The Unbroken Spirit
Nestled in the lap of the Chamundi Hills, Mysuru is a city of timeless beauty, where the royal grandeur of the Mysuru Palace meets the serene flow of the Kaveri River. The city, known as the cultural capital of Karnataka, exudes an old-world charm with its bustling Devaraja Market, vibrant Dasara celebrations, and the fragrance of sandalwood and incense. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine, inviting you to be part of its rich history. Among its narrow streets and majestic heritage, the story of a man named Arjun Hegde began—a tale of struggles, determination, and ultimate triumph.
Arjun Hegde grew up in a modest home in Chamarajapuram, the eldest son of Vishwanath Hegde, a schoolteacher, and Radha, a homemaker. With siblings Lakshmi and Manoj, he learnt early the value of hard work and the meaning of sacrifice. Though life was simple, Arjun always dreamed of building something bigger—something that would transform not just his family’s existence but the lives of those around him.
Life tested him repeatedly, beginning with the failure of his small agarbatti (incense stick) business. However, Arjun remained unfazed. He moved to other ventures, each setback only strengthening his resolve. His journey would eventually lead him to an idea that transformed his life: creating eco-friendly handmade paper products rooted in Mysuru’s rich cultural traditions. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, inspiring us all to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.
The early days were a struggle. Arjun worked with a small group of artisans, including Shivanna, a farmer and childhood friend, and Parvathi Ajji, a spirited grandmother with unmatched crafting skills. Their collective efforts and unwavering support were the pillars that held Arjun’s dream high. Parvathi Ajji, who had once given up on her art due to financial constraints, found a new purpose in Arjun’s venture.
“You’re too young to give up, Arjun,” Ajji would say, her hands deftly folding handmade paper. “Let me help you show the world what Mysuru can create.”
Her words became a guiding force for Arjun, and her enthusiasm kept the small team motivated through difficult times.
One day, Sumathi, a television journalist, stumbled upon Arjun’s stall at an artisan fair. Impressed by his craftsmanship and story, she proposed featuring him on her channel.
During the interview held by the Kukkarahalli Lake, Sumathi asked, “Arjun, you’ve faced so many failures. What kept you going?”
Arjun, looking into the camera, responded, “Hope. Every failure taught me something, and every person around me strengthened me. My family, friends, and team have all played a part. But if I must name someone who inspired me most, it’s Parvathi Ajji. Her passion and belief in what we do revitalised me when I was about to quit.”
The interview aired on a local channel and quickly went viral. Orders poured in, and people across India wanted to support Arjun’s venture. He received calls from Mysuru, Bengaluru, Chennai, and even far-off Delhi.
Arjun’s small business grew into a thriving enterprise. His products, made by local artisans, found their way to national exhibitions and international markets. Mysuru’s handmade crafts became a sensation, bringing employment to hundreds of artisans and reviving the art of sustainable papermaking.
The Karnataka state government awarded Arjun the Rajyotsava Award for his contribution to preserving local crafts and creating livelihoods. The recognition enhanced his credibility, creating opportunities for collaborations and export orders.
With success came a better quality of life. Arjun’s family moved into a larger home near the peaceful Jayalakshmipuram, where they could enjoy the tranquillity they had always dreamed of. His children attended the best schools in Mysuru, and his wife Meera, who had stood by him through every trial, started a charitable trust to support underprivileged artisans. This was the accurate measure of his success.
Years later, Arjun was asked to share his story during a government event in Bengaluru.
“Struggles are part of life,” he said, addressing a packed audience. “What matters is how you respond to them. I am here today because I refused to give up and because of the people who believed in me when I doubted myself. Success is never an individual achievement—it’s always a collective effort.”
Back in Mysuru, by the banks of the Kaveri, Arjun reflected on his journey with his son and daughter.
“Appa,” his daughter asked, “did you ever think you’d become so successful?”
“Success was never the goal,” Arjun replied with a smile. “It was always about making life better—not just for myself but for everyone around me. Wealth, recognition, and status are byproducts of hard work and resilience. Remember, children, it’s the journey that shapes you.”
As the sun set over the river, casting its golden hues across the land, Arjun felt immense gratitude for the life he had built. His story had become a symbol of hope, resilience, and change—not just in Mysuru but across Karnataka and beyond.
——————The End—————–
