Amidst the scenic landscapes of a small village in Seetharamapuram in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, a child was born that would go on to defy the odds and reshape the narrative of what differently-abled individuals can achieve. Srikanth Bolla, that very child, came into the world in 1992 with visual impairment—a condition that society at large deemed limiting. However, unbeknownst to that society, he possessed a relentless spirit, fueled by the undying support of his parents.
With an upbringing rooted in agriculture, Srikanth’s connection to the land did not confine him to it. His parents, Damodar Rao and Venkatamma, despite initial despair at their child’s disability, became his unwavering advocates, fighting tooth and nail against a system that often consigned the differently-abled to the sidelines. Srikanth’s academic journey was a struggle from the get-go, as he was relegated to the back of the class, underestimated by his teachers and peers alike. Recalling the battles faced, Srikanth said in a reflective interview, “My parents had to fight the system. Having faced challenges at every stage during my education, I always had the urge to do something differently.”
Srikanth’s tenacity saw him confront the government for the right to study science, a pursuit he was eventually allowed to embark on “at his own risk.” His dedication paid off when he secured a staggering 98% in his class 12 board exams, surpassing all expectations but his own. Yet society continued to fail to recognize his potential. When he aimed to join the elite portals of IIT, coaching centers essential for cracking the rigorous JEE entry test turned him down due to his blindness. Unfazed, Srikanth cast his sights further, all the way to the elite Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. Against the odds, he was accepted, becoming not only the first blind student from India to attend but also the first international student with such a disability to be admitted.
After his tenure at MIT, Srikanth was at a crossroads. He could have easily settled for a comfortable life in America, but his resolve was to contribute to his homeland and improve opportunities for people like him. In 2012, acting upon this vision, Srikanth founded Bollant Industries, igniting a spark within the industrial sector in India. His drive and entrepreneurial spirit caught the eye of business magnate Ratan Tata, who not only mentored Srikanth but also invested in his enterprise. Under his leadership, Bollant Industries, specializing in manufacturing eco-friendly packaging solutions, flourished—registering an average monthly growth of 20%, reaching revenues of Rs 150 crore by 2018. Remarkably, out of over 650 employees, the majority are individuals with disabilities.
Srikanth’s prowess in business was not just profit-driven; it had a social impact which did not go unnoticed. In 2016, he expanded his footprint in the realm of social entrepreneurship by becoming the director of Surge Impact Foundation. By 2018, his company’s turnover had scaled up to Rs 180 crore. His accolades include being showcased in Forbes magazine’s prestigious ’30 Under 30 Asia’ list in 2017, and the net worth of his industries is said to be soaring well above Rs 500 crore.
Srikanth Bolla’s story, fraught with trials and perseverance, is now immortalized on the silver screen. With Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao playing Srikanth, the biopic also features Jyotika and Sharad Kelkar in pivotal roles. Directed by Tushar Hiranandani, the film based on Srikanth’s life made its theatrical debut on May 10, bringing to audiences a tale of extraordinary willpower and triumph over adversity.
In a world quick to set limits, Srikanth Bolla stands testament to the power of belief and the boundless potential that lies within the human spirit. His journey transcends personal achievement; it is a beacon of hope, illuminating paths for others facing similar battles, showing that with determination and the right support, every hurdle can be transformed into a stepping stone towards greater heights.
