Inspiring journey: Truck driver’s son goes to IIM-Lucknow

LUCKNOW: Like many others, 22-year-old engineering graduate Ganamaddula Naga Sumant from Nandayal in Andhra Pradesh has realised his dream of joining IIM Lucknow this year.
However, his feat is a cut above. Sumant, the son of truck driver Subbrayudu Ganamaddula and kindergarten teacher G Adi Lakshmi, has always faced financial constraints, with much of his father's income going towards the bare basic: food and rent for their one-room accommodation.
"I have seen my father's struggles. During the harvest season, he would be away for weeks as he travelled long distances carrying loads of paddy and cotton," Sumant said. Sumant excelled academically, earning scholarships for his pre-university and engineering courses.
He completed his BTech from IIIT Srikakulam with a CGPA of 8.8, after scoring 9.8 in class 10 and 8.8 in class 12 state board exams.
His journey to IIM Lucknow began in his final year of engineering when he enrolled in a data science and programming course at IIT Madras.
This experience broadened his horizons and introduced him to the common admission test (CAT) and IIMs. "The IIT Madras course opened a whole new world to me," he said.
Sumant dedicated himself to preparing for CAT, studying 12 hours a day, and scored an impressive 97 percentile. "Mathematics was my strength ... I took mock tests every weekend," he said. He credits his success to his uncle, an MBA, who provided both academic and financial support. "Throughout my journey, he supported me and guided me to reach IIM. He said if I make it to IIM, my fortunes will change," Sumant said Wednesday.
At IIM Lucknow, Sumant is determined to excel in his studies and explore consulting roles. His immediate goal is to secure a corporate job to improve his family's financial situation. "I have business plans, but I need work experience for that," he said. Prof Priyanka Sharma, chairperson of student affairs at IIM Lucknow, expressed pride in having him on campus. "We provide special support to EWS quota students through financial aid, scholarships, and preparatory sessions to help them excel academically. The institute ensures these students have access to necessary resources and infrastructure," she said.