Blindness of establishment did not deter Bolla's dream of being an enterpreneur.

When the poor farmer’s wife gave birth to a blind baby, neighbours suggested that the parents kill the child as it would be a burden on them. But the child’s mother argued that when the grew up and becomes capable of at least stopping dogs from entering the house, he would be a gift for her.

The child would grow up, challenge successfully an Andhra Pradesh government rule that prevented admission of blind students to science courses, perform prodigiously in 10+2. Yet, he would be refused a seat in IIT, but be admitted in the Massachussets Institute of Technology (IIT), US, as the first blind international student of that prestigious institution, and end up as a successful entrepreneur.

Srikanth Bolla’s inspiring story, narrated by him to students of the Masters of Social Entrepreneurship (MSE) course at the Deshpande Foundation in Hubli last Friday, left many an eye moist. The students were speechless when Srikanth recalled that he was denied admission to science stream in 10+2, because a rule barred blind students from joining science courses. After a six-month struggle, Srikanth succeeded in getting admission in his chosen stream, but on condition that he was doing so at his “own risk”.

The Andhra Pradesh government even amended the rule, lifting the bar on students from joining science courses.

Srikanth said he scored 93% in 10+2, but his struggles had not ended. He wanted to join the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),but was denied a seat because of his blindness.

“I thought I was unlucky not to study in nation’s prestigious institution, but it was perhaps as well, because I applied to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, where I was admitted to the Bachelors of Science in Management Science as the first blind international student,” he recalled, to a thunderous ovation from the students.

Srikanth, who was named in 2005 by former president of India APJ Abdul Kalam as the Best Youth Leader of Andhra Pradesh for outstanding service in ‘Lead India-2020’ , established a company called Aasadeep Projects Pvt Ltd in December 2012 with six employees. The company has provided employment to 50 differently abled persons.

He says he is is committed to help physically challenged but skilled youths, by providing jobs in his company that produces eco-friendly paper products. The company registered a turnover of Rs five crore in first 6 months. He credited Swarnalatha Takkilipati, Managing Director of Asadeep, with guiding him from the time he was in the 5th standard.

What inspired him? “The challenges themselves were the inspiration,” replied Srikanth, to more ovation.

SOURCE: http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/1884234/report-visually-challenged-he-...