The Extraordinary Journey of Dadasaheb Bhagat: From Sugarcane Fields to Design Entrepreneurial Success

May 27, 2024

4 Minutes

Dadasaheb Bhagat, the founder of Design Template io, an esteemed online marketplace for design resources, has embarked on a remarkable odyssey filled with adversity, resilience, and an unyielding passion for design.

Early Life and Childhood: Roots in Humble Surroundings

Born into a humble family of sugarcane cutting workers in the Beed district of Maharashtra, Bhagat witnessed firsthand the arduous labor and financial hardships faced by his parents. Despite these challenges, his parents instilled in him the significance of education, even though their home lacked educational materials.

Through the guidance of a local painter, Bhagat discovered his affinity for drawing, igniting a spark of artistic expression within him.

Departure from the Sugarcane Fields: Embracing Education and Opportunity

Upon completing his primary education, Bhagat pursued industrial training at an institute in Beed. However, financial constraints became a roadblock to his further advancement or the attainment of a stable job.

Determined to break free from the cycle of poverty, Bhagat ventured to the city of Pune, seeking opportunities beyond his hometown. With only a meager sum of 400 rupees in his pocket, he embarked on a journey fraught with uncertainty.

Life in Pune: From Security Guard to Office Boy

In Pune, Bhagat initially worked as a security guard and an office boy. Although these occupations lacked prestige, they provided him with a stable income and the means to save for his future. It was during this period that Bhagat realized the transformative power of design.

Discovering Design: A Path to Fulfillment

Through conversations with colleagues and his own self-directed studies, Bhagat became captivated by the field of design. He recognized that design offered an alternative to manual labor and the potential for fulfilling work.

With limited resources, Bhagat sought affordable ways to acquire design skills. He found an institute offering flexible evening classes, enabling him to balance his employment with his academic pursuits.

Balancing Night Shift with College: An Arduous Journey

Working night shifts at Infosys while attending college during the day demanded immense physical and mental fortitude. Bhagat often managed to sleep for only three to four hours each night. However, his unwavering determination kept him going.

Breakthrough in Design: Honing Skills and Expanding Horizons

Upon completing his design training, Bhagat secured employment in Mumbai, where he contributed to Hollywood projects such as “Narnia.” Yet, he felt the need to expand his skillset and explore the convergence of technology and design.

Bhagat delved into C programming and began developing plugins and scripts to automate repetitive design tasks. This innovation not only enhanced his productivity but also laid the foundation for his future venture.

Building a Design Platform: Meeting the Need for Indian Design Resources

Bhagat recognized the substantial demand for high-quality design assets within India, despite the reliance on foreign software and templates. Inspired by this need, he set out to create an online platform called Design Templateio that would provide Indian designers with affordable and easily accessible design resources.

Humble Beginnings: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges

The early stages of Design Templateio were marked by numerous challenges. Bhagat worked tirelessly from a makeshift office in a small village, dedicating every spare moment to creating and uploading design assets online.

Unexpected Accident: Forced Pause and Reflection

While traveling to his village to showcase his new motorcycle, Bhagat met with an accident that left him bedridden for several days. This enforced inactivity gave him time to contemplate the true meaning of his work and the impact he wished to make.

Inspired by this experience, Bhagat resolved to return to his village and share his design knowledge with local children, empowering them with valuable skills.

Creating Real Change: Empowering Youth through Education

Together with a friend, Bhagat converted a small shed near the village into a learning center. They taught design principles and technical skills, igniting a passion for design in young minds.

Growth and Success: A Platform for Global Designers

As Design Templateio gained recognition and traction, Bhagat expanded his team and hired freelancers to keep pace with the growing demand for design assets. Today, the platform boasts over 100,000 users worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies. Its revenue has grown exponentially, further solidifying its presence in the design industry.

Reflections on the Journey: Gratitude and Inspiration

Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings to the founding of a successful startup, Bhagat expresses profound gratitude and emphasizes the unwavering power of perseverance. Through education, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, he believes that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve their aspirations and make a positive impact on the world.