Anand Kumar, the famed Indian educator, is renowned for his revolutionary Super 30 program. This initiative has provided underprivileged students with the opportunity to excel in the IIT-JEE entrance examination, transforming their lives and inspiring millions. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of this inspirational figure.

Biography/Wiki

Anand Kumar was born on January 1, 1973, in Patna, Bihar, India. Growing up in a middle-class family, he attended a government school. His passion for mathematics led him to establish the “Ramanujan School of Mathematics” club. His Super 30 program gained national and international recognition after being featured on the Discovery Channel in 2009. Despite numerous offers for financial assistance, he continues to run Super 30 independently.

Family & Children

Anand Kumar hails from a middle-class Hindu family. His father worked as a clerk in the Indian Postal Department, and his mother, Jayanti Devi, supported the family by making papad after his father’s passing. He has a younger brother, Pranav Kumar, a violinist. He is married to Ritu Kumar, an alumna of IIT Roorkee, and they have a son, Jagat Kumar.

Career

Following his father’s death, Anand assisted his mother with her papad business. However, his dedication to mathematics remained unwavering. In 1992, he started a coaching center alongside his mathematics club. Within three years, the center expanded to nearly 500 students. In 2002, he launched Super 30, a program providing free coaching, food, and accommodation to 30 underprivileged students preparing for the IIT-JEE. This initiative revolutionized access to quality education for deserving students.

Awards & Recognitions

Anand Kumar’s exceptional work has garnered significant recognition. His story has been featured in The New York Times, and he’s been the subject of documentaries. He’s received numerous accolades, including the Ramanujan Mathematics Award and the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Shiksha Puraskar. A biography about his life, titled “Super 30,” has also been published.

• Ramanujan Mathematics Award
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Shiksha Puraskar
• Padma Shri Award
• UAE Golden Visa

In 2023, he received the prestigious Padma Shri award, and in 2024 he was honored with the UAE Golden Visa.

Controversy

In 2018, allegations of exaggeration regarding Super 30’s success rate surfaced. Some students claimed inflated success figures and alleged redirection to a fee-charging institute. Anand Kumar refuted these claims, viewing them as an attempt to damage Super 30’s reputation. The matter involved legal proceedings, culminating in a court appearance and financial compensation to the accusing parties.

Facts

Anand Kumar’s dedication to mathematics started early. He secured admission to Cambridge and Sheffield universities in 1994 but could not attend due to financial constraints. His passion led him to travel to Varanasi to access necessary research materials. The concept of Super 30 originated from his desire to help a financially struggling student.