Introduction: A Circle of Lifelong Support

As I near the end of this gratitude series, I can’t help but reflect on the constant presence of my friends throughout my life. From childhood to post-grad years, they have been my pillars of support, offering not just their time and advice but also their trust and faith in the work I’m doing. Whether reconnecting with school friends, building lifelong bonds during my undergrad, or transforming during my post-grad in Singapore, the encouragement and belief of my friends have been an unshakable force in my journey. For that, I am eternally grateful.

School Days: Lifelong Friendships

Some of my longest-lasting friendships go all the way back to my school days. Even now, I’m still in touch with friends from that time—one who now runs a marketing agency and often lends me his studio space for shooting videos and podcasts. Every time we reconnect, it’s like a burst of energy, as if no time has passed at all. Just a couple of weeks ago, I hung out with a bunch of school friends, and it was a reminder of how friendships like these never fade.

As the old saying goes, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” These friends have seen me grow and change, and despite the different paths we’ve taken, they remain an important part of my life. Their presence brings a sense of continuity and comfort, grounding me in memories of our shared past.

Undergrad Years: Foundations of Trust and Growth

My undergrad years were a time of immense growth, not just academically but also socially and personally. It was during these years that I formed friendships that would last a lifetime, not just with classmates but also with seniors and others who crossed my path during this pivotal time. I want to especially thank friends like Hari, Srinivasan (Koni) Vinod, Vinodh Suresh, Krishna, Dileep, Alvin, Shwetha, and Nanda, Karthi, Vishagan, Deepak who were instrumental in shaping my journey. Some have invested not just their time but their money too in The Internet of Value.

These were the people who stood by me, who believed in my potential when I was still figuring things out. They were my sounding boards, my partners in projects, and my companions during those challenging years of navigating young adulthood. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” This quote from C.S. Lewis resonates so deeply when I think of my undergrad friends and how we all found common ground despite our different paths.

Post-Grad Years: A Transformational Journey

My post-grad experience in Singapore was a life-altering phase in my journey. Coming from a small town in India, it was surreal to receive a scholarship from the Li Ka Shing Foundation and step into a world where I was surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds. The exposure to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives was nothing short of transformational.

People like Cody, who had traveled to 60 countries by 2013 (and probably more by now), opened my eyes to the vastness of the world. Then there was Justin, who played a huge role in my physical transformation. When I met him, I was a scrawny 25-year-old, weighing around 55 kg, but thanks to Justin’s guidance, I transformed and reached a healthier 65-68 kg range. I’ve maintained that growth, and I owe a lot of my progress to him.

In those two years, I was also fortunate to meet amazing individuals like JJ, Anshul (who became like an elder brother to me), Indonesian Kris, and Eli. These friendships helped me not only grow as a person but also gave me opportunities to travel. Over those two years, I traveled to over 20 countries, thanks to my research and teaching assistantships, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of these people.

Beyond classmates, there were others from my junior, senior, and PhD batches who were equally supportive—Krishnan, Ifhtikar, and so many more. These relationships added depth to my post-grad experience. Every interaction, every trip, and every shared experience made me realize how incredibly lucky I was to have friends who expanded my worldview.

As I traveled, worked, and lived in a different country, these friendships grounded me. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles,” as Tim Cahill once said, and for me, that holds true. Every mile I traveled during those years was enriched by the people I met and the friendships I built along the way.

The Heptagon Times: Trust in the Journey

Some of my most cherished friendships were built during my time working with the Heptagon team. Friends like Vijay, Vignesh, and Rajesh placed their trust in me to take ideas forward, to push boundaries, and to create something meaningful. That trust, more than anything, fueled my drive to keep moving, even when the road was uncertain.

To these friends, I owe more than words can express. It’s their faith in me that gave me the confidence to continue innovating, to pursue bold ideas like The Internet of Value. “Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Their support gave me light even during the darkest times, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

A Network of Lifelong Friends: A Gift That Keeps Giving

Beyond these specific friendships, there are countless others who have enriched my life in ways I could never fully describe. Gaurav on the tech side, Giridhar for growth, Anvesh for his soft skills expertise and work on Stop Being Boring, Pranshu for his contributions to Stranger Sapiens, a well-being community experiment—all of these friendships have contributed to my growth in unimaginable ways. I couldn’t have reached this point without them.

From the improvisers and stand-up comedians who have kept my spirits high to the friends who have always been ready to brainstorm or share a laugh, these people have been the foundation of my personal and professional life. “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.” They have been the stars that guided me when the path was unclear, offering wisdom, humor, and perspective.

Last but not least to the partners who shared not just their time but also a lending ear to all my non-sensical thoughts about this idea for the last 7 years Garima, Hari, Srinivasan, Aditya, Jasmine, Manu, Reddy2go, Nandha, Anshul and Vignesh. Ever Grateful to your time and presence in my life!

Conclusion: Eternal Gratitude

As I reflect on the countless ways my friends have shaped my journey, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Every step of the way, they’ve been there—not just as companions but as partners in growth and life. Whether it was a quiet conversation over coffee or the unwavering belief in the projects I was passionate about, my friends have been my strength.

Friendships like these aren’t just connections; they are the very fabric of who I am and who I continue to become. “Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest. It’s about who came and never left your side.” And for all the friends who have stood by me, I am forever grateful.