Latest news with #Govindarajan
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Diagnostic firm Aarthi Scans eyes North India, lines up ₹350 cr investment
Chennai-based diagnostic firm Aarthi Scans and Labs is set to aggressively expand its footprint in North India, as it plans to open 90 per cent of its upcoming centres in the region by 2030 and has earmarked ₹350 crore as investment for the plan. It aims to take the number of branches to 150 by 2030, from the current 85. Aarthi Scans, which is in its 25th year of operations, is also planning to go for an initial public offering (IPO) in the next three years. As part of its strategy to cater to a wider audience, it is also in the process of foraying into fitness diagnostics. 'We are planning our IPO in the next three years. Every year, we are clocking a growth of around 20 per cent. In FY25, our turnover was around ₹320 crore, which is slated to cross ₹375 crore during the current financial year,' said V Govindarajan, founder of Aarthi Scans and Labs. The diagnostic major has set a target of achieving a turnover of ₹600 crore in the next four to five years. At present, Aarthi Scans has a presence in 11 states through 85 branches and 150 collection centres across 18 cities. 'Our aim is to add an average of around 10 branches every year. Within three months, we will be starting in Uttar Pradesh too. Out of the total branch expansions in the next five years, 90 per cent will be in North India only,' Govindarajan added. The company has a presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Haryana. Out of these, around 25 branches are in Chennai, with a majority of 18 clustered in and around Chennai. Arunkumar, son of Govindarajan, is looking into the technological transformation of the company. From X-rays and CTs to brain volumetric analysis, Aarthi Scans is using artificial intelligence in several operations now. 'AI is making the job of radiologists easy. Globally also, India has adopted AI better than even developed nations,' Arunkumar said. He added that his company is in the process of starting fitness diagnostics, a fast-emerging segment in India. The firm came to limelight in 2022 when reports emerged that mid-market private equity fund Tata Capital Growth Fund was in talks to acquire a minority stake. 'We were in talks with Tata Capital during Covid. We were doing some extremely good business and wanted to rope in some minority investor. Finally, the valuation was not matching each other,' Govindarajan added.
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Aarthi Scans to invest Rs 350 crore, expand strongly in North India by 2030
Chennai-based Aarthi Scans and Labs, a leading diagnostic imaging services provider in South India, is preparing to aggressively expand its presence in the North Indian market. The company plans to add 90 per cent of its upcoming centres in the region by 2030. As part of this expansion, it will invest around Rs 350 crore to increase its total number of branches from 85 to around 150 over the next five years. Now in its 25th year of operations, Aarthi Scans is also planning to launch an initial public offering (IPO) within the next three years. Simultaneously, the company is preparing to foray into the fitness diagnostics segment to cater to a wider audience. 'We are planning our IPO in the next three years. Every year, we are clocking a growth of around 20 per cent. In FY25, our turnover was around Rs 320 crore, which is slated to cross Rs 375 crore during the current financial year,' said V Govindarajan, founder of Aarthi Scans and Labs. The company has set a target of achieving a turnover of Rs 600 crore in the next four to five years. Pan-India footprint with a northern focus Aarthi Scans currently operates 85 branches and 150 collection centres across 18 cities in 11 states, including Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Gujarat, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Haryana. Around 25 branches are located in Chennai alone, with 18 clustered in and around the city. 'Our aim is to add an average of around 10 branches every year. Within three months, we will be starting operations in Uttar Pradesh as well. Of the total branch expansions in the next five years, 90 per cent will be in North India,' Govindarajan said. From outpatient clinic to diagnostic leader Govindarajan entered the healthcare sector in the late 1980s by starting a small clinic, Aarthi Clinic—named after his daughter—for his doctor wife in Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu. The family launched a multispeciality hospital in 1995, followed by a foray into diagnostics in 2000 and the opening of its first centre in Chennai's Vadapalani in 2003. Today, Aarthi Scans is managed by a family-run team of radiologists: Prasanna Vignesh, Aarthi Prasanna, and Arunkumar Govindarajan. AI-led transformation and new service verticals Arunkumar, Govindarajan's son, is spearheading the company's technological transformation. From X-rays and CT scans to brain volumetric analysis, the company has adopted artificial intelligence (AI) across several operations. 'AI is making the job of radiologists easier. Globally too, India has adopted AI better than even some developed nations,' said Arunkumar. He added that the company is in the process of launching fitness diagnostics, a fast-growing segment in India. Private equity talks and future outlook Aarthi Scans came into the spotlight in 2022 when reports emerged that Tata Capital Growth Fund, a mid-market private equity fund, was in talks to acquire a minority stake in the company. 'We were in talks with Tata Capital during Covid. We were doing some extremely good business and wanted to rope in a minority investor. Finally, the valuation did not match,' Govindarajan said.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Building biceps but burning out? Ayurveda tips for men to heal your gut-gym disconnect first
Modern fitness routines measure everything: sets, macros, sleep cycles — even hydration timing but one critical system is often ignored: the to experts, Ayurveda never made that mistake as for thousands of years, it has placed digestion at the core of strength and vitality because no matter how clean your diet or how intense your training, none of it matters if your body can't properly digest and absorb. From bloating to bench press: Here's how Ayurveda fixes the gut-gym disconnect in men.(Image by Pexels) Agni: The digestive fire behind every rep In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva, shared, 'In Ayurveda, Agni, your digestive fire, is more than metaphor. It's the engine that transforms food into usable energy, muscle tissue and mental clarity. Strong Agni means efficient nutrient absorption, smooth recovery, and sustained performance.' Ayurveda recommends eating light at night considering our digestive fire or agni is the lowest. Undigested food can lead to accumulation of toxins and cause health issues.(Image by Pixabay) Weak Agni? Dr Govindarajan revealed, 'That means bloating, fatigue and stalled progress—even on a 'perfect' diet. Herbs like cumin, ginger, and fennel aren't just flavor—each supports digestion at a cellular level. Triphala aids detox and nutrient uptake. A cleaner gut means faster recovery and a body that doesn't waste energy on damage control.' Herbs that work while you train, sleep and recover Dr Govindarajan said, 'Ayurveda doesn't use herbs to mask fatigue; it uses them to rebuild systems.' He highlighted four time-tested herbs that are showing up in new research and gym bags for good reason: Shilajit helps support healthy testosterone levels, boosting stamina and enhancing muscle strength. It improves overall gym performance by aiding energy production and reducing fatigue. Additionally, it supports immunity and speeds up recovery. helps support healthy testosterone levels, boosting stamina and enhancing muscle strength. It improves overall gym performance by aiding energy production and reducing fatigue. Additionally, it supports immunity and speeds up recovery. Black Musli supports faster muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and enhancing post-workout repair. supports faster muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and enhancing post-workout repair. Gokshura supports healthy metabolism and boosts energy by enhancing the body's natural ability to process and utilise nutrients efficiently. Gokshura: Gokshura helps strengthen bones and promote musculoskeletal health. It supports calcium absorption and improves bone density.(Pinterest) Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and promotes better sleep by calming the nervous system and balancing cortisol levels. helps reduce stress and promotes better sleep by calming the nervous system and balancing cortisol levels. Swarna Bhasma helps improve stamina by boosting cellular energy, enhancing physical endurance, and supporting overall vitality. Dr Govindarajan said, 'These aren't quick fixes. They work gradually, building the kind of baseline health that survives high-intensity weeks, plateaus and life's curveballs.' Train hard, recover smarter Ayurveda doesn't shy away from intensity but it calls out chaos. Dr Govindarajan gushed, 'It promotes training in alignment with the body's natural rhythms. Mornings, when Kapha energy is dominant, are best for strength training — grounded, stable and strong. Late-night workouts, on the other hand, disrupt circadian cycles and spike cortisol when your body should be recovering.' Poor gut health is not just about discomfort and digestive issues like bloating, acidity, and constipation, it also affects your entire wellbeing.(Shutterstock) He added, 'The Ayurvedic system of Dinacharya or daily routine isn't just tradition. It's performance science. Wake before sunrise. Hydrate with warm water. Eat meals at consistent times. Wind down without screens. These habits sharpen recovery, deepen sleep and stabilise mood. It's not boring, it's where discipline meets results.' Redefining strength, especially in men's health month Dr Govindarajan opined, 'Real strength isn't just about size or stats. It's about digestion that works invisibly, energy that doesn't crash, and a nervous system that stays resilient under pressure. Ayurveda isn't here to replace weights — it's what helps the work land. It restores what hustle culture erodes: gut health, recovery rhythm and hormone balance.' So if you are already training, already tracking your macros but still feeling depleted — the answer may not be more output. It may be a smarter input and that starts from the inside. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Top Ayurvedic herbs for men: Boost strength, stamina, mental wellness naturally
Between deadlines and dumbbells, family roles and fitness goals, Indian men today face an invisible tug-of-war: perform relentlessly but never pause. While the wellness conversation grows louder, much of it still overlooks what men are quietly struggling with be it chronic stress, low stamina, fatigue and dropping testosterone levels. Best Ayurvedic solutions for men's health: Natural remedies for energy, focus and hormonal balance.(Image by HowStuffWorks) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva, shared, 'In a time defined by fast food, faster timelines, and digital overload, we need more than protein shakes and energy shots. We need systems that sustain. Ayurveda, India's 5,000-year-old science of life, offers exactly that—a holistic, preventive approach to the evolving challenges of modern masculinity.' According to a 2021 survey, 46% of Indian men are classified as unhealthy, battling issues like heart disease, diabetes, and lifestyle-related disorders and this isn't just about ageing — male fertility is also taking a hit. Over the past four decades, global sperm counts have dropped by more than 50% and quality has declined too. Dr Govindarajan revealed, 'Stress, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, and lack of restorative sleep are driving the decline. The impact is bigger than poor productivity—it's weakening long-term vitality.' Enter the Ayurvedic approach: Restore, don't just react Dr Govindarajan said, 'Ayurveda doesn't chase symptoms. It balances the entire system, the body, mind, and energy. And for men, this means building the foundations of resilience, strength, and stress recovery. Unlike synthetic stimulants, Ayurvedic herbs work with the body, not against it.' He highlighted two powerhouses leading that change - 1. Shilajit: The Ancient Power Source for Modern Energy Want to boost your immunity, strength and stamina? Try Shilajit, Ayurvedic elixir and ancient Himalayan treasure (Photo by Revered as a 'destroyer of weakness' in Ayurvedic texts, Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that oozes from Himalayan rocks. Backed by scientific research, it is known to support testosterone production, enhance energy, stamina, metabolism, and improve muscle strength. A study published in Andrologia found that men who consumed purified Shilajit over 90 days showed a 23.5 per cent increase in testosterone levels. In today's sedentary, stress-loaded routines, Shilajit acts as a potent adaptogen, improving stamina and reducing fatigue without overstimulating the body. 2. Ashwagandha: Ayurveda's leading adaptogen Ashwagandha is a powerful Ayurvedic herb that offers numerous benefits for overall health and wellness. (Freepik) Modern stress isn't just emotional—it's hormonal. Ashwagandha, Ayurveda's leading adaptogen, helps reduce cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. A 2021 clinical study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that Ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and improved sleep quality within eight weeks of daily use. More energy. Less anxiety. Deeper sleep. No crash. You can add ashwagandha powder to hot milk, tea or smoothies, or take capsules. (Freepik) A new model of strength: Built for the long game Dr Govindarajan said, 'Ayurveda teaches that true health is cultivated—not crisis-managed. With rising rates of early burnout, fatigue and hormonal imbalance in men, it's time to move from reaction to prevention.' He concluded, 'Today's man lives between ambition and anxiety but strength doesn't have to cost balance. With herbs like Shilajit and Ashwagandha, men can build clean, consistent energy—naturally. So the question isn't whether Ayurveda fits into your life. It is: Can you afford to ignore it any longer?' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Say goodbye to stress, hormonal chaos: 3 Ayurveda herbs, daily rituals to bring your thyroid back in sync
Why are an increasing number of women in their 20's and 30's experiencing unexpected thyroid issues like chronic fatigue, brain fog, low energy and mood swings? The answer may lie in a silent disruptor embedded into modern life: chronic stress. Try these 3 Ayurveda herbs and daily rituals to reboot your thyroid.(Image by Pixabay) According to the International Journal of Medical and Health Research, over 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid disorders. While genetics, diet and environmental toxins play their part, emerging research now highlights stress as a major, yet often overlooked, trigger. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Govindarajan, Chief Innovation Officer at Kapiva, shared, 'This isn't just about a bad day or deadline pressure. It's the constant, low-grade stress from juggling careers, caregivers, digital overwhelm, and the pressure to 'have it all'. This kind of stress gradually disrupts the body's delicate hormone networks- especially the thyroid, which regulates metabolism, energy, mood and reproductive health.' Understanding the thyroid-stress link Dr Govindarajan explained, 'The thyroid works in close coordination with the brain and adrenal glands through a communication network called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When the brain senses stress, it signals the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. This hormone is meant to help the body respond to immediate challenges but when stress becomes long-term, cortisol levels remain elevated and start interfering with other hormone systems, including the thyroid.' Thyroid imbalances in men go unnoticed as men often put the symptoms down to stress and don't avail treatment. (Shutterstock) A 2024 cross-sectional study conducted at the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences in Ballari, Karnataka, explored the relationship between perceived stress and thyroid function among apparently healthy women aged 20 to 49. The study found that higher perceived stress levels were associated with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, indicating a potential link between chronic stress and thyroid dysfunction. Ashwagandha to Brahmi: Here's what Ayurveda offers for hormonal balance According to Dr Govindarajan, while conventional medicine remains the cornerstone in managing thyroid conditions, Ayurveda offers supportive options- especially when it comes to stress reduction and hormonal support. At the heart of this approach are adaptogens: herbs that help the body regulate physical, mental, and emotional stress. Ashwagandha is one of the most researched adaptogens in this space. A 2023 NIH backed study reported significant improvements in T3 and T4 levels among individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism who took Ashwagandha root extract, pointing to its potential role in supporting natural thyroid function. Ashwagandha helps in reducing stress and anxiety(Shutterstock) Dr Govindarajan said, 'Shatavari and Brahmi, two other Ayurvedic staples, are also known for calming the nervous system and enhancing adrenal resilience — both supportive in maintaining hormonal stability over time. Together, these herbs form a holistic toolkit for those looking to care for their thyroid beyond medication alone.' Simple daily shifts that can make a difference Dr Govindarajan suggested, 'Small, intentional shifts make the biggest difference like prioritising sleep, reducing screen time, and nourishing your body with iodine, selenium, and zinc. Ayurvedic practices like yoga, pranayama, and mindful herb use like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari can help modulate the stress response and build hormonal resilience.' Shatavari: Phytoestrogen and other natural phytochemicals present in Shatavari are extremely beneficial. It helps rectify the hormonal imbalance. It has a powerful effect on insulin resistance.(Pixabay) He further recommended, 'Taking regular breaks from screens, practicing mindfulness or journaling and exploring adaptogenic herbs in the form of teas, tonics, or supplements can further support your system. When considering any new supplement or herb, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are on thyroid medication or managing other health conditions. The quality, sourcing, and dosage of these herbs matter, so informed choices are key.' Your wake-up call to slow down and recalibrate The earliest signs of thyroid dysfunction often whisper: low energy, brain fog, poor sleep or unexplained mood and weight changes. Dr Govindarajan advised, 'By tuning in and supporting your system with rest, nourishment and ancient herbal allies, it's possible to rebalance, before imbalance becomes illness. In a world where stress is constant, how we respond to it is where the power lies. That's where Ayurveda steps in: not as an alternative, but as an ally.' He concluded, 'With soothing herbs, restoring rituals and nourishing food, it not only manages thyroid but also helps the body find its own balance again. This isn't just healing; it's rebalancing from the inside out.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
