- Monday, March 17, 2025
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Srikanth Bolla, the founder and chairman of Bollant Industries, has officially joined the panel of judges on Shark Tank India, making history as the first visually impaired entrepreneur on the show. He announced his participation via social media, sharing pictures from the set and expressing his excitement about mentoring budding entrepreneurs.
Srikanth shared his journey on Instagram, stating, “To survive a pool of sharks, you need to become one yourself.” One of the images from the post also featured Jeet Adani, the son of business tycoon Gautam Adani, who manages key businesses within the Adani Group, including airports, petrochemicals, and defense sectors.
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In his post, Srikanth emphasized the growing entrepreneurial spirit in India, attributing it to Shark Tank India. He said, “Entrepreneurship in India has grown because of Shark Tank. The people on the show are ready to solve old and new problems in creative ways.” Encouraging future entrepreneurs, he added, “Don’t just think about your idea; act on it, or someone else will!”
Reflecting on his experience as a judge, he said, “Being on the set made me realize that dreams are for doers, not just thinkers. It was inspiring to meet these entrepreneurs and hear their ideas.” He also expressed gratitude towards Shark Tank India, saying, “This is just the beginning!”
Srikanth Bolla is a renowned entrepreneur and humanitarian who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve success. Born visually impaired in the small village of Seetharamapuram, Andhra Pradesh, he grew up in a financially struggling farming family.
Despite limited educational resources for disabled students, Srikanth excelled academically, scoring 98% in high school. However, he faced discrimination when schools and coaching centers refused to admit him. Determined to continue his education, he fought a legal battle and won his right to study.
His perseverance paid off when he was accepted into the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He made history as the first visually impaired student to enroll in MIT’s Sloan School of Management. During his time there, he worked on developing digital learning solutions for students with disabilities.
Beyond academics, Srikanth is a multi-talented athlete, excelling in blind cricket, international chess, baseball, and swimming.
In 2012, Srikanth co-founded Bollant Industries with Ravi Mantha, aiming to create eco-friendly products while providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The company specializes in packaging solutions made from recycled materials and leaves, focusing on sustainability.
Bollant Industries received backing from business magnate Ratan Tata, further boosting its credibility. The company’s innovative approach and commitment to social impact have made it a benchmark in sustainable business practices.
Srikanth’s extraordinary journey inspired a Bollywood film titled Srikanth, where Rajkummar Rao portrays his character. The film highlights his struggles and triumphs, showcasing his unwavering determination in overcoming societal barriers.
From fighting for education to building a multimillion-dollar company, Srikanth Bolla’s journey is a true testament to resilience and ambition, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams.
