May 28, 2024
“Stay hungry and stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs
These words, immortalized by Steve Jobs, capture the essence of relentless curiosity and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. This philosophy resonates deeply with many entrepreneurs, including those from the small towns of India, where dreams are nurtured amidst simplicity and limited resources. Let me share the inspiring story of Deepa, a young woman from a small town in Bihar, who embodies this spirit and achieved remarkable success.
Deepa grew up in Darbhanga, a town known more for its cultural heritage than for business opportunities. Born into a family of modest means, Deepa was always curious about the world beyond her hometown. She would often spend hours reading books borrowed from the local library and experimenting with small electronics. Her curiosity and hunger for knowledge set her apart from her peers.
Despite the financial constraints, Deepa’s parents encouraged her passion for learning. After completing her schooling, Deepa managed to secure a scholarship to study engineering at a reputed college in Delhi. The transition from Darbhanga to Delhi was overwhelming, but Deepa’s determination kept her going. She soaked in every bit of knowledge, attended seminars, and networked with like-minded individuals.
After graduation, while her peers sought stable jobs, Deepa decided to take a different path. She remembered Steve Jobs’ advice to “stay hungry and stay foolish” and chose to follow her passion. Deepa was fascinated by the potential of renewable energy, inspired by the frequent power outages she experienced growing up. She saw an opportunity to bring change to rural India.
With minimal savings and support from a few college friends, Deepa founded a startup focused on affordable solar energy solutions. The initial days were tough. They faced skepticism from investors and resistance from local communities who were wary of new technologies. But Deepa’s unwavering belief in her vision kept her going.
Deepa’s big break came when she partnered with a non-profit organization that worked in rural development. They piloted her solar solutions in a few villages, and the results were transformative. Not only did it provide a reliable power source, but it also improved the quality of life by enabling evening study hours for children and reducing dependency on kerosene lamps.
Word of mouth spread, and soon, Deepa’s startup began receiving attention from larger NGOs and government bodies. Grants and funding followed, and her small startup began to scale. Today, Deepa’s company lights up thousands of homes across rural India and has expanded into other sustainable technologies.
Deepa’s journey from a small town in Bihar to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to take risks. Her story is a vivid illustration of Steve Jobs’ philosophy:
In a world that often emphasizes playing it safe and following conventional paths, Deepa’s story is a powerful reminder to embrace our inner curiosity and dare to be different. Whether you’re from a bustling city or a quiet town, the key to success lies in staying hungry for knowledge and staying foolish enough to chase your dreams, no matter how improbable they may seem.
Let Deepa’s journey inspire us all to keep pushing boundaries, exploring the unknown, and believing in the transformative power of curiosity and determination. After all, as Steve Jobs said, “Stay hungry and stay foolish.”
Founder, CEO @Oryggi Technologies
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