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Journalism of Courage
Srikanth Bolla’s life is proof of his resilience, vision, and determination. Born visually impaired in a small village in Andhra Pradesh, he refused to let limitations define his destiny. Today, Bolla continues to inspire millions as the founder and chairman of Bollant Industries, a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, and the newest judge on Shark Tank India Season 4.
In an Instagram post pinned to his profile, Bolla shared his gratitude and unwavering commitment to his mission: “Even though I cannot see the world, I was always able to see my purpose.”
A post shared by Srikanth Bolla (@srikanthbollaofficial_)
Growing up, Bolla encountered countless challenges. Despite excelling in school, he faced discrimination in education, with many believing that a visually impaired student could not pursue science. However, he defied expectations and became the first international blind student at MIT, earning a degree in business management.
His journey to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to uplift the underprivileged and differently-abled individuals. As he shared on social media: “My purpose in life is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.”
This vision led him in 2012 to establish Bollant Industries, a Hyderabad-based company that manufactures eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging materials. Today, the company employs over 500 people and generates an annual revenue of over $150 million.
Bolla’s inspirational journey caught the attention of Bollywood, leading to the 2024 release of Srikanth, a biopic starring Rajkummar Rao in the lead role. The film showcases Bolla’s relentless spirit, from his early struggles to his rise as a pioneering entrepreneur.
As an investor and mentor on Shark Tank India Season 4, Bolla is now guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs. He views the platform as an opportunity to empower visionaries solving social, environmental, and technological challenges.
“To survive a pool of sharks, you need to become one yourself,” Bolla wrote in a recent post, sharing images from the show’s set.
He further highlighted the positive impact of Shark Tank India on the country’s startup ecosystem: “Entrepreneurship in India has taken a very heartwarming boost because of Shark Tank. People at the show seemed poised to solve some age-old problems and some modern issues in society while being a visionary.”
Bolla has also formed meaningful connections with fellow judges on Shark Tank India. He recently praised Shaadi.com Founder Anupam Mittal, calling him a man of profound knowledge in business.
“One of the privileges of being on Shark Tank is the invigorating presence of Anupam Mittal,” Bolla wrote. “His appreciation of our efforts at Bollant means a lot to me personally. It is so easy to communicate with him as he understands.”
Despite all his achievements, Bolla remains humble, emphasising that his journey is far from over. As he expressed in his Instagram post:
“There still are miles to go, millions of lives to touch, and the whole mother earth to be taken care of.”
His entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropy, and public speaking all serve a singular purpose: to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Bolla offers one simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Don’t just think your idea, act on it, or someone else will!”
