Meet the Monk from IIT Who Went Viral — Sundar Pichai’s Batchmate!

June 22, 2025: Did you know that ISKCON monk and renowned spiritual leader Gauranga Das and Google CEO Sundar Pichai are actually batchmates? Yes, both studied at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), though they pursued different branches and never directly crossed paths during their academic years.

Speaking recently at the India Global Forum 2025 in London, Gauranga Das shared a touching anecdote about reconnecting with Pichai. He revealed that their conversations now often revolve around stress, spirituality, and navigating the digital age. The ISKCON monk fondly recalled Pichai joking, “You look younger than me,” to which Gauranga Das responded,
“You deal with Google, which creates stress. I deal with God, who relieves it.”

This lighthearted exchange beautifully reflected the contrasting lives they lead. While Sundar Pichai steers one of the world’s most powerful tech companies in a high-pressure environment, Gauranga Das left the corporate race to pursue a life of spiritual service and purpose.

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Today, Gauranga Das is not only a spiritual icon but also a respected environmentalist, educator, and director of Govardhan Ecovillage, a model of sustainable living. He is part of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission and holds accreditation from major UN bodies like UNEP, UNCCD, CBD, and ECOSOC.

He’s also a best-selling author, with popular books like The Art of Resilience, The Art of Focus, and The Art of Habits. His wisdom is shared across platforms globally, including MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and at corporate giants like Google, Intel, Salesforce, and TEDx stages.

Gauranga Das’s journey into spirituality began during his college years, deeply influenced by Bhagavad Gita and his interaction with ISKCON monks. His introspection into life, death, and purpose led him to embrace the spiritual path. Coming from a family rooted in Sanatana Dharma, he believes that spirituality is the solution to modern issues like mental stress, anxiety, and lack of clarity.

Today, his teachings continue to inspire millions around the world, offering timeless wisdom for modern minds.