Rajkummar Rao is currently busy promoting his much-awaited film 'Srikanth', a moving story inspired by the life of visually impaired industrialist and philanthropist, Srikanth Bolla. Tushar Hiranandani directed the heartening biopic which features Alaya F, Jyotika, and Sharad Kelkar in supporting roles. 

Let's learn some more about the real Srikanth and his remarkable journey, overcoming all obstacles and inspiring millions along the way. 

Early life of Srikanth 

Srikanth Bolla hails from Seetharamapuram village in Andhra Pradesh. He was born in 1991 into a farmer's family. His childhood was filled with hardships, and several of his relatives advised his family to abandon him due to his disability and the financial stress on the family. 

However, he did not let his visual impairments define him, and his parents supported him every step of the way. They focused on his education, raised him with love, and always encouraged him to aim high. 

Srikanth's education 

Srikanth got admission to a boarding school for blind children, after which his family moved to Hyderabad for his studies. In the boarding school, he adapted quickly to being away from his parents and learned several sports, such as swimming and cricket, played with a ball that makes a rattling sound. He also mastered chess. 

After graduating from high school, Srikanth desired to opt for science but was denied due to his disability. He returned to the State Board school and completed his studies in maths and science. He scored 98 per cent and topped his class. Srikanth always dreamt of becoming an engineer and applied for the Indian Insititute of Technology (IIT) but was faced with difficulties in getting admission. 

However, he did not give up and tried international universities and secured seats at the top technical institutes such as MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon. Srikanth became the first international blind student to receive admission at MIT. 

Also read: Inspiring achievers: Meet five visually-impaired students who cleared CAT in their first attempt 

Srikanth's career and achievements 

Srikanth co-founded Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities in 2011. The centre has a braille printing press and provides educational, financial, and rehabilitation services to students with disabilities to help them attain an economically independent and self-reliant life. 

In 2012, he founded Bollant Industries which manufactures products from municipal waste and recycled materials, providing employment to thousands of disabled individuals and contributing to the welfare of the environment. Bollant Industries has also received funding from Ratan Tata. 

Srikanth was also recognised as one of the 30 under 30 in Asia by Forbes magazine in 2017. 

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