A Journey of Resilience, Gratitude, and Purpose
As I stand at the milestone of 50 years, I find myself reflecting on the tapestry of my life—woven with threads of struggle, triumph, love, and loss. It’s a journey that began as a shy, introverted child, unsure of my place in the world, and has evolved into a life filled with purpose, achievements, and the unwavering support of my family, mentors, and friends. Today, as a husband, father of two daughters, brother, son and a man who has walked through both valleys and peaks, I am filled with gratitude for the life I’ve lived and the lessons I’ve learned.
My childhood was marked by quiet introspection. I was the kid who preferred the sidelines, observing rather than participating. Yet, within that shy exterior lay a spark—a love for football that would eventually define my school days. Playing football became my escape, my passion, and my identity. Representing my state and being selected for the national talent search in 1992 among the top 2000 Indians was a moment of immense pride. It taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that would later become the bedrock of my professional life.
However, life had its own way of testing me. Failing to clear the IIT exam in 1994 was a devastating blow. It felt like the world had crumbled around me. But in that moment of despair, I made a promise to my father—a promise that I would make him proud, with or without an IIT degree. That promise became my driving force. It pushed me to strive harder, to dream bigger, and to never let failure define me. Looking back, I realize that failure was not the end but the beginning of a new chapter—one that would lead me to Japan, to my undergrad under the guidance of legends like Prof. Ken Sakamura and Prof. Koshizuka, and to a career that would span continents and industries.
My journey in Japan was nothing short of transformative. From leading the development of the first 3G handset middleware for #Docomo and #NEC to orchestrating the digital transformation of Japan’s banking and financial institutions, every step was a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. Being featured as a successful Indian in Japan by Keizaikai ( https://www.fujisan.co.jp/product/637/b/156514/ )magazine and serving as an advisor to the Japanese government were moments that filled me with pride, not just for myself but for the potential of India-Japan collaboration. Japan became my karma bhoomi—a land where I found my purpose and made lifelong contributions.
Returning to India in 2010 was a homecoming of sorts. It was a chance to give back to my motherland, to contribute to its growth story, and to fulfill the promise I had made to my parents and professors. Advising the Indian government on reviving innovation centers, launching GHVAccelerator, and creating #MAIL (Mobility and Automobile Innovation Lab) were milestones that reinforced my belief in the power of innovation and collaboration. The recognition I received, including the Global Indian Award in UK (https://www.iafindia.com/mr-vikram-upadhyaya/) , was humbling, but it was the impact of these initiatives that truly mattered.
Yet, life is not just about professional achievements. It is about the people who walk beside you, who believe in you, and who stand by you through thick and thin. My wife Richa Jain and daughters have been my pillars of strength, my source of joy, and my reason to keep striving. My parents, especially my father, have been my guiding lights. His recent passing, just a month before I turned 50, has left a void that cannot be filled. But his teachings, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in me continue to inspire me every day. He often recited a saying that has stayed with me: “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but about learning to dance in the rain.” These words have been my mantra, reminding me to embrace challenges, to find joy in the journey, and to keep moving forward, no matter what.
As I look back on these 50 years, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude—for the opportunities I’ve had, the people who have supported me, and the lessons I’ve learned. I am proud of the life I’ve built, but I also know that this is not the end. There is still so much to do, so much to give, and so much to learn. My father’s legacy and my promise to him will continue to guide me as I embark on the next chapter of my life.
To my daughters, I hope my journey inspires you to dream fearlessly, to work tirelessly, and to live purposefully. To my wife, thank you for being my partner, my confidante, and my greatest supporter. And to my father, wherever you are, I hope I’ve made you proud. This life, with all its ups and downs, has been a beautiful dance—one that I will continue with gratitude, humility, and love.
Here’s to the next 50 years—may they be as meaningful, fulfilling, and impactful as the first