you share a little about your early life and what inspired you to take this path in education?
Praakhar Srivastava: Thank you for having me. I was born on May 18, 1992, in Prayagraj. Growing up, I saw both the potential and the deep-rooted challenges in our educational systems, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. While some students thrived, others were left behind due to lack of access, poor infrastructure, or outdated teaching models. These disparities lit a fire in me. Education, I believed, should be a right, not a privilege. That belief became my life’s mission.

Q: You are currently leading both the Chitravanshm Society and Chitravanshm Group of Colleges. How did these institutions come into being?
Praakhar Srivastava: The Chitravanshm Society of Education and Culture (CHSOC) was established in 2003 with the vision of social upliftment through education. From the beginning, our focus was on rural and underrepresented areas, where educational resources are often scarce. Over the years, CHSOC grew into a strong community-driven platform, providing scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship.

To further institutionalize our efforts, we launched the Chitravanshm Group of Colleges. Our campuses, primarily based in rural settings, are built not just as academic spaces, but as centers of transformation—offering modern curricula, skill-based programs, and character development initiatives that empower students to thrive beyond the classroom.

Q: You’ve received over 10 major awards, both nationally and internationally. Could you tell us what these recognitions mean to you?
Praakhar Srivastava: Every award is a reminder that we are moving in the right direction, though the journey is ongoing. I hold dear recognitions like:

• The “Legends of Allahabad” award from Hindustan Media Group (2017),
• The Times of India Excellence in Education Award (2018),
• The Zee Media Award (2022) for our role in “Building New Uttar Pradesh,” and
• A significant honor at the House of Commons, UK Parliament (2023).

These accolades reflect not just my work but the collective effort of an entire team committed to change.

Q: How do you think education in India is evolving, and where does your organization fit into this transformation?
Praakhar Srivastava: We’re witnessing a pivotal shift—from rote learning to critical thinking, from rigid curriculums to interdisciplinary models, and from degree-centric education to skill-centric learning. At Chitravanshm, we’ve been early adopters of this transformation. We partner with industries to shape relevant courses, use tech-enabled classrooms, and promote inclusivity. Our presence in rural areas allows us to reach students who are often ignored by mainstream institutions. We don’t just want students to pass exams—we want them to become employable, responsible, and inspired citizens.

Q: You often participate in public panels and educational summits. What message do you have for aspiring educators and reformers?
Praakhar Srivastava: Education is not just about teaching; it’s about transforming lives. Young educators need to remember that every classroom is a launchpad for change. Innovation isn’t always about apps or AI—it can be in how you connect with your students, how you adapt your methods, or how you build confidence in a child who’s never been believed in. The role of a teacher today is more important than ever.

Q: With so many accolades to your name, what achievement are you most proud of?
Praakhar Srivastava: Without a doubt, it’s seeing our students succeed. One of our former students recently became the first engineer in his family. That achievement, to me, is more powerful than any trophy. When we uplift individuals, we uplift communities.

Q: What role does your team and community play in your success?
Praakhar Srivastava: A visionary is only as effective as the team that supports him. I work with passionate educators and dedicated administrators who share our vision. The local community, too, has been incredibly supportive. Their trust, feedback, and involvement make our institutions dynamic and responsive. It’s a shared mission.

Q: Could you talk about the international recognition at the UK Parliament? How did that come about?
Praakhar Srivastava: Being honored at the House of Commons in 2023 was a milestone moment. The recognition wasn’t just for me—it was for India’s educational reformers working at the grassroots. The British government appreciated our rural-based model that achieved scale without compromising on quality. It reaffirmed that impactful education doesn’t need massive budgets—it needs vision, persistence, and heart.

Q: What are your future plans for Chitravanshm?
Praakhar Srivastava: The road ahead is exciting. We are planning to expand our rural campus network, introduce AI-driven learning platforms, and establish global collaborations. Our long-term goal is to build Chitravanshm University, a center for inclusive excellence rooted in Indian values and global standards. We’re also developing special programs for first-generation learners and women in rural regions. Our belief remains firm—every student deserves the best, no matter where they come from.

Conclusion

As India navigates its path toward becoming a knowledge superpower, leaders like Praakhar Srivastava are playing an indispensable role in ensuring that progress doesn’t leave anyone behind. With a clear vision, deep empathy, and an unwavering commitment to educational equity, Srivastava’s journey is not just a personal success story—it’s a blueprint for grassroots transformation.

Whether in a classroom in Prayagraj or on the global stage in London, the message remains clear: education is the most powerful tool for change, and Srivastava is determined to make it count.