At the India Global Forum (IGF) 2025 held in London, a touching and insightful moment unfolded when Google CEO Sundar Pichai reunited with his IIT batchmate, Gauranga Das, now a prominent ISKCON monk. The encounter, marked by a blend of nostalgia and humor, offered a profound reflection on life choices, stress, and the pursuit of happiness, resonating deeply with attendees and sparking widespread conversation online.
Gauranga Das, born ASK Anand, graduated from IIT Bombay with a BTech in Metallurgical Engineering, while Pichai pursued his engineering degree at IIT Kharagpur around the same time. Though they were part of the same academic cohort, the two never crossed paths during their college days. Their lives took starkly different trajectories: Pichai rose to become the CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google, steering one of the world’s most influential tech giants, while Das left a promising corporate career to embrace a spiritual life as a monk and leader within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
(Image Courtesy: Economictimes.indiatimes.com)
During a panel discussion at IGF 2025, Das shared a lighthearted anecdote about their reunion. He recounted how Pichai, now 53, remarked on his youthful appearance, saying, “You look younger than me!” Das, with a warm smile, responded, “You deal with Google, I deal with God.” The witty reply drew laughter from the audience but carried a deeper message about the contrasting lifestyles they lead. Das attributed his calm demeanor and youthful look to his spiritual practices, which he said provide relief from stress, while Pichai navigates the high-pressure world of technology and innovation.
The exchange wasn’t just a moment of levity; it underscored a critical issue Das raised during his talk—digital addiction and its impact on mental health. As an author of books like The Art of Resilience and The Art of Focus, Das emphasized how the tech-driven world, while transformative, often breeds stress and disconnection. He contrasted this with the peace he finds in his spiritually rooted lifestyle, advocating for balance in an era dominated by screens and algorithms.
“Sundar’s world at Google creates incredible opportunities but also immense stress,” Das noted. “My path, focused on service and spirituality, offers a different kind of fulfillment—one that releases stress rather than generating it.” His words struck a chord, especially as mental health concerns tied to social media and technology overuse continue to grow globally.
Pichai, known for his thoughtful leadership, reportedly nodded in agreement, acknowledging the unique pressures of his role. While he didn’t speak extensively on the exchange, sources close to the event described him as visibly moved by the reunion and Das’s perspective. The moment highlighted the human side of a tech titan, reminding attendees that even global leaders reflect on life’s deeper questions.
The story quickly gained traction on social media, with posts on X capturing the sentiment of the moment. One user wrote, “This is the kind of story that makes you pause and think—what’s the cost of success, and what’s the value of peace?” Another commented, “Sundar Pichai and Gauranga Das—two IITians, two paths, one powerful message.” The viral nature of the anecdote reflects a growing public interest in balancing technology with well-being.
Gauranga Das’s journey is as inspiring as his words. After graduating from IIT Bombay, he briefly worked in the corporate world before dedicating himself to spiritual and social work. As a senior ISKCON leader, he has spearheaded initiatives in environmental sustainability and education, earning recognition for his holistic approach to leadership. His books and talks continue to inspire thousands to seek resilience and focus in a fast-paced world.
Meanwhile, Pichai’s career trajectory has made him a global icon. Joining Google in 2004, he played a pivotal role in developing products like Google Chrome, ChromeOS, and Google Drive before becoming CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, Google has expanded its reach in AI, cloud computing, and beyond, though not without challenges, including navigating regulatory pressures and the complexities of a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The reunion at IGF 2025 was more than a nostalgic moment—it was a powerful reminder of the diverse paths to fulfillment. As Das and Pichai stood side by side, their shared history and divergent choices painted a picture of life’s possibilities. For those in attendance and the millions following the story online, it was a call to reflect on what truly matters in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
Sources: The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol, India.com, DNA India, News18, The Financial Express, Republic World, Business Today, Posts on X
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