Innovate India: A Roadmap for Atmanirbhar Bharat

PREFACE

The Beginning Is Always Today

India has never been short of talent. We were never deprived of possibilities in the field of science and technology. Still, we bemoaned the outcomes of our ignorance. It felt that we suffered from all possible problems. The times have changed now as we move towards a more prosperous future. The start-up revolution has initiated a new era. It is a new beginning for a country marching on the path to progress.

Not long ago, words like ‘start-up’ or ‘innovation’ were almost alien to most Indians. Though a glorious legacy of entrepreneurship adorns our history, business was seldom the first choice of career for most young Indians. This was more true for those who lacked a trading background. Start-ups were only the forte of Silicon Valley and developed nations. India has encouraged innovation since ages, but we lack the technological advancement when compared to the first-world countries. Achievements of the Western world form the basis of most of our scientific progress. Still, the world has always acknowledged our prowess in innovation and the sheer size of our market.

However, we couldn’t capitalise well on both these advantages. The dreams of our youth had offshore lands as their settings. We had accepted ‘brain drain’ as fait accompli. In contrast, the vast unorganised market was befitting only of the poor, in our eyes. The power of outlook can change the entire picture even if all other circumstances remain the same. The success of ‘Clean India Mission’ was dismissed as a political gimmick by the opponents. They believed that nothing could change the situation on the ground. However, small steps taken to fulfil the mission have turned into a big leap.

I have visited states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal to cover elections. I could see great awareness and enthusiasm among the rural and urban masses for cleanliness. The same spirit was palpable among the youth who used to be cynical about the lack of employment opportunities. Programmes like Skill India and Innovate India have given them a new ray of hope. This is still the beginning, and there is still a long way to go. Yet, we can see a clear roadmap ahead.

I have seen over 300 start-ups, understood their challenges and functioning. Interviews with dozens of people associated with programmes like Startup India, Invest India, Make in India and Government e-Market Place were a great learning experience. Having spent a good part of my career in political journalism and anchoring, I had very little to do with the world of start-ups. That was until I started working for Innovate India in 2016. My association with this Zee Business show was a great opportunity to understand a budding generation of young Indian entrepreneurs.

I also had the chance to work with mentors and specialists of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) among others. I filmed shows with over 60 innovators during this stint. The stories I witnessed and the spirit that I imbibed was exhilarating. I started to research this subject deeper. Taking time out of my journalism and writing, I studied Industrial and Organisational Psychology. I had been addressing youngsters as a motivator for some time. My initial books dealt with subjects related to spiritual motivation. However, this subject was not only different from the traditional subjects but also had a technological side to it.

I met several other experts and proprietors of start-ups while writing the ‘Innovate India’ column for The Capital Post. The journey continued as I worked for Doordarshan shows Startup ki Baat, Naujawan Hindustan and Kamyaab Hindustan which aired on various DD channels. I could see the reflection of the India of my dreams in this subject, a country that Swami Vivekananda had imagined.

India has the world’s largest youth population, and it is this power of the youth that is India’s biggest asset. We have several challenges but also billions of minds to deal with them. PM Modi has shown great insight into this statement. Start-ups are born out of the womb of innovation. The key to innovation lies in finding a solution to some existing problem. Since we have challenges aplenty, there are opportunities unbound for start-ups. Unlike traditional business models, start-ups defy monopolies. Only those who understand the complexities of legal, political and tax system can manage businesses in this model. Attracting investments, managing market competition and making a place among the existing players have been insurmountable tasks for most of the aspiring entrepreneurs. But the growing start-up revolution has disrupted the existing norms. It has promoted social entrepreneurship like never before.

Buoyed by programmes like the ‘Startup India’, start-ups are making money while walking hand in hand with the government in this journey to meet many of our social challenges.

Foreign writers have authored most of the literature related to start-ups, therefore, it lacks Indian context. This book fills the gap. Global success stories entice many young entrepreneurs. They are not aware of many such examples closer to home. I have incorporated some such examples in this book. From a Singapore-based scientist of Indian-origin to a next-door middle-class youth, these are the stories of Indian dreams turning into reality. The book captures a journey that began with the registration of Startup India and reached a level where it is attracting a massive foreign trade. It also shares with you the experiences of an MBBS doctor who left a secured life to make his Startup India a grand success.

The book explains the key learnings from these examples. It also apprises readers of some start-ups that have established new milestones in social entrepreneurship and worked to organise India’s huge unorganised sector. From empowering villagers through sanitary pads to providing them with cheap electricity, from offering solutions to water crisis to securing data through block-chain technology, there’s a lot to learn from these sagas. The book also gives details of the opportunities in some of India’s biggest sectors like agriculture and textiles.

The world of start-ups present endless opportunities because here you can give shape to any potent idea. It is probably for the first time that the prime minister of this country is directly communicating with start-ups. I have been a part of some such video conferences between the PM and the start-ups. The book offers a glimpse into various government initiatives in this sector and how the relevant departments are functioning.

Corruption has harmed India’s business environment over the years. Efforts like Government e-Market Place are helping change this scenario by allowing start-ups to work directly with the government. It has also reduced the scope of corruption in the government tender process. The government is now working to increase the purchase limit through this platform. The time is not far when all the purchases will happen through digital platforms. A right assessment of capability and recognition from platforms is ensuring the participation of start-ups in the government’s schemes. This book also gives an idea of the numerous possibilities for start-ups in the government sector.

The book has valuable insights from reputed market experts, investment gurus, civil servants, Padma Shree awardees and industrial psychologists. They emphasise the need for staying ready for any circumstance alongside professional training. The world of business has many pitfalls and a lack of proper guidance can make you vulnerable to them. Sometimes, getting carried away by initial success can also prove detrimental for young entrepreneurs. The book delves into the psychological aspects of a successful entrepreneur. It answers many of your questions regarding the start-up ecosystem. You can also take away some good start-up ideas from the book. It also enumerates potential mistakes that you should avoid while formulating a strategy for any new business venture.

Books are great teachers, even for professionally untrained. Reading international bestsellers on start-ups may not connect you with the Indian ground realities in this context. However, you must keep in mind the core lessons of some books. To save you from reading these voluminous reads, this book presents the summary of five such masterpieces.

The book also highlights how doing business was always a part of core Indian ethos. It gives details of some ancient trades and tribes involved in them. It was not possible to include all the case studies I have come across during the past three years. I will keep working to highlight the good work of many Indian start-ups. I hope the book will share my journey of Innovate India with you and will pave the way for your success.

– Praveen Tiwari

1

LET’S START

The start-up and innovation ecosystem is developing in India. Prime Minister Modi has made his vision clear through initiatives like Startup India, Make in India and Skill Development. Let’s start; this should be the mantra of your life. This little phrase can make wonders in whatever you want to do; be it planning, meeting new people, constituting a team or learn new things. So let’s start. Think less and do more.

‘Once we decide we have to do something we can go miles ahead.’

These words reflect PM Modi’s style of functioning. His only focus is on work despite all the opposition. Rather than being worried about the outcomes, he concentrates more on how to accomplish a job. You are bound to reach somewhere if you make a beginning. Nothing better, if you know where you want to go. Clarity of goal and a concrete plan ensures success.

‘If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.’

– Martin Luther King Jr

These words fill you with energy. Despondency is poison for youth. Either indolence or lack of purpose is its genesis. India has the world’s largest young population. It will be a burden if the young generation has no direction. However, the same power of youth can also fulfil the dreams of both the Narendras, the one we know as Swami Vivekananda and the other, who is at the helm of the country’s affairs. The country's youth only require a proper guidance in the right direction. This book will discuss the leadership qualities of both the personalities in the coming chapters.

‘The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.’

Stop thinking and do something if you want to overcome despair. You have new vistas for career options. A favourable atmosphere is being built to help you realise your goals. Innovate India is one such attempt. The path is long and much remains to be done, so let’s do it! As PM Modi says, no journey is impossible once we have a strong resolve.

There will be doubts and opponents. Yet, the most successful strategy is to do what you always wanted to do. What are you waiting for?

The core of our spiritual philosophy lies in Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana (You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but it does not entitle you to the fruits of action).

We need to plan beyond doubts and aspirations to set up a new business or any start-up. Planning is an art and one must learn from the past precedents for a successful execution.

Think about who you want to idolise. Learn from the struggles of the recent achievers. The stories of those who are at the top of the success ladder should inspire your dreams. However, it may not be possible to emulate them in taking the first step towards your venture. You will not find every solution in the success stories of stalwarts like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates. Their saga should motivate you. But you will need a role-model much closer to the ground for learning.

The tricks of the trade change as fast as the circumstances in today’s world. Therefore, your ideas cannot be rigid.

Keep investing in your biggest asset, which is you. Keep reading good books and be ever ready to learn new skills. I have seen many grand dreams crumbling in the face of trifles. One factor is common among all successful stories; their protagonists were experts in their core skills, but they also learnt other aspects like marketing, sales and branding. It is not just about product innovation. New ideas should also fuel other business aspects. This is what many successful businesses are doing. We will talk about innovating the innovation in this book.

This book will inspire you for your start-up. It will also teach you the art of successful planning. There are seldom any permanent failure in business. You will establish a profitable venture if you are doing the right things.

There can broadly be five reasons for any failed enterprise:

1. Lack of planning

2. Wrong market assessment

3. Not having the right team on-board

4. Not having enough self-confidence

5. Lack of purpose in establishing the business

Lack of planning means not having a proper roadmap. Working hard on the right plan is necessary before implementing any business idea. It is just like the film-makers preparing a storyboard before shooting a movie. They have to learn it at the cost of their success then. Every failure makes you wiser. However, there are other ways to attain wisdom.

We need to understand this aspect. Even after practising almost all other tasks in life, small or big, we are ready to count on hearsay and the experience of others instead of attaining practical knowledge ourselves. What will happen if you run against seasoned athletes without ever practising running? You will fail and can also faint on the track. The same applies to the race of life. This book will teach you the art of effective planning and unveil the secrets of innovation in start-ups. We hope it will give you the confidence to start your enterprise.

There are many possibilities for the youth in new India. But most young citizens are unaware of them. Following PM Modi’s vision can lead to a complete eradication of unemployment from the country. The inability to do so would worsen the crime situation in the country, denying India her rightful place in the world community. Therefore, these possibilities must reach every young Indian. This book will explain the nuances of start-ups and innovations and will help you develop an innovative mind. The power to think is the most precious gift to humankind.

This power to think is behind every leap of development that humans have witnessed. A vision of success precedes name, fame and money. This book seeks to illuminate young minds with the same vision. No task is impossible if you can learn how to think and plan.

My TV programme Innovate India, and later, a column by the same name, was a great opportunity to meet hundreds of people from the world of start-ups and innovations and to understand their expectations. I saw how these people were overcoming the challenges and working on some superb ideas. During my stint with another TV programme Naujawan Bharat (Young India) aired on Doordarshan, I came to witness the intense curiosity the young lot has towards career opportunities. It was also a chance to see the endless possibilities in less conventional sectors like garments and shoemaking. I have shared these experiences in the book.

There is no dearth of literature on start-ups and innovations the world over. However, very few of them touch upon the Indian context. India does not lack start-up success stories, but what we need is more innovation. Most of our start-ups are based on borrowed ideas from abroad. We seem to be worried less about how we are succeeding. All we bother about is how many people are making the most of the opportunities. There is still a lot of scope for small start-ups and innovations to generate jobs. We just need to apply our mind to this direction. Along with the largest youth population in the world, we are also a country with the largest number of unemployed people. We should ensure that the country’s youth is not reduced to a mere crowd. There is a need to improve our ranking on the innovation index. India is still far behind in this respect and does not figure even in the top 50 countries. Whereas, a country as small as Singapore ranks eighth as per the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2019.

The young innovators and fresh start-ups can help the country meet several challenges. This book narrates many such stories. PM Modi has sounded a new bugle for water management in the form of Jalshakti (water power). Anil Madhav Dave, the environmentalist who later also became a union minister, had tried to integrate the same concept with start-ups, a few years ago. He had advocated learning lessons from Singapore in this respect and had taken steps in this direction. But these efforts ended with his unfortunate demise.

PM Modi has given a golden opportunity to the country’s youth for participation through his Janshakti4Jalshakti (people’s power for water power) campaign. Such challenges fuel social entrepreneurship. Anil Madhav Dave was an environmentalist par excellence. He was also a worshipper of the Narmada River. The start-up he had tackled for the country’s water crisis has an interesting story behind it. This book begins with the saga of an Indian youth who helped Singapore become a ‘water power’ against all odds. The same endeavour became Dave’s inspiration for his efforts to conserve water and energy.

This is keeping in view the need to focus on practical examples. You should note success stories like Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, PayPal, etc. However, you will understand the challenges associated with start-ups and innovations by learning from the people who are using their education, innovation and expertise in the Indian context. You are most likely interested in starting your venture if you have taken hold of this book. You can also become a precedent by implementing the tips given in this book. So let’s start!

2

WE GROW BECAUSE WE STRUGGLE

Case Study: H2O Mantra

PM Modi had announced Janshakti4Jalshakti (people’s power for water power) as one of his priorities at the outset of his second term. Like the cleanliness campaign, he seeks to turn water conservation into a mass drive. This is an important step and requires the same attention as the cleanliness mission. Therefore, it presents many opportunities for start-ups. Any successful entrepreneur must identify challenges around him or her. Many possibilities of a successful start-up emanate out of working out solutions for these challenges. An innovative mind can turn adversities and challenges into opportunities. India has an abundance of these qualities. Therefore, there are possibilities for greater innovations.

Never did we have such a robust discourse around start-ups and innovations. The business climate was mostly restricted to the conventional methods of earning money. We are still copying developed countries in the name of innovations.

India was never short of fertile minds. What she lacked was an initiative like ‘Startup India’ to channelise her potential. The new India gives youth a chance to not only realise their dreams but also provides opportunities of employment for the others. Dr Shailesh Kharkwal’s achievements present one such story. A Singapore-based water scientist of Indian origin, Shailesh epitomises PM Modi’s vision of the youth’s participation in enhancing India’s Jalshakti (water power). His start-up ‘H2O Mantra’ finds mention as a role model for youth in many of the government’s departments related to innovation like Startup India/Government e-Marketing Platform. While luminaries like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are a source of motivation for youngsters across the world; you can learn real lessons from innovators who have found their way by tackling local circumstances and challenges. The government must also promote such start-ups to inspire young people. India has no dearth of youngsters who have not only established themselves but also shown the way to the budding entrepreneurs.

AN INDIAN INNOVATIVE MIND IN SINGAPORE

Dr Shailesh started his journey from a nondescript town of Tanakpur. After completing his M.Tech from IIT Kharagpur, he reached the National University of Singapore and gifted that country many of his valuable innovations. He is now using his expertise for India. Shailesh believes PM Modi’s vision is opening new doors of opportunities in India. This vision has inspired him to innovate for water conservation in India as part of the Jalshakti campaign. Shailesh is well aware of the Indian milieu for practical education, challenges in the business sector and the gap in the Indian public sector. His story holds valuable lessons for start-ups and innovations in India.

The Startup India has opened the fray for youngsters who would not otherwise dare to take on the established business empires. The conventional wisdom dictated the essence of capital before setting up any venture suggesting thereby, that only the rich could grow in trade. You can learn five things from Shailesh’s case study in this respect:

1. Keep your motive clear.

2. Prepare fully and make a clear road map.

3. Begin with a small yet effective team.

4. Be ready for setbacks.

5. Upgrade innovations as per requirement.

Keep Your Motive Clear

PM Modi’s schemes like Startup India, Government e-Marketing Platform, Skill India and Make in India has facilitated social entrepreneurship among the youth. The government aims at creatingn new employment opportunities. But Shailesh’s story also highlights some of the other benefits of start-ups in India. Any start-up is much more than a mere business venture if it also serves the country. Shailesh is leading a successful life in Singapore. He gives consultancy services in water management all over the world. Shailesh believes that the future of any start-up is sealed the moment its purpose becomes clear.

The spirit of social entrepreneurship gives you a greater purpose. The sole aim of earning money money can never fetch big results. People associate themselves with higher and clearer vision. This makes your initial journey easier and save you from challenges like:

•Not finding enough work

•Not finding capable associates and employees

•Lack of funding

•Losing money in branding and marketing

Shailesh has the technology and the expertise which most Indian start-ups lack. Being a scientist, he can improvise as well. This makes him a trusted partner for clients, especially the governments, thereby ruling out the first contingency of not finding enough work.

Earning money is the primary motive of any business. Yet, a clear and higher purpose begets money. Associating people with such vision will give new dimensions to your venture.

Delivering on big government contracts will require funding. Only robust future possibilities attract investors. Finding them was never a problem for Shailesh as his start-up was a long horse. A clear purpose and social entrepreneurship will attract the media and government machinery. Shailesh remains a go-to person for the Indian media on issues related to water conservation. His start-up finds a place in the official Twitter handles and Facebook pages of Startup India and GeM. What could be a better way of reaching out to customers, that too, without spending money!

Prepare Yourself and Make a Clear Road Map

Shailesh started H2O Mantra after PM Modi announced Startup India. He was a scientist and having learnt most of his skills in Singapore, he did not understand the intricacies involved in doing business in India. Yet, he believed in the prime minister’s vision and expectations from fresh blood. He pored the Startup India scheme and began preparing a road map. He found capable support in Professor Hu Jiangyong, the director of Water Research Department at the National University of Singapore. Shailesh’s