My journey from confusion to confidence began at Chinmaya Vidya Mandir. The values, discipline, and guidance I received from my teachers shaped who I am today. Their lessons taught me that true success comes from learning, faith, and perseverance.
From Confusion to Confidence: My Journey in Building Dreams with Determination
When I look back at my journey, it all began with a big dream one that I couldn't clearly define at first but knew deep down I was meant to chase. During my school days, I was a student with many thoughts but little direction. I often questioned the true value of education, believing that a degree was nothing more than a piece of paper. I used to tell my teachers that education can't decide your future, and that success depended only on experience and hard work.
But as life unfolded, I realised how deeply wrong I was because education not only shapes your future but also builds the person you become. It gives you discipline, knowledge, and a sense of identity. It teaches you patience, perspective, and perseverance qualities that success cannot exist without.
After completing my 10th standard, I didn't give my studies the seriousness they deserved. I completed my 12th through correspondence, still unsure of what I wanted to do. But in those years of uncertainty, something inside me began to change. I started to understand that education is not about grades or certificates it's about learning to see the world differently, about growth and self-belief. It was during this time that I realised how important it is to keep learning, no matter how lost you may feel.
Taking that realisation forward, I took a bold step and enrolled in an Advanced diploma in Hotel Management at the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM BANGALORE). For the first time in my academic life, I gave my 100%. I immersed myself completely in learning from culinary arts to hospitality management, from teamwork to leadership. That's when I discovered my passion for hospitality an industry that blends service, creativity, and people skills.
My journey took a remarkable turn when I got the opportunity to intern in France as a chef specialising in French cuisine. It was a completely new world the discipline, the culture, and the standard of perfection in every dish taught me lessons that no classroom could. Living alone in a foreign country taught me independence, confidence, and the importance of professionalism. It wasn't just about learning recipes; it was about learning life itself. The experience gave me global exposure and made me fall in love with the art of hospitality.
After returning to India, I decided to strengthen my academic foundation even more. I pursued an additional degree in Hospitality Management from the University of West London (UWL). This experience broadened my perspective and gave me the courage to dream even bigger. I started believing that success is not about where you come from — it's about how determined you are to get where you want to be.
While I was still studying, I took a leap of faith and started my first restaurant, Grillyard, in Kammanahalli, Bangalore, during 2022–2023, with a team of 15 passionate individuals. It was my first taste of entrepreneurship the thrill of creating something from scratch, leading a team, and seeing customers enjoy something you built. The restaurant did well initially, but soon, challenges began to pile up. Managing operations, finances, and people at a young age was not easy. I faced obstacles I wasn't prepared for from staffing issues to rising costs and unforeseen market challenges. Eventually, I had to shut down the business after managing it for a year.
That moment was painful, but it became one of the most important turning points of my life. I learned that failure is not the opposite of success it's part of it. Every great entrepreneur faces failure at least once. It taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of planning. It also reminded me that even when things fall apart, you can always rebuild stronger and wiser than before.
With no options left but plenty of experience gained, I joined Prism (formerly OYO Hotels and Homes Pvt. Ltd.), one of India's largest hospitality networks. I started from the relationship manager in operations team, learning the nuts and bolts of how hotels function from housekeeping and guest service to budgeting and owner relations. where I managed over 50 hotels around Bangalore My willingness to learn and adapt helped me grow quickly. Through dedication and consistent effort, I was promoted to Business Development Manager. Oct- 2023 to June-2025
It was a proud moment not just because of the position, but because it reflected my transformation. From being someone who once doubted the power of education, I had become someone responsible for managing large-scale operations in one of India's most competitive hospitality sectors.
Today, with the grace of Almighty, I am managing four hotels in Mumbai under the Prism brand, where I operate and oversee their performance, quality, and guest experience. Alongside that, I also manage one of our own personal brand Seven Olives Hotels, a boutique property that reflects my dream of redefining hospitality.
My vision is to offer luxury at an affordable price, creating spaces where comfort meets class. Our focus is on modern design, seamless service, and corporate-style professionalism, ensuring every guest feels valued and at home. What once began as a small dream is now steadily transforming into a legacy in the making.
Alongside hotels, I have explored multiple ventures from coffee trading and restaurant management to event management under our company Flambae Events, and a growing coffee and spice brand called Ossoor Coffee & Spices. Each business has taught me something new about leadership, risk-taking, and patience. Every challenge, every setback, and every victory has been part of the same story — the story of never giving up.
When I think about the boy I once was confused, rebellious, and dismissive of education and compare him to the person I have become today, I see transformation. A transformation shaped by mistakes, lessons, faith, and hard work.
The biggest lesson I've learned is this: Never underestimate the power of learning — formal or informal. Education doesn't just build your career; it builds your mindset.
I've also learned that failure is the best teacher, and that discipline and consistency will always take you further than talent alone.
My journey is still continuing — with bigger dreams, clearer goals, and stronger faith. From a boy who once believed that "a piece of paper can't decide your future" to a man who now believes that education gives you the tools to build your own future, it has been a journey of growth, gratitude, and grace.
As I look back on this journey, I cannot forget the foundation that shaped me my school. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my teachers at Chinmaya Vidya Mandir School, where I completed my 10th standard. I would love to specially thank my class teacher, Sridevi Ma'am, my closest English teacher, Runa Ma'am, my social teacher, Santosh Ma'am, my science teacher, Deepali Ma'am, and my maths teacher, Asha Ma'am, for their constant support and encouragement.
To all the other teachers whose names I may have missed, your guidance and teachings have been equally valuable in shaping who I am today. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the school management for creating an environment that nurtured discipline, values, and growth.
A small advice to my juniors and students Life will test your patience, your faith, and your consistency but never stop believing in yourself and in god's plan. Success doesn't come overnight, it's built step by step through discipline, honesty, and faith. Whatever path you choose, give your 100% and never compromise your values for shortcuts. Remember, true success isn't about fame or money it's about building something meaningful, with integrity and gratitude. Keep learning, stay humble, and always respect your parents and teachers they are the real reason behind every milestone you achieve.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my part of story
