My journey as an entrepreneur has been driven by a deep-seated belief that entrepreneurship is about more than just building a business—it’s about solving problems that matter, creating lasting change, and leaving the world better than we found it. As someone with a background in business analytics, compliance, and strategic partnerships, my academic journey at the London School of Economics and NALSAR University laid a strong foundation for this mindset. However, my path truly became clear when I encountered the profound health challenges caused by iron deficiency in India.
The Iron Deficiency Crisis
Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is an insidious health crisis that impacts millions across India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 67% of children under five, 59% of adolescent girls, and 57% of women of reproductive age in India suffer from this condition. With a population of approximately 1.4 billion, this means roughly 800 million people are affected by the debilitating consequences of iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, cognitive impairments, maternal mortality, and decreased productivity. Despite government efforts and ongoing initiatives like Anemia Mukt Bharat and the Intensified National Iron Plus Initiative, the issue persists, signaling that the existing solutions are not enough.
This realization was a turning point for me. I recognized that iron deficiency was not just a medical concern—it was a social and economic one. Improving iron levels in the population would result in better academic outcomes, increased workplace productivity, and overall national development. Inspired by this insight, I set out to create a sustainable, scalable solution.
Founding the Iron Deficiency-Free India Initiative
Through the Iron Deficiency-Free India initiative, we are creating food-based solutions that integrate easily into people’s lives and dietary preferences. The key to our approach is making natural iron intake easy, effective, and enjoyable. Traditional iron supplements often come with unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and poor compliance rates. We realized the need to shift away from synthetic chemicals and towards natural food sources that can be both nutritious and culturally appropriate.
Our flagship product, the Natural Iron Fruit Bar, is crafted to optimize iron absorption. We’ve combined iron-rich seeds, herbs, and vegetables with Vitamin C and folic acid, which enhances the bioavailability of iron. The result is a product that not only meets nutritional needs but also aligns with everyday dietary habits, without the side effects associated with conventional supplements.
We’ve taken our mission further by partnering with schools, NGOs, and corporate CSR initiatives. Our iron-rich food interventions have already made a measurable impact, reaching thousands of children in government schools and NGOs. In the past year alone, over 100,000 Natural Iron Fruit Bars have been distributed to children and women across India. Our goal is to not just provide a product, but to foster long-term, sustainable solutions that empower communities to address iron deficiency on a large scale.
The Motivation Behind the Mission
My motivation stems from the undeniable fact that iron deficiency is a national crisis that demands action. Despite the availability of government programs, anemia remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in India. The realization that existing interventions were insufficient motivated me to take on the challenge. Iron deficiency is not just a health issue—it is a barrier to human potential, economic growth, and social progress. Every child who struggles to concentrate due to lack of iron, every woman who faces complications during pregnancy because of anemia, is a missed opportunity for a brighter, more productive future for India.
Seeing firsthand how our products have helped children perform better in school or empowered women to lead healthier lives has been an incredibly fulfilling part of this journey. It’s these tangible outcomes that keep me driven and passionate about the work we do.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Inspiration
As with any entrepreneurial journey, my path has not been without its challenges. Consumer education has been one of the most significant obstacles. Many people do not recognize the signs of iron deficiency until the condition becomes severe, making it difficult to convince them to adopt preventive solutions. Furthermore, convincing people to move away from synthetic supplements to natural food-based solutions required persistent advocacy and trust-building.
Scaling our operations while ensuring high product quality also posed challenges. The need for effective supply chain management, resource allocation, and maintaining stringent quality control standards was vital as we expanded. But with each challenge came an opportunity to learn, refine our processes, and grow. These hurdles have taught me the importance of persistence, data-driven decision-making, and adaptability.
One of my biggest inspirations in this journey has been Shri Ratan Tata. His blend of business acumen and commitment to social responsibility resonates deeply with my own vision for entrepreneurship. His ability to create value while prioritizing ethical leadership has inspired me to build a business that not only succeeds financially but also contributes meaningfully to society.
Identifying Opportunities and Looking Ahead
The market for effective, consumer-friendly iron solutions was a significant gap that I identified early on. Traditional supplements were either ineffective, inconvenient, or riddled with side effects. This presented an opportunity to innovate and offer a differentiated product that aligns with changing consumer preferences for clean-label, functional foods. By focusing on this gap, we’ve created a product that not only addresses a critical health need but also fits seamlessly into people’s daily routines.
Looking ahead, the future of our work lies in further expansion and innovation. Our vision is to integrate iron-rich foods into daily diets on a national scale, ensuring that no one has to suffer from the effects of iron deficiency. We believe that with increased awareness and adoption, products like the Natural Iron Fruit Bar can play a transformative role in the fight against iron deficiency in India.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship has taught me many valuable lessons, chief among them the importance of solving real problems. Purpose-driven innovation is key to long-term success. Building consumer trust and maintaining transparency in every step of the process is crucial for establishing credibility. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities to refine your approach, learn, and grow.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: focus on solving a problem, not just selling a product. Be willing to validate your idea early and engage with your target audience to ensure your solution meets their needs. Entrepreneurship is not a quick path to success; it’s a marathon that requires persistence, adaptability, and a strong belief in your vision.
Recognition and the Road Ahead
Over the years, my efforts have been recognized on various platforms, including being named one of the Economic Times’ Most Promising Business Leaders of Asia and one of the Top 50 Transformational Business Leaders at the British Parliament. I have also received awards like the Bharat Nirman Award for Healthcare Services and the recognition of being one of the Top 200 Women Transforming India by NITI Aayog.
While these accolades are humbling, they are not the end goal. The real reward is in the impact we are making on people’s lives. Our vision remains focused on building a healthier, stronger, and Iron Deficiency-Free India. Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to public health, we are transforming not just nutrition but lives.
