“I did not expect that I would fail my 12th grade. It was a very embarrassing situation for me but my father did not lose hope in me. He patted my back and demanded that I clear it out the next year.
After clearing my 12th grade after a year, it was very challenging to find a good college. Moreover, we couldn’t afford enough money for any of the Engineering colleges.
My father sold 2 cows out of 4 and helped me get an Engineering seat.
Once I joined UG, I did not dare to ask for any money from my parents as I ensured not to burden them anymore. As a result, I joined a hotel as a room boy and worked for 6 hours a day. Despite my regular college hours, I used to walk 8 km every day to reach the hotel and skip food when I’m left with very less amount. Somehow, I managed to pay my semester fee most of the time.
One of my professors suggested that I pursue PG and so I worked on the TANCET exams. Fortunately, I cleared the exam and joined MCA in Coimbatore.
As usually, at the end of college, placements arrive. But there was a checkmate for me – I wasn’t eligible to attend the campus interview as I did not have a minimum of 60% continuously from 12th grade.
I burst out of tears like hell! My dream was shattered!
I come from a village near Madurai where there are no proper roads for buses to travel to date. However, my dad encouraged me to stand up again and work hard!
I came to Chennai in 2018 in search of a job and after heated preparations, I joined a startup. I was Rs.3000/- per month, with which I should cover my daily expenses such as food, travel and stay.
There were months when I used to pray that my nearby colleague should be absent just because I get to have their Samosa and Tea for the day.
I paid my full attention to developing the company for two years all day and night. Working more than 18 hours a day was a remarkable experience to date.
Fortunately, after so much effort, I got into Infosys and settled down with a decent lifestyle and package. But something was nagging me! I knew I wasn’t pleased!
I decided to lend a hand to those who are loaded with talent but lack opportunities. I quit the MNC and started my own venture in 2020 by leasing my chain.
Shrewd, which was started by 3 people, is a business which spreads its wings on multiple verticles digitally and has marked its presence across the globe now.
The reason behind starting my firm was not just to develop the business but also to take care of my family (employees) by providing them with food and accommodation. I wouldn’t want my people to suffer how I did.
We also support one new startup entrepreneur every month for free (technology/services), to inspire their vision!
My father is a farmer, living in a rural area with the income that they receive from farming. I did not clear my 12th grade on the first attempt. Over the years, after a huge struggle, I’ve chosen to be a leader rather than a boss. I have had more than a dozen pure souls who shaped my growth, and now, it’s my turn to give back something to society!
The efforts are long and real; while the journey itself speaks for the victory!
When people around you are positive, it reflects on your work and the magic spreads everywhere, making you achieve what you want to become!
If not today, maybe tomorrow!”
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