Captain Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Gopinath is a living example of vision, courage, and relentless pursuit of innovation. A former Indian Army officer turned aviation entrepreneur, Captain Gopinath is best known for democratising air travel in India through the launch of Air Deccan, India’s first low-cost airline. His revolutionary idea made flying affordable for the common man and reshaped the country’s aviation landscape.

Born in a small village in Karnataka, Gopinath’s early life was marked by humble beginnings and an unconventional education. Schooled in the Kannada medium and self-taught at home by his father, he overcame initial setbacks to join the prestigious Sainik School, Bijapur, and later the National Defence Academy, Pune, followed by the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He went on to serve as a commissioned officer in the Indian Army, fighting in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and rose to the rank of Captain.

After eight years in uniform, Gopinath chose early retirement at the age of 28 to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship. His journey began with sustainable sericulture farming, for which he was awarded the Rolex Laureate Award in 1996, recognizing his innovative and ecological approach. He then dabbled in small businesses, owning an Enfield dealership (Malnad Mobikes), and opening a hotel in Hassan, Karnataka.

In 1997, Gopinath co-founded Deccan Aviation, a helicopter charter service, which played a pivotal role in rescue operations and VIP transport across India and neighbouring countries. But his defining contribution came in 2003 with the launch of Air Deccan. Inspired by Southwest Airlines and Ryanair, he took a bold step that changed the way Indians traveled. Air Deccan made headlines not just for its prices, but for its mission to give wings to the dreams of India’s middle class.

Within a few years, Air Deccan connected over 60 cities across India and became a symbol of new India’s aspirations. Its merger with Kingfisher Airlines in 2007 marked a significant milestone in Indian aviation history. Although the merger brought financial rewards, Gopinath exited the venture in 2009, driven again by his entrepreneurial spirit.

He then launched Deccan 360, a cargo and logistics airline aimed at transforming freight transportation in India. Though the venture faced legal and financial setbacks, it highlighted Gopinath’s unwavering commitment to nation-building through innovation.

Captain Gopinath’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2006, he was conferred the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, the highest civilian distinction of France. His story has been chronicled in books, interviews, and even a film “Soorarai Pottru,” based on his life, was one of the most talked-about biopics in Indian cinema.

In addition to his corporate and military background, Gopinath has also been involved in public service. He contested the 2009 Lok Sabha elections as an independent and again in 2014 on the Aam Aadmi Party ticket. Though unsuccessful, his foray into politics was driven by a desire to bring systemic change and contribute to national policy.

Gopinath is also an accomplished author. His bestselling memoir, “Simply Fly: A Deccan Odyssey,” is not just an autobiography but a manual of courage and conviction for aspiring entrepreneurs. His writing and speeches consistently reflect themes of resilience, integrity, and fearless innovation.

As a speaker, Captain Gopinath brings unmatched authenticity. Whether addressing entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, or youth, his talks are rich with real-world lessons from battlefields, boardrooms, and rural India. He speaks from lived experience of facing adversity, making bold choices, and building from scratch.

His sessions are ideal for themes such as:

• Innovation in emerging markets

• Building a business against all odds

• Leadership under pressure

• India’s startup revolution

• Sustainable entrepreneurship

• The spirit of service and nation-building

With a rare combination of military discipline, entrepreneurial vision, and grassroots wisdom, Captain G.R. Gopinath continues to inspire audiences across sectors. For those looking to bring depth, inspiration, and actionable insights to their events, he remains one of India’s most compelling and credible voices.