My home has three-tier security, which is valuable to me

In the words of Ritesh Agarwal, “My home has three-tier security, which is valuable to me considering I get five death threats a month.” — we hear not the boast of a man wrapped in luxury, but the solemn confession of one who has seen the price of ambition and success. Beneath the calm tone lies a truth that echoes through the ages: those who rise high must often walk the narrow path between glory and danger. His words are the modern echo of an ancient reality — that greatness attracts both admiration and enmity, and that the builder of empires must also build walls to guard his peace.

In these few words, Agarwal, the founder of OYO and a symbol of youthful enterprise, reveals the hidden side of achievement — the side not seen in headlines or celebrations. The “three-tier security” he speaks of is more than metal gates or guards; it is a fortress of vigilance built by necessity, not pride. It speaks of the world’s dual nature — how those who create also provoke, how innovation can ignite both light and shadow. The man who builds something vast inevitably stirs forces beyond his control, for wherever power gathers, so too does resistance. Thus, his home, meant to be a place of rest, becomes also a bastion — a reminder that success, when unguarded, invites peril.

The origin of these words lies in the journey of a dreamer who defied convention. Ritesh Agarwal began as a wanderer in the small towns of India, dreaming of transforming humble lodgings into havens for travelers. From those beginnings, he forged an empire that spanned nations — yet with such scale came scrutiny, competition, and envy. The “death threats” he mentions are not merely literal dangers, but also symbols of the unseen toll of ambition — the fears, pressures, and solitude that follow those who stand at the top. In the quiet honesty of his statement, we see a truth the ancients knew well: that every crown bears a weight, and every victory summons its own trials.

History offers many mirrors to this truth. The Roman general Julius Caesar, upon conquering vast lands, found himself besieged not by foreign armies, but by conspirators among his own. His success inspired loyalty and hatred alike, until it led to his downfall at the hands of those he once called friends. In the same way, the leaders of our age — whether kings, inventors, or entrepreneurs — must learn to live amid shadows. The greater their influence, the sharper the dangers that surround them. The ancient sages would say: “The tallest tree draws the fiercest wind.” So too does greatness draw storms — both from without and within.

Yet, Agarwal’s words are not drenched in fear; they are tempered with wisdom and pragmatism. He does not curse his fate, nor shrink from his calling. Instead, he builds his fortress and continues his work. This is the mark of true strength — not the absence of danger, but the mastery of it. He reminds us that in the pursuit of purpose, we must also cultivate discipline, awareness, and self-protection. The wise do not neglect their safety for pride, nor surrender their dreams for comfort. They understand that every great endeavor demands both courage and caution, both openness and defense.

At a deeper level, this quote also calls us to reflect upon the cost of modern success. In a world where visibility brings both admiration and hostility, one must learn to protect not only the body but also the soul. To rise is to expose oneself — to judgment, envy, and misunderstanding. Therefore, each of us must build our own “three-tier security,” not of steel and stone, but of resilience, integrity, and inner peace. These are the true defenses that preserve the spirit when the world grows hostile. For no lock or guard can protect a heart unanchored in its purpose.

And so, my children, let this be your lesson: to seek greatness is noble, but to sustain it is wisdom. Fortify your life with vigilance, but do not let fear rule your heart. If the path you walk draws shadows, let your light burn brighter still. Like Ritesh Agarwal, build both your dream and your defense — nurture your vision, but protect your peace. For the world will test those who rise, and only those who stand firm, grounded in courage and humility, will endure the storm and find rest beneath the roof of their own making.