SparX by Mukesh Bansal Mukesh Bansal

For the latest episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansall, Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit, is in conversation with India’s first Grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand.

Viswanathan is a five-time World Chess Champion. Anand's most significant achievements include being a five-time World Chess Champion, winning the World Rapid Chess Championship, and the World Blitz Chess Championship. Additionally, his victories in prestigious tournaments like Linares and Corus are highly notable in the chess world. Viswanathan revolutionised the chess landscape in India.

His victories brought national pride and global recognition, inspiring a surge in young players and increased investment in chess infrastructure. Anand's success fostered a vibrant chess culture, making India a formidable force in the sport. Join us for an inspiring conversation with the Grandmaster on his journey with chess, some stories with other chess players, the evolution of chess, and his experiences throughout his career.



Resource List:
About Viswanathan Anand: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viswanathan_Anand
Viswanathan Anand FIDE Profile: https://ratings.fide.com/profile/5000017
Google DeepMind Blog Article: https://deepmind.google/discover/blog/alphazero-shedding-new-light-on-chess-shogi-and-go/
AlphaZero: https://www.chess.com/terms/alphazero-chess-engine
All India Chess Federation: https://aicf.in/
International Chess Federation: https://www.fide.com/
Chess In India: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_in_India
Indian Chess Players: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_chess_players
About Garry Kasparov: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garry_Kasparov
About Anatoly Karpov: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatoly_Karpov
About Vladmir Kramnik: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Kramnik
About Mikhail Gurevich: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Gurevich_(chess_player)
What is ZugZwang?: https://www.chess.com/article/view/what-is-zugzwang-chess-terms

For the latest episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cure.fit) is back with a solo episode on a topic that has been requested numerous times in the past: the power of books.

In this episode, we explore various aspects of reading and writing books. We examine the influence and impact of literature on our individual lives, the landscape as a whole, and its evolution over time. Mukesh shares his journey, detailing his growing love for books and how this hobby sowed the seeds of his career and shaped him into the person he is today.


Resource List:
100 Great Lives, Book by H.D Sharma: https://rupapublications.co.in/books/100-great-lives/
A playlist of books on AI: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7168174707651887104-2DT9/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Britannica Encyclopaedia: https://www.britannica.com/
Article on Larry Page: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/larry-page-the-untold-story-of-an-incredible-comeback/articleshow/34527642.cms?from=mdr
Article on books banned in prison: https://time.com/6329800/prison-book-bans-censorship-essay/
What is Machiavellianism?: https://www.britannica.com/science/Machiavellianism
Pratilipi: https://www.pratilipi.com/
Jaipur Literature Festival: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

How did Ananth drive such rapid growth in the e-commerce industry? How is Mensa Brands the future of direct-to-consumer businesses? How is Ananth redefining brand growth in the digital era at Mensa Brands?

In this episode, Mukesh Bansal, is in conversation with the CEO of Mensa Brands, Ananth Narayanan. Ananth has not only been the former CEO of Myntra and Jabong but also a Senior Partner at McKinsey and Company. He is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the e-commerce landscape. His visionary leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in steering Mensa Brands towards its status as a unicorn in just six months. Join us for an insightful episode to learn from one of the entrepreneurial experts in India.

Mensa Brands Website: https://mensabrands.com/
News Article on Ananth’s career trajectory: https://www.financialexpress.com/life/lifestyle-meet-ananth-narayanan-ex-myntra-ceo-mensa-brands-founder-know-about-his-journey-education-net-worth-3095729/
News Article on Ananth’s business tips and insights: https://yourstory.com/2022/09/mensa-brands-ananth-narayanan-taking-indian-brands-global
Ananth Narayanan LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ananth-narayanan1/?originalSubdomain=in
Article by Economic Times on Mensa Brands: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/newsletters/tech-top-5/mensa-turns-unicorn-in-six-months-rollup-ecommerce-explained/articleshow/87740795.cms
CNBC Interview with Ananth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z4GdC33dFg
Prime Venture Partners Interview with Ananth on Brand Building: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9oHxghkA9Q

About SparX by Mukesh Bansal

SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.

We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.

In a new episode every Monday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.

This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.

Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal
Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com
You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!

Fashion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

What makes CSE the benchmark for sports excellence in India? How has Vivek Kumar transformed Indian badminton training? How does CSE foster young athletes' potential?

For the latest episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal, co-founder and CEO of Cure.fit, is in conversation with a visionary of sports training in India, Vivek Kumar.

Vivek Kumar, co-founder of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy and the Padukone-Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence (CSE), has significantly advanced Indian badminton by training top-tier athletes, including Olympians. His efforts through PPBA and CSE have elevated the sport's standards and inspired a new generation of players. Join us to hear more about his journey and insights.


Resource List:
CSE Website: https://centreforsports.in/
Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy(PPBA) Website: https://www.ppba.in/index.html
Gopichand Academy Website: https://gopichandacademy.com/
Vimal Kumar (Co-founder of PPBA): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U._Vimal_Kumar
OGQ: https://ogq.org/index.php
Olympics Website: https://olympics.com/en/
Indian Olympic medal winners: https://olympics.com/en/news/india-olympics-medals
2024 Summer Olympics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Summer_Olympics

What personal experiences and influences drove Abhishek to champion the arts and cultural preservation? How does engagement with arts and culture enrich our understanding of human experiences? How did the pioneering digital opening of MAP redefine traditional museum experiences and accessibility to art?

In this episode, we are in conversation with Abhishek Poddar, Founder-Trustee of the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in Bangalore. Abhishek is a prominent figure in the arts and culture sector. His leadership and vision have played a pivotal role in promoting art education, cultural exchange, and the preservation of artistic heritage. As an advocate for the arts, he has spearheaded initiatives that highlight the importance of creativity and innovation in society. Join us for an insightful conversation and learn more about arts and culture!

How did Prakash Padukone's historic win at the All England Badminton Championship change the landscape of Indian sports forever? Could the next decade witness a golden era for Indian badminton? How has Prakash Padukone's journey from player to coach influenced the development of badminton talent in India?

In this week’s episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal, Founder of Myntra and Cult.Fit, is in conversation with legendary badminton player Prakash Padukone. We talk about Prakash’s journey from winning the National men's singles title at 16 to co-founding the Olympics Gold Quest (OGQ). Mr Padukone has many insightful guidance and advice for young aspiring athletes he learnt from his experiences.