The Weekend Leader - We Report News & Stories that Matter
Leading From the Front

Brigadier Basant Ponwar led the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College in Chhattisgarh, training 37,000 commandos in 18 years. His leadership transformed India’s fight against Naxalism, making CTJWC a model in counter-insurgency training

Affordable Real Estate for All

Fracspace, founded by Hyderabad-based Unnath Reddy in 2022 with Rs. 60,000, offers co-ownership of premium properties, making real estate affordable for middle-class families. The startup has achieved a turnover of Rs 30 crore in just two years

Igniting Dreams through Education

In Odisha, Dr Dwiti Chandra Sahu is making a difference in tribal education through initiatives like Ama Bank, Bal Adalat, and Child Reporters’ Club. His unique approach helps students gain practical knowledge and leadership skills for their future

Summercool's Hot Success Story

Sanjeev Kumar Gupta and Rajeev Kumar Gupta started an air cooler manufacturing business in 1992 with Rs 25,000. Today, their brands, Summercool and Thermocool, boast a combined turnover of Rs 300 crore, offering over 150 products with 200 employees

Hustling Bacca Bucci to Success

Natwar Agrawal started Bacca Bucci in 2013 with Rs 50,000 from a PG room in Delhi. Anuj Nevatia joined him later and the duo built a successful footwear brand offering trendy designs. With 95 employees, they have touched a turnover of Rs 66 crore

Defying Odds, Becoming Emcee

Deepika Jain broke family traditions, rising from a conservative background to become a top corporate emcee. Starting with modelling, she now hosts international events, earning Rs 40 lakh a year while balancing a successful career and family life

Garuda Aerospace's Drone Revolution

Founded by former international swimmer Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Garuda Aerospace grew from near bankruptcy to a Rs. 2,000 crore company, specialising in agriculture and sanitisation drone services and becoming a leader in India’s drone industry

Empowered by Vision

A pharmacist started a YouTube channel with Rs. 50,000 invested in a phone and tripod. Today, it has evolved into an edtech company with a turnover of Rs 12 crore, helping healthcare professionals pass licensing exams worldwide, says Khimi Thapa

Mini Mart Revolution

Sameer Gandotra, a former tea taster and investment banker, founded Frendy in 2019. With a turnover of Rs 82 crore, Frendy has revolutionised rural retail in Gujarat through a 'phygital' model, empowering local women entrepreneurs, says Shyla F

Threading a Dream

Self-taught designer Priyanka Gadia founded Appapop, a fashion brand known for bold, quirky designs. Khimi Thapa shares how Priyanka built this Rs 5 crore turnover brand, adored by Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt, from scratch

Legacy of Excellence

After taking over the reins of Vinod Cookware, Sunil Agarwal scaled it to a Rs 250 crore turnover business. The brand, known for its innovative cookware, has become a global name, continuing its legacy of quality and tradition, says Khimi Thapa

Humble to Heroic

Hailing from a humble background, brothers Sanjeev and Sandeep Jain grew up in a two-room rented house and built Akums from a small shop into a Rs. 4,212 crore pharmaceutical company, serving clients across India and 60 countries, says Shyla F

Powering the Charge

Hailing from a small town, Prashant Vashistha built Sokudo Electric into a Rs 45 crore brand by offering high-quality, affordable electric two-wheelers. Focused on R&D, the company operates across 100 locations in India, says Rama Devi Menon

Breaking Barriers

In 1996, Ajay Gupta started a computer centre with just Rs. 1 lakh given by his grandfather. Today, he leads Bachpan School, a nationwide franchise with 1200 playschools and 120 regular schools, generating a turnover of Rs. 85 crore, says Shyla F