Let us read this mind-blowing story of how a man rejected by 40 companies became a social entrepreneur. Sushant Jha took entrepreneurship when jobs failed to recognize his talent. He commenced the “Padhega India Initiative” to expand various books to economically weaker sections by providing second-hand books without any fuss.
“After my graduation, I was rejected by almost 40 companies because they saw me unfit for their organization,” recalls Sushant Jha, Bodhi Tree Knowledge services co-founder.
Early life Challenges
He was born with a cleft lip and palate. It impaired his speech, but still, he completed the degree in Engineering and Business Management. His goal is to make knowledge available to all at low costs.
In 2014, he started Padhega India Initiative(PII) with his brother Prashant. They executed a pilot project in South Delhi to distribute second-hand books to the economically weaker society with zero access to expensive academic books. Till now, nobody has tapped the potential of this kind of business in the market. It proved to be an advantage to PII.
PII also explores the potential to save trees by encouraging pre-owned books. As a fact, around 10kg of paper is used per person per year. Handed-down books will save trees and give another significant perspective to customers on how the paper is taken for granted all these years and affecting weather conditions. Newly found respect and value for the paper will undoubtedly impact the weather in the long run.
Start-Up Challenges for social entrepreneur
Impaired speech leads to discrimination and bullying; this doesn’t stop him from carving his path. Also, rejection from job interviews added more obstacles to decide what to do next as his family has no business background. There was nowhere to go. With all reasons to dive into anxiety and depression, Sushant chooses to rise with the new vision to improve society.
Sushant started PII with his brother in his 2 BHK apartment. The challenges were enormous, from operations to the procurement of books to distribution. Both of them took the entire load. They received support for initial capital, content writing, and expansion; They have now 40-50 second-hand booksellers and recently shifted to the new office.
What does PII do?
PII is a web-based portal providing hassle-free services, and it works on the inquiry-based model. One can easily rent, buy, and donate books. Inquiry of a book initiates the request; then, the duo dives into the network of publishers, booksellers, and distributors to deliver the requested book at the customers’ doorstep.
PII makes sure to procure rare second-hand books for customers. They ensure the books are in good condition when it reaches their new owner. The plan is to promote handed-down books to save paper and trees.
Second-Hand books
People are well-aware and want second-hand books. PII received around 12000 inquiries for handed-down books. Second-hand books offer an economical, ecological solution and are viable for many people who can’t afford expensive new books. So, one can easily hand down academic books. Generally, students don’t refer to their college books after completing graduation. Every entrance exam has different reference books, making graduation and secondary school books rest on shelves in the dust. PII offers expensive academic books at half price, which attracts more students and subtly extends the responsibility towards mother nature in customers.
PII offers books on rent as competitive exams needed 2 to 3 books. There is no use of these books once exams are over. The circulation of these books can be increased by renting them as and when competitive exams appear. PII accepts book donations, and hence government primary schools welcome them. Borrowed books lower the financial burden on students and parents effectively.
PII portal maintains a Green Count as a reminder to save trees.
1 Green Count = 40gm of paper made reusable or avoided packaging.
250 Green Counts = 10 Kg of paper saved which an individual needs in a year.
Currently, their Green Count is 11.725, which means they have saved 469 Kg paper till now!! Good for us !!
What the crystal ball holds for PII?
Sushant is cautious about business since its inception and surveyed the market instead of rushing with any plan. Moreover, market understanding has given him an edge to expand his services. They pick up the investors carefully and seek financial help only if plans are on the execution stage.
PII is catering to South Delhi, but queries are pouring in from all over India. Next month, PII focuses on NCR. Greater Noida is the hub of all kinds of colleges and provides a nest for the usage of second-hand books. We are targeting covering the whole of India by the end of the year.
Launching App
PII will launch its app soon for easy access. They are working to make education better by saving the environment too. PII is also planning to expand the library by adding e-books, audiobooks, co-operate library in its repository. PII plans to add online tutorial services with an advisory platform to recommend and review different colleges to understand the situation.
Entrepreneurship has a side effect called isolation. Sushant admitted to it and confessed it to be the reason for low confidence. Like previous obstacles, he is ready to overcome this hurdle also. The journey is long but fulfilling as it serves the education sector and helping students in a natural way along with saving trees. PII is hitting many causes in a single journey. Sushant signs off with a wish to cover India with his initiative.
We suggest you have a look at his website to order some handed-down books http://www.padhegaindia.in/
Our Editor – Deepti Chawla – Team Storyofsouls
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