Global IndianstoryZoho’s Sridhar Vembu: The Silicon Valley entrepreneur who’s promoting ‘work from hometown’

Indian Entrepreneur

Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu: The Silicon Valley entrepreneur who’s promoting ‘work from hometown’

Written by: Global Indian

Nestled at the foothills of the Western Ghats, about 650 kilometers from Chennai is Mathalamparai, a tiny village in Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu. With a population of a little over 2,000, it might not be your typical location to house a software major. But with his current Twitter location tagged at Tenkasi, Zoho Corporation’s Indian entrepreneur, founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu has been on a mission to redefine the term ‘headquarters’.

Zoho’s foray into rural India began when the Chennai-headquartered software products firm began operations from Mathalamparai. Termed the Zoho Experiment, this has been Vembu’s initiative to enable his employees to work closer to their homes and boost the rural economy. Unlike other tech giants, Vembu drifted away from the philosophy of having standard office headquarters and has been operating from a rural setup since 2019; urging his employees to do the same.

Sridhar Vembu in Tenkasi

The Software as a Service (SaaS) company is currently working on a model to establish ‘feeder offices’ in rural areas with an emphasis on Tamil Nadu. The initial setup has reportedly been quite successful with both the organization and employees doing well on all fronts; the latter has the advantage of being closer to home, thereby striking a work-life balance.

Vembu was awarded the 2019 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and earlier this year he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor. The Indian entrepreneur was also recently appointed to the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) of India.

Back to his roots

Born in Thanjavur district to a family of farmers, Vembu graduated from IIT Madras in Electrical Engineering before he went on to do his Ph.D. from Princeton University in New Jersey. Following a brief stint at Qualcomm, he went on to co-found AdventNet in 1996 with his brothers and friends. The company made software products at a time when IT services were the rage. In 2009, the company was renamed Zoho Corp to reflect its transition from a software company to an innovative online applications provider.

Today, Zoho provides cloud-based CRM solutions and over 40 apps in the areas of online accounting, and human resource and inventory management. Having spent considerable time in the US, the Indian entrepreneur lived in and around San Francisco’s Bay Area, before deciding to move back lock, stock, and barrel to India in 2019, just a few months before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the world embraced a work-from-home policy, Vembu went on to embrace the work-from-village mission. The reason behind his decision, which might be a paradigm shift for the IT sector, is subtle yet ingenious.

Emphasizing that talent emerges from rural areas, 54-year-old Vembu asserts that this transition will have people working globally; from villages. The bigger picture: more opportunities for people to work from a single location while catering to global requirements. Currently, Zoho has two rural offices — Tenkasi and Renigunta in Andhra Pradesh. In an interview with Forbes India, Vembu said his motivations to go rural are two-fold,

“One, I want my employees to live in these villages because it brings a lot of cross-fertilization of ideas.”

Second, Vembu hopes that the city folk will be able to pitch in with mentoring and coaching the local youth who can then be recruited by Zoho. “It would be a two-way exchange here…”

In addition to his regular work, Vembu also does his bit for the village: he has been teaching Maths and Science at a local school. The Indian entrepreneur opines that such a lifestyle i.e., teaching, farming, and other village-related activities, can enable people to re-connect with their roots. Vembu himself is finding his way back to his old ways. A typical day for him begins with early morning calls to his US offices, before he sets off for a long walk, occasionally taking a dip in the village well apart from spending some time farming.

Life is worth living for these moments! pic.twitter.com/HoTaaaWqrh

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) May 23, 2021

Plans for feeder offices

Indian entrepreneur Vembu and his team are working on replicating the concept of feeder offices not only in India but also at Zoho’s offices in the US, Mexico, and Japan. This nascent concept of ‘work-from-village’ has proved to be a well-calculated gamble as the employees of Zoho have managed to develop the latest offering i.e., customer service software – Zoho Desk. Incidentally, Zoho was one of the first software product unicorns. In 2019 Forbes valued Vembu’s 88% stake at $1.83 billion. The company has over 50 million users globally for its apps.

With its headquarters in Chennai, Zoho Corp is focusing on providing seamless services to clients, irrespective of office locations. Once the work in the first 10 villages is underway, the company plans on implementing similar models in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. If successful, it could be replicated across other companies as well.

Sridhar Vembu on Twitter

Rural India, despite so much poverty, offers a sense of belonging and rootedness. The result is low crime.

The reason is traditional religious faith.

Even as we lift ourselves up economically, I want to nurture the roots of our culture and the faith that sustains life. 🙏

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) June 19, 2021

It is best not to burden our efforts with expectations. When we act with resolute will, the universe opens doors but our prior expectations get in the way of us recognizing those open doors.

— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) June 7, 2021

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Published on 25, Jun 2021

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Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj: Creating a delicious solution to plastic pollution with Edible Cutlery

(July 3, 2024) National Geographic, in a report produced in partnership with the National Geographic Society shared, “Plastic cutlery is everywhere, and most of it can be used only once. Billions of forks, knives, and spoons are thrown away each year. But like other plastic items—such as bags and bottles—cutlery can take centuries to break down naturally, giving the plastic waste ample time to work its way into the environment.” Once seen as a solution to reduce paper and bamboo consumption, plastic cutlery has now become an environmental crisis. Billions of plastic forks, knives, and spoons are discarded into landfills, oceans, and waterways each year leading to a significant environmental cost and a substantial carbon footprint. Australia based entrepreneur Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj is doing his bit to tackle this problem. [caption id="attachment_52819" align="aligncenter" width="767"] Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj and team after winning the second place in the City of Canning - Plus Eight Sprint program[/caption] With dreams of a sustainable future, he has founded his venture, Edible Cutlery, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable cutlery that is completely biodegradable. Made with natural ingredients the cutlery can be eaten after consuming food or drink. “It’s my dream company. I always wanted

dian " width="767" height="767" /> Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj and team after winning the second place in the City of Canning - Plus Eight Sprint program[/caption]

With dreams of a sustainable future, he has founded his venture, Edible Cutlery, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional disposable cutlery that is completely biodegradable. Made with natural ingredients the cutlery can be eaten after consuming food or drink. “It’s my dream company. I always wanted to do something for Mother Earth and give back to nature, and the venture serves this purpose, he tells Global Indian. “It is based on the idea of reducing waste in a sustainable and unique way,” he adds.

Making meals fun with flavoured edible cutlery

Edible Cutlery’s eco-friendly cutlery line of spoons, sporks, straws, cups and bowls come in a variety of flavours and colours to suit every taste. “Our edible cutlery is perfect for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor events. We believe in providing our customers with quality and convenience, and we strive to make every meal a memorable one with an eco-friendly, tasty, and fun option,” tells the entrepreneur.

Edible Cutlery offers a variety of flavours like chocolate, cheesy garlic, oregano, or green mango, enhancing every meal with an extra layer of enjoyment. For instance, one can pair chocolate-flavoured cutlery with ice cream to savour it after dessert, or choose cheesy garlic cutlery to complement dishes like pasta.

[caption id="attachment_52820" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Indian Entrepreneur | Abhinav Nagaraj | Global Indian Product range of Edible Cutlery[/caption]

Recently, Edible Cutlery closed its first crowdfunding round. “I am so glad to see how people are supporting us and validating our ideas and concepts,” says Abhinav happy about the developments.

Turning heads

To promote his dream company, Abhinav recently flew from Australia to Japan with his team to participate at SusHi Tech Tokyo, a global startup program where startups from across the world showcase their innovations and create new connections. “It was great for networking, and the pitch night gave us a chance to introduce our brand to hundreds of attendees, including founders, investors, and distributors,” tells the entrepreneurs.

To participate in the international conference his venture had to qualify in a selection procedure set by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in Western Australia (WA). “Three WA startups were selected to represent the state at the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program from the many startups who had expressed their interest for the program and applied for it. The fact that the department chose us as one of the three startups bestowing their trust and support means a lot to us,” says Abhinav.

[caption id="attachment_52821" align="aligncenter" width="707"] Indian Entrepreneur | Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj | Global Indian Team Edible Cutlery at the SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024 Global Startup Program[/caption]

Running a business as an expat in Australia

“There were challenges, but the Australian government is supportive and encourages businesses for economic growth and development,” he tells. “It is good to have an Australian citizen as a shareholder in your business venture if you are an expat but not a mandatory requirement. Expats are eligible to get ABN (Australian Business Number) to conduct business,” he mentions.

Abhinav has been finding the business ecosystem of Australia quite constructive. “Most of the time, I have been supported and fortunately, I got investors and mentors to help me build my dreams,” he remarks. However, one major challenge was understanding the Australian market and mindset which he aced with time.

While Abhinav was pursuing his master’s degree in marketing in Australia, he had indulged in some entrepreneurial projects. Experiences garnered from those along with few job experiences after passing out proved to be good stepping stones for him as an expat entrepreneur.

From India to Australia

After earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering in India Abhinav worked in a few companies, before moving to the University of Western Australia in 2019 to study marketing. “This was a fresh start for me and just the beginning of a new journey,” he tells. As a student of engineering and later marketing, he always had a knack for entrepreneurship.

While studying as an international student in Australia, Abhinav had started offering marketing services as a freelancer, enjoying the part-time stints. After completing his studies, he joined a company called Heat Exchangers WA in a role that required knowledge of both marketing and engineering. “I knew from the very beginning that I was the perfect fit for the role,” he says.

[caption id="attachment_52822" align="aligncenter" width="695"] Indian Entrepreneur Abhinav Nagaraja | Global Indian Abhinav Nagaraja during a presentation at the City of Canning - Plus Eight Sprint program[/caption]

He worked there for two years before dipping his toes into entrepreneurship – his ultimate passion, and laid the foundation of his first business venture, Aeozo. Later, he started two more ventures, Pro Shakes and Edible Cutlery, being fortunate enough to attract angel investors and business partners who believed in his acumen and vision.

Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj considers his movement to Australia a turning point. “Throughout these years, I have learned a lot, especially since starting my entrepreneurial journey. I know there’s much more to come and a lot more to explore,” he remarks adding, “I believe in constantly moving forward with more strength and knowledge. My aim is to take my startups to the next level while contributing positively to the planet.”

Managing multiple ventures

Talking about his other business venture Abhinav shares, “Aeozo is a marketing company helping over 100 businesses across Australia to level up their marketing. Creating a company like this was always on my list.”

His second business venture, Pro Shakes, is a healthy drink brand that combines the protein with the deliciousness of a shake to offer a healthier option for people looking for taste and energy. “I had a chance to meet two individuals who were running the business with this interesting business idea on a small scale from kiosks. They had the idea, and I had the acumen and knowledge to build a brand, so we partnered and created Pro Shakes,” he tells.

[caption id="attachment_52823" align="aligncenter" width="651"] Indian Entrepreneur | Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj | Global Indian Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj[/caption]

Handling all the three ventures is overwhelming sometimes for him and Abhinav credits supportive co-founders, investors and a great team for making it possible to manage the operations successfully.

“My vision has been to bridge the gap between the demands and the available options. Whether it’s Aeozo, Pro Shakes, or Edible Cutlery, my primary goal is to offer superiority and quality over what’s already available. I believe that it’s not just about building brands but about crafting value for users and stakeholders,” he signs off.

Follow Abhinav Bijavara Nagaraj on Linkedin
Follow Edible Cutlery on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook

Reading Time: 5 mins

Shafat Qazi: The Kashmiri techie who built a global firm

(March 21, 2023) Time and time again, history has stood testament to the fact that the biggest successes often start with humble beginnings. When Shafat Qazi, a technologist by passion, left his well-established career midway to write code from his garage, he knew he was going to realise his dream one day. Having followed Einstein, Newton and their ilk from his childhood, Shafat had always dreamt of being a pioneer too. Qazi, who began his career in the US, is the founder of BQE Software, an all-in-one accounting and invoicing software that is used around the world. [caption id="attachment_36403" align="aligncenter" width="561"] Shafat Qazi[/caption] The great American dream While pursuing his Bachelor's in Engineering in NIT Srinagar, he gathered information on how he could go to America to study further. This was despite the dearth of resources and technology back then, which was even more predominant in a place like Jammu and Kashmir. With US $700 in his pocket and big dreams in his eyes, Shafat left Kashmir to build a global enterprise through persistent and focused efforts. "I didn’t ask more from my parents; they gave me what they could manage. However, their support was more than I could ask for,"

hafat left Kashmir to build a global enterprise through persistent and focused efforts. "I didn’t ask more from my parents; they gave me what they could manage. However, their support was more than I could ask for," he tells Global Indian.

Early influences

Coming from an educational background, Shafat says his upbringing and his schooling at Burn Hall -- which is a considered a reputed Christian Missionary School in Srinagar -- played a great role in shaping him as a person he is today.

"My mother and father, who are both academicians, stood behind me like rocks. My mother would bring me books and introduced me to math and science from early childhood. She would encourage me to take part in all co-curricular activities and lots of science competitions, as I was passionate about math and science," Shafat recalls.

Struggles in the USA

Life didn’t come easy to Shafat in the USA. His tuition fee at New York University was thousands of dollars. Besides borrowing some from a cousin, he took up several odd jobs.

"I worked at the University’s candy store as a cashier and took the dinner shift in the university café as a waiter. I worked very hard and with my earnings, I was able to pay my fee and other living expenses." Shafat never hesitated to pick up the petty jobs because his mind remained stuck on his ultimate goal. "I never let the negativity drive my thinking. I knew this phase was temporary. The ultimate goal of my life was to build a technology company that would make the lives of people more comfortable," he adds.

A talent for tech

"Technology came to me naturally and with my expertise and skill set, I could build a leading software company in the USA,” he says. "Even as a child, I knew I would do something in technology and America was my true destiny because it nurtured innovation. So, as a young boy, I left home to follow my dream and passion of creating cutting-edge technology and to simplify the lives of people around the world."

After his graduation from New York, Shafat relocated to California and began to work at a local engineering firm named David C. Breiholz Inc. With his talent and expertise in technology, he was offered a partnership in the firm. "I was bringing a lot of business to the company and my employer recognised my value and offered me a partnership in his firm. The firm was then renamed to Breiholz Qazi Engineering Inc. (BQE).

Rise to the top

At the firm, Shafat was also selected to be the chairman of the Structural Engineers Association of California (SEAOC) Computer Applications Committee, a very prestigious position for a 24-year-old young engineer.

"When I was working as a partner, I learnt about the pain-points of professional service firms. They would face problems in accounting, time tracking, billing and project management. There was no good software to automate these jobs and to address simply business management.”

As chairman of a committee for structural engineers, Shafat had the opportunity to visit hundreds of professional service firms and he came across the same problems everywhere. So, one day, he decided to leave his full-time job, sell his ownership in the engineering company and start a technology company of his own.

Life as an entrepreneur

Shafat powered an office in his garage to devote himself full time to ‘BillQuick’. The mission was to build a one-stop solution to make the lives of engineers, architects, accountants, attorneys, and other professionals easy and comfortable, by automating repetitive tasks and improving their productivity.

The decision came as a shock to his spouse, who had just left her own job to take care of their newborn. "We had bought a new house; our son was six months old; we went through a lot of financial hardship in the initial years. We did a lot of cost-cutting, stopped going on vacations etc. but in the end, it paid off well."

Again, his hard work and determination paid off, for Shafat and his family. Success came his way and over the years, his business management firm, BQE Software, became known all over the world. The flagship product, BQE Core, is used by thousands of businesses around the world.

Global expansion – and acclaim

BQE Core was ranked number one in GetApp.com 2021 category leaders for Accounting Software. "The product connects with the banks, performs the transactions, and allows people to accept and make payment with credit cards." Today BQE has become a top management and accounting software developer for professional service firms. BQE spans all over the world and apart from the US, has offices in Australia, India, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam etc.

BQE also has a strong presence in Srinagar, from where services are provided to thousands of businesses all over the world. In 2018, Shafat Qazi was listed as one of the top 50 CEOs by USA Today. He has also been listed as a best CEO to work with by women in the US.

Under Qazi´s leadership, BQE Software had also acquired another software company, Orange Loft LLC in 2009, and received the Accountex User Favourite Award for Best Project Management – 2016.

A review from an international publication writes: “Even though Shafat leads a worldwide corporation, BQE continues at the forefront of customer-driven innovation under his leadership. The company debuted its initial Web-based product in 1997, a mobile app for the flip phone in 1998, and electronic bill pay in 1999. BQE and its personnel are forerunners in the industry.”

Literary pursuits

Today Shafat has replaced himself from the position of CEO and is now a part of the BQE board. He is also fulfilling his wish to travel to at least 100 countries by 2025. He has travelled to 51 countries so far.

Shafat Qazi is also a common name now in publications like Forbes, CPA Practice Advisor, Accounting Today and The Business of Architecture. Recently, BQE brought in private equity for investment which in a way states that the firm is steering for achieving bigger milestones in the near future.

Apart from technology, Shafat takes interest in movies, music, culture and non-profit activities. He recently completed the shooting of his movie ‘Songs of Paradise’ which is scheduled to release in May this year.

Follow Shafat Qazi on LinkedIn and Twitter

The serial entrepreneur from Varanasi: Neena Pandey is painting her canvas with transformative strokes

(September 12, 2023) Neena Pandey’s infatuation with colours, designs, textures, and silhouettes goes back a long way. Growing up in the enchanting city of Varanasi, she experienced firsthand, how skilled weavers and artisans weaved magic on silks with their age-old techniques. She aspired to become an entrepreneur but her highly successful stints in the Silicon Valley wouldn’t let her go. Until one day, when she changed the trajectory of her life and gave up the corporate world to launch her own fashion brand. “My creations are a tribute to the intricate artistry that defines Indian fashion, combined with the contemporary sensibilities I have embraced abroad,” smiles serial entrepreneur Neena Pandey, speaking to Global Indian. A member of the Forbes Business Council, the US-based Neena Pandey is the founder and CEO of The String Code, a luxury fashion brand. She also founded IndieRoots, a lifestyle brand of products, and is the President of Club Z Tutoring, the fastest-growing franchise in the US. The list of top companies she has worked with in Silicon Valley is really long. “I am all about this cool concept called a portfolio career. It's this approach where you don't put all your eggs in one professional basket. You

about this cool concept called a portfolio career. It's this approach where you don't put all your eggs in one professional basket. You diversify, dabble in different ventures, and keep that professional life vibrant and the entrepreneur says.

[caption id="attachment_44809" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey | Global Indian Entrepreneur Neena Pandey[/caption]

Clothes have this incredible ability to work wonders for women, she feels. “They can boost confidence, make a lady feel beautiful, spread genuine happiness, and help her truly appreciate herself,” points out Neena, who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband Sachin, an engineer, and their two children, Aditya and Anya. “I have lost count of instances where I noticed that when I am dressed to impress, I walk into meetings with my head held high and crush my presentations,” says Neena. The entrepreneur describes her fashion brand as a canvas where the colors of her Indian upbringing merge with the strokes of contemporary international influences.

A Varanasi girl

Growing up in a middle-class Indian family in Varanasi, Neena and her two elder sisters were consistently reminded by their parents that being unable to support themselves was not an option. “I grew up with limited resources, and always thought that I would ultimately find myself working for someone else as an adult – a path that I did follow,” recalls Neena, who in her younger days, took on the role of the family's designer, creating clothing for everyone at home.

[caption id="attachment_44817" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Neena Pandey | Global Indian IndieRoots artisans at work[/caption]

She did her schooling at St John's School, Varanasi, and an undergraduate degree in Chemistry with Honours from the Banaras Hindu University. During her academic years, Neena aimed to become a doctor due to the limited options typically presented in Indian households at that time – either medical or engineering. “However, I couldn't clear the pre-medical test, which turned out to be a fortunate turn of events in retrospect. I swiftly redirected my focus towards something I was passionate about – fashion and apparel,” informs the entrepreneur, whose professional journey began with India’s largest retail chain, Weekender.

Moving to the Silicon Valley

Before she kicked off her brands, Neena was crushing it as a fierce and outspoken marketing executive in Silicon Valley. While doing an MBA programme with a marketing major at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, she got an internship at Adobe Systems during her first summer break in 2007.

Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey

“Adobe asked me to stick around part-time while I finished my programme. I took it up,” informs Neena, who later got an offer from Sun Microsystems, a big player back then and the brain behind Java. They offered her the chance to be the first product marketing manager for Open Solaris, their open-source operating system. Neena had a blast wearing her creative marketing hat– instituting innovative GTM plans to target students and the developer community worldwide. “We ended up exceeding targets by 106%, a full year sooner than projected,” says the former corporate honcho. Later, when Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems, she moved there and worked for two years. She was the ambassador for their cohesive hardware-software messaging. “I also proposed a product idea that became a star product offering later.”

From there, Zyme Solutions came knocking and the entrepreneur was leading the marketing squad for something groundbreaking — channel data management, which was all about giving retailers the tech tools to conquer the retail scene. “We ended up launching the product internationally, making a difference in the lives of retailers, says Neena, who earlier did her Masters in Garment manufacturing technology from NIFT, Delhi.

A leader at heart

She had her fair share of victories at the Silicon Valley but deep down, she had this constant itch to venture into entrepreneurship. Eventually, Neena recognised that entrepreneurship was her calling. “I am the first person in my family to go on an entrepreneurship route. Obviously, my family members were scared when I left my promising career in corporate,” the entrepreneur says. Despite the uncertainty, she ventured into this new journey, acknowledging that success wouldn't be immediate.

[caption id="attachment_44810" align="aligncenter" width="624"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey Entrepreneur Neena Pandey[/caption]

With technology revolutionising fashion retail by reshaping e-commerce and marketing becoming hyper-personalised through data-driven insights and augmented reality, Neena says her tech wins combined with her deep dive into the fashion-retail world have her primed to shape a future all about connections and doing right by the planet.

Neena is also a featured author and contributor for Forbes. “Forbes values my opinion in various polls and publications. Being a part of this, I also get to tap into the vast knowledge pool of accomplished business leaders from all corners of the globe,” the entrepreneur says. As a proud member of the Council, Neena is unlocking a bunch of exclusive opportunities that are tailored to elevate her professional influence to new heights. “I'm connecting and collaborating with other esteemed local leaders in our own private space and at members-only events.”

[caption id="attachment_44821" align="aligncenter" width="601"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey | Global Indian Neena during the photoshoot for The String Code[/caption]

In the midst of this whirlwind, she carves out time for her own well-being. “I hit the gym at 5 in the morning or squeeze in a late-night swim at 10 p.m. Her workout routine covers a wide spectrum – from weightlifting and intense body combat sessions (a fusion of martial arts and kickboxing) to Pilates, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and swimming. “I have incorporated meditation into my daily routine.”

The String Code

The String Code is not just a brand – it's a movement rooted in women's empowerment and manifestation of inspiring ideas and concepts, says Neena. “Our designs cater to diverse sizes and silhouettes, making sure every body type feels confident and comfortable in String Code outfits,” informs the serial entrepreneur, who is the start-up mentor at The Centre for Global Enterprise, New York.

[caption id="attachment_44819" align="aligncenter" width="669"] Entrepreneur | Neena Pandey | Global Indian A collection from The String Code[/caption]

Launched in July 2021, The String Code is her way of connecting with women across the spectrum. “I have woven my enduring confidence and passion into every string, every thread, and every distinct look meticulously designed for String Code,” says the entrepreneur, whose clothing brand adheres to the United Nations development goals. “The clothing is made in small batches using natural fibers, upcycled fabric, and environmentally conscious business practices when possible.”

Each piece she designs meticulously balances traditional elegance with modern sophistication. “My fashion brand is a canvas where the colors of my Indian upbringing merge with the strokes of contemporary international influences. I offer a collection that resonates with individuals regardless of their cultural background.”

IndieRoots

Collaborating with 60 artisan collectives across India and Southeast Asia, Indieroots is a lifestyle brand offering a range of products. “Its essence lies in bridging the gap between artisans and the global community by establishing a sustainable international market for talented creators. It fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship.”

[caption id="attachment_44816" align="aligncenter" width="701"] Neena Pandey | Global Indian Neena with some of the artisans of IndieRoots[/caption]

Describing IndieRoots - which was established in 2018 - as a profound calling that resonates with her passion for handicraft and home decor, Neena says every piece that finds its way into the homes of her customers narrates a story of artisan traditions kept alive by craftsmen from various corners of the world. She partners with over 60 artisan groups across India. “We've expanded our horizons to include collaboration with other Southeast Asian countries as well,” informs the entrepreneur, who is the executive member of the International LEAP network.

A book worm

Books are Neena’s getaway. The eclectic reader dives into Historical fiction, fiction, and mystery. “Lately, though, I have been drawn to non-fiction. There's something about inspirational, self-help, and spiritual books that just resonates with me,” says the entrepreneur. When it comes to music, she says it's woven into her family's fabric. “My children are passionate singers. Karaoke evenings and backyard jam sessions are pretty much standard fare at our house.”

TV shows? “I've had those nights where I've binged-watch till the wee hours, even when there's a business meeting waiting for me in the morning!” says the entrepreneur, whose favourites span a range of genres, from gripping thrillers and suspenseful espionage tales to comedy. And, when it's time to unwind, Neena finds solace in a good glass of wine.

Follow Neena Pandey on Instagram

Reading Time: 6 mins

Mafat Patel: Building the Patel Brothers empire

(October 22, 2022) When Mafat Patel left home at the age of 23, back in the year 1968, his mother wept to see him go. Mafat had grown up sheltered, spending his childhood on a farm in a village named Bhandu, in Gujarat's Mehsana district. The farthest from home he had ever been was the neighbouring district of Patan, where he earned himself a degree in Mechanical Engineering. When a friend, who had just returned from the US, asked Mafat's father to consider sending his son, the old man jumped on the idea. As did Mafat. And so, in 1968, Mafat arrived in the United States of America, where he studied in Ohio. Global Indian takes a look at the story of Mafat Patel, his brother Tulsi and his sister-in-law Aruna and how they built the Patel Brothers grocery empire. There was no inkling then, in the minds of his family, or even in the farthest reaches of Mafat's own imagination, that he would go on to build an empire in America. Recently, as I chatted with a friend about the years she spent living in Hoboken, New Jersey, her mother demanded: "Did you tell her about the Patel Brothers

empire in America. Recently, as I chatted with a friend about the years she spent living in Hoboken, New Jersey, her mother demanded: "Did you tell her about the Patel Brothers supermarkets?" The chain of Indian grocery stores is an absolute go-to for every South Asian in New York, Chicago and Atlanta, a thriving business worth over $140 million. Mafat Patel, now in his seventies, still walks through the aisles, meeting his customers and addressing many by name as they sip on steaming chai or order hot chapatis.

After his business degree, Mafat moved to Chicago, where he had been offered a job in quality control at Jefferson Electric. "When I came here, there weren't too many Indian families. We were two roommates from India, here together. Both of us were vegetarian and it was difficult to eat. We would cook on our own." Although he had a good job and lived a comfortable life, Chicago just wasn't home. The already overwhelming loneliness was only heightened by the fact that he didn't have the one thing for which he wanted most - a hot, home-cooked Indian meal. "He would talk about how difficult it was, to come home in the cold and the rain on the bus and think, now what do we do about dinner," said a friend of Mafat, Ramesh Vitha, in an interview.

[caption id="attachment_30969" align="aligncenter" width="648"] Mafat Patel[/caption]

The Devon storefront

In 1971, Mafat's wife and children joined him in America. That year, he received an offer from a businessman named Ramesh Trivedi, who had a storefront on Devon Avenue that he was looking to sell. It was a dilapidated place but Mafat, whose business acumen kicked in instantly, leapt on the opportunity. He wanted to open an Indian grocery store. Mafat got in touch with his brother, Tulsi and his wife, Aruna, who left Gujarat and joined him in America.

In 1974, they got things up and running. "We started a small grocery store, in an 800 sq foot space," Mafat said, in a 2018 episode of Zee TV's Those Who Made It. "I was working and my brother was running the store. We did two shifts and Aruna was working from 10 am to 10 pm." Mafat's wife handled the domestic affairs and making sure the home ran smoothly. "If it wasn't for Aruna, we wouldn't be here right now. She was controlling the business then. We were two brothers and two sisters, all living together. We would stick together and worked very hard." Mafat would arrive at the store after work, interviewing suppliers late into the night. Early the next morning, he would go back to the office.

Cultivating relationships

The Indian diaspora was miniscule, limited to around 150 families. "We opened the store and would go one or two days without a single customer," Tulsi Patel said, in 'Those Who Made It'. They held things together, though, with impeccable customer service. Tulsi would carry huge bags of groceries in cloth bags and deliver them to customers. "There were about 150 families and whenever they called, even if they were 10 miles away, we would go, in rain or snow. That's how we maintained relationships," said Mafat. Tulsi recalls, "Even if it was after 10 pm, I would make the trip, up to the third floor, just to deliver milk."

They genuinely cared for their customers and that held them in good stead. Moreover, Mafat Patel was a far-sighted man - he predicted, correctly, that in 20 or 30 or even 40 years, there would be a lot more Indians in America and that they would need groceries.

As the business grew, Patel Bros needed external funding. That came from Ramesh Ajawani, a banker, whom the brothers still count among their closest friends. "He was still working as an engineer and trying to get a foothold in Indian groceries," Ramesh said. "He said he had high energy levels, could work 24/7 and had a lot of passion for what he wanted to do. I liked his entrepreneurial attributes and we started doing a lot more."

By 1976, Mafat recalls, they started expanding the business. "We bought another supermarket in Chicago. In 1977, we built other stores on Devon Avenue. In 1981, we went to Atlanta and a year later, to New York. Then the whole family came and we had lots of hands." Mafat stayed with his day job for 16 years, finally quitting in 1985 to devote himself full time to the import/export business. Patel Bros had arrived, bringing Indian grocery stores into the mainstream, to compete with mega stores like Walmart.

The next generation

Today, the reins are held largely by Mafat's son Swetal and his nephew, Rakesh. Swetal Patel was born to Mafat Patel and his wife in Chicago, growing up in a family of 10. Although business was thriving, life wasn't always easy for Swetal, Indians were still decidedly a minority in the US. Like most immigrants growing up in a foreign country, he struggled to balance two identities - the America he saw every day at school and the close-knit, Gujarati joint family to which he returned every day. He didn't want to carry Indian food for lunch every day, because of how it smelled, according to Intertwined Cultures.

Every day after school, all the Patel children would help out with the family business. As his American peers went home to a PBJ and chocolate milk, Swetal Patel helped his parents make bhel puri. Evenings and weekends were spent bagging groceries, talking to customers, sweeping floors and loading and unloading goods. He recalls helping customers wheel their grocery carts in winter, winding his way through the snow. Back home, his mother continued to hold the fort, keeping meals ready for the ever-growing family and for the stream of guests and visiting relatives.

[caption id="attachment_30966" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Swetal and Rakesh Patel[/caption]

Today, Patel Bros is every bit the organised supermarket. Back when Swetal lent a hand, though, the place was chaos. Even that lack of organisation held a sense of Indian-ness, the smell of spices pervading through the cloth bags, all stacked along the shelves as customers stood around and pointed to what they wanted. Every morning at 10 am, the store would open with an hour of 'bhajans'.

Branching out

They have thriving stores in 51 locations across America and the Patel Brothers haven't stopped there. They also own Patel Air Tours, Sahil, a clothing boutique for Indian weddings, Patel Handicrafts and Patel Cafe. In 1991, they also launched Raja Foods, a Patel Brothers subsidiary, which offers readymade foods like chapatis and samosas.

Much of their success, they will readily admit, comes from remaining connected to Indian family values. A large section of their employees still comprises members of the family. "I have brought more than 350 families here and they are all well-to-do," Mafat said, in the Those Who Made It episode. The families come there, learn the trade and in time, Mafat will help them set up their own store.

"Whatever you get in India, you will get in Patel Brothers," Mafat smiles. "People from everywhere come to Devon Avenue or New York and say, 'let's go see the Patel Brothers'. Asian immigrants know their needs will be met in a single store. We are essentially grocers. From ingredients like turmeric and red chilli powder, to snacks like khakras, gathias and theplas, we are a truly Indian brand and cater to almost all NRIs in the US."

Saurabh Mehta: Meet the man behind world’s first 100 percent biodegradable pen

(July 5, 2024) "Humans are aiming for Mars; can’t we create a plastic-free pen? It can’t be that difficult," wondered Delhi-based Saurabh Mehta in the summer of 2020. Drawing on his years of experience in eco-friendly writing instruments, he developed the world's first 100 percent biodegradable pen - NOTE pen. Made entirely from scrap newspaper, ink, and a nib, his pen is a far cry from the plastic pens that have dominated the market for over 80 years. "Plastic pens often go unnoticed because they aren’t as visible on streets as PET bottles, but over 50 billion of them are discarded annually and are impossible to recycle," Saurabh tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_52865" align="aligncenter" width="652"] Saurabh Mehta[/caption] This inspired him to create a solution that benefits the environment and has the potential to revolutionise the pen industry. “There has never been an alternative to plastic pens, which are especially essential in schools. Recognising the demand, I decided to develop a pen that is 100 percent biodegradable—good for both users and the Earth,” explains the entrepreneur. Family business Growing up in a family involved in the writing instrument business, Saurabh was introduced to this world at a young age. His grandfather

mand, I decided to develop a pen that is 100 percent biodegradable—good for both users and the Earth,” explains the entrepreneur.

Family business

Growing up in a family involved in the writing instrument business, Saurabh was introduced to this world at a young age. His grandfather started making fountain pen nibs in 1965, eventually moving on to ball pen nibs and refills. Saurabh’s father later expanded into manufacturing ball pens. “Dinner table conversations often centred on how people have stopped using refills, leading to a decline in their sales and a shift towards buying pens in bulk instead," recalls Saurabh, who shared a strong bond with his grandfather. “He would often talk about this transition to a use-and-throw culture and warned me that it would be disastrous to the pen industry. Interestingly, he used only one fountain pen throughout his life.”

Exploring renewable energy in SE Asia

As a child, he often visited the factory after school, where the sight of refills discarded on the floor irked him. "That’s when I first became aware of plastic waste. By the time I finished school, I was drawn to sustainability." After earning his degree in electrical engineering from Bharati Vidyapeeth's College of Engineering, Saurabh's focus shifted to renewable energy. For a decade, from 2006 to 2016, he worked off the grid, primarily on village electrification projects in Southeast Asia and Central Europe. "I started with a fellowship, working at the grassroots level. At that time, nearly 60 percent of the population lacked reliable electricity," recalls Saurabh. "Those years were incredibly formative, teaching me the impact one can create through technology."

With significant improvement in India's electrification, he decided to explore opportunities abroad, leading to projects in Nepal and Indonesia. "Indonesia was still at par with India but things were bad in Nepal. The difficult terrain made it hard to extend the grid to high-altitude villages, and there was no clear timeline for when people would have reliable access to power." Frustrated by the lack of progress in Nepal, he moved to Indonesia. “It was exciting for a while, but I soon realised it wasn’t a good fit for me. Though there were opportunities in Africa, I knew deep down that I didn’t want to leave India.” Around that time, he returned home for Diwali, where his father suggested he join the family business. “Since I was already seeking a change, I decided to take up the business in 2017."

Saurabh Mehta | Global Indian

Venturing into sustainable stationery

Saurabh joined the family business with a clear plan: to attract multiple clients and introduce design innovations, particularly in the gifting segment. “I worked with my dad for a year to learn the market, but sustainability was always on my mind, which led me to question my business. I was contributing to the plastic problem,” Saurabh explains. This realisation led him to pivot toward sustainable stationery, launching BioQ in 2017. “I wanted to stay true to my values. Even though sustainability was a novel concept, this gave us a first-mover advantage,” says Saurabh, who dived into eco-friendly stationery, focusing primarily on the gifting market.

[caption id="attachment_52868" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Biodegradable pen and refill[/caption]

He began his eco-friendly journey with pencils made from paper instead of wood. "20,000 pencils are made from one tree. If you don't use them, you save a tree. But not using a pencil isn't an option. " He sought a sustainable alternative using scrap newspapers, requiring just 5-6 grams per pencil. His focus then shifted to pens, aiming to reduce plastic use. By 2020, he reduced plastic use in pens by 90 percent. "But it wasn't 100 percent eco-friendly." This inspired him to create the world's first fully biodegradable pen, removing the remaining 10 percent of plastic.

World's first 100 percent biodegradable pen

He replaced paper with plastic for the pen's body but finding an alternative for the plastic refill that holds the ink together was his biggest challenge. After trial and error, he found his solution in vegetable oil. "Coating the inside of the paper body with vegetable oil keeps the ink intact without it seeping into the paper. It's that simple but an incidental discovery," he laughs. Innumerable prototypes and four years later, he had a final product ready for the marketplace.

In January 2024, he launched NOTE (No Offense To Earth) as a flagship project to promote sustainable writing instruments. Currently priced at ₹50, these pens, with an option for a metal, paper, or bamboo exterior, and refills are available on their website. "We've also received international orders, sending small shipments to France and the UAE." But Saurabh is confident that prices will reduce drastically within a year, and is aiming to reduce production costs by two-thirds. "In the next 3-4 years, our goal is to match the affordability of traditional plastic pens." we will be able to make it at the same price as an affordable plastic pen." Initially targeting B2B sales, Saurabh believes the real impact will come when they reach consumers directly (B2C).

Being the first movers, there is no blueprint for Saurabh to follow. "Starting from scratch is a challenge but we are getting the opportunity to change the system. This positions us as leaders in innovation." Currently focused on establishing their systems, the 36-year-old is confident that within the next 5-10 years, they will surpass plastic pens. "Our material costs are low and abundant. While paper faces no scrutiny, plastic is constantly questioned."

Each year, over 50 billion pens are discarded, persisting indefinitely on the planet. This troubling fact drives Saurabh, as plastic pens are nearly impossible to recycle. "Recycling only occurs if it’s commercially viable. PET bottles have high grammage, you know where to give it and it's only one material. Pens, however, have a multi-material composition—body, cap, nib, refill—that's difficult to dismantle," explains Saurabh. His main concern is that "a pen is used for just 30-40 minutes but remains on the planet forever."

Saurabh Mehta | Global Indian

Ask him the reason behind big players' reluctance to venture into biodegradable pens, and he responds, "There was no demand, hence no pressure on the manufacturers. They focussed on design innovations and ignored the issue of nonrecyclable plastic in pens. Also, their infrastructure is built for plastic pens, and they don't want to make drastic changes." However, Saurabh was happy to take the lead. "We had the opportunity to rethink the design of sustainable ball pen, considering both functionality and eco-friendliness."

The future

Having taken the first step, Saurabh now aims to reduce production costs and establish a robust distribution channel over the next few years. "Each day we delay bringing eco-friendly pens to market, lakhs of plastic ones are produced. It's crucial to collaborate with major market players who have extensive distribution networks reaching small stationery shops across India," says Saurabh, who plans to make a million pens per month by January 2025.

Switching from plastic pens to biodegradable ones will save a significant amount of plastic from ending up in landfills and reduce CO2 emissions. "Eliminating plastic will prevent about 1.25 lakh tonnes from reaching landfills. Additionally, you’ll cut down on CO2 emissions associated with plastic production," Saurabh explains. "In our case, energy consumption and CO2 emissions are lower because, unlike plastic, paper doesn’t need to be melted."

Saurabh with his team

Though digitisation has severely impacted the metres of writing, Saurabh emphasises the importance of writing instruments, especially for schoolchildren. "It's ironic that while teaching kids about environmental protection, we're giving them writing tools made from cut trees or melted plastic," he notes. He aims to change this by ensuring students use biodegradable writing instruments from their first day in school. "Our goal should be to avoid introducing an entire generation to plastic pens or wooden pencils," he signs off.

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