Biography of Chenraj Roychand: Indian Educationist, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Biography of Chenraj Roychand:
Chenraj Roychand’s Background
Chenraj Roychand, born on July 7, 1961, is a distinguished
Indian educationist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is well-known as the
founder of the Jain Group and has served as the Chancellor of Jain University
since 1990.
Chenraj Roychand’s Inspiring Journey
Chenraj Roychand's remarkable journey from earning Rs 50 a
month as a salesman to becoming a leading entrepreneur is a story of
exponential growth and a deep appreciation for education. With over 39 years of
experience, Roychand is the founder and chairman of the Jain Group, a prominent
name in India’s education sector.
Vision and Impact in Education
Roychand’s vision to foster a culture of educational
excellence has led to the establishment of several successful institutions.
Under his leadership, the Jain Group has grown to include JAIN (Deemed-to-be
University), Jain Colleges, Jain International Residential School, Jain
Heritage Schools, Jain Public Schools, and Jain Toddlers. His commitment to
education has had a significant impact, shaping the futures of thousands of
students.
Establishment of Jain University
In 1990, Roychand founded the Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain
College in Bangalore, which has since become one of the city’s most prestigious
educational institutions. Over the next twenty years, he expanded his
educational vision by establishing numerous schools and colleges across India.
Jain (Deemed-to-be University) was recognized as a Deemed University under the
University Grants Commission Act, 1956, reflecting its significant contribution
to higher education in the country.
Biography of Chenraj Roychand: Indian Educationist, Entrepreneur, & Philanthropist/Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College/BlockchainNext OU/success story
Establishment of the Chenraj Roychand Center for Entrepreneurship
In 2001, Chenraj Roychand established the Chenraj Roychand
Center for Entrepreneurship with a vision to empower both rural and urban
communities. The center aims to create a supportive ecosystem for nurturing
successful social entrepreneurs. Drawing from his own early experiences as an
entrepreneur, Roychand leverages his expertise to identify and cultivate
passionate individuals who are capable of driving significant growth. His goal
is to foster an environment where creative minds can flourish and make a
meaningful impact.
Incubation and Training
Since its inception, the Chenraj Roychand Center for
Entrepreneurship has successfully incubated 50 companies. The center provides
comprehensive training to these companies, helping them identify viable ideas,
understand high-tech markets, and develop emerging technologies. By offering
guidance and resources, the center prepares these startups to navigate complex
challenges and achieve their goals. This hands-on approach ensures that the
entrepreneurs are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their
respective fields.
BlockchainNext OU and Innovative Programs
Chenraj Roychand’s latest entrepreneurial venture is
BlockchainNext OU, a registered company based in Estonia, Europe.
BlockchainNext is designed to create a unified framework for connecting both
current and future blockchains. Additionally, Roychand has developed a unique
two-year program that integrates both academic and practical elements of
entrepreneurship. This program covers various aspects such as enterprise
development, capital formation, policy creation, product analysis, and
strategic planning. He also plans to establish 20-25 sports schools across
India.
Inspirational Influences and Ongoing Contributions
Inspired by Swami Vivekananda and Dhirubhai Ambani,
Roychand’s approach to education is based on the belief that knowledge is
essential for empowering individuals. This philosophy guided him when he
founded Jain College in 1990. Today, the Jain Group operates 77 educational institutions
with over 85,000 students from 13 countries and employs 6,500 staff across 64
campuses nationwide.
Upcoming Engagement
Roychand will be a speaker at Techspectations, Kerala’s
premier digital marketing summit organized by Manorama Online. This event will
showcase top tech influencers, brands, storytellers, and start-ups,
highlighting the significant role of leaders like Roychand in driving
innovation and education.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Chenraj Roychand has ambitious plans for the
center. He aims to create 500 new entrepreneurs within the next five years.
This goal reflects his commitment to expanding the center’s reach and
furthering its mission of fostering entrepreneurial success. By scaling its
operations and continuing to support emerging entrepreneurs, the center seeks
to drive substantial growth and innovation in various sectors.
Philanthropic Efforts and Educational Impact
Roychand is a dedicated philanthropist, demonstrated by his
initiation of Jain Vidyaniketan in Kanakapura, Karnataka. This school provides
free education and full facilities to children from 180 underserved villages,
with an annual budget of ₹35 million. To date, over 8,000 students have
benefited from this free education initiative. Roychand’s involvement in such
welfare-driven projects reflects his commitment to making a meaningful impact
in the community.
Chenraj Roychand's Commitment to Giving Back
Chenraj Roychand is deeply committed to giving back to
society and fostering entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. His dedication
extends beyond his own ventures as he leads several angel-investing firms that
support emerging entrepreneurs. Roychand's entrepreneurial journey began in
1982 with the establishment of 800 retail outlets, which required relatively
modest investment. This venture, known today as "Bits" showrooms, has
grown significantly, with over 30,000 shops now operating under the same
concept. His early success laid a strong foundation for his continued impact in
the business world.
Mentoring and Incubation Achievements
Roychand’s contributions to entrepreneurship go beyond his
own ventures. He has played a pivotal role in mentoring more than 3,000
students and incubating 56 companies. His extensive experience and supportive
approach have helped many young entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of
starting and growing their businesses. T. V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal
Global Education, praises Roychand as “the Indian version of an angel
investor,” highlighting his unique mentorship style that treats ventures as
family businesses and integrates entrepreneurs into a supportive network.
Roychand’s Mentorship Approach
T. V. Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal Global Education,
highlights Chenraj Roychand’s unique approach to mentorship. Pai likens
Roychand to an “Indian version of an angel investor,” noting that his
mentorship is characterized by a deep personal connection rather than a focus
on high returns and rapid growth. Roychand’s model treats entrepreneurial
ventures as a family business, where the mentor’s support and guidance are as
important as the financial investment. This personalized approach fosters a
nurturing environment that encourages entrepreneurs to thrive.
