“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Dedication
This biography is lovingly dedicated to Dr. Shivakumar’s parents, whose unwavering support, sacrifices, and guidance laid the foundation for his journey.
To his father, Shri Basavaraj S. Kotrashetti, a man of discipline and resilience, who instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Your dedication to your duty and family became the guiding force that shaped his character and ambition.
To his mother, Smt. Neelavva B. Kotrashetti, whose unconditional love, wisdom, and strength nurtured his dreams. Your quiet sacrifices, endless encouragement, and belief in his potential gave him the courage to aim higher and strive harder.
To his caring brother, Dr. I. B. Kotrashetti, a true hero of society, working selflessly to heal and comfort the sick free of cost, made Dr. Shivakumar see his father in him. He followed his skills, service motto, and always used to maintain his words: “You do your best; God will take care of the rest.”
To his amazing sisters and brothers-in-law, for their all-time wishes and blessings.
To his loving wife Shweta, and to the two gorgeous angels, Sahitya and Sanidhya, for their unconditional love and care throughout the journey.
Every step of his journey, every success he has achieved, and every milestone he has reached is a testament to the values you instilled in him.
This book is not just a story of one man—it is a tribute to the love, lessons, and legacy of two extraordinary parents who shaped a visionary leader.
Phase 1 : Humble Beginnings
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier
The town of Gadag, nestled in the heart of Karnataka, was a place where the past and the present coexisted in harmony. It was a town where the scent of fresh jasmine garlands lingered in the early morning air, where the clanking of steel wheels against iron tracks echoed through the narrow streets, and where the call of chai vendors blended seamlessly with the hustle of daily life. Amidst this lively backdrop, a young boy named Shivakumar took his first steps towards a life that would be defined by perseverance, grit, and unwavering commitment.
Born into a modest household, Dr. Shivakumar was the youngest son of a railway head constable. His father was a man of discipline and integrity, whose life revolved around ensuring order and safety in the ever-busy railway premises. With a neatly pressed uniform and a whistle that commanded respect, he carried an air of authority that was tempered by kindness. Though his job demanded long hours and unwavering vigilance, he never let the weight of responsibility cloud his role as a father.
Dr. Shivakumar’s mother was the backbone of the household. A woman of boundless warmth and wisdom, she balanced the needs of her family with quiet fortitude. She would wake up before dawn to prepare fresh jawar rotis and steaming cups of tea, ensuring that her children started their day with full stomachs and determined hearts.
Though she lacked formal education, she possessed an instinctive intelligence that guided the family through the trials of life.
From an early age, Dr. Shivakumar understood the weight of his family’s aspirations. His father, though not a man of many words, often expressed his dreams of seeing his children rise beyond the constraints of their current circumstances. Education, he firmly believed, was the only ladder to a better future. And so, with books handed down from elder cousins and a single kerosene lamp lighting the room during late-night studies, Dr. Shivakumar immersed himself in the pursuit of knowledge.
School was both a place of learning and a testament to his resilience. The building itself was old, its walls adorned with fading maps of India and motivational slogans written in Kannada. The wooden desks creaked under the weight of eager students, and the air buzzed with the chorus of recited multiplication tables. While many children his age saw school as a mere routine, Dr. Shivakumar approached it as an opportunity. He would often volunteer to read aloud in class, his voice carrying a confidence that belied his humble background.
Beyond academics, life was a series of small yet defining challenges. The walk to school was over two kilometers each way, a journey that tested both his physical endurance and his resolve. The summers were relentless, with the sun beating down on the unpaved roads, and the monsoons transformed the same paths into muddy trails. Yet, undeterred, he trudged forward, his school bag slung across his shoulders, his mind focused on the future his parents dreamed of for him.
Phase 2: The First Step – Pharmacy Diploma
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu
Dr. Shivakumar was always an inquisitive soul. From an early age, he found himself captivated by the world of science. His curiosity led him to experiment with homemade chemistry sets, mixing solutions and observing reactions with childlike wonder. His fascination grew when he stumbled upon old medical journals that his uncle, a local pharmacist, had left behind. As he flipped through the pages, filled with complex diagrams of human anatomy and the chemical structures of life-saving drugs, he felt an undeniable pull towards the field of healthcare.
His father’s unwavering belief in the power of education became a guiding force in his life. Unlike many of his peers who sought immediate employment or pursued courses based on external influence, Dr. Shivakumar chose to follow his passion. After completing school, he took the bold step of enrolling in a pharmacy diploma course at a reputed institution.
The journey was not without its challenges. Transitioning from a small town to a bustling academic environment was overwhelming. He faced financial constraints, adjusting to new subjects, and the pressure of excelling in a competitive atmosphere. However, he saw each obstacle as an opportunity to grow. With unrelenting dedication, he immersed himself in the study of drugs, formulations, and the impact of medication on human health.
The long hours in the laboratory, carefully measuring compounds and analysing pharmaceutical compositions, deepened his understanding and appreciation of the field.
While many of his friends chose fields perceived as more glamorous or lucrative, Dr. Shivakumar remained steadfast in his belief that true success lay in following one’s passion. He knew that healthcare was not just about prescriptions and medicine; it was about making a difference in people’s lives.
Dr. Shivakumar believes in one truth: “If I am not updated, I will be outdated.” On this platform, he secured a free seat in B.Pharmacy in Hubli city of Karnataka, where life gifted him a Lord Shri Krishna-like friend—Shailesh B. Ram—who taught Dr. Shivakumar how to lead a successful academic life.
Upon completing his D.Pharma and B.Pharma, he received opportunities to work with renowned pharmaceutical companies like Lupin Limited, Biocon Limited, and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). This marked the beginning of a new phase in his life—a transition from theoretical knowledge to real-world application.
He was no longer just a student; he was now a professional contributing to the industry that had long fascinated him. With his first step firmly taken, Dr. Shivakumar embarked on a journey filled with promise, challenges, and boundless opportunities.
Phase 3: A Break for Growth
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
The corporate world was fast-paced, demanding, and constantly evolving—Dr. Shivakumar had experienced this firsthand during his tenure at the pharmaceutical company. He had started as a young, ambitious professional eager to make an impact in the industry. With every passing year, he absorbed knowledge, honed his technical expertise, and learned the intricacies of the pharmaceutical sector. However, despite his steady professional progress, he began to sense a growing gap in his skill set.
While he had developed a solid foundation in pharmaceutical science and operations, he felt the need to strengthen his understanding of business management, leadership, and strategic decision-making. His work had exposed him to business processes, but he realized that excelling in a corporate environment required more than just technical expertise—it required a strong grasp of financial management, marketing strategies, supply chain logistics, and human resource dynamics.
The Crossroads: A Pivotal Decision
Dr. Shivakumar stood at a crucial juncture in his career. On one hand, he had a stable job, a promising trajectory, and a growing reputation in his field. On the other, he knew that pursuing higher education could provide him with a much-needed edge—one that would allow him to rise beyond his current role and unlock new opportunities.
The decision to step away from a secure career was not an easy one. He had worked tirelessly to reach where he was, and leaving the workforce, even temporarily, meant stepping into uncertainty. It required careful deliberation, deep introspection, and a willingness to take risks. However, he was not one to shy away from challenges. He understood that true growth often came from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
After weighing his options and seeking guidance from mentors, Dr. Shivakumar made a bold and transformative decision—he would take a break from his professional career to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). This decision was not merely about earning another degree; it was about equipping himself with the knowledge and skills that would help him excel as a leader in the industry.