Ruchit Garg, a former technical programme manager at Microsoft, made a significant career shift in 2011 when he left his high-paying job at the tech giant’s headquarters in Redmond to launch his own startup in India. Garg, who had been with Microsoft for a total of six years, cited a desire for entrepreneurship and a sense of boredom as the primary reasons behind his decision to leave.
Despite earning a handsome salary of ₹1 crore per annum, Garg felt like a misfit at Microsoft and harbored a long-standing aspiration to run his own business. He had previously explored entrepreneurship in 2004 and was inspired by the burgeoning startup culture in the US in 2011 to venture into it once again.
Returning to India, Garg founded Harvesting, a startup aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector by connecting farmers directly with consumers and cutting out intermediaries. Drawing from his family’s farming background, Garg sought to create a meaningful impact in agriculture by helping small-holder farmers increase their income through improved access to markets and agricultural inputs.
Reflecting on his journey, Garg shared his passion for reading and how it played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneurial aspirations. Despite financial constraints, he voraciously consumed books, considering it a fun pastime. His journey from being unable to afford books to becoming a panelist at Harvard University and purchasing his own copy of the Harvard Business Review symbolized a remarkable transformation.
Through his dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Ruchit Garg exemplifies the pursuit of meaningful endeavors and the impact individuals can make by following their passions and convictions.
