Togetherness With Music & Enterprise

Engineering solutions entrepreneur, Rahul Pathak, finallist at the international Thomas Elva Edison Awards 2022 and his significant half, Yogita Godbole, an accomplished singer from the Marathi Entertainment industry believe in the power of shared values and mutual respect for each other’s dreams. Their three boys-Shivank, Sarthak and Shreehan complete the circle

It’s a proud moment for India as well as Pune-based entrepreneur Rahul Pathak, Director Aquaplus Water Purifiers P. Ltd for having reached the finals of the prestigious US-based Thomas Edison Awards for Innovations in Water & Sanitation in Disaster Response. A recognition instituted in the name of the legendary scientist, the decade-old awards recognise excellence in engineering innovations that benefit human life across the globe.

Fittingly, the awards recognise Rahul and his work given the fact that since 2004, his company, Aquaplus, has focused on developing mobile water treatment, storage, distribution and water testing systems focusing on the rare but critical field of disaster management. “The idea is to make available affordably priced, reliable and responsive water solutions to any organisation during an emergency-be it flood, tsunami, earthquake or armed conflict. As everyone knows, a clean and adequate supply of water is the first prerequisite of any humanitarian response-for the human body can live for weeks without food but not even a few days without water. To that end, our disaster management unit was set up in 2004 with focused R&D on the challenge of providing clean water during crisis-when channels of water are either cut off or contaminated. Thus, we work closely with different academic and research partners to design and test water treatment systems for emergencies,” he says. “Importantly, Aquaplus kits are in keeping with Sphere Handbook, the internationally recognised document for universal standards in humanitarian response. Among other things, Sphere spells out clear definitions of minimum standards in the vital sector of water supply and sanitation. We ensure our products exceed those standards,” he says.

In short, he has assisted disaster rehab and relief interventions both nationally and internationally with the help of an assortment of kits that adapt to difficult terrain thereby making rescue operations fruitful. In recognition of this work, Aquaplus lists among the top three finalists internationally. (The Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be decided in April 2022.) For now though, it’s a proud moment for Rahul who is rightfully enjoying the feeling with Yogita, his wife of two decades and their boys-Shivank (18), Sarthak (15) and Shreehan (8). “The foundation of this unit is that we have both always believed in each other’s dreams,” says Rahul.

Since Yogita is an award-winning singer herself (the winner of the reputed show Sa Ra Ga Ma Megafinal it’s a given that she would understand the power of commitment, focus and deep-seated belief in one’s work. This is probably why she is both positive and supportive rather than worried and scared when Rahul’s work takes him to far-flung areas like Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand during times of disaster-all the better to help NGOs and the armed forces supply clean water to the vulnerable and the displaced.

Circle of togetherness: Rahul and Yogita with their sons

Back to the beginning

The journey of this marriage has quite the storybook opening. “We both lived in the same neighbourhood. For some reason, when he walked past me for the first time, I intuitively knew that I would have a deeper connect with this man in the days to come,” says Yogita. “No, it wasn’t because he was handsome; one comes across so many good-looking folks about whom you don’t feel like that,” she says. “It was something way deeper than that. A vibe, so to speak. My sixth sense, if you can call it that, is quite attuned to these things.”

Introduced by friends, the duo dated for six months before tying the knot in 2000. “From the outset, I knew we would be a good fit together. While our vocations are worlds apart, we have common values and shared interests. We are both calm, methodical and focused,” says Rahul. “What I like about her is that she is a very caring, accommodating and considerate person.

Despite having such a busy and demanding career herself with extensive shoots, recordings, travel and stage shows, she has managed to create a beautiful and solid family unit for me and our boys. As an entrepreneur, I can’t stress how important it is to have that basic peace of mind in order to be able to focus on work and research.”

On her part, Yogita lauds his sheer will power, determination and self-confidence in life. “He is not the one to get bogged down by the circumstances, no matter what happens. If something cannot be done, he will find a way to do it,” she says.

Considering Rahul is an entrepreneur who focuses on engineering solutions in the field of water treatment and sanitation and Yogita is self-employed, how challenging is it to take on the uncertainty of income, challenges and work timings month on month? “Well, apart from believing in each other completely, it helps to be in different fields—so that market downturns don’t affect both at one time,” he says. “So, a practical bit of advice for the self-employed is to choose a partner from another industry. Covid times and the aftermath proved this in more ways than one.”

THE MANTRAS OF MARRIAGE

• Shared dreams
• Mutual respect
• Planning and organisation.

Given their long and multi-faceted journey together, what according to both are the pillars of a relationship? “I would say compatibility, space and the ability to give each other the peace of mind to excel in one’s career,” says Rahul. On her part, Yogita would root for “trust in each other, respect and keeping one’s ego aside. Also, do be sure to bring in an element of gratitude for all that life has allowed you.”

The couple has a fairly uncomplicated way of resolving fights. “We don’t allow the negativity to fester. If one is angry, it’s crucial that the other stays calm,” says Rahul. “A bit of humour and a look at the larger picture means you don’t allow the rough bits to become bigger than what they actually are.”

Meanwhile, Yogita is a firm believer in spirituality and positivity. At the same, she believes that when couples argue it is important to stick to the topic on hand and not meander into different zones. “When you focus on the topic being discussed only it leads to a more fruitful outcome,” she says.

Life is hectic but happy given the mad rush of their home with their respective careers, three active boys and two crazy dogs. The mantra for work-life balance is simple. “I am hands-on and organised. Rahul and I both believe in one parent being at home while the other is away. When I am out for a show, he spends time with the children and takes up their homework,” she says. Quality time together consists of listening to music, family outings with the children and trying out different kinds of cuisines as they are all enthusiastic foodies.

Bringing up the boys

Having chosen to follow their own hearts as far as work is concerned, neither parent believes in pressurising their boys with regard to studies. “We firmly believe that high marks in school and success in life are not necessarily related. Ideas, an ability to think independently, self-confidence, street smartness and courage matter far more than exam results,” says Rahul. While Yogita would add that their role as parents is best limited to expanding their horizons and helping them channelise their inner potential to “be the best that they as individuals are meant to be in choosing and growing their own path.”