In this powerful and deeply insightful episode of The TUFFStory, we sit down with Aishwarya Pendyala, the visionary co-founder and CEO of EWA – a startup driving sustainable change in India through renewable energy, waste management, and circular economy solutions.Aishwarya shares her incredible journey across three continents – from her early years in Kenya, to her educational and professional life in Canada, and her heartfelt decision to return to India to make a real impact. With a background in finance, corporate leadership, and a strong connection with the Art of Living foundation, Aishwarya's transition from the private sector to clean-tech entrepreneurship is a story of purpose, resilience, and transformation.We dive into topics like:→ Women in leadership roles in renewable energy in India→ Building biogas plants and tackling India's waste management crisis→ Spiritual awakening through Sudharshan Kriya and how it helped heal her after personal loss→ Challenges of being a female founder in male-dominated industries→ Life lessons from working in oil & gas, fashion, and VFX industries→ The impact of growing up in expat communities and living a life of privilege and service→ Importance of mental wellness, meditation, and the pursuit of inner peace in business→ Solving for crop burning, soil degradation, and climate change with decentralized waste solutionsIf you're curious about the intersection of climate tech, social impact, women-led entrepreneurship, and personal growth, this episode is packed with real stories, learnings, and game-changing insights.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to The TUFFStory Podcast for more such inspiring interviews with India's most impactful changemakers and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of The TUFFStory, we have the honor of speaking with Mr. A.S.N. Murthy, an 80-year-old retired railway engineer whose career is a testament to dedication, innovation, and leadership in India's railway sector.Early Career in Indian Railways:Mr. Murthy began his journey with Indian Railways, where he held pivotal roles that significantly impacted railway operations:- Deputy Chief Engineer: He led the maintenance organization of Signal & Telecommunication (S&T) systems in the Secunderabad Division. His responsibilities encompassed overseeing approximately 150 signaling installations and managing 600 kilometers of quad communication cable, supported by a workforce of 1,200 personnel.- Deputy Commissioner of Railway Safety: In this capacity, Mr. Murthy conducted numerous statutory inquiries into railway accidents, particularly those involving loss of human life, underscoring his commitment to safety and accountability.Leadership in the Private Sector:After his tenure with Indian Railways, Mr. Murthy transitioned to leadership roles in the private sector:- CEO of Aster Rail (2004-2009): At Aster Rail, a subsidiary of Aster Teleservices Pvt Ltd, he spearheaded the signaling infrastructure and technical departments. Under his leadership, the company's revenue experienced an impressive growth from Rs 3 crores to Rs 25 crores, marking an eightfold increase over five years.- COO of Unirail (2011-2019): As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Murthy managed business operations with a turnover of Rs 100 crores, serving esteemed clients such as Tata Steel, SAIL, NTPC, JSW Steel, Aditya Birla, NALCO, Essar Ports, RVNL, and others. His responsibilities included overseeing the operation of 70 locomotives with 300 loco pilots, maintaining 60 locomotives, and managing 1,200 kilometers of ballasted track, as well as 100 kilometers of metro tracks for Chennai Metro.Authorship and Historical Research:Beyond his engineering and leadership roles, Mr. Murthy is also an accomplished author. His book, Sevagad to Poharagad, delves into historical narratives, reflecting his passion for uncovering and sharing stories from India's rich past.Philosophy and Continued Engagement:At 80, Mr. Murthy exemplifies lifelong learning and active engagement. His journey underscores the belief that retirement is a state of mind, and with unwavering curiosity and dedication, one can continue to contribute meaningfully to society.Join us as we explore the remarkable life of Mr. A.S.N. Murthy, discussing his extensive career, insights from his book, and his perspectives on staying active and intellectually engaged well into his later years. Chapters00:00 - Introduction & Guest Background01:53 - Early Life & Career Beginnings14:30 - What Defines a Good Job?15:42 - Joining Indian Railways at 1920:28 - Surviving a Train Accident24:00 - Railway Signals & Safety Systems38:00 - Indian Railways' Own Telecom Network40:20 - Evolution of Indian Railways54:46 - Private Sector in Railway Operations1:07:02 - Bringing Bhagavad Gita to Banjaras1:15:40 - Who Are the Banjara People?1:17:33 - First Book Journey to Sevaged to Poharagad1:21:40 - Writing a Book at 80 with AI1:31:06 - Overcoming Diabetes Naturally1:37:02 - Planning the Next Book1:38:28 - Getting into Spirituality1:39:49 - From Railways to Books & Beyond

In this episode, we sit down with Prabir Mishra, Founder and CEO of TRST01, to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and sustainability. Prabir shares his journey from investment banking to pioneering solutions in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting. We delve into the challenges of seed traceability in agriculture, the environmental impact of plastic waste, and the energy consumption of Bitcoin mining. Prabir introduces TRST01's innovative tools like 'Footprint' and 'TRST01Chain', designed to enhance supply chain transparency and promote sustainable practices. Join us for an enlightening conversation on leveraging technology for a sustainable future.