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HarperCollins Presents STARTUP COMPASS: How Iconic Entrepreneurs Got It Right By Ujwal Kalra, Shobhit Shubhankar, IIM Ahmedabad

NEW DELHI, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — HarperCollins India presents its new book for those interested in the startup world and fascinated by homegrown heroes, a new breed of entrepreneurs rising in India. Here is a book where India’s top entrepreneurs offer invaluable advice through stories of grit and ambition, of transforming their vision into tangible reality.
These include Sanjeev Bikhchandani (Naukri), Deep Kalra (MakeMyTrip), Sachin Bansal (Flipkart), Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Kunal Shah (CRED), Sahil Barua (Delhivery), Raghunandan G. (TaxiForSure), among others.
Paperback | Non-fiction| Business | 312 pp | Rs 499
Available Wherever Books Are Sold | Releasing 30th May 2022
“This book covers the entire gamut of knowledge—the dos and don’ts, the tricks to use and the tricks to avoid—in the journey of an entrepreneur. The topics covered include planning a startup, developing an idea, forming a team, building a product, raising funding and, importantly, moving from an entrepreneurial mindset to a managerial mindset as you scale up your company. This book is timely… It must be read carefully, and the lessons imbibed,”
said N. R. Narayana Murthy, Co-Founder, Infosys
Author Ujwal Kalra, says, “Today, India is at the cusp of a startup revolution which will transform the country into an economic powerhouse. Startup Compass is a book to ignite the startup explosion in India. It is for anyone who is interested in or intrigued by the startup space. The book provides tangible learnings from fifteen icons of the startup space across each stage in the journey of a startup, from the inception of an idea, to team and product building, fundraising, to exit. The founders and investors interviewed for the book share their learnings in company building through motivational stories, which have immensely influenced me and inspired me in my own entrepreneurial journey.”
Author Shobhit Shubhankar, says, “In writing Startup Compass, our aspiration was to bring together stories of how some of the most significant startups of the last decade were built, and in the process glean insights on starting and running a company. It was impossible to not be intrigued and inspired by these stories as one came to know of them, and we hope readers will be able to share in this through the book. We hope this will be a great read not just for those looking to understand what it takes to build a company, but for anyone looking to understand more deeply the story of the likes of Naukri, Nykaa, Policybazaar, Delhivery, Freshworks and the other startups covered in the book.”
Kunal Upadhyay, CEO of CIIE.CO, IIM Ahmedabad, says, “Startup Compass is replete with stories of grit and ambition from fearless founders. Much like the vision of entrepreneurs being transformed into tangible reality, the book brings alive the essence of ‘How to Start a Startup,’ the lecture series at IIM Ahmedabad created in partnership between founders and CIIE.CO that formed the seed for the book.” 
Swati Chopra, Executive Editor, HarperCollins India, says, “We are publishing Startup Compass at a time when an increasing number of people are turning entrepreneurs. This book is invaluable in terms of not only tips and guidance and what to do and what to avoid, most importantly it provides a way to understand the ecosystem of the startup world. The fact that it does so through the experiences of people who have successfully navigated it only makes the book more meaningful.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
The idea of starting a company has never been more popular in India. A new breed of entrepreneurs is rising in the country, inspired by home-grown heroes, driven to pursue extraordinary outcomes and supported by an ecosystem that is willing to back audacious ideas.
Startup Compass offers advice on starting and growing a company, shared in a lecture series at IIM Ahmedabad and over extensive interviews by fifteen iconic Indian entrepreneurs. The advice they give is invaluable, and covers all the stages in the life of a start-up, from idea, team and product, to eventual exit.
If you are looking to begin your own start-up journey, are interested in the Indian start-up ecosystem or are simply a student of business, this book is for you. 
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ujwal Kalra is a serial entrepreneur, currently serving as the co-founder and CEO of NAKAD, a supply chain startup that makes credit and commerce easily available to small and medium businesses. Earlier, he worked at Boston Consulting Group where he was a founding member of Growth Tech India, a BCG initiative to work with startups. At IIM Ahmedabad, Ujwal co-founded and headed the ‘How to Start a Startup’ series on which this book is based. He was an Institute Merit scholar at IIMA, graduating in the top 5 per cent of his batch. An alumnus of IIT Guwahati and DPS Vasant Kunj, Ujwal has been awarded numerous awards in his young career, including The Economic Times Young Leader, O.P. Jindal Scholarship, Dun & Bradstreet Award and Dunia Scholarship, UAE. He also represented India at Kairos, a USA-based entrepreneurship society. 
Shobhit Shubhankar is a consultant at Boston Consulting Group. He has worked across South-East Asia with project experience in private equity, technology, telecommunications, and industrial goods practice areas. He has also worked at B Capital Group, a multi-stage global investment firm investing in technology companies. He is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad where he was a founding member of the ‘How to Start a Startup’ series, and graduated in the top 5 per cent of his batch. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from IIT BHU Varanasi, and serves on the board of the IIT BHU Global Alumni Association.
CONTRIBUTORS IN THE BOOK
Abhiraj Bhal, Urban CompanyAnand Daniel, Accel PartnersAnu Hariharan, Y Combinator Continuity FundDeep Kalra, MakeMyTripFalguni Nayar, NykaaGirish Mathrubootham, FreshworksKunal Shah, FreeCharge, CREDRaghunandan G, TaxiForSureRajan Anandan, Sequoia CapitalRitesh Agarwal, OYOSachin Bansal, Flipkart, NaviSanjeev Bikhchandani, Info EdgeSahil Barua, DelhiveryTarun Mehta, Ather EnergyYashish Dahiya, PolicybazaarPRAISE FOR THE BOOK
“Startup Compass serves as a valuable handbook for assisting aspirational and first-time entrepreneurs transform their ideas into reality while also helping them in navigating complexity. As a unique book on enterprise innovation; it will help catalyse Indians to innovate in India and innovate for the world.”
– Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog
 “IIM Ahmedabad began the ‘How to Start a Startup’ lecture series to make entrepreneurship more widely understood. Startup Compass sifts through those sessions to unearth the problems that bedevil entrepreneurs. Should they focus on financial value, or devote time to opportunities in tune with their own motivations? Should they continue with control as they grow, or should they exit? A very insightful book.” 
– Errol D’Souza, Director, IIM Ahmedabad
About HarperCollins India 
HarperCollins India publishes some of the finest writers from the Indian Subcontinent and around the world, publishing approximately 200 new books every year, with a print and digital catalogue of more than 2,000 titles across 10 imprints. Its authors have won almost every major literary award including the Man Booker Prize, JCB Prize, DSC Prize, New India Foundation Award, Atta Galatta Prize, Shakti Bhatt Prize, Gourmand Cookbook Award, Publishing Next Award, Tata Literature Live! Award, Gaja Capital Business Book Prize, BICW Award, Sushila Devi Award, Sahitya Akademi Award and Crossword Book Award. HarperCollins India also represents some of the finest publishers in the world including Harvard University Press, Gallup Press, Oneworld, Bonnier Zaffre, Usborne, Dover and Lonely Planet. HarperCollins India is now the recipient of five Publisher of the Year Awards – In 2021 and 2015 at the Publishing Next Industry Awards, and in 2021, 2018 and 2016 at Tata Literature Live. HarperCollins India is a subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers. 
For reviews, excerpts, interviews, and more information, please contact Vandana Rathore at vandana.rathore@harpercollins.co.in
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From Rural Roots to Global Impact: Ruma Devi on Women, Craft and Purpose on Herbalife India’s Podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted

BENGALURU, India, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, has unveiled a new episode of its podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, featuring renowned social entrepreneur and women’s empowerment champion Ruma Devi.

Titled ‘Threads of Change: From Local Hands to Global Hearts’, the episode captures Ruma Devi’s inspiring journey from rural Rajasthan to global platforms, highlighting resilience, grassroots leadership and the transformative power of skill-based livelihoods.In conversation with Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, Ruma Devi shares how her journey began with a simple need for income and gradually evolved into a movement empowering thousands of women through handicrafts, training and community-driven opportunities. She reflects on building trust within conservative households, enabling women to work from home, and fostering financial independence that reshaped perceptions within families and communities.Speaking about her journey, Ruma Devi said:”Every woman carries a doubt within, that she may not be educated enough, or that her language might become a barrier. But confidence and skill can open doors anywhere. Art flourishes the more it is shared.”The episode also sheds light on the work of the Ruma Devi Foundation, which focuses on skill development, education support, healthcare initiatives and cultural preservation in rural communities. From livelihood training to scholarships and health interventions, the foundation continues to drive meaningful social change at the grassroots level.Commenting on the episode, Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said:”Ruma Devi’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable change begins at the grassroots and grows through courage, purpose and community collaboration. Her story perfectly reflects the spirit of Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, authentic conversations that inspire individuals to believe in their potential and build a better future.”Through her experiences, Ruma Devi reinforces a simple yet powerful message, that transformation starts the moment individuals choose to believe in themselves and take the first step forward.Watch the Full EpisodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSedbvqh2UIAlso streaming on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sAv4ewhQObo3kjOkpNi3V?si=kWMsSm1wSAKyNpb7HKUbQQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts/id1808386057?i=1000753523579Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a53233b6-84b5-43ce-a34a-5230c769168b/episodes/c38d5074-13f1-4ee0-82c1-591a5ad184e6/live-your-best-life-unscripted-threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts-ft-ruma-devi-live-your-best-life-unscriptedAbout Herbalife Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935791/Ruma_Devi_Herbalife_podcast.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2238437/5868011/Herbalife_Logo.jpg  

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Manipal Hospital Varthur Road Celebrates World Kidney Day 2026 by Honouring ‘Kidney Champions’

BENGALURU, India, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road marked World Kidney Day 2026 with an inspiring community event focused on awareness, prevention, and celebrating the extraordinary resilience of patients living with kidney disease. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of several ‘Kidney Champions’—patients whose journeys reflect courage, perseverance, and hope despite the challenges of chronic kidney disease.

The event saw a full house of senior citizens from nearby communities, along with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, creating a lively atmosphere of learning and engagement.The program began with Dr. Garima Aggarwal, Lead Consultant – Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, who delivered an engaging talk on ‘What Do Kidneys Do and How Can We Protect Them?’ She explained the vital functions of the kidneys—from filtering toxins and maintaining fluid balance to regulating blood pressure and supporting bone health—while highlighting the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing kidney disease.Speaking at the event, Dr. Garima Aggarwal said: “Kidney disease is often silent in its early stages. Awareness, early testing, and simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting kidney health.”This was followed by Dr. Manoharan B, Senior Consultant – Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, who spoke about chronic kidney disease and how patients can continue to lead meaningful and healthy lives even after diagnosis. He emphasized the importance of controlling diabetes and blood pressure, maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, staying physically active, and seeking timely medical care.Next, Dr. Abhigna Panda, Consultant – Urology and Renal Transplant Surgeon, spoke about urological and bladder health, addressing common concerns among elderly individuals such as urinary infections and prostate enlargement, and highlighting the importance of timely evaluation and treatment.The talks were followed by a highly interactive discussion session, with enthusiastic participation from the audience who asked numerous questions on kidney health, diet, medications, and preventive care.The most emotional moment of the event came during the felicitation of the hospital’s ‘Kidney Champions.’ These patients shared powerful stories of resilience that deeply moved the audience.One young transplant recipient, who continues to work at the hospital even after her illness, spoke about overcoming early rejection after her transplant and returning to work with renewed determination.Another patient who has lived with kidney disease for nearly three decades inspired the audience by continuing to run marathons and go on treks despite being on dialysis.A young father who developed kidney failure after suffering a stroke shared how the birth of his daughter renewed his motivation to keep fighting while he awaits a transplant.The audience also heard from a patient who has lived with physical disability all her life and has been on dialysis for over a decade, yet continues to pursue her career and maintain an extraordinarily positive outlook.Another transplant recipient shared how his life changed suddenly soon after marriage when kidney failure struck, and how perseverance, family support, and help from the Manipal Foundation eventually helped him receive a life-saving transplant.The stories were so powerful that many in the audience rose to give standing ovations, celebrating the courage and spirit of these individuals who refuse to let illness define their lives.The program concluded on a joyful note with a music therapy session, bringing together patients, caregivers, and doctors in a moment of shared positivity and emotional connection.Through initiatives like these, Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road continues to strengthen its commitment to patient-centered care, community awareness, and advanced kidney treatment, while reminding everyone that awareness, early care, and compassion can transform lives.For more information, please visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935873/Kidney_Champions.jpgPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935874/World_Kidney_Day.jpg  

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Breaking Language Barriers: Shriram One Making Financial Services Accessible to Every Indian

UPI payments, loans, investment and more—now simpler in seven Indian languages.MUMBAI, India, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Shriram One, the UPI-based financial services app from Shriram Finance, has been helping Indians manage their money in the language they are comfortable in. Built to remove barriers in digital finance, the app is today widely used across the country in seven languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Gujarati.

Multi-language Access for Everyday FinanceFor many Indians, digital finance has always felt challenging because most apps rely heavily on English. Shriram One, however, gives users the option to navigate and transact in their preferred language. With access to seven Indian languages, the app makes routine tasks like sending money, paying bills, investing or even applying for loans, more approachable.The All-in-One SolutionThe app stands out as a single platform where users can manage most of their financial needs. So what does Shriram One bring together in the platform?UPI payments for instant transfers, recharges and utility billsFixed Deposit, Fixed Investment Plan and Mutual Fund investments from Shriram FinanceAccess to personal, business and vehicle loansInsurance solutions for various protection needsAccount monitoring for payments, EMIs and depositsWith a host of financial features, Shriram One removes the need for juggling multiple apps, providing clarity and consistency in a familiar language.Expanding Reach Beyond MetrosThe real impact of Shriram One has been in smaller Indian towns and cities, where local language support has encouraged more people to embrace digital transactions. Traders, small business owners, students and families who once avoided financial apps because of the language barrier can now carry out daily transactions and more confidently on Shriram One.Simple and Trusted DesignThe interface of the app keeps instructions clear and uncluttered. This ensures that even people using Shriram One for the first time can manage payments and accounts without any hassle. Older customers, who traditionally hesitate with digital apps, are also finding the language support helpful in carrying out transactions independently. The long-standing trust of Shriram Finance strengthens this experience, reinforcing safety and reliability.Supporting the Vision of Digital IndiaIndia’s move towards a digital-first economy is built on inclusivity. Shriram One continues to contribute to this vision by making sure that financial services are not restricted to English-speaking users. By combining UPI and other financial products in seven other languages, the app truly creates a pathway for millions to join the digital economy confidently.The Way ForwardShriram Finance is committed to expanding Shriram One with more regional languages and adding more services over time. The app’s purpose remains the same as when it was first introduced. To bring every Indian closer to financial access and independence through simplicity and local language support.About Shriram Finance Limited:Shriram Finance Limited is the flagship company of the Shriram group which has significant presence in Consumer Finance, Life Insurance, General Insurance, Stock Broking and Distribution businesses. Shriram Finance Limited is one of India’s largest retail asset financing Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC) with Assets under Management (AUM) above Rs. 2.91 trillion. Established in 1979, Shriram Finance is a holistic finance provider catering to the needs of Small Road Transport Operators and small business owners and is a leader in organised financing of pre-owned commercial vehicles and two wheelers. It has vertically integrated business model and offers financing number of products which include passenger commercial vehicles, loans to micro and small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tractors & farm equipment, gold, personal loans and working capital loans etc. Over last 46 years, it has developed strong competencies in the areas of loan origination, valuation of pre-owned commercial vehicles and other assets, and collections. It has a pan India presence with network of 3,225 branches and an employee strength of 77,724 servicing to 97.62 lakhs of customers.Shriram One, the company’s flagship mobile app, has 21.3 million installations and currently serves approximately 2 million active customers, providing them with convenient access to a suite of financial services including loans, insurance, investments, and more.Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927044/5860668/Shriram_One_Logo.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2870300/5860588/SFL___Logo.jpg 

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