From Orissa to America. This was the journey a man took in 1964, propelled by his dreams and his passion for technology.
Years later, he came to be known as the American millionaire Sam Pitroda.
Armed with global patents and a vision supported by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda became synonymous with the bright-yellow PCO/STD booths that sprang up across the country.
But then Pitroda hit troubled waters – a heart attack, false corruption charges, emptied pockets, and the assassination of his dear friend Rajiv Gandhi; the man had hit rock bottom.
But he rose back only to make a bigger dent in the world. This is the story of Sam Pitroda, narrated by the man himself in his autobiography, Dreaming Big, now available as an e-book on Amazon.com.
Credited with having laid the foundation for India’s telecommunications and technology revolution of the 1980s, Sam Pitroda, a serial entrepreneur, having started several companies in the United States, has been a leading campaigner to help bridge the global digital divide.
The book has met with some encouraging reviews.
A fascinating autobiography of a man who changed the course of his country through passion, purpose and determination.Kiran Mazumdar, Chairperson, Biocon
This is an astonishing and heartwarming story of someone from the most humble beginnings, who has left his amazing imprint on India and the world. I have always admired Sam, his passion, his energy, his tenacity in the face of adversity, his ability to dream big and implement his vision. His autobiography captures the transformation agent and visionary he is!Nandan Nilekani, Co-Founder Infosys and Founding Chairman of UIDAI (Aadhaar)
A remarkable life story of an extraordinary technocrat and visionary, which travels between two seemingly contrasting journeys – successful technology entrepreneurship in the US and a pioneering role in in India’s connectivity revolutionSunil Mittal, Chairman Bharti Enterprises
Sam’s heart-warming journey reads like the story of India and its people. His life is an example of big dreams and even bigger determination. This book will inspire millions to achieve the maximum against all odds.Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries
Sam Pitroda is a most charismatic and motivational figure. He has overcome many odds and accomplished much in India and the USA. His auto biography will be an inspiration to all. But this is not just an account of the past; it is also a peep into the future.Jairam Ramesh, Former Cabinet Minister of Environment and Rural Development, India
The book is available on Amazon.