A Tale of Determination, Perseverance, and Success: From a Student to an Author... | Pritam Sarkar

Introduction:

In a world where opportunities seem scarce, a young entrepreneur defies all odds and charts his path to success. This is the story of Pritam Sarkar, a visionary born and raised in a small town in West Bengal, India. With dreams in his eyes and an unwavering determination, he embarked on a journey that would shape his future. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of his hometown, he set his sights on Kolkata, where he would sow the seeds of his entrepreneurial aspirations while pursuing higher education.

1. The Genesis:

Early Life in a Small Town:

Born and raised in the quaint town of Berhampore, Pritam grew up in a modest household with big dreams. Growing up amidst close-knit communities and rustic landscapes, he witnessed the struggles faced by the people around him. In this environment, he developed an innate sense of empathy and a burning desire to create positive change.

Limited access to resources and a lack of exposure to the world of business didn't deter the young entrepreneur. He observed the challenges faced by local businesses and the untapped potential they held. Motivated by these observations, he nurtured a dream to become an entrepreneur who could empower himself and his community with the help of technology.

Transition to Kolkata:

As he completed his higher secondary education at Berhampore J.N. Academy in Science Stream with an impressive mark in science stream background, Pritam made a life-changing decision: to pursue higher education in Kolkata, the bustling capital city of West Bengal. Leaving behind the comforts of his small town, he embraced the unfamiliarity of city life, driven by the belief that Kolkata held more significant opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In Kolkata, Pritam enrolled in Techno India Saltlake to pursue BCA(H) in 2018. The vibrant city provided him with a diverse and dynamic environment, exposing him to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. It was here that he discovered the vast potential within himself to turn his dreams into reality.

The transition to Kolkata was not without its challenges. Adapting to city life, managing academic pressures, and adjusting to a new social setting tested his resilience. However, it was precisely these challenges that fueled his determination to succeed, igniting his entrepreneurial spirit.

With every passing day, he became increasingly aware of the vast opportunities that Kolkata offered. He recognized the city as a hotbed of innovation, a place where dreams could be transformed into thriving businesses. Inspired by the entrepreneurial success stories that Kolkata had witnessed, he made a firm decision to embark on his own entrepreneurial journey, driven by his passion and unwavering belief in his abilities.

Little did Pritam know that this decision would mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey, one that would not only transform his own life but also leave an indelible impact on the lives of many others.

2. The Entrepreneurial Spark:

Discovering the Entrepreneurial Spirit:

During his second year of college in Kolkata, a spark ignited within him. It was a moment of epiphany when he realized that he possessed an inherent entrepreneurial spirit. He started noticing opportunities where others saw challenges, and his mind was brimmed with innovative ideas to solve real-world problems.

Driven by a deep passion for entrepreneurship, he immersed himself in books, articles, and discussions about successful entrepreneurs and their journeys. He studied the intricacies of business models, market dynamics, and emerging trends, equipping himself with the knowledge required to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

Meanwhile, Pritam wrote his first book, “Tender’n Me”, while in college and it got published by an International Publisher, named NotionPress. The book is currently available on all major e-commerce platforms. It was a dream come true moment for him, just like a reward for his early struggles in life. But, the best was yet to be.

Starting the Journey:

Armed with a vision and a newfound confidence, in 2019, Pritam took the first steps towards transforming his ideas into a tangible business venture. But it would not have been possible alone, he needed co-founders, as they say, “Nothing great is ever accomplished alone!”

Fortunately, Imanul Anam Siddique, his childhood friend who was also in the same year of B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, at Aliah University at that time took the leash of the Technology part of the upcoming venture. Imanul was more like a tech wizard of his time, people would say about him, “Nothing in tech was impossible to this boy”. He joined as the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of the next big thing in what they believed.

The next important person in this journey, Amit Singha Roy, a childhood friend who had this great business acumen, got in touch. Amit had the experience of a seasoned “Jugaadu Guy” with great marketing skills and joined as the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) of the upcoming venture.

Their idea was to create a platform that bridges the gap between industry and college freshers. The industry needed interns and freshers needed industry exposure and experience, which could eventually help them to land their dream jobs in the future. They named this platform “Campus Pro”.

With a focus on solving a specific problem they had identified, they gathered a small team of like-minded individuals who shared their enthusiasm and believed in the potential of their collective ideas.

Starting from scratch, Pritam, Imanul, Amit, and their small team conducted thorough market research, analyzing existing solutions and identifying gaps that their venture could fill. Drawing from their own experiences and insights gained during their college years, they crafted a unique value proposition that set them apart from the competition.

The initial stages were not without challenges. Securing funding for their venture proved to be a daunting task, with limited financial resources at their disposal. Undeterred, Pritam and his team explored various avenues, approaching angel investors, participating in business competitions, and even leveraging personal savings to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey.

Despite the demanding academic commitments that college life entailed, the entire team demonstrated exceptional time management skills, dedicating countless hours to nurturing their budding venture. Balancing lectures, assignments, and exams with the demanding needs of a nascent business required unwavering determination and sacrifice, but they refused to let anything hinder their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Through sheer perseverance and a relentless pursuit of their goals, Pritam and his team turned their entrepreneurial vision into a tangible reality. With their product or service ready for the market, they embarked on the next phase of their journey, eager to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Within a few months of starting, Campus Pro got recognized by Nasscom 10,000 Startups and government entities like Startup Bengal.

Pritam’s entrepreneurial spark not only illuminated his own path but also ignited a flame of inspiration in those around him. Fellow students and aspiring entrepreneurs witnessed his passion, dedication, and fearlessness, leading them to believe that they too could carve their own path to success.

Little did they know that this was just the beginning of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey that would propel Pritam Sarkar from the corridors of his college to the forefront of the business world, forever changing his life and leaving an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape.

3. Financial Struggles and Raising Capital:

As Pritam and his team embarked on their entrepreneurial journey, they faced significant financial challenges. Limited financial resources and the need for capital investment to scale their business posed daunting obstacles. They knew that securing funding was crucial to turning their vision into a thriving enterprise.

Initially, they explored traditional funding avenues such as bank loans and investments from friends and family. However, due to their limited financial history and the uncertainty associated with their early-stage venture, they faced numerous rejections. Undeterred, Pritam and his team persevered and sought alternative ways to raise capital.

They decided to approach angel investors and venture capitalists who specialized in supporting early-stage startups. They tirelessly pitched their business idea, highlighting its unique value proposition and the potential for growth.

However, just as their venture was gaining traction, tragedy struck in the form of the COVID-19 outbreak in India. The pandemic brought the entire nation to a standstill, disrupting economies and wreaking havoc on businesses across industries. The sudden and unforeseen crisis dealt a severe blow to Sarkar and his team's entrepreneurial journey.

As the country went into lockdown, their sales plummeted, and their revenue streams dried up. Existing investors grew cautious and hesitant to continue funding, preferring to preserve their capital during uncertain times. Potential investors became reluctant to invest in new ventures, prioritizing stability over risk-taking.

The financial struggles intensified as Sarkar and his team faced the stark reality of their situation. With limited reserves and dwindling revenue, they had to make difficult decisions to keep their venture afloat. They downsized their operations, cut costs wherever possible, and explored alternative revenue streams. Despite their best efforts, the financial strain became insurmountable.

The unforeseen circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a formidable challenge that Pritam and his team were unable to overcome. Despite their innovative business model and promising growth potential, the economic fallout caused by the pandemic became an insurmountable barrier.

While the venture faced a setback, Pritam and his team refused to be defeated. They sought lessons in resilience and adaptability, using this difficult experience as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. They regrouped, refined their business model, and explored new opportunities that aligned with the changing market dynamics.

Although the initial entrepreneurial venture faced temporary setbacks due to financial struggles exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak, Sarkar and his team emerged stronger, armed with valuable lessons learned from navigating through turbulent times. Their indomitable spirit and unwavering determination would eventually lead them to future successes, proving that setbacks are merely stepping stones on the path to entrepreneurial achievement.

4. Recognition and Achievements:

Despite, all of these barriers, Campus Pro was successful to get into the campuses of more than 38+ Big Time Institutes including IITs, IIITs, NITs, and several Govt and Premiere Private Engineering Colleges including some Govt. Polytechnic & Pharmaceutical Colleges over 5+ states in India. Campus Pro got more than 1800+ students placed into their dream startups in that COVID era.

As their venture gained traction and began making strides in the market, industry experts and business publications took notice of their innovative approach and the potential of their business model. The media spotlight shone upon them, allowing their story to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the nation.

Recognizing the importance of giving back, Pritam and his team also initiated various social impact projects. They launched mentorship programs and workshops to support students from small towns and rural areas, aiming to empower them with the knowledge and resources needed to pursue their dreams. Their commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and their dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders earned them accolades and respect within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The recognition and achievements bestowed upon the team Campus Pro not only affirmed their hard work but also served as a validation of their entrepreneurial spirit. They became symbols of hope and inspiration for individuals who dared to dream big and take the leap into the world of entrepreneurship.

Looking back on their journey, they recognized that the true measure of success extended beyond monetary gains. The impact they made on their community, the lives they touched, and the doors they opened for others became their most cherished achievements.

5. End of the Journey:

Amidst, all the ups and downs of the journey, there was not something right from the start. Pritam neglected his health for a long time, which resulted in a lot of complex health issues like Diabetes, Pericarditis, and others. He had to take a break from the hustle. After pulling things this far, it was getting very difficult with low funds and profits. Their fund runway was getting close day by day, yet the world economy was totally shuttered. Seeing these unforeseeable situations, the day came when Campus Pro had to close its door for the last time in December 2021 with a heavy heart. But, the impact it brought upon those nearly 2,000+ lives of the students, was everlasting.

6. What is Next?

After 2+ years of working in a reputed MNC as a Software Engineer, Pritam is set to return.

Alongside him, Arijit Ray, one of the reputed practicing advocates of the Berhampore Advocate Bar Council; Imanul Anam Siddique has become one of the famous flutter developers who are again ready to set a new milestone in Legal Tech with “MyLawyar”.

The idea was the brainchild of Arijit, later he invited both Imanul and Pritam to accompany him on its journey. Pritam has joined as COO (Chief Operations Officer), Imanul as CTO (Chief Technology Officer), and Arijit will be leading this time as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) at MyLawyar.

As per Pritam, “MyLawyar is going to be your legal guardian in the digital world. With MyLawyar, you can access expert legal advice, and guidance from the comfort of your own home or office.”

MyLawyar App would come with Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Machine Learning capabilities. As per him, MyLawyar is going to revolutionize the perspective of the way we look into Legal and Judicial related things.

“We are coming soon”, Pritam said in his closing note.