ZENPod

Curtain Raiser for Season-2, episode 3 of “ZENPod”, featuring Smt. Nirmala Rajasekhar, the first Indian musician to receive the Bush Fellowship and the McKnight Fellowship.  Nirmala serves as a Vice President of the Global Carnatic Musicians' Association, an organisation created to be a unified voice for Carnatic musicians.

You can read more about her on www.nirmalarajasekhar.com

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

Season-2, episode 2 of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Jayalakshmi Krishnan, an inspiring woman who setup a memorial trust for Cancer treatment, in memory of her late mother. The NGO, Vasantha Memorial Trust, www.vasanthamemorial.com has been in operation for over 25 years and has been doing yeoman service to people, especially from the underserved sections of society, who have been affected with Cancer and cannot afford the treatment.

“There is a Supreme being and he controls you. Just a silent prayer, telling my vows and total surrender to HIM, allowing my thoughts to wander...that is Spirituality for me” – says Ms. Jayalakshmi Krishnan in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

You can reach Jayalakshmi on

FB :- https://www.facebook.com/Vasantha-Memorial-Cancer-Centre-652398008469713/

Mail: [email protected]

Mob: +91-98214 21993

Right from its existence in 1993, Vasantha Memorial trust has grown.  Jayalakshmi manages the Mumbai centre, full time and leads the task of  getting volunteers & staging fund raising activities. A slow start from a one-man or woman show, the trust build up a strong and committed team of volunteers and from then on there was no looking back. The Vasantha Memorial Trust in the last 26 years has been able to aid the treatment of 3000+ patients.

We at “ZENPod” believe that one person’s journey is another person’s learning. In these talks, we will touch upon spirituality and the intersection in real Life and how it can be leveraged on, for reaching a higher goal!

Curtain Raiser for Season-2, episode 2 of “ZENPod”, featuring Ms. Jayalakshmi Krishnan, an inspiring woman who setup a memorial trust for Cancer treatment, in memory of her late mother. The NGO, Vasantha Memorial Trust, www.vasanthamemorial.com has been in operation for over 25 years and has been doing yeoman service to people, especially from the underserved sections of society, who have been affected with Cancer and cannot afford the treatment.

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

Season-2, episode 1 of “ZENPod”, featuring Tim Kobe, the Man who designed the First Apple Store, a Legendary Architect, renowned Design leader, author and founder of the globally recognized strategic and experience design firm Eight Inc. Many of his projects have received international design awards.

For over 30 years in design and a leader in Innovation and Branded Experience, Eight Inc. has worked with companies such as Apple, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Nike, Coke, Knoll and Citibank. In 2006 Kobe received the top award for the professional competition “High Density on the High Ground.

If successful Living is important, then certainly Design is important; fundamentally it’s about Change, and most people don’t see Design as change”, – says Tim Kobe in his talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Kobe is a keynote speaker and speaks on topics surrounding design, innovation, technology and business valuation for many internationally known forums. He has been featured and recognized for his work in prominent publications like Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg, The Economist, Dezeen and Fast Company. His upcoming book, Return on Experience, published by ORO Editions will be released soon.

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

We at “ZENPod” believe that one person’s journey is another person’s learning. In these talks, we will touch upon spirituality and the intersection in real Life and how it can be leveraged on, for reaching a higher goal!

Curtain Raiser for Season-2, episode 1 of “ZENPod”, featuring Tim Kobe, the Man who designed the First Apple Store, a Legendary Architect, renowned Design leader, author and founder of the globally recognized strategic and experience design firm Eight Inc. Many of his projects have received international design awards.

For over 30 years in design and a leader in Innovation and Branded Experience,

Eight Inc. has worked with companies such as Apple, Virgin Atlantic Airways,

Nike, Coke, Knoll and Citibank. In 2006 Kobe received the top award for the professional competition “High Density on the High Ground.

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

If successful Living is important, then certainly Design is important; fundamentally it’s about Change, and most people don’t see Design as change”, – says Tim Kobe in his talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Season-1, episode 10 of “ZENPod”, featuring Part-2 of our conversation with Shri Mahesh Vinayakram, illustrious son of the Ghatam legend Padmabhushan T.H.Vikku Vinayakram.

In the first part(episode 9), we spoke about Spirituality & his tryst, his creativity, power of silence, parental & kartha ragas. In this part of our conversation, we speak about Mahesh's experience Cirque du Soleil , Music on Facebook Music & leadership among others.

He is the first Indian male singer to be cast in the theater Cirque du Soleil. A UNESCO Millennium award winner, he started his career as a SOLO VOCALIST at the age of 12 & he is a senior disciple (shisya) of Smt. Radha Viswanathan, daughter of Bharat Ratna Smt. M.S.Subbulakshmi and continuing the Semmangudi parampara (bhani) of sangita pithamahar Shri. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer in Carnatic music presentation.

“When there is God in you, it’s natural that he/she lives in me, I am here to celebrate this! Purpose of our life is how we can be helpful to people, and connect. MUSIC is my medium, and also my vision. It starts with my spiritual learnings and teachings from my Gurus” – says Shri Mahesh Vinayakram in his talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Having performed in all metro cities as solo Carnatic performer, he has also trained himself as a contemporary singer for various world class musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Stevesmith, Talvin Singh, George Brooks, among other greats. He has also sung in Bollywood and Hollywood movies and has given some hit songs.

Some of his notable productions include, “CHARISHNU” supported by Indian cultural department, govt of India, which included 35 dancers and 8 art forms and 7 leaders for each art form.

He has toured extensively for world music productions and also as a freelancer singer for various artists and festivals. To list a few – U.S, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, etc. etc.

Some of his awards include…

Award of “National scholarship” from central govt of India cultural department

“UNESCO Award” for Millennium 2000 Concert held at Indonesia organized by UNESCO

“Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi Shri Shankara Mutt” by Shankara Matam, Kancheepuram

“Maharajapuram Santhanam Award” by Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai (2000)

“Best Performance Award” by High Commission of India concert held at Kenya (2002)

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

We at “ZENPod” believe that one person’s journey is another person’s learning. In these talks, we will touch upon spirituality and the intersection in real Life and how it can be leveraged on, for reaching a higher goal!

Season-1, episode 9 of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri Mahesh Vinayakram, illustrious son of the Ghatam legend Padmabhushan T.H.Vikku Vinayakram is the first Indian male singer to be cast in the theater Cirque du Soleil. A UNESCO Millennium award winner, he started his career as a SOLO VOCALIST at the age of 12 & he is a senior disciple (shisya) of Smt. Radha Viswanathan, daughter of Bharat Ratna Smt. M.S.Subbulakshmi and continuing the Semmangudi parampara (bhani) of sangita pithamahar Shri. Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer in Carnatic music presentation. 

“When there is God in you, it’s natural that he/she lives in me, I am here to celebrate this! Purpose of our life is how we mcan be helpful to people, and connect.  MUSIC is my medium, and also my vision. It starts with y spiritual learnings and teachings from my Gurus” – says Shri Mahesh Vinayakram in his talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Having performed in all metro cities as solo Carnatic performer, he has also trained himself as a contemporary singer for various world class musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Stevesmith, Talvin Singh, George Brooks, among other greats.   He has also sung in Bollywood and Hollywood movies and has given some hit songs. 

Some of his notable productions include, “CHARISHNU” supported by Indian cultural department,  govt of India, which included 35 dancers and 8 art forms and 7 leaders for each art form.  

He has toured extensively for world music productions and also as a freelancer singer for various artists and festivals. To list a few – U.S, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, etc. etc.

Some of his awards include…

Award of “National scholarship” from central govt of India cultural department

“UNESCO Award” for Millennium 2000 Concert held at Indonesia organized by UNESCO

“Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi Shri Shankara Mutt” by Shankara Matam, Kancheepuram

“Maharajapuram Santhanam Award” by Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai (2000)

“Best Performance Award” by High Commission of India concert held at Kenya (2002)

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.  

We at “ZENPod” believe that one person’s journey is another person’s learning.  In  these talks, we will touch upon spirituality and the intersection in real Life and how it can be leveraged on, for reaching a higher goal!

Teaser for Season-1, episode 9 of “ZENPod”, featuring Shri Mahesh Vinayakram, illustrious son of the Ghatam legend Padmabhushan T.H.Vikku Vinayakram is the first Indian male singer to be cast in the theater Cirque du Soleil.  A UNESCO Millennium award winner, he started his career as a SOLO VOCALIST at the age of 12.

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

“GOD always attracts me, When there is God in you, it’s natural that he/she lives in me, I am here to celebrate this! Purpose of our life is how we can be helpful to people, and connect..” – says Shri Mahesh Vinayakram in his talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Season 1, Episode 8 – ZENPod,

we are featuring Dr. Neela Bhattacharya, Plastic surgeon & Social worker.

Spirituality is “Being aware or recognizing the soul within you and within people around you”, – says Dr. Neela Bhattacharya in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan

Dr. Neela Bhattacharya (born as Neela Cathrine) is a plastic surgeon and a social worker. She is the first plastic surgeon in Siliguri. Dr. Neela Bhattacharya joined Anandaloke Hospital and Neurosciences Centre (www.ananadaloke.com ) in 2007 and developed the department of Plastic and Reconstructive surgery with a lot of effort and perseverance. And now, at least 2 to 3 plastic surgery cases are operated by her every day that include management of hand trauma, burns, facial injuries and emergency road traffic accidents .

From 2007, under the sponsorship of a US NGO called The Smile Train, she operates on mostly infants and children with congenital deformities like Cleft lip and Cleft palate totally free of cost. (www.smiletrainindia.org ).For the past 8 years, the program is running very successfully at Anandaloke Hospital restoring smiles to more than 3,500 such children from the Dooars, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan, Bihar and Nepal besides Siliguri and neighboring districts of North Bengal.

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

We at “ZENPod” believe that one person’s journey is another person’s learning. In these talks, we will touch upon spirituality and the intersection in real Life and how it can be leveraged on, for reaching a higher goal!

Curtain Raiser of Season 1, episode 8 of “ZENPod”, featuring Dr. Neela Bhattacharya, Plastic surgeon & Social worker.

“ZENPod” is a Podcast series that features trailblazers from different walks of life, with a purpose to build an empowered eco-system where learnings and experiences from these enlightened professionals, will be available within “arms reach of desire” for those who aspire to scale higher and wish to contribute, in their life’s pursuit.

Spirituality is “Being aware or recognizing the soul within you and within people around you”, – says Dr. Neela Bhattacharya in her talk with Venkatesh Mahadevan