'Shark Tank India' judge, Kanika Tekriwal has become one of the most talked-about 'Sharks' on the show. However, did you know she had a very difficult battle early in her life?
Kanika Tekriwal is a well known entepreneur. She is currently appearing on Shark Tank India Season 5 and has quickly become one of the most talked-about 'Sharks' on the show. However, did you know that she had an extremely tough battle early in her life? Let's take a look at the businesswoman's journey and battle with cancer.
Kanika Tekriwal is the founder and the Chief Executive Officer of JetSetGo. Born into a Marwari family, she developed a passion for business by observing her father's keen interest in finance. While her family emphasised the importance of a good education, it was seen more as a potential for marrying into a wealthy family. Kanika received her education at Lawrence School, Lovedale, and later completed her schooling in Bhopal at Jawaharlal Nehru Senior Secondary School and graduated from Coventry University.
While Kanika Tekriwal has built an impeccable business for herself, her life was not always sunshine and rainbows. During a recent episode of Shark Tank India, the businesswoman opened up about her battle with cancer. Kanika revealed that she was diagnosed with cancer when she was 21 years old.
The conversation began when a company called Wholeleaf appeared on the show to promote its pain-relief products, made from cannabidiols derived from the Vijaya plant. Kanika Tekriwal shared that she would be in immense pain and would go for chemotherapy every two weeks. She shared how it was the intense pain that got to her the most and stated:
"I had cancer 17 years ago. I was 21 years old and I used to get a round of chemo every 2 weeks and I used to be dying in pain. My doctor would tell my parents to get me CBD oil but it wasn’t available anywhere. By god’s grace, I am sitting in front of you with my full head of hair so I am very glad you are doing this. I think more than the cure, it’s the pain and the treatment that kills them."
In the same conversation, Kanika Tekriwal shared that she "does not like allopathy" but completed her course of chemotherapy and radiation when she had cancer. The entrepreneur revealed that over forty doctors told her she would only have days or months to live. However, then she met a doctor in Mumbai. She clarified that she could not get CBD oil when she needed it, as it was not available in India at the time. She said that she wants to support an Indian company which is doing this "ethically." She was quoted as saying:
"I was 21, and 40 doctors told me that I would survive for 4 months or 4 days. I then met a doctor in Mumbai, and I told him, 'We will have a drink 40 years later, now, let’s talk.'"
Kanika Tekriwal currently owns ten private jets. She founded her company, JetSetGo, in 2012, a private jet management company. She is listed among the youngest richest women in the Hurun Rich List, and her company handles over 100,000 passengers and has operated 6,000 flights. Over the years, she has received several accolades, including BBC 100 Women, Forbes 30 Under 30, the UN's Women Transforming India, and many more. She also has a massive net worth of Rs. 420 crores.
What are your thoughts on Kanika Tekriwal's journey? Let us know.
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