The Inverter Man of India: The Story of Kunwer Sachdev and the Birth of the Home UPS

The memory of 2006 still feels vivid etched into my mind like it all happened just yesterday. Working alongside Kunwer Sachdev during those days… it wasn’t just a job. It was an education in passion, perseverance, and the sheer force of will.

Power cuts were still a frustrating part of everyday life. Homes and offices faced daily disruptions—flickering screens, lost work, sudden silences in the middle of conversations. Traditional inverters existed, sure, but they were basic, unreliable, and often couldn’t support sensitive electronics like computers or modern TVs.

That’s when Kunwer had his breakthrough—an idea that would change everything. He envisioned a new category of power backup tailored for modern needs. A hybrid solution, combining the functionalities of a traditional inverter with the reliability of an online UPS. But more than that—he gave it a name no one had used before: Home UPS.

Yes, it was his idea—both the concept and the term. “Let’s call it a Home UPS,” I remember him saying, his eyes lighting up with that familiar spark. “Because that’s what it’s meant for—people’s homes, their families, their lives.”

From that moment on, it wasn’t just a technical project. It became a mission.

I still remember those intense R&D meetings. Our head of research, a meticulous and brilliant mind, was cautious. He raised valid concerns: “How do we ensure compatibility with every kind of computer or television out there?” The uncertainty hung heavy in the air.

But Kunwer… he never flinched. He listened with full focus, absorbing every detail, and then leaned in, calm and composed. “Even if 5% face issues,” he said, “think of the 95% whose lives will be transformed.” That one line defined everything. It wasn’t just about market share or margins—it was about impact.

When the Home UPS was finally ready to launch, nerves buzzed throughout the office. The competition mocked it, claiming it was just a gimmick. There were whispers about technical flaws, about regulatory red tape.

And then came Kunwer’s second masterstroke—he found a way to reclassify the Home UPS under a different sales tax category, significantly reducing the cost. It wasn’t just a strategic win—it showed his deep commitment to making this technology accessible to every Indian household.

Resistance was fierce in those early days. Competitors dismissed it. Some tried to discredit the term “Home UPS” altogether. But Kunwer stood firm. He was everywhere—on the floor with engineers, on calls with dealers, in training sessions with the sales teams—always pushing, always believing.

And slowly, the tide began to turn. Customers noticed the difference. No flickering. No interruptions. A seamless, reliable power backup that worked like magic. Confidence began to spread.

And then came the moment we’ll never forget: one by one, our competitors—those who once scoffed at the very term—began labeling their products as “Home UPS” too. It was surreal. It was also the clearest proof that Kunwer’s vision had not just won—it had redefined the entire industry.

But he didn’t stop there. Every version that followed was smarter, more efficient, more user-friendly. He kept innovating, kept leading. And that’s when the name began to stick: The Inverter Man of India. A title born not from marketing—but from respect. Earned over years of relentless effort and genuine intent.

Looking back, I feel deeply grateful to have witnessed that journey. Kunwer Sachdev didn’t just invent a product. He created a category. He solved a real problem in a very real way. And in doing so, he lit up millions of homes—and hearts—across the nation.

That’s leadership. That’s legacy.