Kitabwalah, started in 2022 by Akshay Kashyap and Srijan Kumar, is making a big difference for students in India. The platform focuses on providing second-hand books at low prices, making education more affordable for everyone.
How It Started
The idea for Kitabwalah came from Akshay’s own experience. During his JEE coaching in Patna, he found it hard to afford study materials because of his lower-middle-class background. This struggle inspired him to create a solution that could help students like him.
With just ₹800 in their pockets, Akshay and Srijan started Kitabwalah, an online platform where students can buy used books at affordable prices.
What They Do
Kitabwalah helps a variety of students, including:
- School students
- College students
- People preparing for competitive exams
They’ve partnered with local scrap dealers (kabadiwalas) to source second-hand books at very low costs. This way, they can sell books to students at pocket-friendly prices.
Growing Success
In just two years, Kitabwalah has achieved great results:
They have sold over 6,000 books.
Their sales reached ₹8 lakh in the year 2023-24.
They handle 200-250 customers daily, with most orders around ₹1,000.
These numbers show that Kitabwalah is meeting a real need for students who want affordable study resources.
Plans for the Future
Akshay and Srijan are not stopping at second-hand books. They want to make Kitabwalah a complete educational platform by adding:
- Stationery items for students.
- E-books to support digital learning trends.
Their goal is to become a one-stop solution for all student needs, whether it’s physical or digital learning materials.
Why Kitabwalah Matters
Kitabwalah is not just a business; it’s creating a positive impact in many ways:
Saving money for students: It helps students get the resources they need without spending a lot.
Reusing books: Encouraging second-hand books helps reduce waste and is good for the environment.
Building trust: Students and parents now see Kitabwalah as a reliable platform for study materials.
Lessons from Their Story
The journey of Kitabwalah teaches us a few important things:
1. Big ideas can come from personal struggles.
2. You don’t need a lot of money to start something impactful; creativity and hard work matter more.
3. Partnerships, like the one with kabadiwala, can make a big difference in lowering costs and improving efficiency.
Kitabwalah’s founders want to expand their business and help even more students. With their plans to include stationery and e-books, they are working towards making education accessible and affordable for everyone.
Kitabwalah’s story is inspiring because it shows how a small idea can make a big difference. By focusing on affordable education, Akshay and Srijan are helping students achieve their dreams while building a successful business.