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While Gauranga Das and Pichai studied in the same batch at IIT, but in different branches, the duo never met during their college days.
Left: Google CEO Sundar Pichai; Right: ISKON monk Gauranga Das
ISKON monk Gauranga Das recounted his meeting with Google CEO Sundar Pichai while addressing an event in London. He revealed that Pichai, who is the same age as him, once gave him a compliment for his appearance.
His remark came while he was addressing people on the final day of the India Global Forum 2025.
The spiritual monk, also an IIT Bombay graduate, gave the credit for his appearance to he lack of stress as he highlighted how social media contributes to rising levels of stress and loneliness.
While he and Pichai studied in the same batch at IIT but in different branches, the duo never met during their college days. Speaking at IGF London, Gauranga Das recounted that years later, when he met Pichai, now 53, the latter complimented his youthful appearance.
“I went to IIT in the same batch as Sundar Pichai. Years later, we met, and he said, “You look younger than me.” I replied, “You deal with Google, which creates stress. I deal with God, who releases stress.”
Gauranga Das Talks About Social Media Addiction
Highlighting social media addiction, he said, “We have a huge problem. Globally, 230 million are addicted to social media. In Bharat alone, 70 per cent of teenagers spend seven hours daily online. One in seven people around the world is suffering from mental health issues.”
Who Is Gauranga Das?
– Gauranga Das is an ISKCON monk and a graduate from IIT Bombay.
– He holds several high positions at ISCKON.
– He is also a published author. His books include The Art of Resilience and The Art of Focus, among others.
– He left his corporate job and has fully dedicated his life to social work and spirituality.
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