Latest news with #Neeta
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Pune Inc: How this duo behind Grainstorm and their all-women team are revolutionising snacking
Some of the machines at the Hadapsar factory of Grainstorm, a company that makes snacks from locally sourced ingredients, are quite large, reaching around 15 feet in height. The technician, who came to install the machine, told Grainstorm's founders, Neeta and Deepak Kamath, 'Ek to aapko aadmi rakhna padega (You have to employ at least one man)'. Deepak turned to the all-women staff at the factory for their response. The team challenged the male technician, climbed to the top of a 15-foot machine and carried out the tightening of bolts as required. Deepak, the only other male on the factory floor, remembers the incident as evidence of the core ethos of Grainstorm, a company run by women who not only create artisanal snacks in eco-friendly packaging but also champion healthier traditional food choices. Grainstorm's products – Quinoa Mild Chilli Crisps, Jowar Rustic Spice Crisps, Tangy Beaten Rice Crisps and Ragi Zesty Cheese Crisps, among others – occupy shelf space alongside premium and imported products at more than 50 upmarket stores in Pune. 'Our target market is, demographically, between 25 to 45 years old; the upwardly-mobile Indian man and woman who want these snacks for themselves and their children because they are worried about snacking on junk food,' says Deepak. A study from 2018 by the International Food Information Council has shown that millennials are more conscious of making healthy food choices compared to their elders. According to the study, 80 per cent of millennials prioritise health when choosing foods as opposed to 64 per cent of those born between 1946 and 1964. In India, according to market research company IMARC Group, the size of the Indian snacks market is going to soar to Rs 95,521.8 crore by 2032 – it was Rs 42,694.9 crore in 2023 – on the back of popularity, increasing implementation of quality standards by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and growing numbers of e-commerce brands, and better distribution networks. The Kamaths did not have these stats in mind when, in 2018-2019, they set up Grainstorm. Neeta was a professor of Economics at Wadia College and Deepak, an MBA, had a family business in electronics but 'always wanted to do something in the food business'. 'He always talked about it… I, too, was looking to do something different, change my track,' says Neeta. One of their friends was M A Tejani of Gits Food Products Pvt Ltd, which makes ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products. Things fell into place in 2018-2019 and they started making papads as a way to revive traditional Indian snacks. Just as they started building customers, Covid-19 hit. 'We had not yet built a fully-fledged team as there were only three or four women staff members with us. We used to do a lot of Research and Development. This was the time when the millet revolution was picking up. 2021 was declared as the International Year of the Millet then 2023 was declared as the Indian Year of the Millet. We got that boost and went into that line. It was something different we were trying with millets. People started saying that these tasted really good. We started using our in-house seasoning. We do not want any preservatives or chemicals. From milling to packaging, all the processes are carried out in-house. We have developed all the recipes within our premises with the team members,' says Neeta. She adds that the base crisps are prepared and dried indoors in a sanitised and dust-free environment and, then, flash-fried in five seconds at a high temperature in customised equipment. Neeta had taught women's empowerment and financial inclusion for years but Grainstorm became her platform to put her ideas and ideals into practice. The women who handle production, sales and promotion come from underprivileged homes and receive training from the company. The effort seems to be paying off as Grainstorm is targeting earnings of Rs 80 lakh by the end of the year. 'One of the things we have learned is that people like taste over health,' says Neeta. 'We call our products 'sensible snacking' rather than 'healthy snacking' because healthy food is perceived to be non-tasty food. We made our food tasty from the beginning. Our customers are looking to eat good and tasty food but want to avoid the nasties, such as trans fat, cholesterol, much saturated fat and sugar,' says Deepak. Driven by the concept to make our food flavoursome, the company decided that the way to go was to get as close to the traditional manufacturing system as possible. 'We have customised a lot of our machines to ensure that traditional handmade techniques could be replicated,' he adds. After all, Indians had been snacking for decades before foreign chips and other munchies came in. Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More
Associated Press
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
The Brave Table Makes its UAE Debut
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, April 15, 2025 / / -- The Brave Table Podcast celebrated a major milestone on Friday 11 April 2025, with a sold-out, soul-stirring live event marking its 300th episode and three-year anniversary. Hosted by Dr. Neeta Bhushan, the evening welcomed over 100 guests to the beautiful Sohum Wellness Centre for an intimate night of storytelling, connection and personal transformation. Guests from wellness, health and holistic circles gathered to rewrite the stories that no longer serve them, reflect on worthiness and relationships, and soak in brave conversations that touched the heart. The event marked the official UAE launch of The Brave Table Live - Neeta's new in-person experience designed to bring meaningful dialogue and deep community to life. It was a true family affair, with Neeta's loved ones present in full support - including her husband Ajit Nawalkha, co-founder of Mindvalley, their son and daughter, and extended family. In a touching and playful moment, Neeta's son rallied the crowd to announce her arrival in 20 minutes, and Ajit later took the stage to offer a warm and heartfelt introduction, before gathering the audience for a joyous group photo. 'To share this moment surrounded by family, friends and a community of open-hearted souls was truly beyond anything I imagined,' said Dr. Neeta Bhushan. 'This wasn't just about celebrating 300 episodes - it was about creating space for real, brave conversations, and honoring the journey it takes to show up fully.' Guests came with high energy to witness the one and only Marisa Peer, who delivered a powerful live interview with Neeta, offering insight on how to show up in life free from limiting beliefs. The session ended with a rapid-fire round that had the audience both laughing and reflecting deeply. 'The energy in the room was electric,' said Marisa Peer. 'To witness the vulnerability, openness, and shared wisdom in that space was something truly special. It was an honor to be part of The Brave Table Live.' As a surprise guest, Gary Lineham, founder of Human Garage and a close friend of Neeta, was invited up from the audience to share his advocacy for nervous system healing and body-based wellness. Gary led the room through powerful somatic exercises to release tension and reconnect with the body, leaving everyone feeling both grounded and energised. The evening also showcased thoughtful contributions from sponsors. Dr. Jenna of Zoime Longevity Clinic, who shared how true wellness is a fusion of mind, body, soul, and science - from advanced lab testing to detox protocols and holistic care. The Health Nag highlighted a curated range of supplements designed to support gut health, energy and daily resilience. Sohum Wellness delivered activations throughout the night in their breathtaking new outdoor sanctuary - making its beautiful debut in the UAE. Guests experienced healing through the hands of sound healer Ian Manel, who led a deeply immersive sound bath, along with massages and intuitive tarot card readings. The all-vegan Sohum food and soul beverages nourished every guest from the inside out. Every attendee received a signed copy of Neeta's bestselling book, That Sucked. Now What?, along with a wellness-packed goodie bag sponsored by Scoop Wholefoods. Neeta went deep with her audience, asking brave questions and sparking vulnerable shares. The space became a mirror for healing, learning, and heartfelt connection. 'We learnt, we reflected, we connected - soul to soul,' Neeta shared on the night. 'From the incredible guests who came, to the friends who flew in from abroad, to the Sohum set-up of dreams, it was truly unforgettable. And to my husband - for introducing me with such love and for holding the masculine container that allows me to surrender into my feminine - I'm so grateful. So many women are stuck in a trauma response of doing it all; I'm lucky to have a safe space to lean into. And of course, to my kids hyping me up from the sidelines - I couldn't do this without you.' Thank you to everyone who came with open hearts and helped make another nourishing celebration with The Brave Table Live so meaningful.' The Brave Table Live was more than an event - it was a celebration of community, authenticity and the power of storytelling to heal and connect. For more details, visit or follow @thebravetable on Instagram. PR Contact: Gemma L'Appanna Founder and CEO, L'Atelier Consulting Email: [email protected] Phone: +971 555163914 About Dr. Neeta Bhushan A TEDx speaker, 5x award-winning author, and former cosmetic dentist turned emotional health advocate, Dr. Neeta Bhushan is the founder of The Brave Table, a top-ranked global podcast. Her work blends psychology, leadership, and wellness to help women overcome burnout, build emotional resilience, and rise with courage. Her best-selling book That Sucked. Now What? empowers women worldwide to reclaim their stories and step into their power. About Marisa Peer Marisa Peer is a globally recognized therapist, bestselling author, and the visionary behind Rapid Transformational Therapy® (RTT®), a method designed to free individuals from deep emotional and mental blocks. She has worked with global icons across industries and founded the viral I Am Enough movement, helping millions reframe their self-worth and unlock lasting transformation. Gemma LAppanna L'Atelier Public Relations + +971 55 516 3914 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
