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.

Kunwwer Sachdev founder Su-kam showing the visitorCategoriesBlogs

The Personal Story Behind Su-Kam’s Commitment to ISO 9001.

The Genesis of Quality: A Journey Forged in Passion and Purpose
The hum of the factory floor, the clinking of tools, the focused energy of a team striving for something more – these are the sounds that still resonate in my memory, a symphony of creation that defined the early days of Su-Kam. From the very inception, my heartbeat with a singular rhythm: to craft products that weren’t just functional, but reliable, innovative, and ultimately, a testament to unwavering quality. This wasn’t a mere business strategy; it was a deeply personal conviction, a burning desire to build something truly exceptional.
In those nascent years, the landscape of the power backup industry was… well, let’s just say it was a world were shortcuts often trumped substance. But for me, Kunwwer Sachdev, the founder of Su-Kam, compromise was a word I rarely entertained. I envisioned a different future, one where consumers could trust the products they relied on implicitly, where the quality wasn’t an afterthought but the very foundation upon which everything was built. This unwavering belief in continuous improvement and the relentless pursuit of better technology became the bedrock of Su-Kam’s ethos.

discussion about ISO 9001 happening in employees
discussion about ISO 9001 happening in employees

My quest for excellence wasn’t just about the final product; it was about the entire journey, from the initial spark of an idea in the R&D lab to the moment a satisfied customer switched on their Su-Kam device. And it was this holistic approach that led me to a pivotal moment, a decision that would not only shape Su-Kam but also leave an indelible mark on the industry itself: the pursuit of ISO 9001 certification.
In the early 2000s, the concept of ISO 9001 was still relatively new in our sector. When I first broached the idea, it wasn’t met with resounding enthusiasm. Many saw it as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle, a formality that would add cost without tangible benefit. But for me, it was an opportunity, a chance to embed quality into the very DNA of Su-Kam. It was a commitment to a standard, a promise to our customers that went beyond mere words.
I remember the day I called the certification agency. They painted a picture of a swift, one-month process. My initial optimism was quickly replaced by a growing unease as the reality of their approach began to dawn. They seemed more interested in ticking boxes, creating superficial systems that wouldn’t truly resonate within the company culture. It felt like a hollow exercise, a rubber-stamping of processes that wouldn’t genuinely improve the quality of our products or the efficiency of our operations.
A deep sense of responsibility settled within me. I realized that if we were to truly embrace quality, it had to come from within. It couldn’t be a superficial exercise; it had to be a genuine transformation. And so, I made a decision that would consume a significant portion of my time and energy: I would become the Management Representative for Su-Kam, taking the reins of the ISO 9001 implementation myself. https://kunwersachdev.com/the-story-of-inverter-man-of-india-resilience-and-rebuilding

planning stage
planning stage

This wasn’t a decision made lightly. It meant immersing myself in the intricate details of every process, from the initial design stages in R&D to the final delivery and after-sales service. It meant painstakingly documenting every step, creating a comprehensive manual that would serve as the guiding principle for every department. It was a six-month journey of intense learning, meticulous documentation, and unwavering dedication.
The agency, initially expecting a quick and easy process, found themselves dealing with a deeply engaged and demanding client. We pushed them, questioned them, and insisted on creating systems that were not just compliant but truly effective. The initial quoted fees quadrupled as we relentlessly utilized their expertise, pushing the boundaries of their understanding and our own. But for me, the cost was secondary to the goal. We weren’t just aiming for a certificate; we were building a culture of quality.
This immersive experience was a revelation. I gained an unparalleled understanding of every facet of our operations. I saw the interconnectedness of each department, the challenges faced by every team member. We didn’t just create processes; we built bridges between departments, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and mutual understanding. The audit process, where each department meticulously reviewed the work of others, became a powerful tool for collaboration and continuous improvement.
This wasn’t just about adhering to a set of standards; it was about fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the Su-Kam family. It was about creating a culture where everyone understood their role in delivering a high-quality product. Each department learned to serve the others, understanding their challenges and working together towards a common goal: exceeding customer expectations.

the battery factory updated with new systems
the battery factory updated with new systems

The impact of this deep dive into quality was profound. It wasn’t just about the ISO certification; it was about the fundamental shift in our mindset. It instilled a discipline and a rigor that permeated every aspect of our work. It allowed us to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and ultimately, build products that were truly reliable and innovative.
Even today, years later, when I hear people speak about Su-Kam, the words that often come up are “quality.” That legacy, that reputation, is a testament to the unwavering commitment we made in those early days. It’s a reminder that true success isn’t just about building a business; it’s about building a foundation of trust, a promise of excellence that resonates with every customer who chooses Su-Kam.

Kunwwer Sachdev showing measuring standards to dealers
Kunwwer Sachdev showing measuring standards to dealers

That journey, the one that began with a simple desire to build better products, taught me the invaluable lesson that true quality is not just a destination; it’s a continuous journey, a relentless pursuit of improvement fueled by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way, always. And that, in essence, is the story of Su-Kam’s genesis, a story etched in the very fabric of our commitment to the quality. One can see the Battery factory built in my time which was an art of technology and systems and processes. https://youtu.be/dCvZFUFQTVA?si=YMGcyjPGWYqnEtbA

Lead Acid battery factory Su-kam
Lead Acid battery factory Su-kam

Just as Su-Kam’s ISO 9001 certification validated its commitment to customers, Su-vastika’s certification does the same. It signifies that every process, from product design to customer support, is meticulously managed and continuously improved, adhering to the stringent requirements of the international standard. Kunwer Sachdev’s experience with Su-Kam’s ISO 9001 certification provided the knowledge and insights needed to implement the same quality focused practices at Su-vastika.

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 capacity.
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.

CategoriesBlogs

Personal Front became the reason of bankruptcy of Su-kam

Kunwer Sachdev was a titan in the world of business. Su-Kam, his brainchild, stood as a monument to his relentless drive and ingenuity. He navigated the treacherous currents of the market with the ease of a seasoned sailor, weathering every storm, outsmarting every rival. He was a master strategist, a force to be reckoned with in the professional arena.

Award ceremony Kunwer Sachdev
ISA Award Ceremony

Yet, life, in its cruel irony, taught him a lesson he never anticipated. It wasn’t the cutthroat world of commerce that would bring him to his knees, but the delicate, often tumultuous realm of personal relationships. His divorce was a seismic event, a fissure that ran deep within his soul. The emotional fallout was a relentless tide, pulling him under, threatening to drown him in despair. He tried to maintain his composure, to keep Su-Kam afloat, but his heart was heavy, his focus fractured.

His absence, the subtle shift in his leadership, didn’t go unnoticed. Cracks began to appear within the company, whispers of discontent echoing in the corridors. Then, the unthinkable happened. His ex-wife, driven by a bitter vendetta, launched a calculated assault on Su-Kam. Her mission was clear: to dismantle his empire, to prove to the world that Kunnwer Sachdev was nothing without her.

Her actions were not mere acts of spite; they were a systematic campaign of destruction. She spread rumors, sowed seeds of discord among employees, and manipulated stakeholders, all with the singular goal of bringing Su-Kam to its knees. She was hell-bent on destroying his career, on stripping him of his reputation, on proving her power. Her motto was to bring Kunwer Sachdev down and show the world that he was nothing without her.

The betrayal cut deeper than any business deal, a wound that festered and refused to heal. It was a calculated assault on his very being, a blow that shook the foundations of his life. Seven years of grueling legal battles followed, years of emotional turmoil, of fighting to salvage what remained of his personal and professional life. Su-Kam, once a symbol of his success, began to crumble under the weight of his personal strife.

Then, a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of Khushboo. She entered his life like a beacon of light, a source of unwavering support, a lifeline in the swirling darkness. They married in 2016, a new chapter, a chance to rebuild.

But the storm wasn’t over. In 2018, as he cradled his newborn twins, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, he received the devastating news: Bankers have filed for NCLT proceedings  for bankruptcy of Su-kam Power Systems Ltd. Kunwwer Sachdev did his best that bankers withdraw proceedings but it was not to happen. The contrast was stark, a cruel twist of fate. The happiest moment of his life was overshadowed by the collapse of his life’s work. He had poured all his energy into Su-Kam, neglecting to diversify, and now, he was paying the price.

Advait Sachdev and Swastika Sachdev newborn babies

He had faced countless professional challenges, conquered them all, but this, this was different. This was personal. The pain wasn’t just financial; it was a deep, aching wound in his soul. He had underestimated the power of personal turmoil, the devastating impact it could have on even the strongest of individuals.

Yet, even in the ruins of his dreams, a spark of resilience flickered. Khushboo, with her unwavering belief in him and her entrepreneurial spirit, stepped forward. She gathered former Su-Kam employees, those who had been left adrift, and founded Su-vastika, a new venture, a chance to right the wrongs. She was his rock, his partner, his savior.

After two more years of relentless legal battles, Kunnwer finally joined her. Together, they began to rebuild, brick by brick, from the ashes of their past. They had learned a profound lesson: that even the most formidable individuals are vulnerable to the storms of the heart. That professional success, while vital, is meaningless without a strong personal foundation. They understood that the most challenging battles are not fought in the boardroom, but in the quiet corners of our hearts, where the wounds of betrayal and the scars of loss reside. They understood that true strength lies not in conquering the world, but in healing the heart.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information and personal reflections shared on this blog are from Mr. Kunwer Sachdev’s perspective and experiences. It is important to clarify that Mr. Kunwer Sachdev is no longer associated with the Su-Kam brand in any official or unofficial capacity.
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.

CategoriesBlogs

Mr. Kunwer Sachdev the Inverter Man of India Journey

Mr. Kunwer Sachdev founded Su-vastika after the bankruptcy of Su-kam Mr. Kunwwer Sachdev is indeed the founder of Su-Kam, a well-known Indian company specializing in power backup solutions, inverters, and solar products. However, after leaving Su-Kam, he created Su-vastika. He founded a new company called Su-vastika Systems Pvt. Ltd., which focuses on innovative energy solutions, including lithium-ion batteries and advanced power electronics. Su-vastika is a separate entity and not the new name for Su-Kam. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunwer_Sachdev

The focus of Mr. kunwwer Sachdev is to develop new technologies in the battery Energy Storage Systems which is the focus area of govt of India as the solar energy need to be stored for the peak power and emergency needs. https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2019-10/ISGF-Report-on-Energy-Storage-System-%28ESS%29-Roadmap-for-India-2019-2032.pdf

It is an independent company that also operates in the power backup and energy solutions space, offering products like lithium inverters/UPS systems, and solar storage solutions like BESS and lift backups with lithium battery solutions. The focus of Mr. kunwer Sachdev is to develop Lithium battery banks of larger capacity with Solar energy and grid storage and power shaving in case of peak demands. Su-vastika has already installed Battery Energy Storage systems as large as 200 KVA and focus is to develop 1MW storage solutions. The Lithium LifePo4 battery and Lithium-ion battery is the focus area. As the whole world is working on the lithium battery technologies to make it cheap and having more capacity in less space and have more cycles.

200 KVA Energy Storage System installed at hotel Classic Diplomat Delhi

200 KVA Energy Storage System installed at Hotel Classic Diplomat Delhi

Su-vastika and Su-Kam are distinct companies with different ownership and product lines.  

Key Points to Clarify: Su-Kam was founded by Mr. Kunwer Sachdev. It is known for inverters, UPS systems, and solar products. Mr. Sachdev is no longer associated with Su-Kam.

Su-vastika Systems Pvt. Ltd.: Founded by Mr Kunwer Sachdev, which went for bankruptcy by order of the NCLT Court Su-kam bankruptcy court order

Focuses on lithium-ion batteries and advanced energy solutions. https://g.co/kgs/A2XYYtu

Su-vastika: A separate company, unrelated to Su-Kam, but the founder is Mr Kunwer Sachdev for both the companies.

Mr Kunwer Sachdev’s new venture is Su-vastika Systems Pvt. Ltd., and both Su-Kam and Su-vastika are independent companies operating in the power backup and energy solutions market. https://kunwersachdev.com/kunwer-sachdev-the-visionary-behind-su-kam-power-systems

Su-Kam:

Su-vastika Systems Pvt. Ltd. (Often referred to as Su-vastika):

  • Mr. Kunwer Sachdev founded it after the bankruptcy of Su-kam. https://ibbi.gov.in/en/claims/inner-process/U64201DL1998PLC096685
  • It focuses on innovative energy solutions, including lithium-ion batteries, BES, Lift Inverters, solar and wind storage solutions, and advanced power electronics.
  • It is an entirely separate company from Su-Kam.

Key Distinction:

  • Su-vastika is not a rebranding or new name for Su-Kam.
  • They are two separate companies, although Mr. Kunwer Sachdev founded both.

Conclusion
In summary, Mr Kunwer Sachdev, the visionary entrepreneur behind Su-Kam—a pioneer in power backup solutions and solar products—has charted a new path with his independent venture, Su-vastika Systems Pvt. Ltd. Established after he departed from Su-Kam, Su-vastika represents a strategic shift toward cutting-edge energy storage technologies, aligning with India’s national priorities for sustainable energy infrastructure. Unlike Su-Kam, which remains a separate entity, Su-vastika focuses on lithium-ion and LiFePO4 battery systems, Battery Energy Storage Solutions (BESS), and advanced power electronics tailored for solar/wind storage, grid stabilization, and peak demand management.

Business Line news about kunwer Sachdev
Business Line news about kunwer Sachdev

Under Mr Sachdev’s leadership, Su-vastika drives innovation in large-scale energy storage, exemplified by its 200 KVA installations and ambitions to develop 1 MW systems. This positions the company at the forefront of India’s energy transition, addressing critical needs for efficient, high-capacity storage to support renewable integration and grid resilience. While both companies operate in the energy sector, Su-vastika’s distinct technological focus and independence underscore Mr. Sachdev’s commitment to redefining energy solutions for a sustainable future. His journey from Su-Kam to Su-vastika highlights an entrepreneurial evolution, leveraging experience to meet emerging global and national energy challenges.

 

Kunwer Sachdev pic2CategoriesBlogs

The Rise and Fall of India’s Inverter Man

Meet ‘inverter man of India’, whose one mistake led to downfall of 26-year-old company, he is…

The Story of ‘Inverter Man of India’: Resilience and Rebuilding

His journey from creating a revolutionary product to losing his company and rebuilding his career shows resilience

The article you linked discusses Kunwer Sachdev, the “Inverter Man of India,” and the rise and fall of his company, Su-Kam. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Rise of Su-Kam:

  • Kunwer Sachdev founded Su-Kam in 1998, the first inverter company in India.
  • Su-Kam’s inverters addressed the frequent power cuts in India, becoming essential for households and businesses.
  • The company expanded not only within India but also to other countries.

The downfall of Su-Kam:

  • Su-Kam faced financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt. https://ibbi.gov.in/en/claims/inner-process/U64201DL1998PLC096685
  • The article mentions a “mistake” by Sachdev that led to the downfall but doesn’t specify the exact nature of the mistake.
  • Legal issues arose due to a loan default, leading to the company’s closure.

Current Situation:

  • While Su-Kam is no longer under Sachdev’s control, he has moved on to a new venture called Su-vastika

Kunwer Sachdev, known as the ‘Inverter Man of India,’ significantly impacted the country with his company, Su-Kam. Founded 26 years ago, Su-Kam was the first to manufacture power backup inverters, solving India’s power crisis during the 1990s. Sachdev’s innovative inverters became household essentials, not just in India but also in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa.

However, Su-Kam faced a downfall when it was declared bankrupt after defaulting on a Rs 240 crore loan. Although the company had assets to repay the loan, legal troubles arose, leading to its closure. Distributors and customers were left without service, and Sachdev’s reputation was severely affected.

Despite these challenges, Sachdev did not give up. His wife, Khushboo, encouraged him to start a new venture. Together, they launched Su-vastika, providing services to customers and applying for patents on innovative products. 

The Story of ‘Inverter Man of India’: Resilience and Rebuilding

15 out of the 60 patents applied for have been granted so far. Sachdev continues to serve as a mentor, bringing his years of experience to the new company.

Sachdev’s journey from creating a revolutionary product to losing his company and rebuilding his career shows resilience. Su-vastika now offers various services to dealers and customers, keeping Sachdev’s legacy alive in the power backup industry.