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Meet Ranjan Mistry | The 21-Year Old Bringing A Difference To Rural Bihar

A few years ago Ranjan did not know what a startup meant. The young 21-year old man from Paharpur, Bihar, speaks about always having the drive to do something above and beyond what is expected of him. In the process, he did not achieve what was expected of him, but he excelled in his field and did so with style. 

Speaking with stuMagz in chaste Hindi that made us wish we could speak as well as him, Ranjan speaks about his journey so far, and the reasons behind the decisions he's taken in life, as well as the challenges faced.

"It is funny really, now that you think about it," smiles Ranjan, "I dropped out of college because I felt that they were wasting my time, and I knew I wanted to do something special. And now, I've taken it upon myself to ensure children study well and complete their education." 

After experiencing the unfairness of admissions into a premier institution, Ranjan realised how unfair the system was, especially for someone like him who had the talent and the means, but no opportunity. He transformed this into an opportunity to teach kids from rural Bihar so they aren't as disadvantaged as other regular kids are from the same backgrounds.

If there was ever a word to describe Ranjan, it would be 'self-taught'. He began teaching kids about programming and programming languages without ever having attended a single class himself, "I've already had experience teaching kids back when I myself was in school, and I carried that here. I've taught myself the programming languages I know," he says, before elaborating  "the biggest challenge Bihar faces is negative perception. This has to change for Bihar to grow, and I will continue fighting against it."

To combat Bihar's negative perception, Mistry also launched 'Startup City', where 17 startups working in various fields out of Bihar could collaborate, build a future together with a proper ecosystem." 

"Plant Eco Circle, I would say, is a for profit NGO," he clarifies, on being asked about it, "We tackle environmental issues of the country. As a matter of fact this June 5, we're organising an event where participants will plant trees," June 5 is celebrated worldwide as the World Environment Day. 

Ranjan goes on to talk about the challenges faced by them when it comes to educating children in rural Bihar, "It is extremely hard to come by good teachers, or teachers at all, for that matter. We are also almost always short on funding, and we are in requirement of new laptops so we can teach children. The nature of this area," he continues, speaking about areas hit with Naxalism, "it is difficult for someone to accept a position here." 

When we asked Ranjan what his advice to students who want to break out and make their own path would be, he laughed and said, "It's simple, if you think you are capable of providing a job and stable income to at least 5 to 6 people, and can make a positive impact on people's lives, then I think you are wasting your time in a job, and you should become an entrepreneur. It is a big responsibility, and nobody ever said it is easy, but don't forget that until last year I didn't even know that one has to register a company first. It's all the matter of what you are confident in what you can do, and of course, you can do it. So go ahead and make your own path, because if there is one thing India needs the most right now, is more entrepreneurs."

We wish Ranjan all the best for his future endaevours. 

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