M. John Thankachan | Power Electronics & Technologies, operating under the brand name Torvin
Website: www.torvin.com
Music isn’t just something we listen to; it’s something we feel. Remember the goosebumps you had the first time you heard your favorite song on a great sound system? That’s the power of high-fidelity audio, a world where music goes beyond sound and becomes an immersive experience. Creating a high-end audio system is an art form. It’s about balancing technology and artistry to create a listening experience as close to the original performance.
A true high-fidelity system reproduces every nuance, from the subtlest breath of a singer to the resonance of a plucked string. Whether you’re upgrading speakers, refining your setup, or exploring lossless formats, HiFi brings you closer to the music, just as it was meant to be heard.
M. John Thankachan, the visionary founder of Power Electronics & Technologies, operating under the brand name Torvin, is a luminary in the Indian audio industry. Known as the “Father of the Indian Audio Industry,” his journey stands witness to his dedication and profound love for music. With over 44 years of expertise, he has combined his skills as an amplifier and speaker designer with his mastery in high-end audio servicing. Driven by patriotism to elevate India’s presence on the global audio stage, he gave up numerous lucrative opportunities abroad, to contribute to the Indian audio industry. His handcrafted audio systems are embossed with the “It is Indian” logo as a national pride.
Power Electronics & Technologies, under the Torvin brand, specializes in designing and manufacturing high-fidelity speakers, high-end amplifiers, immersive home theater systems, and custom audio equipment. The company also gives expert servicing for international audio systems and provides bespoke technical audio consultation. M John Thankachan’s commitment to innovation and quality has led to the development of over 500 unique audio products, including India’s first home theater system in 1996.
In the spotlight is founder M. John Thankachan in an interview in our prestigious “The 10 Most Dynamic Leaders Redefining Their Industries In 2025” edition. Learn from his insights and valuable lessons as an entrepreneur to excel and make it the best company. Stay tuned to know his tale of success.
Prime Insights: Kindly tell us about your company and its services.
With over 44 years of expertise, my company, Power Electronics & Technologies, has been at the forefront of the audio industry in India with its brand, Torvin. We specialize in designing and manufacturing high-fidelity speakers, high-end amplifiers, immersive home theaters, power conditioners, a wide range of audio-related products, and custom audio equipment. Our passion lies in providing exceptional sound quality with great value for money, with unwavering customer support. In addition to our innovative products, we have extensive experience in servicing high-end international audio systems, so that their originality is always preserved. Furthermore, we offer bespoke technical audio consultation for any audio engineering needs.
Prime Insights: Brief us on the inception story of your company and what inspired you to start it.
In the 1980s, people were buying high-end audio systems from foreign countries, but getting them serviced in India was a challenge. Spare parts were scarce, and manufacturers provided little to no technical support. As this situation arose, it sparked the idea of starting my service center, one that could provide authentic and reliable servicing for audio systems.
Driven by a vision to meet the growing demand for high-end audio servicing and armed with seasoned skillsets spanning from vacuum tube technology to the latest digital advancements, we demonstrated our capabilities and commitment to excellence. Eventually, our dedication and technical prowess established us as the leading audio systems service center in India and later Asia at that time, continually expanding our client base.
As a music lover and a patriot at heart, I always believed that India had the potential to design and manufacture world-class audio systems. Yet, I saw a big preference for foreign-brand audio systems, which made me think—why couldn’t we create high-quality audio products right here in India? The answer was clear; we absolutely could. Not only that, but we could also make them more affordable, solving the challenges of both serviceability and cost that came with expensive imported brands.
Determined to change this landscape, I founded my company, Power Electronics and Technologies, and its brand, Torvin, dedicated to delivering high-end audio systems that meet international standards in quality and performance, all at a convincing price. My lifelong passion for music and audio technology helped me deeply understand sound design and that passion continues to be my drive to create products that provide an exceptional listening experience.
Prime Insights: As a leader, how do you balance your personal and professional life?
I greatly respect and value relationships while strongly believing in hard work. Due to the nature of my work, I often spend long hours—sometimes up to 18 hours a day. The unwavering support of my wife, kids, and friends has been instrumental in my success, and I am deeply grateful to them.
Prime Insights: What challenges did you face on your journey to success, and how did you overcome them?
The journey wasn’t easy. India faced limitations in technological advancements, high-quality components were hard to find, and getting government support was no simple task. Small-scale Indian manufacturers often went unrecognized, making it even tougher to build a brand that could compete with global giants.
But despite these challenges, I was determined to prove that India could produce world-class audio systems. Over the past four decades, we have made a huge impact on the Indian audio industry, making sure our products meet international standards in design, build quality, performance, aesthetics, and finish. India has always been a land of excellence—from the Vedas and music to mathematics, civilization, agriculture, arts, medicine, and intellectual power. My vision was to bring that same caliber into modern audio electronics, showing India’s presence in the global market. More than anything, I wanted to contribute to the progress of our nation, and I am proud to say that I have successfully done so. Every day, I think and work towards uplifting the image of the Indian audio industry to an international level.
Till this day, the products I have developed and introduced to the audio industry are the only Indian audio products that show our country’s strength and innovation.
Prime Insights: What kind of clients do you serve, and are there any notable collaborations or partnerships you would like to highlight?
At Torvin, we primarily serve music lovers and audio enthusiasts who have a true appreciation for sound and craftsmanship. Our focus is on those who recognize genuine quality rather than those who simply chase brand names.
Beyond high-fidelity audio, we provide technical audio consultation and solutions for studios, auditoriums, corporate spaces, industries, institutes, and other businesses. We help clients looking for immersive home theater experiences, ensuring top-tier sound that transforms their space.
Currently, we are also the sole distributor and service provider for Pathos in India, an Italian brand renowned for its high-end, handcrafted audio equipment that blends innovative technology with pure analog warmth.
Prime Insights: How do you keep pace with evolving market trends and industry disruptions?
To be honest, I’m not trying to keep pace—I operate in my own league. My focus is purely on innovating for myself and my community rather than following industry trends. The spirit is always to create customized experiences that are unique and built to last, making sure every creation stands apart with its character and purpose.
Prime Insights: Do you believe research and development (R&D) plays a crucial role in a company’s growth? If so, how do you incorporate it into your business strategy?
Research and development are the backbone of a company’s growth. It is the only way to innovate, develop, and curate new products truly. I do not follow a rigid business strategy—I adapt and overcome challenges as they arise.
Prime Insights: How do you ensure employee satisfaction and maintain a positive workplace culture?
I look after them as my own family. We practice equality in the workplace, operate on mutual understanding, and treat each other as equals. Whether work-related or personal, I am always there to guide and encourage them.
Prime Insights: Who are your role models, and what key lessons have you learned from them?
My role models are Shri APJ Abdul Kalam and Shri Ratan Tata. I look up to them because of their relentless effort, hard work, and dedication that went into fulfilling their vision, as well as their deep patriotism for our country. My greatest inspiration from childhood is my father, M. John, an agriculturist who constantly embraced unique and innovative techniques to improve crop yield and drive progress in agriculture. His efforts have had a lasting impact, improving the lives of many and contributing to the overall progress of the community.
Prime Insights: How important is it for business leaders to participate in entrepreneurial initiatives, and what impact does it have on the industry?
Business leaders play a vital role in entrepreneurial initiatives because true progress depends on those who recognize the importance of innovation and are willing to invest in the future. When leaders support genuine talent and forward-thinking ideas, not just for immediate profits but for long-term impact. They create the foundation for lasting change.
It’s not just about launching new projects; it’s about making an ecosystem where quality, creativity, and sustainability thrive. Leaders who look beyond short-term gains and instead focus on uplifting entire communities and industries get meaningful advancements. When the right people invest in real progress, they don’t just build successful businesses; they build a brighter, more advanced world.
Prime Insights: What message would you like to share with aspiring business leaders who hesitate to chase their dreams due to societal stereotypes?
Following your passion is the most important thing. If you are truly passionate, success will follow. In India, societal stereotypes can be incredibly pressurizing, but I urge all my fellow Indians to support and recognize creativity. Our nation is filled with immense talent, and if we uplift and encourage our creative minds, regardless of their background, we will become the most advanced nation in the world.
To aspiring entrepreneurs—chase your dreams with relentless passion. Money is just a by-product of your purpose. If you focus on innovation, quality, and serving your community, success will follow. And to consumers—support Indian brands that are built with heart, expertise, and a vision for the future. When we uplift each other, we elevate our nation.
The future is in our hands, and the sky is the limit. Let’s make India proud.
Prime Insights: What are your plans for the company?
We plan to innovate next-generation analog audio products. We are also looking for investors who align with our vision and are committed to bringing groundbreaking technology to people.
Prime Insights: Could you highlight some of the significant milestones and achievements your company has achieved?
For over four decades, our company has been pushing the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship. We started by building the country’s largest high-end audio service center in the 1980s, getting expertise in everything from vintage vacuum tubes to cutting-edge digital systems. Seeing the dominance of foreign brands in the market, we founded ‘Torvin’ with a vision to create world-class audio systems—designed, engineered, and manufactured in India—offering exceptional sound quality while ensuring affordability and ease of service.
In 1996, we introduced India’s first home theater system, a milestone that reshaped the domestic audio market. Over the years, we have developed more than 500 unique audio products, including amplifiers, speakers, and home theater solutions, each created to meet the highest standards. Our expertise has also been recognized by prestigious organizations like ISRO and ECIL, for whom we have designed specialized audio solutions.
We take huge pride in being a part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Our products are not only engineered for Indian climatic conditions and voltage standards but also carry the “It is Indian” emblem, symbolizing our commitment to national excellence. These achievements show our unwavering dedication to advancing India’s audio industry and proving that Indian-made products can stand on par with the world’s best.
Prime Insights: How is your company contributing to social responsibility and giving back to the community?
Beyond our core business, we support local enterprises by collaborating with small-scale industries, including sheet metal workshops, OEMs, and PCB manufacturers. This collaboration not only strengthens our supply chains but also builds economic growth and skill development within the community.
Our passion for audio technology serves as a service to music enthusiasts, providing them with exceptional sound experiences. We take pride in our handcrafted products, which are designed to reproduce diverse genres of music with consistency, aesthetic appeal, durability, and value for money. Our high-end products come with an industry-leading 10-year limited warranty, evidence of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Through these efforts, Torvin elevates India’s presence in the global audio industry as well as contributes positively to societal advancement and the well-being of our local communities.
Prime Insights: Lastly, is there any message you would like to share with the readers of Prime Insights?
Absolutely. If there’s one thing I’d like to share, it’s this—real innovation isn’t about following trends or chasing recognition. It’s about pushing boundaries, creating something truly meaningful, and leaving behind work that stands the test of time. At Torvin, we don’t just build products; we create experiences that are unique, lasting, and personal.
I believe the future belongs to those who value true craftsmanship and who understand the power of sound beyond just specs and numbers. Whether it’s high-fidelity audio, immersive home theaters, or professional sound solutions, we aim to serve those who appreciate genuine quality and are willing to invest in something real.
More than anything, I motivate business leaders and innovators to support meaningful progress—not just for profit, but to elevate entire industries and communities. When we prioritize long-term vision over short-term gains, we move toward a future where creativity, quality, and sustainability thrive. That’s the world I want to build, and I invite those who share this mindset to join the journey.