Ola driver dons many hats

He is a national level powerlifting champion, works at the South Western Railways as a mechanic and is also an auto driver with Ola. N Eshwara, dons many hats and is definitely an inspiration for many. With his passion for powerlifting, Eshwara strives to represent India in the International level soon.

In a chat with Surupasree Sarmmah, Eshwara talks about his love for powerlifting, his mantra to maintain work-life balance and more.

With two jobs in hand and your passion by your side, there is a lot of shuffling around for you. Tell us your story.

Powerlifting has been my biggest passion. After watching Salman Khan in the movie ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’, the idea of powerlifting came to me. I have been training for 25 years now. My parents could not afford to pay my college fees, due to which I had to quit college half way but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passion. I have been driving auto since 1989 and also work as a railway mechanic. My family, customers and other driver partners are my biggest inspiration.

Why two jobs?

Weightlifting is an expensive affair. There are times when I need to travel around the country and internationally for competitions. This apart, there is a lot of money required to invest on the weightlifting equipment and my diet. Being the sole breadwinner of my family, having two jobs helps meet our monthly expenditure. I work as a full-time employee at the Railways and regularly log onto the Ola. The income generated from this platform has helped me considerably.

How did you get interested in powerlifting?

I was in complete awe of Salman Khan in ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’. Those were the days when everyone wanted biceps like him! I gave it a shot and started training. I won my first medal in 2010, which motivated me to train harder. My dream is to hold up the national flag at international level one day.

How do you maintain work-life balance?

My wife and children always accompany me for all tournaments. I don’t socialise much, rather spend my free time with them. The best part is, my children are also passionate about powerlifting and I train them personally - a way to bond with them. No matter how tough life gets, I always feel rejuvenated when I work out.

You shuffle between Mysuru and Bengaluru every day. That must be very challenging.

It is challenging but my passion keeps me going. One should never give up the opportunity to learn. I consider myself very lucky that I am able to put my mind to something and give it my best. Hard work and success go hand in hand and I would not have it any other way.

What has been your biggest achievement?

I have around 50 gold medals to my credit. I won a silver medal at the Asian Classic International Powerlifting Championship in 2017 in Kerala, and at the Subrata Classic International Powerlifting Competition in 2016 in Jharkhand. They are two of my biggest achievements in powerlifting.

You are an inspiration to many out there, who do you admire?

I do not have to look outside for inspiration. My family encourages me to do better every day. I learn lessons of taking life as it comes from my children, and never forget to smile along the way.