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
More from TED
- 4:53Put the phone down | Kryštof Chmel | TEDxAmerican Academy BrnoIn this talk, Kryštof Chmel explores the effects of phone addiction on the brain and how it impacts focus, motivation, and well-being. Sharing his personal journey of reducing screen time, he shows how stepping away from constant stimulation can lead to a more meaningful, productive life. Kryštof Chmel is a 12th grade student at the American Academy in Brno who’s curious about the balance between technology and presence. 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
- 7:29How self-awareness leads to real growth | Judit Polk | TEDxAmerican Academy BrnoIn a world full of noise, Judit Polk makes the case for self-awareness as the foundation of meaningful growth. Drawing from personal experience, she shows how quiet reflection can be more powerful than loud opinions—and why listening inward is sometimes the smartest move of all. Judit Polk is an 11th grade student at the American Academy in Brno with an interest in personal development. 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
- 9:37How to learn a language fast and effortlessly | Victoria Obiageli | TEDxAmerican Academy BrnoVictoria Obiageli Mokolo flips the script on everything we think we know about language learning. After years of frustration with French and German, Victoria discovered a method that made learning English, Korean, and Chinese not only faster—but genuinely fun. In her talk, she breaks down the surprising mindset shift that helped her become fluent in Korean by the age of 15, and why anyone can do the same—without textbooks, stress, or memorization drills. Victoria Obiageli is a 10th grade student at the American Academy in Brno passionate about learning and language. 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
- 10:24Why is creativity accessible to everyone | Viktor Malášek | TEDxAmerican Academy BrnoIn this reflective talk, Viktor Malášek challenges the myths we’ve been told about creativity. Rather than offering facts or formulas, he shares a series of ideas designed to shift how we think—and invites each listener to find what resonates with them personally. This isn’t just a talk to learn from; it’s one to feel your way through. Viktor Malášek is a 10th grade student at the American Academy in Brno who believes creativity should be for everyone, not just artists. 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
- 6:02The secret to communicating without conflict | Sophie Vidović | TEDxAmerican Academy BrnoIn this talk, Sophie Vidović explores how to navigate conflict without causing harm—and how to protect relationships in the process. Drawing from personal experiences with friends and family, she shares practical tools for staying calm, honest, and constructive in moments of tension. Sophie Vidović is an 8th grade student at the American Academy in Brno with a thoughtful approach to human relationships. 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
- 16:18One in a Billion | Megha Thakur | TEDxNIELIT AurangabadWhat happens when the person you love the most becomes a memory? long before you’re ready to let go?In this evocative TEDx talk titled “One in a Billion,” Megha Thakur hailing from Bhopal, India shares the deeply personal story of losing someone irreplaceable, every blood relation that existed and the silent aftermath that followed! Grief, identity loss, and the long road to self-reconstruction. Set against the backdrop of a world that often celebrates strength but rarely gives space to vulnerability, Megha Thakur opens her heart with poetic candor and emotional honesty. And yet a powerful tone and legacy to carry.Drawing from moments of unbearable stillness and unexpected grace, she invites us into the intimate journey of what it means to lose a soulmate and still choose life. This isn’t a talk about death. It’s a talk about resurrection—the quiet, persistent kind that happens not in grand gestures, but in everyday choices to rise again.Through her narrative, Megha explores: • The often hidden dimensions of grief and survivor’s guilt • How pain can become a powerful teacher • The sacred art of rebuilding your life from emotional ruins • Why every one of us, though one in a billion, is born with the strength to heal and begin againWhether you’ve faced personal loss, emotional upheaval, or simply feel stuck in your own version of “after”—this talk will meet you there. And gently, word by word, walk you back to yourself.Megha Thakur is a storyteller, public speaker, and a renowned anchor and an entrepreneur who believes in transforming words into strength. With her unique blend of performance, poetry, and reflection, she reminds us that we may be just one in a billion. But even one voice, one life, one story can light the way."A dynamic voice in the world of events, Megha is a global emcee, speaker, entrepreneur, and Executive Director of AMPL Digital." "She’s the founder of Wings of Time and Dana Foundation, empowering underprivileged children through education. From hosting the G20 Health and Finance Ministers' Galas to being awarded the National Youth Award and Woman Achiever 2023 by Dainik Bhaskar, her journey is a true example of grace, grit, and global influence. 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