AYNGARAN FOUNDATION Special Edition 2021 by Business Connect

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Social Entrepreneurs Leading The Change That The World Needs ‘Social Entrepreneurship’ – once a nascent field in the business community, has seen quite a traction in recent years from many sectors. The term is rousing across media platforms and is a vibrant topic on many university campuses worldwide. One of the numerous reasons for this is because it allows individuals to contribute to the larger good while also inspiring others for the same. In the last few years, many influential leaders came on top of social entrepreneurial endeavours aligning their company’s goals with societal developments. Especially during the COVID-19, leaders from diverse verticals played an empirical role in helping humanity thrive. The surge in social entrepreneurship is recognizable in developing economies like India. With nearly 2 Million social entrepreneurships, our country has a leading presence across the world. Foreign economies like Switzerland are collaborating with India on countless opportunities. In 2020, social entrepreneurship working with the Schwab Foundation distributed over USD 6.7 Billion in loans to social projects, like mitigating CO2 emissions, improving children’s education and providing access to energy, improving over 62 million lives across 190 countries. And entrepreneurs from India made the most resounding impact in the activities. India has the most sophisticated social entrepreneurship ecosystem that offers opportunities to connect with local partners to address various demographic challenges within the country. In the past few years, India has received increasing philanthropic funding from around the globe. This includes HNIs from the corporate domain making lofty contributions with short- and long-term goals. The actions empower CSR drives that have moved from institutional buildings to community development. By blending technologies with ideas, entrepreneurs are addressing various issues in healthcare, education, human rights, culture, environment, and much more. Their sustainable, diverse, professional, readily replicable, and respected efforts towards the community are a sight for sore eyes. Our entrancing edition, “ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021”, is a congregation of similar thoughts. In this issue, we are going beyond the corporate realm and welcoming social entrepreneurs for their sheer will and unyielding efforts towards the community. And we are privileged to feature the Indian-born global social entrepreneurship Ayangaran Foundation on our cover page. Its focus on spiritual enlightenment, besides other social activities, makes it a cut above others. And its actions towards helping people achieve harmony in life have a proven global impact. Foundations like this are a major contributor to the country’s growth and social entrepreneurship ranking. But India hasn’t gotten rid of its issues. With the COVID-19 mutating and giving birth to new variants, the economy is still in turmoil and the country is riddled with infections. Social entrepreneurs can, however, be a silver bullet to the situation. By collaborating with government agencies, they can assist the poor in availing necessities and reform services related to better healthcare.

Indranil Roy Indranil@businessconnectindia.in

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Content

Sasikumar krishnasamy Founder

Vince Thomas Ayithamattam Chairman

AYNGARAN FOUNDATION Spreading The Need of Human and Societal Upliftment Worldwide

Success Story

Sundar Pichai From the Journey IIT Kanpur to CEO of Alphabet and Google

PLINTRON Group How To Stop Your

Mind from Wandering18 BCM | Anant Kumar

20 24

Redefining the overall mobile service ecosystem

So how often would you say your mind wanders on a typical day? People spend half of their waking hours wondering about something other than what they’re actually doing in the present. A stressed mind is committed to wonder about different kinds of things. It all boils down to what refers to as time stress. If you tend to worry about a pile of tasks living on your desk or that you won’t live up to your potential, you are experiencing time stress. In short, overall, it ruins your productivity and increases your stress level. Of course, this isn’t how you are supposed to live your life, right? You want to be your best version. So how can we stop our minds from wondering? Although it has been seen that a wandering mind can be beneficial in some way. However, it has become an epidemic in the business world. The human mind remains malleable throughout adulthood, and it can be leveraged and develop concentration levels. Here are the 3 steps, which you can apply whenever you have difficulty staying focused.

Lifestyle

Track your wonder mind

Sundar Pichai From the Journey IIT on your breathing. You can follow a simple stepKanpur to to calm your mind: count 1 to 10 as you breathe in and breathe out. You can repeat this more than 10 CEO of Alphabet and Google times. Let your stress be pushed away. The best

Our mind easily gets distracted. According to a new study from Microsoft crop., people now generally get distracted in just 9 sec. Our mind is like a kid in toy shops, free to move one thing to another, often without constraints. So, as you start wondering about something else, track your mind where it is going? Take a pad/diary and pen and write it down, and take action accordingly. If you can’t get rid of your wonder about the passionate area, maybe it’s time to explore a new job. If your mind keeps wandering about a bad relationship with a colleague, maybe it’s time to confront the situation. If your mind is on the beach or tropical islands, maybe you are overdue for a vacation, schedule a vacation. What I mean by that is to try to find a reason behind that act in this meaningful area.

of this little activity is you can do it whenever you feel tired or get distracted. This 10 min practice can put you in an entirely different state of mind. It’s a much more rewarding productive habit rather than spending time on social media.

Delegate

OnlineTekSupport IT Solutions As a leader, you’re pulled in a million different directions. It is easy to fill up a day with unimportant tasks and let the performance suffer, but one can acquire delegation skills. You can start with conducting an audit of all the persons at your offices, their responsibilities, and abilities. Try to keep reviewing the list, then point out all of your more time-consuming tasks that cannot affect your success. Think about how you can delegate this task to your colleagues. Your colleagues will be grateful for you not just shoveling work on them. Before delegating tasks, make sure that your colleagues are committed to taking tasks so that the skill you impart to your colleagues can benefit you. A conquering art of delegations eases your stress level.

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10 min or 15 min breaks

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“One deserves a day away, in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” Stated Maya Angelou. Taking breaks is the best medicine to apply when 6your stress level and cortisol level overdrive. Many researchers have found that when employees take a short nap or frequent breaks, they report higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced exhaustion, and greater willingness to go beyond their assigned

As an entrepreneur or boss, you need your cognitive skills to perform your jobs well and get ahead. If you can’t take care of it, stress will drive

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What is financial education?

Deficiency of Financial Education A national issue and how to get rid of it

The majority of the population often aren’t able toafford a lifestyle that they dream of. Those who have a decent source of income, and have found a way to enhance their financial load, such as paying credit card bills, monthly home loan instalments, EMIs for luxurious utilities, etc. As the burden becomes worse, it cripples abilities, and their close ones, to live with freedom. They abstain from developing themselves, following their passion, or upgrading new skills. In the end, their growth rate is being prevented due to budgetary pressure. The root cause of all this is having a deficiency of financial education. Generally, people spend the first quarter of their life just for grabbing the highest degree and the later part, on making a living off the skills obtained from their education. However, nobody institute or college teaches us how to manage our earned money. But you cannot just blame a single entity, this is a national issue. We all – parents, the educational industry, and the government – must work together in this area.

the most concerning part is people don’t even know that they have dozens of options to make money and grow their finances.

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Financial education is “the ability to make a smart financial decision which results in fancied financial outcomes.” It is not about knowing the stack and complex financial concepts it is simple skills that make the right financial decisions regularly, such as educational loans, buying a home, financing a car, and saving for retirement, and ultimately become financially self-sustainable and independent.

What is a deficiency of financial education? Not able to understand the basic financial principal like how to make money and let money to make money, budget planning to understand, how to become financially free, money negotiation, and manage financial risk.

Why is it national challenging?

Job crises in India have increased more than ever. It’s not that we don’t have ones, it is not because we don’t have any talents who are ready for jobs. According to UNICEF, more than 50% of Indian students and students from southeast Asia don’t have the required skill for getting a job. There is appositely no space left for mediocrity. If you were graduated in the 90s, you would still have a chance to get a decent job by showing your degree. But now it is quite a different situation.

It has dark truth that most youngsters of this generation are perpetually steered-out and worked very hard. They are struggling to manage their basic expenditure. This affects their mental well-being and happiness. Another collateral damage of such learning for earning mindset is lack of employment. Students who don’t want to get involved in a stream of education are less likely to perform in it. Over time, they graduated in it, and naturally, the overall quality of our degree holders becomes substandard, and who would not prefer to employ such graduates? Today, India badly needs those professionals who are skilled in their domains that can solve problems. Of course, we have thousands of them, but if our millennials are not utilizing education to sharpen their inherent set of skills, the outcome is just mass production of knuckleheads. The crisis is going on right now. Unemployment point finger toward education without the purpose of learning.

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Every year, India produces more than millions of engineers. According to employability assessment company data, 80% of Indian engineers are unemployed for a job. The problem isn’t limited to the engineering stream – it’s the same with other streams like commerce, arts, and medical. In the study, most of the students have lost their interests. As soon as youngsters hold an undergraduate degree, they are forced to take higher education and travel to foreign countries like the US, Europe, and Canada – This is their final destination. Some parents take education loans for their children. In another way, students sign their indentured servitude. If they are blessed enough to find a job, they work years with some MNC, and by the time they are free, a passionate dancer becomes HR, a gifted singer becomes software engineer, and a great writer becomes a consultant.

Education

A question always occurs, why do youngsters feel obliged to take a specific subject without having any interest in it? The answer is, their mindset of choosing the stream of education depends on money. From the first day of school, we are taught, complete a degree get a job, and earn a salary is the stared career template. A higher degree pays a higher salary. As soon they got a higher degree, the interest of an individual becomes unimportant. People are willing to quit on their calling for the security of an unpleasant job. Well, there is nothing wrong with it. Choices can be made by an individual at any time. But

What is the solution? How can this be done on a personal level?

Youngsters must recognize a real passion and work on it to shape it; education should be considered as a tool for solutions.

It looks good in theory. But, what is the ground reality? it could be possible that people’s passion for the profession isn’t likely to pay their bill. Suppose that I am a good writer, nobody read a published book as of now. I am a developing comedian, but I can buy a decent lifestyle as of now. Does that strike a chord? Well, yes, it is a fair question. So, what are we supposed to do in such a case? First, you should not make a bad investment of your time or money. Do not let yourself into snowballing debt just to get a degree. Your passion and source of making money could be different. You do not always need a degree to make money. To lead a financially stress-free life, you need to start investments, both time and money. Educate yourself with some of the basic financial principles, such as how taxes work, find out more about the different industries, learn how to make money to work for you.

Deficiency of financial education A national issue and how to get rid of it Although, financial illiteracy is a national issue. The government and we must make efforts to overcome the situation. The future will belong to talents – a talent honed by relevant education, motivated by passion, and supported by financial education.

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AYNGARAN FOUNDATION Spreading The Need of Human and Societal Upliftment Worldwide Indranil Roy | Business Connect Leaders have always demonstrated a unique ability to bring about change in a variety of situations. This is especially true of NGO leaders. Charity endeavours require an innovative enthusiasm, the ability to think beyond the bottom line, and a commitment to the development of society. The key individual, be it CEO, Chairman or Managing Director (MD), are the embodiment of what their company stands for. Their selfawareness and outlook help them identify what needs to be changed to be future-ready. The focus and approach of NGOs have dramatically shifted over time. Until the early 90s, social ethics–a demand to change society on multiple grounds–was a strong and voluntary concern. In other words, the focus was to reform social ills, not provide welfare or social services or charity. However, the changing socio-economic structure has changed their motivation, and most of them are now only a means of self-employment. Either they start with a social issue that the government doesn’t address, or they respond to financial shortages as social entrepreneurs. While this does not make them erroneous in

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principle, it takes them away from a comprehensive vision of societal improvement. Even among this transformed community of NGOs, however, there are leaders proudly carrying the torch of societal improvement, and one of them is Mr. SASIKUMAR KRISHNASAMY (Founder) MR VINCE THOMAS AYITHAMATTAM(Chairman). Through his NGO, Ayngaran Foundation, is adhering to people’s development while reforming sections of the society that can help in the country’s development.

THE IDEA AND THE ONES LEADING IT

Contributing to society and people’s development was a childhood dream of Mr. Sasikumar Krishnasamy. But it didn’t come easy for him. At the age of 5, he and his family moved into the greenery of Coimbatore, where he completed his tertiary education. Afterwards, he started out in the corporate sector and in 2011, entered the jewellery sector. Moving on, he worked in multiple trust foundations, social service trust, etc., further fuelling his passion and experience in social contribution work.

COVER STORY

my a s a n rish

r k ation a m u Sasik aran Found er, Found

Ayng

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His philanthropic passion finally saw light when he founded Ayngaran Foundation in 2020. Although it was a period of chaos and distress, it didn’t stop the passionpreneur. He registered the corporation on Sep’ 20 and paved the way for a transformative and societally beneficial journey. The charity drew a number of business heavyweights, and it was here that he met Mr. Vince Thomas Ayithamattam (Chairman). He has a thorough comprehension of philanthropy, if not more. Through Ayngaran, Mr. Vince expresses his gratitude to the society that has helped him rise to prominence. At the outset of its establishment, he met several like-minded individuals who shared his vision for a perfect society and desired beneficial reforms. He and his partner, Mr. Krishnasamy, formed a team of individuals having the same passion and put Ayngaran on the path to become a well-known NGO in India. The foundation focuses on laying the groundwork for a healthy lifestyle through meditation, education, research, and more. Along with India, Ayngaran has a huge foothold in UK & USA.

UNDERSTANDING AYNGARAN: ON A BROADER SENSE

Unlike other NGOs that focus on a specific topic and dedicate a significant amount of resources to it, Ayngaran takes a holistic approach to society. Established in the holy and calm hamlet of Palani, the foundation dedicates its efforts and resources to the fulfilment of God’s plan for humanity. In a broad sense, it aids people in self-healing through meditation campaigns and spiritual principles practice, encourages children’s growth through educational activities, and supports a better farming future through innovation-driven practices. It also strives to inspire people to care for society and participate in related activities. Ayngaran is also working to develop efficient herbal treatments for common disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypertension, as well as improving living standards. It also engages and launches poverty-alleviating projects, particularly in developing countries.

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Ayngaran works with retreat centres and worldwide organizations to educate people about spirituality and religious education. It collaborates with public schools, college and university meditation centres, and mindfulness camps to integrate cognition into education, training educators, psychologists, social workers, and parents in over 60 countries and affecting over a million youth worldwide. It also collaborates with Juvenile Detention Centers in California, Colorado, Oregon, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Missouri to assist inmates in curbing behaviour violations, reducing cognitive deterioration, and increasing the resiliency of both convicts and prison staff. Ayngaran’s activities and initiatives keep it on track to fulfil its purpose of promoting meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. It has successfully conducted several

DR. NOUFAL CHAKKALA Director-Finance UK blood donation drives in India, and it even has meditation centres where people are nurtured and led on a spiritual path. Its activities are based on in-depth R&D, which allows it to develop value-added projects that can help ensure a stable and interconnected global society.

THE FORTE BEHIND INNOVATIVE ENDEAVOURS

Innovativeness demands R&D, be it in business or societal upliftment. Although the modern world is more affected by plastic and ready-made items, technology, and other factors, the route to a healthy lifestyle always takes us to nature. Developing countries, such as India, recognize this and have a populace that is continuously looking for sustainable products, procedures, and approaches. Ayngaran leverages R&D to develop new techniques of improving living standards at a very affordable cost. Its focus is diversified across multiple disciplines: Agriculture, Health & Nutrition, Education & Poverty, Energy, Sustainable Development, Quality of seed, Organic Farming, Medicinal & Herbal Plants, etc. Ayngaran believes: A perfect work requires perfect planning. Each of its projects includes R&D, which helps in evaluating needs, the efficacy of the project, and associated resources. The in-house analysis also encompasses project impact on the audience’s and organization’s health. Many of its impactful projects were majorly focused around: •

Education for underprivileged children and a positive direction to the youth

•

Helping agriculture sector (farmers) to adopt sustainability and socio-economic development

•

Healthcare services to build healthy and fit communities

•

Distribution of apparel and school uniforms to the needy

•

Resolving environmental issues and participate in plantation programs

•

Save drinking water and further spreading awareness on water recycling

•

To encourage people to choose Ayurveda for its low cost but high efficiency

THE PROJECTS, NOT ONLY IMPROVE SOCIETY, BUT ALSO EDUCATE INDIVIDUALS ABOUT IT. ALL THE PROJECTS ARE BASED ON THE BELIEF THAT,

MOTHER TERESA

There is no higher religion than human service. To work for common good is the greatest creed.

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VEDA BODHIVANAM: A NOVEL DRIVE

While Ayngaran has accomplished multiple holistic projects, its magnum opus is the Veda Bodhivanam. Under this project, Ayngaran plans to build meditation centres centers, where people would be trained on Hinduism and meditation for cognitive growth. The project also provides further possibilities, such as Dana (donations), which will be utilised in project development (development of meditation centres, volunteer work during retreats and in construction, taking part in retreats, using skills in web page development, architecture, construction). The project is available to people all over the world. Volunteers will assist participants with visas, lodging, and other requirements. The initiative will have end-to-end transparency, ensuring that donors are investing in something worthwhile. People can donate anonymously or in person, and their names will be included to a special list at the end of this project. Ayngaran also plans to allow people to contribute to the purchase of cows and cow feed. The ‘Ayngaran Goshala’ will be established under Veda Bodhivanam, allowing donors to add a valuable incursion to their family. Donors can join up for a one-time or recurring donation. They can adopt a cow and provide it with the necessary care through this endeavour. Donors will also have the option of choosing the name of their cattle.

ABRAHAM Interntional Director

INSPRING ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

As previously mentioned, Ayngaran Foundation is well-known for its philanthropic work in the western geographies. Ayngaran Life Sciences Foundation is a sister concern of Ayngaran Foundation that spreads its work in the USA. In addition to the foundation’s mission statement, the subsidiary emphasizes children’s welfare and development. It creates donation campaigns for underprivileged children’s healthcare needs, poverty alleviation and Education so that they have a bright future. The foundation’s efforts also have a tremendous impact across the UK. It has aided people on their spiritual journeys, educated children, reformed agriculture, and inspired people to work for human upliftment.

THR PEOPLE BEHIND THE HARDWORK

Ayngaran Foundation is more than an NGO - it’s a mission. And every mission requires people who are energetic, driven and loyal to the cause. Ayngaran has a very motivated team of volunteers who is the backbone of all its projects. And to ensure the backbone remains strong, it keeps them engaged, happy and enthusiastic. It believes volunteer engagement initiatives should not be limited to a single stage of the volunteer lifecycle, but rather should be ongoing. Laying the foundation for a volunteer engagement plan begins the moment the volunteer walks through the door and starts working in collaboration and acceptance. Adding to this, Mr. Sasikumar Krishnasamy and Vince Thomas Ayithmattam highlights that the foundation never lets the volunteers’ motivations down. Assigning volunteers to projects that match their interests keeps the volunteers engaged and coming back.

RIYAS KUNJUMON DIrector. R&D. UK

AN UNENDING CONQUEST

Formed amid chaos, Ayngaran Foundation has made a prominent presence amongst global charity foundations. Its initiatives in poverty eradication, meditation & spirituality and R&D in human upliftment are resounding. Its activities have given many disabled people, widows, and underprivileged children a new direction in life. Recently, it provided welfare in a charity program in Pollachi, which was highly applauded. But, Ayngaran Foundation is yet to reach the skyline. While it has added many feathers in its cap, it has still to make enormous waves. There are still impediments and concerns in human upliftment, and Ayngaran Foundation aims to set a benchmark in addressing them.

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KAJA HUSSAIN Director-Finance USA

COVER STORY

Ay s a m Tho dation

oun aran F Vinmcae g n y A n,

ta t a m itha

Chair

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Success Story

Sundar Pichai From the Journey IIT Kanpur to CEO of Alphabet and Google

Succus Story

very closely to strengthen the AdWords targeting engine. At the time, Internet Explorer was playing a major role, although Mozilla Firefox was the alternative chicle for people.

In the world, there are two kinds of people living in one who is busy cramming history and another who is busy creating history. Sundar Pichai is one of those people who are really creating history. In this article, we will look at his journey to know, how he became a successful CEO of Alphabet and Google.

EARLY LIFE AND SCHOOLING. Sundar has a full name called Pichai Sundararajan, who was born on July 12, 1972, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and India. He grew up in an upper-middle-class family and had a Hindu upbringing, where his mother Lakshmi worked as a stenographer and father, Raghunath Pichai was an electrical engineer. Pichai had done his schooling from Jawahar Vidyalaya, the CBSC board. He did 12th from Vana Vani School at IIT Madras.

JOURNEY AS A PRODUCT MANAGER TO CEO In 2004, Pichai started working with Google as vice president of product management & development for Google toolbar, a vital strategic product that enables default search issues on various to go through Google and allow them to look at browsing behavior

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As Vice President of product management, he caught a weakness in Google’s strategy and launched a browser called Chrome (it is still generating a great amount of revenue for the company) as a defensive play against the established leading browsers application to protect and Grow Google. It had no guarantee that other browsers would make it easy for toolbars like Google’s to be installed by users. However, Chrome wasn’t just another web browser option, it was a foothold on desktop, trying to extend Google’s reach into the user web experience. Owning the browser experience was very significant as many applications became web-based, many of applications developed under Google led by Sundar Pichai, such as Google Drive (which are more responsible for), Chrome OS, and other applications like Google Map and Gmail. Today, from businessmen to students are spending a lot of time with this browser, since those applications are developed by Google,

those worked very well in their own Chrome. Today Chrome has achieved a 64% market share, while the Internet Explorer browser has no longer officially supported. Android was another massive opportunity for Google, Sundar increased his portfolio length, adding these to his ever-growing empire. Handling both of its operating systems, he was front-and-center in the company’s rivalry with other leading software industries like Microsoft and Apple. So, the Co-founder of Google Larry page made decisions to break up the company into a family of companies under Alphabet (it is called a parent’s company of Google), and Sundar Pichai became CEO of the Google subsidiary. Over the time period and Under the direction of Sundar Pichai, Google has seen big growth. In 2019, Larry Page and Sergey founder of Google have stepped down from Top roles at the parent company Alphabet Inc. Now Sundar Pichai is the new CEO of Alphabet.

SUNDAR PICHAI

Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet

OVERVIEWS Sundar Pichai is an Indian-American computer engineer and the world’s one of the top influential executives. He is the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Google and their parent company Alphabet Inc. He is also a member of Magic Leap. As far as his qualification is concerned, he graduated in metallurgical engineering from IIT Kharagpur and garbed a master of science degree in materials science & engineering from Stanford University. Further, he also went to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania for an MBA degree, where he got scholar a Siebel Scholar and Palmer Scholar.

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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

Redefining the overall mobile service ecosystem Kajal Dobhal | Business Connect

s we sat down for an exclusive conversation with the PLINTRON Group’s key protagonists— Mohan Kumar Sundaram (Chairman) and Subhashree Radhakrishnan (Vice-Chairman and Co-Founder) for this inside story, our team came across some valuable nuggets that we are pleased to share with our readers. Without any further ado, let’s dive into the pool of profoundness offered by these brilliant leaders.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

PLINTRON Group has attained the stature of being the world’s largest end-to-end multi-country MVNA & MVNE services, IoT and CPaaS player. It has a world-class reputation in providing Telecom SaaS Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) solutions, Telecom as a Service (TaaS) Mobile Virtual Network Aggregator Services (MVNA) solution to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNOs), Enterprises and IoT service providers across the globe in over 28 countries, establishing its firm presence in 6 continents so far. While powering many IoT MVNOs globally, it also renders efficient solutions to several IoT players in multiple verticals and is the fastest-growing IoT company. Today, PLINTRON takes immense pride in have launched more than 140 MVNOs with active mobile subscribers of over 150 million in 6 continents. Owing to its global repute, the Group has an association with more than 40 mobile network operators and more than 1000 third party solution providers. It has been proving its prowess across diverse geographical localities while being headquartered in Singapore with offices in London, Dubai, New Delhi, São Paulo, and Seattle. The company’s Global Technology & Support centre located in India grants 24x7 supports the Plintron clientele. Scaling the heights of exemplary success, PLINTRON has planned to execute some major expansion strategies and is to be operational in around 50+ nations by the next 2 years.

Mohan Kumar Sundaram Chairman EXCLUSIVE VISION

The organisation was incorporated in 2008 when it began its functions as an integrated Cloud Services Platform provider. In the past 12 years, it has developed its own TaaS and SaaS Platform, integrated 140 MVNO brands to 40+ Mobile players. PLINTRON enabled them with innovative mobile services and managed to activate over 150 million connections across the world. Subhashree Radhakrishan, Vice-chairman and co-founder, says that in order to address the prominent challenges in the newly emerging scenario mobile players and enablers have to be in sync with rapidly evolving technologies apart from ensuring better customer engagement. Plintron has addressed these challenges effectively while coming up with 4G launches in over 15+ countries and also testing 5G technologies for launch with pilot deployments in 9 countries. The luminary asserts that owing to their sound vision, they have been able to build a highly- efficient and future-proof platform to assist mobile innovators throughout their entrepreneurial journey for an accelerated growth mode. Today, PLINTRON’s vision has propelled it to be the world’s largest multinational TaaS provider with a steadfast mission to incorporate a TaaS operating enterprise in each potential country that will be backed by their SaaS platform. With this exclusive www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

its own Mobile Virtual Network Operator – Telecommunication licenses from the Governments of USA, INDIA, RUSSIA, MEXICO, BRAZIL, ITALY, COLOMBIA and AUSTRIA to operate its own Public Telecom Network services for its customers. Security, IoT / M2M and Smart Devices are some domains that fall under his area of specialization. His unique stewardship and years of experience in the industry have been honoured with the Global Indian of the Year 2020-21 Award, by AsiaOne Magazine with ET Now as the Media Partner. He also serves as a key Member of the FORBES Technology Council from where he is leading the path to tech dominance as an active thought leader.

mission statement, they strive to integrate with the global developer community to ensure innovative value-added solutions. Additionally, PLINTRON will also continue to spearhead IoT technology with its Cloud-based platform.

A GLANCE OVER ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE

Affordability, scalability, technology adoption and flexibility — are the terms that describe the Group’s differentiating factors in the market. The business expansion ensured by PLINTRON Group across 28 countries in a short span of time is unparalleled. It provides a one-stop shoppe complete end to end package to customers, with a choice of deployment models. They also provide integration with 4 payment gateways and more than 1000 third party solution providers, they provide wholesale air time contracts, domain-specific support in sales, marketing, GTM, Regulatory, Operations and Customer support set up, they even provide SIMSs and number ranges to their customers.

•

“We understand our clients’ requirements and propose an appropriate customised solution that will help them succeed in the competitive MVNO and IoT market and every new project meets our rigorous quality standards which are in line with global practices,” affirms the Chairman. Plintron is an early starter in the IoT segment especially the telematics segment and has seen exponential growth in IoT.

IN TUNE WITH R&D

R&D is the ‘mantra’ for PLINTRON Group as per its leaders. Be it IMS VoLTE, or 5G NSA or eSIM, the Group has pioneered the commercialization of these new technologies. Here, the R&D department works along with the Product management team developing innovations and adapting new technologies as per customer requirements. PLINTRON’s close collaboration with over 1000+ third-party solution partners says it all!

GOLDEN FEATHERS IN THE CAP

Beyond any doubt, PLINTRON Group has grabbed attention in the MVNA, MVNE, MVNO, CPaaS and IoT space, granting it several rewards and recognitions. Out of those, a few of the worthy mentions have been enlisted as follows-

MEET THE VISIONARIES BEHIND PLINTRON • Mohan Kumar Sundaram— He is the Chairman of PLINTRON Group where his primary responsibility is to assemble the 1000+ robust- technology teams to develop and roll out its MVNA/MVNE platform, IoT solutions and network in 28 countries for 140+ MVNO businesses. At present, he has been dedicating his expertise to fulfil a vision of being operational in 50+ countries by 2023 and augmenting the international business. •

•

Subhashree Radhakrishnan— The Vice- Chairman and co-founder of PLINTRON Group, Subhashree is well- recognised for developing world-class Telecom products justifying international standards. These innovative products have been commercialized in 28 countries with compliance with the local regulatory and consumer requirements. Her implementation of an exemplary business model at PLINTRON has allowed the Group to enjoy the title of being one of the top industry players. Under her guidance, PLINTRON Virtual Network services were enabled based on the radio coverage sharing in multiple countries from the leading mobile network service providers. As a techevangelist, her intense focus is on innovation that has stimulated the PLINTRON team to come up with some ingenious solutions. Her discerning abilities and thought leadership have brought many recognitions and accolades to her favour across the business fraternity.

• • • • • •

In his Leadership role, he is responsible for enabling businesses with products / services for additional revenues and optimizing cost by network sharing and offshoring. His prowess is to bring the business focus in technology and service delivery. He has widespread international business exposure with experience working with various countries’ regulators and network service providers in formulating the full mobile virtual network operator [MVNO] model and network sharing commercialization. Under his guidance, PLINTRON has acquired

Bagged ‘Best IT / ITES company’ at the — Dun & Bradstreet – Axis Bank Business Gaurav SME awards 2012. Included in NASSCOM’s Top 50 Emerging Growth Companies in India, 2013. Rated by Silicon India as the Best Company to Work for in India, 2015. Listed in GSMA’s Mobile IoT Innovators, 2017. Ranked ‘India’s Best MVNO and IoT Service Provider’ 2017 by Berkshire media. Rated India’s Best Company of the Year 2020 in the CPaaS category by Berkshire Media.

While receiving awards and accolades, the company has envisaged an ambitious growth plan including planning an operating company in every major market in the world. The next 2 year plan is to become operational in 50+ countries!

A TOKEN OF ADVICE BY THE TYCOONS “Aspire to be the leader in your field and that requires a commitment to meeting customer requirements, stringent quality standards and high levels of customer service.” 21

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

Lifestyle

How To Stop Your

Mind from Wandering BCM | Anant Kumar

It was 1830 when author Victor Hugo had six months to write a book but couldn’t concentrate on his work. So, when the publisher said that either he delivered on time or no book deal. Hugo took drastic measures, he removed his clothing and had his assistant lock them away, leaving him with no proper attire to leave the house, and he wrote furiously. As a result, the book Hunchback Notre Dame was published two weeks before his deadline. Staying concrete is challenging even when you are good at your work. When you struggle with concentration, you cannot focus on a task that needs to be delivered on time, waste a lot of precious time, disjoint conversation, and more.

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

Track your wonder mind

on your breathing. You can follow a simple step to calm your mind: count 1 to 10 as you breathe in and breathe out. You can repeat this more than 10 times. Let your stress be pushed away. The best of this little activity is you can do it whenever you feel tired or get distracted. This 10 min practice can put you in an entirely different state of mind. It’s a much more rewarding productive habit rather than spending time on social media.

Delegate As a leader, you’re pulled in a million different directions. It is easy to fill up a day with unimportant tasks and let the performance suffer, but one can acquire delegation skills. You can start with conducting an audit of all the persons at your offices, their responsibilities, and abilities. Try to keep reviewing the list, then point out all of your more time-consuming tasks that cannot affect your success. Think about how you can delegate this task to your colleagues. Your colleagues will be grateful for you not just shoveling work on them. Before delegating tasks, make sure that your colleagues are committed to taking tasks so that the skill you impart to your colleagues can benefit you. A conquering art of delegations eases your stress level.

10 min or 15 min breaks “One deserves a day away, in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” Stated Maya Angelou. Taking breaks is the best medicine to apply when your stress level and cortisol level overdrive. Many researchers have found that when employees take a short nap or frequent breaks, they report higher levels of job satisfaction, reduced exhaustion, and greater willingness to go beyond their assigned tasks.

As an entrepreneur or boss, you need your cognitive skills to perform your jobs well and get ahead. If you can’t take care of it, stress will drive your mind on a roller coaster, which will destroy your concentration, no doubt even your career. By following these three steps, you will be more productive, develop a better understanding of your coworkers, and be more relaxed.

You need time to recharge your brain, so set the 10 t0 15 minutes break to do just nothing. Find a quiet space or put earplugs in, switch off the all-electronic gadgets, close your eyes and focus

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

For Unmatched A-to-Z IT Solutions Kriti Anand | Business Connect

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Errorkart, owned by OnlineTekSupport IT Solutions [P] Ltd, is a Service, Solutions and Sales center for all IT devices. A brainchild of Mr Shreevardhan, the company is a trusted IT service partner for various organizations across multiple sectors like banking, finance, IT, manufacturing, etc. Based in Bangalore with a pan-India presence, the company specializes in providing complete solutions and repairs from simple to complex technical requirements for all brands of PCs, laptops, printers, and other devices. Additional services offered by Errorkart include Annual Maintenance Contracts, Networking and Firewall Solutions, and Server Hosting IT Procurement. In short, Errorkart is the way to go if you need a one-stop solution for all your IT requirements. Mr. Shreevardhan ventured into the computer business in 2004. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, he is a visionary leader with unquestionable skills leading the company forward on its path to success. His agile marketing skills have pushed Errorkart way ahead of the competition curve. Calling himself an “enabler rather than a driver”, Shreevardhan dreams of regulating an unregulated sector. Under his leadership, Errorkart keeps itself updated with all the latest happenings in the field. IT being the crux of its business, technology is in its DNA. The company feeds the technological advancements to its system to improve the process cycle and reduce the time taken to resolve any issues at hand. Errorkart has come up with an “R4 framework”: Register, Respond, Reach, and Resolve, which helps it prioritize and deliver the customer’s needs effectively. The company has deployed early warning systems that flag issues in case of a trigger to the set condition, and by following the framework the team ensures that all their transactions are mistake-proof. In the rare cases they do find any anomalies, the team checks the entire flow of the transaction to get to the root of the issue and fix it immediately. They also undertake Corrective and Preventive Action to eliminate any further non-conformities or undesirable situations. Their consistent and continuous rigor ensures that the end customer gains not just a service but an experience. In today’s world, anything at all can be copied, and Shreevardhan understood this www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

Shreevardhan Chandrashekar Founder and Managing Director

even before the inception of Errorkart. He built up the company on foundational virtues that cannot be replicated: passion, skill set, and strong systems with regular upgrades. Another feather in Errorkart’s hat of uniqueness is the 90 days workmanship warranty it offers owing to its partnership with all major OEMs. The company being a one-stop shop for all IT needs, anyone who uses a computer is a potential client for Errorkart. Some of the organizations it works with include TATA ,Nordex, Common Bank of Australia, Omega, ShakeDeal, Pratham books, CPF India, JDL, Shahi Exports, etc.

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Shreevardhan Chandrashekar (Founder and Managing Director) is a passionate and dynamic entrepreneur with more than two decades of launching and running successful business ventures under his belt. At Errorkart, he is supported by: 24

Archana Shreevardhan, Director Mrs. Archana Shreevardhan has worked previously with SAP LABS, Accenture, HCL & FADV, and has led many Technical Writing Strategy and Transformation engagements for clients in the USA, Europe, and Australia.. Manjunath Nanjunada Rao, Director A Chartered Accountant by qualification, Manjunath Nanjunada Rao oversees the company’s accounts and financial decisions. Deepthi – Manager Admin Mrs. Deepthi holds an MBA in HR. She is responsible for managing the service quality of both Retail and Corporate clients. Harish Gangadharan--Procurement Manager Purchasing the right product/component is one of the keys to success in the ITES industry. Mr Harish plays this role for Errorkart. Manjunath Pillai With over thirteen years of operation experience, Manjunath takes care of the day-to-day operations at Errorkart, which include motivating the team, clearing bottle necks, implementing new strategies, and so on. Nagaraj Nada Nagaraj takes care of day-to-day Lead Execution and Allocations to the team. The team at Errorkart prides itself on its work: there can be no better feeling than the contentment that comes with fixing someone’s problems. The clients rely on Errorkart for their IT needs, and the team transforms their concerns into happiness. It is a practice at Errorkart to discuss how their work satiates the end customers, and it fills them with a sense of passion to go beyond their call of duty when working on the customer’s tickets. They ensure that all bottlenecks are navigated together as a team instead of by individuals, and this involvement encourages the team spirit at Errorkart. Added to that are the activities designed by the employee engagement team (FubClub), personalized celebrations like birthday parties and anniversaries, and quarterly get togethers that inculcate a sense o f belonging in the employees. When hiring new talent, the management team at Errorkart identifies and retains the right talent, grooming them within the company using the “3M approach”: Motivate, Monitor, Mentor. They help them grow along with the company, showing them a career path and encouraging them to build a successful career. They cultivate passion rather than pressure in the employees, and that helps them do better than average. Owing to its carefully curated team, Errorkart has been able to stay afloat even during the pandemic. An unprecedented situation for them as it was for most of us, it took significant dedication to keep it going during the lockdown. It got quite difficult to procure the stocks, quote work estimates, commit a delivery time, and at times to even move within the city. Errorkart not only waded through the storm, but also contributed to the situation by ensuring that the consumers stayed home safe while they attended to their IT necessities. A

responsible organization through and through, Errorkart got all its employees vaccinated, trained them on COVID protocols and closely monitored their movements in the city. Passion is at the heart of Errorkart. The company invests time and resources in ensuring that every customer is delivered not just a service but an experience, and the biggest and best source of its leads is still organic, repeat and referral customers, mainly directed to it through its online reputation.

ACCOLADES AND FUTURE PLANS

Through the years, Errorkart has received recognition and has built up a reputation in the industry. Errorkart was appointed by the Bengaluru III Addl. District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission as a commissioner to examine a hardware component and submit its findings on behalf of the court following a consumer dispute against an e-commerce giant.

THE FUTURE ENDEAVORS FOR ERRORKART INCLUDE

Errorkart CarePack: a hassle-free extended warranty plan to protect valuable devices, and Mission K2K (Kanyakumari to Kashmir): more brick-and-mortar stores across India serving customers across the country.

FROM THE FOUNDER

Once you have zeroed in on an idea, develop a vision on what it would look like at the end, and then stick to the plan with a never-give-up attitude. Form a core team, and be a man of possibilities rather than a dream seller.

Shreevardhan Chandrashekar (Founder and Managing Director)

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

BAAZAR RETAIL Create a fabulous shopping experience Avishek Singh | Business Connect

The revival of retail and larger size value retail concept stores were aided by this. This paved the ground for the rise of a new retail trend known as value retailing. Value retailing is a large-format shop model that sells branded items and accessories at a discount. In the consumer shopping list, value retail maintains a high priority, and sales for factory stores and off-price items continue to increase.

MANOJ KHEMKA MD & Founder

Baazar Retail has been a part of the value retail model since 2002. It is one of the Eastern Region’s oldest and fastest-growing value retail concepts. Baazar Retail is a forerunner in Eastern India’s value for-money retail construct.

f an item was offered for sale at a discounted price a decade ago, it would raise doubts in the minds of customers. But now, with the advent of the value retailing idea, that behaviour has altered. There has been a notable shift in their purchasing habits. Customers have been pickier in recent years, seeking high quality and low prices. The origins of value retailing may be traced back to the market recession when creativity was critical to surviving the downturn. Consumer shopping patterns had shifted as a result of the recession, resulting in negative growth in the retail sector. Consumers limited their purchasing expenditures and preferred to purchase products during clearance sales and promotional offers. As the globe emerged from the crisis, consumers who were accustomed to purchasing items based on discounts and special offers continued to do so.

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

Images Retail Awards named the firm the “Most Successful Value Retailer in East India’’ 3 times. The founder, Mr. Abhishek Khemka steers -

“The consumer, not the product, is at the centre of value retailing. As a value retailer, you must create an excellent description that is tailored to the customer’s preferences. Then present a narrative on how it added value to another customer. This is the crux of value retailing” MANOJ KHEMKA MD & Founder

“People from the middle and lower-middle classes are served by us. We earn their trust by providing them with the highest quality available at an affordable price. We also offer a speedy and effective customer service department that handles consumer comments and complaints.”

items at a reasonable price. We are constantly exploring new methods to satisfy consumer expectations via innovation and creativity.”

ABHISHEK KHEMKA Founder & CEO

Currently, Baazar Retail runs 85 shops across the states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tripura, Assam, and Odisha, with a total retail area of 6 Lacs sqft. Men’s apparel, Ladies’ wear, Children’s Wear, Accessories, and Household goods are available at Baazar Retail. “To guarantee that our branches run smoothly, we utilize Ginesys software and Wooqer. Both of these software offers comprehensive technological solutions to organizational demands and ensures a seamless operation.”

“Baazar Retail has a VPN (Virtual Private Network) system that connects all of its shops and keeps employees up to date on sales inventories, ensuring effective supply chain management.” explains the founder. MEET THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN WHO MADE BAAZAR RETAIL A BRAND Manoj Khemka: He started his professional journey with a nominal salary. His ambition nurtured a dream to contribute to Society by providing quality apparel at affordable prices. He envisaged a dream of a large retail chain. In the year 2002, he embarked on this ambitious venture. “Back when our company was first invented, our biggest competitive advantage was “value-retail” where we provided the best quality and affordable prices. However, as more competitors entered this market, we shifted to “organized retail” which became our next competitive advantage. Hence, we have never had a single, statutory competitive advantage and we have always kept on evolving.” says Manoj. Abhishek Khemka: A first generation entrepreneur & the current CEO, he has more than 15 years of quality experience in ‘value for money’ garment retail industry and is related to the company for more than a decade. Apart from his successful business career, he is actively engaged in various charitable and social welfare events all across the nation and is well connected with the reputed names in this field. Baazar Retail displays a fabulous shopping experience rates than branded goods. MAKING FESTIVALS EVEN MORE SPECIAL High-quality product outreach and need, as well as supply chain management, are critical to the operational success of value retail businesses. Because the stores serve the tier-II & III sector, the product category caters to regional demands. Considering India is a varied country, different ethnicities have distinct festivals for different seasons. For example, while the south of India celebrates Onam, the north celebrates Baisakhi. Value retailers follow these specific criteria, to provide the section with the most desirable items that are in demand at the time. This makes the festivals more special and occasions more lively and fun. As the founder steers, “We first get to know our audience by connecting with them, and then we answer their wants and expectations by offering them the required

THE QUALITY ASPECT: THE QUALITY OF A PRODUCT IS MORE RELEVANT THAN ITS PRICE When salesmen say that an item is compact because of the material, or that it is sturdy and much less likely to damage, or that discoloration won’t set in because of the superior fabric finish, those are known as value claims. Those services and products provide the shopper with something smoother to touch, something that is more durable or appears newer for a prolonged period. If a potential consumer values those characteristics, he/she will purchase them. “The quality of our products and services is important in all we do. We establish reasonable goals for ourselves to ensure that everything we do is executed to the best of our abilities. Our internal Quality Program is focused on ensuring that our products meet a stringent set of requirements, which includes listening to customer feedback and going above and beyond the specific standards.” quotes Mr. Khemka.

ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS The brand has been recognized several times in its lifespan, and the quest for excellence. Some of these accolades include:

“The Best Brand Award” on 18th March 2021, in addition to the “Best Organised Retailer” Award at Times Business Awards, 2020. Mr. Khemka and his team are constantly working hard to create value for their products, value that customers can feel and recommend to others as well. “We intend to widen our reach so that we can cater to people, all across India. We also intend to launch an e-market very soon, bearing in mind the convenience of our customers.” He says.

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

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August 2019

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

SYSOTEL TECHNOLOGIES PVT. LTD. A TURNAROUND SPECIALIST FOR HOTELS

Indranil Roy | Business Connect With the world inclining more and more to technology, Smart solutions have become the stepping stone for every industry. The Hospitality industry is no exception. With time, not only in practice, but the industry has led the change in technology implementation as well. If we go to an established hotel, we will find Smart tools for Energy Management, Predictive Maintenance, Guest Experiences, Reserved Parking, and the list goes on. But, the situation is quite the opposite for Mid-Scale, Lower Midscale businesses. These ventures are actuated by passionate entrepreneurs, and the proper support and resources can elevate their game. Coming to a more recent phenomenon, the hospitality sector, particularly hotels, took a significant hit from the COVID-19. And even after a year, the sector is still recovering steadily. Hotels are a key driver of economic growth. And they need adaptive technologies and solutions to emerge and grow. SYSOTEL is a one-stop-shop for such solutions. Headquartered in Odisha, the Company is capable of turning the tide of any hotel business. A CHANGE DRIVER SYSOTEL offers comprehensive SaaS technologies for revenue management in the hospitality industry. The Company serves all sizes of hospitality groups from small to large. But, primarily, it focuses on scaling growth of Mid-Scale, Lower Mid-scale ventures. The hospitality industry has a lot of scope for technology implementation, especially for automation. And it is wildly prominent for small and mid-sized ventures to grow their potential. SYSOTEL stands proud for offering ‘User friendly’, ‘Insightful’, ‘Affordable’ & ‘Profitable’ technology to help them reach their ultimate goals. The Company is gauging its journey with like-minded people with proven success in multiple organizational operations and scaled-up case studies in the hospitality vertical. SYSOTEL serves Independent Hotels, Homestays, Boutique Hotels, Chain hotels, which needs branding, as well as star-classified hotels.

Raj Sahu

Founder & CEO

THE BEGINNING AND THE GROWTH SYSOTEL took its first step as an individual company in 2021, but the excursion started in 2014 as a partnership deed. The concept for this enterprise was ideated by Raj Sahu, a seasoned leader who saw profitability and creativity in the mundane. He has over two decades of experience in hospitality, working with renowned brands such as Royal Orchid, ISTA and Cambay. Over this stint, he saw the scope for advanced technological support in the working model of hotels. The existing framework had several gaps, and he believed it can be reworked with technology. In 2014, he started it as an initiative to rectify the existing model. Fortunately, it solidified into a venture for offering new-age hospitality tech solutions. Moreover, as his partner Mr Kiran Suthar came on board, the Venture hardened to the core. They founded SYSOTEL, stitching together 16 years of experience in India and overseas. www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

Born in the aftermath of the pandemic, SYSOTEL is focused on accelerating the recovery of the Hospitality Industry. It aims to help the sector rise from the ashes and increase its productivity. And judging from its inputs, SYSOTEL has made great strides in a few months. Its products are laced with over four decades of combined knowledge and case studies, and it has received excellent industry response. Maintaining this trajectory, helping the industry fly high with the wings of technology, there is a realization that the journey has come a long way, overpowering trial and error phases before consolidating as a hospitality- tech company. “The setbacks only sharpened our focus and added to our learning to create a prosperous start-up”, says Raj. SYSOTEL is constantly striving to create a strong presence in the hospitality sector. It’s offering advanced tech products, like AR based Hotel website developer, Simple and UI-friendly RMS & Powerful hotel channel manager. 30

DRIVEN & CONSISTENT Experience blended with skills drives quality, and it’s one of the driving forces of SYSOTEL. The current market scenario is cut-throat, and only the fittest and adaptive will emerge. SYSOTEL hails from a niche sector, and it strives to break ground through its product portfolio. “Our mission is to deploy best-in-class products that amplify growth possibilities for both our clients and us,” adds Raj. The hotel sector is still recovering from its concussions, and SYSOTEL aims to exercise innovation and novelty to assist in every means. For this, the Company engages in in-depth R&D practices. It helps in developing and re-developing its existing portfolio for future deployments.

SYSOTEL was found to revamp the prevailing model of the hotel business. And such a mission demands a passionate leader and similar brains. Raj is a serial entrepreneur with multiple qualities. His deep passion for the Hotel business, coupled with his inimitable style, of speaking makes him attractive in the coup. He’s a turnaround expert who’s helped organisations in the areas of operations, sales, and asset management achieve new heights. He also co-founded Rev Matrix, GoXplore, and stayplans.com, all of which bring strategic elevation to the hospitality industry on a large scale. With such a leader on board, SYSOTEL has established an open culture that can keep everyone motivated even on the worst days. Everyone puts effort to establish and sustain connections and stay motivated at all times. Moreover, the CEO has a knack for people’s development; hence, the company conducts timely training and sessions with industry-specific experts.

The Company has already taken a big step towards this with its flagship product SYSIRMS. It’s a fine illustration of research and hard work. The platform is an AI-powered revenue management solution with a user-friendly UI that allows independent owners, revenue managers, e-Commerce managers, property managers, and general managers to run their businesses smoothly and scale their performance with minimal oversight. In short, the AI platform can automate and streamline all volumes of operation. On the other hand, it has deployed some of the remarkable solutions that earned it great client reviews. Its products speak for its competence and give them an edge over peers.

LEVELLING UP ITS GAME In a short period, SYSOTEL has laid resounding milestones. It has launch-ready products with the capacity to run 5000+ hotels. Moreover, it has already added a prestigious accolade on its shelf. It was awarded the “Best Smart Automation Services” at the Future of Facility Innovation & Tech Awards 2021. These achievements act as a stepping stone for SYSOTEL. The Company envisages being at the forefront of technology for the hotel business. “We AIM to be a market leader in Affordable, well Synced, AI-based & hospitality technology solutions”, concludes Raj.

THE ONE’S DRIVING THE COMPETENCE “Adding manpower to a late software project makes it better” Fedrick P Brooks

“

PARTING NOTE FOR ASPIRERS

Never Lose Focus and learn from your deeds. It will lead you to next door and finally to the door of your Success. Keep working and find solutions which are sustainable. Raj Sahu, Founder & CEO, SYSOTEL

“

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

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GrowthInstitute

Cuisine

Must try These 9 Mouth Melting Foods In This Winter Season At the high of cold when sweaters and jackets can not resist winter temperatures, in that case, warming cuisine can be the best solution to warm the body within. Here we are going to know the top 9 best food that can knock off the winter chill. So, without wasting time, let’s get into it.

GAJAR KA HALWA Carrot is a winter-friendly root vegetable that gives you different tests rather than other seasons. In that case, it makes sense to cook Gajar Ka Halwa. The view of the piping hot-halwa immerse in Ghee brings water in your mouth secretly. The topping dry nuts on the Halwa are just irresistible.

SARSON KA SAAG

Sarson (Mustered Green leaves) da Saag and Makki de roti (Maze chapati) are famous and much-awaited food in India, especially Punjab. But it doesn’t matter where you live, you cannot miss this dish. The Saag isn’t merely just a flavoursome bundle, but it has a rich source whole bunch of nutrition as well, which keeps you warm.

UNDHIYU

Undhiyu is a Gujrati traditional cuisine that takes a big effort and time to cook. But don’t worry it undeniably pays off in the end. A mixture of many vegetables, Fenugreek, a generous amount of Ghee, and spices are what comprises this wintery – Gujrati delicacy. Undhiyu is a good example of winter food in India.

GOND KA LADOO

Gond Ka Ladoo is the foundation of edible gum; mean you cannot make this dam mouthwatering dessert without edible gum. It comes by extracting tree brakes. This is one such cousin that can be eaten the rest of the year. It has powerful nutrition, makes you warm. So undoubtedly, you must try this dessert in this winter season.

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

LAPSI

This sweet dessert can be consumed at breakfast or at supper. Also, this serves as a dessert at the end of the meal. This food is very famous in India, which has a different name. In Gujrat and Rajasthan, people call Lapis. Ghee, dry nuts, grained wheat, and raisings are put into the dish.

CARROT PORIYAL

Another carrot dish, Carrot Poriyal is south Indian cuisine, which is made out of fresh carrot with a whole lot of spices mixture and curry leaves. The carrot’s sweetness and chills make perfect balance and make the best side cuisine, which can be consumed with any food. So, what are you waiting for, order the food from your favourite south Indian restaurant.

METHI PAKORA

Methi Pakora is such a best cuisine which can be made effortlessly with very little time. With the availability of the big production in winter, seizing the chance of having these Pakoras with hot masala Chai is very important. So, it is time to invite some of your very close friends and watch your favourite show along with this cuisine.

PANJIRI

Panjiri is cooked with ghee, wheat, sugar, and a generous amount of almond. This delicious cuisine can be eaten without realizing the quantity. Having a good amount of Ghee and roasted dry nuts keeps your skin glowing in the winter. This cousin is popular in Punjabi homes. If you haven’t eaten before ask your mom about this.

TIL PITHA (RICE CAKE)

Til Pitha is a famous dish of Assam. Also, it is easy to cook. The ingredients like Sticky Rice, Sesame Seeds, and Gur (Jaggery) are the foundation of this cuisine. The mixture of soft chewy outer side and the sweet sticky sesame will give a different and an amazing feeling. You can make Til Pith any time thorough out the year.

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

VIBERAL DIGITAL SOLUTIONS An Integrated Platform for all Your Data-Related Needs Kajal Dobhal | Busines Connect Viberal Digital Solutions is one such name that comprehends the demand access for a business’s data and considers preferred medium or communication to generate value as well as provide suitable insights. With a sheer endeavour to manage the conventional as well as neoteric data strategies alongside maintaining flexibility and transparency to drive organisational decisions, Viberal began its entrepreneurial journey as a joint venture of two extraordinary brains— Ram Prasanth and Balaji. As we sat down to discuss some aspects of this a yearold start-up, both the leaders walked us through the business portfolio and much more. COMPANY OVERVIEW As a prominent data player in the industry, Viberal Digital Solutions well acknowledges the gravity of each piece of data in today’s world. Commencing its marked outset about a year ago, the company has established its core competencies in catering swift, functional and cost-effective data solutions to its targeted audience globally.

“We strive to make enterprises make the right decisions at the right time with the right people through data awareness, data integration, and data governance,” asserts Ram Prasanth, the Chief Executive Officer.

RAM PRASANTH Founder & CEO

onventionally, the data quality was only restricted to outdated technology, strict policies, contracts and conservative users. This scenario propelled increased chaos as well as exasperation pertaining to data that was perceived to be a tax on any business. Indeed, the traditional ways of data handling have taken a major toll on businesses’ day to day operations as well as objectives. Now, with the modern data management techniques becoming quite popular across the business world, many enterprises have dipped their feet in this space to be substantive in the most efficient manner.

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When asked to reveal the prime motive behind this unique venture, Balaji Venkateshan, the Managing Director, affirms that owing to their conventional careers of over five years in the industry, they were propelled to do something substantive here. But above all, they recognized the pulse of the market and decided to deliver appropriate solutions as per the customers’ pain points. He states, “We established this company to permeate the gap between the generation and consumption of data by companies to make the best out of it for businesses.” This aspiration made them scale greater milestones while carving a ‘sought-after’ reputation in the market. And, customer satisfaction is of utmost priority to them that is the best marketing strategy that they take pride in.

ABOUT THE LUMINARIES • Mr. Ram Prasanth is guiding the operations of Viberal Digital Solutions Private Limited as the CEO. He is an alumnus with a Bachelor’s degree from Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Madurai. He is an adept professional hailing from the Software Industry where he has served for over six years with the world’s leading companies as Eon Collective, Lucid Technologies, Infosys, and Polaris and possesses over 6 years of experience in Collibra, Tableau, Mule ESB, Mule Integration, JAVA, JSON, Talend, Microservices, Data Governance framework and Solutions. At Viberal, he is primarily focused on providing Data Governance Solutions, Data Cataloging Solutions, Data Lineage Solutions and providing DATA Integration Solutions for multiple clients by not compromising on supreme quality and support. He’s well experienced in Collibra, Talend, Informatica, Alation for providing Data Governance Solutions along with Data Lineage, Data Cataloging, Data Profiling Solutions. He is also experienced in Data Integration platforms such as MuleSoft, Talend and also provides custom integration solutions with core Java. He’s is a man of art for providing Data Governance Solutions to many cooperates. His well-orchestrated working in a heterogeneous environment has allowed him to scale greater heights in the respective space. Beyond any doubt, his expertise and experience have been the key factors behind the exponential growth of the venture. •

BALAJI VENKATESAN Managing Director

Mr. Balaji Venkatesan is leading the company as the Managing Director. Being an MBA from Madurai Kamaraj University, his in-depth experience in internal auditing, corporate accounts handling, and operations management has proved to be quite contributory in terms of the company’s growth. Here, he develops and executes exemplary business strategies to make greater leaps in terms of short- and long-term goals. He supervises the company’s overall financial performance, investments, and other business ventures. Alongside this, Balaji also ensures a positive and uplifting environment at the workplace to increase productivity. His unrivalled analysis of the challenging situations and delivering apposite solutions in this direction have been heavily contributive to the company’s overall growth and success. He is also responsible for establishing beneficial communication while building relationships with prospects, stakeholders, business partners, and other authorities in the industry. He is also an active volunteer at Ulas Trust where he guides underprivileged students over academic and interpersonal skills.

THE WORK CULTURE AT A GLANCE

Viberal Digital Solutions is an organisation that flourishes due to the dedicated efforts of self-driven, mission-driven and highly supportive professionals. At its workstations thrives a culture of dynamism that is accompanied by a fun and mood-lifting cordial environment that brings the best out of each other. “Viberal couldn’t be more proud of the team we have built today,” claimed both the key officials. GROWTH EXPANSION PLANS

Witnessing phenomenal growth in just more than a year of its operations, Viberal is all set to expand its horizons, be it in terms of its teams or the service offerings. At present, they have set up some programs to increase their current resources by 10% by the end of 2021. For the future, they strive to push Data Lineage, Master Data Management Solutions, and Business Intelligence Solutions into their stack of services to bring diversity. Alongside this, Viberal will also establish workstations in Chennai/Bengaluru by the end of 2022.

SERVICE PORTFOLIO Viberal has made its steadfast presence across the targeted market as a one-stop destination for all data-related solutions. Its basic service portfolio includes Data Governance, Data Integration (a unified view of data across systems and platforms), API Development (device compatibility and web page access), Data Visualization, Data Analytics, and Data Logging. Moreover, its offerings are highly adaptable across various industries, but Viberal’s primarily focussed industries where it keeps making a difference are health, technology, e-commerce, and banking. To them, customers interest is the key driving force that keeps them ahead of the game and both the key officials take immense delight to reveals that they have a 60% customer retention rate so far. 37

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

Redefining Digital Marketing In The New Normal Kriti Anand | Business Connect Over the last few years, the company has helped build 100+ brands across the USA, Australia, Middle East, and India. They have worked across 15+ industries to build brand identities, activate presence & engage consumers - Online, Offline, Social & Mobile. The company was launched in 2018 by Mr Ajay Kulkarni and Mr Dipankar Ghosh. Ajay & Dipankar met at a gaming company in Hyderabad where Ajay was heading the marketing division and Dipankar was heading the branding division. Their complementary backgrounds helped them grow the company together handsomely as they could see the bigger picture together. They shared a great working relationship back then and always wanted to start something together as they both valued each other’s unique and distinct skill sets. Both moved on to work in leadership positions in different companies. Dipankar decided to take the plunge first in 2015 and started The Go-To Guy! as a boutique brand agency where he used to get attached as a consultant with organizations that had brand building needs. Back then, he used to work with a freelancing team to get the execution done.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Go-To Guy! is a brand under Disrupvation Digital Pvt. Ltd. and is the services arm of the company in the business of providing brand and marketing services. Rebranding Experts & Marketing Evangelists, The Go-To Guy! is known for providing tailored solutions that incorporate the different needs, budgets, and goals for the clients.

Consultants have made – “Strategy” – Overrated “Marketing” – A complicated myth and “Branding” – An untouchable convict.

Fast forward to 2018, Ajay who by then had a fabulous career and had served in several leadership roles across gaming, media and technology companies joined Dipankar and together they co-founded a 2.0 version of The Go-To Guy!, which was now a full-fledged end to end brand marketing agency with branding and digital marketing expertise. They positioned themselves as “The No Nonsense Executionists!”.

We, at The Go-To Guy! are attempting to break this norm and surprise the world every day! We are “Your Idea Execution Agency”. If you have an idea, we will take it to the world.

The company has a multi-layer review process before every deliverable is rolled out. There are checklists in place that ensure a thorough review happens. They have also launched a STAR Rewards program that recognizes employees who do quality work. They have a very

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

transparent policy in terms of recognizing efforts. Every good effort, small or big, is acknowledged in the form of ‘Stars’. Person with the maximum stars every month becomes the STAR of the month and is recognized with an instant cash reward. This two-pronged approach of a multi-layer quality review, coupled with the incentive of STAR rewards program helps to ensure that their quality is top notch.

A CLIENT FAVOURITE COMPANY “We build relationships, not clients.” Over the last few years, The Go-To Guy! has worked with clients across fifteen industries. Understanding the unique challenges they face, they provided customized solutions to them. The company has retained most of its clients through the years. The length of the relationship with their clients is a testimony of the good work that they have done. The company works with startups, SMEs, as well as large corporations across the USA, Australia, Middle East and India. Based on what stage the companies are in their company life cycle, they will have different needs, budgets, and goals. The Go-To Guy! understands that and having worked across companies of all sizes, it has acquired the expertise to market the company of any size.

complement each other so well, and make The Go-To Guy! a holistic expert. This is not the case with most of the other agencies, they are usually good in one field. And hence they get the advantage of being a solid one stop shop for a client when it comes to building, activating, and engaging a brand.

FUTURE PLANS

The Go-To Guy! was on the cover of Silicon India as one of the Top Marketing Startups. It is now in the process of setting up an office in Mumbai targeting the national big brands, and also, is setting up an office in Dubai, UAE, as they see great opportunity from that region. Dubai is a gateway to the world and all the big brands across.

The company provides end to end brand marketing services, so companies need not run around and partner with multiple agencies, it’s got them covered. This ensures a single point of contact for delivery and consistent messaging across mediums.

PARTING WORDS “The pandemic has taught us all several lessons, the new normal, the importance of health, the need of actual socializing with family and friends and appreciating life while you can.

Dipankar was the youngest brand champion at Deloitte across the world, and Ajay built India’s 3rd largest Rummy gaming company from scratch in less than 16 months as their Business Head – these are skills that come with their principals and bring The Go-To Guy! its edge – their Branding & Marketing expertise

We would just say that “inch wide, mile deep” focus is the need of the hour, and making sure you move the needle every day is the key to success. Big successes are great to come by, but small developments also should be acknowledged, because that is what will help you keep going. We always say one thing to everybody we meet; we entrepreneurs survive on ‘hope’. Every new morning brings in a new ray of hope, so keep the hope always high, and you will find the energy to drive yourself forward, no matter what the situation is!”

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition September December 2021 2021 INDIA INDIA

Deficiency of Financial Education

Education

A national issue and how to get rid of it

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

What is financial education?

the most concerning part is people don’t even know that they have dozens of options to make money and grow their finances.

Today, India badly needs those professionals who are skilled in their domains that can solve problems. Of course, we have thousands of them, but if our millennials are not utilizing education to sharpen their inherent set of skills, the outcome is just mass production of knuckleheads. The crisis is going on right now. Unemployment point finger toward education without the purpose of learning.

Why is it national challenging?

What is the solution? How can this be done on a personal level?

Youngsters must recognize a real passion and work on it to shape it; education should be considered as a tool for solutions. It looks good in theory. But, what is the ground reality? it could be possible that people’s passion for the profession isn’t likely to pay their bill. Suppose that I am a good writer, nobody read a published book as of now. I am a developing comedian, but I can buy a decent lifestyle as of now. Does that strike a chord? Well, yes, it is a fair question. So, what are we supposed to do in such a case?

Some parents take education loans for their children. In another way, students sign their indentured servitude. If they are blessed enough to find a job, they work years with some MNC, and by the time they are free, a passionate dancer becomes HR, a gifted singer becomes software engineer, and a great writer becomes a consultant.

First, you should not make a bad investment of your time or money. Do not let yourself into snowballing debt just to get a degree. Your passion and source of making money could be different. You do not always need a degree to make money.

To lead a financially stress-free life, you need to start investments, both time and money. Educate yourself with some of the basic financial principles, such as how taxes work, find out more about the different industries, learn how to make money to work for you. Although, financial illiteracy is a national issue. The government and we must make efforts to overcome the situation. The future will belong to talents – a talent honed by relevant education, motivated by passion, and supported by financial education. 41

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition December 2021 INDIA

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

THE DIGITAL FIFTH

A CATALYST FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN FINANCIAL SPACE Smita Choudhary | Business Connect A CONCISE INTRODUCTION With the fintech space evolving rapidly, The Digital Fifth has come to light as a pioneer in fintech consulting, catering its solutions to the BFSI segments such as Banks, NBFCs, Fintechs, Wealth Management, and Insurance Firms. The firm is dedicated to building and rendering smart solutions to financial institutions and fintech start-ups. “We help our clients seek appropriate alliances, implement product roadmaps and acquire a customer base. Our committed services have made us the go-to solution providers for major BFSI organizations and game-changers alike,” asserts the ‘trio.’

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER FOR INDIA FINTECH AWARDS IN 2019

n line with listing trusted financial solution providers, these two pages of our exclusive edition are dedicated to the triumphs of an exceptional Digital and Fintech consulting venture– The Digital Fifth. Backed with futureready dexterity and a zealous drive to make a difference, this firm has facilitated a harmonious union of Finance, Technology, and People across the financial landscape. To learn more about the multidisciplinary aspects of its business portfolio, our ardent team arranged a virtual meet with the three co-founders of the firm– Sameer Singh Jaini, Shashank Shekhar, and R. Sreekant who spotlighted some exemplary business insights.

TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR BFSI PROFESSIONALS

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The three key luminaries are well-connected with the Indian Startup and BFSI giving them a leading edge with unparalleled services as one of the leading fintech consulting companies. AN ESTABLISHED VISION AND THE STAUNCH MISSION The vision propelled by the triad is majorly focused on creating maximum impact with minimal disruption. Thus far, driven by this vision, The Digital Fifth has propelled several businesses through exponential growth. The exclusive mission for the firm was actuated by the key officials’ decades of industrial experience in designing effective solutions for leading banks with national as well as international repute. They are keenly aligned with digitalizing the fintech ecosystem by facilitating modern business methodologies. Moreover, the company provides its collective experience and tools to empower organizations aspiring to transform the fintech space. THE CORE SERVICE OFFERINGS In the past few years, the BFSI domain has moved at a breakneck pace. The Digital Fifth’s purpose is to help businesses stay ahead of the curve as well as encourage professionals in this space to steer their organizations in the right direction via their deep-dive training. The Digital Fifth has a broad spectrum of services to offer its clients with – • DIGITAL CONSULTING– ‘Simplifying customer journey’– Where they assist clients in shaping a unique digital and fintech strategy. On the one hand, the digital facet of this service vertical includes Digital Strategy & Transformation, driving Digital Initiatives, Open Banking Strategy & Rollout, Program Management, Setting up innovative frameworks, and Digital Maturity Model & Assessment. On the other hand, Fintech Strategy is all about connecting established BFSI entities with appropriate tech-forward fintech. 42

SAMEER SINGH JAINI Founder & CEO

SHASHANK SHEKHAR Co - Founder, Head of Consulting

•

PARTNERSHIPS – ’Finding suitable partners for businesses’– With their deep connections in the ecosystem, The Digital Fifth connects its clients with the businesses best suited to their requirements. They have successfully built and executed India Entry Strategy for multiple international startups and helped in getting business engagements. Within India, they have accelerated multiple startups through their unique market outreach approaches. Fintech Bazaar is a one-of-a-kind, one-day focused matchmaking event with 20 minutes of a one-onone discussion with customers and enablers. So far, they have hosted 14 fintech Bazaars where 225+ customers and 150+ enablers actively participated in more than 1800 meeting sessions.

•

FINTECH TRAINING – ‘Providing subject matter expertise for seamless execution and implementation of strategies’ – Where they train the professionals in the BFSI sector in various segments such as –Open Banking, Digital Lending, Digital Banking, Digital Payments and Cybersecurity through their masterclasses that they conduct for corporate as well as retail entities. There are a total of 25+ certification courses offered under this service vertical. Till now, they have trained around 4,000 BFSI professionals via 1100+ hours of training sessions. Moreover, they have also brought 30+ industry leaders from various fields for their exclusive training programs.

•

RECRUITMENT- Fintech is still a relatively new segment, and recruitment in this segment is complicated. The Digital Fifth handles this process on behalf of its clients and sources its candidates with the great caliber and thorough industry insights.

The Digital Fifth takes immense pride in its core competencies to optimize tedious & cumbersome processes that allow seamless workflows and overall swift business transformation. UNWAVERING EVEN AMID THE ‘CRISIS LIKE NO OTHER’ No doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic took a big toll on businesses but, The Digital Fifth promptly shielded itself by making its business model agile and flexible. Additionally, with people being locked indoors, the need for digital solutions peaked tremendously, motivating more entities to approach their digitized solutions. As a result, domestic as well as international companies, ranging from the US, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, approached them for efficacious solutions that helped the company adeptly navigate the adverse effects of the pandemic. “Owing to our proactive approach and swift turnaround, we are successfully growing at a rapid pace even amid the unprecedented times,” conveyed the co-founders.

SREEKANT RUDRABHATLA Co - Founder, Head of Sales & Partnership

MEET THE BRAINS BEHIND THE DIGITAL FIFTH • Sameer Singh Jaini laid the foundation stone for the company and is leading it as the CEO. The recipient of Best CIO and Innovation Awards, Sameer was the founding member of Kotak Mahindra Bank and played a crucial role in setting up Bharatiya Mahila Bank and led digital payments and core banking initiatives at Citibank. He has also implemented major banking initiatives for ‘Finacle’ across the USA and Europe. He has been recognized as Fintech Asia Top 100 by NextMoney.Org. • The Head of Consulting, Shashank Shekhar, is a veteran in designing and executing digital strategies and transformation processes. His over 19+ years of enriched experience in leading technology set-ups and security & governance functions has allowed him to bag IDC Award for Omni Channel Framework. • R Sreekant, the Head of Sales & Partnerships, is driving revenue via regular sales and sponsor sales for the B2B and B2C events. His portfolio is filled with years of experience managing digital marketing processes for his esteemed clientele hailing from automobile, consumer durables, lifestyle products, and BFSI sectors. With more than two decades of extensive experience in Sales and Business Development, he efficiently manages the sales & partnership operations at The Digital Fifth.

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ENTREPRENEUR ENTREPRENEUR OF THE OF YEAR THE YEAR 2021 2021

GO DIGITAL

MAXIMIZING MARKETING WITH QUINTESSTIAL Kriti Anand | Business Connect Entrepreneurship is a challenging endeavour. It does not differentiate between men and women. But women, typically, play multiple roles in life, where entrepreneurship adds to those roles. At the same time, women have to establish their credibility to people. For the Founder of Quintesstial Media and Marketing, this journey was made a little easier with the support of people around her who were positive and professional, and did not let gender biases interfere with their work relationships. In our society, we have a set mindset that only certain jobs are suitable for women and while women might be as ambitious as their male counterparts, they have to work harder to prove themselves. Farheen Shaikh, the Founder and Creative Director of Quintesstial Media and Marketing, has conquered these challenges and risen above them. She establishes that it is just as important to give credence to the fact that women, despite additional challenges, have been keeping up with the pace of the industry. Shifting the narrative from challenges women face, she intends to give

PARTING WORDS FROM FARHEEN SHAIKH, FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

“

Do what makes you happy, regardless of what others think, or the fear that might come from trying things out. Success is a long and continuous journey and may be measured in many ways (not just the monetary reward) so don’t loose your values in the process. If you have decided what you exactly want from yourself, then all the hurdles turn out to be the stepping stone towards success. You simply need to be confident and determined towards your goal and above all you must enjoy your work for only that can keep you going and bring out the best in you.

“

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FARHEEN SHAIKH | Founder & Creative Director

Opportunities are everywhere, there are no different or special doors for women.

them more credit for standing against the overwhelming opposition at every step of the entrepreneurial life cycle, from fighting cultural perceptions, juggling personal and professional responsibilities, to securing funding and leading their initiatives.

“All we need is a clear vision and a strong will to grab it,” states Farheen Shaikh. There are ups and downs but the joy of attempting something on your own is unparalleled. Each time you struggle and overcome a crisis, you will have beautiful memories to look back and celebrate. Challenges give Farheen reason to work harder than before.

These days the number of women entrepreneurs is increasing considerably. They tend to be more successful, too, because of their trusted status in the community. There is no doubt that there is always an initial struggle, with the majority of the high-level business world still being dominated by men. However, everything is possible, provided one has the determination to take on these challenges.

She says, “We learn from our own experiences in life and that becomes our ideology.” ABOUT QUINTESSTIAL

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

Quintesstial Media & Marketing is a Digital Marketing Agency based in Pune. As a front-line digital marketing agency, it offers a wide range of services starting from website designing to social media marketing, brand development, graphic designing and much more.

Artists and designers are creative people who touch our hearts through their imagination and creativity which is why visually playing with colors came very natural to Farheen. Farheen’s journey towards entrepreneurship has been for her an amazing learning experience. It has, in many ways, shaped and defined her as a person. It demanded tremendous courage and perseverance. Her struggle as an entrepreneur has been as easy and as difficult as any other person’s. When achieving a dream of owning a startup regardless of gender bias, Farheen believes that the most difficult part is getting started.

Based on the client requirements and keeping up with the market’s pace, the company offers varied creative solutions like video magazines, brand campaigns, motion posters, and videos that have proved a great way for customer retention & engagement. Each of their engagements are tailored to suit every individual client’s needs and goals. Quintesstial believes in connecting with the clients, understanding their ideas and transforming their brand as they have imagined it to be. Every relationship the company builds with a client is markedly different. The company works as their digital marketing partner that only succeeds when they succeed.

While the gender biases never disturbed Farheen, she did face a few challenges while starting up the business. Within days after setting up her first office space and spending about a major part of her savings, she had to move out from the space overnight since the landlady was not happy with the office interiors. Left with a complete setup of office furniture and no space to move in immediately, she had to keep all her furniture in her building’s basement for over a month. In spite of this, she found herself lucky enough: work kept coming in and the ball started rolling once again. Thus, after forty five days, she shifted to a new premise.

Things have changed drastically post the pandemic, and most businesses have realized that the conventional way of marketing their product or services are not enough anymore. Because people are indoors and consuming information online, this is the right time to go all out with digital branding. In the current scenario, Digital Marketing is the ‘only’ most important thing for businesses to reach out to the right audience at the right time. With its clientspecific approach, Quintesstial is one of the most-suited and valuable digital marketing agencies in these times.

Farheen remarks that she has been fortunate to have worked with people who believed in her abilities irrespective of her gender. She believes that everything is possible regardless of a person’s gender, if one is ready to face the challenge:

QUINTESSTIAL’S MILESTONES Under the determined leadership of Farheen, Quintesstial has achieved several milestones in its journey so far. From being nominated for India 500 Startup Awards 2019 to being recognised as one of the most stylish leaders in business by Business View Magazine, the agency has established itself as a trusted and sophisticated digital partner in the industry. It has designed exclusive Magazine & Lookbook Design for celebrities and fashion brands, promotional campaigns for fashion brands in Dubai, London & Germany, editorials for international fashion magazines (London Fashion Week), and been a digital partner for films promotion, among a number of other marked successes.

“When you do something so deliberately & with conviction, you are bound to achieve it!” When a woman starts a business in our country, it is mostly taken as a hobby of hers. Here is the real struggle-in having to prove themselves to overcome this bias. According to the Founder of Quintesstial, women do not need any special status or attention. Working women are as capable and as normal as any other working person. Instead of bringing an agenda of helping women, entrepreneurship should be made ‘normal’ for everyone. For her, it has always been about making things ‘Gender Neutral’. A woman can work as efficiently as anyone else.

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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2021

Forbes Facility Services Pvt. Ltd. (FFSL) Shares Its Pride On Achieving The Coveted ‘Blue Flag Certification’ FFSL along with the Govt. of India (GOI) proudly confers their joy, on achieving the 8 Blue Flag Certification, in a single attempt. Eight beaches were selected for this acknowledgement, namely Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha) and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands). FFSL stands proud of managing three of these internationally acclaimed beaches - Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu) and Kasarkod (Karnataka). FFSL was working with the Ministry of Environment (GOI) on this project for the last four years. Managing a beach isn’t a cakewalk, as it requires a result-oriented framework and skilled people, which unfortunately wasn’t available. Hence, FFSL had to start from scratch, working on building an adroit team, convincing the locals about the need and efficiency of beach cleaning. Another thing they did was, acknowledging every cleaner as an ambassador of the Blue Flag Project, which deliberately charged them up. FFSL fostered all kinds of maintenance and associated supports to every crewmate, who put their hard work and sweat into the fruition of this project.

THE BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION

The coveted blue flag recognition is the world’s foremost certification that covers Beaches, Marinas, and Sustainable Boating Tourism Operators. The accreditation includes stringent quality parameters environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility, that has to be followed without any exception. The international jury of this certification included eminent members from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The certification is conveyed conferred, by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education.

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AN OVERVIEW OF FFSL

From Mechanized Housekeeping, Operation and Maintenance, Food Service, Offshore Service Management, Guesthouse Management, Horticulture, to Façade Cleaning and Pest Control, all are governed by FFSL. Incepted in 2005, FFSL is an inclusive part of the famous Eureka Forbes Group and carries the corporate lineage of Shapoorji Pallonji Group. With a demonstrated history of spectacular solutions, FFSL has allied with all industrial verticals ranging from the manufacturing sector to hospitals, hotels, schools and many more. Its quality and commitment to solutions are fortified with certifications, namely ISO:9001, 18001, 14001 and 22000. Now, with the 8 Blue Flag recognition, it’s aiming to become more polished. FFSL carries the same vision as its parent body, “A Happy, Healthy and Safe Pollution-Free Environment based on Trust and Lasting Relationships with Customers”. When the project was still on paper, FFSL had projected a significant infrastructure development required for its fruition. This made them bring Eureka Forbes on board not only for being its parent body but for being the foremost provider of infrastructure. Syncing with the parent body gave FFSL a major upper hand with respect to technical support. “It was a great opportunity where the parent company and the sister concern had jointly taken up a project and successfully completed it. So, that gives us a great sense of achievement or synergy within the group”, acknowledges Rajiv Julka, one of the leading executives in this project.

was done to ensure everyone’s safety. The Company also formed a special team, who conducted sanitization programs in other companies. A scalable number of their people across branches did get affected. However, FFSL ensured all the medical facilities and support needed to cure the affected.

TROVE OF MILESTONES AND ACCOLADES

MAJOR CHALLENGES IN THE PROJECT

Convincing locals about the project and marshalling a team of like-minded people, were the two significant challenges, for FFSL. Since this was a pilot project, only four beaches were initially selected that too under strict criteria. The focus was to revamp these beaches to an international level. The locals around the beaches had a stringent ambiguity regarding this project; as such, convincing them that this is something worth doing and has a definite significance on the environment was a daunting task. However, FFSL’s core motivation drove their energy; first, they did in-depth research on what they are trying to achieve. Then, they forayed to make the locals understand the project and build a team of people, having the will and passion towards it. Around 400-500 arduous people were selected (98% local), and FFSL put a considerable effort into training them. Govt. bodies like the BMC and the Collector also took a great interest in the project, which helped them addressing compliances.

STURDY DESPITE THE COVID OUTBREAK

The manufacturing space was widely affected, by the pandemic. Whether its economy, employment or movement of materials, everything faced an unprecedented halt. On top of that, the physical movement was strictly restricted, further increasing the problem by a level. However, FFSL carried a boiling desire to see the successful completion of this project. As such, with an iron will the entire team worked meticulously towards their individual roles and responsibilities. People working at the sites were safeguarded with all preventive measures and Govt. guidelines. Being a significant part of the Country’s economy, some of their services were permitted, with special guidelines off course. FFSL leveraged on digital communication to monitor the daily progress of work and further to stay unified.

Along with the prized milestones that include PAN India presence across 100+ cities, a client base 260 + at 400+ sites, 95% client retention rate, 6000+ dedicated people, ability to serve 65000+ meals/day, managing over 72 million sq ft. of structures, 100% compliance norms and an eminent overseas presence, FFSL has been bestowed with many revered accolades. The Company is the first to win the prestigious IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Award. Also, for their astounding efforts in the outbreak, FFSL was given the Safety Award, by Bharat Oman Refineries Ltd., Warriors of COVID-19 by Mankind Pharma and COVID-19 Braveheart by Mondelez.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The safety measures were also rigorously implanted in their offices. Only 15% to 30% of the employees were allowed at the office. Daily sanitization of premises

With a corporate lineage of 150 years, and exceptional maintenance of three ‘Blue Flag’ beaches Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu) and Kasarkod (Karnataka), FFSL sets eye on GOI’s intent to develop - 100 more beaches. The effective transformation of these three beaches has made the locals aware, and they’re approaching the GOI To keep working on this activity. This growing demand is building a propelling pipeline for FFSL. Working in synergy with Environment Ministry and GOI, FFSL envisions to revamp the face of - 40 more beaches, in the coming years.

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Accomplishing this project has upscaled FFSL’s already attained position - a notch higher. The Company proudly stands as the cloud borders of its segment and has a history of building the business of many renowned companies. Originating from the industrial pioneer - Eureka Forbes, the Company already has a revered presence for its mechanised cleaning and other housekeeping solutions in diverse industries. Now with recognition on cleaning and maintaining beaches with industrial-grade equipment, FFSL has built strong roots in a much-untapped avenue.

Trending Business News

GLOBAL CHIP

SHORTAGE MAY SPOIL FESTIVE SEASON SALES

Since the beginning of the epidemic, many businesses from various industries have expressed their concerns about the situation. Chip demand is outstripping supply, and several automakers and consumer electronics companies throughout the world have announced that production would be harmed.

www.businessconnectindia.in | Vol. 4 | Special Edition November December 2021 INDIA

WHY ARE WE IN THIS SITUATION ? According to reports, the automobile sector and other industries may lose a significant part of sales during the festive season due to shortage of chips, leading to shutdown of production lines and supply production remain behind demand. There is a possibility of further climbing during festive Season.

The Covid-19 pandemic, combined with a boom in demand for electronics, caused a global chip shortage. Consumers and corporations began purchasing new laptops and servers to accommodate remote workers and homeschooled children. As a result, while global semiconductor sales fell between 2018 and 2019, they increased by 6.5 percent in 2020. This strong rise has continued in 2021, with sales for May 2021 up 26% over the same period last year, according to trade group the Semiconductor Industry Association. Aside from the pandemic, other causes contributing to the scarcity include a 50-year-long drought in Taiwan, which has left TSMC and other chipmakers struggling to obtain sufficient amounts of water, which is essential in chip fabrication. “Other occurrences, including factory fires, power outages, and the shipping blockade at the Suez Canal, have slowed supply,” said Shane Rau, a semiconductor analyst at IDC. •

Silicon is the common material used in semiconductors.

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Semiconductors are required in all modern tech devices and components, from cellphones to automobiles.

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Samsung, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Intel, Broadcom, and Nvidia are some of the most well-known semiconductor chip manufacturers.

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Semiconductor chips are the backbone of many industries.

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The United States is the market leader in chip R&D, while Taiwan is the market leader in semiconductor assembly, packaging, and testing. China produces the vast bulk of the world’s chips.

According to Soumitra Bhattacharya, MD of Bosch, the chip scarcity would influence the car market until 2022. According to Bloomberg, carmakers are increasingly omitting high-end features to cope with the chip scarcity. Consumer goods and smartphone manufacturers, as well as the automobile industry, are under pressure to keep up with rising demand. Samsung, a South Korean consumer electronics and durables company, recently announced that the chip shortage has impacted its television and appliance output. Apple, LG, and other Chinese electronics and smartphone manufacturers have all been impacted by the chip shortage.

HOW AND WHEN WILL IT BE RESOLVED? Semiconductor supply was expected to recover by the end of 2021, but analysts anticipate the global chip shortage would continue into the following year, maybe until 2023. According to Malcolm Penn, CEO of industry analysis firm Future Horizons, current capacity investments will not influence for some time. “CapEx is starting to materialize now,” Penn added, “but it takes a year to develop up and kick in.

According to Penn, the last quarter of 2021 will be a major indicator of how long the chip scarcity will last. In Q4, demand tends to slow, which may allow suppliers to catch up on orders. “That slowdown is unlikely to be severe enough to bring supply and demand back into balance,” Penn said, “but if we limp through it, shortages will persist through the first half of 2022 until the current CapEx spend starts to impact supply.” If demand remains strong, “the shortages could easily persist into the first half of 2023.

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