Sanjay is an educationist who believes that everyone should have access to quality education for minimal fees, and is working hard to manifest his vision.

Sanjay Gurjar is the Director and Principal of New Rise Secondary School in Nathdwara.

Sanjay was born and brought up in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. He had started working in his school days to financially support his family. He completed his schooling followed by graduation at SMB College in Nathdwara. Then he pursued a diploma course in Computer Applications and subsequently pursued post-graduation in Drawing and in Education.

After completing his education, Sanjay got a job on a temporary basis, at the famous Shrinathji temple in Nathdwara. He worked there for twelve years before eventually coming across an opportunity to administer the New Rise Secondary School. So in 2009, he started working there in the capacity of Director and Principal.

When Sanjay had taken up his post at the school, it only had about 30 students. He says that it was a common belief among people that famous and overpriced schools can only provide quality education. It took him about ten years of hard work to convince people otherwise and increase the number of students at the school.

Talking about the struggles that he faced, Sanjay says that initially, it was not easy for him to both work and study at the same time. Later on, when he took up the job in school, he was married and had a kid, and starting a new career altogether from zero was quite a challenge. And just when he had managed to get the school running efficiently, COVID struck, nullifying all his hard work and compelling him to start all over again.

Sanjay shares that the immediate challenge that the COVID pandemic posed was to the administration of schools. He goes on to say that due to the pandemic, many students discontinued their admission to the school and existing students too had to suffer. However, he is hopeful for the future. On a personal level, he says that he got time for soul-searching and discovered the importance of family, during the pandemic.

Given a chance to go back in time through a Time Machine, Sanjay would like to return to his childhood. He recalls that his childhood was spent mostly in nature and was full of enjoyment, which he still cherishes.

In his free time, Sanjay enjoys spending time with friends and family. He also likes riding bikes.

On a final note, Sanjay advises the youth to read the Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana to inculcate moral values in their lives. He also says that you should use technology wisely and only when needed, and rather spend time with friends and family.