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RodBez makes waves on Shark Tank India 3
Mumbai: Content has the power to drive behavioral change, surpassing traditional instructional methods. In the past two seasons, the tank has seen pitches spanning various industries, from apps and stationery to beauty and beyond. An innovative pitch poised to enter the tank is Rodbez—a revolutionary platform offering one-way taxi, taxipool, and carpool services. Notably, the latest shark, OYO Rooms founder & CEO Ritesh Agarwal was captivated by this pitch. He expressed enthusiasm for the emergence of localized solutions that enhance life in tier 2 cities, stating, “Pehle badhe badhe sheheron mein chhoti chhoti baatein hoti thi. Ab chhote chhote sheheron mein badhe badhe business ban rahe hain!”
Co-founded by Dilkhush Kumar and Siddharth Shankar Jha hailing from Bihar aims to address the challenges posed by unorganised taxi services in the state, setting the stage for a transformative commuting experience with their business Rodbez. The core mission of the business is to enhance the commuting experience for countless passengers in Bihar by offering a cost-effective solution that reduces expenses by up to 40 per cent and eliminates the need for both-side fares. What sets RodBez apart is not just its innovative approach but also the personal journey of Dilkhush Kumar, who shares his inspiring story of overcoming job rejections to drive positive change in Bihar.
Ritesh Agarwal said, “India’s entrepreneurship scene has come of age and startups like RodBez are a sterling example of that shift. No idea is too ambitious, and no dream is too big. It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you’re focused on where you’re headed. There are hundreds of hinterland businesses like RodBez that have pioneered frugal innovation and have the potential to build not only for India but the world.”
The big question still lingers – with an ask of Rs 50 lakhs for five per cent equity, will the Sharks join this mission to usher in a new era of taxi services in Bihar?
Don’t forget to watch this extraordinary pitch on Shark Tank India 3 on Sony LIV.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
