The Journey of Kanchan Kumar Rajak
1.Humble Beginnings: Rising from Adversity
Kanchan Kumar Rajak was born in a remote village in Bihar, where poverty was an everyday reality. His family lived in a small hut, struggling even for basic necessities. In a community where survival took precedence over education, pursuing academics was an uphill battle.
Despite these challenges, Kanchan displayed an exceptional passion for learning from an early age. His parents, despite being daily wage laborers, supported his education to the best of their ability. However, the path to knowledge was anything but easy. Every monsoon, devastating floods would submerge his village, cutting off access to roads and schools. Yet, his determination remained unshaken—he often swam through floodwaters just to attend his elementary school.
A turning point in his life came in 1998 when he cleared the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) entrance exam. This opportunity changed his life forever, granting him access to quality education and setting him on a path of transformation. From those humble beginnings, Kanchan went on to achieve remarkable academic and professional milestones, becoming a source of inspiration for many.
2. JNV – A New Horizon of Possibilities
Moving to JNV Kishanganj and later JNV Purnea, Kanchan discovered a world beyond his village. These schools provided him with quality education, exposure to diverse perspectives, and a strong support system. His academic brilliance and curiosity fueled his ambition to aim for higher studies, eventually leading him to one of India’s premier institutes—IIT Kanpur.
3. IIT Kanpur – The Crucible of Growth
Cracking the IIT entrance exam was a monumental achievement, but life at IIT Kanpur came with its own set of challenges. Financial constraints pushed him to seek scholarships and part-time tutoring to support his education. However, Kanchan did not limit himself to academics. He actively engaged in social initiatives, taking leadership roles in Navodaya alumni activities. Some of his key contributions included:
- 2008 Flood Relief Campaign: Organizing aid for Bihar’s flood-affected victims.
- The “School Bag” Initiative: Supporting Navodaya students in national-level competitions like Techkriti.
- Mentorship Programs: Bringing rural students to visit IIT Kanpur and inspiring them to dream big.
4. Corporate Career – Balancing Work and Service
Between 2011 and 2014, Kanchan Kumar Rajak balanced a high-impact engineering role at Reliance with transformative grassroots educational initiatives. From starting schools in labor colonies to guiding students through JEE/NEET across Gujarat, his efforts empowered over 900+ students and strengthened his resolve to uplift communities through education.
5. Urban Chapters of Change: Mentorship, Mumbai & Meaning
After relocating to Navi Mumbai in 2015 to join the Planning team of the Supply & Trade department at Reliance Industries Limited, Kanchan Kumar Rajak seamlessly balanced his corporate responsibilities with deep-rooted social commitment. Moved by the plight of homeless children under Mahape Flyover, he initiated informal evening classes alongside his colleague, later drawing in volunteers and partnering with NGO Pehchaan to help enroll the children in municipal schools. His passion for mentorship further extended to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Palghar, where he delivered motivational sessions and JEE/NEET guidance starting in 2017. Even after joining Deloitte in 2022, he sustained this engagement by leading a multidisciplinary volunteer team during Deloitte’s Impact Day, enriching students’ career awareness and confidence. This phase of his life reflects a strong synergy between professional excellence and community-driven education initiatives.
6. Expanding Horizons – The Moti Bhushan Welfare Foundation
Kanchan’s experience in mentorship and education programs culminated in the establishment of the Moti Bhushan Welfare Foundation, named in honor of his roots. Through this foundation, he focused on:
- Scholarships and financial aid for students from low-income families.
- Skill development programs to equip students with employable skills.
- Mentorship networks connecting professionals with aspiring students.