India’s most popular business reality show, Shark Tank India, has changed how the country views entrepreneurship. Now in its fourth season, the show has introduced a new judge, Srikanth Bolla. Let’s take a closer look at his life, career, and achievements.
Srikanth Bolla Joins Shark Tank India
Recently, Srikanth Bolla shared an Instagram post with the other judges of Shark Tank India. Expressing his excitement, he wrote, “To survive a pool of sharks, you need to become one yourself.”
He spoke about how the opportunity came to him and how inspiring it was to meet other entrepreneurs. He praised the show for boosting entrepreneurship in India, saying it helps solve both old and new challenges.
Srikanth also thanked his fellow judges for their support and encouragement. He ended his post with advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Don’t just think about your idea, act on it, or someone else will!”
Who is Srikanth Bolla?
Srikanth Bolla is an Indian entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist. He is the CEO, co-founder, and chairman of Bollant Industries Private Limited. Despite being visually impaired, he became the first blind student to study Management Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His company, Bollant Industries, has an annual turnover of over 150 million USD and employs more than 500 people.
Early Life and Challenges
Srikanth Bolla was born on July 7, 1991, in Seetharamapuram, Andhra Pradesh. His parents were farmers and had no formal education. As a visually impaired child, he faced many difficulties in getting an education. Despite scoring 98% in his Class 12 board exams, he struggled to get admission for higher studies.
Determined to succeed, he fought a legal battle for six months to continue his education. Though he wanted to study engineering, coaching institutes refused to accept him for IIT preparation. But he never gave up.
Achievements and Contributions
Srikanth has been a youth leader since 2005. He became a part of Lead India 2020, a national youth movement started by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. In 2011, he co-founded the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, where he launched a Braille printing press to support students with special needs.
His efforts were recognized globally. In 2017, Forbes named him among the 30 Under 30 young leaders in Asia.
Srikanth Bolla’s Career
In 2012, Srikanth co-founded Bollant Industries with Ravi Mantha. The company, backed by Ratan Tata, produces eco-friendly products from areca leaves, recycled paper, and plastic waste. It also provides jobs to people with disabilities.
Srikanth’s inspiring journey even led to a Bollywood film, Srikanth, starring Rajkummar Rao.
