Education is one of the pillars fundamental to building nations and shaping generations. Yet, historically, factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, race, and gender have limited people from accessing quality education.
Rustom Kerawalla, one of the top pioneering Indian entrepreneurs, recognizes how breaking these educational barriers is critical to unlocking progress and growth opportunities—especially in India due to its large demographic with geographic and socio-economic diversity. The Ampersand Group is founded on this very premise, on his vision of making quality education accessible into a reality.
The Leadership Journey
Rustom’s professional journey began in 2004 when he founded the first VIBGYOR school in Goregaon, Mumbai, with a holistic approach to learning, combining arts, athletics, and academics in order to enable the overall development of students. With 55000 students in 39 schools across 15 cities in 7 states, VIBGYOR Group of Schools is today a leader in the Indian K12 education landscape.
Further, recognising that both education and skill development play a vital role in ensuring the capability and employability of future generations, Rustom Kerawalla founded the Ampersand Group that offers not just K12, or pre-primary educational services but also skill development and livelihood opportunities. Ampersand Group is unique in that it is committed to enabling Equality of Opportunity for young Indians at every step of the Education-To-Work journey. The Ampersand Group offers these services to its B2C, B2B, and B2G stakeholders.
“Rustom’s vision is inclusive, strategically positioned to surmount socio-economic or gender or geographic divides”
Today, the Ampersand Group manages not just a wide network of 39 K12 schools under VIBGYOR Group of Schools, but also works on a multitude of education and skill training projects as a trusted PPP partner of the government.
Ampersand manages the operations of Creches, Balwadis, and Anganwadis under Early Childhood Education. Additionally, Ampersand Group is also an important Technology and Consulting Partner for the government’s skill training programs across India.
The Ed-Tech Revolution
As his edupreneurial journey continued, Rustom recognized that the future of education lies in integrating technology to enhance learning outcomes. Technology, he believes, is pivotal in delivering better outcomes in a country like India, which boasts a large knowledge base and talent pool, albeit with geographic and socio-economic divides.
The world has changed rapidly in recent years, including India. Rustom Kerawalla recognizes the crucial role of education in shaping India’s future and believes that technology will continue to be a powerful tool to ensure every child has access to educational opportunities, regardless of their background.
A Visionary for India’s Educational Future
For modern leaders, anticipating future trends and actively listening to the needs of stakeholders is key. By understanding the ever-changing demands of the market and the aspirations of the next generation, leaders can position their organizations for long-term success.
Rustom Kerawalla’s vision for India’s educational future is inspiring. Through his leadership and innovative approach, he is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential. His passionate advocacy for the cause of human development rests on the foundation of creating equal access to education, skill development, and livelihood opportunities for all.
Holistically Global Approach
VIBGYOR takes a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with technology-driven teaching methods, a strong Sports & Performing Arts (SPA) curriculum, and a focus on students’ overall development. This well-rounded approach resonates with students and parents, helping identify and nurture each child’s unique talents.
In keeping with global best practices, VIBGYOR prepares students with essential 21st-century skills, emphasizing the 5Cs – Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity, and Citizenship. This is achieved through a comprehensive approach that blends STEM education, project-based learning, soft skills development, career counseling, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The schools also prioritize inclusivity, diversity, environmental awareness, and community service, which are key for success in today’s global workforce.
To promote cross-cultural learning, VIBGYOR hosts annual inter-school events like VIBGYOR VIVA, VIBGYOR-MUN, and Student Exchange programs, keeping students engaged with global affairs. The VIBGYOR Career Counselling Cell (VC3) offers personalized sessions for grades VIII–XII—empowering students to make informed career choices in the global education landscape.
Website: https://www.ampersandgroup.in/ |
Industry: Education Administration Programs |
Company size: 10,001+ employees |
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra |
Type: Privately Held |
Founded: 2004 |
Specialties: School Management Services, Education & Skilling, EdTech, E-Commerce, and Advisory & Consulting |