Tailor's Son from Andhra Pradesh Secures More Than Rs 1 Crore AI Job with Canada Firm Without IIT Degree

 

In a story that reads like a modern-day fable, Akhilesh Malthi, a fresh B. Tech Data Science graduate from Andhra Pradesh, has secured a remote AI Engineer position with Canada-based Fabrantic AI, commanding an annual package of Rs 1.06 crore. His achievement has captured the nation's imagination—not merely for the staggering salary, but for the sheer improbability of his journey.

A Background of Resilience- Akhilesh, a 2026 graduate of Aditya College of Engineering, comes from a family where resources were scarce but dreams were not. His father, a tailor, is deaf and unable to speak, while his mother contributes to the household by assisting with stitching work. In a world where professional success is often determined by legacy, privilege, or elite institutional credentials, Akhilesh's story stands as a powerful counter-narrative. The defining element of his story is the unwavering support of his parents. Despite their financial constraints and the father's disability, they never allowed their struggles to become a barrier to their son's education. They continued to encourage him to study, understanding that education was the only tool that could break the cycle of poverty. Their sacrifices created the foundation upon which Akhilesh built his future.

The Campus Placement Breakthrough- Akhilesh secured the prestigious role through his college's campus recruitment process, a testament to how traditional placement systems can still serve as powerful launchpads for talent. The offer from Fabrantic AI is not just a job; it represents a complete transformation of his family's financial situation. The package of Rs 1.06 crore is particularly striking when compared to typical salary ranges for AI engineers in Canada. Government data shows the median hourly wage for AI engineers in Canada is approximately **$56.49 CAD per hour**, with top earners reaching around $91.35 per hour. In Mississauga, Ontario, the average AI engineer earns roughly $137,291 CAD annually. For a senior-level position, compensation can reach up to C$197,530. While competitive and impressive, Akhilesh's offer must be contextualized within a field where specialized talent commands significant premiums—especially for remote roles that allow companies to tap into global talent pools.

The IIT-Degree Myth- What makes Akhilesh's story particularly resonant is the lack of an IIT degree. In India, the Indian Institutes of Technology have long been considered the gold standard for engineering education, with graduates often dominating high-paying placement records. Akhilesh's success challenges this narrative, proving that talent, skill development, and perseverance can open doors that were traditionally reserved for a select few. This is not an isolated phenomenon. Other professionals from Andhra Pradesh have made similar marks in the AI space, including Siva Reddy, an IIT-Hyderabad alumnus who now serves as a professor at McGill University and a core academic member at Mila—one of the world's leading AI research institutes. Pat Sathi, founder of Cognates, also hails from small villages in Andhra Pradesh and went on to pursue AI in Canada, eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Social Media and Public Reaction- A post shared on X highlighted Akhilesh's achievement, and the response was immediate and overwhelming. Social media users described his story as a powerful example of how education, skill development, and persistence can create transformative opportunities. Comments reflected widespread admiration: "Rs 1.06 crore and that too remote! "1cr package coming from a poor background is huge." Perhaps the most poignant reaction came from a user who noted: "More than the package, it is beautiful to see how his hard work changed his family's future...finally their sacrifices paid off." 

The Role of Remote Work- The "remote" aspect of Akhilesh's job is worth noting. It indicates a global shift in talent acquisition, where companies like Fabrantic AI are willing to hire top talent regardless of geographical boundaries. For someone from a modest background in Andhra Pradesh, this opens opportunities that were previously inaccessible. Remote AI roles in Canada typically offer salaries ranging from $70,000 to $95,000 CAD for mid-level positions. Akhilesh's package, exceeding Rs 1 crore (roughly C$160,000+), positions him at the higher end of the spectrum, suggesting his skills and potential were highly valued by the firm.

A Broader Lesson in Perseverance- Akhilesh Malthi's story transcends the numbers. Parental sacrifice as the bedrock off success; The democratization of opportunity through skill development; How talent can eclipse institutional privilege; The transformative power of education in breaking generational poverty. In a world often obsessed with pedigree, Akhilesh's journey serves as a reminder that determination, backed by a supportive environment, can create miracles. His achievement will likely inspire countless other students from non-metropolitan backgrounds to pursue careers in technology, believing that their circumstances do not define their potential. As the AI revolution continues to reshape global industries, stories like Akhilesh's will become increasingly important—not just as feel-good narratives, but as evidence that talent is universal, although opportunity is not.