The Strength of My Roots
Every journey begins with a foundation, a set of guiding principles that shape who we become. Mine was built in a home filled with discipline, warmth, and a deep sense of responsibility. I was born into a family where both my parents were government employees—hardworking individuals who believed in service, perseverance, and selflessness. Their lives were not just about fulfilling professional duties; they were about instilling values, ensuring that their children stood strong in the face of any challenge.
My father, J. P. Mishra, was a Malaria Inspector, a job that demanded immense dedication. He was a man of discipline and conviction, and his guiding principle in life was simple yet powerful: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” These words were not just something he preached; they were something he lived by every single day.
He always told me that success in life is built on three pillars: foresight, hard work, and willingness. He believed that if one could anticipate challenges, put in the effort, and have the determination to keep going, nothing could stop them from achieving their goals. These teachings became deeply ingrained in me, serving as the foundation for my ambitions and resilience.
Despite his demanding job, my father never let work become an excuse for neglecting his family. He was a man who led by example, and I admired his ability to balance duty with care. He was my first mentor, my role model—the person who taught me that obstacles exist only to be overcome. When he passed away on September 29, 2003, I felt an irreplaceable void. Yet, even in his absence, his lessons remained, guiding me through life’s many challenges.
A Mother’s Unbreakable Spirit
If my father was my first teacher in resilience and discipline, my mother, Usha Mishra, was the one who taught me the true essence of humanity and compassion. She was a mathematics teacher, a profession that reflected her logical thinking and structured approach to life. But beyond equations and numbers, she believed in something far greater: the power of kindness.
Her philosophy was simple yet profound: “The whole world is my family. Everyone should be happy.” She was not just a mother to her children—she was a mother to many. Whether it was students struggling in school, neighbors in need, or even strangers facing hardship, my mother always found a way to help. She never saw problems as roadblocks; she saw them as opportunities to uplift others.
She was the driving force behind ensuring that all five of us—my brothers and sisters—became self-dependent and capable of facing any situation in life. She believed that true strength was not just about personal success but about being resilient enough to pull others up along the way. She taught me that helping people was not an obligation but a privilege.
If there was one thing my mother embodied, it was the fighter’s spirit. No matter how difficult life became, she never allowed circumstances to dictate her actions. She faced challenges with unwavering determination and instilled in me the same unbreakable mindset. She taught me that strength is not just about endurance but about the willingness to keep moving forward, no matter how hard the road gets.
A Childhood of Learning and Growth
My earliest memories of school take me back to Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Gorella, where I attended LKG. It was here that I first experienced the structured world of education, though at that time, school was more about reciting rhymes, playing with friends, and enjoying the carefree innocence of childhood. My true understanding of discipline and responsibility, however, came from observing my parents—especially my father.
One of the strongest impressions of my childhood was watching my father take care of my bedridden grandmother. He was not just a provider for the family but a devoted son who personally ensured that his mother received the best care. He would bathe her, administer insulin injections, and tend to her medical needs with patience and love. Witnessing his selfless service made me realize the true value of family and deepened my own sense of responsibility toward my parents. This lesson stayed with me, becoming an unshakable part of my belief system.
A Family Reunited in Pandariya
Until 1983, my mother lived in Pendra Road, managing five children and taking care of her in-laws, while my father was posted in Pandariya, a remote village in Bilaspur district. Life was tough for her, balancing a full household and her job as a mathematics teacher, but she never complained. In 1984, my mother was finally transferred to Pandariya, and for the first time, our family could live together under one roof.
This was where my real schooling began. I joined Buniyadi Primary School in Pandariya, where I studied from 1st to 4th standard. It was a phase of childhood filled with both learning and mischief. While I excelled in academics, I was equally drawn to the thrill of adventure.
One such adventure led to an unforgettable incident. On an ordinary school day, instead of heading to class, I decided to jump into a lake filled with buffaloes, along with my friends. We climbed trees, took turns diving into the water, and swam carefree with the animals. Unfortunately, my carefree day was cut short when my mother caught me red-handed. Standing at the edge of the lake, she watched as her supposedly disciplined son transformed into a wild, mischievous swimmer. Being a mathematics teacher, she had high academic expectations from me. Watching this notorious side of mine made her worry that I was losing focus from studies, and she made a crucial decision—one that would change the course of my life.
Realizing that I needed a more structured academic environment, my mother decided to send me to Bilaspur, where my elder brother was already residing. She believed that this shift would ensure a better education and disciplined lifestyle.
Moving to Bilaspur: A New Chapter Begins
Coming from a lower-middle-class family, finances were always a consideration. Since I was the youngest of five siblings, my education was an additional expense. To ease the financial burden, we decided that I would join a government school, which provided free education. It was a practical decision that not only reduced financial strain but also exposed me to a new world of competitive learning.
I completed my 12th standard from Government Multipurpose Higher Secondary School in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Despite studying diligently, I had no concrete idea about what career path to pursue. Like many teenagers, I was unsure about how I would earn a living and build a future for myself. That changed with a single encounter—an encounter that gave me my first real ambition.
The Spark of Inspiration: A Dream to Become an Engineer
One day, while talking to my friend Avakash Bhivagade, I noticed his elder brother dressed in black and white, carrying a Gandhi-style bag. There was a proud look on his face, a quiet confidence that intrigued me. Curious, I asked my friend about his brother’s attire and why he seemed so different.
“That’s the first-day uniform of an engineering student,” my friend explained. “It’s a dream for many science students to earn the right to wear that uniform and attend engineering college.”
His words struck something deep within me. Until that moment, I had never thought of engineering as a path for myself. But seeing the pride on his brother’s face, I suddenly knew—I wanted to be that person. I wanted to crack the PET (Pre-Engineering Test) and secure a seat in an engineering college.
A Challenge Worth Fighting For
Cracking PET was not going to be easy. At that time, only 1,200 seats were available in engineering colleges across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and securing a place required being among the top 12,000 candidates. It was a daunting challenge, but for the first time, I had a clear goal.
With the blessings of my elders and the grace of God, I fought hard, worked relentlessly, and ultimately succeeded in cracking PET. The reward for my dedication was an opportunity to join Bhilai Institute of Technology (BIT) to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication.
That moment—seeing my name on the list of selected candidates—was one of the most defining milestones of my life. I had taken my first real step towards building a career, a future, and an identity beyond just being a student.
A New Beginning
Looking back, I realize how each event, each decision, and each lesson played a role in shaping my journey. From my father’s selfless care for his mother to my mother’s insistence on academic excellence, from my childhood mischief in Pandariya to finding my ambition in Bilaspur—every moment contributed to the person I became.
My childhood was a mix of love, discipline, struggle, and discovery. It taught me the importance of family, the value of education, and the power of ambition. Most importantly, it gave me the resilience to chase my dreams, no matter how tough the road ahead might be.