In the vibrant world of podcasts in India, few episodes capture the spirit of innovation and purpose-driven entrepreneurship like this one from The Supreet Singh Show. Hosted by Supreet Singh, a rising podcaster in Mohali and the broader Tricity region, this episode features Arjun Deshpande, the youngest entrepreneur globally and the founder of Generic Aadhar. His story is not just a tale of business success; it’s a blueprint for social impact, resilience, and the power of youth. At just 16, Arjun Deshpande identified a burning issue in India’s healthcare system: the unaffordability of life-saving medicines, especially for senior citizens and cancer patients. While most teenagers are navigating school and social media, Arjun was building a company that would challenge the norms of the pharmaceutical industry. His startup, Generic Aadhar, aimed to make high-quality generic medicines accessible to every Indian, especially those in underserved rural areas.
This episode stands out among start-up stories in India because it’s not just about building a business, it’s about building a movement. Arjun’s journey began with empathy. He saw elderly people struggling to afford basic medicines and decided to act. With no prior experience in pharma, he ventured into one of the most complex and competitive industries, driven by a clear mission: to make healthcare affordable. Convincing stakeholders wasn’t easy. Arjun faced skepticism from his parents, pharmacists, and industry veterans. But his research, clarity of vision, and unwavering determination helped him break through. His big break came when Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected business leaders, recognized his potential. Tata not only invested in Generic Aadhar but also personally mentored Arjun, offering guidance and emotional support.
In the podcast, Arjun shares how this mentorship shaped his journey. He recalls how Tata ji’s humility and kindness left a lasting impression. Leadership is not about power,” Arjun says. “It’s about how you treat people, especially those who can’t do anything for you.” This philosophy became a cornerstone of Arjun’s leadership style and company culture.
One of the most enlightening parts of the conversation is Arjun’s explanation of generic medicines. In India, there’s a widespread misconception that generics are inferior to branded drugs. Arjun debunks this myth, explaining that generics are chemically identical to branded medicines but significantly cheaper due to the absence of branding and middlemen. Generic Aadhar ensures quality through rigorous checks and transparent sourcing, making it a trusted name in affordable healthcare.
Today, Generic Aadhar operates over 4,000 stores across India, including remote villages and tribal regions. This expansion is not just a business achievement—it’s a social revolution. By bringing affordable medicines to places where healthcare access was previously limited, Arjun is transforming lives and communities. As a podcaster in Tricity, Supreet Singh brings out the depth of Arjun’s journey with thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity. The conversation goes beyond business metrics to explore themes like youth empowerment, social entrepreneurship, and the evolving startup culture in India.
Arjun’s tale is a refreshing reminder that intentions count. His success lies in a definite, unshakeable mission to benefit society. The day you stop thinking of yourself is the day you begin thinking of others, he observes. And it’s on that day that others begin thinking about you.
The show also delves into the contribution of India’s youth to making India’s future. India, which has the world’s largest youth population, is in a position to use this demographic to spur innovation and growth. However, as Arjun explains, the potential can only be achieved via skill development, motivation, and purpose-based education. His organization selectively recruits and trains youths and provides them with a platform to develop and contribute. Among the numerous startup tales of India, Arjun’s is special for its truth and influence. He did not begin with a pitch deck or a business plan; he began with empathy and the need to assist. It is this people-first approach that has not just given him laurels but also earned him the trust of millions.
The podcast also explores Arjun’s efforts to make cancer medicines affordable, fulfilling one of Ratan Tata’s wishes. Despite progress, cancer drugs remain prohibitively expensive for many. Generic Aadhar is working to bring these medicines to market at drastically reduced prices, offering hope to countless families. As the conversation unfolds, listeners get a glimpse into Arjun’s personal growth. This mindset of continuous learning and humility is what makes him not just a successful entrepreneur but a compassionate leader.
For anyone interested in podcasts in India that go beyond surface-level interviews, this episode is a gem. Supreet Singh’s style as a podcaster in Mohali is engaging, insightful, and deeply human. The episode is also a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. It offers practical insights into building a business with impact, navigating industry challenges, and staying true to one’s values. Arjun’s journey is proof that age is no barrier to entrepreneurship—what matters is clarity of vision, courage to act, and persistence.
