Mr. R&D: A Journey of Curiosity, Innovation and the Spirit of “Why Not?”
Some journeys are measured in milestones. Others are measured by the ideas they leave behind. On 26 August 2026, Pune witnessed the unveiling of Arun Firodia – Mr. R&D: The Way Ahead, a book that captures the remarkable journey of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship of Padma Shri Dr Arun Firodia, Chairman of Kinetic Group.
Written by Tara Doddihal, the book was released by eminent nuclear scientist and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and former Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Dr Anil Kakodkar. The occasion was presided over by renowned scientist and innovation expert Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and former Director of the National Chemical Laboratory. The event was held at MCCIA Trade Tower A on Senapati Bapat Road, Pune.
More Than a Book, A Philosophy
At its heart, Mr. R&D: The Way Ahead is a story about the power of curiosity. Through stories and experiences, the book traces Dr Firodia’s ideas and innovation journey across mobility, sustainability, rural development and entrepreneurship. It explores how asking questions, experimenting with possibilities and approaching challenges with a simple yet powerful “Why not?” mindset can lead to meaningful innovation.
For Dr Firodia, innovation has never been limited to technology alone. It has been about identifying possibilities within constraints and creating solutions that can make a difference to everyday lives. That philosophy is reflected in one of his most enduring contributions to Indian mobility.
Making Mobility Accessible
An alumnus of IIT Bombay and MIT, USA, Dr Arun Firodia is widely recognised for helping bring affordable mobility to millions of Indians. His pioneering role in the development of Luna stands as an important chapter in India’s indigenous mobility story, while his contribution to technological innovation has helped shape the Indian two-wheeler industry. But the story of innovation does not end with a product. It lives on in the mindset that creates it.
The ability to look at a limitation and see an opportunity. To question what exists. To experiment with what could exist. And most importantly, to ask: Why not?
The Way Ahead
The book carries this philosophy forward for a new generation. Its purpose extends beyond documenting one individual’s achievements. It seeks to inspire young innovators, students, entrepreneurs and future leaders to discover opportunities within constraints and to connect technology and entrepreneurship with a larger social purpose.
In that sense, Mr. R&D: The Way Ahead is not simply a look back at a remarkable career. It is an invitation to look forward, to question convention, embrace experimentation and build with purpose. Because every innovation begins with a question.
And sometimes, the most powerful question is the simplest one: Why not?