Growing up, it was always clear that the regular path of textbooks and classrooms wasn’t for me. My parents saw that too, and rather than pushing me into more studies, they encouraged me to follow my passions. That’s where my journey began—from drumming at the Rajasthan Music Fest to playing district-level cricket and even diving into the competitive world of esports, where I travelled across India and abroad competing in FPS games.
 
Each new hobby, however, brought a familiar challenge – my academics would suffer, forcing me to drop everything and focus on the upcoming exams. The pressure to abandon what I loved made me resent school even more.
 
The real crisis came in 10th grade when I discovered esports. It felt like I’d finally found something where I belonged, something that made me feel alive. But success in gaming came at a cost. My grades suffered severely, and after failing my pre-board exams three times, my school nearly expelled me.
 
The disappointment in my parents’ eyes during that difficult time is something I’ll never forget. Despite the intense struggles, they never gave up, always advocating for another chance for me. Finally, the school relented, and I managed to pass—just barely.
 
Then came the move to Mumbai for my 11th and 12th grades, presenting a whole new set of challenges. The city’s relentless pace pushed me to my limits. I struggled with the science stream initially and had to switch to commerce, barely scraping through my exams. But Mumbai taught me a valuable lesson: failing isn’t the end. It’s a crucial part of the journey to discover what really works for you.
 
I’ll always remember my first day at JK Lakshmipat University. We were asked to share what we brought to the table. Standing in front of everyone, I admitted, ‘I have nothing to bring—I’ve failed multiple times and haven’t achieved anything notable. But I’m here to give 200% and become the best version of myself.’
 
That moment of complete vulnerability turned out to be my turning point. It was a gamble that paid off. The support that followed from my peers was overwhelming, and I found myself leading my class and excelling in ways I never thought possible.
 
The university became a proving ground for me. I took on leadership roles, becoming the President of the Student Council and turning our annual fest into a profitable event for the first time since the institution’s inception. I even launched two startups, both of which I later sold for a substantial profit.
 
The day I found out I had topped my first semester was surreal. I was helping at a conference when my friend called to tell me the results. Rather than rushing to check for myself, I called my mom first to tell her I had finally done something to make her proud. The relief and joy in her voice were the best rewards I could have asked for.
By the time I graduated, I had been awarded the ‘Gold Medal’ and named ‘Student of the Year’. The pride in my parents’ eyes at that moment was unforgettable. After years of self-doubt and struggle, I had finally achieved something beyond my dreams.
 
Now, I work with AIC-JKLU, an incubator connected to my alma mater, where I support and guide startups to grow and succeed. I also lead ‘Startup Singh,’ a platform where I share free insights to inspire budding entrepreneurs, helping them transform their dreams into meaningful realities.
Looking back, I see how crucial the belief others had in me was to my success. Navigating through numerous challenges wasn’t solely about my own persistence; it was equally about the support and encouragement I received along the way. This is why I am deeply committed to giving back.
 
For me, it’s not just about enabling startup growth – it’s about paying forward the same kindness, guidance, and opportunities that were once extended to me.
Bisman
Dreamer, Achiever, Adventurer