Breaking Barriers, I will Fly – Srikanth Bolla

While We Read

1. Why does Srikanth say that his parents were the richest couple in the world?
   Srikanth says his parents were the richest because of the love they gave him. Even though they were poor farmers earning only ₹20,000 a year, they treated him with care and affection. When he was born blind, many people called him a burden. Some even said he should be smothered. But his parents never gave up on him. They saw him as a gift and gave him all the support they could. In their eyes, their love was more valuable than money. That is why Srikanth felt like the luckiest child and called them the richest couple in the world.
2. Why did Srikanth’s father believe that education would be his path?
   Srikanth’s father noticed that farming wouldn’t work for his son. Srikanth’s legs were too short to help in the fields, and his blindness made traditional farming difficult. People around them doubted Srikanth’s future. This made his father feel sad, but it also gave him a new idea. He decided that education was the best way forward for Srikanth. His father realized that his son might not fit into the usual way of life, but with good education, he could build a life of his own. So, he made sure Srikanth got a chance to study and learn.
3. How did Srikanth excel as a student at the special school in Hyderabad?
   In the special school in Hyderabad, Srikanth got an environment where students had similar challenges. Unlike before, where he was ignored, here he got the attention and support he needed. He worked very hard and became one of the best students. He earned top ranks and even represented India in chess and cricket. His confidence grew, and he found joy in both studies and activities. The school helped him feel accepted, and this made him shine. He also worked with great people like Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, which gave him more courage to follow his dreams.
4. Srikanth says that he is not ‘visually impaired’ but ‘visually challenged’. Why?
   Srikanth believes the word “impaired” sounds like something is broken or less. But he doesn’t feel that way about himself. Instead of seeing his blindness as a weakness, he sees it as a challenge that he has to overcome. He wants people to understand that being blind doesn’t make someone less capable. He prefers the word “challenged” because it means he can still try, improve, and succeed. It’s a more positive and strong way of thinking. That’s why he says he is not visually impaired but visually challenged.
5. How did Srikanth overcome the obstacles in pursuing his studies in science?
   Srikanth wanted to study science after scoring over 90% in 10th grade. But he was told he couldn’t because he was blind. He didn’t agree with this. He believed he could study science like anyone else. So, he filed a case against the government. After six months, he got permission to study science—but at his own risk. He didn’t give up. A mentor helped him by recording his textbooks into audio. He studied hard and scored 98%. His strong will, hard work, and support from others helped him break this barrier and succeed in science.
6. What do you understand about the attitude of society to disabled individuals when Bolla was a student in school? How did he help to change the situation?
   When Srikanth was in school, society didn’t treat disabled students fairly. He was made to sit at the back and was left out of activities. People believed blind children could not do much in life. They didn’t give them chances. But Srikanth proved them wrong. He studied hard, won in sports, and got into top colleges. Later, he came back to India and started a company that gave jobs to disabled people. Through Bollant Industries, he showed that disabled people can be valuable workers. He helped change how society thinks about disability by giving others a chance to shine.
7. Why did Srikanth return to India instead of pursuing opportunities in the corporate sector in the USA?
   Even though Srikanth was accepted into top colleges in the USA and had many job offers, he chose to return to India. He didn’t want to just live a comfortable life; he wanted to solve the problems he faced. He asked important questions: why should blind children sit on the last bench, and why are disabled people left out of the economy? These thoughts inspired him to build a better system in India. He wanted to help others like him live with respect and dignity. That’s why he returned to India and started working to support the disabled.
8. What do you think the word ‘reintegrate’ means in this context?
   In this context, “reintegrate” means to bring disabled people back into normal society. Instead of separating them or treating them as different, it means including them in education, jobs, and daily life. Srikanth believed that disabled people should not live in isolation. They should be treated equally and given proper chances to show their talents. Through his company and support programs, he helped many people become part of society again. That’s the meaning of “reintegrate”—to include and involve people fully in everyday life.

Let’s Rewind

1. What were the challenges Srikanth faced in his education, and how did he overcome them?
   Srikanth faced many problems because he was blind. In his first school, teachers ignored him and classmates didn’t include him. He had to walk a long distance, and he felt very lonely. He was later sent to a special school, where he did very well. When he wanted to study science, he was told no because of his blindness. But he didn’t accept this. He fought a case in court and finally got permission. A mentor helped him with audio recordings. Through hard work and determination, he scored 98%. He proved that challenges can be overcome with courage and support.
2. What motivated Srikanth to return to India? What did he do on his return?
   Srikanth wanted to solve the problems he had faced. He didn’t want other blind or disabled children to feel excluded. He asked why disabled people are kept out of schools and jobs. These questions led him back to India. He gave up job offers in the USA and started Bollant Industries. His goal was to give disabled people a chance to work, study, and live with respect. He helped over 3,000 students and gave jobs to over 150 disabled individuals. He proved that everyone deserves equal opportunities.

Activity 1: Interview Questions for Srikanth Bolla

• Mr. Bolla, your life journey is deeply inspiring. Could you please tell us about your early childhood in Machilipatnam and how your upbringing shaped your character and resilience?
• Your parents played a vital role in your growth. How would you describe their support and the values they instilled in you that continue to guide you today?
• Many students face setbacks, but few fight legal battles for the right to study. What kept you motivated during the time you were denied a science education, and how did you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for that challenge?
• Can you share how your experiences in Indian schools compared with your time at MIT? What were the key lessons you learned from both systems?
• You’ve worked closely with the former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam—a dream for many. Could you share what that experience was like and what personal or professional lessons you gained from him?
• Besides Dr. Kalam, were there other mentors or individuals who had a significant impact on your life’s direction and goals?
• What inspired you to start Bollant Industries, and how did you go from an idea to building a successful company that empowers individuals with disabilities?
• As someone who chose entrepreneurship over a secure career in corporate America, what were the biggest sacrifices you had to make, and how did you stay grounded in your mission?
• You’ve faced societal bias, institutional hurdles, and personal challenges. Looking back, what would you say was your toughest moment, and how did you overcome it?
• How do you mentally approach failure or discouragement, especially when the odds seem stacked against you?
• Being listed in Forbes ‘30 Under 30’ and starting one of India’s most socially conscious businesses are remarkable accomplishments. Which recognition has meant the most to you, and why?
• How do you measure success—through awards, impact, or something more personal?
• As a leader who employs many differently-abled individuals, what values do you emphasize in your workplace culture?
• Could you share a story or moment with one of your employees that truly moved you or confirmed your belief in your mission?
• India is home to millions of disabled individuals, many of whom are still excluded from education and work. What message would you like to give to policymakers, educators, and employers about inclusion and accessibility?
• If there’s one piece of advice you’d want every young person facing adversity to hear, what would it be?
• What are your future plans for expanding the impact of Bollant Industries and the Surge Impact Foundation?
• How do you think we can create a society that not only accepts differences but celebrates them?

Activity 2

Srikanth Bolla established an enterprise to create opportunities for the differently- abled. He is now the CEO of a million-dollar company that manufactures eco-friendly, packing materials. Based on your reading of ‘Breaking Barriers, I will Fly’ prepare an article on the achievements of Srikanth Bolla and publish it in your class magazine.

Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams By: Student Editor, Class Magazine Team

Srikanth Bolla’s life is a story of grit, grace, and greatness. Born blind in a poor farming family, he rose above prejudice and pain to become the CEO of a million-dollar eco-friendly packaging company that uplifts the differently-abled.

Srikanth’s journey began in Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where his parents—once earning only ₹20,000 annually—showered him with love despite harsh societal judgment. Rejected by schools, discouraged from studying science, and denied entry into engineering exams, Srikanth refused to be sidelined. With resilience and legal determination, he fought for his right to study science, eventually scoring 98% in his board exams. After gaining admission to MIT, he turned down a career in the U.S. to return to India and serve others like him.

He founded Bollant Industries with a mission: to give the differently-abled not sympathy, but dignity through employment. His enterprise not only manufactures eco-friendly packaging but also empowers hundreds with disabilities, transforming them into productive, proud contributors to society.

Srikanth’s story shows that challenges can become stepping stones. Unlike many who leave for greener pastures, he came back with a vision for inclusion. His success proves that ability is not limited by disability.

We, as a society, must now ask—how can we better include, support, and celebrate those who break barriers like Srikanth Bolla? Let’s learn, appreciate, and act.

Activity 3

Textual Analysis

Hello, I’m Srikanth, an entrepreneur. Do you know that 51% of Indians are self-employed? Let me share the story of the richest

entrepreneurial couples in the world—my parents. They earned just ₹20,000 a year from their small plot of land. Giving birth to a child is the happiest thing for every married couple. At that moment in time, the term *’apple of the eye’ did not mean much to them. Neither of my parents had ever seen an apple, nor did I have an eye. When I was born without eyes, society saw me as a burden. Some even suggested that I should be smothered. But my parents showered on me immense love and care.

They felt they were the richest couple in the world, and I
consider myself the luckiest person.
As a child, I spent much of my time with my father in the
fields. However, my short legs made it difficult for me to
help. My father began to think that perhaps the people
who doubted my future might be right. He realized I didn’t
fit into the traditional farming model. Then he decided
that education was to be my path.

Despite the challenges of trekking to a faraway
school and being ignored by teachers and classmates,
I persevered. For two years, I sat on the last bench,
excluded from activities. I then felt like the poorest child
in the world—not on account of lack of money, but
because of loneliness and isolation.
Eventually, my parents and relatives decided that I
should study in a school with students like me. So,
I was sent to a special school in Hyderabad. There I
excelled, becoming an outstanding student, earning
top ranks, and representing India in chess and cricket.
I had the privilege of working with Dr A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam on various projects like the Lead India Youth
Transformation Project.
When I completed my 10th grade with over 90% marks
I wanted to study science at the A.P. State Board.
However, I was told I could only take arts because I was
‘impaired.’ I did not consider myself visually impaired
but visually ‘challenged.’ I was not allowed to pursue my
passion due to the perceptions of others. Rather than
accept this, I decided to sue the government.
After six months of legal battle, I received a government
order allowing me to study science, but at my own risk.
Despite the lack of resources, I worked hard, with the
help of a mentor. She recorded my textbooks on audio,
and I scored 98% in my exams. This proves that anyone,
regardless of their ‘impairment’ or challenges, can
achieve great things.
However, my journey didn’t end there. When it was time
to apply to top engineering schools like IIT, I was told
that I couldn’t sit for the competitive exams because of
my blindness. If IIT didn’t want me, I decided I didn’t
want it either. I applied to top schools in the United
States and was accepted into MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and
Carnegie Mellon. I chose to attend MIT, becoming the
first international blind student in its history.
While at MIT, I began to think deeply about my future.

Should I just get married, settle down and work in
corporate America? No, I wanted to solve the problems
I had faced. Why should
blind children be made
to sit on the last bench?
Why should 10% of
India’s population, who
are disabled, be excluded
from the economy?
These questions led me
back to India, where I
returned, giving up all
the opportunities in
corporate America, to
build a strong support
system for the disabled.
We established a platform, Bollant Industries together
with my partner, to find, rehabilitate, nurture, and
reintegrate disabled individuals into society, rather than
separate them from it.
We have supported over 3,000 students in education,
vocational rehabilitation, sports, and much more. Our
company now employs over 150 disabled individuals.It
grosses over a million dollars in sales. But we’re still at
the initial stage of our growth, with much more to do.
I want to leave you with three lessons. First, show
compassion and help others thrive. True wealth doesn’t
come from money but from the happiness of others.
Second, remove loneliness from people’s lives, as it is the
worst form of poverty. Finally, remember that when you
do something good, you will be the first to benefit.
The world may look at me and say, “Srikanth, you can
do nothing.” But I look at the world and say, “I can do
anything.” Thank you.