Vardan Kabra, Co-Founder & Head of School at Fountainhead School, recently had the privilege of returning to his alma mater, the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), as a guest speaker for an Entrepreneurship course. Reflecting on this experience, Vardan Kabra shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey and underscored the invaluable role of mentorship in shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.
For Vardan Kabra, stepping back onto the campus of IIT Gandhinagar felt like a homecoming. As a former student of the esteemed institution, he vividly recalled his own journey through an Entrepreneurship course led by Prof. Sunil Handa, a mentor who left an indelible mark on his entrepreneurial aspirations. Now, two decades later, Vardan Kabra found himself in a familiar setting, eager to pay it forward by imparting knowledge and inspiration to the budding entrepreneurs of today.
The course, curated by Prof. Sunil Handa, serves as a platform for students across various academic levels to delve into the intricacies of entrepreneurship. From second-year undergraduates to doctoral candidates, participants engage with guest speakers and embark on field visits, all aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and skill set.
Drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey alongside his partner, Ankita Diwekar Kabra, Vardan Kabra shared candid insights into the highs and lows of venturing into the field of education.
With a focus on the K-12 sector in India, he navigated discussions on the evolving landscape of education, addressing pertinent questions raised by the inquisitive students.
The dialogue transcended mere theoretical discourse, delving into practical considerations such as the economics of school setup, the balance between breadth and depth in curriculum design, and the intricacies of delivering quality education at scale. As students sought guidance on career paths post-graduation, Vardan Kabra emphasized the importance of seizing entrepreneurial opportunities early on, leveraging time and resilience to mitigate risk and maximize impact.
In response to queries regarding co-founder dynamics and the challenges of working with a spouse, Vardan Kabra offered candid advice rooted in personal experience. Stressing the significance of shared values and mutual commitment, he underscored the need for open communication, resilience, and a growth-oriented mindset in navigating the complexities of partnership, whether personal or professional.
While Vardan Kabra’s presence undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the aspiring entrepreneurs at IIT Gandhinagar, he reserved special acknowledgment for Prof. Sunil Handa, the unsung hero behind the scenes.
Prof. Handa’s unwavering dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial talent over the past three decades epitomizes the transformative power of mentorship. Through his mentorship, Prof. Handa has catalyzed the journeys of over 500 entrepreneurs, instilling in them the confidence, resilience, and vision needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
As Vardan Kabra reflected on his experience at IIT Gandhinagar, he was reminded of the profound impact of mentorship on his own entrepreneurial journey. Engaging with the next generation of entrepreneurs served as a poignant reminder of the enduring value of mentorship in fostering innovation, resilience, and leadership.
Vardan Kabra’s journey from student to guest speaker epitomizes the cyclical nature of mentorship, wherein knowledge and inspiration are passed down from one generation to the next.
As he continues to champion entrepreneurship and education, Vardan Kabra stands as a beacon of hope and guidance for aspiring changemakers, embodying the transformative power of mentorship in shaping a brighter future for all.
