Life after UPSC failure: Sudhir Garg's inspiring journey to entrepreneurship

By Ishwi Singh  |  First Published Sep 20, 2024, 11:12 AM IST

Sudhir Garg from Madhya Pradesh persevered despite failing to clear the UPSC exam. He took a loan of Rs 10 lakh to start a laundry business, which has now grown to provide employment opportunities for others.

Hailing from Bansa Tarkheda village in Damoh district, Madhya Pradesh, Sudhir faced many challenges in his pursuit of the UPSC exam but ultimately did not succeed. Rather than giving up, he redirected his efforts by taking a loan to start his own laundry business, which now creates jobs for others in the community. His story serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks can lead to new opportunities if one remains determined in their journey to success.

Preparing for UPSC in Delhi

Sudhir Garg completed his early education in Damoh, where he excelled academically. Driven by his ambition to join the civil services, he relocated to Delhi to prepare for the UPSC exam. Despite multiple attempts, success eluded him. When his hopes began to fade, Sudhir made the decision to move to Chandigarh, where he took a job at a five-star hotel. This new experience was challenging, and he dedicated himself fully to his work. However, this chapter of his journey was also short-lived.

Facing challenges

In 2020, as the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, Sudhir lost his job. Faced with this challenging situation, he chose to return to his village to care for his grandparents. During this time, Sudhir not only tended to their needs but also began offering free tuition to local children. This experience opened his eyes to the potential of making a significant impact from his village, inspiring him to pursue a larger goal.

New beginnings

After facing prolonged unemployment, Sudhir applied for self-employment under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana at the Central Bank. Within a few months, he secured a loan of Rs 10 lakh, which he used to purchase a large electronic washing machine and press. He then launched his laundry business, which has been successfully operating for the past seven months and now employs two people.

Customers increased with WhatsApp service

Sudhir began his laundry business in a small room, teaching himself everything from using a large washing machine to ironing and packing clothes. Although he faced initial challenges, his hard work gradually paid off as demand for his services grew. By incorporating modern technologies, he launched a WhatsApp service that allowed customers to share their location for home collection of laundry. This innovative approach was well-received, significantly boosting his customer base.

Monthly income

Today, Sudhir earns approximately Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 each month from his laundry business. From this income, he pays an installment of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 to the bank. With the remaining funds, he manages his household expenses and other necessities. This achievement feels like a dream come true for him, especially considering the numerous challenges he has overcome to reach this point.

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