In this podcast, Shashidhar, a seasoned engineer and very successful entrepreneur from Bangalore, India describes the story behind the inception of Unit Alfa, a thriving business he started that specializes in sheet metal fabrication for all types of industrial applications and in manufacturing components for hydraulic earth-moving equipment. Unit Alfa boasts a vast clientele of very recognizable and successful businesses such as Komatsu, L&T Construction and Kobelco. Shashidhar had an unusual entrepreneurial journey and a challenging one at that. He describes some of the endemic corruption and challenges facing Indian industrialists. On the personal front, Shashi describes his challenging family situation with a brother who suffered from a serious intellectual disability, and an ailing mother both requiring special care. Shashi and I also delve into some of the stubborn social issues facing South Indian communities with regards to religious sensibilities, beliefs, education, awareness and ignorance. Shashi has a very unique and special bond with his wife Roopa which struck me as an example of a collaborative, constructive and loving spousal relationship worthy of showcasing on my podcast platform especially since they're a South Indian couple and have successfully dodged some of the typical negative stereotypes. I hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I did and take away something useful. Love and Peace. The Idea Sandbox. Theideasandboxpodcast.com Chapters: 00:00:00 Start 00:02:46 Shashidhar and me discuss religious symbolisms 00:07:41 Shashi's background and roots 00:13:21 Not caring for society's constructs 00:18:21 What did Shashi's engineering firm produce? 00:25:40 What is the makeup of Shashi's company? 00:30:38 Why aren't there more Naidu community folk in the factory business? 00:32:06 We discuss the challenges facing the Indian business landscape 00:36:03 We discuss endemic corruption in Indian life 00:46:07 Politicians rule the country and not statesmen 00:54:49 Elites have captured the narrative 01:00:08 Shashi's special relationship with his wife 01:05:48 Hindu scriptures and interpretations of it 01:09:15 Propitiation of Gods 01:17:19 West borrowing good ideas from the east and vice versa 01:19:54 Borrowing the method of inquiry, socratic questioning 01:22:53 Shashi elaborates on his special relationship with his wife 01:34:05 My take on Shashi's perceived image in the close family circuit