An Interview with Ajay Gupta, CEO of Bachpan Play School

An interview with Ajay Gupta, CEO of Bachpan Play School, an excellent institute for young children

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Ajay Gupta, the visionary CEO of Bachpan Play School. With a commitment to fostering creativity and holistic development in young children, Gupta shares his insights on the importance of early education and the innovative approaches that set Bachpan apart.

What inspired you to start Bachpan Play School, and what was your vision when you first launched the institution?

Ajay Gupta: It may seem unexpected, but the inspiration behind founding Bachpan Play School in 2004 came from a deeply personal experience concerning my three-year-old daughter.

At the time, as a father earnestly searching for a preschool that could offer more than basic childcare, I encountered a glaring gap in early childhood education.

Most institutions functioned more as day-care centres than as structured learning environments, despite the well-established fact that over 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of six.

I wasn’t merely looking for a safe place for my child, but I was seeking a space that honoured the immense potential of those formative years through a well-researched, systematic curriculum and a stimulating, nurturing atmosphere.

When I couldn’t find what I envisioned, I decided to build it. And not just for my daughter, but for millions of children across the country.

How do you ensure that the curriculum at Bachpan Play School is both engaging and educational for young children?

Ajay Gupta: At Bachpan Play School, we ensure that our curriculum strikes the right balance between engagement and education by following a structured yet child-centric approach.

Guided by the NEP 2020 and NCF-FS 2022, our SPROUT Curriculum is designed through 35k+ hours of rigorous research to support the natural growth of young minds, just as sprouts thrive with the right nurturing.

We focus on holistic development, blending foundational learning with creative, sensory, and play-based experiences. Children learn through SILK activities, which encourage sensory, intellectual, and linguistic growth.

Technology is also thoughtfully integrated, and we actively involve parents and the broader community to create a strong support system around each child.

This entire ecosystem ensures that learning is not confined to the classroom but becomes a continuous, joyful journey of discovery.

What role do you believe play-based learning plays in a child’s development, and how is this integrated into your schools?

Ajay Gupta: The importance of play-based learning in a child’s development is immense, far beyond what we can fully quantify even today.

What we do know, with certainty, is that children learn best when they are engaged, curious, and free to explore, and play is the most natural medium for that exploration.

It is therefore the responsibility of every preschool to embed play meaningfully into a child’s educational journey.

At Bachpan Play School, play-based learning is not an add-on. Instead, it is at the heart of our approach.

We have over 250 innovative teaching-learning materials (TLMs) for every concept, including puppets, masks, traffic lights, and other hands-on aids that make abstract concepts tangible and memorable for children.

These tools not only capture a child’s attention but also enhance retention and conceptual understanding through active engagement.

We also bring play-based learning to life through specialised Concept Rooms such as the Doll Room, Ball Room, Dining Room, and AV Room, each designed to nurture different aspects of a child’s development and tap into multiple intelligences.

These immersive environments allow children to interact, imagine, and internalise knowledge through experience, making learning both joyful and deeply impactful.

As the founder, what challenges did you face in the initial stages of establishing Bachpan Play School, and how did you overcome them?

Ajay Gupta: One of the most significant challenges we faced in the early stages of establishing Bachpan Play School was the lack of awareness around the importance of early childhood education.

Today, with the support of policies like the National Education Policy (NEP), parents are increasingly recognising the foundational role that preschool plays in a child’s long-term development. But in the 2000s, when we began, we were essentially building from ground zero.

We had to engage deeply with parents and stakeholders to communicate a vision, one that emphasised that preschool is not merely a place for care, but a powerful platform to shape a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. It required persistence, patience, and a strong, consistent belief in the value of what we were creating.

Over time, this dedication translated into trust, and that trust laid the foundation for a network that today spans over 1200+ preschools, with lakhs of children having experienced the Bachpan model of early learning. The journey was far from easy, but our purpose kept us moving forward.

How do you select and train the educators and staff at Bachpan Play School to ensure they align with your educational values?

Ajay Gupta: At Bachpan Play School, selecting the right educators and staff goes far beyond checking qualifications and experience. Those are merely the starting point.

What we truly seek are individuals who genuinely love working with children and are passionate about early childhood education.

We understand that when parents choose Bachpan, they are placing their trust in us not only for their child’s learning, but also for their safety, emotional well-being, and holistic development. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously.

To ensure the highest standards, we hire only from verified and credible backgrounds, and we invest heavily in continuous training and professional development.

Through structured initiatives like EduFresh Advantage, the School Leaders Summit (SLS), and the Training Café, we engage both teaching and non-teaching staff in year-round capacity building.

These programs are primarily designed to ensure that every member of our team truly embodies the values and vision that Bachpan stands for.

Can you discuss any innovative programs or initiatives that Bachpan Play School has introduced recently?

Ajay Gupta: At Bachpan Play School, innovation is integral to our philosophy of early childhood education. One of our most impactful recent initiatives has been the launch of the SPROUT Curriculum, as mentioned earlier.

In addition to curriculum development, we have also introduced innovative programs such as the AHPS-Bachpan Competition of Dance (ABCD) and Bachpan Olympiads, which aim to generate curiosity, celebrate talent, and provide children with early exposure to healthy competition and self-expression. These initiatives help instil confidence, creativity, and a sense of achievement in our young learners.

Beyond academics, we are actively working towards global expansion, with the vision of building a worldwide community of learners.

As we nurture future global citizens, our goal is to provide them with platforms and experiences that transcend borders and inspire lifelong learning.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the field of education, particularly in early childhood education?

Ajay Gupta: My foremost advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the field of early childhood education is to recognise the profound responsibility that comes with the opportunity.

While education can certainly offer strong returns, it is not merely a business venture. It is a commitment to shaping the minds, values, and futures of the next generation.

Early childhood education, in particular, is deeply impactful. It is during these foundational years that children form the cognitive, emotional, and social frameworks that will guide them for life.

As such, this field requires passion, patience, empathy, and a deep respect for the developmental needs of young children.

To those who wish to enter this space, I urge you to do so with the intent to make a lasting difference. When your mission is rooted in purpose and driven by integrity, success will follow not only in numbers but also in the lives you touch.

As we conclude our conversation, Ajay Gupta’s passion for nurturing young minds shines through. His dedication to creating a vibrant learning environment at Bachpan Play School exemplifies the transformative power of early education, inspiring parents and educators alike to prioritize the growth and development of the next generation.

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