A Glimpse Into My Journey
I have always believed that entrepreneurship is more than just building a business—it is about solving real problems, creating a lasting impact, and leaving the world better than we found it. My journey as an entrepreneur is deeply rooted in this philosophy.
With a background in business analytics, compliance, and strategic partnerships, honed through my studies at the London School of Economics and NALSAR University, I have always been drawn to the intersection of business and social good. However, it was not until I encountered the staggering realities of iron deficiency in India that I found my calling.
Defining My Business and Its Impact
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is not merely a health concern; it is a silent epidemic affecting millions across the country. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 67% of children under five, 59% of adolescent girls, and 57% of women of reproductive age in India suffer from IDA. With a population of approximately 1.4 billion, this translates to nearly 800 million people grappling with the consequences of iron deficiency—fatigue, cognitive impairment, maternal mortality, and diminished productivity. The challenge is vast, but so is the opportunity to create change.
Through our Iron Deficiency-Free India initiative, we are pioneering food-based solutions that make natural iron intake effortless, effective, and enjoyable. Traditional iron supplements, while widely available, often come with side effects such as nausea, constipation, and poor compliance rates. We recognized the need for a paradigm shift—from synthetic chemicals to natural foods that align with dietary habits and cultural preferences.
Our Natural Iron Fruit Bar is crafted to optimize iron absorption, powered by Vitamin C, folic acid, and iron-rich seeds, herbs, and vegetables, ensuring better bioavailability without the adverse effects associated with conventional iron supplements.
Beyond product innovation, we are driving systemic change through strategic partnerships with schools, NGOs, and corporate CSR initiatives. Our iron-rich food interventions have already reached thousands of children in government schools and NGOs, demonstrating measurable improvements in their health. Over 100,000 Natural Iron Fruit Bars (Mango) have been distributed to children and women this year alone. The goal is not just to provide nutrition but to integrate sustainable, long-term solutions that empower communities to combat iron deficiency at scale.
The Motivation Behind My Work
Despite numerous government initiatives, such as Anemia Mukt Bharat and the Intensified National Iron Plus Initiative, anemia remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in India. The realization that existing interventions were not achieving the necessary scale or efficacy propelled us to take action.
Addressing iron deficiency is not just a health imperative—it is an economic and social necessity. Improved iron levels translate to better academic performance in children, increased workplace productivity, and overall national development. Seeing the tangible impact of our work, whether in a classroom or a rural health program, fuels my determination to push forward.
Professional Inspirations and Challenges
Shri Ratan Tata has long been a figure I deeply admire, not just for his business acumen but for his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility. His ability to seamlessly blend innovation with impact resonates with my vision for entrepreneurship.
Like any entrepreneur, my journey has been marked by challenges. One of the biggest hurdles has been consumer education. Many individuals do not recognize the signs of iron deficiency until it severely impacts their health. Convincing people to adopt preventive solutions rather than reactive treatments has required persistent advocacy and trust-building.
Scaling operations while maintaining high product quality has been another balancing act, demanding meticulous supply chain management and strategic resource allocation. However, these challenges have been invaluable learning experiences. I have come to appreciate the power of persistence, the necessity of data-driven decision-making, and the importance of adaptability in a constantly evolving market.
Identifying Market Opportunities and the Future of My Work
Recognizing the market gap for effective, consumer-friendly iron solutions was pivotal in shaping our Natural Iron Fruit Bars. Conventional iron supplements were either ineffective, inconvenient, or plagued with side effects. Meanwhile, shifting consumer preferences toward clean-label, functional foods presented an opportunity to create a truly differentiated solution. The alignment with government initiatives further strengthened our vision, providing a framework through which we could scale impact at a national level.
Looking ahead, the future of our work lies in expansion and innovation. We envision integrating nutrient-rich foods into daily diets, ensuring iron-rich nutrition becomes a seamless part of every household. With increasing awareness and adoption, Natural Iron Fruit Bars have the potential to redefine how India combats iron deficiency—through food, not synthetic chemicals.
Lessons from Entrepreneurship and Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship has taught me that the most impactful businesses are those that solve real problems. Purpose-driven innovation is the key to long-term success. Consumer trust is paramount, and transparency in operations fosters loyalty and credibility. Challenges, no matter how daunting, are opportunities for growth and refinement.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: Do not focus on selling a product—focus on solving a problem. Validate your idea early by engaging with your target audience. Be prepared for setbacks, but remain unwavering in your commitment. Entrepreneurship is not a sprint; it is a marathon that demands resilience, adaptability, and an unrelenting belief in your vision.
Recognitions and the Road Ahead
Over the years, my work has been recognized on various platforms, including being named among the Economic Times’ Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia and one of the Top 50 Transformational Business Leaders at the British Parliament. Awards such as the Bharat Nirman Award for Healthcare Services and Top 200 Women Transforming India by NITI Aayog have reinforced my commitment to driving meaningful change.
Yet, recognition is not the goal—impact is. As we continue our mission, the vision remains clear: to build a healthier, stronger, and Iron Deficiency-Free India. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to public health, we are not just transforming nutrition; we are transforming lives.
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