At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring to our community some of the finest stories from the entrepreneurship world. As part of this endeavour, we invited a passionate entrepreneur – Prakash Choudhary for an exclusive interview with us. He is a Social Entrepreneur, Leader, and Founder of Samarpan Foundation. Let’s learn more about his inspiring journey, his background and his advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Prakash:
We are aware of your contribution to the ecosystem, talk us through your background and your journey as a social entrepreneur, please;
This journey was very difficult for me. My family was struggling with the financial crisis in my college time; the responsibilities of the family was on me. I completed my studies by working hard at the telephone booth and many other places for financial sources which was a very difficult time for me.
After my college studies, I chose to work in a social institution and worked for my cause there. I worked with many NGOs for 14 years. By then I came to know and learn how an NGO works.
What attracts you towards entrepreneurship instead of a corporate career?
I’ve always wanted to serve the society and bring positive changes in people.
I have been very passionate about building something on my own that can transform the youth into better personalities and do good to the society.”
I worked for almost 14 years in Pratham Foundation, Haqdarshak and many more Organizations. But when you work for someone, then there are restrictions for you, beyond which you cannot work. It was a great experience and learning with all of them. They inspired me to plan my own foundation and make my dream come true to work for society.
‘Samarpan Foundation’ is such a unique name; talk us through more about it, please. Our audience would also love to know what kind of problem you are solving with the help of your startup?
Samarpan’ means ‘Devoted’. As the word states, my all work and all projects are devoted to the society.”
I always try to make sure that I empower the right people for the right work. I have a team full of energetic youth. They motivate and encourage me towards my better self. Apart from that, I regularly have a talk with my mentor to keep myself focused. Spending time with my family refresh me. I read books, magazines and success stories of youth. They inspire me and keep me away from stress.
How do you manage yourself and keep on going despite the challenges? What drives you?
As we all know, every success comes with challenges. Challenges are the real milestones. My biggest challenges were employment, Financial sources & funding which I did not have when I started Samarpan Foundation.
I had to build everything on my own savings. For that, I had to go against my family also. Team development, supporting system, government policies, lack of awareness in society about social change was also challenging for me.”
Then, the world pandemic hit and everything was on a pause. Working and trying to move forward when half of the resources were not active was also a big problem.
You are always positive and motivated, what keeps you going?
When I started, I knew there would be a lot of challenges and I’d have to face all of them. I just believed in myself. We all know
“When we work for good; all the positive energies around us align together to help us.”
Gradually, I convinced my family. I used my own savings and sacrificed the luxuries life. I got huge support from the youth, and I started raising crowdfunding for Financial source.
My best support is my wife. She always motivates me to keep going on the path I chose.”
We planned to serve the society and the people. Who’s formed a team of youth and together with them we worked to run many programs and campaigns like women empowerment, youth skill development, education for backward classes rural and urban children, Covid-19 awareness.
In which we have made more than 50 women capable of self-employment, have given skill training to more than 1,000 youths. Since 2017, more than 400 poor children have been admitted to private schools under the RTE Act.
Our aim is to run several programs for social and economic reforms in the coming few years which will bring positive social change.
I consider Aniket Dowager (Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak) my ideal. They always inspire me to look forward to my aim and motive.
We would love to know your advice for all those starting out as an aspiring entrepreneur?
Always go for your motive and don’t forget your path. We should bring positive changes to society in any possible way we can.”
Whatever we are because of the society. Society has given us a lot. It is our duty to gift the society with our good deeds” – Prakash Choudhary
BrilliantRead is committed to bringing stories from the startup ecosystem, stories that reshape our perspective, add value to our community and be a constant source of motivation not just for our community but also for the whole ecosystem of entrepreneurs and aspiring individuals.
Note: If you have a similar story to share with our audience and would like to be featured on our online magazine, then please write to us at [email protected], we will review your story and extend an invitation to feature if it is worth publishing.
