New Delhi: We often hear that building a successful business requires capital, degrees, and connections. Yet, some individuals prove that all you really need is vision, grit, and relentless effort. One such story is that of Dadasaheb Bhagat — a 10th-pass youth from a drought-prone village in Maharashtra who went from working as an office boy at Infosys to founding a design-tech company now dubbed as “India’s Canva.”
From a Drought-Hit Village to the City of Dreams
Dadasaheb Bhagat was born in Beed district of Maharashtra, an area known more for water scarcity than opportunity. In his family, education was never a priority. He completed school only up to the 10th grade and later pursued a basic ITI course, a technical program usually meant for factory workers or mechanics.
Seeking a better life, he moved to Pune, where his first job paid just ₹4,000 per month. The earnings were meager, barely enough to cover basic living expenses. Later, he came across an opportunity to work at Infosys as an office boy, offering a slightly better salary of ₹9,000. The pay difference seemed huge to him then — a 100% raise — and he accepted the job without hesitation.
The Turning Point: A New Dream in the Making
At Infosys, Bhagat’s duties were menial — cleaning, fetching supplies, and running errands around the company’s guesthouse. But while performing these routine chores, he observed something that would change his life forever. He noticed employees working on computers in air-conditioned offices, earning handsomely and living comfortably.
That observation sparked a crucial question in his mind — “How can I get there?”
When he asked some employees for guidance, they told him that such jobs typically required college degrees. However, one person mentioned something that gave him hope: graphic design and animation — fields where creativity mattered more than formal qualifications.
A Forgotten Talent Reignited
That advice took him back to his childhood. During his school years, when his parents worked away from home, Bhagat lived in a boarding school. Nearby, an artist painted temple walls. Watching him, young Dadasaheb developed a passion for drawing and painting — a skill he had long forgotten amid the struggle for survival.
He decided to revive that passion and turn it into a profession. While working night shifts at Infosys, he spent his days learning graphic design at local computer centers. Within a year, he had transformed from an office boy into a professional designer, now working with computers instead of cleaning around them.
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Entrepreneurial Leap: Building His Own Path
Bhagat soon realized that instead of chasing a job in a big company, he could create his own opportunities. He started freelancing as a designer and eventually launched his own design startup.
But entrepreneurship was far from easy. Financial instability, lack of resources, and societal skepticism made the early years challenging. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing him to shut down his Pune office and return to his native village.
Innovation from a Hillside Cow Shed
Back in the village, Bhagat faced unreliable electricity and poor internet connectivity. Yet, instead of giving up, he and his small team found a creative solution — they set up a workspace on a hilltop near a cowshed, where the mobile network was stronger.
It was from this humble setup that “Design Template” was born — a platform offering ready-made templates for designers and businesses, much like Canva, but with a uniquely Indian perspective.
Operating from a remote area, Bhagat also began training local youth in graphic design, empowering them with digital skills. His remarkable story soon caught national attention.
Recognition and National Praise
Dadasaheb’s journey from a ₹9,000 job to becoming a tech entrepreneur gained widespread recognition. His efforts were even acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised him as an example of the ‘Make in India’ spirit — a young innovator creating global-level digital solutions from rural India.
Vision for India’s Design Future
Today, Bhagat’s company, Design Template, competes with global design platforms. His mission is to make India self-reliant in digital design, offering world-class creative tools built for Indian users. His products now serve startups, small businesses, and students across the country.
Words of Wisdom
Dadasaheb believes success comes through exploration and persistence.
“Try different things,” he says. “You’ll eventually find what you truly love — whether it’s design, technology, or marketing. Once you discover that passion, and give it everything you have, success will follow naturally.”
A Journey That Defines Modern India
From a small village with no internet to creating a tech platform admired across the nation, Dadasaheb Bhagat’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, creativity, and courage.
He stands as proof that you don’t need a fancy degree or a privileged background to make an impact — just the determination to turn your struggles into strength.
“When your dream is genuine, even the smallest beginning can lead to the grandest destination.”
