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Arun Firodia-Mr R&D: The Way Ahead book on innovation and entrepreneurship

M​​r. R&D: A Journey of Curiosity, Innovation and the Spirit of “Why Not?”

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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?

Kinetic DX EV Legacy celebrating the vision of Dr. Arun Firodia and Ajinkya Firodia, connecting heritage with the future of electric mobility.

Kinetic DX EV: A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Promise

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A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Promise

Father’s Day is often about celebrating the men who shape our lives not only through their words, but through their actions, values, and vision. It is about honoring the legacy they build and the dreams they pass on. At Kinetic, this year’s Father’s Day carries a special meaning because our story is one of a father, a son, and a shared passion that continues to inspire generations.

More than four decades ago, Padma Shri Dr. Arun Firodia introduced something that would become iconic in Indian mobility, the Kinetic DX. At a time when personal transportation was evolving, he dared to think differently. The Kinetic DX was not just a scooter; it represented freedom, convenience, and progress for millions of Indians. It became a trusted companion for families, students, professionals, and dreamers alike. What made the Kinetic DX special wasn’t merely its engineering. It was the vision behind it. Dr. Firodia believed mobility could empower people, improve lives, and create opportunities. His commitment to innovation and his unwavering belief in Indian manufacturing transformed Kinetic into a household name and earned the trust of an entire generation.

For many fathers, success is not measured only by what they achieve but by what they leave behind. A legacy is not a monument; it is a set of values, a way of thinking, and the courage to keep moving forward. Today, that legacy continues through his son, Vice Chairman Ajinkya Firodia.

Growing up with a front-row seat to one of India’s most influential mobility journeys, Ajinkya inherited more than a business. He inherited a responsibility to honor the past while building the future. And perhaps there is no greater tribute to his father’s vision than the revival of an icon in a new era: The Kinetic DX EV.

The Kinetic DX EV is more than an electric scooter. It is a bridge between generations. It carries the spirit of the original DX while embracing the possibilities of tomorrow. It reflects the same commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer trust that defined the original. Yet it also speaks to a new generation that values sustainability, technology, and smarter mobility.

There is something profoundly moving about seeing a son carry forward a father’s dream—not by simply repeating history, but by reimagining it. The Kinetic DX EV is a reminder that true legacies evolve. They adapt to changing times while remaining rooted in the principles that created them. On this Father’s Day, we celebrate not only the bond between a father and son, but the enduring power of vision, mentorship, and belief. We celebrate a journey that began with Dr. Arun Firodia’s pioneering spirit and continues with Ajinkya Firodia’s determination to lead Kinetic into the future. Because the greatest gift a father can leave behind is not just a creation, it is the inspiration to keep creating, and sometimes, the most meaningful journeys are the ones that come full circle.