Archives: Employee Stories

My name is Yadap Kumar Pandey, and I hail from Nepal. I came to India when I was just 18, with dreams of exploring new horizons and making a life for myself. After completing the 12th grade, a close friend of mine mentioned an opening for a caretaker position at a guest house in Pune called Zahr Palace for Thermax. Encouraged by his suggestion, I applied for the role, and after an interview with R. N. Doctor, I was selected. That was 27 years ago, and since then, Thermax has been my home.

This job was my first, and as I look back, I realise how much it has shaped me. I’m 44 years old now, and over the years, my excitement to meet new people and learn new things has never waned. The environment at Thermax has always been warm and welcoming, with colleagues who treat each other with kindness and respect. I never felt like I was just doing a job; I felt like I was part of something larger, something meaningful.

In my role as a caretaker, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from different states and countries, each with their own unique stories and personalities. Over time, I learned how to manage different behaviours and adapt to the needs of our guests. What’s special about this experience is that it never felt like work; there was never any pressure. Instead, it was an opportunity to connect with others, to learn from them, and to share my own experiences.

My journey with Thermax has taken me across various cities – Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Vadodara, Ooty, and for the past 24 years, Chennai has been my home. I’ve witnessed the company evolve, seen four managing directors, and experienced many changes in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) department. I’ve had the chance to meet everyone, from the chairperson, EC members to employees from all walks of life. Each interaction has been memorable, with everyone taking the time to inquire about my family and work. Their appreciation for what I do has always been a source of motivation for me.

When I joined, Anu Aga was the Chairperson, and the MDs I’ve worked under include Abhay Nalawade, P. M. Kulkarni, M. S. Unnikrishnan, and now Ashish Bhandari. I’ve been inspired by each of them, particularly by Ashish Sir and Unni Sir. Despite holding such high positions, they never made me feel like there was a gap between us. Their humility and down-toearth personalities make everyone around them feel comfortable.

Chennai holds a special place in my heart. The city’s culture, the people, and the local traditions have become a part of me. I love sharing what I’ve learned with others, and one of my closest friends, Shiva Bashyal, works at the Chairman’s house in the Mumbai guest house. We’ve shared countless stories, and through my travels, I’ve picked up the skills to cook various dishes from different regions. I remember initially learning to cook by following recipes from newspapers, adding my own twist to create something unique.

The world has changed so much since I started in the 90s. Back then, people were eager to talk and connect with each other. Today, everyone seems more absorbed in their phones. I often encourage employees who stay at the guest house to leave their phones behind during meals, to truly engage with one another.

The pandemic was a challenging time for all of us. During the lockdown, I stayed at the guest house with four others. We supported each other in every way we could, delivering food to rooms without physical contact. The experience was a profound life lesson, teaching us all the importance of resilience and community.

I’m married and have a son who is pursuing engineering in Chennai. There are times when I miss my family, especially since I only get to see them twice a year. Responsibility, however, is something I’ve come to accept. It’s hard when someone back home is unwell and I can’t be there, but when I can, I make sure to do everything I can to take care of them.

Staying positive in life is essential, and I believe that kindness and a willingness to listen go a long way. Whenever I’m stressed, I focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. After 27 years with Thermax, I’ve learned that hard work and dedication are key to achieving anything worthwhile. No field of work is big or small; it’s our perspective and determination that make all the difference.

I look forward to continuing my journey, meeting new people, and sharing my experiences. My passion for understanding others, caring for them, and making them feel at home is what I love most about my role. My father, who was diagnosed with cancer, taught me the importance of hope, discipline, and perseverance. At 87, he remains a pillar of strength, embodying the very qualities that have guided me through my life.

As I continue to serve in my role, I carry with me the lessons of a lifetime – a deep respect for the power of human connection, the value of kindness, and the belief that no matter where we are, we can always make a difference.

Yadap Kumar Pandey Caretaker, Chennai Guest House

Africa is often viewed through a lens of challenges – climate change, safety issues, political instability, and economic hurdles. However, beneath these surfacelevel issues lies a continent teeming with resilience, innovation, and untapped potential. One story that exemplifies this is that of William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi whose ingenuity turned adversity into opportunity.

Born into a poor farming family, William faced a severe famine in the mid-2000s that interrupted his education and threatened his community’s survival. Refusing to succumb to despair, he found hope in old library books and scrap materials around the village. With these limited resources, he constructed a windmill, generating electricity for his family’s home and becoming a symbol of what is possible even in the face of daunting challenges. This inspiring tale, featured in the Netflix film – “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”, reflects the broader narrative of Africa – a land of innovation and potential.

William’s story is not an isolated incident but part of a broader narrative unfolding across Africa – a continent often misunderstood and underestimated. With a landmass surpassing China, India, the U.S., Japan, and much of Europe combined, Africa is a rapidly urbanising region on the cusp of having the world’s largest workforce. Despite significant challenges, the continent is brimming with untapped potential and opportunities.

Booming Industries and Economic Potential

Africa’s food and beverage (F&B) industry is a powerhouse of growth, driven by a growing population and an expanding middle class. Projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2022 to 2027, the sector offers vast opportunities. Nigeria, for example, hosts some of the continent’s largest food and beverage companies, producing goods for both local consumption and export.

Africa is also a treasure trove of renewable energy resources, boasting the world’s largest untapped reserves. The continent’s abundant sunlight, wind corridors, and widely available biomass present vast opportunities for growth:

Solar Power: With up to 12 hours of sunshine daily, Africa’s solar capacity was approximately 11 GW in 2023, with significant expansion anticipated. Countries like Egypt and South Africa are leading the charge with large-scale solar projects.

Wind Energy: Kenya’s Turkana wind farm, the largest in Africa, provides substantial power to the national grid, demonstrating the continent’s potential in harnessing wind energy.

Biomass Energy: Africa’s biomass capacity exceeds 16 GW, utilising agricultural and forestry residues. Kenya and Ghana are at the forefront of this clean energy revolution.

Africa’s energy landscape is a complex yet promising tapestry. The demand for reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions offers Thermax a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact. In East Africa, where biomass is widely available, Thermax is at the forefront of providing a variety of biomass-based energy solutions, powering over 350+ plants in and around Kenya.

The pressing need for sustainable solutions presents a chance to pioneer groundbreaking projects and collaborate with local communities for lasting impact. One such example is Thermax’s involvement in a small captive power plant in eastern Kenya, using sisal waste to generate green energy. This plant not only powers farm machinery and irrigation systems but also supports the client in mining cryptocurrency – an innovative use of resources in a remote African village!

While East Africa benefits from a wide availability of biomass, fuel availability and power scenarios vary across different geographies within Africa. Power availability remains a critical challenge in some West African countries, stifling industrial growth. However, these challenges are not deterrents but catalysts for innovation and change.

To ensure continuity in operations across Nigeria, many customers have switched to gas engines for powering their factories. Thermax has revolutionised the market by providing waste heat-based cooling solutions, with over 60+ chillers tackling waste heat from gas engines and generating cooling solutions across industries.

Today, Thermax has installed over 400+ biomass boilers and approximately 200+ oil and gas boilers across Africa, serving diverse industries. This extensive footprint underscores the effectiveness of our solutions in meeting the continent’s energy needs while minimising environmental impact.

Creating a Meaningful Impact

As the team leading Thermax’s business in Africa, we see firsthand challenges and opportunities that this dynamic region offers. Our Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) team, comprising a blend of locals and expatriates, is navigating Africa’s unique challenges and fostering valuable partnerships. By embracing a mindset of potential and innovation, I believe, we, at Thermax can turn every obstacle into a stepping stone for progress, creating a brighter future for all.

In this endeavour, I would like to request the support of our colleagues across divisions to share their insights and collaborate to give impetus to the business in the region and turn our vision into reality.

Participating in the Pandharpur wari on a cycle is a testament to one’s endurance, determination, and love for both cycling and tradition. On 15th June 2024, I began my exciting journey, cycling 235 kilometers in just one day. This experience was both challenging and thrilling, marking my second attempt after a solo ride in 2022.

I registered for the event with the IAS (Indo Athletic Society), an institution dedicated to promoting cycling and environmental awareness. The registrations closed in February 2024, giving us ample time to prepare. My daily practice included cycling 30 km each morning, gradually increasing to longer distances and higher speeds. By the time the event day arrived, I could maintain a speed of 20-22 km/hr

The Day

The day began early, at 2:30 am, as I left home to join the flag-off at 3:15 am. From the beginning, I found my rhythm, completing the first 50 km in a record time of 2 hours and 10 minutes without any need of hydration. The organisers had arranged a hydration break, which was much appreciated.

At 5:30 am, we refuelled with hot upma, tea, and bananas, and rode with a refreshed feeling, ready to tackle the next stretch. The first 100 km took us through challenging terrains like Hadapsar, Yavat, Patas, and Kurkumbh. Despite these hurdles, I maintained proper hydration and crossed this segment swiftly, completing it in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The most challenging part of the ride was the 41 km stretch from Bhigwan to Indapur. The hot midday sun tested our limits, but thanks to the well-organised hydration breaks, we managed to push through. By 12:00 pm, I reached Indapur, where a delicious lunch awaited us. After a much-needed rest, we had 80 km left to complete.

Setting off at 1:00 pm for the final leg, the first 40 km to Pandharpur flew by. However, the last 40 km presented a surprise challenge: heavy headwinds that slowed our pace and tested our resilience. Despite the obstacles, we persevered, reaching the destination at 4:30 pm.

Completing this journey was an exhilarating achievement, filled with joy and a sense of accomplishment. This ride was particularly meaningful for me, as I had overcome a significant accident the previous year, which required surgery and six months of physiotherapy. This successful ride reaffirmed my love for cycling and my determination. After worshipping Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rakhumai at Pandharpur, it felt like all the stress and fatigue had vanished and I was more than energised to fulfil the rest of my ever-increasing bucket list!

The support from my family, the encouragement of my cycling partners, and consistent practice were crucial to my success. A Marathi saying goes as below – “आम्हीी बीी घडलोो, तुुम्हीी बीी घडाानाा एकदाा तरीी साायकलवाारीी कराानाा… जय रााम कृृ ष्ण हरीी!” which translates to – “We transformed, you should too, at least once, do the cycle pilgrimage… Hail Lord Ram and Krishna!”

For me and my family, this journey was not just about completing a ride but about celebrating resilience, passion, and the joy of achieving something truly remarkable. The entire event ended with medal distribution and appreciating the commendable teamwork of the organisers!

– Ravindra Honrao Draughtsman – Mechanical, P&ES

Our factory is an extension of our home and, therefore, an extension of our values. One year ago, as I was walking down the factory to Eco House, I noticed stray dogs wandering through the facility neglected, seeking refuge, food and a friendly hand. Having always been an animal lover, I began brainstorming on how we could help create a more compassionate workspace where the welfare of these stray dogs becomes intertwined with the heart of our culture as a company. As many companies are taking steps to make a positive impact on the lives of these furry friends, it is our responsibility to do the same. So, what are the benefits of helping these stray dogs in our factories? And what steps are we taking to create a safer, more compassionate environment for both employees and the local canine community?

Safety First: Most of the dogs in our factory have been spayed and given their rabies shots. However, there are some which still require spaying and vaccinations so that we can prevent accidents and help control the population. We will be working with local NGOs to help with this initiative. We will also be tagging all of our dogs so that we know they belong to our facility.

Food & Shelter: Most of the dogs are now being fed twice a day from the waste of our canteen food, such as chapatis, rice, bread and milk. They will be fed in designated feeding spots which will help keep their presence only in certain areas. This provides a self-sustaining model for the community.

Employee Awareness: As you walk around the factory, look out for posters which will help you understand the stray community better. A few employees who have been instrumental in helping with the feeding and building trust with the dogs are Pravin Wagh, Ganesh Koli, Sanjay Hiwale, Yogesh Sapkale, Mukunda Helode and Vijay Siyak.

Next time you are at the factory, please say hi and speak to them about their experiences. I believe that a corporate culture that extends compassion to animals creates a positive and empathetic atmosphere. A controlled and healthier canine community also contributes to a cleaner and safer environment for all. Helping stray dogs in our factories is not just an act of kindness; it’s a demonstration of corporate responsibility. If anyone has any questions or comes across a stray in our factory that might need our help, please reach out. Since this is just the beginning, we look forward to a more comprehensive support system for our canine friends around the community.

Creating a paw-sitive workplace will benefit us all!

-Lea Pudumjee, Product Manager,
Heating, Eco House, Chinchwad

Gopal Gureja, Author and Ex-Thermaxian shares an interesting anecdote through this speech note, a part of which was addressed to the audience at a get-together of the Wanson-Thermax Ex-Employees Association. The event was held at the Poona Club in November 2023, where about 130 ex-employees had participated.

Hello Everybody! Looking at the kind of attendance and the fervour with which the old colleagues are meeting here today, it is quite obvious that whether we went out of Thermax on retirement or to grab another opportunity, Thermax has certainly not gone out of us.

You would all agree that one strong reason for our emotional engagement was the kind of work culture that the company provided us. Based on the primal values steeped in humility, openness, transparency, respect for human beings and unstinted customer commitment, it allowed us freedom of action, encouraged informed dissent and welcomed well-considered initiatives. Some of you perhaps recall the ‘Welcome to Wanson/Thermax’ letter.

We have three former CEOs with us – M. S. Unnikrishnan, Abhay Nalawade and Prakash Kulkarni who, in their own distinctive style, substantially added to the company’s growth. But I am sure they also benefitted from the company’s culture to hone their leadership skills to rise to the top position. In their own way, they ensured that the fundamental aspects of company culture that enhance employee emotional engagement were kept intact.

Some of you have gone into your own business and done well, while others are in senior positions in their new jobs. Wish you all the best in your endeavours. Also, many thanks to the core team that has made this grand get-together possible with considerable hard work and tenacity.

Let me tell you about an unnerving experience for a newly joined service manager.

Within three weeks of my joining the company, way back in 1970, I was required to get an endorsement from R. D. Aga of my plan of action before presenting it at the sales conference coming up in the following week. I was at my desk, trying to arrange my thoughts, when the Managing Director, Mr. Bhathena, joined me at my desk to have a ‘chat’ with me. He told me about the famed Voltas’ customer service and wanted me to adopt the same revenue-earning model for our company as well. He told me that the marketing manager and the sales guys from the branches are prone to exaggerating customer complaints and would aggressively demand unreasonable concessions. He suggested that I defy the pressure and stick to the Voltas model.

I was stunned because all this was an antithesis to my own assessment of the situation. This was my first serious encounter with Mr. Bhathena, and to say the least, I was feeling nervous. I debated for a while to put across my point of view, seemingly with no success. So, gathering myself, I finally said, “Well, if you insist,I will go by what you want. However, I think this approach is not in the best interest of our company. Besides, you are making my job too easy.” “No, I am not going to make your job easy,” he said and walked away.

Later that afternoon, when I told R. D. Aga about my interaction with ASB, he laughed and said, “Congratulations! You have passed the conviction test. That is ASB’s way of checking whether you have the guts to take a stand for the customer.” Rohinton endorsed my plan fully by saying, “You are free to act as ‘customer representative’ within the company and ensure that his interest is served as a matter of top most priority.”

No message could have been more empowering and far-reaching for a service manager than such an unequivocal statement of the company’s customer commitment.

(About the association: Around 15 years ago, the idea of formalising a group for the growing number of ex-employees of Wanson and Thermax was a brainchild of the hugely popular retired Factory Director, late Kersi Kabrajee. T. D. Mohanchandran and Latha Mohanchandran, supported by a group of younger enthusiasts, added momentum to the move and the association today has an all India membership of 800 ex-employees. “We used to pride ourselves as ‘mini India’ in terms of employees’ demographic origins at Pune Works and offices,” recalls Gopal Gureja fondly. This is validated by the fact that a large number out of about 350 ex-employees living in Pune are those who decided to stay back in Pune rather than return to their home towns or states)

Gopal Gureja, Author and Ex-Thermaxian (1970 – 1996)

-Gopal Gureja,
Author and Ex-Thermaxian (1970 – 1996)

Dear Everyone,

I am Shantaram Borhade from P&ES, and I have proudly been a part of the Thermax family since 1998. On 5th January, 2023, I penned a letter to our Honourable Prime Minister. The subject of this letter was Cancer, a merciless adversary that is silently but steadily tightening its grip on our nation.

In my letter to the Prime Minister, I shared my concerns about the alarming surge in cancer cases throughout the country. I am no expert on global statistics, but the increasing number of cancer patients in our nation deeply troubles me. I drew attention to the stark reality that cancer does not discriminate; it claims the lives of the young and old, the rich and poor alike. To emphasise the gravity of this issue, I recounted the tragic stories of respected leaders like Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and Manohar Parrikar, who succumbed to this formidable foe. Their battles with cancer serve as painful reminders of the hardships faced by countless ordinary citizens.

It is disheartening to note that a significant number of cancer cases are detected in advanced stages, making successful treatment an arduous journey. The unaffordable cost of cancer treatment compounds this suffering, leading some individuals to the brink of despair, with suicide as their last resort. Adding to the urgency of the situation, there isn’t a single government hospital dedicated to treating cancer in our country.

But rather than dwelling on despair, I proposed practical solutions to the Prime Minister, drawing inspiration from our nation’s victorious battles against diseases like polio, cholera, and tuberculosis. The path to defeating cancer, I believe, is also a path of progress. My suggestions included:

1) Annual Cancer Screenings: Advocate for regular cancer screenings for every young adult.

2) Expert Committee: Form a committee of experts to identify and eradicate the root causes of cancer, such as plastic usage, pesticides, adulterated food and pollution.

3) Comprehensive Patient Care: Ensure every cancer patient receives the care and support they need.

4) Affordable Medication: Make cancer drugs more accessible or even free, similar to the treatment of tuberculosis.

5) Nationwide Cancer Hospitals: Establish specialised cancer treatment centres across India.

6) Promotion of Healthy Living: Encourage and support a healthier lifestyle.

7) Research and Support: Provide motivation and funding to organisations and scientists dedicated to finding cancer solutions.

After sending the letter, I persistently followed up with the Prime Minister’s office. On 4th November 2023, my phone rang, and it was the PMO office on the line. I was overjoyed to learn that the Prime Minister had not only read my letter but had also agreed to implement many of the suggested measures. In this context, it is said that the department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial assistance to the states and union territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NonCommunicable Diseases (NP-NCD) programme.

The following points have been agreed upon by the Prime Minister’s office and Health Ministry, which outlines the planned actions.

1) Strengthening infrastructure

2) Human resource development

3) Health promotion

4) Cancer screening of citizens aged 30 years and above by Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre every year.

5) Prompt diagnosis and effective remediation

6) Referral to the appropriate level of facility

When the Prime Minister’s office asked for my opinion, I expressed partial satisfaction with these developments, but I understand there is still much work to be done. I vow to continue our dialogue and collaboration on this crucial issue.

At times, I encounter obstacles, such as securing the necessary funds for this noble endeavour, and earnestly call upon those who have the means to step forward and support this life-saving cause.

My dear friends, this is an arduous journey ahead, and with your support, we can make strides in the right direction. Together, we hope to save lives and bring about change.

With gratitude,
-Shantaram Borhade, Mechanical Draftsman
P&ES MPP, Sai Chambers, Pune

Recently, I was on a leisure trip with my family when I happened to stop at a colourful and petite dhaba (food outlet). We ordered aloo parathas, hot tea, and finger food items. I was amazed by the cleanliness, happy faces of the staff and of course, the fabulous taste of the food at this outlet. So much so that I felt I should give a good feedback to the manager. As I was approaching the manager, my eyes quickly spotted an elderly man who was passionately cleaning near the entrance area. He was a decent guy. I asked him what made him work so passionately to clean the floor. He replied with a smile that it was his dream to serve people with good food and bring smiles to their faces. I interrupted and asked how he was achieving it by cleaning the floor. I was astonished by the reply. He said that bringing a smile to other people’s faces is an outcome of customer satisfaction. Maintaining cleanliness is one of the important parts. The manager arrived and revealed that the elderly gentleman with whom I was interacting was the owner of the outlet. I could not stop but acknowledge and salute his dream and purpose in life. This event stayed in my mind for some time. It took me back to my ongoing self-exploration journey of finding a dream and purpose for my life.

Finding a dream is a vast subject. For the sake of clarity, let me narrow it down to dreams that connect with the passion and purpose of life. Is passion and purpose the same? Well, I think they are quite different. I think passion is what excites the self, motivates the self, makes one happy or gives a sense of achievement, it’s more inward. While purpose is more focussed, reasonable, deep, and outward, we often know or find our passions but, it’s difficult to find a purpose. When was the last time you thought of finding a purpose in life?

The world is filled with infinite opportunities and possibilities. It’s up to us whether we are cognizant of them. Many people start with their dreams but often land elsewhere. Many often crib with whatever they think they are forced to do for a living, may it be a job or some business. Many find out ways to remain focussed and be successful even though they are not close to what their passion would be. The point is even if people land up doing different things, few still find ways to be successful in whatever they do, but does that give them satisfaction or does that make them happy?

I love exploring this space. It’s crucial to find purpose and, more importantly, the “why” part of it. I thought I should pen down a few thoughts brimming in my mind for the readers. Hope it will help in igniting spark and dreams.

I have always tried to find purpose in my dreams and so far, have been able to navigate through the rough waters, trying to get clarity around it. The good part I like about dreams is there is absolutely no restriction it’s an open mind that is full of unreal and fancy thoughts. But that’s how dreams should be – “unreal”, else how it can be a dream, it would rather be a reality.

There are many examples of people who thought differently, walked unchartered paths, and chased their dreams to make history. I can think of Steve Jobs who dreamt of “putting a computer in the hands of everyday people”. Stephen Hawkings dreamt of discovering the secrets of the universe and experiencing zero gravity, which he eventually did. But this may or may not happen with everyone. We have ample examples where, despite passion, things have gone completely wrong. I think there is a big connection between having a dream and chasing it. That connecting link is “believing”. Believing in dreams, believing in your abilities, believing in the outcome, believing in the people around you, believing that you can do it. This “believe” part is the biggest hope of converting dreams into reality. The good news is that we can make ourselves believe in just anything.

Dreaming can be rogue and vague. It is, therefore, essential to refine it before you manifest it. Refining would also mean we have to believe it first. For this, we need to have conviction, we may have to work hard to convince our minds. I think mapping our dreams, processing the information, and critically analysing it to verify real-life scenarios is an important step in refining our dreams. Our ability to simulate the dreams and run the simulations in various scenarios that we could think of would better prepare us for the refining of dreams. Many leaders, thinkers and coaches are better prepared for any situation because they “simulate” things proactively. They can picture themselves acting in a crisis situation, or handling press conferences that go wild or managing shareholder demands or responding to complex questions on a holiday while sitting in a chair comfortably. Now that there is conviction, it’s important to convert the dream into a goal or vision.

Once we have a goal or vision, I have found that sharing it with our close network, mentors and guides is important and beneficial. They can keep adding value which can help us to further refine the goal or vision. The more we keep sharing with them, the more we start believing in it. Once our goal is clear, our vision is set, half the work is done. It’s then time to break down dreams into milestones or minigoals, chart an actionable plan and execute the plan. The most important thing is to enjoy this process and embrace it joyfully because finally, this connects back to the purpose. We may fail, we may deviate but it’s important to rethink, revisit, recourse and enjoy the achievements in the process.

Well, this article is not intended to lay down any golden rules that can work, but I wished connecting some dots in our minds, toy with some thoughts and philosophies, provoke you to see the bigger picture, and check if all of it makes sense. I trust it will certainly trigger more thoughts and take you back to your dreams.

If you had a dream that you let be dormant, re-ignite the dream and fan the flames. Keep dreaming, keep believing in yourself and chase your dreams!

-Abhishek Bhave,
Growth Unit Head,TBWES, Energy House, Chinchwad

Hobbies play a very important role in our lives. They occupy our minds when we are free and also make us happy.

I started hooping in my childhood as a hula hoop was gifted to me, but little did I know that it would become a life-long hobby. I started learning various tricks with my hoop. And it has given me joy since then. Hooping has given me freedom, expanding my mind and creativity and providing the hope to see the beauty of my inner potential.

Hula hooping is a fun and spirited activity where you learn various hooping tricks. Hooping tends to strengthen your muscles. Gradually, you unlock each level of hoop tricks, just like the levels in video games. Day after day, you can see yourself at the next level.

Hooping is a pleasurable practice that helps you to express yourself. Hooping is a form of expression that will connect you with your body and mind and will make you want to move for joy, freedom (from negative thoughts) and rhythmic flow with some music.

Hooping can also be done with the help of yoga, as yoga makes you more flexible. Hence hooping and yoga both will give you more flexibility and a cheerful mind every day.

What I love about hoop flow is that it allows both the mover and the viewer to immerse in it completely. Moreover, hooping has helped me to reduce stress as it helps me to completely immerse myself in it. Over time, I’ve not only honed my skills but also shared my passion by volunteering in a 2023 tour organised by Eshna Kutty, teaching hooping techniques to others.

My favourite memory of hooping is practising a specific trick for a year and not being able to do it. Despite that, I kept trying and I could randomly do it one fine day. As much as I was surprised at myself, I also knew that I had been training my muscle memory to learn and master this trick and with time, I could achieve it.

I believe that engaging in diverse activities is essential as it allows us to fully immerse ourselves and find solace beyond our daily routines. After years of hooping, today, I can perform hula hooping with three hoops on three different body parts at the same time.

Thus, hooping, for me, has become a means of multitasking where I effortlessly hula hoop my way through everything that comes in life.

-Jessica Yogesh Mayur
Project Engineer, Enviro, Environment House, Bhosari

Innovation is vital for organisations to thrive and outperform competitors. Intellectual property (IP) knowledge is a valuable but often overlooked asset in this pursuit. Kodak and Nokia’s failures serve as cautionary tales, emphasising the significance of embracing innovation and IP knowledge for long-term success. Our goal should be to explore the transformative potential of IP knowledge, draw lessons from these mistakes, and provide actionable insights to foster an innovative environment in our company. 

Understanding intellectual property 

Intellectual property encompasses legal rights that protect intangible assets such as inventions, designs, trademarks, and creative works. Patents safeguard technological advancements, trademarks protect brand names and symbols, copyrights preserve creative works, and trade secrets safeguard confidential business information.

Learning from Kodak and Nokia 

Kodak, once a pioneer in the photography industry, failed to recognise the potential of digital photography, eventually faced a decline in market dominance and struggled to adapt, ultimately filing for bankruptcy. Similarly, Nokia, a leading mobile phone manufacturer, struggled to adapt to the emergence of smartphones. Nokia’s failure to innovate and meet evolving consumer preferences led to a decline in its position as a mobile phone industry leader. These examples, in my opinion, underscore the importance of innovation in attaining a market leader position and maintaining it through continuous innovation.

Leveraging IP knowledge for innovation 

There are several ways to approach innovation, but here are a few key strategies that can help

Encouraging crossfunctional collaboration: By promoting collaboration among different departments, organisations can leverage diverse expertise, perspectives, and insights, fostering a culture of innovation and generating innovative ideas and solutions.

 Monitoring competitors’ IP: Staying informed about competitors’ IP landscape provides valuable insights for innovation. By monitoring patents, trademarks, and other IP assets held by competitors, companies can identify gaps in the market and potential areas for improvement, guiding their own innovative endeavours.

Cultivating a culture of innovation

 Providing education and training: Equipping employees with education and training on IP rights and their relevance to innovation empowers them to identify opportunities and contribute actively to the company’s growth through inventive thinking. 

Incentivising inventiveness: Inventor incentives in terms of monetary reward for being an inventor in any patent motivates employees to share their ideas and fuels the innovation process.

Implementing clear IP policies: IP policies protect the company’s assets while promoting innovation. These policies outline how employees’ contributions will be safeguarded and encourage proper IP management, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. 

Listen to customers: Customer feedback and insights can provide valuable information on what problems need to be solved and what new opportunities are emerging. By engaging with customers directly, organisations can identify new needs and opportunities for innovation.

By integrating IP knowledge into innovation, companies can avoid the fate suffered by Kodak and Nokia. Embracing IP fosters creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking. Let’s harness its power for a future where innovation thrives.

-Pankaj Thape
IP Head, RTIC, Chinchwad factory

“Life is a lot like a marathon. If you can finish a marathon, you can do anything you want.” – Oprah Winfrey

Running, for me, serves more than just a means to maintain physical fitness. It not only acts as a shield against lifestyle-related ailments like obesity, heart issues, blood pressure, diabetes etc. but also strengthens my immune system, joints, improves cardiovascular health and muscle strength. This could be the reason why most people practice running, but for me, this exercise holds a profound significance, surpassing its mere purpose of keeping me physically fit. It has also served as a catalyst for personal growth, helping me cultivate a better version of myself. 

Running enables me to do self examination. As I engage in my run, I engage in a conversation with myself, examining my actions and choices. If I have done something wrong, then the inner voice inside me tells me what wrong I have done. If I have done something good, then that inner voice prevents me from being arrogant. If I have to help someone, this is the time when I get reminders internally. Thus, running has become a gateway to selfreflection and introspection, allowing me to delve into the depths of my being and gain valuable insights.

Through my experiences in running, I have come to understand that desired outcomes are not attained instantaneously; they require consistent effort and enduring patience over an extended period. This principle extends beyond the realm of running, finding relevance in various aspects of our daily lives. There are often situations where we must exercise patience, recognising that certain goals or resolutions may take time to manifest.

I have learned self discipline through running. I’ve come to understand that without self-discipline, my performance suffers. This lesson applies not only to running but also in every area of life. 

Moreover, running has instilled in me the importance of time management. In my daily training, as well as on race days, effective time management is crucial. This skill extends beyond running and plays a significant role in various aspects of my life. I have learned how to set goals and work towards achieving them. It has been an essential factor in helping me reach my objectives both on and off the track.

Apart from these learnings, running has also helped me to become thankful in my life. When I am running, I express gratitude toward those who have contributed to my growth as a runner. I also remember the books / websites from which I learned something about running. This practice of gratitude has now transcended running and has become an integral part of my daily life. I recognise the importance of being grateful to anyone who has made a positive impact on my journey, fostering a mindset of appreciation and acknowledgement for the kindness and support I receive. 

Running not only cultivates a positive mindset but also empowers me to better control my negative thoughts and emotions. As runners strive to achieve specific goals within a designated time frame, they naturally maintain an optimistic mood throughout their runs. This positivity seamlessly extends to their daily lives, as they actively seek positivity in various aspects and individuals. Thus, running becomes a transformative practice that enhances my emotional well-being.

Running connects me to the community. Jogging through the streets and parks near me helps me to feel grounded and connected to Mother Nature and surroundings. 

During my runs, I experience a state of profound connection with a higher consciousness. Detached from thoughts, I enter a blissful flow where time, location, and even my own identity fade away. Covering distances of four to five kilometres, I find myself immersed in pure serenity—a pinnacle of inner peace and contentment that rejuvenates my spirit. Perhaps this is the state of ultimate bliss.

I acknowledge my limitations and know that I cannot make a world record. I also understand that every runner’s ability is different, and the only competition that lies is with myself. If my performance is better than my previous performance, I consider it a win, and if it hasn’t improved, I’ve lost. Falling behind is seen as a temporary setback, while improvement is celebrated as a personal victory. This principle extends far beyond running, permeating every aspect of life and motivates us to constantly strive for excellence. From a spiritual perspective, this mindset aligns harmoniously with the concept of becoming a karmayogi — a dedicated seeker of self-improvement through diligent action. 

– Veerendra RaselaVeerendra Rasela
TBWES – EXIM, Energy House, Chinchwad