"Isn’t it amazing when a story is so powerful that it makes you see your own life in a new light? Imagine someone turning their biggest weakness into their greatest strength."
To understand that, let's explore the incredible and inspiring life of Srikanth Bolla - a man who made it clear to the whole world that the real sight does not require the eyes.
Born for a Bigger Purpose
In 1991, Srikanth Bolla came into this world in a small village called Seetharamapuram in Andhra Pradesh, India. The day he was born there was the sad silence in the house. He was blind, and his family was poor. He would always be seen as a dependent subject by those around the family.
On the other hand, Srikanth grew up questioning why blind people are not given the freedom to Dream? More than that, he believed he could do better. Fuelled by a strong belief in his ability to make a difference, he turned that belief into reality.
Born as the eldest child, Bolla was visually impaired from birth. Growing up in a family primarily dependent on farming, his childhood was marked by hardship. With no electricity, limited access to education, and a family income barely enough to survive, life was far from easy. Being visually impaired added another layer of challenge, as educational opportunities were scarce and not many institutions were equipped to accommodate him.
Fighting Against Odds
Srikanth's life was never simple to say the least. When he was willing to study science after 10th grade, the reply he got was, "No, you can't." Scientifically, the school was not supportive and stated that the science department is not appropriate for the blind. Nevertheless, Srikanth did not bow down. He became the first visually impaired student in India to study science after class 10. Bolla took a bold step and filed a court case, and after six long months, his perseverance paid off—he became the first visually impaired student in Andhra Pradesh to study science.
Even after graduation, challenges continued. He was denied admission to coaching institutes for the Indian Institutes of Technology. Undeterred, Bolla chose to pursue engineering, turning his blindness into a driving force rather than a limitation.
He scored very well and aimed the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), but both regulations and unfair treatment stopped his way. Did he quit? No—he applied at the best universities in US. He got into four, one of which was MIT.
In 2013, Srikanth graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was the first international visually impaired student to graduate there.
True greatness comes when you help others rise is exactly what Srikanth did. After choosing to return to India over a lavish life post-MIT, Srikanth dedicated himself to uplifting others. In 2005, he trained over 800,000 youth in leadership, human values, and employability through the Lead India Program. His vision and courage inspired his role model, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, to regard him as a true hero.
Building Bollant Industries: Power of Possibility
After his return to India, Srikanth did not attend a job that was to his liking. His aspiration was much larger. He observed that disabled people had skills but lacked job opportunities. In 2012, only at the age of 22, he started Bollant Industries.
In 2012, driven by courage, determination, and a strong desire to create opportunities for differently-abled individuals, Srikanth Bolla founded Bollant Industries. Alongside his lifelong mentor, Swarnalatha Takkilapati, and angel investor Mr. Ravi Mantha, he began a journey that would redefine sustainable business in India.
With a modest capital of just $19,000, Srikanth and his team laid the foundation of a company committed to eco-friendly manufacturing and inclusive employment. Today, Bollant Industries is valued at over $60 million with an annual turnover exceeding $12 million.
The Mission?
Bollant was born to break employment barriers for over a hundred million physically and mentally challenged people in India. Its goal: provide sustainable, competitive employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled, educated and uneducated individuals. The company employs a diverse workforce of 500+ people, with 36% being differently-abled. Its five manufacturing plants provide direct employment to 500 people and indirect employment to around 2,500. By blending skill, opportunity, and inclusivity, Bollant proves that diversity strengthens businesses.
How fast has the company grown?
Since 2012, Bollant Industries has experienced steady monthly growth of 20%. From 2015 to 2019, the company’s compound annual growth rate soared to 107%, reflecting both strategic leadership and market demand.
The Vision…
Srikanth aims to make Bollant Industries the first sustainable unicorn startup by 2025, proving that inclusive and eco-friendly business models are not just possible—they are profitable and scalable.
Srikanth Bolla’s Philosophy:
“I believe that protecting the environment and being in tandem with nature is the only way to create true wealth and build a scalable business.”
- Everyone should have an equal opportunity for work and training. Employing differently-abled people benefits both individuals and the industry.
- Sustainability is at the heart of Bollant Industries. The company produces kraft paper and eco-friendly packaging by recycling municipal waste and other sources.
- It also manufactures non-chemical food-grade adhesives, printing inks, FMCG products, and surfactants, all while operating as a Zero Waste Company.
- Waste management includes recycling water, plastic, boiler ash, and chemical waste from pharma companies.
- Plants and machinery run partially on solar power, reflecting Srikanth’s commitment to green energy.
Global Recognition, Leadership and Youth Inspiration
Today, Srikanth Bolla stands as an icon for the youth, inspiring them and promoting entrepreneurship across India. He also serves as the Director of Surge Impact Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to identifying, nurturing, incubating, and mentoring passionate young entrepreneurs who share his vision of transforming India into a developed nation and a global leader.
Srikanth’s remarkable journey has earned him prestigious honours, including being named a Young Global Leader 2021 by the World Economic Forum and one of the Top Ten Most Outstanding Young Persons of the World by JCI USA. In November 2021, he was appointed Vice President and Board Member of the Lead India Foundation, taking on the ambitious mission of reorganizing the forum to systematically train millions of youths by 2030.
Today, Srikanth may be visually impaired, but what he has achieved is something that even many sighted people might find difficult. His journey shows how strong willpower and sheer dedication can overcome any challenge. What makes it truly inspiring is that he also focuses on uplifting society too —proving that when you aim to create impact beyond yourself, your journey automatically becomes bigger.
Against all odds, Srikanth turned challenges into milestones and uplifted society along the way. A BIGSTORY that will stay with you forever.
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