History is replete with stories of people emerging strong and successful when faced with adversity. But then there are some rare and remarkable ones who stand apart for helping others overcome insurmountable odds.
One such person is Anand Kumar, a mathematics teacher who runs the successful Super 30 programme.
Kumar was recently in the news following the release of his biography, Super 30: Anand Kumar (Penguin), by Canada-based psychiatrist Biju Mathew.
The book reveals how Kumar could not join Cambridge University, despite gaining admission, owing to lack of funds and his father’s sudden demise. Kumar then eked out a living by running a mathematics coaching centre by day and selling papads prepared by his mother in the evening.
Innovative initiative
Undeterred by setbacks, in 2002, Kumar set up an innovative school to prepare 30 underprivileged students for the coveted Indian Institute of Technology-Joint Entrance Examination. Selected on the basis of a written test, these students from economically-backward sections were tutored and provided study materials and lodging for a year.
The initiative achieved astonishing success with a majority of the students making it to the premier institution. The remaining gained admission to other prestigious engineering colleges. In the last 14 years, three 100 per cent success results were achieved. This year, 28 of the 30 have made it to the IITs.
Kumar says, “Having perceived a burning desire among these children to become engineers irrespective of their background, I was determined not to allow them to suffer as I did. I was also inspired by my father’s trait of helping everybody irrespective of their caste, creed and economic status.”
Secret of success
Unlike other teachers, Kumar willingly shares his experience. “I do not claim to have a success formula,” he says. “I essentially teach them to be innovative, work hard and develop patience and a positive outlook. Most importantly, I instil in them a thirst for knowledge.”
Kumar says aptitude is the primary virtue to be successful and insists that parents must try to understand what their children are cut out for. He cites the example of his younger brother Pranav, who was allowed to pursue his dream of becoming a violinist. “Parental and peer pressure plays havoc. Following the herd has resulted in suicides among students, which is sad.”
While discussing parental pressure, one seeks Kumar’s view on schools and coaching institutes adopting the rote approach to train students. “Making students memorise defeats the purpose,” he says “At Super 30, we explain the rationale behind concepts and formulae. For example, for calculating the area of a triangle, different methods are taught, thereby providing varied perspectives to one problem. Similarly, the rationale behind equations like “(a+b)²” is explained to help students appreciate logic. These go a long way in creating a life-long interest in mathematics and making the subject engaging and creative.”
Raising the bar
Mathew’s book documents the experience of several Super 30 students. All of them praise Kumar’s method of teaching, his devotion, hard work and innovativeness. But more than all this, they are thankful for the confidence he instilled in them.
Kumar laments that not adhering to proper teaching methods have stifled research and development in the country. On the lack of qualified faculty in institutions, he says, “It is imperative to raise the standards of teaching; the profession needs to be elevated in stature making it prestigious and remunerative to attract talent. It is such an irony that parents want the best teachers to help their children become doctors, engineers and MBAs, but not teachers.”
Giving back to society
Kumar says he started the Super 30 to overcome his grief at not being able to attend Cambridge.
But, he says, the initiative has now acquired a new dimension. “I now desire to create infrastructure and facilities that will support children devoid of economic means to pursue any stream of education and not just engineering.” Tall order, isn’t it? Not for Kumar though. “Sincerity is the key. Dedication can overcome all obstacles,” he says, “Super 30 is a standing example.”
What probably adds to Kumar’s confidence is that 90 per cent students of the Super 30 have made efforts to teach others in their villages and cities. Looking at a timeframe of the next 10 years, Kumar intends to gradually increase the Super number to 50 then 100 and eventually 200. He is also looking at harnessing technology and IT to reach out to villages and small towns.
The success of Super 30 students has made a difference not just in the life of these individuals and their families. “It has had a far-reaching effect in the sense that it has changed the mindset of the people and given them hope.” He says 20 years ago a driver would serve to keep his employer happy not just to ensure continuation of the job but also with the hope that one day his son would be gainfully employed with his master.
“Now a rickshawwallah , a vendor or a driver has pitched his hopes higher,” says Kumar. “Having realised the importance of education, they are willing to go to any length to educate their children, including selling their land and belongings. Super 30 ne garib mata aur pita ki umeed jagayi hai [Super 30 has raised the hopes of poor parents].”
In fact, the Kumar effect has percolated to other regions too. Copying his model, institutes have sprung up in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh to coach youngsters free of charge to crack ITI and banking examinations. However, Kumar’s joy is not because of the replication of the Super 30 model. “I feel good that people are making an effort to contribute to the betterment of the have-nots. Their work goes to emphasise that lack of money cannot come in the way of success.”
Super 30:Anand Kumar (Penguin India); Rs. 199.
Kumar intends to gradually increase
the Super number
to 50 then 100
and eventually 200
