India Today article on Su-kam in December 2017CategoriesBlogs

India Today article on Su-kam in December 2017 about Kunwer Sachdev

INDIA TODAY, December 18, 2017: The Rise of Su-Kam Power Systems

Kunwer Sachdev, founder of Su-Kam Power Systems, has achieved significant milestones in the Indian power backup industry. One notable accomplishment is his claim of effectively displacing Chinese inverters from the Indian market. “Today, there is not a single Chinese inverter in the Indian market, while the electronics category is overflowing with Chinese products,” he asserts.

Sachdev’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15, overcoming a lower middle-class background. He started by selling pens on a bicycle with his brother and later established a profitable cable TV business in Delhi. Recognizing the potential of the power backup industry, he shut down his cable TV business in 1998 to found Su-Kam Power Systems. His personal experience with unreliable inverters fueled his determination.

Innovation and Market Transformation:

Sachdev transformed the Indian inverter market by focusing on quality and reliability. He addressed issues like substandard wiring and power fluctuations, which were common among existing manufacturers. “To figure this out, I would spend nights in areas with a high incidence of power theft,” he explains. Before Su-Kam, the industry was dominated by numerous local players selling substandard products. Su-Kam’s entry forced a cleanup and modernization, leading to the sector’s transformation into an organized industry.

Expansion and Solar Energy:

Su-Kam’s success has led to its products being exported to 70 countries worldwide. Sachdev has now ventured into solar inverters, featuring solar-powered chargers. “Yes, we are a little late in entering the solar power sector, but I believe there is immense opportunity still untapped. With the rising demand for clean fuel, the future of solar energy is going to improve. If the diesel generator is banned, then the preference will shift to the big inverters that we have already brought to market,” he states. Su-Kam’s solar inverters aim to reduce electricity bills by 30-40% by directly connecting solar power to the household supply.

Key Highlights:

  • Inception: Su-Kam was founded in 1998 due to the lack of reliable inverters.
  • Investments: In 2006, the company received investments from Reliance Power and Temasek Holdings.
  • Honors:
    • Marico Foundation Award for Innovation (2001-05).
    • Asia’s Most Recognized Brand Award (2012-13).
    • Asian Leadership Award in 2013.
  • Innovations:
    • World’s first plastic-body inverters.
    • Introduction of MOSFET, Microcontroller-based, and DSP Sine Wave technologies.
    • Home UPS, combining UPS and inverter functionalities.
  • Challenges:
    • Delays in government patent approvals.
    • Risk of technology imitation.
    • Competition from domestic companies.
    • Need for better battery research.

Corporate Culture and Patents:

Sachdev emphasizes employee respect and fosters a positive work environment, evident in the employee pictures displayed throughout Su-Kam’s Gurgaon office. He criticizes the Indian system for lacking appreciation for innovators. “In India, cricketers and film stars get asked a lot of questions, but no one asks innovators about his or her vision, struggles, or achievements,” he observes. He also stresses that innovation is the responsibility of entrepreneurs, not just the government.

Sachdev was a pioneer in filing patents in the Indian power backup industry. However, he highlights the challenges in securing patents, citing the lengthy approval process. For example, a patent application for a “High Frequency Lead Acid Battery Charger” filed in 2004 was only granted in 2017, by which time the technology had become outdated. He has applied for 90 patents, some of which are being sought by Chinese companies, but he laments the lack of urgency from the Indian government in patenting Indian innovations.

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A Journey of Resilience: From Diagnosis to Marathon Triumph

At 40, the very foundation of my world trembled. High blood pressure. It felt like a cruel irony, a betrayal by my own body. Su-Kam, the company I’d nurtured from a fledgling idea to a power solutions leader, was my life’s blood. The relentless pace of expansion, the countless journeys across India and Africa, the dedication to illuminating homes and businesses—it had consumed me. And now, my body was demanding its due.

Kunwwer Sachdev inaugurating the showroom of a dealer
Kunwwer Sachdev inaugurating the showroom of a dealer

Then came the second blow: prediabetes. A chilling premonition, a shadow cast over the future I’d meticulously planned for Su-Kam. I, Kunwwer Sachdev, who had always believed in the power of movement, found my daily walks replaced by the frenetic rhythm of boardroom meetings and international flights. The weight of responsibility, the desire to see Su-Kam reach every corner of the world, had taken its toll. The stark reality hit me: without my health, the dreams I held for Su-Kam, the vision of powering a brighter future, would remain just that—dreams.

Kunwer Sachdev running Airtel Half Marathon in Delhi
Kunwer Sachdev running Airtel Half Marathon in Delhi

 

In the midst of this inner turmoil, a simple suggestion, a lifeline thrown by a friend: ‘Start running.’ Running? A concept that seemed foreign, almost laughable. But desperation, the burning desire to reclaim control, to ensure Su-Kam’s legacy, pushed me towards the gym. The treadmill, a formidable adversary, mocked my initial attempts. Five minutes felt like an eternity, each labored breath a testament to my neglect. https://www.rosmeinwonderland.com/2016/05/inverter-man-of-india.html?m=1

Kunwer Sachdev running Airtel Half Marathon in Delhi
Kunwer Sachdev running Airtel Half Marathon in Delhi

Yet, within the gym’s walls, I witnessed a spark of inspiration. Two individuals, their focus unwavering, training for the Airtel HALF Marathon. Their dedication, a reflection of the very spirit I instilled in Su-Kam, ignited a fire within me. Five minutes stretched to ten, then thirty, then forty. Self-doubt began to yield to a resolute determination. I would run a half marathon.

My initial goal: ten kilometers. A steppingstone. But Su-Kam had taught me to aim higher, to push beyond perceived limits. Twenty-one kilometers, the full distance, became my target. A flicker of embarrassment accompanied this ambition, a reluctance to share my vulnerability. I chose to be my own coach, guided by the same unwavering commitment that fueled Su-Kam’s growth.

Kunwer Sachdev before the Airtel Marathon standing with friends and wife Khushboo Sachdev
Kunwer Sachdev before the Airtel Marathon standing with friends and wife Khushboo Sachdev

The marathon day arrived, a moment of reckoning. My heart pounded, not with fear, but with the exhilaration of a new challenge. Two hours and twenty-five minutes. I crossed the finish line, a wave of triumph washing over me. And then, I observed the power of corporate unity, the strength of brands displayed in motion. I knew Su-Kam had to be part of that. For the next marathon, I assembled a team of young Su-Kam employees. Some approached the challenge with lightheartedness, others with the same focused determination I had. We ran as one, the Su-Kam logo a symbol of our collective strength. Yet, not all reached the finish. I learned a profound lesson: it wasn’t age, but unwavering dedication, the very essence of Su-Kam’s success, that propelled one forward.

Kunwer Sachdev standing with his team Su-kam youngsters
Kunwer Sachdev standing with his team Su-kam youngsters

The feeling of accomplishment was profound, a victory over my physical limitations, a reaffirmation of the resilience that defined Su-Kam. My next goal: to break the two-hour barrier.

With each subsequent race, my health improved, my spirit renewed. Running became more than exercise; it was a form of meditation, a crucible for discipline, a mirror reflecting the core values of Su-Kam. Years later, while I moderated my training, the lessons remained: with dedication, anything is possible. Running instilled a deep-seated confidence, a positive outlook that permeated every aspect of my life, including my leadership of Su-Kam.

Team Su-kam ready to run marathon
Team Su-kam ready to run marathon

Now, I stand as a living testament to the transformative power of resilience. From a health crisis to marathon triumphs, my journey reshaped not only my life but also my vision for Su-Kam. I’ve learned that life’s most formidable challenges can catalyze profound growth. The path may be arduous, but with the same unwavering commitment that built Su-Kam, we can conquer any obstacle, one stride, one innovation, one dream at a time.”

Disclaimer: Please note that the information and personal reflections shared on this website/blog are from Mr. Kunwer Sachdev’s perspective and experiences. While these stories often relate to the founding and early years of Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd., it is important to clarify that Mr. Kunwer Sachdev is no longer associated with the Su-Kam brand in any official or unofficial capqcity.
The views and opinions expressed here are his own and do not necessarily reflect the current strategies, operations, or viewpoints of Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. Su-kam Insolvency
This website/blog is a personal endeavor to share insights and experiences from Mr. Kunwer Sachdev’s journey as an entrepreneur and leader. Any mention of Su-Kam is for historical context and to illustrate the experiences and lessons learned during that period of his life.

Kunwer Sachdev pictureCategoriesBlogs

My type 2 diabetes and my journey to handle

The hum of the inverter, a constant, reassuring presence in countless Indian homes, was a testament to Kunwer Sachdev’s vision. “Su-Kam,” he mused, the name echoing his decades of work, “powering lives.” Yet, even the Inverter Man of India couldn’t power his way out of a pre-diabetic diagnosis in 2005.

“It started with my eyesight,” Kunwer recalled, a flicker of concern in his eyes. “I remember returning from a Nepal tour in April 2005, and my vision was blurred, intermittent. That was my first signal. The moment I landed in Delhi, I called Dr. Amitabh Parti.” I was having Blood pressure disease for which i was already having the medicine and if I have to eat the medicine for the BP and blood Sugar then it will not stop any where.

Kunwwer Sachdev pic
Kunwwer Sachdev pic

“He told me to come in the morning,” Kunwer continued, “and after various tests, including an HbA1c, he showed me the results. 7.1. Pre-diabetic.” A pause, a moment of reflection. “It was a shock. My company was growing rapidly. I was traveling constantly, meeting dealers, distributors, keeping my employees motivated. Five days a week on the road. Diet? Exercise? It felt impossible.”

“But I made a promise to myself,” Kunwer declared, his voice firm. “I wouldn’t bow to this disease. I’d take it head-on.” He then mentioned a book that proved pivotal to his journey. “I read ‘Reversal of Diabetes’ by Dr. Neal Barnard. That book changed my life completely.”https://youtu.be/lSwL73evUdA

Reversal of Diabetes by Neil Barnard
Reversal of Diabetes by Neil Barnard

His journey was a testament to the complexities of managing Type 2 diabetes. He sought answers, searching for a guide through the labyrinth of blood sugar levels and dietary restrictions. He found a kindred spirit in the late Dr. Sujeet Jha, a brilliant mind dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of diabetes. “Dr. Jha’s passion was infectious,” Kunwer recalled, a hint of sadness in his voice, “he understood the disease on a profound level. His early passing was a great loss.”

Then came Dr. Amitabh Parti, a steady hand, a beacon of clarity. “Dr. Parti,” Kunwer emphasized, “he was different.” Unlike many, Dr. Parti wasn’t just about prescriptions. He was about empowerment. He saw the patient, not just the disease. He preached the gospel of holistic health: diet, exercise, and mental well-being, a trifecta for managing diabetes.

“He gave me a glucose meter,” Kunwer explained, “a tool to understand my body’s language.” Later, the invasive glucose monitor, the LibreLink application, became his constant companion, a window into the intricate dance of his blood sugar. He experimented, meticulously tracking his body’s responses to food, exercise, and even his moods.

Airtel Marathon running by Kunwwer
Airtel Marathon running by Kunwwer

“I learned how fasting impacted my levels,” Kunwwer said, his voice filled with newfound knowledge, “how to break a fast without spiking my sugar. I discovered the delicate balance of dinner, the importance of a regulated bedtime glucose level.” The major change was my exercise routine where I was very discipline in my running and started doing swimming in summers which changed my structure from 72 Kgs to 62Kgs.

He embraced exercise, a challenge he initially thought insurmountable. The Airtel marathon, a distant dream, became a reality. “Running, swimming,” he recounted, “I pushed myself, and the results were undeniable. Ten kilograms lighter, and my HbA1c consistently below 6, sometimes creeping to 6.5, but always returning.”

He showed me the pictures on his phone. “Look, this graph shows how my sugar reacted after a bowl of lentils, and this one after a swim.” The app displayed a visual representation of his dedication.

“It wasn’t easy,” Kunwer admitted, “there were moments of laziness, of overzealousness. But Dr. Parti’s motivation, his unwavering support, kept me on track.”

He spoke of the trust he placed in Dr. Parti, the rapport built over two decades. “He’s more than a doctor,” Kunwer said, “he’s a guide, a mentor.”

“Controlling diabetes is both easy and tough,” Kunwer concluded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Easy because the tools are there, the knowledge is available. Tough because it requires discipline, a complete understanding of the disease, and a doctor who truly cares.”

He paused, then added, “I hope my story inspires others. Find a doctor like Dr. Parti, a partner in your health journey. And remember, even the Inverter Man had to learn to power his own life, one disciplined step at a time.”