SparX by Mukesh Bansal

How did Prakash Padukone's historic win at the All England Badminton Championship change the landscape of Indian sports forever? Could the next decade witness a golden era for Indian badminton? How has Prakash Padukone's journey from player to coach influenced the development of badminton talent in India? In this week’s episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal, Founder of Myntra and Cult.Fit, is in conversation with legendary badminton player Prakash Padukone. We talk about Prakash’s journey from winning the National men's singles title at 16 to co-founding the Olympics Gold Quest (OGQ). Mr Padukone has many insightful guidance and advice for young aspiring athletes he learnt from his experiences.

How does Sanjeev Sanyal's economic expertise shape policy-making and urban development in India? How does Mr Sanyal reshape the narrative of Indian freedom fighters' response to British colonialism? How might Sanjeev's distinct economic approach offer new perspectives on India's future economy? Catch the latest episode of SparX with Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Principal Economic Advisor to the Indian government. Mr.Sanyal is an accomplished Indian economist, urban theorist, and author whose work reflects a deep understanding of complex economic concepts and a unique approach to analysing and addressing economic challenges. Resource List: Un Corbusier, book by Francois Chaslin: https://amzn.in/d/fOzM3kI Le Corbusier, un fascisme français, book by Xavier de Jarcy: https://amzn.eu/d/izzsjbv Building Codes and Indian Cities, article by Sanjeev Sanyal and Aakanksha Arora: https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/buildingcodesand-indian-cities/3433527/ Revolutionaries: The Other Story of How India Won Its Freedom, book by Sanjeev Sanyal: https://amzn.in/d/c0klgDX The Ocean of Churn, book by Sanjeev Sanyal: https://amzn.in/d/2nugcMU The Maritime Bharat and the Stitched Ship: https://youtu.be/0L7c_0yBc_c?si=4GMQ-OQFJ8d1bnKR The Stitched Ship Project - Recreating Ancient India’s Maritime History: https://youtu.be/LXL9jx2SG-4?si=wBFIKCyRk2CcsLOm Central Vista Redevelopment Project: https://centralvista.gov.in/know-central-vista-plan.php

How did the Jaipur Literature Festival expand on a global scale and gain popularity worldwide? What has stayed common among all of Namita’s books over the years? How is the literary landscape for writers in today’s world? In the latest episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) is in conversation with Namita Gokhale, Co-Founder of the Jaipur Literature Festival. We discuss a wide variety of topics from the workings of JLF to its popularity among the youth. Namita outlines her writing styles, her inspirations, and her experiences. The story of how she dropped out of college to become one of India’s acclaimed authors and co-directors to one of the world’s largest literature festivals. Resource List: Case study by Harvard University: https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=41170 Namita Gokhale’s Blog: https://namitagokhale.in/blog/ Jaipur Literature Festival: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/ Mukesh Bansal at Jaipur Literature Festival: https://youtu.be/xoUiwmtAOFo?si=Gr8r84Yb9pDzBkQj Sahitya Akademi: https://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/ Stardust Magazine Website: https://stardustmagz.com/ Kitaabnama: Books and Beyond YouTube Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUiMfS6qzIMzjSnk7dsnsoCzvWjWV1Tn2&si=S_r6zemBTUztANDT

Check out Pixxel's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@pixxelspace Follow SparX on Instagram for more! https://www.instagram.com/sparxbymukeshbansal/ Subscribe to our clips channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SparX-Clips How will Pixxel's innovations of hyperspectral imaging satellites propel the development of industries like agriculture, mining, health, etc? What impact does access to ISRO's infrastructure have on India's space tech industry? What incredible possibilities await in the future of space technology? In the latest episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.Fit) is in conversation with Awais Ahmed, founder and CEO of Pixxel, a space technology company started in Bengaluru. Pixxel is revolutionising space technology with the world's highest-resolution hyperspectral earth imaging satellites. Their specialty lies in building a constellation of advanced satellites that offer ten times more data than traditional satellites. In this episode, Awais covers several topics including hyperloop pod, hyperspectral imaging, satellite development, meeting Elon Musk, and working with ISRO, to name a few. Awais shares Pixxel’s mission and vision to become a planetary health monitor and revolutionise healthcare by deploying 24 satellites around the world. Awais' journey and achievements are inspirational, proving that ambitious goals and relentless dedication can lead to transformative breakthroughs. Resource List: SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperloop_pod_competition Elon Musk’s 700 mph Hyperloop: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/17/images-what-elon-musks-hyperloop-could-look-like.html HySIS (HyperSpectral Imaging Satellite): https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/hysis Discovering $1 trillion worth of minerals with airborne hyperspectral imaging: https://analytik.co.uk/discovering-1-trillion-worth-of-minerals-with-airborne-hyperspectral-imaging/ Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle(PSLV): https://www.isro.gov.in/PSLV_CON.html Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe): https://www.isro.gov.in/IN-SPACe.html Asteroid Explorer Hayabusa2: https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/en/missions/spacecraft/current/hayabusa2.html NASA Psyche Mission: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/psyche-mission-heres-all-you-should-to-know-about-nasas-spacecraft-to-a-metal-rich-asteroid/articleshow/104374738.cms The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST): https://www.space.com/21925-james-webb-space-telescope-jwst.html SpaceX Starship: https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/ About SparX by Mukesh Bansal SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you. You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

How crucial is a product-first approach in pitching, according to Vani Kola? What insights does Vani provide on India's growth trajectory through the India Alpha model? How does Vani emphasise the importance of physical wellness and conscientious investing in entrepreneurial success? In this episode, Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) is in conversation with Vani Kola, co-founder of Kalaari Capital, a prominent venture capital firm in India known for its strategic investments in high-potential startups across various sectors. Watch till the end to get the most out of this deeply insightful conversation. Chapters: 00:00 - 01:11 Episode Introduction 01:11 - 05:20 Vani shares how milestones in her life were never planned 05:20 - 10:48 Why did Vani look at India as a confident, aspirational nation 20 years ago? 10:48 - 13:03 Mukesh and Vani discuss how working in the US helped in becoming successful entrepreneurs in India 13:03 - 17:49 Vani talks about her experience transitioning from an entrepreneur to a venture capitalist 17:49 - 21:48 Mukesh and Vani share their experience working with each other and what made it possible 21:48 - 28:28 Vani’s journey with physical and mental wellness 28:28 - 36:08 According to Vani, what factors make a great pitch and a successful start-up? 36:08 - 37:21 Mukesh shares how technology and gadgets help regulate one’s health 37:21 - 43:47 The difference between USA Silicon Valley’s ecosystem and India’s start-up ecosystem 43:47 - 49:25 How should today’s investors and entrepreneurs approach opportunities in India? 49:25 - 54:15 How can we facilitate greater participation of women in entrepreneurship and venture capitalism? 54:15 - 59:55 What does the learning curve for a VC entail? Resource List: 1. The Rise and Fall of Nations, Book by Ruchir Sharma https://a.co/d/iBoGGgk 2. CXXO, a Kalaari Capital initiative https://cxxo.kalaari.com/ 3. What is capital efficiency? https://www.goldensection.com/capital-efficiency/ 4. More About India’s Future Market https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/india-the-unstoppable-investment-destination-of-next-decade/articleshow/101388101.cms 5. Women in the VC industry https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/wappp/research/past/venture-capital-entrepreneurship#:~:text=Data%20and%20research%20prove%20that,for%20mixed%2Dgender%20founding%20teams 6. Is India becoming the new Silicon Valley for start-ups? https://www.rockstudcap.com/stud-mag/is-india-becoming-the-new-silicon-valley-for-startups

How does one consistently upgrade themselves to stay relevant professionally? What drove Ronnie to establish upGrad? How did Swades empower rural India? How did Ronnie lead innovation in the media and entertainment industry? Join us for the latest episode as we sit down for an insightful conversation with Ronnie Screwvala, chairperson and co-founder of upGrad. Ronnie Screwvala's diverse ventures reflect his entrepreneurial prowess and social impact endeavours, spanning entertainment, education, and upskilling initiatives like UpGrad. Additionally, his grassroots empowerment approach with initiatives like The Swades Foundation and perpetual entrepreneurship with Ronnie Screwvala Productions illustrate his commitment to innovation and societal impact. With decades of entrepreneurial experience, we all have something to learn from Ronnie’s journey. Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:01:08 Episode Introduction 00:01:08 - 00:04:23 Ronnie Screwvala: The Eternal Entrepreneur 00:04:23 - 00:08:15 What was young Ronnie’s thought process to become an entrepreneur? 00:08:15 - 00:15:45 The DNA behind becoming a successful entrepreneur 00:15:45 - 00:21:03 How did Ronnie choose the right businesses to invest in? 00:21:03 - 00:26:38 Ronnie’s thoughts on today’s entrepreneurial landscape in India 00:26:38 - 00:31:15 What made Ronnie choose an unconventional business venture in education? 00:31:15 - 00:44:29 The needs and intricacies of continuously upgrading yourself with a 360° approach 00:44:29 - 00:55:18 Ronnie’s vision and mission behind upGrad’s founding 00:55:18 - 00:57:15 What is the difference between continuous learning and education? 00:57:15 - 00:01:00 What is India’s educational realm today and what will it look like in the future? 01:01:00 - 01:12:56 The Swades Foundation: Empowering Rural Communities 01:12:56 - 01:21:50 Ronnie's innovative pathway in the media and entertainment industry 01:21:50 - 01:23:53 What does the future look like for Ronnie Screwvala’s career?

What is the true story of India's employment landscape, and what can we learn from these stories to scale the economy meaningfully? Neelkanth Mishra shares deep insights from his years of research and experience in the field - for our last SparX special series on India's Economics. If you are curious about India's labour force and want meaningful insights into India's current stage - this episode is a must watch! Don't miss it. 00:00:00 - 00:01:11 Coming Up 00:01:11 - 00:02:52 Episode Introduction 00:02:52 - 00:14:24 India's Informal Economy: Explained 00:14:24 - 00:19:58 How Can We Get Rich Before We Get Old? 00:19:58 - 00:29:47 How Can We Scale India's Manufacturing Sector? 00:29:47 - 00:38:30 What Is Holding India Back From Achieving Growth? 00:38:30 - 00:46:01 Boosting India's Manufacturing Capabilities: Make In India, Semiconductors and more! 00:46:01 - 00:55:29 Analysing Financial Mechanisms for Growth: Why we can't adopt China's model 00:55:29 - 01:01:29 Service Sector in India - What can we expect in the coming years? 01:01:29 - 01:06:29 Knowledge Transfers Re-Shaping the Country - IT, Aerospace and Semiconductor Industry 01:06:29 - 01:10:55 Possibilities of Immigration Corridors Between India and the World! 01:10:55 - 01:13:49 Democratising Opportunities Across India 01:13:49 - 01:17:10 Job Creation In the Coming Years: Holistic Growth, State Intervention and Optimism 01:17:10 - 01:23:36 How Will AI Affect India's Jobs? 01:23:36 - 01:24:31 Concluding Comments 01:24:31 - 01:25:18 Outro Resources 1. Trends of employment in the Indian agriculture sector https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/... 2. Data for India’s exports for the month of February, 2024 https://commerce.gov.in/wp-content/up... 3. Periodic Labour Force Surveys: https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/catal... 4. Visit the MOSPI website for more information: https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/ 5. More on India’s semiconductor industry: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/... 6. An overview of India’s manufacturing sector: https://www.statista.com/outlook/io/m.... 7. Data on global immigration patterns: https://worldmigrationreport.iom.int/...

Can innovative technologies like India Stack truly pave the way for a digital-first economy? In a rapidly digitising world, how do initiatives like Aadhar and PMJDY redefine notions of financial inclusion? As India progresses in digital innovation, what unforeseen sectors might be revolutionised by the ripple effects of initiatives such as ONDC and UPI? Join us for the third episode of our series with Neelkanth Mishra, part-time Chair of India’s UIDAI project and one of India’s leading economists, as we delve deeper into India's shift towards a digital-first economy and showcase the innovative India Stack's pivotal role. Chapters: 00:00:00 - 00:01:10 Episode Introduction 00:01:10 - 00:22:26 What is ‘India Stack’ and how are we feeling its impact? 00:22:26 - 00:24:08 How has India Stack influenced the digital infrastructure of other countries? 00:24:08 - 00:32:50 Neelkanth dissects the features and intricacies of Indian fintech initiatives 00:32:50 - 00:44:11 How are the Indian government and its stakeholders enhancing and expanding India Stack? 00:44:11 - 00:53:57 Neelkanth elaborates on how GST is empowering the growth and success of India Stack 00:53:57 - 00:58:35 How has GST helped in boosting India’s economy? 00:58:35 - 01:12:18 The formation, functioning, and future outlook of ONDC 01:12:18 - 01:19:41 Neelkanth talks about current inefficiencies and prospective future of India Stack

Have you discovered the optimal strategies for investing, considering factors like risk tolerance and financial goals? How can you build a successful company by prioritising the cultivation of a loyal user and optimising product retention rates? In this week's insightful interview, Mukesh Bansal, Founder of Myntra and Cult.Fit, is in conversation with Lalit Keshre, the CEO of Groww, one of India's largest stockbrokers. Lalit breaks down the details of investing, guiding you in picking the right funds, telling you the best times to start investing, and covering other important aspects for a successful investment journey. Lalit's expertise is shared in simple terms, making it easier for everyone to grasp the ins and outs of the investment world. Join us for a captivating discussion with Lalit Keshre as he unveils key frameworks and insights that have contributed to the success of Groww, shedding light on the dynamics that drive impactful companies. Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:01:03 Episode introduction 00:01:03 - 00:03:53 The establishment and development of Groww 00:03:53 - 00:06:23 Lalit talks about the impact of financial services in recent times in India 00:06:23 - 00:11:33 Mukesh and Lalit discuss the foundations of building a successful business 00:11:33 - 00:17:57 Lalit dissects product development frameworks to guarantee customer satisfaction and engagement 00:17:57 00:22:12 Why is it important to be passionate about your product to run a successful B2C company? 00:22:12 - 00:26:48 Lalit elaborates on the origin, purpose, and evolution of “Groww Code” 00:26:48 - 00:32:01 What factors enabled the rapid growth and success of Groww? 00:32:01 - 00:35:53 How many people actively invest in the stock market today? 00:35:53 - 00:53:51 Lalit advises on various factors to consider when starting your investment journey 00:53:51 - 01:07:15 Lalit discusses his observations, and vision for the economic progress of India 01:07:15 - 01:10:56 What are Lalit’s aspirations and goals for Groww’s future? Resouces: 1. Product-Market Fit Survey: https://learningloop.io/plays/product... 2. Basics of Investing: https://www.investopedia.com/articles... 3. Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: https://www.morganhousel.com/ 4. Same as Ever by Morgan Housel: https://www.morganhousel.com/ 5. Fastest Growing Cities in India: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/1... 6. Stock Market Penetration in India: https://www.businesstoday.in/markets/... 7. To know more about Groww: https://www.ycombinator.com/companies...

In this Episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal, Founder of Myntra & Cult.Fit is in conversation with Shrayana Bhattacharya, economist and author of "Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh”. Join us as we explore Shrayana’s valuable insights into the lives of resilient women facing societal norms and economic challenges. From discussing the struggles of working women in India to emphasising collective action and societal cohesion to address systemic problems, Shrayana highlights the shared responsibility in tackling gender inequality. She calls for breaking away from privileged perspectives, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and the inclusion of fresh voices to pave the way for genuine progress. Shrayana also gives us a sneak peek of her vision for her next book, "Tyranny of the Indian Uncle," which focuses on Indian men in their 50s, exploring the privileges and challenges of being a man in today’s society. Chapters: 00:00:00 - 00:00:49 Coming up! 00:00:49 - 00:01:00 Opening theme 00:01:00 - 00:14:17 “Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh”– the story and process behind writing the book 00:14:17 - 00:20:15 Shrayana discusses factors contributing to decade-long research 00:20:15 - 00:25:11 Shrayana shares empowering women’s stories that are close to her heart 00:25:11 - 00:27:53 How can we encourage more research-based non-fiction books? 00:27:53 - 00:33:52 Shrayana recounts her experiences and interactions in the villages during her research 00:33:52 - 00:47:38 Low female employment rates: Statistics, Causes and Measures 00:47:38 - 00:55:55 How can we, as a collective, enact measures to attain economic equality in employment opportunities across all work sectors? 00:55:55 - 01:04:30 Shrayana's professional journey, the scope and insights her work uncovers 01:04:30 - 01:06:28 Tyranny of the Indian Uncles: Shrayana on her next book 01:06:28 - 01:12:31 Shrayana talks about her writing process and approach Resources: 1. Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA): https://www.sewa.org/ 2. More about Nobel Prize Winner, Claudia Goldin: https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/20... 3. Periodic Labour Force Survey: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframe... 4. For the 2022 Labour Force Participation Rates: https://dge.gov.in/dge/sites/default/... 5."Indian men are bottom five in helping in housework" find the data for this on page 45 of the Annexure: https://www.ilo.org/global/publicatio... 6. Global Gender Gap Report 2023: https://www.weforum.org/publications/... (You can find date that supports the statement, "India is bottom five when it comes to economic participation" in Table 1.2, Page 17 of annexures) 7. Some women writers to explore - Claudia Goldin - Ashwini Deshpande - Naila Kabeer 8. The Tyranny of the Indian Uncle: https://lifestyle.livemint.com/news/b... 9. The Secondary Market: https://lifestyle.livemint.com/news/b...

In the second episode of our series with Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist - Axis Bank and Head of Global Research - Axis Capital, we delve into India's position in global geopolitics, reflecting on the recent G20 hosted by the country. Neelkanth shares insights on diplomatic milestones achieved, including consensus on contentious issues and the expansion of membership. The discussion revolves around the Fourth Turn Theory, highlighting the unique challenges of the current geopolitical landscape. As the decline of American power and the rise of new players like China and India unfold, Neelkanth explores how to prepare for the impending changes. Join us as we recap these significant insights and explore the role India can play in the evolving geopolitical scenarios on the horizon. Chapters: 00:00:00 - 00:00:58 Coming up! 00:00:58 - 00:01:11 Opening theme 00:01:11 - 00:02:21 Mukesh talks about India’s increasing prominence in the global economic landscape 00:02:21 - 00:28:10 USA and China: What made them go from friends to foe? 00:28:10 - 00:34:51 What role does India play in the USA-China dynamic? 00:34:51 - 00:41:37 Unravelling China and India's geopolitical ties and roles in the intricate game of global politics 00:41:37 - 00:52:03 Neelkanth provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategy and execution required behind the China Plus One approach 00:52:03 - 00:58:50 Can India be a global manufacturing powerhouse, leveraging China Plus One? 00:58:50 - 01:14:38 Neelkanth highlights the global impact of war, stressing need for India's strategic participation in world affairs while safeguarding national interests 01:14:38 - 01:21:13 Neelkanth emphasizes G20's greater relevance for India in addressing global issues and the need for more such inclusive forums 01:21:13 - 01:27:15 Neelkanth delves into the rationale behind countries forming alliances to address shared challenges or counter specific nations 01:27:15 - 01:33:33 How can India balance carbon emission reduction with fostering economic growth? 01:33:33 - 01:38:06 Is India's engagement with economically smaller neighbors crucial for regional political influence? 01:38:06 - 01:40:32 Mukesh and Neelkanth discuss the importance for Indians to take more interest in the global affairs and the world economy Resources The Fourth Turn: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strauss... Semiconductor Industry in Taiwan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicon... U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022 to support its democracy, but China opposed the visit and conducted military drills around the island: https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/08... Plaza Accord: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/...https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/... QUAD: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadril... AUKUS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AUKUS One China Policy: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-c... BRICS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRICS SAARC: https://mfasia.org/mfa_programs/advoc... NAFTA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_A...

In this episode, Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.Fit) is in conversation with Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist - Axis Bank and Head of Global Research - Axis Capital. In this compelling podcast episode, Neelkanth Mishra returns for an insightful economic exploration of India's future. We delve into the intricacies of India's economic landscape, focusing on the pivotal metric of growth - Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The episode explores pressing questions, envisioning India's future amidst the forecasted India Century. From the calculation of GDP by the Central Statistics Office to the diverse economic dynamics among states, the discussion provides a nuanced understanding. Neelkanth sheds light on the challenges of economic growth in a democratic setup, advocating for India's capacity to make tough decisions for sustainable development. Join the conversation as they unravel the intricacies shaping India's economic trajectory.Chapters: 00:00:00 - 00:00:53 Coming up!00:00:53 - 00:01:06 Opening theme00:01:06 - 00:02:54 Themes to be explored in this series00:02:54 - 00:09:46  The dynamics of GDP: Unveiling its origins, evolution, and calculative framework00:09:46 - 00:19:40 Understanding how GDP is measured in India00:19:40 -  00:25:51 Aiming for prosperity: Realistic economic goals and understanding GDP growth00:25:51 - 00:31:37 Analysing how China achieved accelerated growth in GDP 00:31:37 - 00:39:42 How can India increase the chances of accelerating the country’s economic growth?00:39:42 - 00:54:51 What achievable economic growth rate can India realistically aim for, over what timeframe, and how?00:54:51 -  01:05:01 Neelkanth breaks down what India’s economic market will look like in the future01:05:01 - 01:15:52 Diversity's impact: State-wise GDP and India's overall economic landscape01:15:52 - 01:29:07 What are the potential sources and amounts of capital expenditure available to India?01:29:07 - 01:34:55 Neelkanth predicts potential risks, drawbacks, and factors that may hinder India's future GDP growth01:34:55 - 01:36:09 Concluding today’s episode and talking about what’s to come in the next episodeResources: 1. GDP of Indian States and Union Territories: https://www.forbesindia.com/article/e... 2. More on China's Financial Repression: https://www.researchgate.net/publicat...3. Will this be India's Century? https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...4. More on India's 20 Trillion Economy Goal: https://www.deccanherald.com/business...5. How is the GDP of India calculated? https://www.investopedia.com/articles...6. Foxconn in India: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/...7. More on the Xi Jinping Thought: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/202...About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and t...

In this episode of "Sparx with Mukesh Bansal" (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit), join us for a conversation with Ben Greenfield, a renowned author and biohacker, who enthrals readers with his expertise in health, fitness, and performance optimization. Ben Greenfield delves into these questions, advocating for a fuller life. He not only shares practical alternatives but also draws from personal experiences to underscore their effectiveness. Through his insights and daily practices on biohacking, blue-light protection, natural supplements, earthing sheets, infrared saunas, and hypobaric chambers, Greenfield delves deeper into an array of themes, offering a roadmap to not only survive but thrive in an era where technological advances and health choices intertwine.Chapters:00:00:00 - 00:00:57 - Coming up00:00:57 - 00:01:09 - Opening theme00:01:09 - 00:06:27 - How Ben developed an interest in the health sciences00:06:27 - 00:08:53 - The origin and meaning of Biohacking00:08:53 - 00:12:44 - Has the evolution of science made biohacking easy today?00:12:44 - 00:18:50 - What are the first steps an aspiring biohacker can take?00:18:50 - 00:24:01 - Ben’s discoveries of the human body through his journey on human optimization00:24:01 - 00:25:36 - Common practices to optimise one’s body00:25:36 - 00:27:57 - How to minimise the harm from blue light radiation00:27:57 - 00:30:48 - Tips to regulate your body during your travels00:30:48 - 00:35:26 - Ways to reduce blue light radiation with tools that you can control00:35:26 - 00:36:33 - The significance of light and the role it plays in optimising the human body00:36:33 - 00:39:46 - Modern science and ancestral wisdom00:39:46 - 00:43:23 - Rise in illnesses with transforming dietary meals and lifestyles00:43:23 - 00:52:13 - Focus on the quality of life and not the quantity00:52:13 - 00:56:24 - Does Having a Life Purpose Unlock a Fulfilling Existence?00:56:24 - 01:01:56 - Ben emphasises the value of a family to have a collective life purpose01:01:56 - 01:11:21 - Alternatives to medical supplements and elementary methods to achieve longevity01:11:21 - 01:19:06 - Ben breaks down the usage, dosage, intake, after effects, and aftercare of alcohol consumption01:19:06 - 01:28:04 - A sneak peek into Ben’s daily routine and habits01:28:04 - 01:29:05 - Concluding the episodeAbout SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Monday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

In this Episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra & Cult.Fit) is in conversation with Dheeraj Pandey, co-founder of DevRev and Nutanix, a board member at Adobe, and a visionary in the tech industry. Get ready to dive deep into the world of hyper-convergence, cloud computing, and machine intelligence.Discover the valuable insights into Dheeraj's leadership philosophy, his passion for computer science and the lessons he learnt from navigating the complexities of the tech industry and entrepreneurship. Understand the future of enterprise software, both in India and globally, and the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that shaped Dheeraj's remarkable career. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation—like, share, and subscribe for more engaging content!00:00:00 - 00:00:54 - coming up00:00:55 - 00:01:06 - opening theme00:01:07 - 00:05:01 - About Dheeraj and his achievements00:05:02 - 00:10:45 - What makes Indians succeed worldwide? 00:10:46 - 00:14:57 - What made Dheeraj want to become an entrepreneur?00:14:58 - 00:19:50 - What is the formula for being a good entrepreneur?00:19:51 - 00:26:31 Dheeraj ’s experiences with crisis and how to handle them00:26:32 - 00:33:35 - Dheeraj ’s thought process behind building his second company00:33:36 - 00:41:45 - SaaS, AI, APIs - the impact and future of technology00:41:46 - 00:46:06 - Improvement of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 00:46:07 - 00:50:07 - The future of enterprise software globally and in India00:50:08 - 00:53:06 - Dheeraj ’s advice to the younger SaaS companies in India00:53:07 - 00:56:29 - Companies figuring out the right business models00:56:30 - 01:03:15 Challenges and advantages entrepreneurs and companies face today01:03:16 - 01:08:25 India and Indian company’s achievements, progress, and position in the global market01:08:26 - 01:12:14 - How do we get rich before we get old?01:12:15 - 01:17:36 - The need to acclimatize to new technologyAbout SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

Is feminism a modern movement or have women always resisted control imposed on them by oppressors? What role did the queens and courtesans play in shaping Indian history? Why were they written out of history and how can we reclaim these lost stories? We answer these questions and more in this episode! For Week 3 of SparX's Indian History Month, we have Manu Pillai delving deep into the women figures of Indian history, often written out of mainstream narratives. About SparX Indian History Month:In January, we dive into India’s history. In a four-part Series, we immerse ourselves in the complex net of human experiences that has shaped our world today. Manu Pillai, a best selling writer and one of India’s leading voices on historical academia, joins us for an intimate and thought provoking conversation. For every history buff out there, you don't want to miss out on this!Chapters 00:00:00 - 00:00:50 - Coming Up00:00:50 - 00:01:02 - Opening Theme  00:01:02 - 00:05:34 - Where Are the Women in History?  00:05:34 - 00:07:48 - Women in the Mughal Era  00:07:48 - 00:08:40 - Source of Education for Women 00:08:40 - 00:16:42 - Stories of Feminine Resistance: Mirabai, Janabai, and More!  00:16:42 - 00:28:06 - Royal Women and Their Quest for Power00:28:06 - 00:32:30 - Iconic Women in Indian Politics - Vijaylakshmi Pandit, Rani of Jhansi and More!00:32:30 - 00:38:50 - The Feminist Movement and Devadasi Culture00:38:50 - 00:42:14 - Reason Behind India’s Universal Suffrage 00:42:14 - 00:46:42 - Indira Gandhi’s Rise to Power00:46:42 - 00:49:30 - How a Namboodiri Woman Fought the Charge of Adultery  00:49:30 - 00:53:17 - Daily Acts of Resistance00:53:17 - 00:56:44 - Why Were There So Many Lawyers in Pre-Independence Era India?00:56:44 - 00:59:52 - Indians in England: Cultural Assimilation, Health Issues, and More!  00:59:52 - 01:12:29 - Comical Anecdotes from History: Krishnadevaraya, Gauhar Jaan and More!01:12:29 - 01:16:34 - Repercussions of Colonisation: Interracial Relations01:16:34 - 01:17:52 - The Last Burmese King in Ratnagiri  01:17:52 - 01:19:47 - The Cambodian Pallava King, Nandivarman II, and Stories of Migration01:19:47 - 01:20:33 - Ending Comments  01:20:33 - 01:21:18 - Closing ThemeFollow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

How did the British change Indian society? What was life under the Raj actually like? Do the British genuinely deserve all the hate and vilification they get? For Week 2 of SparX's Indian History Month, we have Manu Pillai delving deep into Indian history in the post-colonial era. About SparX Indian History Month:In January, we dive into India’s history. In a four-part Series, we immerse ourselves in the complex net of human experiences that has shaped our world today. Manu Pillai, a best selling writer and one of India’s leading voices on historical academia, joins us for an intimate and thought provoking conversation. For every history buff out there, you don't want to miss out on this!00:00:00 – 00:00:50 Coming Up this episode.00:00:51 - 00:01:02  Opening Theme.00:01:03 - 00:04:01 The era of Mughals in India.00:04:02 - 00:13:01 The empire of The East India Company.00:13:02 - 00:25:51  Cultural Imperialism Of the British Empire.00:25:52 - 00:30:26 How did the British change the fabric of the Indian society?00:30:27 - 00:39:23 How the British created a bad image about Indians through storytelling.00:39:24 - 00:45:45 Significance of Maharajas and the princely states in India.00:45:46 - 00:49:19  How was it to live as a senior British official in India? 00:49:20 - 00:53:35 Are we correct in vilifying all the British rulers?00:53:36 - 1:01:00 The Emergence of the Concept of India and Pakistan.1:01:01 - 1:03:19 India’s contribution to the World Wars.1:03:21 - 1:06:41 Homogeneity amongst Indians around the World.1:06:42-1:09:16 Manu’s style of writing.1:09:15-1:10:43 Key takeaways from the episode.1:10:44- 1:11:29 Closing theme.

In our own subjectivities, we forget that India has never been a cohesive idea, always ebbing and flowing through changing politics, fallen rulers, and mobile territories. So, how did India, in all its diversities, amalgamations, and differences, become what it is today?This month, we dive into India’s history. In a four-part Series, we immerse ourselves in the complex net of human experiences that has shaped our world today. Manu Pillai, a best selling writer and one of India’s leading voices on historical academia, joins us for an intimate and thought provoking conversation. For every history buff out there, you don't want to miss out on this!00:00:00 - 00:01:03 Intro00:01:04 - 00:08:33 Manu’s interest in history turning into a profession00:08:34 - 00:13:24  Truth about History00:13:25 - 00:22:12  Importance of knowing your history00:22:13 - 00:32:20 Understanding historical figures 00:32:21 - 00:42:26 Credibility in academia00:42:27 - 00:54:37 Indian diversity 00:54:38 - 01:07:36 Rise of cultural nationalism01:07:37 - 01:14:50 Key historical figures in India01:14:51 - 01:21:18 Princely states during the British rule01:21:19 - 01:32:21 Ideas that shaped India01:32:22 - 01:33:07 ClosingAbout SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into the cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

In this candid episode, Gaurav Agarwal (Co-Founder at 1mg) covers the intricacies of running the largest online healthcare platform in India, ranging from the core values that any founder must hold towards their business ideas, to the governments position in making healthcare accessible and fungible! A graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and previously at HealthKart, Gaurav co-founded 1mg as an initiative in the spirit of public service with a vision to empower Indian consumers and caregivers to select the most appropriate healthcare service at the best possible price.A highly insightful conversation that breaks down the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Healthcare industry in India, as well as globally. From new and exciting innovations, to start ups that are redefining the notion of "healthcare", this is a conversation you don't want to miss!00:00:00 - 00:01:02 Trailer 00:01:03 - 00:07:57 Tackling funding winter and CoVid00:07:58 - 00:12:16 Balancing crisis and good times00:12:17 - 00:28:35 How 1mg sustained their market standing00:28:36 - 00:50:30 How content creation and AI works in the healthcare space00:50:31 - 00:54:50 How AI health tracking be accessible to the larger public 00:54:51 - 01:04:56 Corporatisation of Heath care01:04:57 - 01:22:19 Future of healthcare in India01:22:20 - 01:30:52 Prioritising personal health01:30:53 - 01:31:58 Closing remarks01:31:59 - 01:32:13 Key takeaways01:32:14 - 01:32:59 Closing themeAbout SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into the cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

In this Episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra & Cult.Fit) is in conversation with Peeyush Ranjan, the General Manager and Vice President of Engineering at Google Pay, Fintech, and Next Billion Users at Google. Peeyush has previously served at Airbnb and Flipkart. From global experiences at the Longevity Conference to navigating the evolving realm of digital biology, Peeyush & Mukesh cover communication rules, leadership tactics inspired by sports teams, and his unique approach to assessing candidates in interviews.The episode delves into the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, predictions for the next decade, and reflections on India's current position. Don't miss the key takeaways summarizing the episode's essential lessons & Subscribe now for a thought-provoking conversation that offers a holistic view of technology, leadership, and the evolving landscape.00:00 - 1:07 Sneak Peak of Episode! 01:08 - 04:55 Mukesh & Peeyush attend the Longevity Conference 04:56 - 10:13 Scope for products in digital biology 10:14 - 17:50 Acquiring skills ate different life stages 17:51 -  21:00 Taking a vacation before starting new 21:01 - 24:00 Understanding your employers workflow 24:01 - 29:58 Peeyush’s Communication Rules to be effective  29:59 - 31:50 “All Information belongs to Everybody” 31:51 - 42:02 Peeyush’s leading tact like a sports team 42:03 - 46:12 How does Peeyush assess someone in an interview? 46:13 - 56:12 Managing Google India & its team 56:13 - 59:12 GPay’s trajectory in India 59:13 - 1:07:38 Accessibility of the UPI machinery 1:07:39 - 1:21:38 AI’s mark on entrepreneurship 1:21:39 - 1:24:44 The world with AI in next decade 1:24:45 - 1:28:27 India’s time is now 1:28:20 - 1:29:19 Key Takeways from the Episode!About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into the cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platformsFasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

In this Episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra & Cult.Fit) is in conversation with Deep Nishar, Managing Director at General Catalyst. He joined LinkedIn in 2009, and served as the Senior Vice President of Products and User Experience until 2014. Deep has also worked at Google from 2003 to 2009, where he held a number of Senior Executive roles including heading the Mobile Products Division and Product Strategy for the Asia-Pacific region.Discover Deep's unique insights gained as a teacher at Stanford University and his early days as a Product Manager. We uncoverDeep’s experiences at LinkedIn, nuances of working with people, and his level of involvement with different product stages. From discussing Digital Public Infrastructure to Deep's thoughts on Artificial Intelligence, this episode is sure to be a comprehensive overview of entrepreneurship, industry insights, and the future of technology.Don't miss out on this thought-provoking conversation—like, share, and subscribe for more engaging content!00:00 - 3:43 Deep Nishar’s stint as a teacher at Stanford University 3:44 - 8:13 Starting out as a Product Manager 8:14 - 12:52 Why has Product Management not considered as rigorous science? 12:53 - 17:56 Form & Function - Basics of a Good Product17:57 - 22:12 Minimal Viable Product (MVP) 22:13 -  26:10 Librarian Mindset vs Poet Mindset 26:11 - 27:10 Thoughts on the Amazon Mindset 27:11 - 34:10 Evolution of Product Management 34:11 - 42:31 Navigating entrepreneurship as easy stage founders 40:34 - 43:44 From Google to LinkedIn43:45 -  55:13 Deep’s experience at LinkedIn 55:14 - 57:30 Extremities & Nuances of people 57:31 - 1:03:35 Level of involvement with Product Stages  1:03:36 - 1:09:20 A Silicon Valley in India? 1:09:21 - 1:13:31 Digital Public Infrastructure in India 1:13:32 - 1:22:40 Deep’s thoughts on AI 1:22:41 - 1:24:21 - Recapping the Episode!About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into the cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on Instagram: @sparxbymukeshbansal  Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.comYou can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms