“I am Ashok, the proprietor of Ashoka Timetronics in Hyderabad, where we repair Canon cameras, Casio watches, Yamaha instruments, and many other items. My journey, however, began in Korutla, a small town in Telangana, where getting a proper education was not easy.

My father ran a small cycle repair shop, and I started helping him when I was very young. I would repair 10 to 15 cycles every day, learning by doing and figuring things out as we went. There were no manuals or formal training. Being the eldest of eight siblings, responsibility came early.

I moved to Bombay to learn motorcycle repair. I slept on footpaths, walked long distances to work, and often struggled to find proper food. Those days taught me what it means to keep going, even when life is tough. When health issues forced me to stop, I shifted to repairing watches and cameras. I learned everything by watching, practising, and making mistakes.

In 1983, I moved to Hyderabad, and six years later, I started Ashoka Timetronics. We began small, but we worked honestly, and slowly people started trusting us. One day, we repaired 100 cameras in a single day. Canon invited me to an event in Delhi. Their VP called me on stage, and Sachin Tendulkar, who was there, hugged me. That moment made all the years of struggle feel worth it.

Today, our team has over 30 people. Many, like me, didn’t get much schooling but bring skill and honesty. My wife has been a constant support, and my sons have grown with the business. One works with me, and the other trains professionals around the world.

Hyderabad gave me the chance to build something that matters. Our success comes from hard work, patience, and honesty, and the city has, in its own way, supported us along the way.”