REIMAGINING EDUCATION FOR VIKSIT BHARAT

In the ever-evolving 21st-century landscape, education is the cornerstone of progress and the key to navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Progressive-minded educationists are recognizing its potential as a powerful catalyst for change. They are shedding old conventions and embracing innovative pedagogies and technologies to transform the learning experiences and outcomes. Shishir Jaipuria is one such visionary educationist.

Torchbearer of a 78-year-old education legacy of the illustrious Jaipuria family, Shishir Jaipuria, presently leads the Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions as its chairman. The group began its journey in 1945, in pre-Independence India. Today, it has evolved into a conglomerate with 21 K12 schools, five preschools, two management institutions, one teachers training academy, and an overall strength of 25,000 learners, 20,000 alums, and about 1000 educators. 

This growth has been spurred by the noble vision of the group’s founders and its unwavering pursuit by Shishir Jaipuria.

The Making Of A Leader

Shishir Jaipuria was born into a family of nation-builders. His grandfather, Padma Bhushan Mungturam Jaipuria, was an ardent patriot and a nationalist who wanted to empower the youth with competencies to build a new India, which was on the verge of attaining independence from colonial rule. With this vision, Seth Anandram Jaipuria College was started in 1945 in Kolkata and inaugurated by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The group’s foray into K-12 education began in 1974 with the inauguration of Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur. Around that time, Shishir Jaipuria, a commerce graduate from Christ Church College and with a law degree from DAV Law College, Kanpur, made a start in his professional life. He joined the family business as an executive officer of the Swadeshi Cotton Mills, helmed by his father, Dr. Rajaram Jaipuria. Later, he took on the role of managing editor at The Pioneer and Swatantra Bharat. This daily newspaper was initially published in Lucknow and later expanded to Varanasi, Muradabad, and Kanpur.

The cause of education remained close to Shishir Jaipuria’s heart from the start. He says, “I learned a lot from my father, an educationist par excellence, a philanthropist, and an industrialist. Our collective vision was to impart an education that blended the traditional with the modern and combined Indian values with the latest pedagogy of the time.”  

The endorsement of the traditional was apparent in the Jaipuria family’s endeavor to preserve and promote the Sanskrit language and Vedic Philosophy by setting up institutions offering education up to Acharya Level under the aegis of a trust – Bharatiya Chaturdham Ved Bhawan Nyasa – at five religious places: Badrinath-Rudraprayag, Prayagraj, Puri, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram. Simultaneously, the group has kept in step with the evolving pedagogies to cater to students' learning needs in all education verticals, from preschool to higher education. 

From Cradle To Career: The Expanse of The Jaipuria Group

The Jaipurias recognized the imperative of lifelong learning and embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to create institutes of excellence for learners at all stages. This vision transcended traditional bounds to encompass a whole gamut of learning, from early childhood care and education (ECCE) to management studies.

"We envision a journey where learners are empowered from foundational education to advanced levels through a network of institutions spanning all verticals. Our commitment extends beyond student success; we also prioritize the holistic development of educators, fostering a culture of continuous professional growth. As a group that strives to nurture change-makers, we cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where knowledge thrives and skills flourish. Every child has the opportunity to reach full potential," says Shishir Jaipuria about the group’s growth across a broad spectrum in education. 

K-12 Schools

Seth Anandram Jaipuria Schools are located in Kanpur, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow. Besides this, the group has a vast network of 18 partner schools in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, with an active expansion plan to develop the network to the strength of 50 K-12 schools by 2025. The group’s core schools rank among the best in the city and have been Microsoft Showcase Schools with state-of-the-art infrastructure, Atal Tinkering Labs, sports facilities, deep technology integration, global exposure, and solid parental connect.

Preschools

The unique value proposition of Little One – The Jaipuria Preschool is a developmentally appropriate curriculum that covers all aspects of ECCE, from foundational literacy, numeracy, and SEL to gross and fine motor skill development. The chain of five Little One preschools, located across UP, adopts a play-based pedagogy involving games, storytelling, role-playing, etc, to create a strong foundation of learning in little children.


Business Schools

Jaipuria Institute of Management has NAAC Grade ‘A’ accreditation. It offers an AKTU-approved 2-year full-time MBA program specializing in Marketing, Finance, HR, International Business, Information Technology and Operations, Business Analytics, and Banking Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI). The college has an intake of 300 students. Jaipuria School of Business offers a 2-year full-time PGDM program (equivalent to an MBA) approved by AICTE, Ministry of Education, AIU, and accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). The institute has an active international immersion programme for faculty and students through global collaborations with universities such as University of Denver, USA, UCSI University, Malaysia, and Sunway University, Malaysia. 

Teacher Training Academy

The group launched the Saamarthya Teachers Training Academy of Research (STTAR) in July 2020, acknowledging the need for continuous professional development among teachers. The academy has emerged as a premier institute transforming the education landscape through online teacher trainings (live and self-paced), curriculum development, academic research, school enrichment programmes and teacher competence testing. Some of its most significant initiatives include the STTAR Global Education Conference and STTAR National Teachers’ Olympiad – both annual events. The academy has delivered 90,000 person-hours of teacher training, empowered over 22,000 educators, and benefited around 1250 schools. 

Vision Of Education For Viksit Bharat

Shishir Jaipuria brings a unique perspective to Indian education because of his leadership experience in academia and industry. Besides helming the Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, he is also the Chairman of FICCI Arise, the vertical of FICCI, which takes care of the interests of independent schools. As an industry leader in technical textiles, Jaipuria is Chairman & Managing Director of Ginni Filaments Ltd. He was formerly the President of the All India Organisation of Employers (AIOE). He has previously been the Director of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI).

According to him, India's identity in the 21st century is increasingly shaped by its robust economic growth, youthful demographic dividend, and most extensive democratic system worldwide. With a burgeoning industry ecosystem fueled by innovation and entrepreneurship, India stands poised for further expansion, embodying a nation primed for continuous economic advancement and global influence. Presently the fifth largest economy, it is on course to emerge as the third largest by 2027 and reach the milestone of a 35 trillion dollar economy by 2047 to become a developed nation. 

He says, “India’s education system is one of the largest in the world, and it stands as a potent catalyst for the country’s future economic strides. Progressive policy initiatives like the National Education Policy 2020, Skill India mission, Start-up India, and other government programmes for promoting universal, equitable and inclusive education deserve praise. Furthermore, educational institutions nationwide will have to adopt a progress-oriented mindset, introduce pedagogical innovations, embrace technology, and make education more skill-based and experiential.” 

Shishir Jaipuria believes the five most definitive influences will transform India’s education landscape. These are:

1. NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, says Jaipuria, is a forward-looking document emphasizing holistic learning, flexible curriculum frameworks, and multidisciplinary approaches to nurture critical thinking and creativity among students. Its recommendations on early childhood care, integration of technology, and a focus on vocational education align well with the demands of the 21st-century economy. Moreover, the policy’s emphasis on teacher training, research, and innovation fosters a culture of excellence. Jaipuria believes that NEP 2020, when implemented in letter and spirit, has the potential to create a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive education system, driving India towards socio-economic advancement.

2. Technology and Innovative Pedagogy

Shishir Jaipuria is passionate about harnessing the technology’s transformative power. He underscores the potential of technology, including generative AI and innovative pedagogy, in revolutionizing the Indian education system. He believes that AI's use in personalized learning, aiding lesson planning, and providing real-time feedback can enhance teaching and learning experiences. It can help to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and 21st-century skills vital for student success in a rapidly evolving world. Moreover, introducing pedagogical approaches like experiential and project-based learning can create more profound understanding and engagement. “By leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods, educators can create dynamic, student-centered learning environments, preparing learners for the complexities of the modern workforce while promoting creativity and lifelong learning,” he says.

3. Professional Development of Teachers

Under the leadership of Shishir Jaipuria, the Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group has made the professional development of teachers a cornerstone of educational transformation. According to him, teachers must continuously upskill and reskill to remain effective educators and keep in step with the perpetually evolving technologies and pedagogy. By investing in the professional growth of teachers, Jaipuria Schools are ensuring that educators are equipped to meet the diverse needs of students and navigate the complexities of modern education, ultimately elevating the quality of learning experiences.

4. Focus on Skill Development

Shishir Jaipuria says, “Skill development is paramount to unlock the full potential of India's demographic dividend. The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report highlights a shift towards prioritizing skills over academic qualifications. Adopting a skills-first approach necessitates skill-based education and assessment methodologies. Integrating vocational education into mainstream institutions will help to equip our youth with practical skills aligned with industry demands. It will foster employability and entrepreneurship.” In line with this vision, Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group has embraced skill development initiatives to bolster STEM education through Atal Tinkering Labs, project-based learning, and robotics. Students get access to 3-D printing, laser, and motion-sensing technology to develop innovative solutions.

5. Values and Commitment to Sustainability

An educated individual should have a strong underpinning of good values and positive attitudes. Beyond building 21st-century skills such as creativity and problem-solving, cultivating soft skills like resilience, empathy, and self-awareness will instill a sense of responsibility, ethicality, and adaptability in learners. At the same time, learners need to develop a global perspective and sustainability consciousness. Shishir Jaipuria believes that empowering learners with these values will prepare them for success in the modern world and equip them to address pressing global challenges with compassion and innovation, thereby ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Accolades and Milestones

A collective 50 years of experience in the education sector and industry makes Shishir Jaipuria a formidable figure to be reckoned with. He has been honored with lifetime achievement awards by Education World and ScooNews for his invaluable contribution to the education sector. He has spearheaded the growth and expansion of Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions into a conglomerate, transforming the educational landscape with quality and accessibility. For three consecutive years, the group has been certified Great Place To Work for building a high-trust-high-performance culture through effective leadership, maximizing human potential, building trust in the workforce, inculcating values, inspiring innovation, and empowering women. In 2023, the group was also certified as one of the 50 Best Workplaces for Women (among mid-size organizations) by the Great Place To Work.


Shishir Jaipuria has contributed significantly to representing the interest of independent schools through policy advocacy as chairman of FICCI Arise.

Under his stewardship, FICCI Arise prepared a recommendary toolkit for NEP Implementation in areas of State School Standards Authority (SSSA), School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF), Child Safety, and Self-regulatory framework for Fee Regulation. The toolkit was presented to the Ministry of Education. Comprehensive discussions were held with the Hon’ble Minister of Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on Sustainability (including school twinning programs and teacher training) and a review of the RTE act to make it more outcome-based.

During Shishir Jaipuria’s tenure, FICCI Arise joined forces with EY Parthenon to create and release comprehensive research reports on the following topics: Improving quality through School Quality Assessment and Accreditation (SQAA) framework; School Safety and Child Protection Manual; School Safety and Child Protection Checklist; and K12 Education in India – Vision 2047. 

The Onset Of A Golden Era

In many ways, the history and growth of Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group has coincided with that of India. The legacy of 78 years in education has positioned the Jaipuria Group to enter into a golden era of growth and development, much like the country. Institutions across the group are creating new learning environments, adopting innovative pedagogies, integrating technology, and embracing value-based education. 

Shishir Jaipuria’s vision is to embed the DEIJ principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within the Jaipruria network’s ethos. This shall resonate in the workforce, students, and all aspects of the group’s initiatives. 

“We want our campuses to reflect the progressive society we envision. The institutions will be communities of diverse learners and teachers engaged in collaborative endeavors to build critical thinking and problem-solving competencies with real-world applications,” says Shishir Jaipuria. Central to the group’s vision is a firm commitment to sustainability. From environment protection and ecological conservation to community empowerment, all of the group’s practices will be directed towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.


Shishir Jaipuria eloquently says, “I firmly believe that the future of education lies in developing creative, competent, responsible, and conscious individuals with a commitment towards 4 Ps: prosperity, peace, people and planet.”

  • Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions