Hard work in academics is never wasted, says Naukri.com founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani, ETEducation
Nowadays, when success stories often begin with “I was a backbencher” or “marks don’t define you,” one Indian entrepreneur has sparked an interesting counterpoint. Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder of Naukri.com and one of India’s earliest internet pioneers, recently took a nostalgic trip down memory lane and offered a refreshing perspective on the importance of academics. The St. Columba’s School alumnus, who also happens to be senior to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, shared an insightful post on X (formerly Twitter) that went viral for all the right reasons.
Naukri.com founder’s post on school grades goes viral
Sanjeev, who built the Rs 59,000 crore company Info Edge (India), revisited his 1978–79 school magazine to look at the Class 10 board results of his batch. What began as a personal reflection turned into a larger commentary on effort, consistency, and the long-term rewards of education. He posted photos from the magazine, where students’ grades were publicly printed, noting that the academic toppers from his class went on to achieve incredible milestones in diverse fields.
The entrepreneur, who later studied at St. Stephen’s College and IIM Ahmedabad, wrote that most of his top-performing classmates had pursued higher education at elite institutions like IITs, IIMs, Harvard, Wharton, and Carnegie Mellon.
A father’s understated “ok” in response to his son’s Amazon job offer went viral, resonating with many who recognise this as a common, deeply meaningful expression of pride in Indian parenting. This quiet acknowledgement highlights a cultural language of affection where love is often conveyed through subtle actions rather than grand gestures. Read on!
Several became professors at global universities such as Princeton, Cornell, and the University of Texas. Others rose to become senior business executives, politicians, medical professionals, and entrepreneurs. One of them even became the President of SoftBank, while another went on to serve as India’s Minister of State for Finance.
But beyond the impressive credentials, what struck people most was his message. Sanjeev Bikhchandani reminded students that “good grades open doors”, not because marks alone define success, but because they often lead to the next opportunity, whether it’s higher education or that first career break. He made it clear that success comes from focus, patience, and steady effort, rather than overnight fame or shortcuts.
He also shared that his classmates’ achievements were not just results of academic brilliance but of discipline and commitment. None of them, he noted, got there through privilege or politics, they simply worked hard, stayed consistent, and allowed their education to shape their paths.
At the same time, Sanjeev acknowledged that there are different ways to measure success. While his batch represented a traditional view of accomplishment, driven by education and career milestones, he admitted that others may find fulfilment in alternative pursuits. Still, his message was simple and timeless: hard work in academics is never wasted.
All you need to know about Sanjeev Bikhchandani
Sanjeev Bikhchandani, with a net worth of $3.43 billion or about Rs 30,000 crore, is one of India’s richest entrepreneurs and a true pioneer of the country’s internet revolution. A graduate of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A), Bikhchandani is the cofounder and executive vice chairman of Info Edge (India), one of the earliest and most successful internet-based businesses in India.
True transformation stems from rewiring your mind, not just diet and exercise. Fitness coach Sophia’s 15-kilo weight loss highlights the power of discipline and a mindset shift over fleeting motivation. Her sustainable approach, combining structured training, mindful eating, and consistent habits, proves that lasting change is built on internal control and unwavering commitment.
After finishing school from Delhi’s St. Columba’s School, he graduated with a degree in economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Actor Shah Rukh Khan is also a passout from the same school.
Info Edge is the powerhouse behind Naukri.com for job searches, Jeevansathi.com for matrimonial services, 99acres.com for real estate listings, and Shiksha.com for education.
Beyond its own portfolio, Info Edge has been a strategic early investor in some of India’s biggest tech success stories, including Zomato, the online food delivery giant, and PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar and Paisabazaar, both of which were listed on the stock exchange in 2021.
Bikhchandani’s foresight in backing and building digital-first ventures has earned him a reputation as a visionary investor and mentor.
Source link
