Dinaz Vervatwala

When I was a child, this was the hardest question I used to find: What is your Hobby?

I'm a Sindhi businessman. Well, it doesn't end here. I am a Sindhi businessman by family inheritance and profession, or, you can say, a coach and trainer by passion.

Back in 1997, in Agra, I first picked up a cricket bat. I had no idea that this small moment would define so much of my life. Cricket wasn’t just a sport—it was everything to me. My father, a cricket enthusiast himself, saw something special in me. He believed in my talent so much that, in 1999, at just Eleven years old, he made a bold decision—he sent me to a boarding school in Chandigarh to train and play at a higher level. Life at the hostel wasn’t easy. The food? Questionable. Homesickness? Relentless. But cricket? That kept me going. Over the next ten years, I played for Chandigarh’s junior and senior district teams, competing at the state and national levels. The dream was crystal clear—to wear the Indian jersey. I played in three national tournaments—under 14, 16, and 19—organized by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI). I also had the honor of representing India at Asian-level school cricket tournaments hosted by Delhi Public School. Beyond that, I participated in elite matches like the Katoch Shield and JP Atray Tournament, sharing the field with some of India’s top players. The Ranji Trophy and IPL felt just within reach. But fate had a different script in mind.

I was born into a family with modest means. My dad, a dedicated car driver, worked tirelessly every single day. However, his earnings were never enough to provide more than the basics for our family. When I was just seven, my life took a harsh turn as I lost my mother. Two years later, my father got remarried, and that's when my struggles intensified. My stepmother didn't hide her dislike for me, and the atmosphere at home became tense. While other children were showered with affection, I faced neglect and harsh treatment. I remember going to sleep many nights, hungry and tearful, wondering why life had been so unfair to me. The constant arguments at home between my father and stepmother were not just background noise; they were distressing scenes that marked my childhood. But at 18, a ray of hope appeared. Against all odds, I secured admission to a well-known engineering college. My father, proud and happy, managed to gather the funds for my admission fees. However, this happiness didn't last long. A severe argument with my stepmother about the cost of my education led to the most tragic moment of my life — my father's suicide. Suddenly, I found myself all alone. But then, my uncle, a watchman in a government office, and his wife took me in. Despite their limited income, they supported me wholeheartedly and encouraged me to continue my education. Their home became my sanctuary, a place where I could rebuild my shattered life. After completing college, I started working as a freelancer. The journey was challenging, but it was a testament to my determination to rise above adversity. I bought a small house, a symbol of my hard-earned independence. Inspired by my father's words during our ride back from my college admission, where he advised me never to work under someone, I decided to launch my own web design and development company — "OopsLabs." As my business expanded, life seemed to be aligning with my dreams. I got married to Lavany while she was employed at a Software Company. My lack of business know-how led to some bad decisions. Imagine this: my company, something I worked hard for, was on the edge of going down. And then, the tough part — I had to sell my home to clear off the debts. It hit hard. That house meant a lot; it was a big deal for me. Letting it go felt like admitting defeat, and honestly, it hurt. It was like saying goodbye to a part of me, and at that moment, I felt like I'd hit rock bottom. For nearly 4 to 5 years, I faced challenges and worked on various projects without making substantial progress. But there was a silver lining. My wife got a job opportunity in the US, and we decided to try our luck there. Little did we know that life in the US would present its own set of challenges. The high cost of living forced us to share an apartment with another family. Our living conditions were humble, to say the least. My wife, child, and I slept on the floor because we couldn't afford a bed. I couldn't even spare $10 for a simple haircut. It was a very challenging time in my life, and the American dream was slipping through our fingers. After 10 months, we had no choice but to return to India, back to square one. Determined to rise again, my wife and I started a training company in the US named "Grabagile" in January 2020. Within two months, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, delivering a devastating blow. The initial despair turned into an opportunity, and we adapted by shifting to online training. Surprisingly, Grabagile became one of the top organizations in the US, and our lives changed for the better this time. In the last three years, we have trained more than 13,000 participants and achieved a business turnover of 6 million dollars. My journey has been one of constant evolution, marked by invaluable lessons: Embrace Change: Life is unpredictable, and change is inevitable. Embracing rather than resisting it has been a crucial lesson. The journey from bankruptcy to the success of Grabagile showcased the power of adaptability. When COVID-19 struck, instead of succumbing to despair, we shifted our focus to online training, turning a crisis into an opportunity. Invest in Personal Growth: Joining ILH was a major turning point for me. It changed my perspective on work and life. The programs at ILH, especially those recommended by Sidz, became life-changing tools. They were designed to help me evolve to a different level, and indeed, I went through a complete transformation, becoming a better version of myself. The emphasis on continuous learning and self-improvement became integral to my success. In my journey, trust, gratitude, and abundance have been guiding principles that transformed my perspective on life. Trusting the universe, even in the face of adversity, has allowed me to navigate challenges with resilience and optimism. Embracing gratitude has been a constant companion on this path, as I find joy in appreciating every experience, whether challenging or joyful. It's through gratitude that I discovered the true richness of life. This unwavering trust and gratitude have paved the way for abundance in all aspects—health, wealth, and relationships. Abundance, for me, is not just about material prosperity but a holistic sense of fulfillment. Trusting, being grateful for each moment, and recognizing the abundance around me have created a positive cycle, reinforcing a mindset that attracts even more blessings. This perspective has not only shaped my personal well-being but has become a source of inspiration for others on their own journeys of trust, gratitude, and abundance. As I stand here today, I am grateful for every experience that has brought me to this point in my life. And I'm especially grateful to the people who stood by me through thick and thin. I want to emphasize the importance of community and support. My uncle, aunt, and later, my wife played pivotal roles in my journey. Having a strong group of supporters is very helpful in overcoming difficulties and staying motivated. As digital coaches, it's crucial to build strong relationships with others in your field and create a sense of community. By helping and encouraging each other, you can achieve your dreams and make a real difference in people's lives. Also, being grateful for the people who support you is a powerful way to stay positive and focused on your goals. Gratitude helps you appreciate the small wins and the people who stood by you through thick and thin. Make sure to thank your supporters, both personally and professionally, and value the relationships that have made a difference in your life. This feeling of gratitude will not only make your relationships stronger but also give you a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your journey to success. I want to end with a quote that resonates with my life: "Tough times never last, but tough people do." This quote by Robert H. Schuller perfectly captures the essence of my journey. It's a reminder that setbacks are temporary, and with determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals. My story shows that no matter where you start, you can achieve your dreams with hard work and determination. It's important to help others along the way and to remember the kindness of those who helped you. As I've experienced firsthand, making a positive impact on the lives of others creates a ripple effect of kindness and inspiration. Let's strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us, and create a ripple effect of kindness and inspiration.

In the year 1992, a defining moment arrived in my life that would forever alter its course. It was a time of upheaval, of challenging the norms that had been etched into the fabric of our family's existence for generations. This was the year I decided to confront the predictable trajectory of my life, trading the comfort of conformity for the uncharted waters of pursuing a passion that had been growing within me like an inextinguishable flame. This was the year I decided to embark on a journey that would weave together my unyielding desire for change and my unwavering commitment to fitness. It all began with a year of intense self-education. I delved into the intricacies of fitness, learning about the human body, the science of exercise, and the art of motivating and guiding individuals toward healthier lives. As the days turned into nights filled with study and determination, a vision began to take shape – a vision of introducing the world of aerobic classes exclusively for women. It was a revolutionary idea in a society where gender roles were deeply entrenched, but I was driven by the belief that women deserved spaces to focus on their well-being in a supportive and empowering environment. As the pages of the calendar turned to 1993, I stood at the precipice of change, ready to leap into the unknown. My husband and I took a bold step, uprooting our lives to move to a new neighborhood that would accommodate both my fitness classes and my role as a mother to our young son. It was a decision steeped in sacrifice and determination, a decision that would test our resilience as a family. The journey was tougher than I could have anticipated. The path I had chosen demanded not just physical strength, but also unwavering mental fortitude. My first advertisement, a considerable investment, yielded meager results – just a handful of inquiries that failed to convert into actual students. The initial six months felt like an uphill battle, a period of silence where not a single soul attended my classes. Yet, amid the silence, I could hear the resounding echo of my husband's unwavering support and the pulsating rhythm of my own belief in what I was doing. And so, against all odds, I persisted. Each day was a testament to my dedication and determination. By 1995, a glimmer of progress emerged on the horizon. My clientele began to grow, a sign that my vision was resonating with women who sought a healthier lifestyle. The growing demand necessitated yet another relocation, underscoring the journey of evolution and growth that my endeavor was undergoing. In 1997, we settled into our third residence, which became more than just a physical space; it became a symbol of the dedication and hard work I had poured into my passion. Though skeptics among my friends and family questioned the viability of my efforts, viewing them as a mere pastime, I persevered. I nurtured relationships with my clients, creating a bond that transcended formal business education. My commitment to fitness education was unrelenting, even in the face of setbacks and challenges. While taking time off was a luxury I couldn't afford, I seized opportunities on television shows, offering my expertise for free to reach women in distant corners of the region. This act of giving back not only spread awareness about the importance of exercise but also became the catalyst for growth, gradually transforming my brand's identity from a fledgling concept to a recognized name. By the turn of 1998, the seeds of success that had been meticulously sown began to sprout. It was a pivotal year as I opened a second center that garnered substantial popularity. This was no longer just a passion project; it was a business that was taking shape before my eyes. As the new millennium dawned, I felt an even deeper connection with my entrepreneurial spirit, an unshakable drive that led me to strive for even greater heights. I envisioned opening a center in Secunderabad, driven by a determination that refused to be stifled by setbacks. But life often has its own plans, and in 2005, my journey took a sudden and unexpected turn. A fire accident left me with severe burns, both physical and emotional. The journey to recovery was arduous, filled with pain, doubt, and fear. However, fuelled by the unwavering support of fans, clients, family, and an unbreakable faith in my purpose, I managed to rise from the ashes, much like the phoenix of ancient tales. It was during this trying time that I truly understood the strength that resides within the human spirit. Though I lost clients and financial stability during this period, my reputation remained unblemished. This was a testament to the trust I had painstakingly built over the years – trust that had transcended the boundaries of business transactions, transforming into genuine connections. The year 2007 marked a turning point yet again. Driven by an insatiable thirst for growth and learning, I enrolled in an MBA program, taking a significant step toward personal and professional evolution. Transforming my venture into a private limited company, I faced yet another challenge: recruitment. The industry's biases presented hurdles, but with an indomitable spirit, I navigated each obstacle, determined to succeed. With every passing year, my business expanded – not without its share of ups and downs, of course, but always with an unwavering determination to forge ahead. I achieved milestones that seemed unimaginable, such as completing the world's longest aerobics marathon and entering the prestigious ‘Guinness Book of World Records’. Yet, despite achieving remarkable feats, my heart began to whisper that my true calling lay elsewhere. In 2013, I made the decision to shift away from the physical fitness domain. It was a painful yet necessary step, one that allowed me to explore new facets of my identity and potential. The journey took me through various roles and experiences, each contributing to my growth and transformation. However, an unshakable sense of longing persisted – a longing to return to my roots, to my first love: fitness. The year 2016 was a year of renaissance, a period of rediscovery and renewal. As I rekindled my connection with fitness, a spark was ignited within me. Empowered by the possibilities of the digital age, I stumbled upon Siddharth Rajsekar's program. This proved to be a pivotal encounter, a moment that would set my life on an entirely new trajectory. With the power of digital tools and a growth mindset, I embraced this new chapter of my journey. I established online courses and webinars, leveraging technology to reach wider audiences. The transformation was astounding, with my life taking a turn I had never anticipated. In just three years, I experienced a complete metamorphosis, achieving not only financial freedom but also igniting a new sense of purpose and fulfillment within my family. As I stand here in 2023, reflecting on the tumultuous yet triumphant journey, I am humbled by the abundance that surrounds me. I marvel at the properties, the car, and the freedom of time and financial stability that I now enjoy. Yet, these material manifestations pale in comparison to the deep transformation that has occurred within me. I made 1 crore in total sales just using ILH tools and techniques. My heart brims with gratitude, directed toward my coach, Sidharth Rajsekar. His guidance, support, and mentorship have reshaped my world and opened doors I never knew existed. This journey – one filled with health, wealth, and abundance – stands as a testament to the extraordinary power of belief, resilience, and the infinite possibilities that the digital age offers to those daring enough to dream and tenacious enough to chase those dreams. In the end, my story is not just my own; it is a reminder that each one of us holds the power to rewrite our narratives, to defy conventions, and to create a life that resonates with our deepest passions. Through the darkest of times and the brightest of triumphs, one truth remains unshakable: the pursuit of our dreams is a journey worth every step. Mind over Matter,