Case Study17 : Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Success

Background
Rohan, a bright and ambitious student, was pursuing his (link unavailable) in Chemistry at a reputable college in India. During his second year, Rohan stumbled upon a business idea that he couldn’t shake off. Despite his passion for chemistry, he found himself spending more and more time researching and developing his business concept.

The Decision to Drop Out
As Rohan’s enthusiasm for his business idea grew, he began to struggle with his academic responsibilities. Despite his best efforts, he found it challenging to balance his coursework with his entrepreneurial pursuits. After much contemplation, Rohan made the difficult decision to drop out of college in his third year.

Societal and Family Pressure
Rohan’s decision to drop out of college was met with resistance from his family and society. His parents, who had always envisioned him becoming a successful chemist, were disappointed and worried about his future. Friends and relatives questioned his decision, labeling him as irresponsible and impulsive.

Failure and Perseverance
Undeterred by the criticism, Rohan poured his heart and soul into his business venture. However, he faced numerous setbacks and failures. He struggled to secure funding, encountered regulatory hurdles, and faced stiff competition from established players. Despite these challenges, Rohan persevered, using each failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.

A Turning Point
Just when Rohan was about to give up, he received an unexpected call from an old high school classmate, Rajesh, who worked at a local bank. Rajesh offered to provide Rohan with financial assistance and guidance. Rohan was skeptical at first, but Rajesh’s advice proved invaluable. With Rajesh’s support, Rohan was able to regain his footing and start rebuilding his business.

A New Partnership
As Rohan’s business began to flourish, Rajesh found himself drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit. He decided to leave his job at the bank and join Rohan’s venture as a partner. Together, they worked tirelessly to expand their business, and their hard work paid off.

Questions for Discussion
1. What motivated Rohan to drop out of college and pursue his business idea?
2. How did societal and family pressure affect Rohan’s decision-making process?
3. What role did perseverance play in Rohan’s journey to success?
4. How did Rajesh’s support contribute to Rohan’s turnaround?
5. What lessons can be learned from Rohan’s experience about entrepreneurship, perseverance, and the importance of supportive networks?

Assignment
Divide the class into small groups and ask them to discuss the following:

1. Develop a business plan for Rohan’s venture, including market analysis, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
2. Create a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) for Rohan’s business.
3. Design a promotional campaign to help Rohan’s business reach a wider audience.

Encourage groups to present their findings and insights, and facilitate a class discussion to explore the key takeaways from Rohan’s story.