How Josh Talks supports underprivileged communities through vernacular courses
From media to technology, different phases of our journey will make us a different company. But what helps us navigate the journey is the ambition to unlock human potential, says co-founder Shobhit Banga.
Takeaways
Josh Talks is an Indian media-technology company that provides guidance, skill development courses and support to millions of underprivileged people from the country’s smaller towns and villages.
Courses are available in ten Indian local languages. The service is created for a non-English audience.
Every speaker on Josh Talks echoes the same idea: No matter where you come from, you can go out and make a good life for yourselves.
Josh Talks showcases stories of people who have defied odds, tackled challenges and performed well in life.
Josh Talks also plans to get into fintech and provide loans for students.
Context
Ninety-five percent of India does not speak English and have minimal access to courses in local languages that could help them upgrade their skills. To solve this problem, entrepreneurs Supriya Paul and Shobhit Banga launched Josh Talks in 2015 when they were both in their early 20s.
Through the years, the platform has diversified its offerings into Josh Talks (motivational speaker sessions), Josh Skills (online courses in local languages), Josh Jobs (currently in the pilot stage), and has partnered with Facebook, Google through Josh Partners to run awareness campaigns on economic betterment, gender equality and poverty alleviation.
Key values
Inspire: Highlight stories of resilience, struggle and success by people who have challenged status-quo.
Inform: Arm people with knowledge and know-how in specific industries and careers. Act as a trustworthy advisor.
Upskill: Probably the platform’s biggest bet so far. They offer varied courses -- from English to coding in ten different languages. These courses are produced ground-up without relying on translations.
Generate income: Currently in the beta stage. To help people use these skills and earn their livelihoods.
“I don’t care about anything except unlocking human potential. If tomorrow there was an injection that unlocked human potential, we’d be an injection company.” — Shobhit Banga
Lessons from India
Relatability: Usually products are created for an elite English-speaking audience. Since 2016, for the first time, internet access has reached grassroot level. This is why Josh Talks is creating a product for a whole new audience.
Access: Majority of Indian households have smartphones but not laptops or desktop computers. Team Josh is therefore creating products for smartphone users.
Affordability: Fees are set by taking into account the average household income.
Tips
Stay in touch with your audience. Engage them.
Hire from the same target audience groups and communities to establish product connect and understand demographic needs.
Always ask. If you don’t ask, you will never know.
Produce in local languages. Mere translation from English affects authenticity.