Many people in the world have been subjected to preconceived notions, and considering themselves superior, have defined what is normal. Moreover, out of those many, some find it hard to exist with the same people because they are not accepted for who they are.





“I will work and sweat for a great vision, the vision of transforming India into a developed nation.” - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

The story of a man who changed his future despite being a special child is more than motivating; it is something to live by. His life’s story teaches real-life lessons to stand by. We should not only do what we want but also the future should not be limited to our body’s characteristics.





Hand In Hand With Hardships





Srikanth Bolla was born into a family of farmers. He was born as a visually impaired child, and his journey of hardships begin. And it was because of this fact alone that many people had advised his parents to give him up, as nothing would come out of raising a child who is not perfect.









“You cannot change your future, but, you can change your habits, and surely your habits will change your future.” - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam





His parents, however, were different. They fell in love with Srikanth the moment he was born and decided to upbring him with all the affection and care in the world. As he was growing up, his father used to take this special boy to the farm. However, he did not enjoy the fields as much as his father wished. So he decided to go to school, unaware that one more problem is waiting for him.





Difficulties on Doorstep





To Srikanth, difficulties had been a part of his life since his birth. When he decided to go to school, various institutes refused to allow him with other regular children. Without giving up, his parents continued looking for a school to admit him. The teachers were unwilling and said that they are unable to teach a child who could not see.





However, he was in luck. There was a school for specially-abled children and Srikanth got in! That was all he needed, a chance to study, learn, and grow. Never looking back, he scored well and was always among the class toppers. But sadly, it was not an end of his hardships, and more were waiting for him on his way.





Courage brings success





“Do not figure out big plans at first, but begin slowly, feel your ground and proceed up and up.”- Swami Vivekananda

Srikanth was judged by his incapabilities again, cost him his admission in the Science stream, for his further studies. Colleges were concerned about how he would sense the motions or will understand the concepts and techniques. And sidelining his brilliance, they refused him to be part of their curriculum.





Facing one problem after the other disheartened him, however, he decided to take a leap of faith. He refused to surrender to the incapacities of his body and filed a case against the government. Fighting for himself, what seemed impossible, turned out into a green signal for his higher education. He won the case and was allowed to study his chosen stream at his own risk.













But the case had taken six months of schooling from him, which meant that by the time the verdict was out, he already had his exams in the queue. Undeterred, Srikanth studied with all his heart and came out with flying colors. Continuing his hard work and determination, he secured 98% in his intermediate exams.





When Education was a distant dream





A child has obtained things that are unbelievable in the eyes of the world. And the achievement of the right to education for him was the biggest amongst all. Willing to study further, he started applying for colleges. Despite this, each one of them narrated the same story and denied him admission.





With all the courage, he decided to apply to the colleges abroad. And just as he had hoped, he got admission with no questions asked. It is one of the most prestigious colleges in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which wanted Srikanth to be a part of it. They proudly recognized him as the first-ever international blind student.





Eventually, everything started falling in place for this young genius, bringing an end to the years of struggle, denials, and hardships.





Making World little better





“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

After completing his graduation in 2012, he wanted to do something for people like him. He came back to India with a vision for his venture and founded Bollant Industries.





His idea was to help those who experienced the same difficulties as him and do something for nature. By employing differently-abled people in his company, Bolla gave hope to those who had missed so many things in life. His company of manufacturing eco-friendly and compostable packaging grew exponentially, and thus, caught the eye of many business tycoons.













Presently, his company operates primarily in three different states of India, namely, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana; and employs at least 450 people. For his ingenious thought and success, Srikanth was named among 30 under 30 list published by Forbes, in 2017. With his goals set, he wishes to be the first blind president of India someday!





Conclusion





While growing up, Srikanth realized that nothing could be achieved easily. But what he knows, if one is determined to accomplish something, no power in the world could stop you. Fighting for what he deserves, he made clear to everyone that being visually impaired could not hold him back. He inspires the world by his entrepreneur story of inspiration showing, despite his hardships, he offered help to people whom society often overlooks.