There was no phase in Ramana Gogula’s life where he was doing only one thing at a time. The composer-entrepreneur was part of the founding team of Sybase, a cyber database firm even as he was composing music for films. His film stint spread over 25 projects, yet not many in the industry knew about his entrepreneurial ambitions. He may have distanced himself from films for a while (he last composed for Venkatadri Express ), his goals have only gotten bigger. Besides his brain-child Earthen Glow that provides off-grid solar lighting to villages, he’s now also a Vice President, Clean Technology Innovation at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc and a venture partner at Anthill Ventures, roles that are helping build an energy-efficient future for the country.
The social entrepreneur is on a globe-trotting spree, scheduling meetings with global giants, grooming startups, attending top business summits in a bid to mainstream the use of clean technology. He says, “The world is now trying to make devices that use electricity more efficiently. I am trying to do my part in minimising the use of electricity and connecting the country with clean technology power sources and reduce carbon emissions.” His aim with Earthen Glow has been to ensure optimum utilisation of distributed solar, something that’s not centralised. “That’ll allow poor families some light, ensure education for children, helping them extend work hours.”
Technology shift
His role with Stanley Black and Decker is an extension of these interests; engaged in popularising the use of solar pumps over electric AC pumps. “Over 25 million pumps in the country that draw water out of the earth through borewells, irrigation consume almost one-fifth of the power generated in the country. There’s a tremendous burden on subsidies that the Government faces. Here we are building the next generation solar pump that uses brushless DC motor to pump water from the ground.”Also, the solar energy is diverted to provide off-grid lighting, cold storage, drip irrigation.
The biggest challenge lies with the farming community. “It’s important to not intimidate them and educate them on the technology shift.” He realises the need for solutions to be cheaper and more accessible. “Sensitivity is crucial too,” Gogula points out. Direct interaction with people at the bottom of the pyramid has helped him understand the complexity of many issues. A tie-up with T-Hub now has him identifying startups who can make a difference to agriculture, clean technology and integrate innovations across the globe on one platform.
The response from startups has been promising, his mentoring/investing role with emerging companies have taught him important lessons. “Startups start with a problem, you identify a clear solution to it, build the technology and find people who pay for it. If not, the cycle repeats. I’ve learnt that startups need to learn very fast, the good ones complete that cycle quickly.”
Music plays on
Music has always been a part of Ramana Gogula’s life, though he misses composing for films. “My focus is on finding a solution for a larger population of the country now. In a year or two, I might get back to making films and compose music too. I am currently working on my second album, it’s coming after a gap of 15 years.”
For now, he enjoys listening to the various kinds of music, plays the guitar and teaches his daughter too. “If I didn’t play music, I wouldn’t be as creative as I am. I still sing, play music, it’s more for myself than public consumption. I am very grateful for a few films in which I have been able to articulate my talent. When the time is right, I’ll go back and let people know, I’m ready. Look at Robert De Niro’s drive at 74. I see myself being like that.”
