Former President Abdul Kalam once said, “My view is that at a younger age, your optimism is more and you have more imagination.
You have less bias.” Imagination and optimism certainly ranks high for 18-year-old Rahul Kayala. This Bengaluru boy has been chosen to represent India at the World Business Dialogue in Germany. Along with 300 students, he will interact with some of the most powerful business heads in the world. Microsoft guru Bill Gates, New York Mayor Micheal Bloomberg and Deutsche Bank CEO Josef Ackerman are some of the leaders who have spoken at this convention.
This will be the 15th edition of the World Business Dialogue and Rahul’s inclusion happened by chance. “What struck me about this convention is its exclusivity. I have always been interested in entrepreneurship, and this is a step forward in that direction.”
Applying for the convention was no easy task. Apart from writing 10 pages at the entry level, Rahul had to collate several documents and papers to prove the authenticity of his application. Yet, Rahul feels the hardest part was yet to come. “This is a self funded venture so I was on the lookout for a sponsor.” He recollects an interesting incident, “A man from Acropetal Technologies asked me why he should fund me. I told him it’s about getting someone to believe that you are worthy of attending it, not merely expense funding. He immediately agreed!” Come March and Rahul will fly to Germany, where the two-day convention will be a heady mix of seminars and workshops. “Consumption is the main topic this year, and I wrote about the positive effects of online consumption of goods in India.”
This lanky youngster is pursuing an engineering degree in the city but is passionately involved in several activities. He admits with a laugh, “Seriously, I have no idea why I took up engineering! I love public speaking, writing and am clued into the news always. I might pursue law after this.” At 6 ft 4 in, Rahul loves playing badminton and basketball in his spare time. Looks like he is continuing to aim high!
