Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association. Tune in to this exclusive episode of NITKAAST, where we bring you the inspiring journey of Nikhil Taneja, an industry veteran who has shaped India's cybersecurity landscape over the last two decades.
🚀 From being the first employee at Radware India to leading South Asia operations, setting up global scrubbing centers, and working with major clients like SBI, PNB, stock exchanges, and even national defense forces, he has done it all! His journey began with an interest in technology and evolved through challenges in IT security, AI-driven DDoS defense, and high-stakes incident management.
💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
* Evolution of the internet and its security challenges
* Building a cybersecurity business from scratch and handling high-pressure environments
* AI in cybersecurity: How AI fights AI in today’s cyber warfare
* The importance of patience, resilience, and strategic career moves
* Balancing work, mental health, and spirituality in a demanding industry
🎧 Don't miss this episode packed with wisdom, career insights, and leadership lessons from a trailblazer in cybersecurity!
In this episode of NITKAAST, we welcome Miss Arundeep Kaur, an esteemed alumna from the 1994 batch of NIT Kurukshetra, who has built a remarkable career in strategic financial leadership at Procter & Gamble across multiple geographies, including Australia, Singapore, and India.
Arundeep Kaur shares her career transformation journey, from studying engineering to excelling in finance and strategic planning. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her success, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and stepping out of comfort zones. Her global exposure, working in different cultures, has significantly contributed to her well-rounded professional and personal growth.
The conversation also discusses work-life balance, and Kaur stresses the importance of doing what one loves over what society demands. She urges young professionals to align their careers with their values, find mentors, and seek growth opportunities that match their aspirations.
The episode concludes with an exciting rapid-fire round, where Miss Kaur reveals her own productivity hacks, favorite workspaces, and invaluable career advice—telling young graduates not to overanalyze and trust their instincts.
Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mr. Satish Pandey, a proud alumnus of the Mechanical Engineering batch of 1984-89. As one of the last batches of the 5-year engineering program, Mr. Pandey fondly recalls the memories, challenges, and life lessons that shaped his professional and personal life.
With over three decades of experience in turbomachinery, Mr. Pandey co-founded Maxwatt Turbomachinery, a leading name in industrial steam turbines. His vision to create something unique, paired with an innovative approach to manufacturing and service, has positioned Maxwatt as a trusted name in the industry.
In this episode, Mr. Pandey discusses the evolving landscape of turbomachinery, opportunities for Mechanical engineers in unconventional applications, and the growing demand for sustainability-focused innovations. He also shares invaluable advice for budding entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of building strong teams and understanding your product deeply.
Tune in to gain insights from a leader who turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us all to embrace innovation and pursue excellence.
Welcome to NITKAAst the official podcast of NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with MV Ravishankar, a seasoned civil engineer and global leader, as he takes us through his journey from his early days in India to leading large-scale engineering projects across the U.S., Middle East, and Asia. From managing large-scale projects in diverse cultural environments to passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam at 64, Ravishankar’s story is a testament to lifelong learning and adaptability.
With a career deeply rooted in water infrastructure, transportation, and environmental engineering, he shares his experiences working at industry giants like Bechtel, MWH Global, and Stantec, navigating cultural differences, and managing international teams.
To top it off, don’t miss our rapid-fire round, where Mr. Ravishankar shares fun and fascinating glimpses into his life beyond engineering! Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a seasoned professional, or just someone who loves inspiring career stories, this episode is packed with wisdom and motivation.
Tune in now!
Welcome to NITKAAst, the official podcast of NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association. In this episode, we spotlight Mr. Alok Bhardwaj, a distinguished NIT Kurukshetra alumnus from the 1975-79 batch, whose illustrious career spans 43 years, including 28 in leadership roles. Starting at Tata Burroughs Limited (now TCS), he navigated early challenges, overcoming imposter syndrome to build a solid foundation. His journey led to pivotal roles at Ford Motors, SHL Systemhouse, and General Dynamics Information Technology, where he evolved from a technical contributor to a seasoned leader with a comprehensive understanding of architecture, design, and leadership.
Mr. Bhardwaj reflects on the recruitment landscape of his time, post-MBA success from Punjab University, and his career growth through leadership roles at the State of Washington and global projects. Now in Atlanta, he shares insights on career transitions, leadership, and the tech industry's evolution, inspiring aspiring professionals to excel in their journeys.
With over four decades of experience, Mr. Bhardwaj reflects on his inspiring journey from the classrooms of RECK to leading global corporations. He discusses career milestones, lessons learned, and his bold predictions for the future of the consulting industry.
🚀 Explore this enriching conversation brimming with leadership wisdom and professional insights! 🎧
Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association. In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh AVSM, VSM (Retd.), a veteran whose life has been defined by service, excellence, and leadership.
An alumnus from the Electronics and Communication Engineering batch of 1979, Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh graduated as a Gold Medalist and made remarkable strides in the Indian Air Force over a 37-year career. His journey began with a unique mix of passion and circumstances—while he initially dreamed of joining the NDA, medical issues led him to pursue engineering at NIT Kurukshetra instead. However, his deep-rooted aspiration to serve the nation saw him fulfilling his dream in the Indian Air Force, where he played pivotal roles in managing advanced technologies like fighter jets, helicopters, and radar systems.
In this conversation, Air Marshal Singh shares stories from his college days, including his tenure as the captain of the hockey team, the fun yet nerve-wracking experience of circulating assignments among his peers, and how he always helped others prepare for exams. His reflections on leadership, innovation, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies are both insightful and inspiring.
Join us as we explore his approach to leadership, the importance of staying updated with disruptive technologies, and the vital role of veterans in shaping India’s defense and aerospace sectors.
Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association. In this episode, we are proud to feature Mr. Rajesh Khurana, an esteemed alumnus from the batch of 1973-78, and a postgraduate in Biomedical Engineering from the prestigious IIT Delhi. Mr. Khurana is the founder and president of Timpac Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., a company he has led for over 43 years.
During his time at IIT Delhi, Mr. Khurana worked closely with the anesthesia department at AIIMS, Delhi to develop a transcutaneous nerve stimulator for pain relief—an invention he began manufacturing from his hostel room, marking the start of his entrepreneurial journey. Join us as we explore his fascinating career and hear his invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Mr. Khurana delves into the pivotal role engineers play in inventing technologies that shape industries and shares key insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and building a successful career in the biomedical space.
Stay tuned for the rapid-fire segment where Mr. Khurana offers quick, actionable tips for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship!
In this engaging episode, we sit down with Mr. Muninder Seeru, a seasoned expert in India's infrastructure and real estate sectors, with an illustrious career spanning 39 years. An NIT Kurukshetra alumnus from the batch of 1973-78, Mr. Seeru is currently the Managing Director of a leading firm, overseeing commercial, retail, and hotel projects across India. With a wealth of experience in project execution, deal structuring, and private equity funding, he shares his journey from bonfires at NIT to managing complex developments in the modern-day real estate landscape.
During the conversation, Mr. Seeru delves into the evolution of India’s real estate, the impact of the RERA Act, and his views on emerging trends. He reflects on the challenges and successes of working in a sector that has seen rapid transformation, from land acquisition hurdles to the effects of COVID-19 on construction. This is a candid conversation about what it takes to thrive in a tough business, the importance of patience, and his predictions for the next 5-10 years. Tune in to hear his incredible insights into the future of India's real estate and infrastructure.
Welcome to NITKAAsT, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association! In this episode, we are delighted to present Mr. Rajesh Garg, a distinguished alumnus from the 1989-93 batch. Mr. Rajesh Garg is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in technology, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. As the Senior EVP, Chief Digital Officer, and Head of Applications, Cybersecurity & CISO at Yotta, he has been recognized in the CIO and CXO Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the field.
Tune in for an insightful conversation as Mr. Rajesh Garg takes us through his remarkable journey from a student at NIT Kurukshetra to becoming a visionary leader and digital transformer in the tech industry! Join us as Mr. Rajesh Garg shares fond memories of his school days and the journey of securing admission to NIT Kurukshetra, along with his love for cricket and how it shaped his early years. Listen as he opens up about his initial aversion to electronics, despite being an ECE engineer, and how his experiences abroad broadened his horizons and enriched his understanding of global technology landscapes. He also provides deep industry insights, revealing his dynamic leadership style and how he navigates the complexities of digital transformation and cybersecurity.
Discover his strategies, life lessons, and the relationships that have been pivotal throughout his illustrious career. Dive into this engaging NITKAAsT episode and get inspired by Mr. Rajesh Garg’s journey from an NITK student to a recognized leader in the tech industry.
Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association! In this episode, we are honored to introduce Mr. Mukesh Punhani, a distinguished alumnus from the Computer Science batch of 1994-1998, who also holds a master's degree in Computer Science from the prestigious IIT Delhi. Mr. Punhani is currently a senior engineering leader at Amazon EMR and has made significant contributions to AWS Lake Formation and the world of data engineering.
“(GenAI) is just another evolution, and we have seen similar evolution in the past just in different domains.”
Join us as we deep dive into an engaging conversation with Mr. Mukesh. He shares his remarkable journey from an experienced software engineer to a driving force behind groundbreaking advancements at Amazon Web Services. Discover his insights into the ever-evolving world of data, current trends like Gen AI, and the future of technology. Learn about his invaluable experiences, the importance of focusing on fundamentals - not fearing but rather embracing new advancements, and his advice for aspiring data enthusiasts.
Stay in for the rapid-fire segment in the end where Mr. Mukesh answers quick yet insightful questions, shedding light on his professional growth, and future predictions of the next big breakthrough.
Tune in to NITKAAST for more such inspiring stories from our accomplished alumni!
Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association! This time we bring you Mr. Nitin Agarwal, CFO, Coreweave and formerly, the Vice President, Finance at Google Cloud, a distinguished alumnus from the 2002 batch. Mr. Nitin is an accomplished finance executive with 15 years of experience in the technology industry and an expert in developing high-performing teams in high-growth environments. He is an innovative and hands-on business leader with a strong strategic ability to deliver results in fast-paced companies.
Tune in for a highly engaging and meaningful conversation with Mr. Nitin as he delves into his life journey, from being a student at NIT Kurukshetra to a visionary leader in the finance industry! Join us as Mr. Nitin shares memories of his time in college, his habit of grabbing opportunities right from when he was a sophomore, and how he went on presenting a paper. He also talks about the importance of taking risks, and how these calculated risks and mitigation measures helped him reach where he stands today.
“Influencing requires perpetual learning.”
Get to know his tactics and life ideologies as he answers the rapid-fire questions focusing on the art of influencing while emphasizing the relations built during his fantastic career run!
Explore this insightful NITKAAST episode and take inspiration from Mr. Nitin’s path of innovation and success in the financing industry and his illustrious career!
Welcome to NITKAAST, this time we bring you Mr. Gautam, a senior managing consultant at IBM Global Business Services, and a distinguished alumnus from the 1998-2002 class of Electrical Engineering. He currently works in investment banking, insurance, and retail banking, leading, completing, and converting complex IT projects in the financial services industry.
Tune in for a highly engaging and meaningful conversation with Mr. Gautam as he delves into his life journey, from being a student at NIT Kurukshetra to a visionary leader in the tech world! Join us as Mr. Gautam shares memories of his time in college, his first interview with a consulting firm, the value of understanding what one wants and how to go after it. He also shares his views on the necessity of developing new skills as the market evolves, and how to shape oneself to fit in with the dynamics of our ever-changing world.
He responds to some of the trickiest queries posed by everyone, like "Is the recession real?" and "How to transfer to a tech role from the core branch?" Finally, he talks about the importance of communication skills and time management to become the leaders that the world needs.
Explore this insightful NITKAAST episode and take inspiration from Mr. Gautam's path of innovation and success in the consultancy industry!
Welcome to NITKAAST, the official podcast of the NIT Kurukshetra Alumni Association. In this episode, we feature Mr. Ankesh Agarwal, an esteemed alumnus from the Mechanical Engineering batch of 1998-2002, and a Top 100 Global CX Thought Leader. Currently, he is the Director of Group Customer Experience at Majid Al Futtaim in Dubai. He has made significant contributions to the CX industry by driving customer experience strategies and has also established a Centre of Excellence for creating memorable customer experiences.
In today's episode, we engage Mr. Agarwal in a dynamic discussion about Customer Experience (CX) and building Dream Teams. Tune in as we explore how to create an emotional connection with customers and cultivate a loyal customer base. We discuss various methods to understand the customers including direct conversations, exit interviews, and leveraging social media insights. Additionally, we delve into the art of building dream teams, emphasizing the importance of selecting individuals who are passionate about contributing to the team's success rather than focusing only on their personal gains.
Delve into this enlightening episode of NITKAAST and be inspired by Mr. Ankesh Agarwal's journey of innovation, and leadership in the realm of customer experience.
In this episode of NITKAAST, we're thrilled to feature Mr. Rahul Pasumarthy, an alumnus of NIT Kurukshetra from the Mechanical Engineering department, batch of 1998-2002. Rahul is currently the Executive Engagement Director of Healthcare and Lifesciences at Monstarlab, where his visionary leadership is making waves.
Rahul's career journey is nothing short of inspiring. From his beginnings as a sales engineer to his impactful roles in healthcare at Monstarlab, Wilmington Healthcare, and the NHS, he has consistently driven transformative change. His stint as a management consultant with American Express further highlights his diverse expertise.
With over a decade of experience, Rahul has strategically navigated the intersection of technology and healthcare. His work is characterized by innovative initiatives and a deep commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.
Join us as we delve into Rahul's extensive career, exploring the insights and experiences that have shaped his path. Discover how his strategic foresight and dedication are contributing to the future of healthcare.
So, what are you waiting for? Tune in to this special podcast now!
Another enthralling episode of NITKAAst is here!
In this episode we are in conversation with renowned alumnus Mr. Gopalakrishnan Iyer (batch of 1987-91), India's and South Asia's first ever global technomist and strategic management guru.
Mr Iyer completed his B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from the institute and has more than 30 years of experience across diverse fields such as media, energy, infrastructure, defense and marine, business strategy , research, consulting etc. He is currently working as the Editor-in-chief at Falcon Media and is also the founder president of REPA and ENERTIA Foundation, a nonprofit trust aimed at developing sustainable energy and power.
Mr Iyer has also authored a variety of path-breaking books such as INDIA BRANDished, POWERING in crises and the biography of Late Prime Minister of India, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee- 'Atal Shastra'.
In this special episode, he shares his journey from college to becoming a visionary leader, exciting trends and innovations in the field of renewable and sustainable energy, his college memories and also valuable advice for aspiring engineers.
So what are you waiting for? Tune in to this special podcast now!
Welcome to another captivating episode of NITKAAST! Today, we are thrilled to bring you an insightful conversation with one of our esteemed alumni, Mr. Ashish Goel, from the batch of 1989-1993.
Ashish Goel, currently serving as the Chief Credit Officer at Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, has had a rich professional journey that spans across diverse industries. With notable roles such as Credit Head at Agri Products in ICICI Bank, Trade Marketing Manager at Marico Ltd, and Assistant Marketing Manager at Godrej And Boyce Co Ltd, Ashish brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
Having graduated from NIT Kurukshetra, Ashish's journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. His dynamic career trajectory underscores his commitment to excellence and innovation in the corporate world.
Join us as we delve into Ashish's remarkable journey, glean insights from his experiences, and explore the evolving landscape of banking, marketing, and leadership. Whether you're an aspiring professional, seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of finance and strategy, this podcast promises an enriching exploration of success, perseverance, and leadership in today's dynamic world. Tune in and be inspired by Ashish Goel's remarkable story of growth and achievement!
Introducing Mr. Kapil Ahuja, a remarkable figure in the technology and telecommunications realm. He is an esteemed alumnus of the Electronics and Communications Engineering department, from the class of 1989 - 1993. With a career spanning 27 years, he has held significant roles in global corporations like Nokia & Siemens, across India, Germany, Brunei, and Malaysia.
Currently, he serves as the Regional CEO of Reliance Jio North India, overseeing operations in 10 states and an impressive 150 million subscribers. Mr. Ahuja epitomizes not just leadership, but true visionary prowess.
Tune in to this podcast as we explore the life achievements of a man empowering people and fostering connections through technology.
In this episode, we proudly introduce Mr. Nitin Chugh, an esteemed alumnus from the class of 1993, currently serving as Deputy Managing Director and Head of Digital Banking at SBI. Renowned for his visionary leadership and extensive experience in sales and marketing, Mr. Chugh's career spans prestigious institutions such as HDFC and State Bank of India, encompassing 13 years of expertise in delivering and consulting on IT projects within the banking sector. Additionally, he has held the esteemed positions of CEO and Managing Director at Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
Join us for insightful discussions with Mr. Nitin Chugh, exploring pivotal topics such as the role of data management in the success of banking projects and his unique approach to addressing this crucial aspect in his illustrious career.
So tune in and prepare to be inspired by this remarkable banking journey of Mr. Nitin Chugh, a true beacon of perseverance and triumph.
Another enthralling episode of NITKAAst is here!
In this episode we are in conversation with distinguished alumna Ms Punitma Malhotra (batch of 1992-96).
Ms Malhotra completed her B.Tech degree in Computer Science and Technology from the institute and has more than 25 years of experience as a software engineer in companies such as Tata Unisys, Terayon Communication Systems and RGB Networks. She also served as the Manager at Verizon before she launched her visionary Blue Astral, specializing in Marketing, Web and App development.
In this special episode, she discusses her experience in the tech field, advice for aspiring engineers, her outlook on gender-based discrimination in workplaces and much more.
So what are you waiting for? Tune in and listen to this special podcast now!
