Welcome to the TUFFstory Podcast! In this episode, host Amit Bhawani and co-host Venu sit down with the remarkable Ronak Samantray, a true innovator and the force behind India's own startup dream – TakeMe2Space. Join us for a compelling deep-dive through Ronak’s extraordinary journey from his childhood in Odisha, moving between schools and cities, to becoming a visionary founder in India’s vibrant tech ecosystem.This podcast is packed with nostalgia, lessons, and inspiration for entrepreneurs, students, and tech lovers alike. Ronak candidly shares stories from his early schooling days – the uncertainties of changing places, adapting to new environments, and discovering a love for learning. Experience the magic of the 90s Indian tech revolution, as Ronak retells his awe upon seeing a computer for the first time, inserting a 5-inch floppy disk into the B-drive, and learning DOS and LOGO programming. If you’ve ever wondered what it felt like to download a single file overnight or rejoice at the iconic dial-up ISP music, this is your trip down memory lane!The episode uncovers more than just memories – it tells the real story of building confidence after setbacks, gaining peer respect through talent, and shifting from isolation in school to becoming a mentor to others. Hear about Ronak’s pivotal moments, from becoming a coding champion and securing a Microsoft placement out of college, to making the bold leap into entrepreneurship. We discuss the realities of launching a startup in India: late-night brainstorming sessions with chai, frugal innovation to tackle local challenges, and the highs and lows of startup life.Ronak opens up about his experiences in Vipassana meditation, how it changed his perspective and built the resilience required for the entrepreneurial grind. The conversation also touches on the deeper philosophies of innovation – why sometimes it’s wise to focus on India’s pressing digital needs rather than chase after quantum computing or humanoid robotics.Through personal anecdotes, fun debates, and hard-earned insights, Amit, Venu, and Ronak explore everything: navigating cultural differences, parental wisdom (like 'do what you want, but fix it if it breaks!'), and the power of patience in an age of instant everything. The episode moves seamlessly from nostalgic school days to the cutting-edge future of Indian startups, discussing topics like bootstrapped teamwork, rapid prototyping, facing market realities, and mentoring the next wave of innovators.Tune in, reflect, and get inspired by Ronak’s candid and motivational TUFFstory. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode for more epic journeys on the TUFFstory Podcast!Chapters00:00 - Intro: Welcome Ronak Samantray01:53 - A Nomad’s Childhood: 13 Schools, Odisha Days & The Magic of Computers10:50 - IIT Life Journey: Student Pressure, Breakthroughs & Innovative Learning37:27 - What is Intelligence? AGI, Artificial Intelligence & Future Human Impact Explained52:16 - Engineering Life in India: College Experiences & Lessons for Success57:05 - Vipassana Meditation Experience: Mindfulness, Self-Discovery & Mental Health1:14:50 - Campus Placement Hustle: TCS vs. Wipro Recruitment Stories in Indian Colleges1:32:31 - Joining Microsoft India: First Job Experience & Corporate Work Culture1:50:07 - Startup Founder’s Journey: Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Building a Business2:00:43 - Selling NowFloats to Reliance: Customer Mindset & Powerful Sales Stories2:15:42 - Health is Wealth: Beating Entrepreneur Stress & Wellness Tips for Founders2:35:06 - TakeMe2Space Startup Launch: New Venture & Building India’s Future3:08:58 - TUFFstory Movement: Honest Struggles & Inspiration for Indian Entrepreneurs3:13:08 - Startup Collaboration: Partnering with Siddhartha Durairajan of HyLenar3:29:18 - Ronak’s Investment Strategy: How to Evaluate & Choose Startup Investments3:34:52 - Tattoo Stories & Life Lessons: Ronak’s Personal and Entrepreneur Insights

Welcome to another inspiring episode of TUFFStory, where we bring you raw, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs and change-makers shaping the future of India.In this episode, we sit down with Prithvinath Pala, the Co-Founder and CEO of Valetdesk, a cutting-edge technology platform that’s modernizing valet parking systems across India’s hospitality, F&B, and commercial sectors. With a vision to replace outdated manual processes with secure, tech-enabled systems, Prithvinath is building one of the most impactful startups in this niche yet essential domain.But this isn’t his first entrepreneurial venture.Before Valetdesk, Prithvinath founded The Locker Company, offering ultra-secure, world-class safe deposit locker services in India — solving a real pain point around trust and safety in asset storage.In This Podcast, You’ll Learn: • How a stint at Deloitte and an MBA abroad shaped his thinking • What inspired him to return to India and start a hardware-first business • How The Locker Company tackled the trust deficit around storage services • The journey of building Valetdesk from scratch and convincing hotels to adopt tech • The unique challenges of selling tech in legacy sectors like hospitality and real estate • Deep insights into Indian consumer behavior around trust, access, and adoption • Why Goa’s tourist economy is suffering — and what the taxi mafia has to do with it • How to identify market gaps and build scalable, customer-first solutionsThis episode is packed with raw entrepreneurial wisdom, stories of hustle, market insights, and tech-led disruption — perfect for startup founders, product managers, investors, or anyone curious about how innovation works in India’s offline-first industries.TUFFStory is hosted by Amit Bhawani, creator, entrepreneur, and storyteller — sharing journeys that matter, beyond vanity metrics and curated success.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe if you enjoyed the episode.Drop a comment below with your favorite moment from the conversation.Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Welcome01:49 – Growing Up in Hyderabad: Early Life & Family Story16:50 - Why I Left the USA to Return to India: Life-Changing Decision27:19 - Impact of TRUMP Administration Policy.35:59 - Leaving Deloitte: The Bold Move to Start My First Startup47:04 - Testing a Cab Aggregator Business in Real-World India49:50 - How The Locker Company Was Born: The Startup Origin Story55:59 - Why Secure Storage is a Big Problem in India (Shocking Truth)59:06 - How Much We Invested to Build a Premium Locker Room Business1:12:17 - Powerful Quote from Nikhil Kamath’s Podcast1:13:40 - Why India’s New Data Protection Act Matters for Businesses1:24:18 – The Real Challenges Behind Secure Storage in India1:34:36 - Transition from Lockers Room to Valetdesk Parking1:43:16 - How We Convinced 5-Star Hotels to Adopt Digital Valet Parking1:45:10 - Breaking Resistance: Taking Tech to Traditional Valet Services1:54:27 - Handling Operations & Manpower Problems as a Startup Founder2:09:26 - Entrepreneurial Lessons from Two Ventures | #TUFFMovement2:15:34 - Final Thoughts: Startup Wisdom & Vision for the Future2:21:27 - Thank You for Watching & Don’t Forget to Subscribe!

In this powerful and emotionally rich episode of TUFFStory, we speak with Abhinav Singh, Founder and CEO of Hercules Aviation Training School, as he shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in Porte Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to training across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, and eventually building one of India’s most respected helicopter pilot training institutes.The conversation opens with Abhinav’s raw memories of basic military training, learning how all three forces operate together—firing drills, defense theory classes, and discipline. He shares his thoughts on how helicopter flying isn’t natural—“a helicopter doesn’t want to fly, it’s your willpower that makes it do so.” From this poetic metaphor, we step into deep personal territories.We talk about his service in Siachen, how it shaped his mental toughness, and how his parents responded when he told them he was heading to one of the most dangerous military posts in the world. He explains how society often reacts more than families themselves and reflects on the balance between emotional resilience and external expectations.Abhinav also discusses the current crisis in Indian aviation training, highlighting that India needs at least 100 flight schools to match upcoming demand, especially for helicopters. He gives insights into the gap between commercial aviation and defense-grade training, and how Hercules Aviation bridges that divide through simulator-based programs, certified DGCA-compliant curricula, and a vision to shape world-class pilots.We dive into his early life, moving from Agra and Delhi to Port Blair, and how growing up in a remote island town shaped his outlook. He fondly recalls how his father, a government journalist with All India Radio, took a transfer to Port Blair for adventure—and how 12 years of life on the island gave Abhinav his values, discipline, and sense of identity. He humorously recounts being mistaken for a foreigner and how the Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) became a constant reminder of India’s past.His education at Kendriya Vidyalaya, and watching his mother work as a school teacher, taught him the value of structure and public service. These influences led him to build an institution where pilots are not only trained technically, but also ethically.We also explore deeper themes of: • The emotional toll of leadership • Facing criticism for staying optimistic during difficult times • Why most people fail at aviation exams and how to fix it • The importance of mindset in survival and flying • Why India needs more homegrown aviation leaders • How Abhinav balances his time between ground operations, mentoring cadets, and growing Hercules AviationAbhinav doesn’t shy away from hard truths—about safety lapses in the industry, the role of luck in life and career, and the reality of entrepreneurship in the aviation sector in India.This episode is more than a career story—it’s a deep dive into what it takes to serve, survive, and soar. Whether you’re a student dreaming of flying, a defense aspirant, or an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, this is an unmissable conversation.

In this episode of TUFFStory, we sit down with Sunil Maddikatla, the visionary Founder & CEO of BlueSemi, a health-tech company on a mission to transform preventive healthcare with their flagship innovation — EYVA.EYVA is not just a gadget; it’s a game-changer. A Made in India, non-invasive health device that can measure six vital parameters — blood glucose, ECG, heart rate, SpO2, HbA1c, and blood pressure — within 60 seconds, without needles or pain. But what’s even more fascinating is the founder’s journey that led to this breakthrough.Sunil opens up about his early days, academic turning points, and the bold decisions that shaped his path. He shares how a counselor’s advice — “College stays for 4 years, but your branch stays with you for 40” — redefined his outlook, and how discomfort with existing healthcare systems fueled his drive to build something radically better.We dive into: • The origin story of EYVA and the real problem it solves • The hardware vs software startup struggle in India • How Sunil bootstrapped a hardware product in a VC-dominated market • Building for accuracy, affordability, and elegance in health devices • The data privacy mindset in healthcare tech • His belief that startups and VCs both need strong problem statements • Managing time, decision fatigue, and scaling innovation while staying lean • How India can become a product nation, not just a service hub • The importance of purpose and staying close to the userSunil also reveals key moments of doubt, what it really takes to be a founder in India, and why he believes building in India for the world is not a dream — it’s a necessity.Whether you’re a founder, a health-tech enthusiast, or just someone trying to understand the future of personal wellness, this conversation will leave you with insights, inspiration, and a whole lot to think about.

In this powerful and deeply insightful episode of The TUFFStory, we sit down with Aishwarya Pendyala, the visionary co-founder and CEO of EWA – a startup driving sustainable change in India through renewable energy, waste management, and circular economy solutions.Aishwarya shares her incredible journey across three continents – from her early years in Kenya, to her educational and professional life in Canada, and her heartfelt decision to return to India to make a real impact. With a background in finance, corporate leadership, and a strong connection with the Art of Living foundation, Aishwarya's transition from the private sector to clean-tech entrepreneurship is a story of purpose, resilience, and transformation.We dive into topics like:→ Women in leadership roles in renewable energy in India→ Building biogas plants and tackling India's waste management crisis→ Spiritual awakening through Sudharshan Kriya and how it helped heal her after personal loss→ Challenges of being a female founder in male-dominated industries→ Life lessons from working in oil & gas, fashion, and VFX industries→ The impact of growing up in expat communities and living a life of privilege and service→ Importance of mental wellness, meditation, and the pursuit of inner peace in business→ Solving for crop burning, soil degradation, and climate change with decentralized waste solutionsIf you're curious about the intersection of climate tech, social impact, women-led entrepreneurship, and personal growth, this episode is packed with real stories, learnings, and game-changing insights.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to The TUFFStory Podcast for more such inspiring interviews with India's most impactful changemakers and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of The TUFFStory, we have the honor of speaking with Mr. A.S.N. Murthy, an 80-year-old retired railway engineer whose career is a testament to dedication, innovation, and leadership in India's railway sector.Early Career in Indian Railways:Mr. Murthy began his journey with Indian Railways, where he held pivotal roles that significantly impacted railway operations:- Deputy Chief Engineer: He led the maintenance organization of Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) systems in the Secunderabad Division. His responsibilities encompassed overseeing approximately 150 signaling installations and managing 600 kilometers of quad communication cable, supported by a workforce of 1,200 personnel.- Deputy Commissioner of Railway Safety: In this capacity, Mr. Murthy conducted numerous statutory inquiries into railway accidents, particularly those involving loss of human life, underscoring his commitment to safety and accountability.Leadership in the Private Sector:After his tenure with Indian Railways, Mr. Murthy transitioned to leadership roles in the private sector:- CEO of Aster Rail (2004-2009): At Aster Rail, a subsidiary of Aster Teleservices Pvt Ltd, he spearheaded the signaling infrastructure and technical departments. Under his leadership, the company's revenue experienced an impressive growth from Rs 3 crores to Rs 25 crores, marking an eightfold increase over five years.- COO of Unirail (2011-2019): As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Murthy managed business operations with a turnover of Rs 100 crores, serving esteemed clients such as Tata Steel, SAIL, NTPC, JSW Steel, Aditya Birla, NALCO, Essar Ports, RVNL, and others. His responsibilities included overseeing the operation of 70 locomotives with 300 loco pilots, maintaining 60 locomotives, and managing 1,200 kilometers of ballasted track, as well as 100 kilometers of metro tracks for Chennai Metro.Authorship and Historical Research:Beyond his engineering and leadership roles, Mr. Murthy is also an accomplished author. His book, Sevagad to Poharagad, delves into historical narratives, reflecting his passion for uncovering and sharing stories from India's rich past.Philosophy and Continued Engagement:At 80, Mr. Murthy exemplifies lifelong learning and active engagement. His journey underscores the belief that retirement is a state of mind, and with unwavering curiosity and dedication, one can continue to contribute meaningfully to society.Join us as we explore the remarkable life of Mr. A.S.N. Murthy, discussing his extensive career, insights from his book, and his perspectives on staying active and intellectually engaged well into his later years. Chapters00:00 - Introduction & Guest Background01:53 - Early Life & Career Beginnings14:30 - What Defines a Good Job?15:42 - Joining Indian Railways at 1920:28 - Surviving a Train Accident24:00 - Railway Signals & Safety Systems38:00 - Indian Railways' Own Telecom Network40:20 - Evolution of Indian Railways54:46 - Private Sector in Railway Operations1:07:02 - Bringing Bhagavad Gita to Banjaras1:15:40 - Who Are the Banjara People?1:17:33 - First Book Journey to Sevaged to Poharagad1:21:40 - Writing a Book at 80 with AI1:31:06 - Overcoming Diabetes Naturally1:37:02 - Planning the Next Book1:38:28 - Getting into Spirituality1:39:49 - From Railways to Books & Beyond

In this episode, we sit down with Prabir Mishra, Founder and CEO of TRST01, to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and sustainability. Prabir shares his journey from investment banking to pioneering solutions in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. We delve into the challenges of seed traceability in agriculture, the environmental impact of plastic waste, and the energy consumption of Bitcoin mining. Prabir introduces TRST01's innovative tools like 'Footprint' and 'TRST01Chain', designed to enhance supply chain transparency and promote sustainable practices. Join us for an enlightening conversation on leveraging technology for a sustainable future.

Rajendra Patel’s journey is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the ability to build something great from humble beginnings. Starting before 1957, his family was initially involved in the timber business. But with a bold vision and an unwavering work ethic, Rajendra and his elder brother transitioned into cast iron manufacturing.At the age of 17, in 1987, Rajendra Patel was casting just 100 kg of iron. Fast forward to 2024, and his company, Dwarka India, produces an impressive 10 tons of cast iron daily, competing with century-old Italian manufacturers. Despite having no formal education, he mastered the art and science of the trade through hands-on experience and sheer determination.Today, Dwarka India operates from a massive 2-lakh-square-foot manufacturing facility, where cutting-edge technology meets traditional craftsmanship. The company’s products—ranging from cast iron garden furniture to ornate fencing, decorative accents, and custom-designed pieces—are known for their strength, durability, and elegance. Holding an ISO 9001:2015 certification, Dwarka India upholds the highest standards of quality.In this insightful conversation on TUFFStory with Amit Bhawani, Rajendra Patel opens up about:The early struggles of building a business without formal educationHow he and his brother took their first steps in cast iron manufacturingCompeting with 100-year-old European brands in the global marketThe balance between handcrafted artistry and modern technologyThe importance of persistence, adaptability, and innovation in manufacturingThe future of cast iron and how Dwarka India continues to evolveThis is a must-watch episode for aspiring entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and anyone who believes that success is built on hard work, experience, and resilience.The full episode will be available soon on TUFFStory with Amit Bhawani. Stay tuned for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and building a lasting legacy.