StartUps

Molding Tomorrow’s Doctors – Karteek Routh

Karteek Routh, an engineer from Hyderabad, transitioned from family businesses into online medical education with DocTutorials. Founded in 2020, the platform initially focused on NEET PG coaching but expanded to NEET SS (Super Speciality) and FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) in 2021. Recognized for producing top-ranking students, DocTutorials fills a gap in online super-specialty medical education. Catering to many NEET PG aspirants and international medical graduates seeking to practice in India, the platform’s comprehensive courses aim to ace NEET PG and FMGE exams, ensuring a seamless transition for foreign medical graduates.

DocTutorials prides itself on pioneering diversified coaching programs for medical students and postgraduates, offering guidance for NEET PG, INI CET, FMGE, NEET SS, and INI SS. With a team of quality medical experts, specialists, and super specialists, the platform delivers standardized clinical education through audio-visual content, meticulously prepared notes, hand-picked MCQs, a highly reviewed Question Bank, and a frequently updated Test Series. Karteek Routh, one of the co-founders of DocTutorials Pvt Ltd, highlights their online platform’s role in aiding students’ preparation for a range of medical postgraduate and super specialization entrance exams in a discussion with Surabhi Goel.

What is the mission and vision behind Doc Tutorials, and how does it aim to revolutionize medical education?

In medical education, there is a notable scarcity of diverse clinical experiences for students, particularly during internships. DocTutorials aims to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive support, including curated content, time management tools, and motivational resources. Our vision extends beyond exam preparation. We envision a future where every medical professional has the skills and confidence to excel in their respective fields.

We’re more than just a coaching platform. Our mission is to revolutionize how medical professionals are educated and empowered. We’re reshaping the landscape of medical education, transforming it into an exhilarating journey of discovery and success. At DocTutorials, our focus goes beyond exams; we’re dedicated to equipping students to emerge as leaders in healthcare.

How do you ensure the quality and effectiveness of the coaching programs offered for various medical entrance exams such as NEET PG, FMGE, and others?

At DocTutorials, we go beyond traditional teaching methods. We employ modern audio-visual content, comprehensive study materials, and interactive learning platforms to effectively engage students. Continuous feedback mechanisms allow us to adapt and improve our coaching programs constantly. Our personalized approach tailors learning paths to individual strengths and weaknesses, while regular tests and assessments simulate exam conditions and track student progress. With strict quality assurance protocols in place, we’re committed to providing a holistic learning experience that prepares students for successful medical careers.

We ensure the quality of our coaching programs by gathering a highly skilled team of educators from all over India. They have first-hand exam experience and understand what students need to succeed. Our faculty is committed to continuous learning to keep our content updated with the latest advancements in the medical field.

Our quality assessment process is strict to maintain high standards. Faculty-provided content undergoes thorough evaluation by our team of top-ranking individuals who have recently cleared the exams themselves. We also seek input from experienced doctors to ensure accuracy. This meticulous review process guarantees that only the highest quality content is delivered to our students.

What sets DocTutorials apart from other online platforms in the Edu-tech space, particularly regarding personalized guidance and support for medical students?

DocTutorials stands out from other online platforms in the Edu-tech space, especially regarding personalized guidance and support for medical students. We prioritize not only subject expertise but also the faculty’s ability to effectively assist students in planning their exam preparation. Through live sessions and direct faculty-student interaction, we motivate students and address any concerns they may have, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey. Our platform’s dedication to excellence, mentorship, and ongoing improvement distinguishes us as a leader in medical education within the Edu-tech landscape.

How do DocTutorials adjust to medical students’ evolving needs and exam changes?

DocTutorials ensures its faculty members stay updated with the latest advancements in medical science and licensing exam changes. Our team comprises professionals actively involved in various medical fields, including academia, corporate hospitals, and government institutions. We conduct sessions and prepare materials based on emerging topics like COVID-19, adapting quickly to new developments. Additionally, our in-house team monitors updates from the National Medical Council and adjusts our curriculum and technology accordingly. By staying responsive to evolving needs and exam patterns, DocTutorials remains a trusted and innovative resource for medical education.

What success stories or testimonials can you share from students who have benefited from DocTutorials’ coaching programs?

We’ve witnessed numerous success stories among our students who have overcome previous setbacks to achieve success with DocTutorials. Our approach involves personalized guidance tailored to each student’s needs. For instance, if a student failed in the past, we focus on targeted preparation to ensure success this time. We also provide additional resources and support for enthusiastic learners through various online platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram groups. These efforts have yielded remarkable results, with many of our students securing top ranks in prestigious medical institutions. We’re proud to participate in their journey towards becoming accomplished healthcare professionals.

As the founder of DocTutorials, what inspired you to embark on this journey, and what are your aspirations for the future of medical education through online platforms?

When students pursue MBBS, it’s a serious commitment because they’ll treat actual patients. Our inspiration for DocTutorials comes from wanting to provide top-quality education to medical students everywhere. We understand that each student has different needs, so we tailor our content accordingly. For example, if someone finds the exam challenging, we have special packages to help them. We focus on practical knowledge, too, showing clinical scenarios through videos and discussions. Our goal is to bridge the gap in medical education by reaching students in colleges with limited resources. This way, we aim to empower all medical students with the necessary knowledge.

Quick Takes

How did you balance study stress? Any tips?

When managing study stress, I’ve always prioritized focusing solely on preparation without fixating on the outcome or rankings. By focusing my energy on the task at hand rather than worrying about results, I’ve found it easier to achieve success.

Favorited stress-relief activities?

I feel most at ease at home, and spending time with friends is a great stress reliever. I also enjoy hitting the badminton court or the gym to unwind.

Top pastime or hobby?

As a true hodophile, I delight in journeying across the globe, immersing myself in diverse cultures, and indulging in the flavours of each unique cuisine.

Most memorable educational experience?

My time at the engineering school in Hyderabad was like a rollercoaster of fun and craziness! While everyone else was sitting in class, I was on my adventure, skipping lectures and dodging exams left and right. Yep, I was a bit of a rebel! Despite all that, I finished my degree in the usual four years. It was a time of confusion and not knowing where I was headed, but that’s part of the journey, right? And guess what? It all clicked into place once I had that engineering degree. Who knew chaos could be so enlightening?

Who inspires you the most?

My father, who started as a Voltas employee, built multiple successful businesses, teaching me the importance of hard work and sincerity and their role in success. Also, my childhood friend and co-founder, Adwik, has been a constant source of inspiration with his early achievements and unwavering motivation over our decade-long friendship.

March 30, 2024

Grazing Tables: The Party’s New Centrepiece

Move over traditional buffets; grazing tables are taking centre stage at celebrations. Budda Swecha explores the rise of this entertaining trend and speaks to grazing-table experts about how they create these edible works of art and why they’re becoming a must-have at parties. Casere: Tanya Tarang Agarwal | Hyderabad For Tanya Tarang Agarwal, founder of Hyderabad-based premium food and gifting brand Casero, grazing tables are about much more than food; they are about creating an experience. With a love for food, aesthetics and entertaining, Tanya brings together thoughtful curation and beautiful presentation to create celebrations that feel effortless, personal and memorable. “Casero has always been about creating an experience around food,” she says. “I love how a beautifully curated grazing table allows conversations to flow freely, accompanied by good food.” Relaxed and social, the format allows guests to eat, talk and enjoy themselves without the formality of a sit-down meal. Tanya believes this ease is what has made grazing tables a favourite at celebrations. “You can simply walk up, pick a bite or two, move around, continue your conversations and come back to the table whenever you want.” With no waiting to be served, the grazing format keeps the party moving naturally. For the perfect visual impact, Tanya swears by height and elevation. “A grazing table should never feel flat,” she says. Different levels, beautiful serving pieces and layers create dimension, abundance and an instant wow factor. FESTIVE FAVOURITES CHIP + DIP A great pairing to start the spread. WOW ELEMENT Something that gets everyone talking. DESSERT A delicious sweet finish. FESTIVE TOUCH An Indian chaat-inspired bite, a flavourful cheese ball with crisps and a refreshing drink to cleanse the palate. Crumble Royale: Saakshi Sabharwal | Delhi For Saakshi Sabharwal, Founder and Head Chef of New Delhi-based Crumble Royale, grazing

StartUps

Yuvraj & Yashraj Bhardwaj | Powering India’s Circular Economy

Twin brothers Yuvraj Bhardwaj and Yashraj Bhardwaj are the co-founders of Plannex Recycling, a Gurugram-based circular economy company transforming waste management through technology and innovation. Both entrepreneurs began innovating at the age of 14, filing patents and undertaking research projects long before launching their ventures. Today, while Yuvraj, Co-Founder & CEO, leads operations, technology, and execution, Yashraj drives strategy, policy, partnerships, and global expansion. Together, the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honourees have built one of South Asia’s leading recycling platforms, processing over 500,000 metric tonnes of waste annually across 18 facilities in seven countries, proving that sustainability and scale can go hand in hand. 1. Tell us about your venture and how the idea first came to life. What made you decide to build it together as siblings? Yashraj: We’ve been building things together since we were 14, so becoming co-founders wasn’t really a decision; it was the natural next step. We saw India’s waste sector as a fragmented industry with enormous potential but very little technological intervention. While most people saw waste, we saw an opportunity to build infrastructure for the future. Yuvraj: Today, Plannex processes over 500,000 metric tonnes of waste annually across categories such as e-waste, PET plastics, batteries, tyres, and industrial waste, while creating employment for more than 2,000 people. Being twins gave us something every founder hopes to build: complete trust. We couldn’t imagine creating this business any other way. 2. How do your personalities and strengths complement each other? Yuvraj: Although we’re twins, we think very differently, and that’s our biggest advantage. I focus on operations, technology, and execution, making sure every facility runs efficiently and every process delivers on its promise. Yashraj: I spend more time on strategy, partnerships, policy, and investor relationships, helping Plannex expand globally. One of us imagines what’s

StartUps

Pinq Polka: The Story of Manveen S Sharma & Mandeep Singh

Manveen S Sharma, CEO of Pinq Polka, brings over nine years of leadership experience across the automotive, mobility, and business sectors, with expertise in business strategy, operations, and customer-centric innovation. Alongside her is her brother, Mandeep Singh, Co-Founder, an entrepreneur with extensive experience in business development, sales, operations, and scaling businesses within the automotive and electric mobility ecosystem. Together, the sibling duo has transformed a simple consumer insight into one of India’s emerging women-first intimate wear and shapewear brands, combining strategic leadership with a shared commitment to creating products that prioritise comfort, confidence, and functionality. 1. Tell us about your venture and how the idea came to life. What made you decide to build it together as siblings? Manveen: Pinq Polka was born out of a personal experience. I often found myself buying women’s personal care products from abroad, because I couldn’t find the same quality in India. During a conversation with my brother, we realised there was a genuine gap in the market. Before launching, we spent months researching, speaking to women, testing products, and gathering honest feedback. That process confirmed we were solving a real problem. Building the brand together happened naturally; we trusted each other’s strengths and shared the same vision of creating products that genuinely improve women’s everyday lives. 2. How do your personalities and strengths complement each other? Manveen: I stay closely connected to our customers, spending time understanding their needs and translating those insights into better products. Many of our innovations have come directly from conversations with women who use our products every day. Mandeep: I focus on business strategy, partnerships, and sustainable growth. While Manveen leads product innovation and customer experience, I ensure we build a business that’s scalable and future-ready. We may approach challenges differently, but we’re united by one principle: never

StartUps

Brick Brown Home Innovations: Meet Kirti & Yash Verma of Gurgaon

Sibling duo Kirti Verma and Yash Verma, founders of Brick Brown Home Innovations, are redefining modern living through thoughtfully designed home décor that blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Based in Gurgaon, the brand creates handcrafted solid wood storage solutions, organisers, and home essentials that celebrate functionality, sustainability, and timeless design. Yash Verma leads product innovation, artisan collaborations, and technology-driven operations, while Kirti Verma shapes the brand’s creative vision, design language, and business strategy. Together, they have built Brick Brown into a contemporary homegrown brand that seamlessly blends heritage craftsmanship with modern design. 1. Tell us about your venture and how the idea first came to life. Why did you decide to build it together as siblings? Brick Brown began with a simple belief that homes should feel warm, personal, and lived in. We wanted to create handcrafted wooden pieces that people would cherish for years instead of following short-lived trends. Building the business together wasn’t a planned decision; it happened naturally. Having grown up with similar values and design sensibilities, we instinctively understood each other’s way of thinking, making us natural partners. 2. How do your personalities and strengths complement each other? We bring very different strengths to the table, and that’s what makes the partnership work. I (Yash) focus on product design, manufacturing, and working closely with artisans to perfect every detail. Kirti leads branding, creative direction, storytelling, and business growth. One of us builds products worth talking about, while the other ensures their story reaches the right audience. 3. Has your sibling bond made entrepreneurship easier or more challenging? It has definitely made the journey easier because trust was never something we had to build; it already existed. One moment we’ll always remember is opening our own studio in Gurgaon. Standing in that space, we realised