SparX by Mukesh Bansal

In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Subrata Mitra, legendary venture capitalist and Partner at Accel, to unpack what it really takes to back iconic startups from day zero. From being the first institutional investor in Flipkart to shaping India’s startup DNA over two decades, Subrata shares rare insights on pattern recognition, founder-market fit, and why ambition often matters more than pedigree.They talk about the evolution of the Indian VC ecosystem, how to spot high-agency founders, and the art of building trust at the earliest stages of company building. For founders, operators, or anyone interested in the mindset behind India’s startup revolution, this episode offers a masterclass in long-term thinking, conviction-led investing, and the human side of venture capital.

Dive into the transformative world of fasting, where personal experiences meet cutting-edge science. Discover how a 10-week journey can enhance energy, mental clarity, and health. Explore the historical and cultural ties of fasting, linked to spiritual growth across various traditions. Uncover the evolution of human dietary habits and the remarkable benefits of fasting on metabolism and brain function. This insightful discussion offers practical guidance for incorporating fasting into daily life, debunking myths along the way.

Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India, shares his unique journey from theater to tech. He discusses the importance of empathy and culture in leadership, and how these elements shape Uber's operations in India's complex market. The conversation dives into the driver ecosystem, transformative AI innovations, and the future of mobility, including the integration of autonomous vehicles. Prabhjeet emphasizes nurturing talent and maintaining hobbies to foster resilience and creativity in leadership amidst challenges.

Peeyush Ranjan, a tech veteran with experience at Google and Flipkart, discusses how AI is transforming various sectors. He explores the shift in education and expertise access, addressing how large language models can enhance learning while posing risks. The conversation dives into AI's role in healthcare, the evolving skills needed in business, and how non-technical entrepreneurs are emerging in the startup world. Ranjan also emphasizes the necessity for workers to embrace AI tools and the profound impact on youth culture and personal decision-making.

Dr. Devi Shetty, a pioneering cardiac surgeon and founder of Narayana Health, shares his inspiring journey of transforming healthcare in India. He discusses groundbreaking initiatives like the Yeshashwini health insurance scheme that makes surgeries affordable for millions. With over 20,000 surgeries performed, he emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven healthcare and the potential for India to lead in health equity. Dr. Shetty also explores how technology and AI can revolutionize medicine, making it more accessible while enhancing patient care.

In this engaging discussion, Pratyush Kumar, co-founder of Sarvam AI, dives deep into India's ambitious plans for AI sovereignty. He reveals how they’re developing multilingual AI models tailored for India's diverse linguistic needs. The conversation covers the importance of local data, the potential of domain-specific AI, and creating accessible technology for all Indians. Pratyush also shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship and the urgency of establishing India as a leader in the global AI landscape.

In this compelling episode of SparX, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as "Food Pharmer." A former McKinsey consultant and Wharton MBA, Revant left a high-profile corporate career to champion health literacy in India. He unpacks how misleading marketing and hidden ingredients are silently harming millions of Indians through widely consumed packaged foods. From analyzing the viral Bournvita video to discussing systemic issues in food regulation, this episode explores Revant’s courageous journey, his motivation to trigger policy-level change, and how a single Instagram reel sparked a nationwide debate. As India faces a growing health crisis marked by soaring diabetes rates, this conversation is both timely and necessary. Tune in to learn how awareness, education, and a willingness to speak truth to power can lead to real impact.Resource List:-"If You Send Legal Notice, I'll Get You Noticed": Influencer On Bournvita 'Win' - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/if-you-send-legal-notice-ill-get-you-noticed-influencer-on-bournvita-win-4751679Watch: Bournvita Reduces Added Sugar By 14.4% After Criticism, Influencer Calls It ''Big Win'' - https://www.ndtv.com/feature/watch-bournvita-reduces-added-sugar-by-14-4-after-criticism-influencer-calls-it-big-win-4733774India’s consumption of Palm Oil - https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/healthcare/how-much-palm-oil-does-india-consume-19532883.htmHealth Governance Department in India - https://irdai.gov.in/health-dept

Suhasini Haidar, a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in foreign policy, provides a gripping analysis of the escalating India-Pakistan tensions. She explores the historical context of terrorism linked to the conflict and discusses the complex dynamics of military politics. Haidar scrutinizes the diminishing role of the UN and the shift towards transactional diplomacy. The conversation also touches on India's trade strategies and the challenges of balancing military partnerships with economic independence—all framed within the crumbling international order.

In this discussion, Neelkanth Mishra, economic advisor to the Government of India and Chief Economist at Axis Bank, sheds light on the shifting global power dynamics post-WWII. He critiques the waning influence of institutions like the UN and NATO while highlighting the rise of alliances such as BRICS and G20. The conversation unpacks the US-China tensions, Europe’s military development challenges, and the effects of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing the need for new economic frameworks in international relations.

Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and a leading figure in India's tech landscape, shares his inspiring journey in this conversation. He discusses the IT industry's evolution and highlights the critical role of foundational research in AI and brain science. Gopalakrishnan advocates for a synergy between academia and entrepreneurship to drive India's next big leap. He also sheds light on groundbreaking brain research in India and the importance of nurturing the innovation ecosystem for a sustainable future.