Some meetings feel like a circle-of-life moment. At DLF Golf Club, my dear dost of over 30 years, Raman Uberoi, introduced me to Varun Aggarwal.
Raman has always embodied humility, wisdom, and grace through his long innings at CRISIL and beyond. Over the years, he has been a trusted friend, and this time he opened the door to a new bond that I already deeply value.
There was another beautiful thread of connection too—Prof. Tarun Khanna of Harvard Business School, whom I deeply admire. He was among the first investors in Varun’s company, Aspiring Minds, which makes this journey even more special.
Varun’s story is remarkable. A master’s graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he co-founded Aspiring Minds in the early 2000s and pioneered machine learning–based assessments for coding and motor skills, building one of India’s most respected data-driven startups. After a successful exit to SHL, he could have chosen an easier path, but instead dedicated himself to a larger purpose—strengthening India’s innovation and R&D ecosystem.
Whether through advocating for research investments, mentoring grassroots talent, organising data science camps, or writing thoughtful columns that shape policy debates, Varun is channeling his energy into nurturing the deep-tech and research culture our country needs.
He is also a co-founder of Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology – India (FAST-India), myNachiketa, and Change Engine—diverse initiatives that reflect his impressive commitment to giving back.
When I handed him my signed copy of Dil Se Dost, I felt both gratitude and respect. Here was someone who has scaled great heights, yet continues to carry humility and a mission larger than himself.
Leaders like Varun remind me that true success lies not just in creating companies, but in creating and enabling ecosystems where others can dream, innovate, and thrive.
Grateful to Raman for this connection, and looking forward to walking alongside Varun as we work towards a brighter, knowledge-driven future for India.