A Committed EduEntrepreneur

Er. Jairam Mishra- Owner, Sri International College

Er. Jairam Mishra from Odisha, titled as one of the youngest EduEntrepreneurs in Eastern India under 30, is the founder of ‘Sri International College’. Jairam is a Technology Professional in Computer Science Engineering, who, at the age of 17, began to impart free education in Computers and English language communication to the children from the slums. His desire for the betterment of the future of children in the state instigated him to pursue Engineering in Computer Science and launching his startup “M/S. Careerguide” along with his studies, to provide training of computer coding languages to corporate executives and training aspirants. Through his startup, he offered free education to poor & deserving students, and also introduced Corporate Training, Cyber Security, Business Owner Management, Family Business Management Programme and many more innovative programmes in the state.

Starting with just 4 students, he was able to get them placed at the top MNCs. Encouraged by this; he continued to work towards providing education and placement opportunities to vast number of students. During the recession of 2008, he founded his calling for incepting an IT firm- ‘IndSoftech Software Solutions’, which offered learning in new technologies and also allowed his students for placement opportunities with average salaries. He succeeded in his endeavor by introducing courses which were new for the students in Odisha, like – Fashion Designing, Hotel Management, Yoga and Public Health. Jairam says, “Knowledge is power and without it, we are just like a plain paper without any identification”.

Starting a business in the education sector at an age of 19 was quite a challenge for him. Also, arranging funds for setting up, developing new model & structure, recruiting quality manpower and engaging them, building best team and marketing strategy, were some of the biggest challenges for him in addition to Market Competition analysis. “Fulfilment of given commitments to the parents is not an easy job, but we have incredibly established our credibility in the market and today there are more than 6000 students enrolled”, he smiles.

Though his journey as a student from a middle class family background to being the youngest Entrepreneur in the education sector, has been tough but his strong mindset of going the long distance has kept him boosted all the way.

Recalling the struggles in his EduEntrepreneurial journey, Jairam says, “Every challenge thrown to me in life has evolved as a learning test of my abilities, the overcoming of which witnesses the remarkable journey I have completed so far.” He immensely believes in the famous saying- “Success is a journey not a destination”.

According to him, “Different people start businesses for different reasons”, and reflects his business ideology- “Learning, freedom, tax breaks and a meaningful life all are good reasons to start a business” adding, “There are no right or wrong reasons, but EduEntrepreneurship has proven a life-changing experience for many”. He shares that his education in Computer Science Engineering makes him to believe that there is a dynamic relationship between motivational profiles & career, and household & business life courses.”

He describes 3 most influential people in his life, to whom he always looks up to- First being his father- Late Shri BP Mishra who is his greatest inspiration, his mother – Smt. Banani Devi as her greatest idol and at the professional front, he adores Dr. Achuty Samanta, the founder of ‘KISS & KIIT University, Odisha’.

Awarded as the Youngest EduEntrepreneur of Eastern India by Bollywood Actress Mandira Bedi and Actor Ranvijay Singha, Jairam also has a keen interest in studying books, engaging in social work and practicing meditation & yoga.

Viewing the world through his distinctive lens and having an utter faith in commitments, Jairam shares, “Every market has a potential for those who sell commitments, not the products and I always believe that giving commitment means everything”.