We often see IITians working in big tech companies or on their own startup. Still, Saurabh Bothra has done something revolutionary that one might not expect from an IITian. He is teaching Yoga through his online startup called HaBuild.
Early Life and Education
He came from the small city of Nagpur in Maharashtra. Saurabh Bothra’s academic journey led him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he pursued mechanical engineering.
During his time at IIT, he initiated the Satvic Mess on campus, which quickly became popular among students, and co-founded the “Let’s Read” club, fostering a culture of reading and knowledge sharing.
The Birth of Habuild
After graduating from IIT, Bothra initially joined his family business. However, his passion for yoga and wellness soon led him down a different path.
The turning point came on March 22, 2020, during the Janata Curfew in India. Bothra, along with his team, decided to offer free yoga classes on Zoom. What started with just three students quickly grew into a massive online community. This initiative, born out of the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, would soon evolve into Habuild.
What is HaBuild?
Habuild, short for “habit building,” is a technology-enabled platform that helps people build sustainable habits, particularly focusing on yoga and overall wellness. The platform’s core philosophy revolves around consistency and community support.
The wellness platform operates via a messaging automation tool integrated into WhatsApp with attendance tracking. Habuild delivers its programs online in English and Hindi, primarily through YouTube and Zoom. One of the habit-building concepts at Habuild is ‘No-Zero Days’, wherein users are encouraged to engage in some form of exercise to prevent ‘zero days’.
Saurabh says, “The rule is to activate each muscle set at least twice weekly.“
Growth Of HaBuild
Under Bothra’s leadership, Habuild has seen phenomenal growth, from 3 initial students to over 2 million members across 38 nations. There are now more than 80,000 subscribers and over 1 million yoga hours enabled through the platform. Also, a team that has grown from a handful to nearly 200 dedicated individuals.
Views on Selling Health
Saurabh Bothra believes that while selling health services is necessary, it must be done responsibly. He emphasizes that people tend to value what they pay for, which is why he strives to keep yoga affordable and accessible. Bothra has observed that many in the health and wellness industry focus solely on profit, neglecting their broader impact.
“It’s our individual responsibility as entrepreneurs/companies to understand the impact we have on lives – and take POSITIVE action!”
World Record Achievement
On January 12, 2024, Habuild, under Bothra’s guidance, set a Guinness World Record with 246,252 participants performing yoga simultaneously online. This feat was part of a 21-day yoga challenge, showcasing the platform’s global reach and impact.
Future Plans
Habuild aims to expand its offerings by introducing yoga programs for children and targeted initiatives for specific health conditions like diabetes, PCOD, and hypertension. The platform also plans to increase its reach in Tier II and III cities and rural areas, making yoga and wellness accessible to a broader audience.
His opinion and advice for young entrepreneurs out there:
“I truly believe that no matter who you are or where you are in your career, no strategy can give you sustainable growth more than consistency.“
