Diganta Das, a man from Biswanath district's Gohpur town in Assam, exemplifies the sheer force of willpower and resilience in the face of life’s many challenges. His journey, reminiscent of a classic Bollywood tale, saw him wear multiple hats – from a daily-wage labourer and coal mine worker to a security guard and cook – to sustain his family. Today, Das stands tall as the proud owner of ‘Daily Fresh Food’ (DFF), a paratha-on-the-go packaging venture that has brought a taste of success to Assam.

What to know? Das’s venture, DFF, is popular for its delicious ready-to-eat parathas, a concept inspired by Kerala's Malabar parotta. Employing 10 people, his team prepares up to 1,400 parathas daily. Das combines his extensive travel experience across India with his culinary skills to deliver a product that is not just a meal but a representation of his journey.

Diganta’s path was anything but smooth. After high school, he worked as a labourer, storekeeper, and cook in various states. His stint in the food production industry in Mangalore as a paratha maker was a turning point, despite the hardships that followed, including a near-fatal accident in 2017 that left him partially paralyzed.

See also: This 23-Year-Old Transforms Plastic Waste Into Kicks That Has A Lot Of Sneakerheads Talking

Recovery and resilience led him back to work, this time in Bengaluru, where he honed his paratha-making skills. An opportunity to market a friend’s parathas in Andhra Pradesh laid the foundation for his future success. This experience encouraged Das to start DFF in his hometown.

Das’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the youth, especially those from the Northeast states. He firmly believes in the potential of local opportunities and invites others to join him in nurturing and growing their region. Diganta Das’s journey from a struggling labourer to a successful entrepreneur serves as a testament to the power of determination and the possibility of success with just a bit of perseverance.

Read next: How This Akola Man Who Arrived In Mumbai With ₹24 In His Pocket Went On To Become A Celebrity Photographer