Who is Srikanth Bolla, the visually impaired industrialist and new Shark Tank India judge? Learn about the MIT alumnus, his career, struggles, and net worth – Success Stories

Srikanth Bolla Early Life and Family

Born on July 7, 1991, in Seetharamapuram, Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Srikanth Bolla was raised in a humble Telugu farming family. His parents had no formal education and worked as farmers to make ends meet. Despite his visual impairment, Srikanth was determined to pursue education, even though the Indian education system lacked proper infrastructure to accommodate students like him.

Srikanth faced numerous obstacles in his pursuit of education. He walked miles to reach school and excelled academically, securing 98% in his class 12 board exams. However, he was denied admission to science courses due to government policies that barred visually impaired students from pursuing science streams.

Refusing to accept defeat, Srikanth took legal action against the state government and won after a six-month-long battle. However, his struggle continued as Indian engineering colleges, including the prestigious IITs, rejected his application due to his disability.

Undeterred, he applied to top international universities and secured admission to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), making history as the first-ever international visually impaired student at the institution. He later studied Management Science at MIT’s Sloan School of Management.

After completing his studies at MIT, Srikanth returned to India in 2005 and joined the Lead India Program, initiated by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He worked on training youth in leadership, human values, and employability skills, impacting over 800,000 young individuals.

In 2011, he co-founded the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities in Hyderabad and set up a Braille library using grants from MIT. In 2012, he launched Bollant Industries with a capital of just $19,000. The company focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing and provides employment opportunities to differently-abled individuals. With backing from industry giant Ratan Tata, Bollant Industries has grown exponentially, boasting an annual turnover of over $150 million and employing over 500 people.

Srikanth’s journey has been anything but easy. From being denied admission to schools and colleges to facing discrimination in employment, he had to fight multiple battles to achieve success. His determination to create an inclusive society for people with disabilities and his relentless pursuit of excellence have turned him into a symbol of perseverance and resilience.

Srikanth Bolla on Shark Tank India

Srikanth Bolla recently joined the panel of judges on Shark Tank India, bringing his experience as an entrepreneur and investor to the show. Sharing his excitement on social media, he wrote, “To survive a pool of sharks, you need to become one yourself.”

He acknowledged the show’s impact on Indian entrepreneurship, stating that it has given a platform to visionary individuals solving both traditional and modern problems. His presence on the panel adds immense value, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to push boundaries and chase their dreams.

Srikanth Bolla Achievements

With Bollant Industries’ exponential growth, Srikanth Bolla’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of millions of dollars. His company’s turnover has surpassed $150 million, making him one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs.