BOSTON— Season 13 of Chai With Manju opens with an inspiring and deeply thought-provoking conversation featuring Gauranga Das — an IIT Bombay gold medalist who walked away from a promising corporate career to embrace the path of monkhood.
In this exclusive interview, host Dr. Manju Sheth delves into the remarkable transformation of Gauranga Das from a top-tier engineering graduate to a globally respected monk, environmentalist, educator, and spiritual leader.
Watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below.
A Journey of Purpose and Awakening
Growing up in Bhilai in a spiritually grounded household, Gauranga Das (then Gaurang Prabhu) was trained in chanting sacred mantras by his mother. Despite excelling academically and securing a prestigious spot at IIT Mumbai, he always carried deep spiritual questions—about life, death, and meaning. A personal tragedy and a near-death experience became pivotal moments that sparked his spiritual transformation.
“I realized that achievements alone don’t satisfy. We need alignment with purpose,” he shares. That realization led him to Krishna consciousness and a lifelong mission of teaching, serving, and innovating for a better world.
Merging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Impact
As the Director of Govardhan Ecovillage, Gauranga Das has pioneered a model that integrates spirituality, sustainability, and social development. The eco-village has received multiple accolades from the United Nations, and he now serves as a UNEP Faith for Earth Counsellor.
His unique ability to blend Bhagavad Gita teachings with real-world applications has made him a visiting faculty member at IIM Nagpur, where he teaches Life Management Skills—covering values like focus, resilience, humility, and purpose. “Even the most accomplished professionals struggle with these seemingly simple yet powerful life skills,” he says.
Key Lessons from the Interview:
-
Spirituality is not renunciation but realignment: A deeper purpose can elevate even daily routines.
-
Community needs a center: Unity comes from shared values and selfless service.
-
Gita as a manual for life: Its timeless principles help manage stress, ego, and uncertainty.
-
Leadership through service: His approach encourages conscious living and compassionate leadership.
A Global Voice for Change
Beyond his monastic commitments, Gauranga Das has played an active role in global sustainability efforts, food equity, and ethical leadership. He has authored several best-selling books including The Art of Resilience, The Art of Focus, and Legacy of Community Building in the Bhakti Tradition. He regularly speaks at TEDx, Harvard, Stanford, and Google, inspiring leaders to balance innovation with introspection.
Coming Soon to Boston
Gauranga Das will be visiting Boston on October 11 for the annual gala of Ekal, offering the community a chance to meet him in person. “We’re thrilled to have him join us,” says Dr. Sheth. “His journey is not only rare—it’s transformational.”
