Venkatesh Mahadevan

“ZENPod”, Season 5, episode 10 featuring Ms. Savitha Rao Founder of “India Positive Citizen” & “Tulsi Shakti” initiative, An Activist and Fashion Entrepreneur, a Sustainability Champion, Fashion Designer, an Artist & an Explorer of Environment space. “Spirituality is an Awareness that there is something greater than oneself. Something more to being human than just a sensory experince. A lifetime is sometimes not enough to experience it.”, says Savitha Rao in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan Savitha Rao is focused on sustainability and social work. She is the Founder of the India Positive Citizen initiative. The vision is to inspire every Indian to contribute towards nation building with one action, once a week, every week. Building a great nation one India Positive action at a time. https://www.indiapositivecitizen.com https://tulsishakti.com An Activist entrepreneur Once she immersed herself in the environment space, Savitha felt alarmed by the inaction she saw around her. To that end, she conceptualised and ran a campaign titled, ‘India Kuch Kar.' (India Do Something). The goal was to inspire the public to become active citizens, and the theme was public cleanliness. It was appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom she got to meet thanks to the resounding success of the campaign. She is the author of : - India Positive Citizen - 500+ Ways to be an India Positive Citizen - Putting India First : India Positive Citizen Perspectives Currently she is writing a book ‘Made in India Movement'. The research for the book will result in regulatory changes that will power Indian Industry across sectors. Through her non-profit foundation: Positive Citizen Foundation she leads on-ground initiatives to enable a kinder, joyous and more sustainable world. She is the Founder of Tulsi Shakti : a first of it's kind initiative to inspire and empower people to enhance their well being in a safe, accessible, affordable and planet friendly way. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with the purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

From A FASHION Entrepreneur to a SUSTAINABILITY Champion Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Savitha Rao, Founder of “India Positive Citizen” & “Tulsi Shakti” initiative, An Activist and Fashion Entrepreneur, a Sustainability Champion, Fashion Designer, an Artist & explorer of Environment space. https://www.indiapositivecitizen.com https://tulsishakti.com “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with the purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit. #sustainableliving #ecofriendly #sustainability #sustainablefashion #sustainableliving #zerowaste #vegan #handmade#indianfashion #indian #instagram #instagood #fashiondesigner #indialiving #UnitedNations #UNSDG #tulsi #fashionforgood #NarendraModi #NamoNamo #indians

First Singaporean Artist to send her art to the Moon “ZENPod”, Season 5, episode 9 featuring Ms. Lakshmi Mohanbabu, an Architect, Fashion Designer, an Artist & a NFT Creator. Two of her sculptures are on the International Space Station, orbiting Earth and will reach the Moon by 2025 as part of the Moon Gallery, the first extra-terrestrial art gallery. She started her career as an Architect, illustrated books on disability for the Voluntary Health Association of India and the WHO, became a Fashion designer, Educator / Mentor at NIFT, Delhi and Lasalle College of the Arts. https://www.lakshmimohanbabu.com/ Lakshmi is a Singaporean Artist of Indian origin, an Architect and Fashion designer by training, who spent her formative years in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan. Two of her sculptures are on the International Space Station, orbiting Earth and will reach the Moon by 2025 as part of the Moon Gallery, the first extra-terrestrial art gallery. Her art has been featured as a mosaic animation on the largest HD screen in the world at Singapore's Suntec Convention Centre, displayed in prominent galleries, and is collected worldwide. The 5 Interactions designs now in space are being launched in the metaverse as a series of NFT art available at https://www.liqnft.com/gallery/collection/MOON “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with the purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit. She started her career as an Architect, illustrated books on disability for the Voluntary Health Association of India and the WHO, became a Fashion designer, Educator/Mentor at NIFT, Delhi and Lasalle College of the Arts. An artist of many mediums, her art spans all facets of design, is multisensory and multidisciplinary, an intersection of Art and Technology.

Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Lakshmi Mohanbabu, an Architect, Fashion Designer, an Artist & a NFT Creator. First Singaporean Artist to send her art to the Moon Two of her sculptures are on the International Space Station, orbiting Earth and will reach the Moon by 2025 as part of the Moon Gallery, the first extra-terrestrial art gallery. She started her career as an Architect, illustrated books on disability for the Voluntary Health Association of India and the WHO, became a Fashion designer, Educator / Mentor at NIFT, Delhi and Lasalle College of the Arts. https://www.lakshmimohanbabu.com/ “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with the purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

A TECHIE who also makes MUSIC! Season-5, episode 8 of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri HK Venkatram – “HKV”, a Violin Vidwan, a “Ganakala Shree”, “Gaanavaradhi”, “Satyashree” and recipient of “Parur Sundaram Iyer Award for Senior Violinist“. HKV is also an ‘Asthana Vidwan' of Sri Kanchi Kamokoti Peetam, Kanchipuram. A Techie, Social Evangelist, HKV has also published a book ‘TyagarajaVachanamrita‘ with text, transliteration, and translation of popular Saint Tyagaraja's compositions. He works as a Senior Director at Intel for the R&D group. “Spirituality is about deeper involvement in whatever we do, Carnatic music gives us enough room for this. The framework of creative music within Carnatic music itself gives us the space to get very deeply involved and for me, this is spiritual” says Shri HKV, in his conversation with Venki Mahadevan. https://www.hkvenkatram.com/ • HK Venkatram (HKV) is one of the most accomplished and sought-after violinists in the Carnatic Music field. Born into a musical family, Venkatram received his musical training from his illustrious father and Guru Sangita Kalaratna Professor H.V. Krishnamurthy. Venkatram started learning violin at the age of eight and gave his first public performance in Bangalore along with his brother HK Raghavendra at the age of 11. • HKV is an ‘A' Grade artist on All India Radio. He has traveled extensively and has given solo and accompaniment performances at prestigious sabhas (including Music Academy, Krishna Ganasabha, Bangalore Gayana Samaja, and others) in the country and abroad for close to four decades and has received raving reviews. He has given several performances abroad (USA, Canada, HK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and United Kingdom). • He has accompanied many top-ranking musicians, including Sriyuths Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, DK Pattammal, Dr. ML Vasanthakumari, KV Narayanaswamy Dr. M Balamuralikrishna, Dr. RK Srikanthan, Nendanuri Krishnamurthy, Dr. N Ramani, TN Seshagopalan, TV Sankaranarayanan, Chitravina Ravikiran, Mandolin U. Srinivas, TM Krishna, Sanjay Subrahmanyam , and others. • HKV is also the Principal of Vijaya College of Music a premier music institution established by his father in 1953 and has been training several disciples. The music college has worked on the ‘Social Responsibility initiative (Prathyarpana Foundation) and has been actively supporting various NGOs and needy individuals and organizations. • In 1999, HKV released a multimedia CD on Tyagaraja's Ghana Raga Pancharatnam during the Tyagaraja Festival held in Cleveland, USA. The CD was released in Bangalore too. The CD featured a multimedia presentation on Life and Times of Saint Tyagaraja as well as audio tracks of Panchratnam songs with music notation and translation. • HKV has effectively utilized the modern form of communication to take Carnatic Music to the masses. He has presented comprehensive multimedia presentations on the Life and Works of Muthuswamy Dikshithar and also documentaries on several doyens of Carnatic music like Sri Semmangudi Sreenivasa Iyer, Veena Sheshanna..etc • HKV has also started the ‘Shabda' initiative together with TM Krishna and RK Shriramkumar, Shabda (www.shabda.co.in) is a project aimed at creating an online archive of the various aspects pertaining to the Indian Performing Arts. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with the purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

A Techie who also makes Music! Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri HK Venkatram – “HKV”, a Violin Vidwan, a “Ganakala Shree”, “Gaanavaradhi”, “Satyashree” and recipient of “Parur Sundaram Iyer Award for Senior Violinist“. HKV is also an ‘Asthana Vidwan' of Sri Kanchi Kamokoti Peetam, Kanchipuram. A Techie, Social Evangelist, HKV has also published a book, ‘TyagarajaVachanamrita‘ with text, transliteration, and translation of popular Tyagaraja's compositions. https://www.hkvenkatram.com/ “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with the purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Social Entrepreneur from Nepal turns "TRASH" into "CASH" Season 5, episode 7 of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Aayushi KC, A Social Entrepreneur and Founder, CEO of Khaalisisi , ♻️ A socially inclusive waste management platform dedicated to transform Nepal's waste dumping sector to Waste Management sector. Aayushi is a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree in Asia, & Asia 21 Young Leader in 2019. Khaalisisi has been recognized by Google as Google Business story in 2017. “Spirituality is about being grateful and not taking things for granted. I try to replicate that in everything that I do. Working Hard and not taking things for granted” says Aayushi in her conversation with Venki Mahadevan. https://www.khaalisisi.com/ Aayushi KC is the Founder, CEO of Khaalisisi Management Pvt. Ltd., a waste management platform that currently connects waste workers, in an industry with more than 13,000 waste workers, to waste sellers. Aayushi's goal is not just to create a company, but a waste management industry in Nepal. Khalisisi is a social enterprise disrupting the recycling industry in Nepal through connecting waste entrepreneurs with the public on an innovative digital platform. Khaalisisi works to digitally empower the informal waste workers/stakeholders to increase the diversion of recyclable materials away from landfills. Aayushi works to raise public awareness of recycling in Nepal and ultimately hopes to create a waste management industry in the country. The 200 plus waste entrepreneurs involved with khaalisisi have been able to earn 35% more income and also found a respectful space for themselves in this industry. Aayushi KC is looking to change the world by working towards a zero-waste goal in Nepal. The former USAID worker-turned-social entrepreneur founded Khaalisisi Management Pvt. Ltd. (Khaalisisi.com), which currently connects more than 13,000 recyclable waste-buyers to waste-sellers, helping to substantially increase the diversion of recyclable materials away from landfills. She is also active in trying to change public opinion when it comes to the importance of recycling and the waste-collectors who facilitate it. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Aayushi KC, "Nepali entrepreneur turns trash into cash".... A Social Entreprneur and Founder, CEO of Khaalisisi , ♻️ A socially inclusive waste management platform dedicated to transform Nepal's waste dumping sector to Waste Management sector. Aayushi is a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree in Asia, & Asia 21 Young Leader in 2019. Khaalisisi has been recognized by Google as Google Business story in 2017. https://www.khaalisisi.com/ “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-5, episode 6 of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Ranjani ~ Gayatri, Ranjani & Gayatri, the sister duo are world-renowned versatile musicians whose musical contributions include studio recordings, television performances, radio programs, concerts, festivals and lecture demonstrations. Ranjani & Gayatri gave their debut performance at the prestigious Indian Music Group, Mumbai at the age of 13 and 10 respectively. You can reach out to Ranjani-Gayatri on https://www.ranjanigayatri.com “In Carnatic music, Spirituality is the backdrop of all compositions, lyric wise. Every profound/elevating experience that we have had, has been where we have been singing, so music for us has been the bridge where we have experienced Transcendental or profound moments”, say Ranjani-Gayatri in their conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Ranjani and Gayatri owe their rich musical heritage to their Gurus, Sri T.S. Krishnaswami who taught them violin and Sri.P.S. Narayanaswamy, who guides them now. They had their initial vocal training from their mother Smt Meenakshi Balasubramanian and their father Balasubramanian, played a pivotal role in shaping their musical values. Even as toddlers, showed an uncanny capacity to grasp the subtle nuances of Carnatic music - Gayatri could identify over a hundred ragas when she was barely two and a half and Ranjani could delineate complex rhythm patterns at age five. The sister duo have given many thematic concerts and have an extensive repertoire consisting of gems of the Trinity, old and contemporary Tamil compositions and other languages including Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Marathi. They have performed in prestigious venues/festivals like The Kennedy Centre in Washington DC, Southbank Centre in London, Ravenna music festival in Italy, Cross Culture Festival in Warsaw, Poland, Bengal Music Festival in Dhaka, Esplanade Theatre in Singapore and the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai to name a few. Ranjani-Gayatri have won numerous awards and titles in recognition of their contribution. To mention a few – • Kalaimami from the Government of Tamilnadu, • Gana Padmam from Brahma Gana Sabha. • Rama Gana Kala Acharya • Lifetime Achievement Award from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, • Sanskriti Award from Sanskriti Pratishtan, New Delhi, • Titles of "Vani Kala Sudhakara" from Sri Tyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, • "Sangeetha Kala Siromani" from Chennai Cultural Academy, • "Isai Jyothi" and the DK Pattammal Award from Aanmajothi, the cultural wing of Saraswati Vidyalaya • "Sangeeta Vedantha Dhureena" from Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira Bengaluru in 2018 • "Nada Kalanidhi" from Shanmukhananda Sangeeta Sabha, Delhi in 2019. • "Isai Peroli" from the Kartik Fine Arts Chennai, • National Eminence Award from Shanmukhananda Fine Arts, Mumbai • Kalki Krishnamurthy Memorial Award “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Ranjani - Gayatri, Ranjani & Gayatri, the sister duo are world-renowned versatile musicians whose musical contributions include studio recordings, television performances, radio programs, concerts, festivals and lecture demonstrations. Ranjani & Gayatri gave their debut performance at the prestigious Indian Music Group, Mumbai at the age of 13 and 10 respectively. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod”, Season-5, episode 5, featuring Ms. Julie Lewis, Julie Miles Lewis is a British motivational speaker, author, personal leadership specialist and founder of Mountain High. An Author of the C-Suite Best Seller book “Moving Mountains – Discover the Mountain in You” Julie has been bestowed with MEA and the MENA UAE Business Awards. She is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a Million Dollar Round Table Selected Conference Speaker. She is the Brand Ambassador for Land Rover Middle East. You can reach out to Julie on https://julie-lewis.com “Spirituality is a critical dimension of our life. For me, it's relationship with yourself; with others; with Nature. It's about our core values; about our purpose; our passion. It is a sense of feeling that there is a higher force in you!” says Ms. Julie Lewis, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Julie is a Professional speaker, an Adventurer, Entrepreneur, Resilience consultant and an Author, who challenges and changes the way people THINK, ACT and DREAM. She offers customized corporate mastermind retreats, and adventures in Resilience through Signature Expeditions, PolarExpeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica. She has three decades of experience in leading multi-national teams in challenging and unpredictable environments giving her a leading edge when it comes to ADAPTIVE RESILIENCE. Over the last 17 years, she has led multi-national teams of womenand men on 61 Expeditions to over 20 countries including Nepal,Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, Africa, South America, Iran, Morocco, Jordan, Lebanon, India, Borneo, Malaysia, Svalbard, Russia, Norway, Oman, South Africa, Vietnam and Antarctica. Julie holds a degree in Sports Science from the UK and is a Member of the International Positive Psychology Association. She holds prestigious certifications in Psychology, Resilience and Wellbeing from reputed universities such as Penn, Univ of NC, Yale etc. She has also completed Level 1 and 2 of the ZEN Leadership Training. In addition, she is also a certified Advanced Stress Management Instructor. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Julie Lewis, Julie Miles Lewis is a British motivational speaker, author, personal leadership specialist and founder of Mountain High. An Author of the C-Suite Best Seller book “Moving Mountains – Discover the Mountain in You” Julie is a Professional speaker, an Adventurer, Entrepreneur, Resilience consultant and an Author, who challenges and changes the way people THINK, ACT and DREAM. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod”, Season 5, episode 4, featuring Shri Amarjeet Singh, also known as the “Sporty Sikh”, the only 60 year old blind person in the world to run 101 half marathons. Amarjeet has till date done over 200 plus runs and that is the official tally. Sighted till age 13, he started losing vision gradually and attained the condition of Total Blindness at the age of 40. A Mountaineer, Swimmer and Runner, he started participating in sports & adventure activities at the age of 48. Amarjeet has successfully completed(four times) a Walkathon of 300Kms long, from Mumbai - Shirdi walk for the blind. “If you are there in this world, it is due to the grace of God. Have faith in God, Do good deeds with good thoughts; this is spirituality says Shri. Amarjeet Sporty Sikh Singh, in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Amarjeet has successfully completed a Walkathon of 300Kms long, from Mumbai - Shirdi walk for the blind four times He has been featured prominently in several inspiring international videos and international books. In addition to Running, Amarjeet is also a mountaineer and Swimmer. He has successfully done treks in parts of Himalayas, more than half of the Sahyadri ranges, Himachal, Rajasthan and Goa and topping it all off with a successful Kailash Parikrama Yatra. Some of Amarjeet's stupendous achievements :- The only blind person to :- • To complete 160-km run/walk from Mumbai-Pune. • Paramotor at the altitude of 1,000 feet above sea level (for about 10kms.) • Scale 19,830ft. high Dolma Pass in Kailash Parikrama, Tibet (China) • Completed 1,100ft. rappelling from Takmak Point in Raigad Fort, Maharashtra • Over the Age of 60+, in India to run and walk from Mumbai-Pune (approx 160kms). Some of Amarjeet's significant Awards include :- • Star Believe Award, By Star Sports • International Sikh Acheiver's Award in Sports, By SatSri Akal Charitable Trust • Best Sportsman of the Year, By National Sports Club for the Blind, Mumbai • Star Achiever, Best Sportsman, By AnaamPrem • Marathi Gaurav Puruskaar, Blind Marathon Runner Award, 2016 • Mumbai Mayor's Award for Divyaang- GAURAV PURASKAAR • Inspirational Runner Award 2019 • Mumbai Road Runner's Award for Inspirational Challenged Runner of the Year • Vaisakhi Khel Ratna Award, By Sikh Community, Ahmednagar “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit. You can reach Amarjeet on on +91-9821362022.

Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri Amarjeet Singh, also known as the “Sporty Sikh”, the only 60 year old blind person in the world to run 101 half marathons. Amarjeet has till date done over 200 plus runs and that is the official tally. Sighted till age 13, he started losing vision gradually and attained the condition of Total Blindness at the age of 40. A Mountaineer, Swimmer and Runner, he started participating in sports & adventure activities at the age of 48. Amarjeet has successfully completed(four times) a Walkathon of 300Kms long, from Mumbai - Shirdi walk for the blind. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” - Season-5, episode 4,(Part 2) featuring a Teacher and Champion of Children, Ms. Sharanjeet Shan, a globally recognised social entrepreneur, and recipient of the Schwab Foundation's Social Entrepreneur of the Year award and a recipient of the first Chancellor's award from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Her work has reached about 500 K learners and about 30K teachers. Sharanjeet is Executive Director for the Maths Centre, and has championed Maths, Science and Technology education for children in South Africa for 25 years. She has conceptualized and managed many projects in Maths, Science, Technology, ECD & has Published world class training materials and primary school text books in mathematics, skills development and ECD materials. Sharanjeet has published several books including an autobiography ‘In My Own Name' in 1985 which subsequently became a school text in England. http://www.mcis.org.za “It does not suit my nature to believe in creation, Nature, divinity, in one kind of God; and yet, as a hard cord mathematics and Quantum Physics person, if I look around me, the beauty of Universe, the complexity of Mother Nature says to me that there is a Higher power!” says Ms. Sharanjeet Shan, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Constantly seeking anti-poverty solutions, Sharanjeet is committed to serving children and young people into the fourth Industrial revolution, promoting critical and creative thinking through STEM subjects at all levels of schooling. Her Maths Centre conducts advocacy campaigns for parents, business, industry, children with disabilities and promotes language connections. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Social Media Intro for Ms. Sharanjeet Shan - Season 5, episode 3 “ZENPod” - Season-5, episode 3, featuring a Teacher and Champion of Children, Ms. Sharanjeet Shan, a globally recognised social entrepreneur, and recipient of the Schwab Foundation's Social Entrepreneur of the Year award aned a recipient of the first Chancellor's award from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Her work has reached about 500 K learners and about 30K teachers. Sharanjeet is Executive Director for the Maths Centre, and has championed Maths, Science and Technology education for children in South Africa for 25 years. She has conceptualized and managed many projects in Maths, Science, Technology, ECD & has Published world class training materials and primary school text books in mathematics, skills development and ECD materials. Sharanjeet has published several books including an autobiography ‘In My Own Name' in 1985 which subsequently became a school text in England. http://www.mcis.org.za “It does not suit my nature to believe in creation, Nature, divinity, in one kind of God; and yet, as a hard cord mathematics and Quantum Physics person, if I look around me, the beauty of Universe, the complexity of Mother Nature says to me that there is a Higher power!” says Ms. Sharanjeet Shan, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. After studying for a full four years for Medicine, she was thrown out of family and India as a result of a traditional clash, that turned into banishment. Sharanjeet Shan spent her adult life in England, studying, working and writing. She gained a first degree and a masters in Social Science: how slavery colonialism and patriarchy came about. She taught Maths and Science for twenty years in England at various levels moving into management positions over a period of thirty years including an Office for Standards in Education inspector. In 1995, Sharanjeet was invited to lead Maths Centre in 1995, transforming a small and struggling project into the widely respected institution it is today and to lead developments within the new dispensation of the South African Maths and Science delivery. The Centre works with some 500 disadvantaged schools enabling Teacher and learner development in Maths, Science and Technology. Constantly seeking anti-poverty solutions, Sharanjeet is committed to serving children and young people into the fourth Industrial revolution, promoting critical and creative thinking through STEM subjects at all levels of schooling. Her Maths Centre conducts advocacy campaigns for parents, business, industry, children with disabilities and promotes language connections. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser - Season-5, of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Sharanjeet Shan, a globally recognised social entrepreneur, and recipient of the Schwab Foundation's Social Entrepreneur of the Year award aned a recipient of the first Chancellor's award from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Her work has reached over 500 K learners and 30K teachers. Sharanjeet is Executive Director for the Maths Centre, and has championed Maths, Science and Technology education for children in South Africa for 25 years. She has conceptualized and managed many projects in Maths, Science, Technology, ECD & has Published world class training materials and primary school text books in mathematics, skills development and ECD materials. Sharanjeet has published several books including an autobiography ‘In My Own Name' in 1985 which subsequently became a school text in England. http://www.mcis.org.za “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-5, episode 2 (part 2) of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Triveni Acharya A Lifelong Humanitarian, a Woman Who Has Been Fighting Sex-Traffickers since 1993. One of the 100 women achievers awarded by the President of India. Triveni co-founded the “Rescue Foundation” in the year 2000. https://www.rescuefoundation.net “Spirituality is Search for meaning of Life, something that cannot be explained in words, that is different from the real world, your Spirit. Listening to your inner voice, fighting against injustice, service to Humanity, maintaining your self-balance is Spirituality:,”, says Triveni Acharya, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Triveni co-founded Rescue Foundation in the year 2000 with her Late Husband, Mr. Balkrishna Acharya, sheltering survivors in their own home and assumed its presidency. The organization is devoted to the "rescue, rehabilitation and repatriation of victims for human trafficking from different parts of India, Nepal & Bangladesh and sold for forced prostitution", and has been conducting "brothel raids" since 1993. The organization frees roughly 300 girls a year, and also provides counseling & job training. Triveni has won several awards, some of the significant ones being; • Stree Shakti Award for Women Entrepreneurs • Asia Democracy and Human Rights award by the Taiwan Foundation by Taiwanese president • Civil Courage prize of the Train Foundation, awarded annually to those “who resolutely combat evil” • Humanitarian Honoree of World of Children award(twice) • Thomson Reuters' “Stop Slavery award” • Dare to Dream award • The Rajiv Gandhi Manav seva award • Iconic Woman of the year award by Indian Merchants Chamber “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-5, episode 1 of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Triveni Acharya A Lifelong Humanitarian, a Woman Who Has Been Fighting Sex-Traffickers since 1993. One of the 100 women achievers awarded by the President of India. Triveni co-founded the “Rescue Foundation” in the year 2000. https://www.rescuefoundation.net “Spirituality is Search for meaning of Life, something that cannot be explained in words, that is different from the real world, your Spirit. Listening to your inner voice, fighting against injustice, service to Humanity, maintaining your self-balance is Spirituality:,”, says Triveni Acharya, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Triveni co-founded Rescue Foundation in the year 2000 with her Late Husband, Mr. Balkrishna Acharya, sheltering survivors in their own home and assumed its presidency. The organization is devoted to the "rescue, rehabilitation and repatriation of victims for human trafficking from different parts of India, Nepal & Bangladesh and sold for forced prostitution", and has been conducting "brothel raids" since 1993. The organization frees roughly 300 girls a year, and also provides counseling & job training. 2003 - Inaugurated Rescue Foundations Mumbai home supporting 100 survivors 2005 - After the tragic death of her husband, she took over rescue foundation as President. 2007 - Expanded rehabilitation operations, inaugurated Boisar home, a project on over 50 acres of land complete with multiple facilities such as training centre, recovery care centre, agriculture area etc. 2009 - Expanded rehabilitation operations to Pune, inaugurated Pune home with capacity of 100 survivors 2017 - Expanded rehabilitation operations to Delhi, Inaugurated Delhi home with capacity to house 100 survivors Triveni has won several awards, some of the significant ones being; • Stree Shakti Award for Women Entrepreneurs • Asia Democracy and Human Rights award by the Taiwan Foundation by Taiwanese president • Civil Courage prize of the Train Foundation, awarded annually to those “who resolutely combat evil” • Humanitarian Honoree of World of Children award(twice) • Thomson Reuters' “Stop Slavery award” • Dare to Dream award • The Rajiv Gandhi Manav seva award • Iconic Woman of the year award by Indian Merchants Chamber “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

TRIVENI ACHARYA, a Lifelong Humanitarian, a Woman Who Has Been Fighting Sex-Traffickers since 1993. One of the 100 women achievers awarded by the President of India. Triveni Acharya is an Indian journalist and activist living in Mumbai, best known for her work with the anti-sex-trafficking group the Rescue Foundation Triveni co-founded the Rescue Foundation with her Late Husband, Mr. Balkrishna Acharya, sheltering survivors in their own home. Triveni Acharya assumed its presidency following his death. The organization is devoted to the "rescue, rehabilitation and repatriation of victims for human trafficking from different parts of India, Nepal & Bangladesh and sold for forced prostitution", and has been conducting "brothel raids" since 1993. The organization frees roughly 300 girls a year, and also provides counseling, job training, and HIV testing. Because these raids often result in serious financial loss or imprisonment for sex traffickers, Acharya has received several death threats as the result of her work.

Yet another season of “ZENPod” completed. What a journey it has been, for this season too. Engaging with enlightened minds, leaders who have gone beyond themselves and empowered the eco system, such a learning! Season 4 has also been an enriching experience, engaging with the stalwarts and masters of their respective Arts. Thank you to:- Ms. Sudha Raghunathan, Padma Bhushan awardee, Sangita Kalanidhi, ‘Kalaimamani' Founder, Sudhaarnava Academy for Musical Excellence & “Samudhaaya” Foundation. Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla - The Turban Traveler, 61 years young retired Garment Exporter turned Film maker Full time International Road Traveller known as “The Turban Traveller”. Smt. Belaa Sanghvi Indian evangelist and revivalist of Handloom, Handicrafts & Khadi President – The crafts Council of Maharashtra, MD-Navanidhi design solutions, Raga Olga D'silvA Top100 wonder women in Advertising & Marketing-2021 Speaker, Author, LGBT Advocate, Entrepreneur Shri Bhawani Singh Shekawat CEO and Trustee – UK/Europe for “The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK” Co-founder of Adhyayan Asia, Advisory Board at Vedica Scholars Program and HaikuJam(UK), listed speaker on London Speakers Bureau Ms. Colleen Clines Social Entrepreneur, Impact Designer, Winner of NABWO Humanitarian Award “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 10 of “ZENPod”, featuring Colleen Clines, Co-Founder & CEO - “Anchal”, a non-profit social enterprise. https://anchalproject.org Colleen was named was named one of Public Interest Design's Top Global 100 designers. Colleen was also awarded the NABWO Humanitarian award. Colleen used design thinking to create innovative solutions for tackling social inequalities and reform traditional textile manufacturing practices. “Spirituality for me is about Love and Belief that there is a bigger world outside of me and I really need to contribute to that and that's my purpose for being here”, says Colleen Clines, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. “We felt compelled to take the project beyond the classroom with the conviction that our design training, in collaboration with local leadership, could address seemingly intractable social and environmental systems. The women we met became our sisters, sisters we had to fight for.” - Colleen Clines, Co-Founder & CEO of Anchal “We both had linear projections for our careers. Then I saw that we could have more impact than I ever anticipated as a young woman. So I jumped onboard and we decided to make a go of it!” - Maggie Clines, COO & Creative Director Colleen values how design can become the tool for sustainable solutions to gender inequality, social injustice, and environmental degradation. She combines this passion as a social entrepreneur and impact designer through her work at Anchal. A Louisville native with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky, Colleen earned her Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). During her time in graduate school, she initiated the founding of Anchal alongside her sister Maggie after a trip to India. Anchal is based on the philosophy that we can create positive change in the world through collaboration in design. We are a team of designers, storytellers, activists, and dreamers. With backgrounds in design, sisters Colleen and Maggie Clines lead the organization by placing design and collaboration at the center of Anchal's practice. It all started in a design studio. Colleen Clines was taking a graduate seminar at the Rhode Island School of Design that took her on a trip to India in 2009. Through local leadership, Colleen was introduced to the exploitive world of the commercial sex trade and the lack of opportunity for women in the community. It was in this moment she was inspired to design more than beautiful landscapes, she was determined to collaborate with the NGO using design. Colleen leads the overall strategic and operational planning for Anchal's programs, partnerships, expansion, and execution of its mission. In 2013, she was named one of Public Interest Design's Top Global 100 designers. She was awarded Sacred Heart Academy's Heart Award in 2015 and Presentation Academy's Tower award in 2014. Most recently Colleen was named to Louisville Business First's 2016 Forty under 40 List, and awarded the 2017 NAWBO Humanitarian Award. Colleen has shared Anchal's mission and design thinking model as a keynote speaker at gatherings including the Fair Trade Federation National Conference, NY NOW, the Ali Center's Daughters of Greatness Series, Creative Mornings Louisville and Alt Summit. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser - Season-4, episode 10 of “ZENPod”, featuring Colleen Clines, Co-Founder & CEO - “Anchal”, a non-profit social enterprise. https://anchalproject.org Colleen was named was named one of Public Interest Design's Top Global 100 designers. Colleen was also awarded the NABWO Humanitarian award. Colleen used design thinking to create innovative solutions for tackling social inequalities and reform traditional textile manufacturing practices. “We felt compelled to take the project beyond the classroom with the conviction that our design training, in collaboration with local leadership, could address seemingly intractable social and environmental systems. The women we met became our sisters, sisters we had to fight for.” - Colleen Clines, Co-Founder & CEO of Anchal “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 9 of “ZENPod”, featuring Bhawani Singh Shekawat. Bhawani is the CEO and Trustee – UK/Europe for “The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK”. www.tapf.org.uk He is the Co-Founder of Adhyayan Asia and serves on the Advisory board at HaikuJam (UK) where he advises the start up. He was associated with Erehwon Consulting where he helped business and leadership realise their potential. Bhawani is a listed speaker on the London Bureau of Speakers and he speaks on Leadership, Purpose and suggests that at its core - every Enterprise ought to be a Social Enterprise. He is a Faculty and member of the Advisory board at the Vedica Scholars Program and Vedica Women's Alliance V-WA (www.vedicascholars.com) “Spirituality is coming in contact with a very-very best version that you are; call it the spirit, soul or your deepest self. It is experiencing that ‘SELF' in the most honest and least judgemental manner”, says Bhawani Singh Shekawat, in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. We are all born geniuses and the purpose of human life is to find an interface for that genius... and food can truly be the catalyst for that interface.”.. says Bhawani After a career of a few decades in the Corporate world in Asia, Middle East, Africa, North America & Europe, where he led large multi-national business and global teams in organisations including Nielsen, Reckitt Benckiser and Coca-Cola, Bhawani has now committed himself to a life of service, particularly for. I have now completely dedicated myself to playing a part in making our world a better place, particularly for our children. He currently leads the Akshaya Patra Foundation – a global leader in Food for Education as CEO Europe and as a Trustee on the Board. He is a mentor, a top leadership coach and advisor. He serves on a number of Boards in a Non-Exec and advisory capacity, including The Adhyayan Foundation (Co-Founder), The Vedica Scholars Programme and Women's Alliance and Haiku JAM. A highly sought-after speaker and thought leader, Bhawani is a listed member of the London Bureau of Speakers on Customer Centricity, Insight, Innovation and Leadership.” Bhawani lives in London, UK. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world's largest NGO-directed school meal program, feeding over 1.8 million children every day. Since its founding in 2000, the organization has grown to serve millions of children and recently served it 3.5 Billionth meal. The Akshaya Patra Foundation www.tapf.org.uk (meaning = a vessel which never runs out of food) is the world's largest, and perhaps the most celebrated school meals program. The program has witnessed quantum growth on the one hand but has also received tremendous acclaim for innovation, strategy, impact and scale. Currently we serve over 1.8 million children every day and have served over 3 billion meals! In the UK, we serve a large number of homeless and children suffering from Holiday hunger. As a leader of this organisation in Europe, Bhawani leads Strategy, Innovation and Initiatives around Akshaya Patra's Social Enterprise. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser “ZENPod”, featuring Bhawani Singh Shekawat. Bhawani is the CEO and Trustee – UK/Europe for “The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK”. www.tapf.org.uk He is the Co-Founder of Adhyayan Asia and serves on the Advisory board at HaikuJam (UK) where he advises the start up. He was associated with Erehwon Consulting where he helped business and leadership realise their potential. Bhawani is a listed speaker on the London Bureau of Speakers and he speaks on Leadership, Purpose and suggests that at its core - every Enterprise ought to be a Social Enterprise. He is a Faculty and member of the Advisory board at the Vedica Scholars Program and Vedica Women's Alliance V-WA (www.vedicascholars.com) We are all born geniuses and the purpose of human life is to find an interface for that genius... and food can truly be the catalyst for that interface.”.. says Bhawani “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 8 (part 2) of “ZENPod”, featuring Raga Olga D'Silva. Raga was listed amongst Top100 wonder women in Advertising and Marketing in 2021. Website: www.ragadsilva.com Social media :- Instagram | FB | Twitter: @totallyoutnow “Spirituality is being connected with your own self. When you have purpose and choice and you lead a meaningful life by choice, that is the true form of spirituality. Practising kindness, Compassion & Empathy; is finding your true purpose, finding divinity and that is spirituality, says Raga D'silva, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. With over 25 years of experience in the creative field, Raga has worked in senior positions in advertising in India and New Zealand and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. Co-Founder and Director of Speaking Minds, a speaker marketing agency and international bureau, Raga is considered an expert on corporate speakers and B2B content curation. Raga is a published author of Untold Lies. Her book is now available on amazon India and UK. A story she wrote during lockdown, loosely adapted from her life, is being made into an international feature film, by the acclaimed filmmaker, Onir. Raga is a sought-after speaker on the subjects of Diversity & Inclusion, Unconscious Bias, LGBT issues, Building a Personal Brand and Doing Business in India (her talk on 'Holy Cow, so you think you know India is hugely successful across international corporate companies). As the South Asian Ambassador for Diabetes UK and a social influencer she has appeared on BBC, Sky TV, Channel 4, ITV and TVNZ to share her personal story and views to help prevent Diabetes. She has been on several boards over the years and was the first woman to be elected on the board of the India New Zealand Business Council. She is currently a Trustee on the board of CRY UK and on the D&I Council, Sony Pictures. Raga is a mother of twins and divides her time between London, Mumbai and New Zealand and considers all three her home. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

ZENPod Season-4, episode 7, featuring Raga Olga D'Silva. Raga was listed amongst Top100 wonder women in Advertising and Marketing in 2021. Website: www.ragadsilva.com Social media :- Instagram | FB | Twitter: @totallyoutnow With over 25 years of experience in the creative field, Raga has worked in senior positions in advertising in India and New Zealand and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards. Co-Founder and Director of Speaking Minds, a speaker marketing agency and international bureau, Raga is considered an expert on corporate speakers and B2B content curation. “Spirituality is being connected with your own self. When you have purpose and choice and you lead a meaningful life by choice, that is the true form of spirituality. Practising kindness, Compassion & Empathy; is finding your true purpose, finding divinity and that is spirituality, says Raga D'silva, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. Raga is a published author of Untold Lies. Her book is now available on amazon India and UK. A story she wrote during lockdown, loosely adapted from her life, is being made into an international feature film, by the acclaimed filmmaker, Onir. Raga is a sought-after speaker on the subjects of Diversity & Inclusion, Unconscious Bias, LGBT issues, Building a Personal Brand and Doing Business in India (her talk on 'Holy Cow, so you think you know India is hugely successful across international corporate companies). As the South Asian Ambassador for Diabetes UK and a social influencer she has appeared on BBC, Sky TV, Channel 4, ITV and TVNZ to share her personal story and views to help prevent Diabetes. She has been on several boards over the years and was the first woman to be elected on the board of the India New Zealand Business Council. She is currently a Trustee on the board of CRY UK and on the D&I Council, Sony Pictures. Raga is a mother of twins and divides her time between London, Mumbai and New Zealand and considers all three her home. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

ZENPod curtain raiser, featuring Raga D'Silva. Raga was listed amongst Top100 wonder women in Advertising and Marketing in 2021. Raga is a published author of Untold Lies. Her book is now available on amazon India and UK. A story she wrote during lockdown, loosely adapted from her life, is being made into an international feature film, by the acclaimed filmmaker, Onir. Raga can be reached on :- Website: www.ragadsilva.com Social media :- Instagram | FB | Twitter: @totallyoutnow “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 6(part 2) of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Belaa Sanghvi, an Indian Handloom evangelist and revivalist. Belaa's mission is to ensure Handloom, Handcrafted and Khadi are given industry status. Belaa Sanghvi's extensive career graph spans over 40 years working in revival of handloom, handcrafted and Khadi techniques in India and abroad. “I don't think I am qualified or intelligent enough to define spirituality, I just follow. I have reached home, but I am still looking for myself. I seek to understand and then follow so that I appreciate better.” says Smt. Belaa Sanghvi, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. 23 countries, 56 Traditional weaves mastered & revived, 40 years experience in Handloom revival, 43 Handicraft techniques revived Over the years, her collections have been displayed across 23 countries via exhibitions, stores and various international museums including The Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art and Kunst Museum, Basal. Belaa's passion is to bring handloom on the forefront and empower weavers and craftsmen to improve their per piece earning & their lifestyle. Belaa is truly an artist rooted in Vedic traditions and Sanatan traditions approached from today's angle. She love to revive traditional antiquated embroidery techniques, which are expressed via her textile murals that support 450 craftsmen who are grouped together on project need base. Her design studio Purnakala by Belaa Sanghvi (complete art) has a vision to revive antiquated handloom sarees. The word takes many forms in Sanskrit – knowledge, powers, arts, or levels of consciousness. As a life-long chronicler of textiles, textile art and handicrafts in India with over four decade's experience, her journey began at her father's factory that manufactures looms. From a young age, she was introduced to weaving and operating different looms. She also provides design inputs in the weaves of different fabrics. With her interaction with the artisans, Belaa realized her two-fold goal – to revive the traditional textiles, and to bring in economic sustainability in the lives of the traditional artisans. Over the years, her work with the artisans has allowed her to generate employment and to give them the freedom to enjoy the craft. Belaa has also imparted several trainings on modern innovations that improve the quality of their workmanship. She has worked on several design projects that aim at business development or business reengineering. Presently, Belaa is working on a book to document all her years of research in various textile techniques in India. She is available for keynote presentations, teaching assignments, lectures, desiging and execution projects, consultation on business re-engineering, product design, and workshops. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 5 of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Belaa Sanghvi, an Indian Handloom evangelist and revivalist. Belaa's mission is to ensure Handloom, Handcrafted and Khadi are given industry status. Belaa Sanghvi's extensive career graph spans over 40 years working in revival of handloom, handcrafted and Khadi techniques in India and abroad. Over the years, her collections have been displayed across 23 countries via exhibitions, stores and various international museums including The Los Angeles County Museum of Modern Art and Kunst Museum, Basal. Belaa's passion is to bring handloom on the forefront and empower weavers and craftsmen to improve their per piece earning & their lifestyle. “I don't think I am qualified or intelligent enough to define spirituality, I just follow. I have reached home, but I am still looking for myself. I seek to understand and then follow so that I appreciate better.” says Smt. Belaa Sanghvi, in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. 23 countries, 56 Traditional weaves mastered & revived, 40 years experience in Handloom revival, 43 Handicraft techniques revived Belaa is truly an artist rooted in Vedic traditions and Sanatan traditions approached from today's angle. She love to revive traditional antiquated embroidery techniques, which are expressed via her textile murals that support 450 craftsmen who are grouped together on project need base. Her design studio Purnakala by Belaa Sanghvi (complete art) has a vision to revive antiquated handloom sarees. The word takes many forms in Sanskrit – knowledge, powers, arts, or levels of consciousness. Purnakala or complete art aims to reengineer handloom technology and design in handlooms and handicrafts, to study ergonomics of weaving. As a life-long chronicler of textiles, textile art and handicrafts in India with over four decade's experience, her journey began at her father's factory that manufactures looms. From a young age, she was introduced to weaving and operating different looms. She also provides design inputs in the weaves of different fabrics. With her interaction with the artisans, Belaa realized her two-fold goal – to revive the traditional textiles, and to bring in economic sustainability in the lives of the traditional artisans. Over the years, her work with the artisans has allowed her to generate employment and to give them the freedom to enjoy the craft. Belaa has also imparted several trainings on modern innovations that improve the quality of their workmanship. She has worked on several design projects that aim at business development or business reengineering. Presently, Belaa is working on a book to document all her years of research in various textile techniques in India. She is available for keynote presentations, teaching assignments, lectures, desiging and execution projects, consultation on business reengeniering, product design, and workshops. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain Raiser for Season-4, episode 5 of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Belaa Sanghvi, an Indian Handloom evangelist and revivalist. Belaa's mission is to ensure Handloom, Handcrafted and Khadi are given industry status. Belaa Sanghvi's extensive career graph spans over 40 years working in revival of handloom, handicrafted and Khadi techniques in India and abroad. 23 countries, 56 Traditional weaves mastered & revived, 40 years experience in Handloom revival, 43 Handictraft techniques revived “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 4(part 2) of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla-The Turban Traveler, 61 years young retired Garment Exporter turned Film maker and now a full time International Road Traveller known as “The Turban Traveller”. His belief has always been, “No Journey is long when dreams are big and sky is the limit.” “Spirituality means the preachings of my guru. I go by my first Guru's lessons and teachings. If I can follow him for even .01%, then that is spirituality for me. Practising the teachings of my Guru is spirituality for me.”says Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla, in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. “For me, it's a symbolic journey to spread his message of universal brotherhood to mankind, A message of equality, love and peace to the world which are very relevant at the present time”, says Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla. Amarjeet is now onto a 7 continent road trip, covering 200,000 kms across 100 countries. In the first leg of his Spiritual Journey, he drove as a solo driver on the same car that used for his Delhi-London trip that covered over 44,000 kms. To fulfil his dream expedition, Amarjeet stared his journey in July of 2018 and drove from Delhi to London covering approx. 40,000 km across 30 countries in Asia & Europe, passing through Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Denmark and London) in Asia & Europe and finished a year later in July 2019. Amarjeet is now onto a 7 continent road trip, covering 200,000 kms across 100 countries covering Asia , Europe, North & South America , Australia ,New Zealand Africa and Antarctica as a tribute to Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his 550th Birth Anniversary. Amarjeet strongly believe that age is just a number and nothing can stop you to achieve and conquer what is yours. He says, “Dreams are beautiful and one should not stop dreaming in spite of lots of negativity in the world”. He has plans to resume his road trip of 200,000 km, out of which he has already covered 84,000 kms across 36 countries. This journey will be telecasted on 3 TV channels of PTC Network daily worldwide. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season-4, episode 3 of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla-The Turban Traveler, 61 years young retired Garment Exporter turned Film maker and now a full time International Road Traveller known as “The Turban Traveller”. His belief has always been, “No Journey is long when dreams are big and sky is the limit.” Amarjeet is now onto a 7 continent road trip, covering 200,000 kms across 100 countries. In the first leg of his Spiritual Journey, he drove as a solo driver on the same car that used for his Delhi-London trip that covered over 44,000 kms. “Spirituality means the preachings of my guru. I go by my first Guru's lessons and teachings. If I can follow him for even .01%, then that is spirituality for me. Practising the teachings of my Guru is spirituality for me.”says Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla, in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan. “For me, it's a symbolic journey to spread his message of universal brotherhood to mankind, A message of equality, love and peace to the world which are very relevant at the present time”, says Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla. To fulfil his dream expedition, Amarjeet stared his journey in July of 2018 and drove from Delhi to London covering approx. 40,000 km across 30 countries in Asia & Europe, passing through Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Netherlands, Denmark and London) in Asia & Europe and finished a year later in July 2019. Amarjeet is now onto a 7 continent road trip, covering 200,000 kms across 100 countries covering Asia , Europe, North & South America , Australia ,New Zealand Africa and Antarctica as a tribute to Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his 550th Birth Anniversary. Amarjeet strongly believe that age is just a number and nothing can stop you to achieve and conquer what is yours. He says, “Dreams are beautiful and one should not stop dreaming in spite of lots of negativity in the world”. He ha plans to resume his road trip of 200,000 km, out of which he has already covered 84,000 kms across 36 countries. This journey will be telecasted on 3 TV channels of PTC Network daily worldwide. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Teaser for Season-4, episode 3 of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri Amarjeet Singh Chawla-The Turban Traveler, 61 years young retired Garment Exporter turned Film maker and now a full time International Road Traveller known as “The Turban Traveller”. Amarjeet is now onto a 7 continent road trip, covering 200,000 kms across 100 countries. In the first leg of his Spiritual Journey, he drove as a solo driver on the same car that used for his Delhi-London trip that covered over 44,000 kms. His belief has always been, “No Journey is long when dreams are big and sky is the limit.” “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Season - 4, episode 2 of “ZENPod”, continuing our conversation in Part 2 with Smt. Dr. Sudha Ragunathan, Padma Bhushan awardee, Sangita Kalanidhi, ‘Kalaimamani' – India's foremost Carnatic Vocalist. Founder, Sudhaarnava Academy for Musical Excellence & “Samudhaaya” Foundation. “Spirituality is my surrender to a power that orchestrates everything that happens within the Universe. It is the path where I get to know who I am, where I am heading, what are my Goals, where did I come from, my goals what have I done for…..” – says Smt. Dr. Sudha Ragunathan in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan Sudha Ragunathan led the largest Carnatic band along with Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers to acquire a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Serving society Her Sudhaarnava, Academy for Musical Excellence was launched with the objective of training senior level students and nurturing talent to produce high class performers. She launched “Samudhaaya Foundation” in 1999, which has so far disbursed funds to the tune of over INR 50 million for various causes, focusing primarily on children. Under Project Anugraha, Sudha has helped musicians who have lost their livelihood because of the pandemic, by giving them a monthly amount for sustenance for a period of three months Awards Sudha Ragunathan is the recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award of India, for the year 2015. Some of her awards include :- • Music Academy's ‘Sangita Kalanidhi' • State Government's ‘Kalaimamani', ‘Sangeetha Choodamani', ‘Sangeetha Saraswathi', ‘Sangeetha Visharaadh', ‘Sangeetha Sampoorna', to name a few, & • Lifetime Achievement Awards • Conferred the “Aasthaana Vidwan” title from religious institutions such as Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Ahobila Mutt, Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashram & Sri Narayani Peedam Sudha has enthralled packed audience at International Music Festivals and concerts held in the U.S., Canada, UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East and several other countries globally. Away from the mainstream 1. During the lockdown 2020, Sudha has conceptualized Expressions Espresso, a chat show with leading personalities. 2. Teaming with jazz wizard Amit Heri, she has toured the United States along with some memorable performances in India as well 3. Having sung some very popular numbers in Tamil and Malayalam films, she is currently into composing music for two Tamil films. 4. Sudha has walked the ramp as ambassador for the Parampara pattu, a customized brand of silk sarees, that has now culminated in the Parampara awards for recognizing outstanding performers in the field of art and culture Websites: - www.sudharagunathan.com www.samudhaayafoundation.org Email: sudha.sudharagunathan@gmail.com YouTube: Sudha Ragunathan – _Simply Sudha. Facebook: @sudha.ragunathan30 Instagram: sudha_ragunathan Twitter: @RagunathanSudha “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit. We at “ZENPod” believe that one person's journey is another person's learning. In these talks, we will touch upon spirituality and the intersection in real Life and how it can be leveraged on, for reaching a higher goal!

Season - 4, episode 1 of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Dr. Sudha Ragunathan, Padma Bhushan awardee, Sangita Kalanidhi, ‘Kalaimamani' – India's foremost Carnatic Vocalist. Founder, Sudhaarnava Academy for Musical Excellence & “Samudhaaya” Foundation. A disciple of the legendary Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. ML Vasanthakumari, Sudha has evolved a style of her own. “Spirituality is my surrender to a power that orchestrates everything that happens within the Universe. It is the path where I get to know who I am, where I am heading, what are my Goals, where did I come from, my goals what have I done for…..” – says Smt. Dr. Sudha Ragunathan in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan Sudha Ragunathan led the largest Carnatic band along with Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers to acquire a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Sudha has the distinction of being the only Carnatic musician second to Bharat Ratna MS Subbulakshmi, to have sung at the United Nations. Louisville, Kentucky (United States) declared 19 May, 2019 as Sudha Ragunathan Day in recognition of her service to the field of arts for the past four decades. Serving society Her Sudhaarnava, Academy for Musical Excellence was launched on 14 April, 2017 with the objective of training senior level students and nurturing talent to produce high class performers. She launched “Samudhaaya Foundation” in 1999, which has so far disbursed funds to the tune of over INR 50 million for various causes, focusing primarily on children - pediatric cancer care, pediatric heart surgeries, mentally challenged destitute children, abused children, the deaf blind children and towards palliative care. Under Project Anugraha, Sudha has helped musicians who have lost their livelihood because of the pandemic, by giving them a monthly amount for sustenance for a period of three months Awards Sudha Ragunathan is the recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award of India, for the year 2015. Some of her awards include :- • Music Academy's ‘Sangita Kalanidhi' • State Government's ‘Kalaimamani', ‘Sangeetha Choodamani', ‘Sangeetha Saraswathi', ‘Sangeetha Visharaadh', ‘Sangeetha Sampoorna', to name a few, & • Lifetime Achievement Awards • Conferred the “Aasthaana Vidwan” title from religious institutions such as Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Ahobila Mutt, Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Srirangam Srimad Andavan Ashram & Sri Narayani Peedam Sudha has enthralled packed audience at International Music Festivals and concerts held in the U.S., Canada, UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Middle East and several other countries globally. Away from the mainstream 1. During the lockdown 2020, Sudha has conceptualized Expressions Espresso, a chat show with leading personalities. 2. Teaming with jazz wizard Amit Heri, she has toured the United States along with some memorable performances in India as well 3. Having sung some very popular numbers in Tamil and Malayalam films, she is currently into composing music for two Tamil films. 4. Sudha has walked the ramp as ambassador for the Parampara pattu, a customized brand of silk sarees, that has now culminated in the Parampara awards for recognizing outstanding performers in the field of art and culture Websites: - www.sudharagunathan.com www.samudhaayafoundation.org Email: sudha.sudharagunathan@gmail.com YouTube: Sudha Ragunathan – _Simply Sudha. Facebook: @sudha.ragunathan30 Instagram: sudha_ragunathan Twitter: @RagunathanSudha “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

ZENPod Curtain Raiser for Season-4, episode 1, featuring Smt. Dr. Sudha Ragunathan, Padma Bhushan awardee, Sangita Kalanidhi, ‘Kalaimamani' – India's foremost Carnatic Vocalist. Founder, Sudhaarnava Academy for Musical Excellence & “Samudhaaya” Foundation. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit. “Spirituality is my surrender to a power that orchestrates everything that happens withvin the Universe. It is the path where I get to know who I am, where I am heading, what are my Goals, where did I come from, my goals what have I done for…..” – says Smt. Dr. Sudha Ragunathan in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Yet another season of “ZENPod” completed. What a journey it has been in this season too. Meeting with such interesting people, engaging in enlightening conversations and continuing to learn! Season 3 has also been an enriching experience, engaging with the stalwarts and masters of their respective Arts. Thank you to:- Ms. Chetna Gala Sinha – An Acvitivist, Farmer & Banker Ms. Maruhashi Hiromi San – Japanese winner of the Nihon Kairali Award Ms. Jacqueline Shaw – Professional fashion designer, African fashion business coach Shri Manjoor Khan – Folk musician, president of Sarwar Lok kala Smt. Jayanti Kathale – Founder of ‘Purnabramha', worlds largest Maharashtrian restaurant Shri Gaurav Mazumdar – Grammy nominated musician, renowned sitar player, collaborator, Teacher, composer Dr. Janki Santoke – Vedanta expert, Author, Founder of Vedanta institute “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 10, featuring Dr. Janki Santoke, a Vedanta Expert, Author, Management Trainer, Lecturer, Public Speaker. Founder of Vedanta Institute. She has been into full time research and propogation of Vedanta for the last 30 years “Spirituality is about reaching back to your own divine self. It is defined in Vedanta itself. Our journey to re-discover our own self!”.Relation comes from two latin words, Re-legare, which means to join again.”- says Dr. Janki Santoke in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan Janki Santoke, Ph. D. (Philosophy) is a lecturer, author, corporate resource, public speaker. She studied Vedanta at Swami Parthasarathy's Vedanta Academy, which is the three-year full-time residential course. https://janki.santoke.com Her service to society in the field of Vedanta has taken the following forms: • Delivers lectures in weekly classes on Vedanta and Gita • Author of the book How Do You Know What You Know? urging us to Think! Because our lives depend on it! More details on the Facebook page • Public Lectures and Webinars on Practical Vedantic topics • YouTube – The channel, Team Janki Santoke, has over 150 videos & is watched worldwide • Articles in prominent Newspapers like Times of India, Speaking Tree, Dainik Bhaskar • Management Training Programs for companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Gillette, Glaxo-Smithkline, Bharat Petroleum, Young Presidents Organization (YPO) among others “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain raiser for “ZENPod” Season-3, episode 10, featuring Dr. Janki Santoke, a Vedanta Expert, Author, Management Trainer, Lecturer, Public Speaker. Janki is the Founder of Vedanta Institute. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

In continuation, “ZENPod” Season-3, episode 9, featuring Shri Gaurav Mazumdar, a Grammy nominated musician, Renowned Sitar player, A Teacher, Collaborator, Composer, Music conductor and an Educator. A Music composer for the Ballet “Siddhartha” based on the book by Nobel laureate, Herman Hesse. “Spirituality is a ‘State of Mind'; Feeling or having a certain calm within you, feeling of sublime, feeling pure, feeling beautiful, feeling harmony, feeling everything is in sync with each other, feeling that everything in this world happens, not without a divine intervention, and we are all connected and part of that BIG plan!, and that we all co-exist, relate and belong to each other!”.- says Shri Gaurav Mazumdar in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 8, featuring Shri Gaurav Mazumdar, a Grammy nominated musician, Renowned Sitar player, A Teacher, Collaborator, Composer, Music conductor and an Educator. A Music composer for the Ballet “Siddhartha” based on the book by Nobel laureate, Herman Hesse. “Spirituality is a ‘State of Mind'; Feeling or having a certain calm within you, feeling of sublime, feeling pure, feeling beautiful, feeling harmony, feeling everything is in sync with each other, feeling that everything in this world happens, not without a divine intervention, and we are all connected and part of that BIG plan!, and that we all co-exist, relate and belong to each other!”.- says Shri Gaurav Mazumdar in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan A Grammy Nominated musician, Gaurav Mazumdar is born to the illustrious Mazumdar family of Allahabad reaching the zenith of his music education with the legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar. His initial Gurus were his father Dulal Mazumdar, Pt. Nandakishore Vishwakarma, cousins Kamala Bose and Jayashree Roy and Uncle J.D. Mazumdar. An approved artiste of All India Radio and National Television and an empanelled artiste of ICCR (Ministry of External Affairs) for over 2 ó decades, Gaurav as a performer has appeared at premier festivals and venues across the globe, spanning the expanse of Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and America. This includes Scottish Symphony for BBC 2019, The Chicago Symphony Hall 1997 & 2018, Royal Albert Hall 2002, 2012 & 2017, Belt & Road Festival, China 2017, Kennedy Centre 2007, Bath Festival 2006, Menuhin Festival-Gstaad 2006, Acropolis for Greece Olympics 2004, Netaji Indoor Stadium 2004, Perth Festival 2004, Kijani Festival Kenya 2004, Music Academy Chennai 2000, Vatican 1999 and Tata Theatre Mumbai 1999 amongst others. His performances include appearances with Pt. Ravi Shankar, Pt. Kishan Maharaj, Philip Glass, The Royal Philharmonic, Britten Sinfonia, Shenzhen Symphony, Slovak Philharmonic, English Chamber Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Scottish Symphony Orchestra and others. As a composer, Gaurav has composed music for the Ballet ‘Siddhartha' – based on the book by Nobel Laureate Hermann Hesse, Ballet ‘Ritu Shringar', ‘Woman Baring'. Gaurav has also composed music for the Film ‘Shwet' and was, for a decade, the National Conductor for Britain's Youth Orchestra, ‘SAMYO'. Gaurav's albums include, ‘Echoes from India', ‘In Search of Peace', 'Neemrana', 'Soul Strings', 'Grammy nominated' - 'East Meets West', ‘Orion'(recorded live at the historic concert in the Acropolis in Greece to commemorate the 2004 Olympics), ‘Gaurav Mazumdar', 'Offerings', ‘Strings in Harmony', ‘Walking Together', ‘Shambala' (a historic sitaar/violin double concerto), 'Colours from the Rainbow' (a composition for western orchestra), ‘Hesse', ‘Afternoon Serenade' and ‘Shringaar'. As a teacher and collaborator, Gaurav has extended his knowledge to pupils all across the globe teaching, conducting residencies and lectures in Universities and for other instituitions. Today, Gaurav as a performer, composer, conductor and educator, has earned a unique place as a foremost musician of his generation contributing towards making Music accessible and truly Global, both in appreciation and in understanding. www.gauravmazumdar.com “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” curtain raiser for Season-3, episode 8, featuring Shri Gaurav Mazumdar, a Grammy nominated musician, Renowned Sitar player, A Teacher, Collaborator, Composer, Music conductor and an Educator. A Music composer for the Ballet “Siddhartha” based on the book by Nobel laureate, Herman Hesse.

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 7(part 2), continuing our conversation with Smt. Jayanti Kathale, A TED-Ex Speaker , SEE Talk Speaker , SWAYAM - Speaker , Business Woman, Founder & Managing Director Manaswini foods Pvt. Ltd and Brand owner of ‘Purnabramha', the world's largest Maharashtrian Restaurant, chain of all-veg restaurants specialising in authentic Marathi cuisine. “Success means fulfilment of dreams, and the strength / perseverance to run after those dreams; this path is success. My dream is to open 5000 Purnabramha centres across the globe”, - says Smt. Jayanti Kathale in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan Dreams do come true, if you have the desire and the determination to go after them, says Jayanti Kathale, founder of ‘Purnabramha', the world's largest Maharashtrian Restaurant, chain of all-veg restaurants specialising in authentic Marathi cuisine. Born and brought up in Nagpur, Jayanti holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications; an IT professional and a technical guru for over 10 years in Appplication development and maintenance projects, Jayanti has worked previously in various capacities like project manager, Technical Architect, Technical Lead. Etc. Waqt kee Qaid mein, Zindagi hai magar Chandh lamhe aaj bhi azaad hain Unhee lamhon se hamaare khwwabon kee shurvaat hain Aur wohee lamhe hamein hamaare khwabon tak Pahunchne kee taqat deti hain! “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 6, featuring Smt. Jayanti Kathale, A TED-Ex Speaker , SEE Talk Speaker , SWAYAM - Speaker , Business Woman, Founder & Managing Director Manaswini foods Pvt. Ltd and Brand owner of ‘Purnabramha', the world's largest Maharashtrian Restaurant, chain of all-veg restaurants specialising in authentic Marathi cuisine. “In one word, Spirituality means confidence. You have to believe in yourself first, so spirituality should come from inside, and once you start believing in yourself, you will start believing in others and that leads to experiencing the meeting of two souls, resulting in a good world around us”, - says Smt. Jayanti Kathale in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan Dreams do come true, if you have the desire and the determination to go after them, says Jayanti Kathale, founder of ‘Purnabramha', the world's largest Maharashtrian Restaurant, chain of all-veg restaurants specialising in authentic Marathi cuisine. An erstwhile IT professional, and a mother who quit her high paying IT job for the sake of her dream, a dream to serve homemade delicious Maharashtrian food, now she is running over 14 restaurants successfully all over the world. From the spice-laced Misal Pav, to Sabudana Wada, to the sweet Shrikhand Puri and Puran Poli, Jayanti's restaurants offer a wide range of true Marathi flavour. Jayanti is also the CEO of Purnabramha LLC in the United States of America. Waqt kee Qaid mein, Zindagi hai magar Chandh lamhe aaj bhi azaad hain Unhee lamhon se hamaare khwwabon kee shurvaat hain Aur wohee lamhe hamein hamaare khwabon tak Pahunchne kee taqat deti hain! Born and brought up in Nagpur, Jayanti holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications; an IT professional and a technical guru for over 10 years in Appplication development and maintenance projects, Jayanti has worked previously in various capacities like project manager, Technical Architect, Technical Lead. Etc. Her experience in IT includes Project Management of application development, Architecture, Design and Development of Enterprise Applications, People Management and Client handling In her professional career, she has worked with people from various geographies including India, Americas, and Australia. A speaker at various international forums, such as TEDEx, SEE, SWAYAM. Etc., Jayanti, a Business Women and Founder and Managing Director, Manaswini foods Pvt.ltd and the Brand owner of “Purnabramha”. Jayanti has 17 years of experience in the industry as an Entrepreneur. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain Raiser for Season-3, episode 6 of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Jayanti Kathale, A TED-Ex Speaker , SEE Talk Speaker , SWAYAM - Speaker , Business Woman, Founder & Managing Director Manaswini foods Pvt. Ltd and Brand owner of ‘Purnabramha', the world's largest Maharashtrian Restaurant, chain of all-veg restaurants specialising in authentic Marathi cuisine. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 5, featuring Manjoor Khan, A Folk Musician & President of Sarwar Lok Kala & Gramin Vikas Sansthan, Manjoor and his band have given shows in more than 40 countries. they continue to regale us with their music. “When a drop of water experiences its connection with the mighty ocean, only then it experiences the strength of the mighty ocean, similarly when I experience a connect with my Gurus, it gives me immense strength and tremendous happiness, this is Spirituality according to me”, - says Shri Manjoor Khan in his conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan Manjoor Khan is a name that finds special mention and great respect among the folk music circuits of Rajasthan. Today he sinks a wide repertoire of traditional folk and Sufi songs. The special style of the manga near folk music called ‘jangra', includes a universe of songs for all occasions in life. “Classical music has its roots in folk”, declares Manjoor Khan, who belongs to the Manganiyar community from Barmer in Rajasthan. “There is absolutely no doubt that classical music was born from folk music. Notation came later. We, as folk singers, do not use notes in our singing. Just like, classical musicians learn from the books, we sing from our memory. Our tradition is one of the oral traditions that gave birth to the classical tradition,” says Manjoor Khan confidently. From traditional wedding songs to welcome songs for a newborn child especially the happy occasions of life are accompanied by the strong and colorful songs of the Manganiar musicians. Manjoor and his group organize and collaborate with organisations and have presented the extraordinary western Rajasthan traditional music worldwide. One of their most famous collaborations has been with ‘Papiya' a female kalbiliya dancer from Jodhpur. Manjoor and his band have given shows in more than 40 countries some of which have been Paris Switzerland Los Angeles Chicago Dubai Hong Kong Bangkok Vienna and Italy they continue to regale us with their music. Their songs such as Nimbooda and Dum a Dum mast kalandar makes the crowd go crazy whenever they sign it at public functions “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain Raiser for Season-3, episode 5 of “ZENPod”, featuring Manjoor Khan, A Folk Musician & President of Sarwar Lok Kala & Gramin Vikas Sansthan, Manjoor and his band have given shows in more than 40 countries. they continue to regale us with their music. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 4, featuring Ms. Jacqueline Shaw, A professional Fashion Designer, Birthed the Africa Fashion Guide, Author of “Fashion Africa”, International Public Speaker and African Fashion Business Coach. “Spirituality for me is about connection with God, understanding who I am, knowing that I am here for a purpose', - says Jacqueline Shaw in her conversation with Venkatesh Mahadevan With 16 years experience in the global fashion industry, living and working in 4 countries over 4 continents, Jacqueline has worked for brands and retailers such as Puma, C&A, Fila, Russell Athletic, Animal, Wilson. A Professional Fashion Designe, Jacqueline birthed Africa Fashion Guide, the only sourcing consultancy and information based platform for African fashion, as a tool to educate, inform and retune the perceptions of Africa's fashion and textile industry - a vehicle she sees for trade and development. Jacqueline is the Author of the coffee table book Fashion Africa (2011 and 2014) and the business book ‘Fashion Cannot Be Made in Africa (2020). An International Public Speaker, a University Fashion lecturer, an African Fashion Business Coach, a Sourcing Consultant and industry researcher, Jacqueline, who is a Masters degree holder in Ethical Fashion and a Masters in Social Research is known for being an expert and most proudly an ambassador in the Ethical African fashion landscape. Jacqueline believes Africa is Fashion's Future and has used her African fashion tee shirt campaign using Fairtrade, organic African cotton tees made in Africa by Africans to spread this message on the catwalks of London Fashion Week to Ghana to Los Angeles. She aims to equip as many people as possible in setting up businesses in Africa to build trade, contribute to Africa's GDP, and impact thousands of African lives using the vehicle of Fashion. Jacqueline has delivered talks at elite venues such as House of Lords in London, @ the London Eye, European Commission Brussels, Fashion Institute Technology NYC, Who's Next Paris and a Panel moderate at the UK-Africa Investment pre-Summit Manufacturing Panel, to name a few. She actively campaigns for a more responsible way of doing fashion business and doing it well in Africa. Jacqueline has built up her name and is recognised internationally as a public speaker As an African Fashion Business Coach with past clients that include Lineapelle, Miroglio, Brighton Museum for Fashion Cities Africa exhibition, Prospero World and British Council for their Enterprise Africa Summit she uses her expertise to bring to life African fashion led projects. Jacqueline, with her unique tools and strategies, specialises in creating sustainable solutions that help new and existing fashion businesses successfully navigate the sourcing and manufacturing landscape of Africa's fashion and textile industry. Jacqueline through Africa Fashion Guide Ltd has now launched programs including Fashion Africa Conference, Fashion Africa Voices, Fashion Africa Business Academy, Fashion Africa Trade Expo and Fashion Africa Sourcing Trips." “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

Curtain Raiser for Season-3, episode 4 of “ZENPod”, featuring Jacqueline Shaw, A professional Fashion Designer, Birthed the Africa Fashion Guide, Author of “Fashion Africa”, International Public Speaker and African Fashion Business Coach. “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.

“ZENPod” Season-3, episode 3, featuring Ms. Hiromi Maruhashi, A Japanese and Winner of the prestigious 1st NIHON KAIRALI KERALEEYAM Award. An exponent of Mohiniyattam and Nangiarkoothu, and Proficient in “Kalaripayattu”, a classical Martial Arts Form, Hiromi established Kerala Planning, a cultural project to spread the Fine Arts Culture of Kerala. “Spirituality for me is about ‘Peace', ‘Being brave', it gives me the ‘Calm'. Whenever I am on stage, I feel spiritual”, - says Hiromi Maruhashi in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan Born in Utsunomiya, Japan, Hiromi is a graduate from the Japanese Social Welfare University, Hiromi Maruhashi came to India in 1996, and started learning Mohiniyattam from Kalamandalam Leelamma and Nangiarkoothu from Margi Sathi. Ms. Maruhashi Hiromi Maruhashi Hiromi has been awarded for the prestigious 1st NIHON KAIRALI KERALEEYAM AWARD for her contributions in promoting Kerala culture and arts in Japan. She learned Mohiniyattam under the instruction of Dr. Kalamandalam Leelamma and completed a course on Mohiniyattam at Kerala Kalamandalam, a public institute for art and culture. She further learned Nangiarkoothu under the instruction of late Margi Sathi. She learned classical martial arts - Kalari Payat at CVN Kalari. Hiromi was selected as an artist in an overseas internship from the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan in 2001. She established Kerala Planning in April 1999, a cultural project designed to spread the performing arts of Kerala; Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Nangiarkoothu, Kerala Natanam, and Kathakali, throughout Japan. Hiromi has been involved in a wide range of activities and has appeared in films and TV shows in India. She has been performing with disciples in Japan and has received several awards in India and in Asia. While performing and learning Mohiniyattam, Hiromi also completed a short term course on Mohiniyattam from Kerala Kalamandalam, Cheruthuruthy, in Thrissur. After this, she joined C.V.N. Kalari Sangnam, Thiruvananthapuram for learning Kalarippayattu -- the traditional martial art of Kerala. She has immense respect for her Guru: Prof. Kalamandalam Leelamma, one of foremost Mohiniyattam exponent of India. Hiromi performed her Arangetram at Rishimangalam Sree Krishna Temple, Vanchiyoor, Trivandrum.Hiromi has given us several Mohiniyattam Performances Abroad, some of them being; At the Karthika Thirunal Theater, Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Organized by BEAM & SPARK, At the Soorya Dance & Music Festival, At an Indo-Japan Cultural Evening (Organized by IJFA), the Nritha Upasaki Award program (Organized by Prenavam Kelasaavhana Singapore, at the Hyderabad Indo-Japan friendship Association, at the Nasik Indo-Japan Friendship Association Nasik Award program (Organized by Fujiganga), “ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life's pursuit.