Srikanth Bolla, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Hyderabad, is an extraordinary example of resilience and determination. Born blind into a family earning just ₹20,000 a year, Srikanth faced immense challenges from the start. At his birth, his parents were advised to abandon him. Against all odds, Srikanth not only survived but thrived.
Overcoming Barriers
Despite achieving 90% in his 10th-grade exams, Srikanth was denied the right to choose the Science stream in 12th due to his blindness. Refusing to accept defeat, he sued the State Government and fought for six months to win the case. He then excelled in his 12th-grade exams, scoring 98% with Science.
When prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs refused to allow him to sit for their entrance exams, Srikanth applied to universities abroad. He was accepted by four of the most renowned institutions in the world: MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon. Srikanth chose MIT, becoming its first international blind student, and attended on a full scholarship.
Creating a Legacy
Upon returning to India in 2012, Srikanth founded Bollant Industries, a company that employs 60% of its workforce from underprivileged and physically challenged backgrounds. Today, Bollant Industries has 450 employees and a valuation of ₹50 crore. Even Ratan Tata was inspired to invest in this groundbreaking venture.
Srikanth’s philosophy is simple yet profound: “I was made blind by the perception of people. When the world said to me that I couldn’t do anything, I looked up and said, ‘I can do anything.’”
Spiritual Lesson
Srikanth’s journey teaches us that external challenges cannot define our potential unless we let them. The Bhagavad Gita (6.5) reminds us: “One must elevate oneself by one’s own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and its enemy as well.”
When faced with discouragement, it is our inner conviction and determination that enable us to transcend limitations. Srikanth’s life is a living example of the power of faith, resilience, and action. By focusing on what we can do instead of what we cannot, we unleash the divine potential within us.
The story also inspires us to break societal prejudices and empower others. Srikanth’s initiative to employ marginalized individuals aligns with the spiritual principle of seva—selfless service. Through service and courage, we not only uplift ourselves but also create ripples of positive change in the world.
