“The importance of discipline in life and the resilience to achieve goals were instilled in me from childhood by my father. He always told me I need to be ruthlessly focussed if I want to achieve results. From him I learnt we should always have a Plan B or contingency plan in life irrespective of what work we do. He served in the Indian Army and it taught him multiple life skills which he imparted to me. He is my source of inspiration. When I launched by start-up three years ago and was anxious, he was there with me constantly telling me to think positive and have a good attitude towards everyone. Today, as I move forward in my entrepreneurial journey, my father watches me with pride while enjoying a retired life and playing golf.”
Rishabh Malik, Co-founder and VP (Business Development) of Gurugram-based, Droom, the first online platform for buying and selling used vehicles
“My father played many roles in my life - from a friend to confidant and most recently business partner. Together we started “BookMyForex” in 2012 and all along his vast experience and maturity guided us and kept me going when things were not looking good. Start-ups aren't easy and there were moments I felt I shouldn’t have taken it on as failure was imminent. But it was those dark hours my father withstood with a steely resolve and determination. I trusted him and followed him blindly. I am glad that I did and I owe to him the success that I am enjoying today. From practically nothing, we created the valuable online currency exchange marketplace.. He never taught me but showed me how to live modestly, be self-effacing and work towards what I want.”
Nitin Motwani, CTO & Co-founder of Gurugram-based BookMyForex
Nitin Motwani
“Doing your own business is filled with risks and difficulties. I have always heard my father tell me stories about his days when he faced hardship but never gave up. Perseverance is the key to success, he not only said but also showed and proved it through his tireless work in the Government as Deputy Commissioner (Food & Supplies). A mix of good and bad incidents from his work life helped me to understand and tackle situations when I faced similar challenges later in life. When I decided to start the online portal NoBroker.com that helps people to find properties without the headache of brokerage in 2014, I thought my father may not approve of it and be jittery. But he was very excited that I had come up with this innovative idea and encouraged me assuring me of all help at every step. I had a roller coaster ride as an entrepreneur experiencing euphoria and achievement and also insecurity and fear. But my father stood by me like a rock. I knew I could turn to him anytime if I fail and that gave me the strength to keep trying and giving better each day.”
Amit Aggarwal, co-founder of Bangalore headquartered NoBroker.com
Amit Agarwal
“After launching ixigo.com in 2007, I ran into difficulty with almost everything from funds to commercial and strategic planning. But my father, a retired bank manager always egged me on. He said every problem was just a hurdle on the path to doing something great. “If it was so easy, then everybody would have done it,” he would say. My father’s words worked like magic on me because I felt they always came true. He told me to have faith in God and work with 100 per cent commitment if I want to be successful. He kept me going and I never gave up and indeed when I felt all doors were closing, a new thing always came up. Today ixigo.com is a widely sought travel search engine that is like a one-stop shop for all travel related queries and my father worries about my health now.”
Aloke Bajpai, CEO and co-founder of Gurugram-based ixigo.com
Aloke Bajpai
