I was the kid in the last bench who found better things to do than study. My dad ran out of patience and sent me to a hostel — probably his best decision on my behalf.

Living alone at that age does something to you. I started observing people — quietly, carefully. How they talked, what they wanted, why they did things. My board marks surprised everyone, including me.

ICFAI Hyderabad, then an MBA, then growth work, then a second masters at Deakin in Melbourne. Each move felt like following a thread I couldn't quite name.