From Samosa Stall to Silicon Valley: Mohan Abhyas Journey to IIT Bombay and Beyond

Mohan Abhyas, the son of a humble samosa vendor in Hyderabad, has become a symbol of unyielding determination and grit. From juggling his studies with helping at his father’s roadside stall to earning a coveted spot at IIT Bombay, Mohan’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2017, he achieved an All-India Rank of 6 in the JEE Main and 64th in the JEE Advanced—two of the most grueling engineering entrance exams in the world. Today, he is a software engineer at Rubrik, a leading US-based tech company, embodying the transformative power of education and perseverance.

From the Heat of a Samosa Stall to the Halls of IIT Bombay

The story of Mohan Abhyas is one that resonates deeply in a country where education is often seen as the ladder out of poverty. Born into a family that could barely make ends meet, Mohan’s childhood was marked by financial constraints. His father’s samosa stall was their sole source of income, and yet, it was from this modest backdrop that Mohan’s ambitions began to take shape.

Balancing schoolwork with hours spent assisting at the stall required a discipline that few could muster. Mohan’s ability to carve out time for rigorous study amidst the chaos of daily life was a testament to his extraordinary focus. Armed with little more than a second-hand smartphone and a few borrowed books, he relied heavily on free online resources and a meticulously crafted study schedule. While many of his peers attended expensive coaching classes, Mohan’s preparation was self-directed, fueled by a belief that hard work could bridge the gap between his circumstances and his dreams.

His success in the JEE exams—a feat that thousands of well-resourced students aspire to but fail to achieve—was not just an academic milestone. It was a declaration that talent and determination could transcend the barriers of socioeconomic status. Securing admission to IIT Bombay, one of India’s most prestigious institutions, was a moment of triumph not just for Mohan but for his entire family, who had sacrificed so much to support him.

Beyond the IIT Dream: Redefining Success

Mohan’s journey did not end with his admission to IIT Bombay. If anything, it marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that demanded even greater resilience. Pursuing a B.Tech in Computer Science, a field known for its intensity, Mohan continued to excel, graduating with distinction. His transition from the dusty lanes of Hyderabad to the cutting-edge world of software engineering in Silicon Valley is a story of adaptability and relentless effort.

Today, as a software engineer at Rubrik, Mohan is not just living his dream but also serving as a beacon of hope for countless students who face similar adversities. His success underscores the idea that education, when pursued with passion and perseverance, can be the ultimate equalizer.

But Mohan’s story is not merely one of individual achievement; it also sheds light on the systemic challenges faced by students from underprivileged backgrounds. The high cost of coaching and the lack of accessible resources often place elite education out of reach for many. Mohan’s reliance on free online tools and self-study highlights the potential of technology to democratize learning, offering a glimpse into how digital platforms could play a pivotal role in leveling the playing field.

An Enduring Legacy of Hope

Mohan Abhyas’s journey from his father’s samosa stall to a thriving career in the US is more than an inspiring tale; it is a reminder of what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity. His story has already begun to inspire a new generation of students, proving that no dream is too big, no obstacle insurmountable.

In a world that often equates success with privilege, Mohan’s life stands as a powerful counter-narrative. It is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to rise above circumstances, to dream beyond the horizon, and to turn those dreams into reality. As he continues to excel in his career, Mohan’s legacy will undoubtedly ripple far beyond the confines of his own life, igniting hope in the hearts of those who dare to believe in the transformative power of education.