Overcoming Obstacles : Rising Above Challenges | Srikanth Bolla | TEDxInvertisUniversity
Srikanth Bolla spoke at the Invertis University event held on January 23, 2025, in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the power of determination and vision, even beyond literal sight. Bolla shared:
“…what you hold in your mind, nurture in your heart, and pursue with determination can shape your reality… I refused to let limitations define me—instead, I turned them into my greatest strengths.” He also mentioned his inspiring focus on “overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and the power of resilience and determination.”
"Turn your weaknesses into strengths."
• He shared his inspiring life story:
Despite being born visually impaired, he never let it define or limit him.
He emphasized that inner strength and vision matter more than physical limitations.
• He told students:
Never see disability as a barrier, but as a unique force that can be converted into power.
Believe in themselves and work with passion and purpose.
• Srikanth said he faced discrimination and rejection at every stage, but:
He converted those rejections into motivation.
He pursued education at MIT (USA) and built a successful business that employs hundreds, many of whom are specially-abled.
• He encouraged students to embrace their struggles and transform them into opportunities.
Srikanth Bolla (born 7 July 1991) is an Indian industrialist and the founder Chairman of Bollant Industries. He was the first visually-impaired student in Management Science at the Sloan School of Management of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since he was visually impaired, educational opportunities were also a struggle, as not many accommodated it.
Since then, he has been an important figure in creating opportunities for visually impaired people. He has been a youth leader since 2005 and went on to become a member of Lead India 2020: The Second National Youth Movement.[5] Started by former President of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam,Lead India 2020[6] is helping India reach the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2020 by eradicating poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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