In a world where education is often seen as a one-size-fits-all solution, Jitendra Karsan, Chairman of Safari Kid Preschool & Daycare, India, is challenging the status quo. With over 25 years of experience across technology, advertising, and education, he has embarked on a mission to redefine early childhood education in India. His journey is not just about building a business but about creating a nurturing ecosystem that sparks curiosity, ignites creativity, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
From Advertising to Education: A Journey Of Purpose
Jitendra Karsan’s professional trajectory is as diverse as it is impressive. After earning an MBA in IT Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, he founded Computer Canvas, a company specializing in multimedia and interactive solutions. Later, he transitioned into advertising, leading digital and online initiatives at Inter Publicity, where he worked with leading brands across sectors.
However, in 2013, Mr. Jitendra shifted his focus to education. The inspiration came from two defining moments: a desire for better work-life balance as his family grew, and the realization that his daughter was struggling in preschool despite attending a reputed institution. “I noticed a lack of early intervention and support in her learning journey,” he recalls. “This personal experience motivated me to explore how I could make a meaningful impact in the education sector.”
The Genesis of Safari Kid
Most preschools in India are attached to K-12 schools, with infrastructure not exclusively designed for young children. This can lead to parents feeling pressured to commit to a particular school early on, potentially overlooking the unique developmental needs of their children.
Safari Kid was designed to fill this void. The preschool offers a unique blend of global best practices and personalized learning, catering to the holistic development of children. In Mr. Jitendra’s words, “Our curriculum is a fusion of classical Western philosophies like Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, combined with time-tested Indian learning traditions.”
What Sets Safari Kid Apart?
Safari Kid’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) lies in its ‘Whole Child’ approach. While cognitive development—including STEM subjects and literacy—is a priority, the curriculum also emphasizes life skills and physical, social, and emotional growth. “We believe education goes beyond academics, and our goal is to prepare children not just for school, but for life.”
Key differentiators include:
Small teacher-student ratios to ensure personalized attention
A curriculum designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
State-of-the-art facilities tailored to the safety and developmental needs of young children
Overcoming Challenges, Lessons Learned
“Building Safari Kid wasn’t easy, but it was worth it,” reflects Mr. Jitendra. “Initially, we faced challenges in understanding the economic nuances of running a preschool and connecting with our ideal audience.” To overcome these hurdles, the team launched a pilot school, which ran for two years. This allowed them to refine their offerings and tailor them to meet the needs of discerning parents.
A pivotal moment came during a summer camp program in Bandra. “We were thrilled to see a large group of parents enroll their children and truly connect with our teaching methods. They appreciated the quality of our programs and felt that our pricing reflected the value we delivered.” This breakthrough moment helped shape the growth strategy and propel Safari Kid forward.
Milestones and Achievements
Since its inception, Safari Kid India has achieved several significant milestones:
Expansion to multiple centers across the country
Recognition as a globally trusted brand in early childhood education
A loyal parent community that values the preschool’s holistic approach
The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact
As Mr. Jitendra looks to the future, he sees Safari Kid emerging as a pioneer in early childhood education. “We’re eager to partner with like-minded individuals who share our passion for education, innovation, and nurturing young minds,” he says. The company’s ambitious growth plan includes expanding by at least 10 schools every year, with a goal of reaching 70-80 centers across India within the next five years.
“Our initiatives are centered on creating a lasting legacy of transformative early learning,” Mr. Jitendra adds. “We want to strengthen our reputation as a globally recognized brand dedicated to excellence and innovation in early childhood education.”
Call-to-Action:
To learn more about Safari Kid Preschool & Daycare, visit their official website or connect with them on LinkedIn. You can also follow Jitendra Karsan’s journey and insights on his personal LinkedIn profile. Join the movement and be part of a revolution in early childhood education!
