Global Indianstory Global Indian ExclusiveGlobal Kitchen: International food influencers spicing up their pages with desi flavours

Global Kitchen: International food influencers spicing up their pages with desi flavours

Written by: Namrata Srivastava

(December 12, 2023) Whether it’s a simple dal-khichdi or an extravagant biryani, the harmonious fusion of Indian spices has always been a culinary marvel. For years, iconic Indian dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and garlic naan graced the global stage. However, in today’s age of social media and cooking shows, the representation of Indian flavours has expanded far beyond these classics. The diverse flavours of regional Indian cuisines have now captivated global audiences, thanks to the expertise of several culinary influencers on Instagram.

Influencers | Global Indian

The growing popularity of veganism has also played a significant role in elevating Indian cuisine’s global appeal. Many traditional Indian dishes are inherently vegan or can be easily adapted to meet vegan preferences. Global Indian explores the world of international Instagram food influencers who may not hail from India, but their profound love for Indian cuisine knows no bounds.

Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe)

One of the most unique Instagram food bloggers, Beryl Shereshewsky is a New York-based creator who wears multiple hats as a producer, writer, and videographer. Her content spans various series, one of which is ‘Dishes Around The World.’ In this series, she takes everyday ingredients like tea, coffee, and eggs, and recreates five recipes from different countries, all suggested by her followers.

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A post shared by Beryl Shereshewsky (@shereshe)

Beryl’s Instagram following is impressive, with over 174k followers. One of her recent and highly popular series was ‘Eating the Alphabet in India: A to Z,’ which she filmed in New Delhi, India. This series featured a wide range of traditional Indian dishes and snacks, including packaged foods, along with their historical backgrounds. Moreover, this influencer’s channel frequently showcases Indian recipes, such as paneer biryani and mutta chaya (egg tea), which are unique and specific to certain regions in India. Interestingly, she’s married to an Indian, which likely adds to her love for desi cuisine!

Jake Dryan (@plantfuture)

In today’s digital age, a rising number of young Indians are discovering their passion for cooking, thanks to Instagram sensation Jake Dryan – known to his followers as @plantfuture. One of the few food influencers, who is strictly vegan, Jake’s innovative plant-based approach to Indian cuisine has garnered significant attention, shining a spotlight on authentic recipes from local Indian kitchens.

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A post shared by JAKE DRYAN (@plantfuture)

Based in the UK, this food influencer boasts an impressive 1.4M followers on Instagram. His channel features a captivating series that delves into the diverse culinary traditions of India, highlighting recipes from each of the country’s states. Thus far, he has already shared delectable dishes from 11 different states. From the tangy khatti dal of Hyderabad to Odisha’s flavourful ghanta tarkari, his recipes have received not only international acclaim but also earned praise from the very regions in India where these dishes originate. Jake’s culinary journey serves as an inspiration for both Indian and global audiences, igniting a newfound love for Indian home cooking.

Maya Leinenbach (@fitgreenmind)

Hailing from Germany, Maya Leinenbach is a passionate vegan who demonstrates how simple it can be to enjoy plant-based meals from all around the globe. Her recipe collection spans various cuisines, including Southeast Asian, German, American, and even Indian. She skillfully uses ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, and vegan cream to bring out the delightful flavours of these cuisines.

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A post shared by Maya // vegan recipes (@fitgreenmind)

With an impressive Instagram following of 3.1 million, this youthful food blogger not only shares individual Indian recipes but also dedicates entire weeks to showcasing Indian cuisine. From the mouthwatering pav bhaji of Maharashtra to the delectable Amritsari kulcha from Punjab, her array of offerings is boundless and can instantly transport you to your favourite Indian state.

Cheyenne Singh (@cheysingh)

Cheyenne‘s last name, ‘Singh,’ is a nod to her Punjabi husband, and she’s making waves on Instagram with her hit series, ‘Lunch For My Husband.’ In this heartwarming series, she shows what tasty meals she prepares for her husband , all while bravely confronting racist and negative comments that sometimes pop up on her feed.

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A post shared by Cheyenne (@cheysingh)

When it comes to cooking, Cheyenne is all about sharing delightful recipes from both India and America. Whether it’s her Indian-inspired chicken curry or the tasty desi chinese hakka noodles, her flavours have won the hearts of her 167k-strong audience. Cheyenne’s culinary journey is a testament to love, delicious food, and standing up against negativity in the online world.

Jennifer Pallian (@foodess)

Jennifer Pallian, a food blogger and writer on Instagram, is all about sharing “tried-and-true comfort recipes.” Hailing from the USA, she brings the flavours of the world to her followers, whether it’s gochujang chicken or potato-seafood chowder.

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A post shared by Jennifer Pallian, BSc RD (@foodess)

With a robust following of 193k fans, her channel is a treasure trove of recipes that include chicken biryani, garlic naan, and samosas, all of which have become fan favourites. Her approach to Indian cuisine is easy to follow, making it a hit among both Indian and international audiences. Interestingly, she’s married to an Indian, which could be a big reason why her social media feed reflects her deep love for Indian cuisine. Jennifer’s food journey is a delightful mix of comfort and international flavours that brings smiles to food lovers worldwide.

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Published on 12, Dec 2023

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Shreya Ramachandran: Pioneering water conservation through greywater recycling

(October 31, 2024) In 2015, California faced one of its most severe droughts, and Shreya Ramachandran was only a middle school student when she first witnessed its devastating impact. A visit to Tulare County during an archery competition made her confront the harsh reality of water scarcity. Residents’ wells had run dry, forcing them to rely on water trucks for basic needs like drinking and bathing. “It was shocking to see this happening so close to home,” says Shreya, now a Stanford University senior studying Human Biology. But this wasn’t the first time she had encountered the devastating effects of water scarcity. Growing up, Shreya frequently visited her grandparents in India, where access to clean water was a daily struggle for many. The brown, muddy water that sometimes came out of the taps, or the long lines at water tankers, was the norm in her grandparents’ village. These experiences ignited a determination in Shreya to take action. She wanted to find solutions to the water crisis, not just in her community but globally. “Two-thirds of the world’s population live without access to clean drinking water for at least one month each year,” she explains, referencing a study by Mekonnen and

tudy by Mekonnen and Hoekstra. With climate change worsening the situation, Shreya knew she wanted to be part of the solution.

[caption id="attachment_40121" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shreya Ramachandran[/caption]

Shreya’s passion led her to explore water conservation, and soon she found her focus—greywater reuse. Greywater, the lightly used water from sinks, showers, and laundries, is a resource that many overlook. But Shreya saw its potential. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, a significant portion of household water—between 30 percent and 50 percent—is used for outdoor purposes, primarily watering lawns. Shreya realized that greywater could be reused for irrigation, reducing the burden on clean drinking water.

Driven by this idea, Shreya began experimenting. She discovered soap nuts, natural fruits used for centuries in countries like India for their soap-releasing properties. For five years, Shreya conducted extensive research on the environmental impact of soapnut greywater, testing its effects on soil, plants, and aquatic life. Her results showed that soapnut greywater was safe for irrigation, paving the way for its use as an eco-friendly solution to water wastage.

But Shreya didn’t stop there. In 2016, at the age of 13, she founded The Grey Water Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about greywater reuse and water conservation. “People didn’t know about greywater. Some viewed it as dirty or unsanitary,” she says, reflecting on the early challenges of spreading her message. However, Shreya was determined to change the narrative. Through her nonprofit, she began hosting workshops, giving presentations, and creating a STEM curriculum for schools to teach students about water recycling and conservation.

A Changemaker in the Bay Area

Shreya’s journey with The Grey Water Project quickly gained momentum. Today, her efforts have impacted over 100,000 people across the globe. She’s held workshops, developed educational programs for schools, and even advocated for greywater policy changes at the government level. “It’s incredible to see people implementing greywater systems in their homes after attending one of our workshops,” Shreya says proudly.

Her work also led her to serve as a youth representative on her city’s Environmental Sustainability Commission, where she’s helping shape the future of climate and water policies.

The Bay Area, home to one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the U.S., has long been a hub of innovation and social action. For Shreya, this environment has been key to her growth. “I’ve always felt a deep connection to my heritage and my community here,” she says. The Indian community in San Francisco has been integral to supporting her initiatives, offering her the space and encouragement to pursue her passion. Growing up between two worlds—California and India—gave Shreya a unique perspective on water issues, allowing her to draw parallels between the challenges faced by communities in both regions.

Shreya’s work also speaks to a larger trend within the Indian diaspora—one of giving back and creating impact, not just in their home countries but globally. “We’re all connected by thsese issues,” she says. “Water scarcity is a global crisis, and it’s something that unites people across borders.”

From Stanford to Global Solutions

Currently a senior at Stanford University, Shreya Ramachandran is focusing on the intersection of climate and health as part of her Human Biology degree. “It’s fascinating to see how closely the environment and human health are linked,” she shares. Her academic pursuits only fuel her passion for finding real-world solutions to global challenges. At Stanford, Shreya is part of Stanford Climate Ventures and leads Students for Sustainable Stanford’s Climate Action Group, continuing her advocacy for water conservation and climate policy.

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A post shared by Shreya Ramachandran (@shreyaramachandran)

But perhaps what sets Shreya apart is her ability to turn classroom knowledge into actionable change. “What I’m learning at Stanford is helping me become a more effective leader,” she says, pointing to the skills she’s gained in environmental policy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Her work with The Grey Water Project allows her to bridge theory with practice, demonstrating the power of youth activism in addressing critical issues like water scarcity.

A Call to Action

Shreya Ramachandran’s journey is a powerful reminder that individual actions can spark global change. Through The Grey Water Project, she has not only raised awareness about water scarcity but has provided practical solutions that anyone can implement. As she continues to advocate for water conservation, Shreya emphasizes the role that each person plays in solving this crisis. “Conserving water starts with us,” she says.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivaanDeUHM

Her message is clear: while governments and industries must play their part, individuals have the power to create change in their own homes and communities. As climate change continues to exacerbate water shortages around the world, Shreya’s work with greywater recycling offers a glimpse of hope for a more sustainable future.

As Shreya looks ahead, she remains optimistic. “We have the solutions,” she says. “It’s just about making them accessible to everyone.” And with young changemakers like Shreya leading the way, the path to water sustainability seems more achievable than ever.

Follow Shreya Ramachandran on LinkedIn
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This 15 year old mountaineer is the youngest to summit Europe’s highest peak in 24 hours

(August 9, 2024) Padakanti Vishwanath Karthikey used to be a lazy kid, for whom being healthy was not a priority. But that was until the day he, as an 11 year old, accompanied his sister Vaishnavi on a trek to Mt Rudugaira in Uttarakhand. He trekked till the first camp but had to return due to Acute Mountain Sickness (ACD). Nonetheless, this experience turned his life around and sparked an interest in mountaineering. The 15 year old mountaineer has since gone on to hold three world records, and is the youngest person to summit Europe's highest peak Mt Elbrus in 24 hours, a feat he accomplished on India’s 75th Independence Day. “My mountaineering journey started because of my sister and I motivate myself to be better everyday. I want to be an inspiration for many people and also seek inspiration from them to do new things,” smiles mountaineer Vishwanath Karthikey, in a chat with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_38746" align="aligncenter" width="267"] Mountaineer Vishwanath Karthikey[/caption] Taking on the icy Mt Denali In his most recent expedition, the teen mountaineer embarked on an arduous journey up Mt. Denali, the highest peak in North America, which stands at over 20,000 feet above sea level. He reached the

lobal Indian" width="267" height="475" /> Mountaineer Vishwanath Karthikey[/caption]

Taking on the icy Mt Denali

In his most recent expedition, the teen mountaineer embarked on an arduous journey up Mt. Denali, the highest peak in North America, which stands at over 20,000 feet above sea level. He reached the summit, conquering both physical and personal obstacles along the way.

Karthikey started the Mt Denali expedition on June 10 and reached Anchorage the following day, where he spent the night and shopped for essentials. “We took the West Buttress route to the mountain,” says the teenager, who reached the base camp by June 15.

From there, he climbed for 4-6 hours straight and reached camp 1 where he and few other mountaineers pitched their tents, cooked food and melted ice for water. “We stashed our non essential items into the snow and marked the spot so that we wouldn't lose it. Our climb started again the next morning, and went on for around eight hours.”

Karthikey says it was a tiring journey as he had to pull his sledges too. “No pain, no gain, so we went on and reached the camp site,” says the three-time world record holder, who reached the summit by June 24.

Two days before reaching the summit, he was extremely dehydrated as he was not able to consume the water, which felt too hot while drinking, and also tasted foul to him. “Despite this and the low temperatures, I made it to the summit,” says Karthikey, who underwent strength, agility, stability, endurance and cardio training for this climb.

Mt Elbrus

The journey began with two months of rigorous training, as Karthikey prepared to climb Mt Elbrus in 2022. In his first attempt, he returned from the lower camps of the mountain. “I was successful in summiting Mt Elbrus on my second attempt. It was a very special expedition for me as I summited it on India’s 75th Independence Day,” smiles the teenager who became the youngest in the world to accomplish it in less than 24 hours.

He describes the Mt Elbrus climb as a wonderful experience. “I got to meet many new people, my cousin was accompanying me and there were two more people of my age group,” he says.

However, it wasn’t always smooth. The mountaineers faced terrible weather conditions on this climb. “The wind speed was 40-50 km/hr with a -30 temperature. We weathered these conditions and reached the summit,” Karthikey recalls.

Within 15 days of this climb, Karthikey went on to climb two 6000 meter peaks, Mt Kang Yatse 2 and Mt Dzo Jongo. “It was exhausting but I managed and became the youngest person to do it within 72 hours,” says the class 11 student of Resonance Suchitra campus, beaming with pride.

The following year, he climbed Mt Kang Yatse 1 and once again became the youngest person to do so. He is also the youngest person from Asia to climb Island Peak in Nepal.

Hyderabad's teen mountaineer

Born October 2008 in Hyderabad, Karthikey studied in DRS kids till LKG and shifted to St Peters high school, Bowenpally from where he completed his class 10. “I was a below average student before starting mountaineering but after starting it, my scores increased immensely,” says Karthikey, who is the son of P Rajendra Prasad and P Laxmi.

He enjoys various sports and came in second at the state-level weightlifting competition and third in powerlifting.

Mountaineering

Karthikey’s mountaineering journey began at the age of 11. “My sister was googling something when she found out about mountaineering and shared it with my mother, who arranged a trek for my sister as she knew some mountaineers. I wanted to be part of it and convinced my parents to send me with her,” recalls Karthikey, who has also climbed the Friendship peak in Himachal Pradesh, Dzo Jongo peak in Ladakh, Nangkartshang peak, Kilimanjaro in Africa, Tereskol in Russia among others.

After his first climb to Mt Rudugaira in Uttarakhand, Karthikey went to NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) for a 10-day adventure course, which only propelled his internet in mountaineering. It is there that he first experienced jumaring, rock climbing and rappelling.

Daily routine

Fifteen-year-old Karthikey is up by 4:30 am everyday and heads straight to the gym. “I directly go to college from the gym as my college timings are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. I study for about two hours in the evening and go to bed by 10 pm,” says the mountaineer. When he’s preparing for an expedition, he alternates between a 5km and a 10km run each day over the final month before his departure.

His plans are ambitious. “My next mountaineering expeditions include Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest peak, and Aconcagua, South America’s highest and then Mt Everest,” says Karthikey, whose ultimate goal is to join the armed forces.

The young mountaineer likes to do wave boarding, skating and playing games with his friends. “I don’t watch TV on a daily basis. I like to listen to Arijit Singh songs and 2000-2010s hits,” informs Karthikey, who also enjoys public speaking to motivate people.

With a relentless spirit and a commitment to pushing boundaries, Karthikey continues to pursue his dreams of scaling some of the world's highest summits, inspiring others with his courage and perseverance along the way.

Diana awardee Netra Venkatesh is making knowledge accessible through SpunkGo

(May 17, 2023) A report by multinational marketing research company Frost & Sullivan indicates that the number of webinars grew by more than 153 percent in 2020. In the summer of the same year when the pandemic was at its peak, Indian-origin Dubai-based teen, Netra Venkatesh realised the potential of the webinars and how they connect the world. She was a student in grade IX then and wanted to harness the concept to connect people from far and wide. Soon she launched her social startup SpunkGo, an all-girls global organisation to make knowledge accessible in far-flung areas and managed to reach out to girls in 20 countries.  “I was supposed to attend a short-term course offered by a university when the pandemic reached its height. Due to this, the classes were shifted to the online mode.” Sceptical of how effective that mode of learning would be, Netra saw the course getting divided into a series of webinars and discovered that it was fun and engaging. “The whole concept was very fascinating to me,” she tells Global Indian. The student of grade XII, Dubai International Academy is happy about the fact that platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have made connecting

eight. Due to this, the classes were shifted to the online mode.” Sceptical of how effective that mode of learning would be, Netra saw the course getting divided into a series of webinars and discovered that it was fun and engaging. “The whole concept was very fascinating to me,” she tells Global Indian.

The student of grade XII, Dubai International Academy is happy about the fact that platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have made connecting with people so much easier. The teen with an entrepreneurial bent of mind leveraged this potential of technology to make a difference.

[caption id="attachment_30071" align="aligncenter" width="491"] Netra Venkatesh[/caption]

Her efforts have bestowed her with prestigious recognitions. George W Bush’s Points of Light Foundation added her to its Inspiration Honour Roll. She also went on to win the prestigious Diana Award in 2022 which is conferred to youngsters for their extraordinary contribution to society. Recently she received a gift from the CEO of Canon Inc, the Japanese multinational corporation. She was handed over the gift at Canon’s regional office in Dubai. “The gift is a part of the Global Good Award which is given to two young people every year for making social impact. There were several entries from across the globe, five people were shortlisted in my category and I was fortunate to win,” Netra tells.

Making knowledge accessible 

Just a few months before she founded SpunkGo, Netra had forayed into entrepreneurship with her startup RentEasy – a disruptive platform in the real estate tech space. She was intrigued by the high amount that sellers, purchasers, renters, and those willing to rent out had to shell out as a brokerage fee. Her father, whose ‘love to explore properties,’ had him talking about the exorbitant brokerage amounts, made Netra to come up with a solution in the form of her RentEasy app.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6SBprTkRfY

Already in the mode of a solution provider, she quickly donned the social entrepreneur’s hat driven by her webinar experiences and established SpunkGo. “I realised it is an excellent way to make education available to girls living in remote places.” SpunkGo broadens horizons in the areas of life skills – communication skills and mental health with webinars by experts in the field.  

Since everyone was embracing the new normal and the use of technology to reach out during the pandemic, Netra could find expert speakers without much fuss. She has since brought a diverse set of speakers to the SpunkGo webinars, ranging from a lawyer working at Microsoft to a young woman from a refugee settlement in Malawi. 

Using social media for good  

Netra is impressed by the wide reach of Facebook. “It’s a great medium for targeting specific regions and age ranges.” She used the social media’s advertising feature to reach her target audience – 16 to 24-year-old-females staying in remote locations. In quick succession she was able to form 20 chapters of SpunkGo in countries like ‘Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Singapore, India, UAE, Malawi, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Ethiopia & Eritrea, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the United States’.

[caption id="attachment_30072" align="aligncenter" width="688"] SpunkGo ambassadors from different parts of the world[/caption]

 Using social media for a cause, SpunkGo connects girls in each country through dedicated groups so that apart from attending webinars, they can look at people around them, get inspired and grow personally and professionally.  

Making a difference 

The non-profit initiative, born out of the pandemic, has been offering free webinars to women in rural settings for the last three years with help of 30 young women who are addressed as SpunkGo ambassadors. They take care of the day-to-day functioning of the organisation voluntarily, while Netra handles strategy, social media marketing, communication with partners, and coordination with all of them.  

The organisation has partnered with Canada based Simbi Foundation. Under this partnership, members of SpunkGo global voluntary programme conduct book narration sessions for displaced children staying in Bidibidi and Palorinya refugee settlements in Uganda so that they can learn by listening. Netra’s organisation also supports the less fortunate in partnership with Shower’s Education Centre & Orphanage, Dandora Slum, Kenya, The Al Noor Centre, UAE, and Hope Foundation, Chennai. 

[caption id="attachment_30074" align="aligncenter" width="868"] Children at Simbi Foundation, one of the philanthropy partners of SpunGo[/caption]

To raise funds for these initiatives SpunkGo helps startups, SMEs, and individuals in website designing and social media marketing, the proceeds of which are utilised for the cause.  

Future ahead  

The Dubai-born teen who loves playing the piano, has plans to scale up her initiative in time. Her eyes are also set on a career in the corporate world in the domain of marketing, business, and economics. “Even when the world has got back to its pre-pandemic way of functioning, the webinars are going to be staple as people have gotten habituated to impart and access knowledge through this medium. It is not going to die down,” Netra signs off.  She seems to be right. “By 2025, the number of webinars will be 10x over the pre-pandemic level,” states the Frost & Sullivan report.

Follow Netra Venkatesh on LinkedIn
Follow SpunkGo on Instagram, Facebook and its website

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From Kitchen to Amazon: The journey of Parth Mutha’s PROMUNCH protein snacks

(February 20, 2024) To support vegetarians and young athletes in meeting their daily protein needs, Parth Mutha, a global management student at Boston University, launched his snack company PROMUNCH. The soybean-based snacks, available in flavours such as noodle masala, cheese and onion, tangy pudina and peri peri, are crunchy, protein-packed balls inspired by his grandparents' recipe. "With 48% protein content, vegan and gluten-free, these roasted snacks are also non-GMO (products grown and processed without genetic modification)," claims Parth Mutha. Emphasising the importance of non-GMO ingredients, he explained in an interview, "Given the prevalence of genetically modified crops today, avoiding GMOs is crucial to prevent health issues like cancer and other diseases." Witnessing the journey of the snack product, made with a recipe sourced from his family kitchen to Amazon storefronts in both India and the USA fills Parth with a sense of pride. He intends to introduce seven additional flavours to the PROMUNCH lineup. Mutha received a significant boost when PROMUNCH was recently selected as ‘Amazon’s Choice’ on Amazon India, acknowledging the healthy snack for its high ratings, competitive pricing, and immediate availability for shipping. [caption id="attachment_35966" align="aligncenter" width="494"] Parth Mutha[/caption] "It's surreal to see my products available on Amazon,

oduce seven additional flavours to the PROMUNCH lineup. Mutha received a significant boost when PROMUNCH was recently selected as ‘Amazon’s Choice’ on Amazon India, acknowledging the healthy snack for its high ratings, competitive pricing, and immediate availability for shipping.

[caption id="attachment_35966" align="aligncenter" width="494"] Parth Mutha[/caption]

"It's surreal to see my products available on Amazon, knowing that this journey began in my kitchen," shared the startup founder and Chief Happiness Officer of PROMUNCH with BU Today, a publication of Boston University.

It started when…

As a vegetarian and a tennis player, Parth Mutha recalls the challenge of finding nutritious, protein-packed snacks particularly after workouts. He often resorted to unhealthy options like potato chips and puffs. Despite their taste, they failed to leave him feeling satisfied.

During the COVID quarantine of 2021, Parth found himself with ample free time, which he utilised to experiment with various recipes in pursuit of a delicious and filling snack. When he shared his plans with his family, they enthusiastically joined him, acting as taste-testers and assisting with production.

After initially selling his product in person towards the end of 2021, Parth’s venture slowly started gaining momentum. “When I started PROMUNCH Protein Snacks, I always dreamt of selling it in the USA, this dream has now been fulfilled,” he remarked.

Expansion with BUild Lab at Boston University

Parth attributes much of PROMUNCH’s growth to the BUild Lab IDG Capital Student Innovation Center, a collaborative space dedicated to assisting Boston University students in developing their business concepts. Inspired by Jen Migliore, the director of external affairs at Innovate@BU, Mutha decided to expand his snack start-up after attending the IDEA Conference at the Questrom School of Business last February.

Whether by fate or mere coincidence, Parth applied to BUild Lab’s Innovation Pathway programme on the final day of application submissions. Since then, the young entrepreneur has diligently worked through the ‘run stage’, which involves verifying that PROMUNCH can be scaled up effectively.

PROMUNCH's customer base has steadily grown with word-of-mouth referrals, participation in small business events, consistent social media marketing efforts, and increased sales through the website.

https://youtu.be/0soGAqP5T3k

Scaling up

Starting with just himself, the PROMUNCH team now comprises five members. The snack start-up has additionally engaged influencers and campus ambassadors, who receive a stipend along with complimentary PROMUNCH snack packs based on their marketing performance.

Parth Mutha has been trying his best to balance his studies and business venture. His workday usually commences at noon in Boston, stretching until early morning depending on the requirements. This schedule allows him to effectively manage and collaborate with his team located in a different time zone in India.

Despite the support from family and friends, Parth acknowledges that the challenges of entrepreneurship can be draining. "Some days, you question whether it's truly worth it," he reflects. "There are countless reasons that can make you doubt the value of your efforts." However, the entrepreneur keeps himself motivated.

[caption id="attachment_35976" align="aligncenter" width="392"] Parth Mutha[/caption]

Future plans

Parth Mutha hopes to expand further into the US market, and then to Amazon United Arab Emirates and Australia over the next three years.

Since many people in India are vegetarians, he aims to address the protein deficiency gap for people in all parts of his country.

“With countless sleepless nights, multiple sampling sessions, various feedbacks, a lot of dreaming, planning and finally executing,” entrepreneurship has been an adventurous journey for the young start-up founder.

Follow Parth Mutha at LinkedIn
Follow PROMUNCH at Instagram and its website

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Leading the way: Young entrepreneur Akshat Mittal aspires to initiate a social change in India

(October 2, 2022) CM Arvind Kejriwal's decision to implement the odd-even car rule in the national capital was appreciated not just across the country, but by many foreign leaders as well. However, the scheme that was aimed at curbing the growing rate of pollution and traffic in Delhi, did cause the city dwellers some discomfort. Akshat Mittal's father was one of the people whose schedule was disturbed, as every other day he had to search for a friend who owned a vehicle with an odd registration number. To help his father, and millions of other Delhiites, the then 13-year-old entrepreneur came up with a web platform Odd-even.com - which helped people in New Delhi share rides in 2015. The platform helped over 60,000 people and was later sold to a carpooling company Orahi for an undisclosed amount. “When the Chief Minister declared that odd and even numbered cars will ply on alternate days, I thought about the problem people would face due to enforcement of the new rule. The idea was that many people living in the same locality might want to go to the same place, but might not be aware of each other. My website aims to bridge

o to the same place, but might not be aware of each other. My website aims to bridge the communication gap. Besides, the platform will also help make new contacts," the young entrepreneur told YourStory during an interaction.

[caption id="attachment_22516" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Akshat Mittal, entrepreneur[/caption]

However, his story doesn't end here. When the pandemic forced blue-collar workers to migrate back to their native places, Akshat found another online platform, Bharat Shramik, to help the daily wage labourers look for a sustainable livelihood closer to their homes. Decorated with many awards, including the Student Entrepreneur of the Year 2020, this future leader is currently studying business economics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Like father, like son

When he was just a toddler Akshat would sometimes just sit on his father's lap and watch him develop websites for his work. As he grew up, he too started learning about computer coding programmes from his father. A brilliant child, it didn't take long for the young entrepreneur to create a website all by himself. "I did the HTML, CSS, and JAVA coding, and my father helped me with PHP coding," explained the Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_22517" align="aligncenter" width="639"] Akshat and his father at the UN Women conference[/caption]

For Odd-even.com, Akshat focussed on connecting people travelling on a similar route to reach their workplace. In fact, his website was so sophisticated that it ran on algorithms based on the age, gender, profession, and timings of commuters' travel. "All you need to do is log in and put your details, including name, registration number of the car, destination, and preferences," shared Akshat. To ensure the riders' safety, the platform also asked the user to log in through their social media platform and upload a government-issued photo identification proof.

Making an impact

When COVID stuck, Akshat was studying in standard XI. One day, while watching the news with his family, the young entrepreneur got to know about migrant workers moving back to their homes in huge numbers. While it seemed like a situation that would solve itself in a couple of days, the news about labours dying of heatstroke, accident, or even starvation moved the young boy. "I was touched by the news of migrant workers starving and dying due to hunger. While there are jobs and unemployed workers, there is no mechanism to tie them together," Akshat shared with Economic Times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mONpL9lJ24s

After a few weeks of working day and night, Akshat developed a website - Bharat Shramik - that could help with the situation. The platform uses matchmaking technology to help unemployed workers search for a job closer to their homes. The workers can register themselves on the website by calling a multi-lingual helpline number +91 8822 022 022, which is powered by Knowlarity. The platform also helps employers, who had to close operations during the pandemic, to hire a workforce from the website. The database will also be shared with the local governments to help them improve their unemployment programmes.

The young entrepreneur, who aspires to be an investment banker someday, is focussed on helping those in need. "I aspire to initiate a bigger social change in India. I noticed how there was no single repository where citizens can list all the issues that they face daily. I wish to create such a database one day," the changemaker said during a media interaction.

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