From $2 an Hour to Fashion Tech Pioneer | Ram Sareen’s Inspiring Journey – Indianness Podcast

From $2 an Hour to Fashion Tech Pioneer | Ram Sareen’s Inspiring Journey – Indianness Podcast

Author: Sanjay Puri January 2, 2026 Duration: 33:23

In this deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Ram Sareen, CEO and Founder of TUKA Group (TUKATECH)—a pioneering force in global fashion technology and the man behind one of the world’s most influential CAD-CAM apparel software companies.


Born in India and raised in a family of garment manufacturers, Ram’s journey is anything but conventional. After immigrating to the United States, he washed dishes for $2 an hour, was expelled from seven schools, survived a cardiac arrest at 45, and went on to build the last standing American fashion CAD-CAM technology company.


This is not just a business story—it’s a raw, honest conversation about resilience, reinvention, values, leadership, and purpose. Ram opens up about failure, humility, respect, and his belief that true success lies in learning, earning, and returning.


In this episode, we explore:

~ How being labelled “too disruptive” became Ram’s greatest strength

~ Surviving a near-death experience and redefining leadership

~ Why respect and equality are non-negotiable values in business

~ The role of education in shaping global Indian success

~ What it truly means to disrupt an industry with purpose


This conversation is a masterclass in life, leadership, and legacy—especially for entrepreneurs, immigrants, creatives, and anyone building something meaningful against the odds.


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💬 Tell us your biggest takeaway in the comments.


Resources Mentioned:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tukatech/


Hosted by Sanjay Puri, The Indianness Podcast creates a space for nuanced conversation with Indian and Indian-American leaders who are shaping industries. This isn't about generic success stories; it's a deep exploration of the specific journeys, cultural insights, and strategic decisions that define high achievement across business, entrepreneurship, and professional careers. Each episode features candid discussions with founders, executives, and innovators from diverse sectors like healthcare, education, and public service. You'll hear firsthand about the challenges of scaling a venture, the realities of navigating corporate leadership, and the personal philosophies that guide these individuals. The focus is on practical wisdom and authentic reflection, offering listeners more than inspiration-it provides a real-world look at the resilience and adaptability required to excel. By sharing these varied narratives, the podcast aims to illuminate the many paths to impact and leadership. Tune in for a series of thoughtful dialogues that connect cultural heritage with global ambition, all through the unfiltered voices of those who are building, creating, and leading today.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 62

The Indianness Podcast | Insights from Indian Business Leaders, Indian Founders & High-Performing Indian Americans
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