Ashok Khade slept on footpaths and missed eating meals due to financial problems. 
 

Ashok grew up in Sangli, Maharashtra. Poverty was unbearably painful. Ashok’s father moved to Mumbai in search of better opportunities. But the income was still inadequate. 
 

Despite all the difficulties, Ashok remained committed to his education. He believed that education was the only way to escape the cycle of financial hardship. 

When Ashok’s elder brother found a job as a welder at a dockyard, he encouraged Ashok to pursue higher studies.
 

After completing his diploma, he started working as a trainee with a monthly salary of Rs 90 to support his family financially. 

Ashok secured a permanent position as a draftsman after a few years. His salary increased to Rs 300 a month. Ashok persevered and studied for graduation. 
 

Ashok travelled to Germany on behalf of his company to further enhance his knowledge of advanced technology. 
 

Ashok returned back to India and built his own empire. He received help from his brother and established Das Offshore Engineering Pvt Ltd.