The prayer nook

Unlike his peers who took to lucrative corporate jobs after their masters in business administration, 30-year-old Varun Narsepalli decided to eke out a living by doing what he loves most— starting up. Three start-ups later, the Bengaluru-bred entrepreneur is back with a unique concept that hopes to be the city’s one stop shop for all festive and puja requirements. We ask him about the road ahead…

“As a country, festivals play a very significant part in our lives. Most of us spend a lot of time and money on a particular festival. While such occasions are quite anticipated and prepared for, in advance; everyone’s on the lookout for an easy way to cart everything they require for festivities.

Moreover, from garments to grocery, almost everything we use today enjoys a strong digital presence, so why leave festive products out?” he remarks, explaining the idea behind the inception of his recent venture, Pooja People, which was started in November last year. “From occasion-appropriate confectioneries to apparel, the portal intends to offer, design and curate exclusive package kits for traditional functions, pujas and homas.

Our in-house team also assists you on what to pick after an in-depth analysis and understanding of various aspects of traditions and rituals,” adds Varun, divulging details about the latest venture.

Armed with a degree in international business from the Deakin University in Melbourne, Varun reiterates how setting up businesses was always on his mind.

“The biggest plus about hailing from a business family is that you get an aerial view of how a firm works. So, just after I returned home after my masters, I was keen on improving our existing businesses. And that’s been a huge impetus in helping me start out on my own.” Prior to Pooja People, Varun founded consultancies and management firms like Wi Loop and Cayserm Technologies.

An ardent traveler, Varun maintains how he absolutely enjoys solitude. “I’m not a people’s person. I like my space and use my free time meditating, and spending quality time alone so that I can think more freely. Ideas come flowing when I’m all by myself. I also like scoring a few days off and exploring lesser known locales across the globe.”

Talking about where he draws his inspiration from, he explains how it’s his late father-in-law who’s egged him to take chances in his career. “My father-in-law was an investor of the Bangalore Stock Exchange. I’ve seen him take a lot of risks, and that’s only gotten me to realise the importance of self-belief and the need to take chances.”

Positive about the burgeoning start-up culture, Varun believes that this is the generation of ideas. “I’ve always believed that as a country with so many youngsters, start-ups is the need of the hour. We’re in a phase that offers so many options. This truly is an era of great ideas. I hope more youngsters think out of the box and follow their passion,” he says in conclusion.