Imagine being thrown out of school and called “jungali” (uncivilized) just because you came from a village. For most children, such humiliation might crush their spirit. But for Satyam Sundaram, it became the fire that shaped his destiny. Born in Lakhanpur village of Munger district, Bihar, Satyam’s early years were filled with struggle. Carrying his schoolbooks in a jute sack, he often faced ridicule and rejection. “When I was seven, I got enrolled in Upper KG, but my basics were weak. I kept failing in subjects like Maths and English. Later, I was thrown out of a convent school because they said I looked and behaved like a villager,” he recalls. Those painful words “jungali” and “failure” stayed with him. But instead of giving up, Satyam decided to rewrite his story. Today, the same boy once humiliated for his rural roots is an eco-entrepreneur transforming lives and making Bihar proud through his venture, Manipuri Bamboo Architecture.

An MBA and a Mission

Satyam’s journey from rejection to recognition was neither quick nor easy. After completing his schooling, he pursued a BCA degree in Kolkata, following the conventional path expected of most young people from Bihar aiming for a government job. But deep inside, he longed for something different. In 2020, he enrolled for an MBA, a decision that changed everything. “For the first time, I felt like I was studying something I truly enjoyed,” he says. His time in business school helped him develop crucial communication, presentation, and marketing skills. During internships with Britannia and ITC Limited, he gained valuable industry exposure and even received pre-placement offers from ITC and Berger Paints. But Satyam had a vision beyond employment. He wanted to create something meaningful—a business rooted in sustainability and empowerment. That’s when a new idea took shape: bamboo.

Inspiration from the Northeast

During his MBA, Satyam learned about the thriving bamboo industry in India’s Northeastern states. He was fascinated by how artisans there transformed this natural resource into everyday items that are sustainable, affordable, and beautiful. At the same time, people were getting more aware of the adverse effects of plastic waste.  Armed with this insight, he decided to bring the idea home to Bihar and start his own venture using bamboo as the foundation for a greener future.

From 10 Bamboo Bottles to 300 Products

In early 2022, with just ₹15,000 borrowed from his younger brother, Satyam set up a small roadside stall in Purnia. His goal was simple: to test if people were ready to buy bamboo products and spread awareness about sustainable living. A few months later, with ₹8 lakh financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Satyam officially launched his company in May 2022 along with his mother, Asha Anuragini. Today, the company manufactures over 300 bamboo-based products, including toothbrushes, pen stands, neckpieces, lamp shades, dandiya sticks, flasks with temperature displays, and even engraved art pieces. Prices range from ₹10 to ₹40,000, catering to both rural and urban buyers. From selling 15 bamboo bottles on the roadside to now distributing products across 25 Indian states, Satyam’s journey has become a powerful symbol of sustainable entrepreneurship.

Empowering People and the Planet

Beyond profits, Satyam’s enterprise has a social mission to empower rural artisans and promote sustainable livelihoods. What began with just two people has now grown into a network that trains and employs local craftsmen, many of whom previously struggled to find stable work. Supported by the Bihar government, Manipuri Bamboo Architecture is not just a business; it’s a movement for collective growth.  The environmental impact of his work is equally inspiring. Every bamboo product replaces a piece of plastic, contributing to cleaner surroundings and a healthier planet. His initiative shows how small-scale enterprises can be key players in India’s transition to eco-friendly living.

Satyam Sundaram’s journey teaches us that success doesn’t come from privilege or opportunity; it comes from perseverance and purpose. He turned his rejections into smart work and his ideas into innovation. From being called a failure to building one of Bihar’s most promising eco-enterprises, he proves that true education lies not in degrees but in determination.