Even though Rishi faced challenges during his civil engineering studies in New York, he found a way to be happy during difficult times. He believes that the people we meet teach us a lot about our lives and careers.

Rishi Kataria is a director at Deejay Neelum Marble Industries Pvt. Ltd., Udaipur.

Rishi, who was born and raised in Udaipur, was a brilliant student with an incredible childhood. He attended the best schools and colleges. Having studied at St. Paul's in Udaipur, he has a soft spot for this place and is content with his life in Udaipur. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Manipal, Karnataka, he worked for his father's construction company for a short time before deciding that routine work was not for him. He then went to the United States for further studies, where he earned a master's degree in construction.

When he was studying at Manipal University in Karnataka, he was a laid-back guy and did not make the best of his time. But later, when he went to New York for his further studies, he made the best of his time and did everything that he had sort of missed during his undergraduate years.

Sharing about his journey, Rishi says he grew up in the construction business because of his family's stone and marble business. It seemed interesting to him, and he decided to pursue a career in construction. After his masters returned from the United States, he came back to his hometown and continued his family business of stones. He also started a side job in the construction field.

Talking about his challenges, Rishi says his time in New York was one of the best parts of his life. Even though he had to struggle with his job, Rishi considers it a life-altering experience. He had to wake up early at 5 and reach the office by 7 by changing 3 trains and working there till 5, then again travel and come back home. After returning, he used to spend time with himself and go cycling. He even worked on government projects in New York.

Rishi shares that the outbreak of COVID-19 and the complete curfew scene turned the busy streets of New York into a barren land without any people. He loved spending time alone and found the positive aspects of life. He used this opportunity to connect with people virtually and rekindled with his lost friends and family members, bringing them close once again.

Sharing his opinion on education and experience, Rishi says that it is the experience that matters more. From his viewpoint, he didn’t learn that much from education, but it was mostly through fieldwork. He used to meet new people in New York and learn something from them. This experience made him a better person personally as well as professionally.

If given a time machine, Rishi would not like to change anything, as he believes that whatever happens happens for a reason.

Rishi considers his father as his role model, who consistently did his job, which taught him punctuality and handling all the problems sincerely and ethically.

Sharing his interests, Rishi says he has a keen interest in traveling, and on the weekends in New York, he explored many places and met new people.

The quote that inspires him is, “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.”