Dealing with failure is the toughest part of life. Picking yourself up, and moving forward with all your strength to reach where you want to be is tougher.
Meet Vamshi Kodaganti – A Fauji brat, Hyderabadi, food aficionado – who is currently pursuing his masters at IHM Pusa. For Vamshi, life in literal sense, has been a roller-coaster ride. In his words “sometimes it’s just ones over confidence that kills ones dreams”.
Vamshi joined intermediate (+2) choosing Math, Physics & Chemistry, with lot of expectations from himself but only later realised it was one of the biggest mistakes of his life. In the bid to prepare for IIT – JEE, he not only lost his confidence but also his academics fell down from an average of 70% to 56%, and it took him more than a few years to get through his intermediate. He describes it as one of the darkest phases as well as one of the darkest secrets of his life.
But life has to go on.
This dark phase did not deter him. Of course there were friends who moved forward & away, the relatives whose glances did all the talking, but those were just part and parcel that comes with a failure. Vamshi, having found passion in food and cooking, then went on to not only crack NCHMCT- JEE with a rank of 677 (All India) but also stayed among the top 3 of his batch at IHM Hyderabad.
In India, where most of the students go ahead with engineering after choosing Physics, Chemistry and Math, in spite of knowing that it doesn’t interest them, Vamshi chose otherwise.
He was made the college representative in his 3rd year and won many laurels while studying at IHM Hyderabad, a simple look at his LinkedIn profile will give you an idea of his achievements. Being awarded for topping the institute for an academic year, being declared the best skilled chef at a competition, being appointed as the Student Team Lead for literary committee are just the highlights of his stellar profile. Life had tried to pull him down, but he went on to cross every hurdle that came his way with sheer determination and hard work. Vamshi Kodaganti exemplifies the art of never giving up. A couple of years ago, no one would have expected a failure to pick himself up with a resolve to keep fighting until he gets what he wants. He is a warrior and a true inspiration to all the people who are afraid to fail.
Here are excerpts from my interview with Vamshi Naidu.
What was your experience with failure and what does it taste like?
Haha!! Experience with failure wasn’t good and did taste bitter. But yes I can tell you it has totally changed me as a person, it has changed the way I look at life and the way I look at other people and things. It did show me the harsh reality of life.
What was the point when you decided not to pursue engineering?
The day I realised I wasn’t good at either maths or physics and my grades started going down. I knew I wasn’t cut out for engineering. And choose something that would not only give me knowledge but would also help me develop my personality which plays a very vital role in today’s competitive world.
How was the transition?
I loved the transition. No maths no physics. And all new subjects, which a person would rarely go through. The science behind cooking and baking, the skill while serving the finest wine and the best food, The tricky bed making and the lively flower arrangements. They were not just interesting in learning but were just amazing when put to practical use in daily life. This was the place I wanted to be.
How did your family react to this decision?
My family was very supportive as always, they didn’t have that “Log kya kahengay” feeling in this. They have always encouraged me to pursue what I was interested and had always told life doesn’t end with a failure . I am lucky to have such supportive and ever inspiring parents.
Turning point in life?
Choosing hospitality as a career was the turning point in life. After a major setback in life getting admission into one of the finest colleges in this country means a lot. If not anything else, it gives you that confidence of making things happen in life again. And after I joined, there was no looking back again life took a major turn .
What do you feel about your decision?
I feel I took the correct path and I love it.
What keeps you inspired?
Books keep me inspired – Biographies and auto biographies. Family, a few relatives and some close friends.
How satisfied are you with what you are doing now?
I was at the right place at the right time is what I always feel. I have completed my. B.sc in hospitality and now I am pursuing M.sc In hospitality itself.
What message you want to give to others who failed/ are afraid of failing?
Failing is not the end of life. Look forward grab whatever comes along. You’ll definitely be a winner down the line. “Look through the windshield and not the rear-view”. And learn from your mistakes, one day the world’ will learn from your success.
What would you say to those who want to pursue hotel management?
Be passionate about hospitality, go beyond the books and keep the good work and stay inspired, there are a lot of opportunities. Hotels, retails, corporates, airlines, shipping, educational institutions, and many more. Sky is the limit.
This post is a part of our awareness campaign #MyCareerMyChoice. To read more posts from this campaign, please click here.
