Aerospace Engineer and Entrepreneur @OkuloAerospace. Views and tweets are personal.
Joined February 2022
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Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
In 2002, an IIT Kanpur civil engineer working as an IES officer wrote to Prime Minister Vajpayee, exposing corruption in the $10 billion Golden Quadrilateral Corridor - India's biggest highway project.
Designed to construct 14,000 km of 4-lane expressways connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, it stands as the modern bedrock of Indian infrastructure.
He left his letter to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) unsigned. Knowing the deadly stakes, Dubey attached his credentials on a separate sheet with an explicit instruction:
"Before moving the file, please remove the attachment containing my particulars to ensure secrecy."
But the PMO did not redact that information. It forwarded his complaint down the ministry chain with his identity attached. His name reached the very people he had exposed.
One year later, on his 31st birthday, Satyendra Dubey was shot dead outside Gaya railway station by the mafia.
They called it armed robbery. His family never believed it. The men who ran the murder racket were never touched, even after a CBI probe.
His death led to the Whistleblowers Protection Act in 2014. It was never brought into force, and it still doesn't protect a whistleblower's identity to this day.
His father, a poor sugar mill clerk with 7 kids, spent his entire life’s savings to raise an honest son who went to
@IITKanpur and then joined the IES to serve the nation.
On November 27, 2003, instead of celebrating Satyendra’s 31st birthday, that old man received his son’s bullet-riddled body in a wooden box, forced to weep over the casket of a hero he spent a lifetime raising for a country that wasn't brave enough to keep him alive.
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
20 km above sea level is one of the most underutilized layers of Earth’s atmosphere. Above the weather, above commercial flight paths but 25x closer to Earth than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and thousands of kilometres closer than Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, this is where High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) operate.
Traditional observation forces a choice between data quality and persistence: LEO satellites (~500 km) offer good spatial resolution but pass overhead in minutes due to high speed orbital motion; whereas GEO satellites (35,000+ km) stay parked over one region but their extreme distance sacrifices spatial resolution and introduces high latency.
Operating from the stratosphere solves both of these problems:
Sitting just 20 km up unlocks spatial resolution as fine as ~7 cm GSD (ground sampling data), a level of detail that Low Earth Orbit satellites at 500+ km simply cannot reach (~25 cm GSD at best).
Unlike LEO satellites that disappear over the horizon in minutes, a solar-powered HAPS UAV stays locked over a targeted region, delivering continuous, real-time data without compromising the spatial resolution at an ultra low latency.
It’s not about replacing space or aviation. It’s about occupying the layer between them to deliver precision that neither can match on its own.
As stratospheric UAVs and high-altitude sensor technologies evolve side by side, we are open to early-stage collaboration and exploring partnership opportunities with teams developing payloads across large UAV and small satellite categories.
To know more, reach out to us at: [email protected].
#HAPS #StratosphericUAV #HighAltitudeTech #EarthObservation #SpatialResolution #DataQuality #AerialSurveillance #InnovativeTech #UAVPartnerships #PrecisionData
@Parithi_Aero @OkuloAerospace @JavaCapital @IdeaspringCap @vcatsindia @prathvshetty @vakyamp
🤖 Made with AI
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
We recently demonstrated SUVI to the @IndiaCoastGuard Southern Coast Guard and Coastal Police, validating how persistent aerial monitoring performs in real-world maritime environments.
India’s coastline spans over 11,098 km, making constant maritime surveillance a massive challenge. SUVI supports coastal units by extending visual coverage and providing continuous aerial tracking over wide maritime zones. During the live demonstration, real-time video feeds provided ground teams with immediate visibility over distant waters.
The UAV used for this demonstration was SUVI, India’s first DGCA Type Certified sub-10 kg solar-electric platform. Designed as a compact, hand-launchable system requiring zero runway infrastructure. It offers key operational advantages in the field.
Powered by integrated solar-electric technology, SUVI delivers up to 7 hours of continuous flight endurance and an operational range of 50 km. Allowing the ground teams to cover expansive coasts, eliminating the disruption of constant landings and battery swaps. The platform features a fully interchangeable payload system. Operators can rapidly swap cameras and specialized sensors in the field depending on the mission profile.
Beyond routine coastal watch, teams can track illegal fishing, smuggling, and unauthorized crossings across high-risk boundaries, day or night, without putting personnel in harm’s way.
The same platform adapts just as seamlessly to urgent emergency responses. It can rapidly scan vast search grids across open ocean for search-and-rescue (SAR) missions, while also monitoring offshore infrastructure and environmental threats like water pollution.
SUVI stands ready to empower coastal defense and security units across diverse operational challenges. For a detailed breakdown of SUVI’s specifications and system architecture, access our product brochure here: drive.google.com/file/d/1lRb…
#MaritimeSurveillance #CoastalSecurity #AerialMonitoring #UAV #SolarElectric #SearchAndRescue #BorderSecurity #EnvironmentalMonitoring #IllegalFishing #OperationalReadiness
@OkuloAerospace @Parithi_Aero @JavaCapital @IdeaspringCap @vcatsindia @IndiaCoastGuard @DGCAIndia
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
The recent flash floods in Jammu & Kashmir are a stark reminder of a recurring tragedy: when severe disasters strike, ground infrastructure is the first thing to fail. Power goes out, cell towers get knocked offline and entire communities vanish into communication blackout within minutes.
For first responders trying to navigate destroyed terrain and locate missing people, those initial hours are a desperate race against time.
This is precisely where High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) can rewrite the outcome of a disaster response.
Operating high up in the stratosphere, far above storm clouds and completely independent of ground power, solar-powered HAPS can be quickly redirected over a crisis zone. In Jammu & Kashmir, where almost 44 cloudbursts have claimed around 35 lives, having this technology operational would have fundamentally changed the on-the-ground reality:
Instant Connectivity Restoration: Flying as a continuous floating cell tower, HAPS gives trapped families in isolated pockets the ability to send emergency SOS messages, while keeping rescue teams connected without relying on damaged ground networks.
Persistent Airborne Monitoring: Bad weather and cloud cover often blind conventional satellites. Because HAPS operates in the stratosphere, it is vastly closer to Earth than satellites and hence, delivers dramatically higher image resolution. Equipped with non-optical payloads that pierce directly through heavy clouds and darkness. HAPS provides continuous, day and night intelligence helping commanders spot survivors, track shifting terrain and guide rescue teams in real time.
When lives are on the line, every minute counts. By filling the gap between ground networks and space, HAPS gives emergency teams the clear, uninterrupted line of sight they need to save lives.
And disaster relief is just one of many vital applications transforming the future of stratospheric aviation.
Dive into how HAPS technology is transforming global connectivity, emergency response and environmental monitoring on the World Economic Forum’s strategic intelligence platform: intelligence.weforum.org/top…
#HAPS #DisasterResponse #JammuKashmir #EmergencyTech #Connectivity #StratosphericAviation #FloodRelief #RescueOperations #Innovation #GlobalMonitoring
Perhaps time the Indian Government considers offloading certain design and development work to the private sector for atmospheric aerial vehicles as well.
Isro will not make any launch vehicle, all tech to be handed to private sector says In Space Chief
indiatoday.in/science/story/…
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
We recently wrapped up a great experience at @larsentoubro 's Drone Manthan, where @OkuloAerospace was proud to be featured as one of only 21 selected startups.
Connecting with teams across various L&T subsidiaries gave us space to have meaningful discussions around real-world UAV applications, helping both sides uncover fresh ways this technology can be advanced.
Opportunities like these are a great reminder of how much potential lies in collaborative growth and we are excited to keep building on the connections made during the event.
Also, huge congratulations to the L&T team on unveiling their impressive new UAV, Vedh Mk1.
#DroneManthan #OkuloAerospace #LarsenToubro #UAVApplications #CollaborativeGrowth #VedhMk1 #AerospaceInnovation #StartupShowcase #TechNetworking #FutureOfDrones
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
the kids are doing alright!
They were told, “Don’t waste your time cleaning rivers.”
But Anjali and Ruchi chose to show up anyway.
What started with just 5 students cleaning polluted ponds in Jharkhand has now become a 300+ volunteer movement restoring 23 water bodies across 4 districts.
From plastic-filled ponds to people-powered change, Vasudha Kalyan is proving that real impact begins when ordinary people refuse to look away. 🌍💙
#EnvironmentalAwareness #RiverCleanup #YouthForChange #CommunityImpact #SustainableFuture
[Environmental Conservation, Water Body Restoration, Community Clean-Up Drive, Youth-Led Initiative, Sustainable Development]
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
We often ignore who their parents are and what might have been the reason for VCs racing to fund them:
1. Zepto/ Aadit Palicha’s father : Kavit Palicha is the Chief Investment Officer for the Jafar Family Office in UAE.
2. Pronto/ Anjali Sardana’s father : Raj Sardana is a billionaire and founder of a tech Co in the US.
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
This is not an ordinary factory. Set amid the forests of the Nilgiris, the briquetting unit at Masinagudi in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is quietly turning a global ecological problem into a local climate solution. Lantana camara, one of the world’s most aggressive invasive weeds, choking forests across India and Tamil Nadu is being systematically removed and transformed into clean, eco-friendly fuel briquettes. Under a sustained restoration effort, nearly 125 hectares of Lantana are cleared every month, restoring wildlife habitats. What makes this initiative truly special is its complete circularity. Lantana is removed from deep forest areas with the active participation of local Tribal communities, transported to the briquetting unit, and processed again by Tribal workers into binder-free fuel briquettes using only pressure and heat. These briquettes are then supplied to nearby tea factories, replacing wood burning with forest waste turned resource. This single unit bridges conservation, livelihoods, clean energy, and industry showing how the Tamil Nadu Forest Department is converting invasive biomass into ecological restoration, dignified employment, and a working model of circular economy in action #TNForest #ecosystemrestoration #invasives @tnforestdept @IUCN @UNEP @WWFINDIA video @supriyasahuias
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
A new product, a new customer, a new financing!
Introducing Superpower: a 42MW natural gas turbine optimized for AI datacenters, built on our supersonic technology. Superpower launches with a 1.21GW order from @CrusoeAI Backstory 🧵👇
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
I've had my whole saga with the US visa system: 3 H1b lottery misses, cross-border long distance relationship through it all, finally getting L1 visa approval, and then deciding to come back home in '19, giving up the L1 I wanted so badly...
I still can't fully articulate why I gave up the L1 to come home🇮🇳 6 years back, but I can now say it was the best decision I've made so far. Why?
1⃣ Learning from a rapidly evolving startup & VC ecosystem (both its mistakes & wins)
2⃣ Close to parents in the moments that matter: celebrations, health scares, pandemics
3⃣ Much deeper community, no feeling of being an 'outsider'
4⃣ Can quit my job and take bigger career risks without wondering how that affects my visa status
If you're looking at the new H1b announcement (or the climate in general) and wondering 'should I move back' - this is your sign to say HELL YES :)
Over the last 6 years, I've built a network of founders, operators, investors in India (largely consumer tech & consumer brands). If you're moving back to India and considering working in these spaces, DM me your LinkedIn / background + what you're looking to work on, and I'm happy to share it with folks in my network to help make your move easier!🇮🇳
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
youtube.com/watch?app=deskto…
Schoolchildren suffer from poor road conditions in the Varthur Gunjur area. Thank you @News9Tweets for covering this.
#varthur @BBMPofficial @BBMPCOMM @MALimbavali @ArvindLBJP @WFRising @RisingVarthur
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
AAI clearances delay UAV testing at Challakere ATR despite surge in desi programmes
By Anantha Krishnan Muralidharan Nair
Tarmak Media House #TMH
instagram.com/writetake/
xitter.cf/writetake
FORT KOCHI (KERALA), 19 MAY 2025: India’s push for indigenous unmanned aerial systems is encountering turbulence at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) near Chitradurga, Karnataka, with multiple UAV developers raising concerns over persistent delays caused by mandatory clearances from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
A subscale High-Altitude Platform (HAP) UAV, developed by CSIR-NAL, recently achieved back-to-back test flights at 24,000 ft AMSL, demonstrating notable robustness and reliability. The test missions were conducted from the DRDO-run ATR, which falls under the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE).
The ATR has emerged as a critical testbed for India’s UAV ecosystem, involving both government agencies and private industry. NAL’s HAP -- now in its fourth year -- has attracted particular attention from the Indian Air Force #IAF. Touted as a loitering munition with stealth capabilities, the platform aims to scale 40,000 ft shortly, with an eventual goal of 70,000 ft. Its applications span both military and civilian domains, with swarming capability being a key focus for the IAF.
Yet, despite this momentum, UAV developers report consistent setbacks due to AAI’s clearance protocols. Every trial requires prior approval from AAI -- a process they describe as time-consuming and operationally disruptive.
“ATR lies beneath a busy civil aviation corridor -- the Bengaluru–Chennai–Bengaluru sector. Alongside DRDO and NAL, ISRO also uses the range for testing its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV),” said an official familiar with the matter.
ATR’s current 2-km-plus runway is undergoing planned expansion, and several support facilities -- including a wind tunnel for UAV testing -- are expected to become functional within the next two years. However, developers are calling for urgent reform in test protocols, especially after the boost in indigenous UAV activity following Operation Sindoor.
“ATR should be designated as a permanent exclusion zone for civil air traffic. Its surrounding airspace must be reserved solely for defence testing. The current SOPs involving repeated NOTAMs are delaying critical trials. AAI should have no jurisdiction over strategic military ranges,” the official asserted.
Repeated attempts to contact Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on his mobile phone were unsuccessful. A text message sent to one of his Personal Assistants following a brief exchange also went unanswered. AAI Executive Director (CNS & Planning) Suneel Dutt responded to a call but clarified that he is not the concerned authority on the issue.
It remains to be seen whether this pressing matter will receive due attention during the high-profile drone warfare strategy session currently underway in New Delhi.
©TarmakMediaHouse (TMH)
#ATR #Challakere #ISRO #DRDO #NAL #UAV #HAPS #CSIR #Military #Drones #AAI #AirportAuthorityofIndia #TarmakMediaHouse #TMH #IndiaFirst
@tarmakmedia @billionbeatz @Onmanorama @madhavgk @AAI_Official @drdo @isro @CSIR_IND @CSIRNALOFFICIAL @RamMNK @PMOIndia
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
The new President of Romania has 2 perfect score Gold medals on the International Math Olympiad (IMO), a feat only 25 people have ever achieved in history!
First the pope, and now this. First they learn about higher dimensional spaces and then they excel in all of them.
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
I write this as an optimist. Over the last 20+ years since the Indian economy opened up, we’ve been closing the gap between us and the western nations. That gap is widening once again, thanks to AI. We are at a point in the global innovation cycle that it is clear to me what has brought India so far won’t take us much further. We need to rethink our approach to entrepreneurship and investing if we are to compete. Below is a short diagnosis, and a strawman proposal ⬇️
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
As current drone #technology struggles with limited flight times and costly operations, more #efficient, long-endurance solutions are urgently needed.
@OkuloAerospace , a winner at the #Emerge50Awards2024, is addressing this gap with its solar-electric hybrid drones. Offering up to 8 hours of flight time, these drones reduce #data acquisition costs by up to 30x.
Learn more about Okulo Aerospace here: nasscom.in/emerge50/winner.h…
@NasscomR @nasscomstartups @achyutaghosh @AmitaDokhale @mayankkumar_17 @MKritika_
@Parithi_Aero @ShaliniDewan
Parithi Govindaraju retweeted
They were shy when I requested them for their autographs, which I am proudly holding.
But they are the true real-life heroes Manoj Kumar Sharma, IPS and his wife Shraddha Joshi, IRS. The extraordinary couple on whose lives the movie #12thFail is based.
Over lunch today, I learned that the film’s narrative is true to their real stories. And they continue practising their philosophy of living a life of scrupulous integrity.
If India is to become a global power, it will happen more rapidly if more people adopt their way of life.
So they are the real celebrities of this country. And their autographs are heirlooms.
I am a wealthier man today, for having met them.
