From Rickshaw Puller to CEO: The Inspiring Journey of Dilkhush Kumar, Now Hiring IIT and IIM Graduates for His Startup
Once a rickshaw puller and vegetable vendor in Bihar, Dilkhush Kumar is now the CEO of RodBez, a revolutionary app-based taxi service connecting rural Bihar with modern mobility solutions. His story of grit and determination serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Humble Beginnings in Bihar
Born in the small village of Bangaon in Saharsa district, Kumar grew up in a family with limited means. Financial hardships forced him to leave formal education after Class 12. To support his family, he worked as a rickshaw puller and later sold vegetables on the streets of Patna.
Despite setbacks, including being rejected for a peon’s job because he couldn’t recognize the iPhone logo, Kumar’s ambition never wavered. His journey took him through various odd jobs, including working as a driver and doing electrical wiring.
The Birth of RodBez
In 2016, Kumar founded AryaGo, his first venture providing cab connectivity in Bihar. Building on this experience, he launched RodBez in May 2022. Unlike Ola and Uber, RodBez focuses on outstation travel over 50 kilometers, offering one-way taxi, taxi pool, and carpool services.
The app’s unique algorithm matches drivers with passengers in real time, ensuring efficient and cost-effective travel options. RodBez eliminates the need for customers to pay for return fares and promotes carpooling to maximize vehicle utilization.
Achieving Success Against All Odds
Starting with a second-hand Tata Nano, Kumar and his team secured ₹4 crore in funding within seven months of RodBez’s launch. Today, the app has over 50,000 users, making it Bihar’s largest mobility platform.
Dilkhush Kumar’s success story is further amplified by his hiring practices. Once rejected for being “uneducated,” Kumar now employs graduates from prestigious institutions like IIT Guwahati and IIMs, many of whom contribute to his vision part-time.
Watch a video showcasing Dilkhush Kumar’s journey:
A Vision for Bihar’s Connectivity
Kumar’s ultimate goal is to connect every village in Bihar through RodBez, providing seamless and affordable taxi services. His determination and innovative mindset continue to inspire countless individuals, proving that perseverance and belief in oneself can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
From Rejection to Revolution
Dilkhush Kumar’s journey—from being labeled “useless” in his youth to becoming an iconic entrepreneur—highlights the transformative power of resilience. His story is not just about personal success but also about bringing mobility solutions to underserved areas, paving the way for inclusive growth in India.
