Let me share a personal story with you today.
If you see my photos today or look at my academic background, it’s easy to make assumptions. You see a PhD in Archaeology from the
@UniofExeter. You see the founder of
@immersivetrails. You see someone who has traveled and studied abroad.
People often look at these "labels" and assume I come from a place of wealth and privilege. They assume my path was paved with family money and safety nets.
But those labels don’t tell the whole story. In fact, they hide the hardest parts of it.
The truth is, my "privilege" was forged through years of scarcity and sacrifice.
1. The 12,000 Rupee Reality
I grew up in a low-income home. My father was a stenographer and the sole breadwinner for our family. Throughout his entire career, his maximum salary was just 12,000 rupees a month. To make matters worse, the little he managed to save for a lifetime was lost in a misguided investment scheme- a chit-fund scam in Bengal. We didn't just start from zero; we started with the weight of that loss on our shoulders.
2. The Cost of the "Exeter" Tag
When I went to England for my PhD, it wasn’t because I was rich. It was only possible because of generous scholarships and the support of well-wishers. But that scholarship money wasn't just for my rent and books-it was my family’s survival.
While I was studying in the UK, I spent several days every single month fasting. I wasn't doing it for religious reasons or health. I was doing it because I was sending 50% of my scholarship money back home to India. I chose to go hungry in a foreign land so that my family back home wouldn't have to.
3. Starting from Scratch
When I decided to become an entrepreneur and start Immersive Trails, there were no investors or family business legacies to fall back on. I am a first-generation entrepreneur. When we launched, I had around 10,000 rupees in my bank account. No safety net. No plan B. Just the grit I had developed over years of struggle.
Why am I sharing this?
Because I want to break the myth that you need a "head start" to achieve something meaningful.
I am incredibly proud of my education and the business I’ve built. But I didn't get here because I was "privileged." I got here because I was willing to endure things that most people don’t see behind the glossy photos and degrees.
If you’re out there struggling, sending money home, or wondering if you belong in "elite" spaces because of your background- don't let the labels intimidate you. Your struggle isn't a sign of weakness; it’s your greatest strength.
Success isn't about where you start; it's about how much heart you put into the journey.
#MyStory #Grit #Resilience #FirstGeneration #Entrepreneurship #ImmersiveTrails #TruthBehindThePhD #NeverGiveUp