The Journey from a Village as a Farmer’s Son to Fashion World as a Scientist in Leather

Abstract

I was born in a small town Nellore in Andhra Pradesh on August 30, 1961. My father late Sri J. Subba Naidu was a farmer in a small village with no proper education. My mother Mrs. J. Leelavathi of 90 years is a housewife presently living with me. I have 4 sisters and 1 brother. The village I was born had no proper school. My father’s passion to educate his children well made him send all his children to his relative’s place with proper schools for seeking quality education. My journey started in my elder sister’s house with the first school in Nellore, St. Joseph English Medium School. One of the teachers, Ms. Rita, inspired my young mind for performing well in academics. After class 7, I moved to Vijayawada along with my sister to get admitted in St. Joseph School for my secondary schooling. I was an average student at that time and used to get lots of help from my cousin Dr. Sailaja for subjects such as maths and science. While studying, I used to do lots of house work (which is helping me a lot after my marriage!). Learning to do things yourself always gives you confidence during your lifetime. I qualified in 10th standard and moved to junior intermediate after seeking admission in Andhra Loyola College. I was staying in a hostel for the first time. It is different experience altogether to stay in a hostel and studying in college. I learnt a lot in being independent, and the methodology of teaching and culture really inspired me. One of the maths teachers really inspired me to look for seeking engineering education. I came out successfully with good marks and sought admission in Anna University in Leather Technology. My uncle played an important role at this point of time in shaping me.