If ever a story epitomized the classic ‘rags-to-riches’ narrative, it is that of Dadasaheb Bhagat, a man whose humble beginnings could not impede his boundless ambition and determination to succeed. The journey of Bhagat is not merely a testament to his personal tenacity but serves as an inspiration to countless individuals who emerge from underprivileged backgrounds, demonstrating unequivocally that success is attainable through steadfast persistence, hard work, and an indomitable spirit.
Born and raised in a small village in Beed, Maharashtra, Bhagat’s childhood did little to hint at the remarkable feats he would go on to achieve. With a foundation of education secured by an ITI diploma, Bhagat moved to the bustling city of Pune, a move that would set the stage for his extraordinary ascent. There, he initially took on the role of an office boy with Infosys, where he earned a monthly wage of just Rs 9,000. This modest income was a stepping stone, fueling his aspirations as he continued to push the boundaries of his capabilities.
Bhagat’s ceaseless quest for knowledge led him to enroll in an animation class. Juggling work and studies, he strained every sinew to piece together a livelihood. The animation course was merely the beginning, as his insatiable hunger for learning saw him delve into the intricate realms of programming languages, including Python and C++. This foundational knowledge in IT and animation was instrumental in the inception of his first venture, Ninthmotion.
Not even a car accident, which cost him his job at Infosys, could dampen Bhagat’s resolve. Travesty turned to opportunity as he dedicated all his time and energy into fostering his design libraries, a move mirroring the classic entrepreneurial spirit of making the most out of life’s curveballs.
The fruits of his arduous labor eventually culminated in the creation of DooGraphics, an innovative online platform that empowers users to conceive designs and templates with an ease reminiscent of the popular design tool, Canva. With DooGraphics, Bhagat was able to turn his expertise and passion into a service that catered to a market hungry for accessible and user-friendly design tools.
In a move defying the trend of tech hubs clustering in urban areas, Bhagat took a road less traveled. He relocated his burgeoning enterprise back to his roots in Beed, opting for a rustic cattle shed as the nerve center of his operations. This decision, made amidst the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, was informed by the fortitude that had characterized his journey thus far.
The pandemic era, a time that tested businesses across the world, did little to halt Bhagat’s momentum. His perseverance shone through as he and his trained friends stayed committed to the vision of expanding DooGraphics, even as they worked from a repurposed cattle shed.
The defining moment, a stark validation of Bhagat’s dogged persistence, came when he appeared on Shark Tank season 3. His undeterred spirit and shrewd business acumen attracted the attention of Aman Gupta, one of the ‘sharks’ on the show. Bhagat’s pitch was met with admiration, and he successfully brokered a staggering deal of Rs 1 crore for a mere 10% equity share in his company. This breakthrough negotiation underscored the now undoubted value of his company, further cementing his status as a paragon for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Dadasaheb Bhagat stands as a living embodiment of the age-old adage that hard work pays off. His story resonates deeply with those who dare to dream beyond the confines of their immediate circumstances. It is a tale that reaffirms the limitless potential of human will, a reminder that success is not predicated on one’s origins but on the ability to envision a future undeterred by the constraints of the present.
