Sony Entertainment Television’s Indian adaption of the world’s no.1 business reality show – Shark Tank has become quite popular amongst the masses and has been receiving accolades for its inspiring concept. Putting the spotlight on the Badalte Bharat Ki Nayi Tasveer, the revolutionary show since its launch has turned many entrepreneurial dreams into reality with the correct guidance and funding from the Sharks. Just like Shark Tank India, one of the venture that has and continues to be the wind beneath the wings of the country’s young minds is Vikas and Leena Kakawini’s – AAS Vidyalaya, an educational start-up that aims to take the school to those children who are not able to go to school for any reason. Joining the husband-wife duo’s strong and heartwarming vision of making a huge difference in the society, Sharks Peyush Bansal, Namita Thapar and Ashneer Grover gave them an investment of 1.5 crores for 15% equity; by far the highest deal on Shark Tank India.
It is observed that out of 100 only about 30 students pass out of class 10 and the other 70 either drop out or are unable to attend school due to many personal and socio-economic reasons. The problem has been observed all over the country but mainly in smaller towns and rural areas. To solve this age old problem with a smart solution, Vikas and Leena Kakwani started AAS Vidyalaya – Anytime Anywhere School, giving power in the hand of every child to unlock their potential through holistic learning and guidance. Being the change markers of today, the ed-tech start up is solving the problem of availability and accessibility of good quality education by bringing the school to those children who are not able to go to school. Ensuring every child is educated, AAS Vidyalaya came up with a unique concept of ‘AAS Vidyalaya Education Cafes’ in rural areas. These cafes are equipped with TABs and students can walk in any time of the day, log in with their registered ID & password and study for as long as they desire. While this initiative has been receiving an overwhelming response, Vikas and Leena Kakwani hopes to reach out to remote corners of the country so that no child is left uneducated.
An overwhelmed Vikas Kakwani, founder of the prestigious educational app shared, “Education is everybody’s fundamental right and everyone deserves to get it, but sadly that’s not the case in our country. Hence, Leena and I started a journey with a mission to provide schooling for the masses – ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ and bring mobility to education for the students with AAS Vidyalaya. This is the most cherished and closed project for the both of us; it’s a huge step for making a difference in the lives of millions. Being on Shark Tank India today feels like we have finally got the much needed wind beneath our wings that we were looking for. Collaboration with the Sharks, the charismatic leaders of the startup industry will give us special recognition at a national level. This will help us in achieving more visibility in other states which in turn will encourage more students to get educated and generate employment. We want to connect the people from remote areas who do not get access to quality education. This vision of ours will be fulfilled via the inputs of the renowned sharks and so I thank Sony Entertainment Television for believing in us.”
Tune in to Shark Tank India, every Monday to Friday at 9:00PM only on Sony Entertainment Television.
