The Indian Impact

Gaurav Lakhwani

The Indian Impact is a media platform for globally-minded Indians living abroad. We share authentic, data-driven stories of Indian entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and creators across Europe and beyond. From career growth and business building to investments, immigration, and life abroad — our content is designed to inform, inspire, and connect the global Indian diaspora. 🎙️ Podcast conversations with diaspora leaders 🌍 Real stories of Indians building lives abroad 📊 Practical guidance on careers, business & investments 🤝 Community events, meetups & webinars

  1. Aug 9

    Students on the Street: Did One Resignation Actually Fix the Paper Leak Crisis?

    Protests, Resignations, and Resentment: Why India’s Education System is CollapsingWhat happened during the recent paper leak crisis was closely observed at a global scale, leaving a massive question for the nation: What has actually changed? In this episode of the Indian Impact Podcast, we sit down with industry veterans Dr. Ajay Sharma and Dr. Divyaditya Kothari to dig deep into the uncomfortable truths holding India back.From the drug-cartel-like networks running paper leaks to the devastating mental health crisis plaguing Gen Z, we unpack why India's hyper-competitive "ranking mentality" is actively destroying our youth. Are standard solutions like high-profile resignations enough, or do we need a total system reset?We break down the five pillars of systemic failure - eliciting coaching cartels, public governance, technological transitions, media ecosystems, and the youth demand side - while looking at how countries like China, South Korea, and Turkey handle state-level examinations. We also tackle the highly debated topic of the reservation system and ask whether it remains a tool for social upliftment or has simply devolved into a political weapon.If you want to understand the reality behind the headlines and why India needs to move from a conformity mindset to a creator economy, this conversation is a must-watch.TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Podcast Trailer & Intro01:00 - Introduction: The Global Media Coverage of India's Paper Leaks01:54 - Structural Fragility: Is Governance More Broken Than Technology?04:36 - Global Case Studies: How China, Korea, and Turkey Secure Exams08:01 - The Accountability Gap & The Role of Tech Pioneers like Nandan Nilekani13:05 - Will One High-Profile Resignation Actually Change the System?14:44 - The 5 Pillars of Failure: Coaching Cartels, Media Blackouts, and Systemic Greed16:35 - Punishing the Victims: Suicide Crisis, Parental Pressure, and the Scarcity Mindset17:46 - The Supply Chain Crisis in Medical Seats (UG vs. PG Deficits)19:00 - Why Indian Students are Fleeing to Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Russia19:46 - Stop Blaming Gen Z: The Framing Effect and Adapting to the Age of AI25:42 - Seeking Permission: The Cultural Anxiety of Youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities31:31 - Dismantling the "Hero Culture": Why Real Connections Defeat Social Media Algorithms43:42 - Inside the Paper Leak Ecosystem: Fighting Like Mexico's Drug Cartels47:58 - "Jugaad" Mentality vs. Frugal Engineering: What India's Space Success Teaches Us53:37 - Implementing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and Biometric Codes01:02:00 - Fake Certificates and the Maharashtra IAS/IPS Quota Scandals01:05:13 - The Reservation Debate: Political Tool or Real Upliftment System?01:08:51 - Final Thoughts & Closing RemarksNote: Feel free to share your perspectives and leave your thoughts in the comments section below!

  2. Jul 9

    Stop Moving Abroad Until You Watch This

    *Why do some Indians thrive abroad while others struggle with the "hollow" feeling of being away from home?*In this episode of The Indian Impact, we sit down with *Vishwas Gupta*, a psychologist and creator who has lived in Dubai and Canada before making the bold move back to India. We dive deep into the unique psychological adaptations of the Indian Diaspora, from the brilliance of "Jugaad" in global boardrooms to the silent guilt of leaving parents behind.Vishwas shares his personal journey of business failures, the reality of "homesickness" in the freezing Canadian winters, and why he believes life is a game of "Power Law", where persistence beats talent every single time.*In this episode, we discuss:*✅ *The "Jugaad" Advantage:* Why Indian CEOs are dominating the West.✅ *The Diaspora Struggle:* Why 24% of Indians abroad face mental health issues but only 1% seek help.✅ *Moving Back to India:* The "cushion" and the "plan" you need before returning home.✅ *Raising Kids Abroad:* The tussle between Indian values and Western individualism.✅ *The Decision-Making Muscle:* Why Indian parenting sometimes stunts our ability to choose for ourselves.Whether you’re currently living abroad, planning your move, or thinking about returning to India, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating the identity crisis that comes with being a global Indian.*Follow The Indian Impact:*🔔 Subscribe for more stories on global impact: (video/3l\_P6-Zs0Kk)-----### *Timestamps:*00:00 – Introduction: The Psychological Adaptation of Moving04:18 – The "Jugaad" Story: How a Fan Saved a Factory07:50 – Why Western Solutions don’t always work in India14:15 – Who is Vishwas Gupta? (Chef, Failures, & Marketing)18:30 – The Power Law: Why consistency beats everything22:05 – Advice for Indians moving back home28:50 – Why isn't there an Indian McDonald's?33:15 – Dealing with "Parental Guilt" while living abroad41:40 – Raising "Global" kids with Indian values47:20 – Mental Health in the Diaspora: The Taboo & The Solution55:30 – Conclusion: Why flexible people are lucky#IndianDiaspora #MovingAbroad #MentalHealth #IndianImpact #Jugaad #LifeInCanada #ReturningToIndia #Psychology #PodcastIndia #VishwasGupta #Entrepreneurship #lifeineurope #lifeinusa #lifeinuk #lifeinaustralia #lifeindubai

  3. Mar 7

    Your Body Isn’t the Problem - AI Stylist Fixes Your Wardrobe | International Women's Day |

    🎉 International Women's Day Special: Fashion Truths No One Taught ! Celebrate Women's Day 2026 with "Give To Gain" empowerment – give yourself the gift of confidence through smarter styling. Join host Gaurav and Amsterdam-based Indian stylist Pooja Lalwani, ex-Google, Tommy Hilfiger, Slayrobe founder, for a fun, science-backed deep dive into body positivity, wardrobe hacks, and sustainable fashion for women worldwide – especially Indian diaspora chasing careers abroad.A Women's Day special podcast : Ditch body shame, master proportions, fight fast fashion waste, and build outfits that make you feel unstoppable. No more "nothing to wear" panic – learn the rules to dress your real body with style and intention.🔥 Timestamps/Chapters:00:00 Intro & Women's Day Hook00:21 Meet Pooja Lalwani + Slayrobe Mission00:57 The Big Lie Women Tell Themselves01:39 Science of Style: Proportions, Colors, Agenda02:53 "Most Clothes Won't Fix It" – Midnight Scroller Tip04:32 Why Full Wardrobes Feel Empty 80-150 Items Myth06:00 Pooja's Postpartum Journey to Launching Slayrobe08:13 Why Women Need to Look Good Identity + Validation09:16 Growing Up in India: "Good Girl" Dressing Rules11:00 Gen Z vs Millennials: Who Styles Better?14:04 1/3-2/3 Body Split Rule Explained16:00 Dad Jeans, Mom Jeans, Low Rise Myths19:03 Indian Men's Fashion Truths + Celeb Picks 21:30 Women's Wardrobe Fatigue + Greenwashing Exposed24:10 Fast Fashion's Real Damage 25:20 Body Positivity vs Fitness: No Shortcuts28:31 "What's Wrong?" Celeb Outfit Critiques33:40 Slayrobe App Walkthrough: Your AI Stylist33:37 Who Wore It Better? Celeb Battles Deepika, Alia, Katrina40:00 India vs Europe Fashion: Colors, Climate, Chaos42:00 Outro + Final Empowerment Message💡 Key Takeaways for International Women's Day:- Fight fashion waste: 6 intentional pieces = 15 outfits for 2 weeks- Proportions : Perfection: Split body 1/3 top, 2/3 bottom for instant balance- Sustainable style: Audit your closet, choose ethical brands via Slayrobe- Diaspora power: Blend Indian roots with global confidence👉 Try Slayrobe: https://www.slayrobe.com/🔔 Subscribe to The Indian Impact for diaspora career, money, style & life hacks#WomensDay2026 #BodyPositivity #WardrobeHacks #IndianWomenAbroad #Slayrobe #GiveToGain #FashionForWomen #SustainableStyle #StyleScienceShare your "nothing to wear" story below! 🌍💪

  4. Feb 19

    India's AI Revolution: Breaking Barriers with Homegrown Tech | Parikshit Dhume

    Welcome to The Indian Impact Podcast! In this episode, host Gaurav Lakhwani is joined by Parikshit Dhume, the President of the Intellectual Cell of BJP, to discuss India's rapidly evolving AI ecosystem and its position on the global stage.With the upcoming AI Summit in Delhi, we dive deep into India's advancements in AI, semiconductors, and homegrown technologies. Parikshit shares valuable insights on the government’s role in nurturing AI innovation, the push for semiconductor self-reliance, and how India is shaping the future of AI-powered governance. We also touch on how Indian startups are breaking barriers and competing globally, and how AI could revolutionize various sectors like FinTech, agriculture, and healthcare.1:26 – Introduction3:26 – Global stance of technology5:40 – India’s AI Startups: Competing Globally8:24 – The Geopolitical Shift: India’s Global Tech Role10:06 – NRI Talent Returning to India12:00 – India’s Self-Reliance in Semiconductor Manufacturing15:00 – Is India behind China or Progessing into the new Semiconductor era16:40 – Data Protection: India’s Vision for Data Sovereignty18:30 – India’s Journey Towards AI-Powered Governance22:00– The Rise of Indian Startups in Defense Tech23:30 – India’s Defence and Space tech25:35 – Policies for startups27:10 – Conclusion: A Bright Future for India’s Tech LandscapeFor more such content follow @TII_theindianimpact  Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/tii_theindianimpact/LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/theindianimpactcommunity/Check Out : https://theindianimpact.com/#AI #IndiaAI #Semiconductors #TechInIndia #IndianStartups #AIInnovation #BJP #IndianTech #AIRevolution #OpenAI #NVIDIA #BharatGPT #FutureOfTechnology #IndiaSummit #IndianDiaspora #GlobalSouth #technologypodcast

  5. 10/24/2025

    Power of Indian Diaspora to Global Markets

    “From $8 to Global Boardrooms.”What makes Indian leaders stand out across the world? 🌍In this powerful episode, Silicon Valley pioneer and Indiaspora founder MR Rangaswamy sits down with host Gaurav Lakhwani to unpack leadership, AI, diaspora impact, and the global Indian identity.From coming to the U.S. with just $8 to shaping boardrooms and policy conversations in Washington, MR’s story is as insightful as it is inspiring.He shares:💡 Why Indian upbringing and values build world-class leaders🇮🇳 How the diaspora transformed India’s global image🌐 Meeting PM Modi, Biden, and the power of India’s 40 million-strong diaspora🤖 Why AI is the biggest shift in human history — and what it means for Indian tech talent🚀 The bittersweet success of Indian founders like Perplexity AI’s Arvind Srinivas building abroad00:00 - 01:38 Introduction02:00 - 05:58 Qualities that make Indians exceptional leaders 06:50 - 10:41 From $8 to the global boardroom 10:51 - 13:19 Where does AI lead us? 13:19 - 15:17 How does AI affect the Indian population in tech 15:36 - 16:51 What was it like meeting Aravind, the founder of Perplexity AI? 18:42 - 20:43 What does PM Modi think about the Indian community 21:45 - 23:05 What does the US President think about the Indian diaspora 23:08 - 25:46 Anti-immigrant sentiment across the world 26:54 - 29:58 What motivated M R Rangaswamy to start Indiaspora 29:57 - 31:37 Philanthropic good that the diaspora brought 31:54 - 35:43 Why M R Rangaswamy thinks he’s the luckiest person 36:09 - 38:15 India’s gift to the world 38:17 - 40:37 Why India needs to create a global market for Indian-origin products 41:13 - 43:05 What India can learn from China 44:21 - 46:18 Indiaspora’s aspiration 46:26 - 47:56 M R Rangaswamy’s message to listeners 🎙️ Guest: MR Rangaswamy — Founder,  ⁨@Indiaspora⁩  🎧 Host: Gaurav Lakhwani — Staying Indian Podcast📩 Get in touch: stayingindian@gmail.com#IndianDiaspora #GlobalIndians #Leadership #AIRevolution #Indiaspora #StayingIndianPodcast #IndianAmericans #GlobalIndia #Innovation #Technology #InspiringStories #IndianLeadership #SiliconValley Follow Us on Social Media: ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayingindian/✅ Amazon: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/9d3c50d5-8740-454e-888d-149092f94dc7/staying-indian-by-gaurav-lakhwani✅Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vGaAME0jsZ1yl9d67YQ0L✅Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/staying-indian-by-gaurav-lakhwani/id1678752046

  6. 09/26/2025

    VCs Reveal The ONE Secret To Getting Funded Now | Anmol Goel | 40 under 40 winner

    “VC isn’t luck. It’s proof.” If you’re a founder or curious investor, this episode makes VC legible—math first, hype last. At 24, London-based investor Anmol Goel walks us through the real game behind venture capital—why you place 100 bets and only 2–3 need to become monsters, and why most “good” 2–3× ideas get ignored to chase the outliers. We start where pop culture ends beyond Shark Tank, into the math, the discipline, and the messy early-stage judgment calls that separate noise from signal. Anmol breaks down the power-law (YC’s few mega-winners return a huge share of the fund), the “not spray & pray” myth, and what “educated bets” look like when there’s barely any data—only founders, velocity, and the glimmer of a moat. 0:24- Introduction 1:20 - VC investing in General terms 4:27 - It's not Spray and Pray 6:51 - Private Equity 10:45 - How he became a VC 20:21 - Schedules to Manage: Impossible 24:26 - Start up Investing for NRIs 30:12 - Raising Money 34:21 - The Forty Under 40 39:23 - Investing money : To be or Not To be 48:11 - Is AI just a trend 52:45 - Factor to be consider 52:56 - Changing US policies 58:48 - Founders not from IITs/IIMs, do they struggles? 1:01:00 - VC ghosts startups? Why? 1:02:42 - The luck factor for Start ups Don’t forget to Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Global Indians & leaders who are shaping the future. Get in Touch With Us: Contact us at stayingindian@gmail.com Guest: Anmol Goel - CEO & Partner at Gacs MFO & Gacsym Ventures, NY Weekly 40u40 Host: Gaurav Lakhwani — Staying Indian Podcast #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #VCInsights #InvestingTips #PowerLaw #StartupGrowth #EarlyStageStartups #AngelInvesting #FoundersJourney #StartupLife Follow Us on Social Media: ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayingindian/✅ Amazon: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/9d3c50d5-8740-454e-888d-149092f94dc7/staying-indian-by-gaurav-lakhwani✅Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vGaAME0jsZ1yl9d67YQ0L✅Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/staying-indian-by-gaurav-lakhwani/id1678752046

  7. 09/12/2025

    Dutch Coach Who Made India Cry: The REAL Chak De India Story

    The Real Chak De! India Story | Sjoerd Marijne on Coaching Indian Women’s HockeyWhat happens when a Dutch coach takes charge of India’s women’s hockey team that hadn’t won a single match at the Rio Olympics?This is the story of Sjoerd Marijne, the coach who transformed India’s women’s hockey team into world-beaters- taking them to a historic 4th place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.For the first time in history, the Indian women reached the Olympic semi-finals. They missed the bronze, but won something even bigger—the hearts of millions of Indians.Since then, this team has been rewriting its legacy. Even today, in the Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025, they continue to turn heads with their fearless play.And Sjoerd has a huge impact on Indian Hockey with his strong bond with  @HockeyIndiaOfficial   @odishanavaltatahockeyhpc   @navaltatahockeyacademy-jam9305  In this exclusive Staying Indian Podcast episode with Gaurav, Sjoerd opens up about:His journey from the Netherlands to India The cultural clash & early struggles as a foreign coachHow he built a high-performance mindset in the teamTransforming confidence, fitness & teamworkThe emotional highs & lows of Tokyo 2020 Leadership lessons that apply beyond sports- for startups, corporates & lifeThis isn’t just a sports story.It’s a masterclass in resilience, leadership & willpower.Watch if you’re interested in- Sports leadership & coaching Women in sports & breaking stereotypes Real-life Chak De! India moments Lessons for entrepreneurs, CEOs & managers India’s rise on the global hockey stageTimestamps:0:00 - Introduction:1:17 - Appointment as Indian Women Hockey Coach2:48 - The Chak De India Connection3:53 - Sjoerd Hockey Passion5:12 - The Cultural Clash6:55 - Leadership and Sports9:16 - Moulding minds to achieve the goal11:32 - Adapting Style to Indian Culture14:11 - Skeptical Challenges16:14 - Emotions for Flag : India Vs Netherland17:33 - Motivation in Indian Style18:53 - Journey through the Tokyo Olympics 202024:11 - Heroes off the field : The support Staff25:10 - Players who tranformed with shocking results26:49 - Sjoerd said "Holi Hai"28:06 - External Factors30:02 - Government and Team30:52 - Academies bonded with Sjoerd for Life31:35 - Will Power by Authur Sjoerd Marijne33:24 - Identifying your team's skills35:33 - Huddle Up! For few last tipsDon’t forget to Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Global Indians & leaders who are shaping the future.#ChakDeIndia #IndianHockey #SjoerdMarijne #StayingIndianPodcast #Leadership Get in Touch With Us: Contact us at stayingindian@gmail.comFollow Us on Social Media: ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayingindian/ ✅ Amazon: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/9d3c...✅Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vGaAME...✅Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...✅Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…

  8. 09/06/2025

    I Saved ₹7 Lakh in Taxes : NRIs Are Making These TAX MISTAKES (Could Cost You ₹5 Lakhs)

    Tax season is here, and NRIs around the world are scrambling to understand their obligations in India. In this episode of Staying Indian – The NRI Podcast, host Gaurav sits down with Ankur, Founder of Belong, a financial super-app for NRIs, to decode everything about Indian taxation and compliance for NRIs.We cover: NRI, RNOR & Resident tax statuses Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) FEMA & Income Tax Act – what you need to know Gift City opportunities for NRIs Common myths & mistakes around NRI taxes Real case studies of NRI tax filings gone wrong (and how to fix them)Whether you’re in the US, UAE, UK, or anywhere else, this episode is packed with actionable insights to save you from penalties, double taxation, and compliance mistakes.About Our Guest:Ankur is a second-time entrepreneur and the founder of Belong, a one-stop platform for NRIs to manage investments, tax filings, and financial planning.Connect with Ankur:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankurc07/Timestamps: 00:51 Intro 02:34 Journey of Ankur 3:32 Motivation behind belong 7:30 What is NRI, RNOR & Resident status? 11:09 Double Taxation & DTAA explained 17:44 FEMA vs Income Tax Act 21:32 NRI Banking Systems 23:36 Myths about NRI Income Declaration 30:08 Recent changes in capital gains taxation 35:00 Problems and Solutions for Property Dealings 39:16 Some tricks to help filing your ITR 52:14 Gift City opportunities for NRIs 58:38 Myths Behind Sovereign Gold Bonds 59:00 Rapid-fire: NRI Tax Hacks and Myth busters#NRI #NRITaxes #NRIPodcast #IndianTaxes #NRIFinance #TaxPlanning #DoubleTaxation #FEMA FIND US AT https://www.stayingindian.com/Get in Touch With Us: Contact us at stayingindian@gmail.comFollow Us on Social Media: ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayingindian/ ✅ Amazon: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/9d3c...✅Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vGaAME...✅Google Podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...✅Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast…

About

The Indian Impact is a media platform for globally-minded Indians living abroad. We share authentic, data-driven stories of Indian entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and creators across Europe and beyond. From career growth and business building to investments, immigration, and life abroad — our content is designed to inform, inspire, and connect the global Indian diaspora. 🎙️ Podcast conversations with diaspora leaders 🌍 Real stories of Indians building lives abroad 📊 Practical guidance on careers, business & investments 🤝 Community events, meetups & webinars