Satyam Sundaram grew up in Purnia, a district in Bihar. His father worked as a Class IV employee.
Money was always tight, but the family made sure Satyam got a good education.
After completing his MBA, Satyam landed a job at ITC. Then the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and everything changed.
Both his parents fell critically ill with the virus.
Key points
- Satyam lost his job at ITC during the pandemic and returned to Purnia.
- He started with just ₹3,000 worth of bamboo products bought from Assam and Manipur.
- A ₹10 lakh loan under the PMEGP scheme helped him launch his company.
- The business now supports about 40 families, including 10 skilled artisans.
So where did it all begin?
When his company laid off staff, Satyam lost his job too. He went back home to take care of his parents.
They recovered, but the medical bills had used up all of the family's savings.
Satyam did not lose heart. He read about the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme in a newspaper.
It gave him an idea: start his own business.
What was the hardest part?
Some people in his community mocked him. They asked why an MBA graduate would work with bamboo.
The taunts were hard, and his mother felt them deeply.
His mother, Asha Anuragini, stood by him at every step.
Her support gave him the strength to keep going when others doubted him.
What was the turning point?
Satyam travelled to Assam and Manipur and bought bamboo-based products for ₹3,000.
He sold them in the Purnia market, and the entire stock sold out within four days.
That small win showed him there was real demand.
With a ₹10 lakh loan under the PMEGP, he launched his company, Manipuri Bamboo Architecture.
Where is he now?
Today the business supports about 40 families connected to the company. Ten skilled artisans work in his factory.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
His bamboo products are sold at stalls in several railway stations, including Purnia, Katihar, Danapur and Hajipur.
His mother now speaks with pride about her son's success.
The same people who once mocked him are now watching his journey with respect.
This story was first reported by EdexLive.
Startup Story
3 lessons from this journey
- Test a small idea with a little money before betting everything on it.
- Pick up practical knowledge from schemes and sources meant for people like you.
- Keep your family close, because their support carries you through the hardest years.
