From Panipuri to Prosperity

June 30, 2026 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

Success often begins with the courage to choose an unconventional path.

For 27-year-old Kaushik Borah from Assam’s Jorhat, that path led from selling panipuri on the streets to building two successful businesses.

A first-class BA (Honours) graduate from Bahona College, Borah, surprised many when he declined the conventional route of government jobs and higher education.

Instead, he decided to become an entrepreneur. Initially, he worked as a private school teacher and tutor. However, he soon realised that he wanted to create something of his own while supporting his family.

Coming from a modest household, Borah understood financial struggles from an early age. His father earned a limited income managing a relative’s lodge, while his mother looked after the family.

Therefore, he borrowed a pushcart and began selling panipuri outside his college. Although people mocked his decision and questioned his future, Borah remained focused on his goal.

Meanwhile, he completed a bamboo craft-making course at the Rain Forest Research Institute in Jorhat. During the programme, he teamed up with friends Bhaskar Jyoti Hazarika and Raktim Jyoti Dutta.

Together, they founded Moonlight, an enterprise dedicated to developing eco-friendly bamboo products. After months of hard work, the trio successfully introduced biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, marking their first entrepreneurial achievement.

Selling panipuri helped Borah sustain himself during the early years. However, he later recognised a greater opportunity in Assam’s tea industry.

Drawing on his knowledge of different tea varieties, he partnered with Riaz Khan to establish Kuhi Tea. The venture gradually gained momentum through quality products and careful planning.

Today, Kuhi Tea operates an outlet at Kohora near Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

The tea is packaged at a processing unit in Jorhat and reaches customers through additional partner-operated outlets.

While his tea business has brought financial stability, Borah continues to inspire many young people with his determination.

His journey proves that dignity lies in honest work, not in public opinion. Moreover, it shows that perseverance, skill, and the willingness to embrace unconventional opportunities can transform challenges into lasting success.

Image Credit: Sruthi612, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons