Blindness hindered the IIT dream, but built a multi-billion dollar business empire
Meet Srikanth Bolla, who built a multi-million dollar business empire despite his blindness hindering IIT dream. Relatives and neighbors advised his parents to leave Srikanth, who was born blind, in an orphanage. Some even advised them to let the baby die. Teachers made him sit at the back of the class and ignored him. But Srikanth’s parents fought with everyone for their son and nurtured the same fighting spirit in him. That spirit encouraged Srikanth Bolla to create a business with a turnover of Rs 150 crore.
Srikanth’s parents, An Inspiration to all
Srikanth was born into a farming family in the village of Sitaramapuram in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Srikanth once said in an interview that his parents Damodar Rao and Venkatamma were devastated when their baby was born blind. They had to fight the system at every stage since they started teaching him in a school in the countryside. He faced challenges at every stage of education, but always had the desire to do something different.
First Indian blind student at MIT
Srikanth fought for the right to study science. Although Srikanth scored 98% marks in Class XII examination, society refused to believe in his ability. After completing his pre-university exams, Srikanth pursued his IIT dream. But the coaching institutes denied Srikanth a chance to pass the tough JEE entrance exam. Undaunted by the setbacks, Srikanth applied to MIT, a leading US-based technology school, and became not only the first Indian blind student at MIT, but also the school’s first international blind student.
Bollant Industries to serve the country
After completing his studies, Srikanth had the opportunity to stay in the US and take advantage of his opportunities. However, Srikanth wanted to come back and do something for his country and its people. On his return to India, Srikanth set up his company, Bollant Industries, in 2012. Ratan Tata recognized Srikanth’s ability and passion for entrepreneurship. In addition to mentoring, he also invested in Srikanth’s company. Bollant Industries, which manufactures packaging solutions, grew strongly. By 2018, the company had a turnover of Rs 150 crore. Srikanth’s industrial empire has five production plants in Karnataka and Telangana and more than 650 employees.
Want to be the first Indian President with visual impairment: Srikanth Bolla
In 2017, Srikanth was selected as one of the three Indians on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. Srikanth bagged several other awards, too. In 2006, Srikanth was one among the students who were addressed by the late President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam during a speech. When the late president asked what they wanted to be in life, Srikanth said “I want to be the first visually impaired President of India.” In a country where about 2.21% of the population has disabilities, Srikanth Bolla stands out as an inspiring symbol for overcoming all obstacles.
