Satyam Sundaram, born in Lakhanpur village, Munger district, Bihar, has crafted an extraordinary success story. Once mocked for his humble background, Satyam now earns Rs 25 lakh annually from his bamboo product business. What started as a small roadside business has now grown into a successful company, with his products being sold in major cities across the country.

Background

Satyam's childhood was marked by numerous hardships. He attended a government school, often carrying his books in a sack. Following his father’s transfer, the family moved to Purnia, where Satyam was enrolled in upper KG. His weak foundational education led to repeated failures, earning him the label of 'failure.' A convent school expelled him, branding him 'jungali' simply because he was from a village. Despite these setbacks, Satyam persevered and eventually passed his board exams from a local school.

Pursuing MBA

After earning a BCA degree, Satyam faced pressure to follow the traditional path of securing a government job, given his father's service in the Bihar Police. He attempted the PCS exam but failed. Undeterred by this setback, Satyam decided to pursue an MBA. In 2020, he enrolled in the program, marking the first time he chose a subject that truly interested him. During his MBA, Satyam honed his communication and marketing skills and interned at prominent companies like Britannia and ITC. Despite receiving job offers, he declined them and chose to focus on developing his business idea.

Launching the business

During his MBA, Satyam discovered the potential of the bamboo industry in Northeast India. He recognised the growing demand for eco-friendly bamboo products and decided to make it the foundation of his business. With a loan of Rs 15,000 from his younger brother, Satyam began his venture, starting with just 10 bamboo bottles displayed on a roadside table. He took the time to engage with customers, learning about their preferences and gathering valuable feedback to refine his products.

Selling bamboo products

In early 2022, Satyam received Rs 8 lakh as financial assistance under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Program (PMEGP). With this support, he and his mother launched their company, Manipuri Bamboo Artefacts. Today, Satyam offers over 150 bamboo products, ranging from toothbrushes, pen stands, and lampshades to dandiya sticks, flasks, furniture, and disposable cutlery. These products are priced between Rs 10 and Rs 40,000, catering to a wide range of customers and promoting sustainability through eco-friendly alternatives.

Sustainability 

Satyam's products have emerged as an excellent alternative to plastic, helping to protect the environment. Passionate about sustainability, he promoted bamboo products by standing in crowds with posters, urging people to make the shift to eco-friendly alternatives. This vision sets him apart from others in the industry. Today, Satyam’s products are sold across states like Telangana, Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi. What began as a small roadside stall has now grown into a thriving enterprise, earning him Rs 25 lakh annually.