An exclusive interview with Shreya Parekh, Founder of InsightGyan Institute

Shaping Futures, Inspiring Success: An Exclusive Conversation with Shreya Parekh Founder, InsightGyan Institute

1. Every successful venture begins with a dream. What inspired you to establish your coaching institute, and what was the vision behind its foundation?

Although I completed my Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, I always knew my true passion was teaching. During my college years, I volunteered with an NGO every weekend, teaching underprivileged children. Those experiences changed my perspective. I realized education is not just about textbooks or examinations—it is about building confidence, creating opportunities, and helping children believe in themselves.

In 2018, I founded InsightGyan Institute with a simple vision: to create a learning environment where every student feels heard, respected, and supported. I never wanted to build just another coaching institute focused only on marks. I wanted to build a place where students could ask questions without fear, receive individual attention, and grow into confident, responsible human beings.

2. The education sector is highly competitive. What distinguishes your coaching institute from others, and what core values define your institution?

Our biggest strength is the relationship we build with our students. We intentionally keep batches small because every child learns differently. Students are not just names in an attendance register—they become part of our extended family. Many of them trust us enough to share not only academic difficulties but also personal and emotional challenges.

We are proud of our consistent academic results, with many students scoring above 90% in board examinations, several achieving 90+ percentiles in MHT CET, and one student securing an All India Rank. At the same time, we celebrate every improvement. A student moving from 40% to 70% is as important to us as a topper. We believe every child should compete with their own potential, not with someone else.

3. Students today face increasing academic pressure and career uncertainty. How does your institute support them beyond classroom learning?

We believe education should prepare students for life, not just examinations. Along with regular academics, we organize career counselling sessions, practical workshops, science experiments, educational trips, and interactive activities. I have also been invited by various schools to conduct guidance sessions on exam preparation, study techniques, stress management, and school-level scholarship examinations.

We encourage sports, hobbies, and time management because a balanced student learns better. In the coming years, I also plan to introduce certified skill-based courses that help students develop practical life skills alongside academic excellence.

4. Technology is reshaping education rapidly. How have digital learning tools, AI, and innovative teaching methods influenced your coaching model?

We use AI to simplify lesson planning, study material preparation, assessments, and administrative work so our teachers can spend more time mentoring students. However, I also believe technology should remain a tool, not a replacement for human interaction. Excessive screen exposure is not healthy. Books, discussions, practical learning, and meaningful teacher-student relationships will always remain at the heart of quality education.

5. Every educator treasures student success stories. Could you share one memorable achievement that reaffirmed your passion for teaching?

Every student has a unique story, but two experiences will always stay close to my heart. One student came to us after being refused admission elsewhere because he struggled even to read and write. With patience and consistent guidance, he passed Class 10. We later guided him towards an ITI in Mechanical, where he is now happily building his career.

Another student had spent years being labelled as "weak" and "dumb." When he joined us, he told us that for the first time he felt comfortable learning because no one judged him for asking questions. Today, he performs well academically, but more importantly, he believes in himself. For me, that transformation is a far greater achievement than any score on a report card.

6. Building an educational institution comes with challenges. What were the biggest obstacles you encountered, and what lessons did they teach you as an entrepreneur?

Like every entrepreneur, I have faced difficult days. Competition is intense, admissions require continuous effort, and managing finances while maintaining quality education is challenging. Yet every time I walk into a classroom and see my students learning with confidence, my purpose becomes clear again.

I have learned that trust cannot be built through advertisements. It is earned through honesty, consistency, and genuine care. I believe that when your intentions are right and you continue doing good work, success eventually follows.

7. Academic excellence is important, but life skills matter equally. What qualities do you believe every student should develop to succeed in today's world?

Discipline, empathy, communication, adaptability, and respect are just as important as academic knowledge. During one picnic, we were asked to make our driver eat separately even though we had paid for his meal. I politely refused because I wanted my students to understand that every profession deserves equal dignity and respect. Children learn more from what we do than from what we say.

8. A coaching institute is only as strong as its educators. How do you build, motivate, and retain a team of passionate teachers?

I trust my teachers. Every faculty member is an expert in their subject, so they have the freedom to decide the best teaching methods. We discuss ideas, share responsibility, and continuously learn together. When teachers feel respected and empowered, students naturally receive a better learning experience.

9. Parents often struggle to choose the right coaching institute. What advice would you offer them when making this important decision?

Choose an institute for its teaching culture, not its advertisements. Meet the teachers, understand their approach, and see whether your child will receive genuine individual attention. A good institute should build confidence, curiosity, discipline, and values—not just examination scores.

10. Looking ahead, what are your future goals for your institute, and how do you envision the future of education over the next five to ten years?

My dream is to make InsightGyan Institute a place where education meets life. I want to introduce certified life-skill courses, expand career guidance initiatives, and continue experiential learning through workshops and activities.
I believe AI will become an important part of education, but it will never replace a teacher who inspires, understands, and genuinely cares. If our students remember us not only for helping them score well but for helping them become kind, confident, and responsible human beings, I will consider our mission successful.