Bhuj based Karan J. Pujara is one of the youngest entrepreneurs credited to raise a unique startup that makes all reading material available at one platform. The idea to create Studentdesk came from his own urge of school days to get used books instead of buying new one. Karan believes “If you will focus on money, you will create a company. But if you will focus on people, you will create an empire”
By allowing selling, renting, donating, exchanging and free reading of books through this platform, Karan has solved problems of various students who cannot afford new books. As a visionary, he plans ahead to build a vast community of readers and make all books available to them by connecting with schools/colleges & libraries. This young missile is all set to realize his dreams and working hard to get his business crowdfunded. We bring you the story of Karan in his own words. Following is his interview given with Yo! Success.
What is StudentDesk all about?
Studentdesk.in is platform where readers can buy, sell, exchange their books, magazines or any reading material within their city/institute. It will save their time and money as they don’t have to pay for higher commission rates to books stores while selling their used books and no need to travel around the city to buy/sell their books.
Readers can read books for free by exchanging their books with other users for limited period of time, As they don’t have to pay for each and every novel/magazine they want to read, even no need to pay for library subscription.
Have a look at an introductory video of Studentdesk.in which will help you to understand the concept in a better and clear way. (YouTube Link in Connect Section at the end of the Interview)
What inspired you to establish StudentDesk.in?
Unlike, many, I have been lucky to have support to reach this far in attaining my education. I reminisce waiting for days to be able to buy used book from seniors or find someone to exchange my “Revolution 20-20” with “The Alchemist,” because buying new books was very expensive.
Additionally, I along with many of my friends prefered to buy books from our seniors as it always contains important sections and question marked. But it was pretty tedious to find someone willing to sell. Similarly, selling was equally arduous process. During my 3rd year in engineering, I went to sell my used books to the books store but he hardly returned any money for them. Thus, I thought, directly giving books to my juniors would be more appropriate, as this would not only save money to both parties but will also save time, and money.
It did not come to me as a Eureka moment, but as a Eureka idea. I saw the possibility democratizing knowledge and learning by enabling every individual and home to contribute and access to the decentralized library.
The day people being able to acquire knowledge without any least financial disability, doesn’t seem far.
Would you like to share some details about the investments that you have been able to fetch for the business till now?
After initial success of Studentdesk.in we started our crowdfunding campaign on Start51.com and successfully raised Rs. 1.44 Lacks which was 44% more than what was applied for.
What is your life mantra?
My goal is to become successful entrepreneur and build a company whose product not only makes money but will change existing trends and makes people life easier.
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
Managing time and coping up with the money as a student.
How did you overcome those challenges?
The major difficulty was managing studies along with this as we had to balance our both sides. But I think we did it quite decently without messing up anything.
How do you protect yourself from the problem of Brain Drain?
I have been getting inspiration from lot of entrepreneurs and elders which has always helped me to stay focused and do what I love.
According to you, what are the three qualities an individual must have to achieve success?
- Patience
- Hard work, and
- Self Belief
What are your top three getaway destinations ?
- Kashmir
- Goa, and
- ATM
As an entrepreneur, what advice would you like to share with emerging startups?
Don’t waste too much time in thinking about your idea. Just start working on it.
If you get a chance to start your career again what would you do differently this time?
Will not waste much time in thinking.
Which online tools/ services/ apps do you use the most and would like to recommend as well?
- Tweetdeck for social media marketing
- Any.do for to maintaining tasks
- Ipiccy.com & Pixlr.com for graphic design
Share any one habit which you think makes you more productive.
Making a to- do list everyday and at the end of the day, noting down anything special that I learn or any remarkable experience that I had.
Share any one habit which you wish to change in yourself.
Complete work within deadline, which is the reason why I have started maintaining To-do list for my daily routine and its helping me complete my work on time.
Answer in less than 50 words:
Don’t waste too much time in thinking about your idea. Just start working on it. Never hesitate to say “hi”! Go and interact with like-minded people, share your views, tell them about your product.
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One mistake you believe every individual must avoid:
Delaying your task.
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One most important lesson that you have learnt till now:
Work with goals in mind, to achieve big milestones we should first walk towards the smaller ones.
What are your plans for next 3 years?
Within the next three years our main aim would be to reach each and every college across India and also to make Studentdesk.in india’s biggest online open library of used books.
Share a quote that inspires you the most.
“Never give up, great things takes time.”