Book Review: My Journey With Vadapav by Venkatesh Iyer

Title: My Journey With Vadapav

Author: Venkatesh Iyer

Publisher: TV18 Broadcast Limited (CNBC TV18) 

Review:

Once in a while, you come across a personality who will make you wonder about the life you have lived — about everything you have learnt and done; and this thought process might trigger a self introspection of your being. Venkatesh Iyer is one such personality. ‘My Journey With Vadapav’ is his account of his life that specifically focuses on his rise as the ‘vadapav king’ of India.

To those who know what a vadapav is, your tongue would have a neat number done on it already with the mere mention of the word. To the uninitiated, suffice it to say that it is a slice of heaven served hot on a plate or sometimes just handed over unceremoniously without the associated fanfare. The presentation doesn’t matter because taste takes over all the other senses. It started out as a humble street food in several parts of India but is now regarded as one of the must-haves during the evening cravings. Easily accessible and similarly easy on the pocket, vadapav has carved for itself a niche in the food industry.

Venkatesh holds a similar view. This gets evident right from the onset and continues to do so with every page that you turn. There’s a frank openness in his voice. He confides in the reader all about his private life — every emotion, success, frustration, and humiliation associated with his ventures — very honestly and authentically. His earnestness in sharing what he thinks might be of use to the others comes across in every page. He admits to failures and shortcomings, evincing a passionate, come-what-may attitude toward life that precludes deep introspection and only concentrates on pursuing of one’s dreams.

There’s so much to glean from Venkatesh’s account of his journey. It’s an enjoyable ride through and through — a Tam-Bram boy made good, a regular neighborhood guy who rises to the top through sheer gumption and force of will. His is a success story that warranted a case study being taught all over the globe.

An easy yet exemplary read, I’d recommend it to all those who wish to achieve their dreams. Go grab a bite (pun intended). 

Buy Link:

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About the Author:

Venkatesh Iyer is the Founder and CEO of Goli Vadapav, India’s largest national ethnic fast food chain.

From Finance to food, with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and investment banking, Venkatesh Iyer has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs translate ideas into story boards using his unique strength of critical thinking, imagination and communication.

One fine day, he decided to change his course and create what was then called a very creative food revolution! His ultimate dream has been of “corporatization” of the humble Vada Pav and to see Vada Pav as a brand amongst the pizzas and burgers of the world. He’s a visionary par excellence who sees things beyond the obvious and it is this attitude that made his dream turn into reality!

He has been invited as an inspirational speaker and delivered more than 250 talks on Goli Vadapav story in India and abroad at various large entrepreneurial summits and business schools like Harvard, IMD Switzerland, ISB Hyderabad, etc.

I'd like to thank the author for letting me review the book. I do hope you end up liking the book when you read it. Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy reading! 

* I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.