A Journey of Resilience: My Life's Story
A Happy Beginning in IT
For 16 years, I thrived in the IT industry, building a successful career and finding contentment in my professional achievements. I was passionate about technology and enjoyed the intellectual challenges and opportunities it offered. My life was marked by a sense of stability and satisfaction. My wife, Ramya, was my constant companion and support, and together, we navigated the complexities of life with a shared sense of purpose and optimism. Our life, though busy, was filled with joy and a deep sense of fulfillment.
I got recognised and rewarded for my work in the field of Data Protection and Disaster recovery space.
Ramya's Battle with Renal Carcinoma
In November 2006, our lives took an unexpected and difficult turn. Ramya was diagnosed with renal carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the kidneys. The news was devastating, but Ramya's strength and determination were unwavering. She underwent surgery to remove her right kidney, marking the beginning of a grueling journey. Between 2006 and 2011, Ramya had to endure the surgeon's knife 13 times. Each operation was a test of her resilience, and her courage throughout this period was truly inspiring. Her journey through multiple surgeries and treatments was filled with pain and uncertainty, but she faced each challenge with remarkable bravery.
My Mother's Struggle with Renal Disease
As if Ramya's health challenges weren't enough, my mother was also battling a severe illness. In 2002, she was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. From 2006, she required regular dialysis to survive. Her struggle was a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the relentless passage of time. Despite the treatments, she passed away on July 9, 2012. My mother's battle was not only a physical struggle but an emotional one for our entire family. Her resilience and will to live, even through the taxing dialysis sessions, left a lasting impact on us.
Personal Health Challenges
In 2013, I began experiencing severe symptoms of arthritis. The pain was excruciating, and despite numerous consultations with doctors, no one could pinpoint the exact cause. Reflecting on those years, I now believe my condition resulted from a combination of extreme dehydration from sitting in air-conditioned offices, lack of sunlight, and nutritional deficiencies in Vitamin D and B12. These factors culminated in my decision to leave the IT industry in October 2014, marking the end of a significant chapter in my life. This period was filled with frustration and helplessness, as my condition affected my ability to work and live normally.
The Road to Recovery
Recovering from the debilitating pain took 2.5 years. My ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) numbers, which hovered around 100 for almost two years, finally came within an acceptable range. This period of recovery was arduous and required immense patience and perseverance. I underwent various treatments and made significant lifestyle changes, including improving my hydration, nutrition, and exposure to sunlight. When I felt ready to re-enter the workforce, the only opportunities available were night shift jobs, which posed a risk to my health once again. It was clear that I needed to take control of my destiny in a different way.
One 500 kms cycle ride to Malpe Beach from Bangalore and couple of hikes restored my confidence in my physical abilities .
Venturing into Entrepreneurship
Determined to create a new path for myself, I decided to start my own business. In 2016, I partnered with a friend to open a restaurant "South Ruchis Square". Our vision was to transform it into a partly organic eatery, focusing on healthy and delicious food.
We did realise health depends on Food which is free of toxic substances, quality sleep,excercise and peace of mind. We wanted to share our learnings with the world.
Our efforts paid off, and the restaurant earned a five-star rating from Week magazine. It also attracted the attention of politicians and celebrities, who appreciated our commitment to quality and innovation. This venture taught me valuable lessons about business and partnership dynamics.
A New Beginning with Satkriti Saatvik
In mid-2019, Ramya and I embarked on a new venture, launching a restaurant called Satkriti Saatvik. Our focus was on delivering sattvic food made with organic ingredients, adhering to traditional Indian culinary principles. The initial success of our restaurant was a testament to our hard work and dedication.
This restaurant is founded on the principles of Satvik food, drawing its inspiration from verses 17.8, 9, and 10 of the Bhagavad Gita.
Challenges During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges. We struggled to keep the restaurant open, relying on innovative solutions to maintain quality with a reduced staff. One such solution was using a combi oven from Convotherm, which allowed us to streamline our operations with just 13 employees and a cashier. Our dedication to creating unique flavors led us to develop our own spice blends, a decision that was well-received by our customers.
During the pandemic, we accidentally discovered that freezing spices before grinding them resulted in a superior taste. This serendipitous discovery occurred when we had to keep roasted spices in a freezer to prevent them from being misplaced. The next day, our pulverizer operator noticed that the jeera (cumin) did not stick to the milling chamber. This was because the oils in the spices had crystallized, leading to a finer and more consistent powder. Our customers noticed the improved flavor, and this insight laid the foundation for our next venture.
The Birth of NRV Foods
In 2021, we founded NRV Foods with the goal of producing high-quality masala powders using cryogenic grinding. The journey involved extensive trial and error to perfect the process, ensuring the best possible flavor and shelf life for our spices. We decided against turnkey solutions from suppliers, opting instead to develop a custom solution that allowed us to understand and address the limitations of each component of the system. This approach helped us cap expenses and save money, a benefit we happily passed on to our customers.
Our commitment to stringent operational measures ensured minimal contact between products and staff during the entire packing process. We used a state-of-the-art automatic packing machine and food-grade aluminum foil for primary packaging, enhancing the shelf life and quality of our products. The result of our efforts was "Just Half Spoon," a line of masala powders that combined traditional recipes and flavors with modern manufacturing techniques.
My life has been a testament to resilience and adaptability. From the highs of a successful IT career to the lows of personal health crises and the challenges of entrepreneurship, I have learned that perseverance is key. Today, NRV Foods stands as a symbol of our commitment to quality and innovation, blending traditional flavors with cutting-edge technology to create products that our customers love. Despite the many trials, I remain hopeful and driven, looking forward to what the future holds. Through all the hardships, the support of my wife Ramya and the lessons learned from each experience have been my guiding lights. Together, we continue to build a legacy of excellence and resilience, constantly adapting and growing from each challenge that comes our way.
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