Insights

“30 min pizza delivery has led to 10 min healthcare services!”- Shashank ND

Shashank ND is the CEO of one of India’s leading integrated healthcare companies- Practo. He started Practo along with his classmate at NIT Surathkal in 2008, and now it has expanded to over 15 countries. Practo connects hundreds of patients with hundreds of doctors every day and helps people make better healthcare decisions. One thing you might not know about Shashank is that he is analumnus of NPS RNR! We got the opportunity to meet him and get insights into his inspiring entrepreneurial journey!

We were absolutely mind-blown to see that your first job after college was at your company Practo. What is your mantra for entrepreneurship that has transformed Practo into a global company?

There are quite a few things we follow at Practo. The first one is something I picked up in college; it’s an inborn need to create good products and services. I really wanted to build something that others would find useful. Seeing others benefit from my products is a very important motivating factor for me. Secondly, I believe that the ability to improve yourself is a crucial skill for entrepreneurship. It’s difficult, but it’s the fastest way toward self-growth.

Lastly, I’d like to add that I don’t enjoy success too much… but I absolutely hate losing! To avoid failure, I don’t give up and push myself to succeed.

Practo is a very user-friendly app that aims to connect a patient with a suitable doctor within 60 seconds. Our school has a lot of computer enthusiasts who want to know the technical aspect of the app. So could you just briefly highlight how the app works?

Process: When I was in college, I used to eat a lot of Dominoes. The thing about dominoes is that it would come in 30 minutes, or it’s free! What I found very odd is that you can get Dominoes in 30 minutes, but to find a doctor, it would take you hours. Something as crucial as healthcare was not available instantaneously, and most of the time it’s hard to find the right doctor at the hospital. Through Practo, most of the time, we were able to connect the patient with a doctor in ten seconds! One could say that thirty minutes pizza delivery has led to ten-minute healthcare services!

Programming: We have a patient facing our app on iOS or Android, and we have the doctor facing a separate app. We ask the doctors to switch on an availability program to stay live on the app. When the patient selects a particular ailment, we check across India for licensed doctors, who are live, and ping them. The first one to accept gets the consultation. We send notifications in case a suitable doctor is unavailable. We will get you a doctor, 365 days 24/7.
Once a doctor accepts, the patient is connected via video call. This is a tough one as video technology usually takes years to develop. We worked a lot on the technology stacks to ensure that video and audio quality is apt. To make supply and demand meet, we have a pricing algorithm that adjusts cost based on the number of users. To get a prescription from the doctor, and for follow-ups, we also have an asynchronous chat interface.

Product building is very exciting…you start with something small, and in a period of a few years or so, it expands dramatically and becomes something unbelievable! We were one of the first companies to start teleconsultation in 2016, and Practo has greatly helped during the pandemic. Good things take time and it’s important to keep at it!

How is Practo contributing towards providing healthcare in inaccessible areas?

We basically need only an internet connection to use Practo. Thankfully India has a deep penetration of the internet, which enables us to reach more people. We also offer services in 10-15 languages, so we have doctors who converse in Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, etc. We are in tier 2, and tier 3 towns and have teleconsultations from thousands of cities. We recently started a nonprofit trust, where we set up camps in low internet places and identify people with issues, and sponsor the entire treatment for them. If needed, we bring them down to Bangalore for surgeries. Our tie-ups with hospitals across Bangalore have made medical bills cheaper for people in need. We have even made telemedicine free for many NGOs, so that they can utilize this facility.

How do you think the youth can take center stage in healthcare technologies and entrepreneurship?

Science advances one funeral at a time.
Max Planck

Every generation builds for the next. In our grandparents’ times, there were no private hospitals and adequate technology, but in the 90s, private hospitals started emerging. Now, Practo and a few other companies are popularising digital healthcare. When you graduate from school, you will take this up and build upon this; that’s how technological progress works!
As of now, I would suggest students do two things.

One, keep looking for problems. For a long time, I thought the only option was a job. I learned about the word entrepreneurship for the first time in college, and that’s when I found my calling. Now, I’m glad to see that awareness about entrepreneurship has increased among students. Entrepreneurship runs on problem-solving, so keep looking for problems and develop innovative ways to solve them.

Second, internships. I know the summer holidays are very precious– I used to use them judiciously– but if you get a week or a couple of days, try to do a small internship or go to an office to better your understanding. I wish I had done a bit more in those aspects.

More than grades, I would say that peer group is more important, as you can learn a lot from each other. Forming a positive attitude towards all aspects of life is essential, and this helps a lot in the future.

In my school days, there was a mindset that success was only about getting to work in the USA or going to a particular university. This is not necessarily bad, but to consider only these scenarios as success is narrow thinking. Avoid being dogmatic and conforming to only one way of doing things…peer pressure takes away many precious years of your life! The world is a fantastic place with opportunities everywhere, so keep an open mind!

Do you have any fond memories from your time in NPS that you still cherish today?

Back in school, I was very interested in maths and computer science, and I was also part of the school volleyball team. Most of the time, I would find myself in the auditorium looking for any excuse to be outside the classroom and play sports or do any other extracurricular activity. NPS may be known for its discipline and its strictness, but it’s also known for the bright minds that study there. Being around this diligent peer group has certainly helped me become a better person. I’ve made some of my best friends from NPS who have stuck with me even today! A lot of the self-discipline and studiousness I have is because of NPS, and I’m really grateful for that!

Thank you for taking time off your busy schedule and speaking to us! This has really inspired us to start our own entrepreneurial ventures!

Written by Maitreyi and Nithika
Co-Heads of Insights

“It’s just that you have to keep persevering”- Jasmine Singh

Jasmine Singh, or as known by her Twitter handle, AstroJaz, is a planetary and atmospheric scientist who graduated from Purdue University this year. She is incredibly sprightly about the cosmos and shares her love for it on social media! She has 70k+ followers on Twitter and is a notable figure in Science Communication. We are so glad to have gotten insights into the inside world of being a science influencer!

There’s always this small turning point, a childhood spark, that starts one’s passion! When did you know that space was your forte?

So for me, there’s no one specific point in my childhood. When I was 10, I learned about space in my science class. I was really fascinated by the planets and every time I got the chance, I would go out and stargaze. This got the snowball rolling in me. My parents noticed that I had a big interest in this, and they weren’t going to stop me from pursuing this.
It just started with my teacher talking to us about galaxies and then I just knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!

Did you have any role models growing up?

Yeah, I would say Carl Sagan is a big one– I still look up to him! Growing up I wish I had more female role models but now that I’m older, I know a lot of women who are really inspiring. Because of social media, I find amazing people every day! I’ve been following Dr. Sian Proctor from the Inspiration 4 mission and I’m really impressed by her work!

A lot of students in our school are into STEM, especially engineering and physics, and many of them apply to US universities. Could you tell us more about the Planetary science program at Purdue?

The Purdue planetary science program is super new. Students and faculty came together to make it happen because there was quite an interest in this field. I just graduated in May, and I have to say, with the addition of new classes and tweaks in the curriculum, Purdue Planetary Science has changed to keep up with its growth. You can comfortably accommodate all your classes in the program. This is important as Planetary Science is an interdisciplinary field where those who opt usually double major.

What are some tips for applying at Purdue?

In your application, show that you’re really interested. They’re not too competitive in Planetary Science, but having good math and science scores sure does help. The courses are a bit rigorous, but don’t give up! I’d recommend group studying and asking your professors doubts. Most astronauts in the USA have come from our university…that’s to show that Purdue is doing something right!

Working at NASA is like the epitome of a space enthusiast’s dream, and you’ve done an internship there! How was the experience?

I did the internship in the summer of 2021, so unfortunately because of COVID, I could do the internship only virtually. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a nice experience. I interned at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the people over there did all they could to make the internship immersive and connect with fellow interns and mentors. We still keep in touch through Discord!

What did you work on?

I’m sure you guys are familiar with climate models. We have them for Earth mainly but also for other planets. I worked specifically on two climate models. One of them was the ModelE which was for the Earth. I worked on the Emulator– which is a simplified climate model. I had two mentors who had already written up most of the code. My fellow intern and I edited the code, to make it run smoother. The other one I worked on, which is closer to my heart, is Rocke 3D, because that one is for the atmosphere of exoplanets!

Did you meet any astronauts or revered scientists?

We did! We had video calls every week or so with different people who lectured about various science topics. We could virtually visit many NASA centers like JPL and Ames. They had astronauts and highly accomplished scientists giving talks, and we could ask questions and interact! The highlight was that they told us that they started off as interns too, which was really heartwarming and motivating to hear!

For all the astrophiles out there, we need your tips and recommendations!! What are some cool space-related magazines or websites you’d recommend?

The websites that I use would be Space.com and UniverseToday. The guy who runs UniverseToday follows me, which is amazing! Both of them are updated frequently and are scientifically accurate! The Planetary Society, founded by Carl Sagan is another big one!

You get a monthly magazine if you become a member. The NASA websites are of course indispensable for planetary research.

What message would you like to give to the space lovers out there who want to boldly go where no one has gone before?

I always say this, and even though it might sound cliche, there is a lot of truth to it. Don’t give up. If I have to recount my journey so far, I have faced multiple failures and setbacks and if I had given up– I wouldn’t be sitting here in this interview! I have gotten bad grades, felt bad, and questioned whether I belong in this field. It’s sad that many have self-doubt, especially women and women of color. I promise you, you do, all of you do belong in this field.

It’s just that you have to keep persevering (like the Mars rover!) and keep putting the work in! It’s going to be worth it one day!

Thank you for sharing your experiences in astronomy! We’re sure that it will motivate many more people to get into science!

Written by Maitreyi & Nithika
Co-Heads of Insights

“This is a golden age to make a place for yourself”- Avantika Vandanapu

Avantika Vandanapu is a pioneer in the film industry. She has a wide array of talents- acting, singing and dancing and she is just 17! She recently starred in a vibrant Disney Channel Original Movie called Spin as an Indian American teenager trying to pursue her passion for DJ mixing. By doing so, she has become the first South-Asian Lead in a Disney Movie! We got the opportunity to chat with her and get insights into her bustling life and the film industry.

The pandemic has brought some major changes to the world. How have you adapted to it and how have the last 2 years been for you?

I definitely didn’t imagine it would last this long! In terms of acting and the entertainment industry, a lot of it has become so that you can work from home. As an actor, your job centers around auditions and meetings which can now be done from home, although I prefer auditioning in person. Being an only child, I’ve adapted to entertaining myself and being comfortable with alone time, so quarantine didn’t feel very different… I’ve also been able to work on some hobbies like reading and cooking, as I’ve plenty of time for them now.

You’re a dancer, singer and actress with so many other skills and commitments. So, how do you manage your time efficiently and keep up with all these activities?

It’s a lot easier than most people think – everyone is actually dealing with a lot on their plates, even if their activities are not well defined. It’s quite similar to how an average person has to juggle school with any part-time job. In America, I’ve seen many teenagers have a day job, it’s equally difficult for them too! In terms of time-management, it’s juggling between auditioning and classes, and you have the rest of the day for academics, singing and dancing. And you live your life!

We absolutely enjoyed the portrayal of Rhea in Spin, so as an actress, how is it that you are able to get into the shoes of this character written on paper and construct her so eloquently?

So, I’ve been familiar with her character for a really long time as I first auditioned for Rhea’s part when I was 10. The project went on hold and came back 3 years later. I’ve always had the script in the back of my mind as it is a big deal being the first South-Asian lead Disney movie! The most difficult aspect of her character, as seen in the film, is her deejaying. It is a new and a niche skill which I don’t think many are familiar with. We all sing and dance but deejaying is a small world. I always had the perception that deejaying is easy because of the relaxed and chill persona of the people who do it. But it is so hard! I still can’t do it well! Luckily, the music producers understood and helped me learn this in the course of 2 months.

Rhea from Spin was a likeable and realistic role model the viewers could resonate with. We felt her to be diligent, observant and kind-hearted. So which quality of Rhea’s was your personal favourite?

It’s her tenacity; she does a lot of things and does them really well. That takes a lot of diligence and perseverance! Rhea always finishes what she starts, even if she has a whole lot of other responsiblities. She lives up to her personal, career and family comittments, and I find this to be very inspiring!

You are a person who stays true to her native roots by acting even in the Telugu film industry. In your opinion, what is the difference between working in Tollywood vs Hollywood?

Yeah, there’s a lot of differences especially for a young girl. Just because there are a lot of laws and legal institutions in place in Hollywood, you are so much safer there. Like, your work ethic is protected and you can study on set. Maybe you won’t be able to do a hundred percent, but you can still do eighty to ninety percent of schoolwork. You only have to work a certain number of hours and you’re always provided food on set with a rigid lunch break. I think that’s really great as you never feel overworked and protected.
When it comes to Tollywood, I feel a familiarity with it personally as I was raised in a Telugu household. It is full of music, dancing, and colour, which you probably won’t find in a Hollywood set! But sadly, there are no laws in place to protect the entertainment industry. As a 10-year-old child, I would wake up at 6 am and work till 2 am the next day! The idea of school can just be trashed. Sometimes, not even lunch breaks. It was really difficult and exhausting. You can’t tell a kid that they’re going to be eating lunch when a couple of adults feel tired. I hope that area improves as it is a very beautiful industry with some amazing movies and I hate for it to be so difficult to work on sets.

After the massive success of Spin, we are confident that Senior Year will be outstanding! Can you tell us about the film and working with esteemed actor Rebel Wilson?

Senior year was great! Spin is a Disney movie, so to do something like Senior Year (a Netflix movie) that greatly contrasts the latter industry, right after, was a totally different experience for me as an actor! I find Rebel Wilson to be an incredible woman; she has rigid self discipline and I personally think she’s one of the best actresses I’ve ever worked with. Even with such massive success in America, she has maintained great humility. Rebel Wilson stood up for me, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable on set. She has even taken us out for dinner! It was truly a blessing to work with her!

What would you like to say to the future actors/producers/directors?

In this day and age, I think there’s a space for everybody including aspiring actors, musicians, directors etc. Both the Indian and American industries are expanding vastly and are welcoming different cultures and ideas; we are seeing quality content due to streaming platforms and partly because of covid. This is an encouragement to pursue your interest and craft. I think the times are going to get even better and more opportunities are opening up. Right now, if you don’t see a space for you, it is the best time to create a space for yourself. It isn’t the time to be discouraged in the pandemic, this is a golden age to make a place for yourself!

…and no, it doesn’t snow where she lives.

Thank you for doing this interview! It was a pleasure talking to you and getting to delve deeper into the movie industry!

Written by Maitreyi & Nithika
Co-Heads of Insights

“This was the closest thing to actual flying”- Shreyash Rathi

Shreyash Rathi, 23, is a talented aerial cinematographer, a drone enthusiast, and a proud alumnus of NPS Rajajinagar 2014 and NAFL 2016. He is currently studying chemical engineering at RV College of Engineering. In his spare time, he has been able to pursue his hobby – Photography. What started as simply posting pictures on Instagram has turned into so much more. It was really amazing to get insights into such a niche skill!

When did you realize your interest in photography and how did you know that you wanted to pursue it more than just a ‘hobby’?

I picked up my phone one day and decided to randomly start clicking photos of me and my friends doing some tricks on our cycle. It went from there to making videos and photos as kids like starting random fires and all sorts of videos that interested me. I wanted to become a vlogger because that was to become popular but I did not know how to edit those videos. Then I got introduced to Instagram and started clicking random things, edit the photos and posted it!

What do you love the most about aerial cinematography?

When you ask anyone what would be the 3 wishes you could ask a genie, I am quite sure that the greatest number of people would say ‘the ability to fly’! This was the closest thing to actual flying. From day 1, I have been hooked ton flying and the feeling of flight!

What was the first cinematography project that you worked on that you felt proud off? Tell us about it.

My first ever project was a drag racing event held in 2018 at Taneja Aerodrome. It was super fun as we got to chase after super-fast cars with our super-fast drones! It was a revelation to see the capabilities of the drone I had been building all this while. It was tiring no doubt but the adrenaline rush kept me up through the entire event!

You have had some amazing opportunities in the last year, for example when you worked with Karnataka Forest Department what has been your favourite project that you have worked on?

I think the shoot with the Karnataka Forest department has been the best one. I was called to operate FPV as well as normal drones for a super cool project, which was to film the behind the scenes of the making of a coffee table book called “Forests.” I got 4 of my images published in that book and I was happy about it! I introduced racing drones as a videography tool and showed a new perspective to the people who were unaware about it. My favourite part was the cave at Badami, I did something I thought I could never ever do the same again!

What are a few future endeavours that you would want to take?

I want to take on some high-level productions with challenges not only improve my skill but also to test my abilities.

What advice would you give to young aspiring photographers, videographers, cinematographers, and anything that requires you to carry a camera around?

You do not need an expensive camera; your phone camera is enough. If you can convey a story through your image, you have a very bright future!

Thank you so much for sharing your insights. I am sure many students will be inspired by your journey. Wishing you all the best in your journey of photography!

Written by Ananya Narayan

Insights- The Pen at its Might

Hi! Welcome to Insights, the bimonthly e-newsletter issued by NPS Rajajinagar. Insights is an independent student-run journalism committee which aims to present the stories of extraordinary people who have had groundbreaking journeys in their respective fields. We delve into their personal journeys, learning about their struggles and triumphs, and uncovering the lessons they have learned along the way. We believe that everyone has a unique story to tell, and we strive to showcase a diverse range of voices and perspectives.

Started in 2021 as a column in the school e-newsletter with only 3 active participants, Insights has now grown to a small team of passionate people in Grades 9-12! We work day in and day out to bring exciting interviews to you!

The committee doesn’t just aim to be empowered, but also to empower.
Our goal is to encourage our readers to pursue their passions and dream big. We hope to ignite a spark of curiosity and inspire our readers to explore the world around them and pave their paths to success.

We hope you enjoy reading our posts!
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