Riding Towards Empathy: The Inspiring Journey of Divya Y (3rd Yr, CSM, GVPCE) and Comfort Bikes

Dear Friends and Students,

One year ago, a student named Divya Y approached me for specific career planning advice. Currently, she is pursuing her 3rd Year B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering (AI-ML) at GVPCE. During our conversation, I observed a lot of clarity in her thought process and career decisions. The best career planning service we can offer such individuals is often not giving any specific advice! I followed this approach with Divya.

Subsequently, she became the CEO of Team Power Infrastructure India Private Limited, a startup jointly founded by Divya and her father, Yegi Sreedhar Kumar Garu. I wouldn't have invested in writing this story if it were a regular and routine idea. However, this startup is driven by a cause, confidence, and comfort. I closely reviewed her pitch deck, for which she recently won a 3.5 Lakhs grant from Vignan TBI. It was the most elegant business pitch deck I've seen. The first slide reads, "How many of you would like to make life easier for disabled and elderly people?"

I have been championing the Design Thinking course at GVPCE for several years. The process begins with empathizing. After going through their company’s journey, I realized that they are real practitioners of Design Thinking. Divya and Sreedhar Garu started a startup named "Comfort Bikes," aiming to provide freedom for people with disabilities. Comfort Bikes can be customized, run on autopilot mode, provide gravity chairs, and ensure comfort. It's truly innovative. Initially, I thought they were only focused on personal segment, but their focus extends to healthcare (30%), travel (25%), agriculture (20%), business (15%), and personal (10%) needs. They design their machines and have accumulated established machinery. Additionally, they manufacture bikes and cycles for regular use.

While Sreedhar Garu is busy with operations, Divya, as the young CEO, takes care of business pitches, meeting investors, business promotion, and supporting R&D in finalizing features. Divya’s parents are highly supportive of her entrepreneurial aspirations!

Last year, their production started, and they have already sold 500 bikes! Initially, they aimed to manufacture comfortable cycles for handicapped and elderly individuals, and then uniquely designed bicycles and tricycles suitable for all age groups in the future. They are also working on software-driven, AI-driven features to automate simple decisions.

Appeal to Battery Investors: Currently, they are seeking empathic investors who understand this business and are interested in investing in batteries.

Business Address: Team Power Infrastructure India Private Limited, Sathivani Palam, Visakhapatnam. If you are interested in investment or inquiries, please contact them at comfortbikes9@gmail.com. Divya’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyayegi

Congratulations, Divya! I wish you all the best for your future and hope to see you as the most successful CEO!

I hope this story inspires many who wish to embark on Heart-Smart Careers (Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, Risk appetite-based careers). As I mentioned, there are 4 types of jobs - Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, and Heel-Smart. I wish all students above 17 years choose their careers based on this 4H-Smart Career Planning Framework rather than market demand and societal pressure (For more about this career planning framework, please go through https://i2itm.blogspot.com/2024/03/calling-all-parents-of-children-aged-12.html).

Best Wishes,

Ravi Saripalle

Build/Rebuild Your Career using Natural Intelligence and 4H Framework- Talk at Enterprising Bharat

Today I had a wonderful opportunity to be part of the Enterprising Bharat Conclave as a Jury and Speaker, held at Dr YVS Auditorium, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC6qqp0jcXs

"Calling All Parents of Children Aged 12-24 and Educational Leaders! Join Project आकांक्षा (Aakaansha) - Identify Individual Multiple Intelligences, Match with Suitable Job Descriptions and then with Types of Work too to Restore Smiles and Promote Mental Wellness. Enhance Organizational Productivity and Revenue!"

Dear Parents and Educational Leaders,

I have 5 questions for you:

1.    Do you agree that nearly every family grapples with the strain arising from the discord between children's education, ranking systems, institutional choices, and subsequent career paths?

2. Do you know your child/student’s Natural/Foundational Intelligence (FI)/Multiple Intelligence (MI) (Gardner's MI theory)? Can you identify the Top Two intelligences possessed among Math-Logic-Reasoning, Musical, Linguistic (Word Smart), Naturalistic (Nature Smart), Visual/Spatial (Picture Smart), Kinaesthetic/Body Smart, Intrapersonal (Self Smart), Interpersonal (People Smart)?

3.   If so, are they in the Foundational Stage, Intermediate, Advanced, Exemplary, or Eminence stage?

4.  Do you agree that students are admitted based on ranks, and they are heavily influenced by IQ-driven tests, completely ignoring their Emotional Quotient (EQ), Social Quotient (SQ), Adversity Quotient (AQ), Physical Quotient (PQ)?

5. Do you agree that educational decisions are often influenced by market demand/peer societal pressure rather than individual Natural Foundational intelligence(s) (FI)/Multiple Intelligence (MI)?

Finally, this recurring cycle not only fails to benefit individuals but also negatively impacts overall company productivity, taking a toll on both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness.

What is the Potential Solution? Answer is Project आकांक्षा (Aakaansha)

In light of these challenges, we request you to consider the potential solution - the 'Intelligence & Mental Wellness-driven 4H Career Planning Framework.' This framework is designed to empower individuals and organizations alike, offering a holistic approach to individual mental wellness and better career planning.

Please watch the proposal video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pICOv7yC-w

and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC6qqp0jcXs

Highlights of the Solution:

1.    Identify the Top Two Foundational Intelligences (FI)/Multiple Intelligences (MI) of Children/Students.

2. Assess the current level of Intelligence (Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced, Exemplary, Eminence). Based on this, help them upgrade to the next level by the age of 17.

3.  At the age of 18 or beyond (during UG), assist them in taking up internships connected to their Top 2 Intelligences.

4.    If an individual decides to pursue higher education, ideally their Masters should be directly connected to their Top 2 FI/MI.

5.    For those opting for a job, the following process would apply:

General Principles

ü Best Case Scenario - Top Two Intelligences are aligned with the Job Description, benefiting both the individual and the organization (mental wellness, organizational productivity, revenue impact, sustainability).

ü Average Case Scenario - Top Two Intelligences are partially aligned with the Job Description, focusing on individual happiness while improving organization productivity.

ü Worst Case Scenario - Top Two Intelligences are weakly aligned with the Job Description, resulting in individual unhappiness and a negative impact on organization productivity.

 

Intelligence vs Job Description vs Nature of Job/Work  

 

It is not just Intelligence and Job Description that should match, but the Type or Nature of the Work within that Job Description should also match.

ü Head-Smart Jobs - More Research Oriented, Algorithmic Centred, Logic/Reasoning Involved, Heavy domain-centric - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top Two Intelligences are fit for Head-Smart Jobs (High IQ, reasonable EQ/AQ/SQ).

ü Heart-Smart Jobs - More Risk Appetite, Entrepreneurial Qualities, People-Centric, Networking, Social Impact Mindset, Growth Mindset - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top Two Intelligences are fit for Heart-Smart Jobs (More EQ-SQ-AQ and reasonable IQ).

ü Hands-Smart Jobs - More Hands-On Skills, Quick Replication of Ideas, Prototypes Making, Field Work, Quick Results, Non-specialization - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top Two Intelligences are fit for Hands-Smart Jobs (Reasonable IQ-EQ-SQ-AQ).

ü Heels-Smart Jobs - More Physical Strength Needed, Job Connected Body Fitness - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top 2 Intelligences are fit for Heels-Smart Jobs (More Physical Quotient (PQ), Reasonable IQ-EQ-SQ-AQ).

 

In a Nutshell, 3 Rules for a Happy, Sustainable, and Productive Society:

1. If an individual's Top Two Intelligences are Identified and Practiced, it contributes to Individual Happiness & Mental Well-being.

2.  If an individual's Top Two Intelligences match the Job Description, it enhances individual and organizational productivity and revenue impact.

3.  The World holds only four job types 4H - Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, and Heels-Smart. If an individual's Intelligence, Job Description, and Nature of Job or Work all align, it leads to improvements in individual, organizational, and societal productivity, forming a Happy Society!

 

Dr. Ravi Saripalle

Founder, Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement

 

Celebrating Failure - The Inspiring Journey of Bhuvan Kaushik, UPSC - 2 Times Prelims Qualified!

Dear Friends and Students,

I have shared numerous achievers' stories and insights into what it takes to achieve success. However, today I want to highlight a different perspective—the positive story of how one comprehends failure, consolidates strengths, and seizes new opportunities. There are valuable lessons to be learned from the story of Mr. Bhuvan Kaushik, a six-time UPSC attempter, two-time Prelims qualifier, now gearing up to contribute to Developmental and Transformative Projects.

Every UPSC aspirant embarks on the Kurukshetra War with hopes, aspirations, and specific strengths, fully aware of the intense competition in this toughest examination on Earth, with a mere 0.2% success rate. Despite the challenges, lakhs of students enter this arena, giving their best efforts. Some drop out, some succeed, and many face failure. However, only a few persist until the end, exhausting their limited options. This spirit deserves celebration in India. In this context, I'd like to share Mr. Bhuvan Kaushik's story.

Bhuvan, hailing from Nagpur, the Orange City, also known as Deeksha Bhoomi, Maharashtra, completed his BTech in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Yashwantrao Chavan College of Engineering in 2015. Although he secured a campus selection in Atlantis Lighting Pvt. Ltd and worked for a year, his true calling was the UPSC dream. He relocated to Delhi and began preparing for UPSC exams, successfully clearing prelims in 2019 and 2021. During his Civils preparation, he worked as a content and evaluation freelancer for multiple UPSC coaching centers, self-sustaining his journey. His services might be sought after by other organizations, yet his skills acquired during this process should not be overlooked:

 Six continuous attempts depict unwavering commitment and focus on the goal.

 Fifteen hours per day for six attempts showcase an exceptional level of hard work.

 Preparing for Mains and evaluating others' Mains papers provide diverse perspectives on the world 

 Choosing to stay in Delhi with limited resources, while classmates pursue MNCs/abroad opportunities/high packages, demonstrates his resolute nature.

 Despite the contemporary societal emphasis on matrimonial requirements such as packages, premium institutions, family background, and new criteria, he remains confident in himself.

 Personally, I have been observing this young man for a long time. He possesses substance, integrity, compassion, and a service-oriented mindset.

This story is not meant to boost or discourage aspirants, but rather to convey to organizations that these warriors should get opportunities in the industry esp. individuals like Bhuvan. They can bring significant positive changes to an organization.

Best wishes to Mr. Bhuvan Koushik! I am confident you will have a bright future wherever you work.

For Aspirants: Please watch Bhuvan’s podcast, His UPSC Journey

 Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFIm1BN-Bhc

 Part 2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMFSZHO4RU

For organizations interested in reaching out to Bhuvan, here are his contact details:

 Email: bhuvankaushik99@gmail.com

 Phone: 9561805320

 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bhuvan-kaushik-48a841207

Best Wishes Bhuvan!

Ravi Saripalle

A Special Birthday Letter for March 9, 2024 Celebrants (Ages 12-25): Fueled for Your Future

Dear Future Leader,

Namaste and a very Happy Birthday to you!

Picture waking up today not just to another year older but to a brand-new adventure! This letter serves as your map, brimming with exciting ideas to guide you on your journey toward a fulfilling career that you'll love.

Indiatimes.com featured a fascinating article on October 9th, 2023, titled "16-YO Autistic Boy from Chennai Swims Across Palk Strait in 11 hours and 52 minutes." If you take the time to read the entire article, you'll undoubtedly be inspired by Mr. Haresh Barath Mohan and his devoted parents, Smt. Nirmala Devi and Sri. Barath Mohan. They recognized his stamina and dedicated hours to train him in swimming. Indeed, "One of the activities recommended for autistic children to streamline their hyperactivity is swimming." (Source: https://shorturl.at/sAB26).

Whether you're a 12-year-old brimming with curiosity or a 25-year-old making waves, you find yourself at a crucial stage. Your innate intelligence, the effort you invest in enhancing it, and the process you adopt to shape your career define your success story.

Take care of your health—incorporate millets into your diet at least once in the next month. Did you know that Karnataka is the top producer of ragi in India?

Now, for the most important message: I need your mindshare in this. If necessary, sit down with your parents, relatives, or friends during this process.

Today is the best day and the right time. It's the opportune moment to evaluate your foundational intelligence and work towards "Intelligence & Mental Wellness driven 4H Career Planning" - (Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, or Heel-Smart). Please spare 5 minutes and assess yourself using the following link: https://shorturl.at/hmrx4.

I hope you agree with this and start planning your career from today. This is merely a suggestion and a wish from my side. Ultimately, you need to invest your time in whatever best suits you.

Your well-wisher, 
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Founder, Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement

 

Note: Kindly forward this letter to your relatives/friends celebrating their birthday on this date.

Intelligence & Mental Wellness driven 4H Career Planning- Assessment Framework

Dear Aspirant

Are you between the 12 to 25 Age group? If so, Please spare 5 minutes to assess your intelligence and plan your career according to the 4H Career Planning framework.

Rule No 1- In this process, your class/branch/degree does not matter. It applies to all. In fact, we are encouraging natural intelligence-based career planning rather than degree-based career planning.

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Steps for Assessment

Step 1: Identify your Natural Foundational intelligence in Fig 1 below (First leftmost Column). Start Owning and Practicing it.

Check 1: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice Foundational Intelligence further, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. Check the 4H Definitions below.

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Step 2: If you progress to the level of Intermediatory intelligence in Fig 1 below (Second Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 2: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice beyond Intermediatory Intelligence, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

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Step 3: If you progress to the level of Advanced intelligence level in Fig 1 below (third Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 3: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice beyond Advanced Intelligence, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

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Step 4: If you progress to the level of Exemplary intelligence in Fig 1 below (fourth Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 4: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice beyond Exemplary Intelligence, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

----------------------------

Step 5: If you progress to the level of Eminent Intelligence in Fig 1 below (Fifth Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 5: At this stage, You are super ready to select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

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Definitions

Head-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more IQ (Intelligence Quotient)/Doing Research/Thinking deeply, then You are more fit and joyful for Head-Smart Jobs (Sample jobs are given in Fig 2).

Heart-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more Emotional Quotient/Social Quotient/Adversity Quotient/ Spiritual Quotient during the process, then you are more fit or joyful in Heart-Smart Jobs (Sample jobs are given in Fig 2)

Hands-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more Hands-On Skills and IQ/ Emotional Quotient/Social Quotient Equally proportion, then you are more fit or joyful in Hands-Smart Jobs (Sample jobs are given in Fig 2)

Heels-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more Physical Skills and IQ/ Emotional Quotient/Social Quotient Equally proportion, then you are more fit or joyful in Heels-Smart Jobs (e.g. Defence, Firefighting, Farming, Physical Strength based Jobs)

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Fig.1 Intelligence & Wellness driven 4H Career Planning

Fig 2 Sample Jobs based on the 4H Framework

Rule 2: Never forget Rule No 1

Dr. Ravi Saripalle

Founder, Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement

From Postcards to AI: A 14-Year Chronicle of Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement!

 Dear Friends and Students,

In 2011, I initiated the Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement (i2iTM.blogspot.com). This movement aims to inspire students and professionals through epistolary-format stories that integrate various contemporary issues and topics. This year marks the 14th Birthday.

After leaving my last corporate job in 2010, I embarked on this journey with a specific purpose. While I am uncertain whether my stories have impacted anyone, I consistently receive comments at events, with at least one person stating, "I am forwarding your story to my son/daughter/niece/friend." Numerous students who read the stories commented, motivating me to publish the next one. However, not every response is positive. I have also received negative comments and constructive criticism. Fortunately, I have never reacted to these comments, instead, they have inspired me to think more.

Initially, I used to send stories using Indian postcards to headmasters of various schools, but I never received any postcards in return. I assumed I was making a mistake.

I then started printing letters and physically mailing them to ministers, district collectors, and vice-chancellors, DEOs for circulation. A few officers responded, and I include a sample acknowledgment from Panchkula District in Haryana below. In the AI world, these are just memories!

Realizing that this model is non-sustainable and not eco-friendly, I immediately transitioned to an email and social media model, which I continue to use today.

Today, AI can write better stories for us. AI can customize both intent and content! A few startups are building AI-powered storytelling platforms using Prompt Engineering.

The 14-year milestone holds significance in Indian Vedic history, as Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years. In those days, being in exile for 14 years meant one was not allowed to rule the kingdom. In the modern context, any technology/function/role/movement may become defunct after 14 years, paving the way for new energy, ideas, methodologies, and people. Change is constant!

In this context, I face a significant question. Am I also susceptible to the 14-year syndrome? Thinking aloud!

Ravi Saripalle