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Making Breakthrough Innovations Happen
For long now, India has been seen as a country that is good at working on products and ideas that are already out there. Indian companies took up products that came in from the West and either replicated it or re-engineered it. Indians, when they went to other countries, were part of creative teams that came up with, and implemented great ideas. But, when in their own country, Indians do not have a reputation for coming up with innovative ideas. So, what is it that stops them?
The author laments this situation in his book Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible. He points out that even the Indian branches of MNCs do not see their Indian operations as centers of innovations. They just work on things that have already been conceived elsewhere.
In this book, Munshi tells the true stories of 11 breakthrough ideas conceived and executed by Indians. These ground-breaking examples show that if someone dares to think out-of-the box and follows their dream, then seemingly impossible things can be achieved.
The examples cover a wide range of industries. from public sector to private sector, and from MNCs and huge Indian companies to startup firms. The book talks about 11 ideas that had a deep impact, and achievements that were original and influential.
The examples include the creation of the slimmest water proof watches by Titan, and the business model of Cavinkare - a small company that took on giants in the field of personal care products and succeeded. It includes the story of how Aravind Eye Hospital came up with an idea - assembly line surgery - to improve the productivity of its surgeons. Today, the hospital treats 70% of its patients free of charge and yet manages to make a good profit.
Then, there is the case of the Hindi daily, Dainik Bhaskar, that combined intensive in-house marketing surveys and research with innovative marketing ideas to capture a large segment of the market in each new city they entered.
The book throws light on the innovative strategies of Trichy police to turn around a city that was crime prone and known for communal clashes into one of the safest in the country. He further talks about the power backup company Su-kam that succeeded by creating its own niche, and Shantha Biotech that launched a low-cost Hepatitis B vaccine.
The other success stories include Surat City’s transformation after the plague outbreak into one of the cleanest cities in the country, and Chic shampoo’s innovation of introducing sachet packs, which revolutionized the retail market. Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible further elaborates how Bosch India came up with a new cost-effective pump that meets the Euro standards, ITC’s e-Choupal marketing model, and Chola Vehicle Finance’s innovative business model.
All these real-life examples in Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible give an insight into the ability of Indians to go beyond conventions and create innovative products and strategies that could turn their respective industries on their heads.
About the Author
Porus Munshi is a psychology graduate and has a passion for helping people realize their potential. He is also a partner consultant at Erehwon Innovation Consulting.
He previously contributed a column to Hindu Busnessline called Work and You. His book, Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible, is already on its second reprint.
Munshi works with clients and helps them release mental blocks and conventional restraints to help them achieve their goals and dreams. He helps facilitate innovative thinking and organizational transformations. Besides his passion for innovation and realizing the human potential, he has an avid interest in martial arts, from Karate to Tai Chi.
The author laments this situation in his book Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible. He points out that even the Indian branches of MNCs do not see their Indian operations as centers of innovations. They just work on things that have already been conceived elsewhere.
In this book, Munshi tells the true stories of 11 breakthrough ideas conceived and executed by Indians. These ground-breaking examples show that if someone dares to think out-of-the box and follows their dream, then seemingly impossible things can be achieved.
The examples cover a wide range of industries. from public sector to private sector, and from MNCs and huge Indian companies to startup firms. The book talks about 11 ideas that had a deep impact, and achievements that were original and influential.
The examples include the creation of the slimmest water proof watches by Titan, and the business model of Cavinkare - a small company that took on giants in the field of personal care products and succeeded. It includes the story of how Aravind Eye Hospital came up with an idea - assembly line surgery - to improve the productivity of its surgeons. Today, the hospital treats 70% of its patients free of charge and yet manages to make a good profit.
Then, there is the case of the Hindi daily, Dainik Bhaskar, that combined intensive in-house marketing surveys and research with innovative marketing ideas to capture a large segment of the market in each new city they entered.
The book throws light on the innovative strategies of Trichy police to turn around a city that was crime prone and known for communal clashes into one of the safest in the country. He further talks about the power backup company Su-kam that succeeded by creating its own niche, and Shantha Biotech that launched a low-cost Hepatitis B vaccine.
The other success stories include Surat City’s transformation after the plague outbreak into one of the cleanest cities in the country, and Chic shampoo’s innovation of introducing sachet packs, which revolutionized the retail market. Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible further elaborates how Bosch India came up with a new cost-effective pump that meets the Euro standards, ITC’s e-Choupal marketing model, and Chola Vehicle Finance’s innovative business model.
All these real-life examples in Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible give an insight into the ability of Indians to go beyond conventions and create innovative products and strategies that could turn their respective industries on their heads.
About the Author
Porus Munshi is a psychology graduate and has a passion for helping people realize their potential. He is also a partner consultant at Erehwon Innovation Consulting.
He previously contributed a column to Hindu Busnessline called Work and You. His book, Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible, is already on its second reprint.
Munshi works with clients and helps them release mental blocks and conventional restraints to help them achieve their goals and dreams. He helps facilitate innovative thinking and organizational transformations. Besides his passion for innovation and realizing the human potential, he has an avid interest in martial arts, from Karate to Tai Chi.
236 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
39 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 5, 2017
I am a big fan of Rashmi Bansal's books. I have read 5 of her books and 2 more books I have with me which I have to read. If I talk about my liking in nonfiction genre, business stories or entrepreneurial journies are my favorite. I checked this book in my office and I liked it after reading the first chapter. The author Porus Munshi has taken wonderful success stories to inspire organizations/individuals to perform with radically new ideas/methodologies/systems.
Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled off the Impossible - as title suggests 11 stories of this book are divided into 4 sections:
- Orbit shifting challenges
- Challenging the establishment through a breakthrough insight
- Enrolling to cause
- Combating dilution
Each section comprises two to three stories. Each story starts with some brief global example, followed by the problem at the hand, methodology to solve the problem, the reasoning behind methods. It ends with results and future course of actions.
Each case is unique and strong one. I am from Surat so I can relate it more, but I liked most of the cases. A person who would like to enter into a startup or bigger role should read it once. The book doesn't just talk about what had been done but also talks about why it was done and why it worked.
A wonderful 4.5+ read.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/08...
Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled off the Impossible - as title suggests 11 stories of this book are divided into 4 sections:
- Orbit shifting challenges
- Challenging the establishment through a breakthrough insight
- Enrolling to cause
- Combating dilution
Each section comprises two to three stories. Each story starts with some brief global example, followed by the problem at the hand, methodology to solve the problem, the reasoning behind methods. It ends with results and future course of actions.
Each case is unique and strong one. I am from Surat so I can relate it more, but I liked most of the cases. A person who would like to enter into a startup or bigger role should read it once. The book doesn't just talk about what had been done but also talks about why it was done and why it worked.
A wonderful 4.5+ read.
Detailed Review Link - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/08...
Read
October 23, 2010The most inspiring book I have come across..Continuing to tread the path well known, the path with assured returns...the path which gives incremental success, talking first about "why things won't work".. before "why things will work"...sounds familiar :)?? The book repeatedly explains how these the things that come in the way of "Orbit Shifting" innovations as . A great read which deservers to be in your collection.
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From my memory here is a one liner on each of the well described case studies:
1. Dainik Bhaskars amazing never done before strategy of launching as number 2 daily in new towns,
2. Titan producing the slimmest watch in what all swiss watchmakers had dubbed impossible..
3. Trichy Police's amazing turnaround of the city from the most crime prone to the one of the safest cities
4. Aravinda eye institute.. A mans pure social cause of eliminating blindness which led him to create the most innovative assembly line, and supply chain innovations copied by the world
5. Surat's amazing turnaround after the plague to become one of the cleanest and most organized cities in a matter of few months
6. Su-Kam inverters engineering feats to create and in fact surpass world class inverters
7. Chic shampoo and its marketing strategies (the pouch) to bring about a retail revolution.
8. Shantha Biotech, low-cost Hepatitis-B vaccine. One mans answer to an insult to his nation.
9. Bosch engineering - an example of an indian arm of an widely innovative MNC graduating from being a second fiddle to a world renowed lab
10. ITC's e-choupal revolution
11. Chola vehicle finance
===========
From my memory here is a one liner on each of the well described case studies:
1. Dainik Bhaskars amazing never done before strategy of launching as number 2 daily in new towns,
2. Titan producing the slimmest watch in what all swiss watchmakers had dubbed impossible..
3. Trichy Police's amazing turnaround of the city from the most crime prone to the one of the safest cities
4. Aravinda eye institute.. A mans pure social cause of eliminating blindness which led him to create the most innovative assembly line, and supply chain innovations copied by the world
5. Surat's amazing turnaround after the plague to become one of the cleanest and most organized cities in a matter of few months
6. Su-Kam inverters engineering feats to create and in fact surpass world class inverters
7. Chic shampoo and its marketing strategies (the pouch) to bring about a retail revolution.
8. Shantha Biotech, low-cost Hepatitis-B vaccine. One mans answer to an insult to his nation.
9. Bosch engineering - an example of an indian arm of an widely innovative MNC graduating from being a second fiddle to a world renowed lab
10. ITC's e-choupal revolution
11. Chola vehicle finance
September 4, 2013
Very inspiring, reassures faith in good intentions. Felt really good reading it, even gifted it to some friends.
July 13, 2011
Why are Indians so good at jugaad (improvisation or quick-fixing) but not at systemic innovation? What makes them better innovators when they reach foreign shores but not within our own country? Is our “system” built to stifle innovation? If there are innovators who succeed within “our system” are there lessons to be extrapolated from such successes? And can these innovations be applied across sectors – private, public, and social?
Built around 11 case studies of Indians who made “orbit shifting innovation” possible across the private, public and social sectors in our country, Porus Munshi’s book Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible talks about overcoming the “impossible”.
Examples in the book include that of a Hyderabad-based biotech company that developed a low-cost Hepatitis-B vaccine and made it globally affordable, a watch manufacturer that created the slimmest, water-resistant watch in the world – something that even the fabled Swiss watchmakers contended was impossible, and a police force that rewrote policing paradigms to bring law, order, and confidence in the police system in a communally volatile South Indian city, thus transforming it.
I would put this book on par with IDEO general manager Tom Kelley’s best-selling books The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. What sets this book apart is its relevance to “the Indian condition” and its focus on insights that enable breakthrough innovation. The innovative storytelling approach is sure to inspire every reader to set out on a similar journey.
Built around 11 case studies of Indians who made “orbit shifting innovation” possible across the private, public and social sectors in our country, Porus Munshi’s book Making Breakthrough Innovation Happen: How 11 Indians Pulled Off The Impossible talks about overcoming the “impossible”.
Examples in the book include that of a Hyderabad-based biotech company that developed a low-cost Hepatitis-B vaccine and made it globally affordable, a watch manufacturer that created the slimmest, water-resistant watch in the world – something that even the fabled Swiss watchmakers contended was impossible, and a police force that rewrote policing paradigms to bring law, order, and confidence in the police system in a communally volatile South Indian city, thus transforming it.
I would put this book on par with IDEO general manager Tom Kelley’s best-selling books The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. What sets this book apart is its relevance to “the Indian condition” and its focus on insights that enable breakthrough innovation. The innovative storytelling approach is sure to inspire every reader to set out on a similar journey.
May 6, 2015
5 stars are too little for this book.
This book talks about India, a country literally gifted with the best of everything. And yet, a country held back by her own citizens who've tied their own feet, and restricted their own progress; by not dreaming enough. By choosing to copy or just make the cut, rather than be, as Porus puts it, an 'orbit-shifter'.
Undoubtedly, Indians have among the best capabilities and talent in the world. We unfortunately, lack an insatiable hunger to push the limits, to achieve the unimaginable, to change the world.
Making Breakthrough Innovations' captures the stories of some Indians who refused to meekly succumb to the gigantic power and influence of the mindless herd. Instead, these few chose, and would always choose, to aim for the impossible, or die trying. And what a difference these few have made.
This book is simply a slap in the face for every excuse that any Indian has ever made, to stop herself or himself from changing the world. If these few could overcome insurmountable odds, imagine what the nation with the second largest population in the world can do, if they only believed. If they only wanted it, at any cost.
As an Indian, if you've ever dreamt of changing the world, or maybe simply just overcoming obstacles at the workplace or in business, or in your city; if you only read this book and nothing else, it would still be more than enough to make you see how you can, and why you must, make a difference.
This book talks about India, a country literally gifted with the best of everything. And yet, a country held back by her own citizens who've tied their own feet, and restricted their own progress; by not dreaming enough. By choosing to copy or just make the cut, rather than be, as Porus puts it, an 'orbit-shifter'.
Undoubtedly, Indians have among the best capabilities and talent in the world. We unfortunately, lack an insatiable hunger to push the limits, to achieve the unimaginable, to change the world.
Making Breakthrough Innovations' captures the stories of some Indians who refused to meekly succumb to the gigantic power and influence of the mindless herd. Instead, these few chose, and would always choose, to aim for the impossible, or die trying. And what a difference these few have made.
This book is simply a slap in the face for every excuse that any Indian has ever made, to stop herself or himself from changing the world. If these few could overcome insurmountable odds, imagine what the nation with the second largest population in the world can do, if they only believed. If they only wanted it, at any cost.
As an Indian, if you've ever dreamt of changing the world, or maybe simply just overcoming obstacles at the workplace or in business, or in your city; if you only read this book and nothing else, it would still be more than enough to make you see how you can, and why you must, make a difference.
June 19, 2018
Good real life stories that are badly written. The book contains a lot of waffle. I however bought this book looking for inspiration and I did manage to get some.
September 14, 2025
Good book, with some great takeaways. While l personally wouldn't consider all the examples highlighted as truly breakthrough innovation, there is something to learn from all of them. It's also nice that the book includes a few examples of innovation in the government/bureaucracy, instead of limiting itself only to innovation examples in corporates/startups.
The author captures the insights from the innovation stories succinctly and artfully, without unnecessarily trying to create some reproducible framework around it as many management books tend to do. Taking this approach makes the book more engaging and practical too.
That said, barring a couple, the rest of the breakthrough innovations highlighted aren't about invention or product innovation, so that's one thing to keep in mind.
Also, by and large, the companies profiled have held up well over time. Su-Kam (which went bankrupt) and to a lesser degree, one or two others, disappointed later. But compared to a more famous book like 'Built to Last' where many of the companies profiled have significantly disappointed since, the ones featured here have continued to do quite well.
Worth a read even though it's not a recent book.
The author captures the insights from the innovation stories succinctly and artfully, without unnecessarily trying to create some reproducible framework around it as many management books tend to do. Taking this approach makes the book more engaging and practical too.
That said, barring a couple, the rest of the breakthrough innovations highlighted aren't about invention or product innovation, so that's one thing to keep in mind.
Also, by and large, the companies profiled have held up well over time. Su-Kam (which went bankrupt) and to a lesser degree, one or two others, disappointed later. But compared to a more famous book like 'Built to Last' where many of the companies profiled have significantly disappointed since, the ones featured here have continued to do quite well.
Worth a read even though it's not a recent book.
October 10, 2022
I must say that this is the Best Book I have ever read. The author's reconciliation of data is deep. I am sure he must have gone through many cases but finalized a few. I would love to read those draft stories. This book tend us to introspect and check how our boundaries (drawn by ourselves) are limiting us. We all are genius in some ways, if not we can be genius in any field that we love to work with and through extensive hard work of author. This book gives confidence to us because we are no different human being than any other in the world who innovates better things and serves the community. The special recognition goes to Trichy police and Surat Transformation stories where the whole community transformed with the vision of one single person. A must read chapters from the book. This book is an INSPIRING GUIDE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS.
November 6, 2019
A good book to read to know about the unknown entrepreneurs who have risen above the challenges around them.
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April 18, 2020What's it like being in an astronomical challenge in any context.
May 20, 2020
Excellent book and amazing insights in innovation at its best. Examples from a spectrum of sectors makes for compelling reading.
October 18, 2021
Strong recommend. An inspiring read.
Amazingly, most if not all the stories of India-based innovation in this book were unknown to me.
Amazingly, most if not all the stories of India-based innovation in this book were unknown to me.
April 20, 2024
Wonderfully written book capturing key learnings from assorted cases in a wonderful way; makes the reading and retention easier.
December 27, 2024
A journey around the less often heard of success stories of Indian innovators.
November 25, 2014
Very inspiring stories of making Radical Changes in one's life & surrounding & industry & society. It gives the knowledge that being in a top position doesn't make your life smooth & you cannot do whatever you want to. There are always direct & indirect forces & circumstances to prevent you from any radical idea. FIGHT, PATIENCE & INVOLVING OTHERS are the 3 most important characteristics needed for radical changes.
Must read for anyone, from any industry. It will surely hike up your confidence & give you immense power to cope with difficulties.
Must read for anyone, from any industry. It will surely hike up your confidence & give you immense power to cope with difficulties.
May 18, 2013
Mostly Indians are seen as improvisation experts rather than innovators. When we talk about innovation, we always talk about Apple, Google and GE. There is no doubt that they are Technology Giants. But this book is about 11 Indian companies and organizations(even government organizations :-P) and their orbit-shifting innovations who had direct impact on lives of million of Indians. Now I can also boast about Innovation capabilities of Indians :)
January 16, 2015
An amazing collection of 11 Indian innovations that 'made a dent' in the universe. A must read for aspiring entrepreneurs. We are made to connect with each stories, with apt questions helping us think and implement the success mantra in our scenario. In particular, I was amazed by Titan edge, Bosch India R&D, Dainik Bhaskar, Surat transformation, Su-kam, Aravind eye hospital and Trichy Police. The success traits of successful innovators are cleverly portrayed in all the stories.
July 4, 2012
Truly inspirational! And unbelievable that it happened right here in India. Fascinating to know how some Indians pulled it off to take their organizations to the pinnacle, amidst great obstacles. The story of Dainik Jagran, ITC and Bosch were jaw dropping.
Must read for everyone who is a student, practitioner of management and/or business.
Must read for everyone who is a student, practitioner of management and/or business.
April 3, 2016
A very nice book about Indian success story and the efforts required for such success stories. The problem is that we never focus on the efforts people put on for getting such success. Those are real learning and even their initial failures which many people overcome and finally it results in success.
January 6, 2014
The concept is lovely. The author tried to bring forward 11 stories of desi innovation in India and what stories they are indeed. However the immense focus on preaching at times than pure explanation is a cause for slight mismatch in tempo.
Overall a great read.
Overall a great read.
December 28, 2009
An amazing inspirational book that showcases Indians and Indian companies to create breakthrough innovation in business and socially.
July 11, 2010
A good read to find out some real innovation happening in India in all spheres of life. You must read it...
August 2, 2011
fantastic.....make feel proud to be Indian .
October 30, 2011
Great read! The initial stories were great but last few ones I felt were repetitive. Considering the take-aways, its still is worth spending the time reading the book atleast once!
April 17, 2012
Amazing information on Indian innovations
May 12, 2012
a must read
November 10, 2012
Nice top view analysis of indian innovation. Danik Bhaskar, titan edge, bosch pf-45, itc-ibd etc.
May 13, 2013
It is one of the awesome books by porus munshi about the path breaking Indian businesses. All the chapters in this books can be kept as a case study in business schools.
February 12, 2016
average..nothing great..talks about 10-11 innovations that indian has taken lead on..writing style is mediocre
December 17, 2013
Inspiring tales of innovation from different segments of Indian society that will make us stand and salute the ordinary people behind it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews