Pushpak Foundation is not just another preschool or daycare center; it’s a revolutionary approach to early childhood education. Founded by Akash Mistry and Shetal Mistry, the Pushpak Foundation emerged from a deeply personal experience. When Akash was searching for a preschool for his son, Jaksh, he was disheartened by the lack of quality and innovation in the existing options. This sparked the idea to create a preschool that focused on holistic development and innovation in early childhood education.
The journey of Pushpak Foundation began in 2022, with the vision to redefine the traditional preschool model. Akash and Shetal observed the shortcomings of existing preschools, such as limited outdoor play areas and a lack of emphasis on emotional intelligence (EQ). They envisioned a preschool where children could learn through audio-visual presentations and storytelling, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills. Moreover, they recognized the importance of socialization and spirituality in a child’s development, leading to collaborations with ISKCON and Swaminarayan Temples.
Pushpak Foundation
The Preschool – Day Care – Activity Center, Pushpak Foundation, with its distinct ideology and setup, is operated in a manner that fosters active learning. Rather than utilizing traditional methods such as white/black/green boards, children are encouraged to engage with AV presentations and storytelling for faster learning, a practice that has been fully embraced. It is strongly believed that in today’s world, children’s emotional intelligence (EQ) should be prioritized over their intellectual quotient (IQ). Consequently, efforts have been made to cultivate EQ in children through partnerships with ISKCON Temple and Swaminarayan Temple. Additionally, recognizing the importance of socialization in educational settings, more than 20 professionals, including doctors, lawyers, and fire safety officers, have been enlisted to serve the community through the Pushpak Foundation. Through initiatives such as real-time farming experiences, children are provided with opportunities to connect with nature and understand its value, thereby preparing them for the future.
In the dynamic landscape of Pushpak Foundation, the spotlight shines brightly on the B2C sector, with a nuanced approach towards B2B ventures. Typically nestled within a 2 to 3-kilometer radius, their preschool center caters predominantly to local residents, while forging alliances with corporations in GIFT CITY to broaden their daycare clientele.
Revenue model of a startup: Revenue streams flow from three core services: preschool, daycare, and an Activity Club. With targeted admissions for FY 2024-25—50 for preschool, 15 for daycare, and 60 for the Activity Club—the startup charts its course through digital and social media campaigns.
Based in Randesan, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, Pushpak Foundation casts its geographic net wide, targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities for expansion.
How it works: The business model is as simple and traditional as preschool and not any technology company. The segment of B2C and B2B is engaged at some point of contact as corporate daycare service is being served. In Aug 2023, the commencement occurred and 20 admissions are expected to be achieved shortly. The Day Care Admission is being focused on more or less and corporate day care is specifically looked forward to by Pushpak Foundation to be made self-sustainable. To make this possible, a strong presence is maintained on digital platforms and social media, and banner marketing is done locally within the range of 5 to 6 km.
The Journey from Concept to Reality
Unlike traditional preschools, which often take a few months to start, Pushpak Foundation took its time to meticulously plan and design its curriculum and infrastructure. The concept began taking shape in May 2022, with implementation starting in August 2023. This careful planning ensured that Pushpak Foundation could deliver a truly innovative and impactful educational experience.
Unique Features and Offerings
Pushpak Foundation stands out with its unique offerings and approach to early childhood education. With a sprawling 11,000 sq. ft. campus in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Pushpak Foundation provides a natural and immersive learning environment for children aged 1-6 years. The curriculum emphasizes emotional intelligence, socialization, and character-building, setting children up for success in all aspects of life. Additionally, the incorporation of real-time farming experiences and collaborations with professionals from various fields further enriches the learning journey.
Business Model and Growth Strategy
Pushpak Foundation operates on a simple yet effective business model, catering to both individual families and corporate clients. Revenue streams include preschool fees, daycare services, and activity club memberships. With a strong focus on local marketing and digital outreach, Pushpak Foundation aims to achieve significant growth in admissions over the coming years. Expansion plans include opening three more preschools within the next two years and venturing into primary education within the next five years.
Challenges and Successes
The journey of Pushpak Foundation hasn’t been without its challenges. From navigating the complexities of setting up a green campus to overcoming initial setbacks with franchising, Akash and Shetal have faced numerous obstacles along the way. However, their unwavering determination and belief in their vision have propelled them forward. The successful registration of their first student in August 2023 marked a significant milestone in their journey, reaffirming their commitment to transforming early childhood education.
Mission Statement
Pushpak Foundation is not just an ordinary preschool; it is an educational haven where a wide range of services and amenities are offered to nurture children’s growth and development. Situated on sprawling 7000 square feet of lush grounds, their institution is aimed at providing a holistic educational experience for children, with preschool programs, day care services, an activity center, and an expansive open garden for open-door activities.
The Road Ahead
As Pushpak Foundation continues to grow and evolve, Akash and Shetal envision a future where their impact extends beyond preschool education. Their goal is to establish a comprehensive educational campus offering courses up to graduation level, along with skill development programs. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and holistic development, Pushpak Foundation is poised to redefine the education landscape in India.
Conclusion
Pushpak Foundation is not just a preschool; it’s a movement towards a brighter and more holistic approach to early childhood education. By prioritizing emotional intelligence, socialization, and character-building, Pushpak Foundation is shaping the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. With a clear vision, innovative offerings, and unwavering determination, Akash and Shetal Mistry are leading the charge toward a brighter future for India’s children.
