Born into a humble farming family in a small village, Er. Mukesh Singh’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering passion for knowledge. His journey from the rural fields of India to becoming a leader in the world of entrepreneurship and innovation is a testament to the power of determination, education, and vision. As a trailblazer in India’s startup ecosystem, his rise from hardship to global success is a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs across the world.
Schooling Life:
Mukesh’s academic brilliance was evident from an early age. In 1990, he ranked 1st in Bilaspur District, which was then part of Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh), in the Madhya Pradesh State Middle School Board exams. Despite being offered places in prestigious institutions like Navodaya Vidyalaya, he chose to continue his studies at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Jairamnagar, Bilaspur.
From 1986 to 1994, he was consistently the top student in his school, excelling in all subjects. His exceptional performance in the 1992 All-MP SSC Merit List, where he secured the 71st rank from the Bhopal Board, earned him a two-year national scholarship from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. His school days were marked by an insatiable hunger for learning, and peers nicknamed him the “kitab ka kira” (bookworm) because of his deep love for books.
College and University Life:
Mukesh’s academic success continued as he entered the competitive world of higher education. In 1995, he ranked among the top 100 students in the Madhya Pradesh Pre-Engineering Test (PET), a precursor to today’s JEE exams. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications from the prestigious Government Engineering College in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
While he qualified for various positions, including a Second Lieutenant in the Indian Air Force, Mukesh chose to further his education. He enrolled in the Master of Total Quality Management (MTQM) program at Lucknow University, a first-of-its-kind program in India after the 1991 economic reforms. Alongside his master’s studies, Mukesh also pursued a Diploma in Russian Language from the Foreign Language Department of Lucknow University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Software Applications (PGDCSA), for which he earned a gold medal.
The Early Struggles of Professional Life:
After completing his education, Mukesh moved to Mumbai in search of a career, but he soon realized the harsh realities of life in the bustling city. With just Rs. 500 in his pocket and no connections, he faced numerous rejections in job interviews. These difficult days in Mumbai, especially in the crowded and vibrant Kalbadevi area, became his crucible of entrepreneurship, teaching him lessons that no textbook could.
Mukesh’s first professional stint was as a sales executive for Hutchison Max, now Vodafone, India’s first telecom company. His door-to-door sales experience taught him resilience, and it was in these early struggles that his entrepreneurial mindset was truly born.
The First Entrepreneurial Venture:
In 1999-2000, Mukesh launched his first company, Six Sigma Quality International (SSQI), focusing on quality management, green building, and cyber security. This was at a time when sustainability and cyber security were emerging fields, and his vision was ahead of its time. As a freelancer and expert consultant, he worked with numerous industries, helping them adopt best practices for sustainability and quality.
In the years that followed, Mukesh expanded his expertise across industries, working with top companies like Innodata Software Ltd, Terminal Technologies India Ltd, and International Certification Services Pvt Ltd. As a lead auditor and IT manager, he worked with clients such as Tata Yazaki, Ford, LG, Suzuki, and TVS, among others. Mukesh’s work took him across India, where he audited over 1,000 companies, and he gained a reputation for his knowledge and expertise in quality management.
Global Recognition:
In 2006, Mukesh’s talents caught the attention of Dow Chemical Company, the world’s largest chemical company. He joined as an Information Security Expert and worked on global assignments, traveling to more than 50 countries and working in diverse cultures, including stints in the United States and Europe. At Dow, Mukesh worked closely with some of the most prestigious Fortune 50 companies, managing complex projects and enhancing global business operations.
However, despite the allure of a successful corporate career, Mukesh longed to return to his entrepreneurial roots and make a difference back home in India.
Returning to India: Building His Empire:
In 2008, following the global financial crisis, Mukesh left his corporate career and returned to India with a renewed vision. He established the “Six Sigma Group of Companies,” which became a leader in quality management, sustainability, and cyber security in India. His ventures also expanded into education, with the founding of Vrindawan Education Foundation, an initiative focused on academic excellence and real-life skill development through innovative methods.
Under his leadership, Vrindawan Education Foundation became a hub for education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The foundation included schools, skill development centers, and coaching institutes, all aimed at preparing the next generation of leaders in India. Mukesh envisioned an ecosystem that integrated technology and innovation to address the changing needs of students and professionals alike.
His enterprises, such as Six Sigma Technologies, Vrindawan Computer Institute, and Vrindawan Academy, continue to empower individuals across India, nurturing talent in fields as diverse as quality management, cyber security, and education.
A Visionary Entrepreneur:
Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Mukesh maintained his commitment to learning. In 2004-2005, he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from IIT Bombay, where he scored an A+ grade. Mukesh’s emphasis on lifelong learning and his ability to anticipate industry trends set him apart in India’s startup landscape. He became an advocate for nurturing startups in India, protecting intellectual property, and preventing brain drain.
Mukesh’s impact extended beyond the business world. His work in education and his involvement in startups have created job opportunities for thousands of people. His passion for creating a culture of innovation has made him a leader in India’s entrepreneurship landscape, and his ventures continue to inspire others to dream big and work hard.
Legacy of Innovation:
Er. Mukesh Singh’s journey from a poor farmer’s son to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of persistence, education, and vision. His ability to navigate challenges and create opportunities has made him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Today, his vision continues to shape the future of entrepreneurship in India, as he works to build institutions that combine academic excellence with real-world skills.
Through his ventures, Mukesh remains committed to his belief that education, innovation, and entrepreneurship are the keys to building a better India. His journey is a shining example of what one can achieve with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a heart committed to the growth of the nation. For more details refer www.mayugroup.in and www.mayugroup.com
