Stories from the field: The Elevar Podcast
A 5-part audio series hosted by Sidin Vadukut, bringing you stories of Entrepreneurial Households across India
EPIC World has always been about amplifying the voices of Entrepreneurial Households. Not by making assumptions sitting in urban offices, but by visiting their worlds, understanding their spirit and witnessing their ambitions - and bringing them out to the world.
It is towards that goal that the EPIC World team produced the Elevar Podcast on Industrial Communities, hosted by blogger-author Sidin Sunny Vadukut. The five-part show takes you on an pan-India journey to the communities that are shaping the country's future. It looks at five thriving districts that are full of aspiration and hope for the future.
The podcast features voices from households across India and a look at the remarkable work done by Elevar Equity over the last 20 years. You will also hear from visionary founders building a new generation of companies catering to this segment’s core needs - healthcare, education, financial services, agri-tech, and more.
The spirit of the show
Tales of India’s economic growth and innovation are often told from the lens of IT, fast-growing startups and metros. While not wrong, this picture is incomplete.
For across India another story emerges, a story of economic prosperity and aspiration from India’s smaller towns and villages: communities of Entrepreneurial Households - a segment characterized by their economic resilience, multiple sources of income and consistent investment in their own growth.
This is their time. Digital and physical infrastructure is in place to connect them to each other, and to businesses. The demography is young and restless for growth. Looking at India’s economy at a district level - rather than the same megapolises that populate business publication pages - provides a unique lens to understand this economic revolution. These are the epicentres of India’s growth. And we bring you their story, through the Elevar Podcast.
Hear the full podcast on
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
You can also search for “The Elevar Podcast on Industrious Communities” in other podcast applications.
Episode 1: Sirsa, Haryana
The first episode starts in Sirsa, Haryana’s largest district and home to over 1.3 million people. In this episode, a town local as well as leaders from LEAD Group and Elevar Equity discuss Sirsa’s transformation from an underdeveloped district to a thriving hub. They highlight the prevailing narrative that often neglects opportunities in smaller towns and how Elevar seeks entrepreneurs with ideas to provide high-quality core goods and services to underserved communities.
Episode 2: Kheda, Gujarat
The next stop on the EPIC Podcast is Kheda, a district in the westernmost state of Gujarat. Stretching over 4,000 sq km, this district is home to more than 2 million people. From limited options in education and farming to a now thriving community with diverse opportunities, Kheda has transformed into a hub of aspirations. Local experts and visionaries behind SarvaGram and EPIC World discuss the unique opportunities that exist in Kheda, ranging from warehouses and logistics to the thriving dairy and hotel industry. This episode also sheds light on EPIC World’s innovative approach to addressing challenges by blending both online and offline strategies.
Episode 3: Cuttack, Odisha
The next destination on this exploration of opportunities across different parts of India is Cuttack, in Odisha. As one of the most populous districts, Cuttack is a prominent education centre and is known for its flourishing trade and agricultural activities. In conversation with the founder of CureBay (a platform in underserved markets that connects patients with healthcare providers) and the leadership of EPIC World, the episode explores the challenges and solutions associated with transforming healthcare in remote areas. The discussion also touches on the potential of tier two and tier three cities, advocating for greater visibility and investment in these areas.
Episode 4: Belgavi / Belgaum, Karnataka
This episode stops in the southern district of Belgaum in Karnataka. Referred to as the Sugar Bowl of the state, Belgaum encompasses a vast district spanning 12,415 sq. km. Over recent decades, Belgaum has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a modest locale to a thriving centre of economic activity. Founders of Samunnati and EPIC World, alongside local experts from Belgaum, explore the region’s abundant land, skilled labour, Samunnati’s mission of empowering smallholder farmers, and the concept of collective growth.
Episode 5: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh
The journey comes to an end for this season in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. Located on the banks of the Arpa River, Bilaspur has a population of over 1.6 million and plays a key role in Chhattisgarh’s economic and developmental landscape. In this episode, the founder of Cloudphysician discusses how the company combines expert medical professionals with cutting-edge technology to help patients in some of India’s smallest towns receive life-saving critical care. Local experts and partners from EPIC World offer insights into the city’s dynamic economic environment, characterized by an influx of retail chains and startups.