MBA from IIM-A, still he found true happiness in teaching children


Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network 

Aug 10: A MBA degree from IIM Ahemdabad is in the wish list of many ambitious youngsters as it is considered as a passport to a successful career. Imagine, you come across someone who has this degree but shuns it all, including a well paid job within eight months of joining the corporate sector in order to do something that gave him real satisfaction. Yes, Ravi Gulati, who graduated from IIM-A gave up his lucrative career because he was not happy with what he was doing. He left his job in Canada and came back to India and began to teach underprivileged children, drop outs children of government schools and even mentally challenged children and children of barbers, maids, drivers etc. 

Though he wanted to work in a rural area he was compelled to stay back as two poor children of his locality were in need of tuitions from him. He then realized teaching children is what he liked the most. From two children to start with the number grew to 20 thus laying a strong foundation for “Manzil”. Ravi was teaching these children from his home in Khan’s market in New Delhi, which slowly became a home cum school for his students. 


Manzil, which Ravi Gulati started with his mother Dr Geetha Chopra, in 1996 is a non-profit organization providing succor to youth belonging to the deprived sections of the society. Through Manzil Ravi helps them to become independent by teaching them to learn, teach, be creative and see the world in an entirely new perspective. The work he does gives him real happiness and that really made the difference to Ravi. While teaching these children he realized that working in urban India is as important as in rural India because ultimately it benefits the society. As a teacher he does not want to don the role of a teacher alone but a mentor and guide as well. Initially Ravi used to teach only English and Mathematics to a few students. When their numbers began to swell they made an arrangement where old students were required to teach the new ones. Ravi says he wants his students to be teachers first so that they learn better in the process of teaching. “In my class every student is a teacher and every teacher is a student. These role reversals has been the hallmark of our organization”, Ravi declares. 

Apart from providing curriculum based education Manzil encourages its students to think creatively and positively. The students of Manzil are provided mentorship, guidance, counseling and an active involvement in productive work. Ravi believes that this training would help the students to allay negative thoughts beseeching them. Rather he wants to encourage them to thin and concentrate on important issues such as education, values, attitudes, health care discipline and the environment around them. 

The children of Manzil numbering more than 150 are happy that they are living in a new milieu where they are encouraged to think independently and are treated like individuals. Manzil also encourages them to take part in various events – cultural, social and other explorative actions that helps develop their personality. Children also visit trade faires, book fairs, exhibitions and other cultural centers to broaden their outlook. 

In return Ravi does not expect anything from these children whom he helps to become good human beings and successful people in their own little ways. “I don’t expect the kids to pay me back but pay it forward”. He feels there is nothing unusual in what he has been doing. “I am doing what I want to do, what I like to do. The work I am doing now gives me complete satisfaction and that is what matters to me”, Ravi says as a matter of fact. At the same time he clearly makes a different between doing a job that makes you happy and a job that benefits the society at large. 

Apart from the home turned learning centre at Khan Market there is another centre of Manzil at Kotla Mubarakapuar, a slum area. This centre which has more than 50 students aged 2-5 concentrates basically on providing preschool education, adult education and counseling for parents. The children are taught to pre-writing and pre-math concepts in a methodical manner so that they get a very good foundation. Children are provided activities aimed at physical, intellectual and creative growth. Ravi’s major concern has been the growing inequality in education between public and private schools. He is also concerned about the present education system which he feels harms them killing the very spirit of asking questions. 

The initiative to adult education includes teaching basic reading and writing skills and mathematics skills to youth aged 15-25. They are also taught self-employment skills like tailoring, embroidery etc., so that they can have many avenues for income generation. Apart from training in different spheres of life counseling is provided for normal and mentally challenged children. Manzil also assists these students in securing decent jobs and some children have succeeded in getting jobs beyond their expectations. Manzil is being funded by Ravi Galati and his family and some friends chip in with financial support every now and then. Occasionally it gets some funding from other institutions. 

It is indeed heartening to note that we have amidst us youngsters like Ravi Gulati who are in search of satisfaction from doing things that are helpful society. It is also very satisfying to note that Ravi’s family is fully supporting him and is also backing him in his mission of helping the society. We in India are definitely in need of more people like him and not some filthy rich who flagrantly exhibit their wealth by building a 27-storey residence for themselves. 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Cyril Dsouza, Mumbai

    Sat, Aug 23 2014

    My personal salute to you Ravi and a hug

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Bharath, Chennai

    Mon, Aug 11 2014

    No words, bcz I couldn't even think of coming out of my own comfortable zone and to do something great with my life..but you did it..simply Great :)

    DisAgree Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Harsh, Pune

    Mon, Aug 11 2014

    Great work, since you are from Delhi please don't ever think of joining AAP-))

    DisAgree [4] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • sid, mangalore

    Mon, Aug 11 2014

    bollywood actors dont deserve padmashree .... atleast not all of them . People like Ravi do !

    DisAgree Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tony Fernandes, San Francisco/Udupi

    Mon, Aug 11 2014

    Mr. Ravi Gulati & persons like him should be nominated to upper house of Parliament in place of Tendulkar and awarded Bharata Rathna in Place of politicians like ABV

    DisAgree [1] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rajendran, kerala ernakulam

    Mon, Aug 11 2014

    Salute to you of course because you have found real peace in life..At least those children will pay back to this society one day,thus slowly but surely expanding the club.
    being in Defence and at lowest levels in terms of power,remuneration and freedom,i have restrictions to join your way right now...but i promise, i too will do a bit for our society.

    Jai hind.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • santoshprabhu, india

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    well appreciated job. but i want to comment on a slogan on t shirt worn by the girl. if that is your attitude no amount of education will show you the right path

    DisAgree [23] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashish, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    hahah... chill brother... But noticed well

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anand, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    @santhoshprabhu : staring at womens T SHIRTS and reading slogans may not be the right path for you too.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • santoshprabhu, india

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    a picture is worth a thousand words. I always observe the picture keenly to identify nuances

    DisAgree [10] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • stan, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    C'mon now...pl. be a sport...the poor girl seems to be a normal child like any other...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • santoshprabhu, india

    Mon, Aug 11 2014

    its not criticism. its advice from her brother (me)

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • puttur gururaj, kallianpur/dubai

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    Ultimately it is these kind of people who gain full marks in the exam conducted by God.

    DisAgree Agree [37] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    Manzil is GENUINE ...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashish, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    Truly inspired Sir...

    great mindset.. Masha Allah

    DisAgree Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • francis lobo , mangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    Please read the book " I have a Dream" Rashmi Bansal where you will find more Ravi Gulati who left their lucrative careers for the welfare of people and nation

    DisAgree Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • jamil ahmed, udupi/qatar

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    One should recollect the smile they have and keeping themselves satisfied with what they have given to society. A great satisfaction is noted here after getting qualified from a premium institute.

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Irshad, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    Perfect example for Job satisfaction. Hope some of us get inspiration from you...!
    Hats off to you dude...!!!

    DisAgree Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jacintha, middle east

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    Gives inspiration and hope in the prevailing atmosphere around the world and in our country.

    Ravi - IIM - Canada - Khan Market - Manzil - Underprivileged : key words for google search.

    DisAgree Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • Achhu, Mlore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    May god grant him long and happy life.
    I salute you sir.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [53] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, mlore

    Sun, Aug 10 2014

    hats off sir !! Inspiration for all of us..

    DisAgree Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse


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