Srikanth Bolla: From Rejection to Success
Srikanth Bolla was born blind in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, India, where opportunities were scarce, and societal attitudes toward disabilities were limiting.
Despite these challenges, he pursued his education with determination. When he wanted to study science in high school, he was denied due to his visual impairment. Refusing to accept this discrimination, he fought a legal battle and won, becoming the first visually impaired student in Andhra Pradesh to study science.
Although he excelled academically, scoring 98% in his board exams, he was still denied entry into India’s top engineering institutes. Undeterred, Srikanth applied to international universities and made history as the first blind student from India to be accepted into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with full financial aid.
Upon completing his studies, Srikanth returned to India with a mission—to create opportunities for people with disabilities. In 2012, he co-founded Bollant Industries, a company that produces eco-friendly packaging materials and employs hundreds of individuals with disabilities. The company received funding from business magnate Ratan Tata and has grown significantly, achieving a turnover of ₹150 crores by 2018. Bollant Industries addresses key social and environmental issues by manufacturing sustainable products and providing jobs to marginalized communities.
Apart from being an entrepreneur, Srikanth is also involved in social initiatives. He founded the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, which offers educational and vocational support. Additionally, he is the director of the Surge Impact Foundation, an organization working towards India’s Sustainable Development Goals.
His achievements have earned him global recognition. In 2017, Forbes listed him among Asia’s “30 Under 30.” His remarkable journey from being labeled “worthless” at birth to becoming a successful industrialist has been widely celebrated. In 2024, his life story was adapted into the film Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao, further inspiring millions.