Pradeep Kumar, Founder, Magical Methods, Delhi

Magical Methods is just another way of introducing Vedic mathematics- as Pradeep Kumar would like you to believe it. YourStory finds out more about this entrepreneur, whose students- from kindergarten to MBA and GMAT aspirants- are learning mathematics in a play act in more than 60 centres across India.

Why an entrepreneur? Why didn't you pursue a regular job?

I did a regular job before becoming an entrepreneur. But there is a difference between doing a regular job and becoming an entrepreneur. I love taking challenges and risk that is needed to become an entrepreneur.

What is Vedic Mathematics all about? How you started magical methods?

Vedic Mathematics has originated from Atharva Veda. It consists of sixteen sutras and thirteen sub-sutras which has wide spread application in conventional mathematics such as arithmetical computations, theory of numbers, compound multiplications, algebraic operations, factorisations, simple quadratic and higher order equations, simultaneous quadratic equations, partial fractions, calculus, squaring, cubing, square root, cube root , coordinate geometry and the wonderful Vedic numerical code. I researched for two years on Vedic mathematics before starting the first Magical Methods centre at Delhi in 2000.

Something on starting years- challenges, struggles

I published 10,000 copies of my first book after several publishers did not show the interest in the manuscript. It was easy till I got it published but selling them was very difficult. I did not know how to sell it. Then I hit a novel idea of conducting FREE Demonstration in the school and keep the book for sales at 20% discount. This way I was able to sell all copies within six months. It gave me courage to keep moving.

Turning point in your business

Year 2005! We started growing very fast from the time we started franchising our system.

Did at any point you felt like giving up and getting back to taking a regular job?

Yes. Only Once! At that point of time of time going got very tough for me. Then I took the decision to franchise the system.

What drives you?

Failure! Every time I fail I get more determined to succeed.

Your Inspiration / Role Model

My wife Shailja! She keeps on motivating me.

On business model - the differentiators of your business, the business model, how do you plan to scale-up

Our system and method is unique and enjoyable. Quality teaching has been built in our training system. We allow the child to remain a child. We do not bog them down by homework. We let them play mathematics using various instruments viz. Magic Square, Math Carrom, Frog & Toad Game, Tower of Hanoi, Star Game, Double Star Game, Mind Development Games developed by us. The student starts enjoying mathematics from the childhood and it can never become a fear for him. We use franchise business model. We plan to open more than 400 training centers using franchise business model in next 2 " 3 years.

And how it is different from other conventional teaching methods?

We have evaluated the students from 6th standards to graduates before starting to teach Magical Methods and after the courses were over. The evaluation criteria used were: Average Time Taken, Attempt %, Correct %, and Attempt to Correct Ratio. All the participants were given 3 tests of varying difficulty containing 50 sums each. The average time taken to solve the problems reduced by 200%; attempt %, correct %, correct % and attempt to correct ratio increased by 5-8%.

Some proven facts of Vedic Maths are:

It helps a person to solve mathematical problems 10-15 times faster.

It helps in Intelligent Guessing

It reduces burden (need to learn tables up to 9 only)

It is a magical tool to reduce scratch work and finger counting

It increases concentration

Growth drivers / vision for your enterprise

My vision is to teach Magical Methods to every child on this planet so that no child hates math.

Key Requirements to grow your business

Good entrepreneurs who would like to work in education space.

Tips for budding entrepreneur

If you have fire in your belly then do not hide it. Let it come out in open. Keep on working results will follow.