Life does not always begin with a silver spoon. For some, it begins with an empty bowl. But what truly matters is not where you start—it's the courage to keep moving, dreaming and believing even when everything seems against you.
This is the story of Renuka Aradhya—a man who once begged for food, but today runs a business worth crores, employing hundreds and inspiring countless others.
Renuka was born into poverty in a small village near Bengaluru. His father was a temple priest who begged for grains to feed the family. Renuka often went with him, walking through what is now Bangalore's bustling Electronic City—then just barren land.
After sixth grade, his father considered sending him off to work as a domestic helper. School fees were paid by teachers in exchange for chores—washing utensils, sweeping and dusting. He once cared for an elderly man with a skin ailment, bathing him and applying ointment, before rushing to school.
Later, he lived in a boys' ashram where hunger was a constant companion. He learned Sanskrit not out of interest, but so he could get invited to ceremonies where he might get a meal. He failed his tenth-class exams—passing only in Sanskrit—and returned home after his father’s death, with the weight of his family now on his young shoulders.
Renuka took up small jobs—in a factory, a plastic unit, an ice plant and even as a sweeper. But his mind was sharp, and he learned quickly. He pushed handcarts loaded with suitcases under the blazing sun, worked as a security guard, and even climbed coconut trees for ₹15 each.
But he wanted more. He decided to become a driver, though he didn’t know how to drive. He borrowed money, pawned his wedding ring, and got a license—only to bang the car on his very first day. The job lasted hours. He returned to being a guard, heartbroken.
Yet, he didn’t give up.
A kind taxi owner gave him another chance. Renuka practiced at night, used stones to stop the car from rolling back on hills, and drove cautiously. His first outstation trip to Gokarna taught him a valuable lesson: slow and steady wins trust. Passengers praised his driving.
For years, he drove—not just tourists, but also the departed. He transported around 300 dead bodies, often alone, teaching him the impermanence of life. Right after, he would take pilgrims to holy places, sprinkling holy water on the vehicle and moving forward.
He eventually drove foreign tourists, saved every dollar tip, and with his wife’s small savings, started a transport company. In 2006, he bought a struggling taxi business with Rs 6.5 lakh, selling his own cars to fund it. He named it Pravasi Cabs.
Renuka faced corporate payment delays, took loans, paid high interests, but never stopped. He focused on turnover over profit, expanded his clientele to giants like Amazon, Walmart and GM, and grew his fleet to over 1,000 vehicles.
He taught himself English by reading newspapers while waiting for tourists. He attended networking events, learned about business, and embraced technology. Today, his company operates across three cities, runs school buses, and continues to grow.
His journey reflects a powerful truth: Your past does not define your future. With vision, hard work, and integrity, even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary heights.
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