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When Harsh Pamnani Came Looking for Brands That Boomed — And Found the Man Who Built One from Scratch

When Porus Munshi Came to Discover the Man Behind Su-Kam: My First-Hand Memory of Breakthrough Innovation

I Was There When the Story Was Written — The World Needs to Read It AgainIt was nearly two decades ago, but I remember that day like it was yesterday. The energy in the office was electric — not because of a product launch or a client meeting, but because Rashmi Bansal, the celebrated author and chronicler of entrepreneurial India, had walked into the Su-Kam office to interview our founder, Mr. Kunwer Sachdev.She was writing a book that would later become a bestseller: Connect the Dots. A book about dreamers, doers, and believers who didn’t have an MBA but had something far more powerful — vision.And among those 20 exceptional individuals, Kunwer Sachdev was chosen and given a title that fit him perfectly: The Inventor.I was lucky — not just to be a part of Su-Kam at the time, but to sit nearby as the story was unfolding, word by word, question by question. I watched Kunwer sir speak — calmly, thoughtfully — about how Su-Kam wasn’t just a business. It was a mission. I saw him relive the early struggles — the nights spent studying physics (which he once disliked), the moments of risk, the sleepless hours of experimentation, the joy of finally solving a technical challenge.And I remember when Rashmi asked us, the employees, what it was like to work with him.We smiled. Because how do you explain what it’s like to work with a man who calls you at 11 PM not to scold you — but to share an idea that he believes can change the game? A man who never switches off. A man whose mind runs 24/7 on how to improve things — whether it's a circuit, a sales pitch, or a system. A man who makes you believe that your work actually matters — not just to the company, but to the country.Su-Kam, under his leadership, wasn’t just about making inverters. It was about building something that had never been built in India before — a brand that stood for affordable excellence, innovation born at home, and a belief that Indian technology could rival the world’s best.And it did.The products were not just superior — they were unmatched. Competitors couldn't touch the quality or the price Su-Kam offered. And that wasn’t by chance — it was because Kunwer sir obsessed over every tiny detail. While others focused on marketing buzz, he focused on what’s inside the box. That’s who he was — and still is.What struck me most during that interview was how honest, raw, and human the conversation was. Rashmi Bansal didn’t just write about a founder — she captured the soul of a movement. A movement led by a man who had no formal management degree but had a clarity that most CEOs could only dream of.<figure id="figure-tl03v7ipdmcd1febf"><img id="tl03v7ipdmcd1febf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3ab4r49okq9hXRl4uld70cuPr5Rhs97kAx8kIaCswNHvPx7P4BXS7qq6iPdtJJ5j.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 25% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="25%" data-positionY="35%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>It’s been 18 years since that book came out, but I believe this story is more relevant today than ever before.We live in a time when entrepreneurship is often reduced to valuations, funding rounds, and hashtags. But Kunwer Sachdev’s story reminds us that real entrepreneurship is about obsession, resilience, curiosity, and heart. It’s about not giving up when no one believes in you. It’s about building something because the world needs it, not just because the market wants it.And that’s why I’ve decided to share this story on my website — not just to revisit a memory, but to inspire the future. Whether you're a young dreamer starting your journey, or someone who's lost their way and needs a spark, I promise — this chapter will stay with you.Because I was there when it was written. And even now, when I read it again, it still gives me goosebumps.Read it. Reflect. Share it. Let the world know the story of The Inventor — the man who truly connected the dots.

18 Years Later, This Story Still Inspires: When Rashmi Bansal Came to Tell the World About Kunwer Sachdev in her book Connect the Dots

<figure id="figure-8kuqgcfqi5emcbrotpg"><img id="8kuqgcfqi5emcbrotpg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1WsRm1IPwvI5yvsQhsLSGD2kf1F2LzdGwjjLyq8GyR7qIbnhRUYuYhiT0hqlWGgB.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="&nbsp;Research and Development wing of Inverter Man of India" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1WsRm1IPwvI5yvsQhsLSGD2kf1F2LzdGwjjLyq8GyR7qIbnhRUYuYhiT0hqlWGgB.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">&nbsp;Research and Development wing of Inverter Man of India</figcaption></figure>In a nation striving for self-reliance, one man's vision ignited a spark that illuminated India's path to energy independence. Kunwer Sachdev, the "Inverter Man of India," didn't just build a company; he nurtured a dream, a dream that India could stand tall, free from the shadows of foreign dependence.Imagine a nation, vulnerable, reliant on distant shores for its essential power solutions. That was the reality Kunwer Sachdev sought to change. With unwavering belief, he poured his heart and soul into establishing a state-of-the-art research and development (R&amp;D) facility. It wasn't just bricks and mortar; it was a crucible of innovation, a place where ideas were forged into tangible solutions.His passion was contagious. The ripples of his work spread throughout the inverter industry, with countless companies drawing inspiration from his designs and expertise. He wasn't just a businessman; he was a mentor, a guiding light, sharing his knowledge to empower a nation.Contrast this with the hollow echo of other appliance industries, where the allure of cheap imports from China stifled domestic innovation. TVs, refrigerators, air conditioners – once symbols of national pride, now mere shells of foreign components. But the inverter industry, thanks to Kunwer Sachdev, stands as a beacon of what could have been, what should have been.Every humming inverter, every home illuminated during power outages, is a testament to his dedication. It's a story of a man who dared to dream big, who refused to accept dependence as destiny.And yet, his contributions, his profound impact on India's industrial landscape, often go unacknowledged. One can't help but feel a sense of injustice. Should not this man, who instilled self-reliance into an entire industry, receive the recognition that is so obviously deserved? Recognition from the very nation that has benefited so greatly from his work.Kunwer Sachdev didn't just build factories; he built dreams. He saw a future where India wasn't a mere consumer of foreign technology, but a creator, an innovator, a leader. And at the heart of that vision lay his unwavering commitment to research and development.https://invertermanofindia.com/category/power-storage-system-and-renewable-developments-in-india/inverter-man-of-india-power-storage-system-and-renewable-developments-in-india/Imagine the spark in his eyes, the burning desire to prove that India could stand on its own feet. He didn't just talk about 'Made in India'; he lived it, breathed it, and poured his soul into creating R&amp;D facilities that would become the wellspring of Indian innovation.He knew that true independence wasn't about assembling imported parts; it was about understanding the very essence of technology, about pushing the boundaries of what was possible. He nurtured his teams, not just as employees, but as partners in a grand mission, a mission to illuminate India's path to self-reliance.He saw the potential of solar energy, not as a distant dream, but as a tangible reality, and he directed his R&amp;D efforts towards making it accessible and affordable for every Indian. He saw the need for reliable energy storage, especially with Lithium Ion technology, and he delved deeply into that R&amp;D, working on patents, and new technology.There was a passion in his work, a sense of urgency, a feeling that India couldn't afford to wait. He knew that every innovation, every patent, every breakthrough was a step towards a brighter future, a future where India's energy needs were met by Indian ingenuity.He didn't just build R&amp;D facilities; he built a legacy. A legacy of self-belief, of unwavering dedication, and of a profound love for his country. His work wasn't just about inverters and UPS systems; it was about empowering a nation, about proving that India could shine, not as a reflection of foreign brilliance, but with its own radiant light."Kunwwer Sachdev's story is not just about inverters; it's about the spirit of "Made in India," the unwavering belief in our own capabilities. It's a story that deserves to be told, a legacy that deserves to be honored.<figure id="figure-vp88tyi4oamcbrphwa"><img id="vp88tyi4oamcbrphwa" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/21x0ZsreIOkFTJL7dlG171rye70qFEQofqVWId5p4O30VOB8r5KcTRULDHd25TzK.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption=" Research and Development wing of Inverter Man of India" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2"> Research and Development wing of Inverter Man of India</figcaption></figure>

The Heart of India's Inverter Independence: The Legacy of Kunwer Sachdev

The hum of the test motors still echoes in my ears, a phantom symphony from those frantic final days. I can still see Mr. Sachdev, his shirt sleeves rolled up, a smudge of grease on his cheek, his eyes alight with that fierce, unwavering focus. He was a whirlwind, a force of nature, pushing us all to the very edge of our capabilities.We were in the R&amp;D wing, a place that felt more like a secret laboratory than a development center. The e-rickshaw project, his baby, was shrouded in secrecy. He'd pace, his voice a low rumble, explaining the intricacies of the motor, the driver card, the solar integration. He saw what no one else did, the quiet revolution brewing on India’s dusty roads. He knew, long before the rest of us, that these humble vehicles would transform the landscape.<figure id="figure-2yrs6rn8lmcbrg5mj"><img id="2yrs6rn8lmcbrg5mj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1f3o0x3cDDDb4jdncHvhKSjLiaBc4bffi98B0dyUAnuNJoSfEZYmh5xiw15L79mn.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="&nbsp;Mr Deepak Singh inaugurating motor designing lab at Su-kam" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1f3o0x3cDDDb4jdncHvhKSjLiaBc4bffi98B0dyUAnuNJoSfEZYmh5xiw15L79mn.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">&nbsp;Mr Deepak Singh inaugurating motor designing lab at Su-kam</figcaption></figure>He'd spend hours testing those prototypes, driving them himself, pushing them to their limits. I remember the way his face would light up when the motor hummed just right, when the solar panels captured the sun's energy, extending the range beyond what we thought possible. He wasn't just building an e-rickshaw; he was building a dream, a vision of an India self-reliant, powered by its own ingenuity.<figure id="figure-4oxr9s5vgmcbrhlcu"><img id="4oxr9s5vgmcbrhlcu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/194m4OORdU4Ft9n4lNpqG0PljoRNxEnoJrGOcA8fgax6YQ5mSQSK39djcqYiJI8u.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="&nbsp;Mr Deepak Singh and Kunwer Sachdev founder Su-kam doing pooja for the first lab in India for DC motors" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/194m4OORdU4Ft9n4lNpqG0PljoRNxEnoJrGOcA8fgax6YQ5mSQSK39djcqYiJI8u.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">&nbsp;Mr Deepak Singh and Kunwer Sachdev founder Su-kam doing pooja for the first lab in India for DC motors</figcaption></figure>And he was so adamant about keeping the Chinese imports at bay. He'd talk about it with a fire in his eyes, a quiet determination to protect our nation's potential. He believed in our ability to innovate, to build something truly ours. He saw the future, a future where we wouldn't be dependent on others. To achieve this vision, he even sought foreign collaboration, partnering with Mr. Deepak Singh from the USA. Together, they worked to develop the latest DC motors for the e-rickshaws, under the banner of Su-kam testament to his commitment to manufacturing these critical components right here in India. https://www.pmgenerators.com/permanent-magnet-generators-india/. Mr. Deepak Singh another big version of Kunwer Sachdev always committed to develop newer Technolgies.<figure id="figure-uyqd6s0xbemcbridtq"><img id="uyqd6s0xbemcbridtq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bcKL6wktn1QmKgBmwQNq2w3KhPecSckONaEj95pRg7ohmWsYub2cLtGPetk2OGg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="&nbsp;India Today news headlines about the Inverter man of india" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3bcKL6wktn1QmKgBmwQNq2w3KhPecSckONaEj95pRg7ohmWsYub2cLtGPetk2OGg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 0%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">&nbsp;India Today news headlines about the Inverter man of india</figcaption></figure>Now, I walk past the bustling e-rickshaws, and I see them everywhere. But a pang of sadness always hits me. I think of what could have been. If he were still here, leading the charge, those motors, those driver cards, would have been made right here, on Indian soil. We wouldn't be importing them.He was a visionary, a mentor, a force of inspiration. It wasn't just his technical brilliance; it was his unwavering belief in us, his ability to ignite that spark of passion within each of us. He saw the potential in everyone, and he pushed us to reach it.The silence in the R&amp;D wing is deafening now, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy that once filled it. The absence of his laughter, his booming voice, his relentless drive, leaves a void that can never be filled. I miss him. I miss his vision. I miss the man who dared to dream of an India powered by its own strength. And sometimes, when I close my eyes, I can still hear the hum of those test motors, a bittersweet reminder of what we lost, and what could have been.<figure id="figure-4afh5kgphnmcbrjtst"><img id="4afh5kgphnmcbrjtst" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9gzp5xTXr4KKXPtV0V35qseBzXnyPGn33S0xm4eFrddRObaLRuHd4iiSzO2btY0f.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="65%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

The Visionary's E-Rickshaw Dream: Kunwer Sachdev's Untold Story

Working with Mr. Kunwer Sachdev was a transformative experience that inspired both growth and passion. I joined him when he led a struggling cable TV company with just around 50 employees. It was a chaotic environment where every day brought new challenges. But from the very beginning, it was clear that Mr. Sachdev was a visionary, always thinking beyond the confines of the present.<figure id="figure-suetjgn6phmcbr77mq"><img id="suetjgn6phmcbr77mq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19ZkxXIZ7xsbPYF5Dy9bgEbcaA8BYmkN0iuFEuWOKvgbnT5WUclELoCbaFDy5Vp4.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19ZkxXIZ7xsbPYF5Dy9bgEbcaA8BYmkN0iuFEuWOKvgbnT5WUclELoCbaFDy5Vp4.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>One of the most pivotal moments during my time there was when Mr. Sachdev began to shift his focus from the cable TV business to an ambitious inverter project. His enthusiasm was contagious; it was as if he could see the future where others saw obstacles. He believed in the potential of his ideas, even when the odds were stacked against him.Mr. Sachdev often encouraged us to take initiative and trust our own judgment. His standard line was, "Take your own decisions, and if you feel you're not capable, then come to me." This empowerment stemmed from his unwavering belief in the capacity of his team, fostering a culture of innovation and confidence.The inverter project was where his passion truly shone. Despite facing numerous setbacks and failures, Mr. Sachdev never wavered. He was determined to create the first MOSFET-based inverter, a challenge that required not only technical prowess but also relentless perseverance. I can confidently say that no one else had successfully created an inverter with a charger on a single board at that time.<figure id="figure-ggv5ty5q3mcbr82vx"><img id="ggv5ty5q3mcbr82vx" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1Pagh0pnuw6O4nMjHbKpKf3YewhgsH3AXXQm0sQIHDJ92186AVkpxJ7BpASlPGKn.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="&nbsp;PCB board of Su-kam" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1Pagh0pnuw6O4nMjHbKpKf3YewhgsH3AXXQm0sQIHDJ92186AVkpxJ7BpASlPGKn.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">&nbsp;PCB board of Su-kam</figcaption></figure>The initial design of the charger, utilizing an SCR driver circuit, was not just functional but a marvel of engineering. Its size, simplicity, and plug-and-play feature meant that anyone could easily replace the board if needed. This was innovation at its best. Compared to traditional transistor inverters prevalent in the market, the inverter we worked on represented a groundbreaking leap in technology. <a href="https://books.google.co.in/books/about/Making_Breakthrough_Innovation_Happen_Ma.html?id=C1oBPwAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y" data-mce-href="https://books.google.co.in/books/about/Making_Breakthrough_Innovation_Happen_Ma.html?id=C1oBPwAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">https://books.google.co.in/books/about/Making_Breakthrough_Innovation_Happen_Ma.html?id=C1oBPwAACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y</a>Notably, what was astonishing was the power efficiency. Rather than requiring two batteries to run a 500W load, our new design only needed one. This radical change not only showcased the advancement in technology but also reflected Mr. Sachdev's commitment to creating solutions that made life easier for people.Throughout this journey, I witnessed firsthand how Mr. Sachdev tackled challenges with tenacity and vision. His drive and passion made working at his company a remarkable experience. This was not just a business endeavor; it was a mission to innovate and improve lives.In the end, working alongside Mr. Sachdev taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, resilience, and the importance of believing in one's vision. His ability to dream big and inspire those around him was a lesson that will stay with me for a lifetime. As he continues to forge ahead, I look forward to seeing how his passion for innovation transforms the world.

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