Another feather in Anand Kumar’s cap! A Japanese magazine praises the journey of the founder of Super 30 | Today’s news
Japan’s PRESIDENT magazine profiled Super 30 founder Anand Kumar’s journey from a financially strapped childhood in Patna to building an education initiative with global ambitions.
In a two-part article, the publication described his digital initiative Super Infinity as more than just an online tutoring service, calling it a global education movement aimed at reducing children’s fear of math and promoting independent thinking, according to ANI.
The magazine followed Kumar’s early interest in mathematics, his inability to study at Cambridge University due to financial difficulties, and his subsequent efforts to make quality education available to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She also highlighted the work of Super 30, a program through which Kumar prepared underprivileged students for the entrance exams of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). To familiarize Japanese readers with the institutions, the publication compared the academic standing of the IITs with the University of Tokyo.
How Anand Kumar uses storytelling to teach mathematics
The PRESIDENT feature highlighted Kumar’s teaching methods, particularly his use of stories and fictional characters “Bholu” and “Ricky” to explain complex mathematical concepts.
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His approach seeks to make the subject easier to understand while helping students overcome their fears about mathematics. The magazine noted that these methods have been particularly useful in teaching children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who often have limited access to quality educational resources.
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The publication also discussed how Super Infinity intends to expand this learning approach beyond India through free online learning content. Plans to introduce Japanese versions of its educational videos have also been highlighted, potentially making the lessons accessible to students in Japan.
Who is Anand Kumar?
Kumar was born in Patna, Bihar on 1 January 1973. His father, Rajendra Prasad, worked as a clerk in the postal department and had limited financial means. However, he strongly believed that education could help people overcome poverty and achieve independence.
The family lived in a modest, dilapidated house with only one and a half rooms, located near the railway line. Passing trains often shook the house, causing household utensils to rattle and dust to fall from the ceiling.
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Growing up in these conditions, Kumar developed a strong interest in mathematics. While other children played in the neighborhood, he spent most of his time studying at a small wooden table. The constant noise of the trains gradually became something he learned to ignore as he concentrated on numbers and math problems.
His academic interest eventually opened up the possibility of studying at Cambridge University. However, his family’s financial circumstances prevented him from taking advantage of the opportunity.
Unable to pursue his own overseas academic ambitions, Kumar turned to teaching and helping students who faced financial barriers to a quality education.
How Super 30 brought IIT dreams within reach
Kumar further founded Super 30, a program that prepares academically talented students from economically weaker sections for admission to IITs.
The initiative offers free coaching, accommodation and board to selected students, enabling them to prepare for competitive entrance exams without incurring the costs associated with private coaching.
Super 30 subsequently gained recognition for helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds secure seats in some of India’s most sought-after engineering institutions.
Kumar’s journey also became the subject of the Hindi film Super 30, starring Hrithik Roshan.
His latest initiative, Super Infinity, seeks to extend the reach of his teaching methods through digital education. It aims to make mathematics accessible to children in different countries and encourages them to approach the subject with confidence, not fear.
The Japanese magazine’s feature places Kumar’s latest venture in the context of his earlier work, which began by helping a small group of underprivileged students gain admission to IITs and has since expanded to reach students outside India.