Captain Mukul Mahendru, a seasoned mariner with a Master’s degree in both Physics and the Marine field, has seamlessly transitioned from navigating the world’s oceans to steering the future of early education in India. His remarkable journey is the foundation of The Poly Kids, an educational institution he founded in 2005. Having served in the Merchant Navy from 1989 to 2005, he was awarded “Best Master (Captain) of The Year” by Good Earth Maritime. This global exposure ignited a passion to address the lack of quality education he observed in India.
The Poly Kids was born from this desire to create a meaningful impact. The name, “POLY,” an acronym for Playful, Outshining, Learning Younglings, encapsulates his philosophy. The institution began with just five children in 2005 and quickly grew, a testament to the quality of education and parental support. The franchise operation, launched in 2009, was a strategic move to overcome early challenges and expand the reach of quality education.
Vision for 1 Million Students
Capt. Mahendru’s vision extends far beyond his current 35 branches across seven states. He aims to make The Poly Kids a role model for pre- and primary-school education in India, with the ambitious goal of educating one million students. This vision is not just about numbers; it’s about creating a “rock-solid foundation for learning” by providing a comprehensive program that nurtures a child’s holistic development. He views his franchisees as partners in this journey, actively seeking new associates to expand The Poly Kids’ footprint. His personal experiences, including having to return to sea briefly to meet financial demands during expansion, have only strengthened his resolve. He advises those starting out to have “patience and dedication,” likening challenges to “bad weather days in ocean voyages.”
Awards and Accolades
Under Capt. Mahendru’s leadership, The Poly Kids has garnered numerous prestigious awards. These honors reflect the institute’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Key awards include:
- 2016: Awarded No. 1 in Innovative Teaching in Uttarakhand by Education Today.
- 2018: Capt. Mukul Mahendru was conferred with the Bharat Shiksha Ratan Award.
- 2019: Awarded Asia’s Finest Educator. The Poly Kids was also awarded the Dainik Jagran award for Excellence in Preschool Education by the Honourable Ms. Baby Rani Maurya, the Governor of Uttarakhand.
- 2021: Honored with the Uttarakhand Ratan Award.
- 2022: Received the Bhartiya Gyan Ratna Award for Best Pre-School Chain and was ranked No. 1 in Dehradun and Uttarakhand by Education Today.
- 2024: Ranked No. 1 in Uttarakhand under the Top 20 Preschool Category by Education Today.
These achievements underscore Capt. Mahendru’s relentless pursuit of educational excellence and his significant contribution to shaping the future of young learners in India.
