Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind — a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have Ayuvya Ayurveda CTO & co-founder Pawanjot Kaur, who began her journey as a coding enthusiast at Punjab Engineering College, where she developed automation tools and gained confidence in her technical abilities. After graduation, she founded Innovatia Marketing and Technology, working with 50-plus startups across diverse sectors. However, a personal battle with eczema in 2019 led her to Ayurveda, inspiring her to co-found Ayuvya in 2020 with Astha Jain and Tanishk Pandey. Their mission is to bridge ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern healthcare, making authentic solutions accessible to a global audience.
Ayuvya Ayurveda, headquartered in New Delhi, offers a range of Ayurvedic wellness and skincare products, including its flagship weight gainer, iGain+. The brand is committed to expanding its reach through both online and offline channels, particularly in tier two to four cities while educating customers about Ayurveda's long-term benefits over conventional treatments. With ambitious goals, including reaching ₹500 crore in revenue within three years, the company aims to empower the Ayurvedic industry and enhance the well-being of its customers worldwide.
Without further ado, here it goes…
Your mantra for life
My mantra for life is: "Innovate with purpose, grow with integrity." I believe that blending innovation-driven technology with a holistic approach creates a meaningful impact. True progress happens when we use creativity not just for advancement, but with a purpose that benefits others.
A book you are currently reading or plan to read
I am currently reading "Zero to One" by Peter Thiel. The book dives into the process of creating innovative products and scaling businesses by thinking differently and focusing on progress that moves from nothing to something truly unique. It’s all about building the future through bold ideas. However, one of my all-time favorite books is Atomic Habits, which emphasizes the power of small habits in driving massive, positive changes over time.
Your fitness mantra
My fitness mantra is: "Balance the body, calm the mind, nourish the soul." I believe true fitness goes beyond physical strength; it's about maintaining equilibrium in all aspects of life. By keeping the body active, fostering mental clarity, and nurturing inner peace, you achieve a holistic sense of well-being that empowers you to thrive.
Your comfort food
My comfort food is khichdi and dal rice with ghee. It’s delicious and gentle on my gut, providing a sense of warmth and nourishment. Plus, it helps balance my dosha, making it the perfect go-to meal for comfort and well-being.
A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down
"Every experience, good or bad, teaches us something important." Each moment, whether it brings joy or challenges, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embracing this mindset fosters resilience and keeps me focused, knowing that every experience contributes to personal growth and wisdom.
Your guilty pleasure
My guilty pleasure is overworking. I often dive deep into tasks and projects, pushing myself beyond my limits. While it feels productive, I've come to realize that balance and rest are essential for long-term success and overall well-being.
The last time you tried something new
The last time I tried something new was just last week, as a tech co-founder of Ayuvya Ayurveda, when we experimented with integrating machine learning algorithms into our customers' browsing behaviors. For me, trying new things isn't just about the outcome—it's about the learning process and the opportunities it creates. It’s a powerful reminder that at the intersection of tradition and technology, there’s endless potential for discovery and innovation.
A life lesson you learned the hard way
A life lesson I learned the hard way is that technology should enhance traditional wisdom, not replace it. I've realized that user trust is paramount, especially in healthcare. Building that trust requires a careful balance of innovation and respect for established practices, ensuring that we prioritize the well-being of our customers while leveraging the best of modern technology.
What gets you excited about life?
What gets me excited about life is the thrill of unlocking new ways to enhance well-being every day. The challenge of bridging two seemingly disparate worlds, the time-tested practices of Ayurveda and the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeps me on my toes. It feels like solving a complex puzzle, where each piece we fit brings us closer to creating a healthier, more balanced world.
What’s on top of your bucket list?
At the top of my bucket list is to see Ayuvya become a household name in health and wellness, recognized globally for seamlessly blending Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting-edge technology. Achieving this vision would mean making a meaningful impact on people's lives and promoting a healthier, more balanced way of living.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be: "Dive deep into the roots of knowledge. True understanding comes from self-exploration and thorough study." This approach would have provided a stronger foundation from the start, leading to more meaningful and impactful innovations. It’s a principle that continues to drive our research and development at Ayuvya today.
One thing you would most like to change about the world
The one thing I’d most like to change about the world is the adverse impact of technology on nature. As a tech entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand how innovation can sometimes come at the cost of our environment. I believe we must find ways to integrate technology with sustainability, ensuring that progress does not come at the expense of our planet.
An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times
During tough times, I turn to a combination of yoga and nature walks to stay motivated and charged. These activities help clear my mind, rejuvenate my spirit, and reconnect me with my purpose, allowing me to approach challenges with renewed energy and perspective.
What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
What lifts my spirits when life gets me down are the heartfelt reviews from our customers at Ayuvya. These genuine reminders of the positive impact we're making reignite my passion for our mission. Knowing that our work is improving lives gives me the motivation to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
Your go-to stress buster
My go-to stress buster is practicing yoga and meditation, followed by immersing myself in nature. This combination helps me realign with Ayurvedic principles of balance and connection. Yoga energizes my body, and meditation calms my mind while being in nature restores a sense of peace and harmony.
