Author Uday Shankar has released a new book titled Game Changers: Lessons on Resilience and Success from Everyday Heroes, published by Jaico Publishing House. The 236-page book chronicles the inspiring journeys of 18 self-made men and women who achieved success without privilege, influential connections, or a safety net.
Why the Book Was Written
The idea for the book stemmed from the author's observation that public attention is heavily skewed toward sportspersons, film stars, politicians, and business tycoons.
"The media practically swarm around them... But there are people driving progress in the country, whether in a state, village or hamlet, without any hype or hoopla. These individuals, deeply rooted in their communities, started with nothing and succeeded through hard work and dedication." — Uday Shankar
Drawing stories from across India—including Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi—the book offers leadership lessons and insights on how ordinary people became change-makers.
Featured Changemakers
The book highlights a diverse group of individuals who made a massive impact in their fields and communities:
- Srikanth Bolla: The Hyderabad-based industrialist and founder of Bollant Industries, whose journey of overcoming a visual impairment inspired the Hindi film Srikanth starring Rajkummar Rao. (The author relates to this story, having also grown up with a visual impairment due to a congenital cataract).
- Azhar Maqsusi: A Hyderabad-based social activist running the Hunger Knows No Religion campaign, feeding nearly 1,000 people daily.
- Meenakshi Gadge: A Class XII-educated sarpanch who transformed Mukhra in Telangana into a model village.
- Nazim Nazir: A young entrepreneur from Kashmir who defied his parents to start a beekeeping business at age 18 and now produces 5,000 to 7,000 kg of honey annually.
- Other Noted Figures: The book also profiles prominent and lesser-known figures alike, such as E. Sreedharan, Tessy Thomas, and Dashrath Manjhi.
Tribute to COVID-19 Warriors
One chapter holds a special place in the author's heart: a dedicated tribute to the medical professionals, ambulance drivers, ward boys, and nurses who lost their lives while saving others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Availability and Future Plans
- Launch: Uday Shankar is launching the book across four major metros, including Hyderabad, this August.
- Availability: Game Changers: Lessons on Resilience and Success is currently available online and in bookstores across Bengaluru.
- Future Outlook: Hinting at potential future projects, the author expressed a desire to write a sequel or Game Changer 2.0 to highlight more deserving, undiscovered heroes.