⁠From Inventing WiFi to Planting 2 Lakh Trees, Transforming 1500 Acres | A Visionary’s Journey

Some episodes are personal.

This one is family.

I had the privilege of sitting down with two people who’ve shaped the way I think, live, and lead: Dr. Pravin Bhagwat (Founder of 14 Trees Foundation) and my father, Kiran Deshpande (Former CEO, Tech Mahindra. Founder, Mojo Networks. Board Member, 14Trees Foundation) two entrepreneurial men I've had the privilege of learning from since I was a child.

They built a company together. Exited it with grace. And then, Pravin uncle did something most people wouldn’t, he walked away from the tech world to plant trees and build forests. Literally.

He started the 14 Trees Foundation, a community-led movement that’s quietly restoring India’s green cover and here’s why he did it:

While reading a 6th-grade textbook on photosynthesis with his daughter, Pravin Uncle had an eye-opening realization: that the carbon we emit can be neutralized simply by planting trees. In fact, it takes exactly 14 trees to neutralize the carbon footprint of one person over a lifetime.

This simple, measurable, and relatable insight inspired him to act. It clicked with me instantly, and it’s become the core of what 14 Trees stands for, bringing nature back, one tree at a time.

And his conversation isn’t about funding rounds or exits.

It’s about friendship, purpose, legacy, and trees, making the world better:

Some things you’ll take away from this episode:

• How my dad and Pravin uncle met, and the values they shared while building Mojo Networks.
• Why they left it all to work with their hands in the soil.
• What reforestation looks like and how you and I can help.
• Why building quietly can still leave a loud legacy.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What comes after success?” this episode might offer a few answers.

And here’s a way you can be part of it:

If this conversation resonates with you, share the video on any social media platform along with your own takeaway (no generic reposts or AI summaries), and send it to me via DM or email shantanu@bombayshavingcompany.com and CC deepti@bombayshavingcompany.com.

I’ll personally plant one tree in your name at 14 Trees.

And if you go a step further and plant one yourself, maybe for a parent, mentor, pet, or friend, I’ll plant two more trees for you.

That’s three trees. One simple act. No deadline.

Let’s grow something together.