Meet Aditya Gaurav

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aditya Gaurav. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aditya below.

Aditya, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My name is Aditya Gaurav, born in the small town of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India, on January 8, 2004. From the moment I came into this world, my life was set on a unique trajectory—one of challenges, perseverance, and a constant drive to build something meaningful. But the most significant question I’ve been asked throughout my life is, Where do you get your resilience from?

To answer that question, I must take you through the story of my life, which has shaped the resilient person I am today. The answer is rooted in my upbringing, my mother’s strength, my early experiences, the hardships I’ve faced, and, above all, the belief that success is not just about self-achievement but about contributing to a larger cause.

Early Life: A Struggle That Shaped My Character

I was only three years old when my father left, leaving my mother, Laxmi, to raise me alone. Growing up in a single-parent household ith my two sisters, I witnessed firsthand the sheer determination and tenacity my mother exhibited as she navigated life’s challenges. We lived in modest circumstances, where every day was a hustle for survival, but I learned early that resilience doesn’t come from having everything handed to you. It is forged in the fire of adversity, in the moments when you have to decide to get up and keep moving forward, even when it seems impossible.

I saw my mother being a homemaker but she strived to provide every facility for us, often sacrificing her own dreams and ambitions. She was the glue that held everything together, and her silent strength became the cornerstone of my understanding of resilience. She had very little money to provide us any facility, but she made sure that I had a chance at a better life. This never-ending cycle of hard work and determination to create a better future became the foundation of my character.

My mother’s resilience became my first lesson in life. She taught me that the path to success is not linear—it’s full of setbacks and obstacles, but it’s the ability to bounce back that defines who you are. As a child, I may not have understood the full weight of the challenges she faced, but I watched closely, absorbing every ounce of strength she exhibited. I understood that success wasn’t about wealth, fame, or accolades. It was about making the most of what you had and constantly pushing forward, no matter the setbacks.

The Spark of Innovation: Turning Adversity into Opportunity

As I grew older, I began to realize that my natural curiosity for technology was one of the ways I could begin to carve my own path. I wasn’t born into an environment that could provide me with the latest gadgets, but what I did have was a relentless thirst for learning. I remember taking apart toys just to see how they worked, often without the knowledge of how to put them back together. Yet, with each failure, I learned more. My inability to afford the latest tools became a catalyst for creativity. Instead of seeing this as a limitation, I saw it as an opportunity to innovate.

I created many projects such as, drill machine that could go an inch into brick wall in Grade 1, solar powered-remote controlled 4 wheel drive car in Grade 4 and created my first website in Grade 6. By the age of 14 in Grade 8 my website used to gather around 500K page views in a single year.

At the age of 16, I took a significant leap and founded Knowasiak, a business social network aimed at connecting entrepreneurs and innovators globally. This was my first big entrepreneurial venture, and it came with its own set of challenges. I had no financial backing, no mentors, and no formal business education. But I had something far more valuable: the lessons I had learned from my mother’s resilience and my own determination to break free from my circumstances. I learnt after building Knowasiak is that all it takes to create something big is little investment and a lot of hard work.

Building Knowasiak was not an easy task. I spent countless nights coding, networking, and figuring out how to grow the platform. I knew that every obstacle was just another challenge to overcome. I didn’t have a safety net, but I wasn’t afraid to take risks. I believed in my vision, and more importantly, I believed in myself. Slowly, Knowasiak began to take shape, and today, it serves more than 17,000 users across 115+ countries. The platform’s success was a direct result of my resilience—learning from every failure and using it as a stepping stone.

The Metaverse Vision: Pushing the Boundaries of Technology

At 17, I found myself immersed in the world of the metaverse, an innovative and uncharted territory. I saw an opportunity to create something truly groundbreaking. With Cognac, my metaverse platform, I aimed to bridge the gap between virtual and real worlds, creating a space where users could connect, create, and collaborate in an immersive environment. But once again, I faced an uphill battle. The technology was still in its infancy, and the concept was complex. There were many moments when I doubted my ability to pull it off. But the resilience I had developed over the years kept me going and never turned back.

Building Cognac was an enormous challenge—one that involved countless hours of research, development, and testing. There were moments when the technology didn’t cooperate. But every setback was an opportunity to learn, to improve, and to push through. I kept reminding myself that resilience doesn’t come from easy victories; it comes from enduring the tough times and using them to fuel your next move.

Today, Cognac is a successful metaverse platform and along with Knowasiak, the recognition I’ve received in the form of 23 World Championships, 12 Asia Championships, and 6 National Awards is a testament to the resilience and vision I brought to the project. But the real reward is seeing the impact my work has had on others—how people from all over the world are using Knowasiak to connect, collaborate, and build new opportunities.

The Core of Resilience: My Family and Purpose

Looking back at my journey, I realize that my resilience comes not only from the hardships I’ve faced but also from my family’s unwavering support and the deep sense of purpose that drives me. My mother instilled in me a sense of duty—not just to myself but to the world around me. She taught me that success is not just about achieving your own goals, but about lifting others up along the way. That’s why my work has always been about more than just creating products or businesses. It has been about creating solutions that can make a difference in people’s lives.

Every success, every accomplishment, and every award I’ve received has been a direct result of the resilience I developed from my early life. My ability to bounce back from setbacks, to keep learning, to keep pushing, and to keep innovating is not something that came overnight. It was forged in the challenges I faced growing up, in the sacrifices my mother made, and in the belief that if I could make a difference, I should. Resilience isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about accepting it as part of the journey and using learnings to propel yourself forward.

The Vision Ahead: A Life of Impact

As I continue to lead Knowasiak and Cognac, my vision remains clear: to create platforms that empower people, to innovate in ways that break boundaries, and to build a future where technology and humanity coexist in harmony. My resilience is rooted in my ability to turn challenges into opportunities, to transform setbacks into stepping stones, and to keep my eyes focused on the bigger picture.

I have learned that resilience is not just about overcoming personal obstacles; it’s about finding purpose in your work and using your experiences to drive meaningful change. My life’s journey, filled with its ups and downs, has shaped me into someone who is not only focused on personal success but also on creating value for others. I understand that the world doesn’t need just innovators and entrepreneurs—it needs people who are resilient, who can rise from the ashes, and who are determined to make the world a better place.

Today, as I look toward the future, I am more committed than ever to my mission: to build innovative platforms, to push the boundaries of what’s possible, and to make a lasting impact. But I know that none of this would have been possible without the resilience that has been instilled in me from the very beginning—from my mother’s sacrifices, to the lessons learned from every failure, to the unwavering belief that success is built on a foundation of hard work, perseverance, and the courage to face adversity head-on.

My story is one of resilience, and it’s a story that continues to evolve. It is not just my story—it’s a story of anyone who has ever faced adversity, of anyone who has ever struggled but found the strength to keep moving forward. And if my journey can inspire even one person to rise above their challenges and push forward, then I will have truly succeeded.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

When people ask me about my journey, I often say it started long before I founded my startups or stepped onto international stages. It began as a dream — a vivid, unwavering vision of building something meaningful that would bridge gaps and bring people together. Today, I am the proud founder and CEO of Knowasiak, a thriving business social network connecting individuals across 115+ countries, and COGNAC Metaverse, an award-winning metaverse that redefines how we interact with the digital world. But these accomplishments are more than just milestones; they are stepping stones in a mission to inspire, innovate, and leave a legacy that impacts millions of lives.

Let me take you through my story, my ventures, and the values that drive everything I do.

The Vision Behind Knowasiak
Knowasiak was born from the realization that the world needed a platform where collaboration transcends borders, industries, and hierarchies. During my high school years, I noticed a gap in how people connected for meaningful exchanges — be it entrepreneurial mentorship, professional networking, or shared learning experiences. Social media platforms were too broad, and professional networks felt impersonal. That’s when the idea of Knowasiak emerged: a business social network that fosters real, impactful relationships.

What excites me most about Knowasiak is the way it empowers individuals. With 17,000+ users globally, it has become more than a platform; it’s a movement. Entrepreneurs, startups can find investors, and students can seek guidance from seasoned professionals. It’s a space where innovation meets opportunity, and it continues to grow every day.

We’re currently working on expanding Knowasiak’s ecosystem by integrating AI-driven tools to personalize user experiences. Imagine a virtual mentor recommending courses, connections, and opportunities tailored to your career goals. This new feature, set to launch soon, will revolutionize how people navigate their professional journeys.

COGNAC: A Metaverse Redefining Digital Realities
COGNAC, my second major venture, represents a bold leap into the future of technology. While the concept of a metaverse is not new, COGNAC sets itself apart by offering a photorealistic, immersive environment that feels less like a simulation and more like an extension of reality. Competing against 149 countries and becoming the youngest World Champion in Game Development was a humbling experience, but it was also validation that the metaverse is not just a concept; it’s a movement.

COGNAC isn’t just about virtual reality; it’s about virtual possibilities. From hosting international conferences to providing immersive educational experiences, the applications are endless. This initiative excites me because it’s not just about technology; it’s about breaking down barriers to knowledge and opportunity.

We’re also developing customizable avatars that reflect the diversity of our users, ensuring that everyone feels represented. This focus on inclusivity is what makes COGNAC more than a platform—it’s a community.

The Heart of My Work: Empowering Others
While technology is at the core of what I do, my ultimate mission is rooted in people. Over the years, I’ve worked on 20+ state and national-level NGO projects addressing critical issues such as child education, drug awareness, and youth empowerment. These experiences have shaped my understanding of resilience, compassion, and the power of collective action.

I believe in using my platform and resources to amplify voices that often go unheard. Through working with organizations like UNICEF, United Nations, YuWaah, Central Railways of India, Narcotics Control Bureau, Kerala Govt., Ministry of Education (Govt. of India) and Adore etc. I’ve led awareness campaigns that reached thousands, inspiring action and change. These initiatives are not just about giving back; they’re about building a future where every individual has the tools to succeed.

The Challenges and Triumphs
My journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. Building startups from scratch while navigating the skepticism that often comes with being young was a challenge. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, especially when launching Knowasiak. Balancing technical innovation with user satisfaction required relentless effort and adaptability. But every setback became a lesson, every rejection an opportunity to improve. By succeeding I was able to demonstrate that to measure a person’s capability age isn’t a good factor, work is.

For example, when a critical hackers group attacked on Knowasiak, I had to address thousands of consequtive page requests in real-time. That experience taught me the importance of security, technology, and perseverance.

On the flip side, the recognition I’ve received—becoming the youngest Bharat Atma Nirbhar Award recipient, being invited to the G20 Global Summit Business Meeting as a VIP, and winning the Global Schoolpreneur Summit 18 Under 18 Entrepreneur World award—has been deeply humbling. These accolades are not just personal achievements; they represent the potential of youth to lead, innovate, and inspire.

What’s Next?
The future is brimming with possibilities. I’m currently working on expanding Knowasiak’s global footprint, focusing on underrepresented regions where access to professional opportunities is limited. By leveraging AI and technology, we aim to create a secure, transparent, and inclusive platform that serves as a launchpad for talent worldwide.

In the realm of COGNAC, we’re exploring partnerships with industries like healthcare and urban planning to create virtual environments that solve real-world problems. Imagine a surgeon practicing complex procedures in a virtual operating room or urban planners testing infrastructure designs in a digital twin of their city.

I’m also diving into the world of public speaking, sharing my journey and insights with young entrepreneurs and changemakers. My goal is to inspire others to embrace challenges, innovate fearlessly, and never underestimate the power of their voice.

The Essence of My Brand
If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand, it’s that it’s built on authenticity and purpose. Whether it’s through Knowasiak, COGNAC, or my social initiatives, everything I do is guided by a desire to create, connect, and contribute. I believe in building not just products, but experiences that empower people to dream bigger and achieve more.

At its core, my work is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and collaboration. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, you have the power to shape your destiny and leave a lasting impact on the world.

A Personal Invitation
To everyone reading this, I invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for opportunities, a professional seeking meaningful connections, or someone passionate about innovation and community, there’s a place for you in the world we’re building.

Let’s connect, collaborate, and create a future that reflects the best of humanity—one where technology and purpose go hand in hand, and where every individual has the chance to shine, join my discord to interact with my global community – https://discord.com/invite/VHcqpMY4Ej

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I can confidently say that three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have been pivotal in shaping my path: resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect with people. Each of these elements has been honed through experience, perseverance and continous hardwork for growth. Here’s how they’ve played a role in my life and how those starting their journey can develop them.

1. Resilience: The Ability to Bounce Back Stronger
Life and entrepreneurship are filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Resilience became one of my greatest assets early on when I faced skepticism and rejection as a young entrepreneur. Building startups from scratch, like Knowasiak, meant encountering countless roadblocks — from technical failures to moments of solitude.

Resilience helped me turn every failure into an opportunity to learn. When my metaverse project COGNAC faced criticism during development, I chose to see it as constructive feedback. It motivated me to improve, ultimately leading to awards like the Fan Choice World Award and the 2nd Rank World Award in GDWC.

Advice for Developing Resilience:
Embrace Failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than endpoints. Every misstep is a step closer to your goals.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you to do better.
Practice Self-Reflection: Journaling or reflecting on your experiences helps you see how far you’ve come and strengthens your mental resolve.

2. Strategic Thinking: Seeing the Bigger Picture
Strategic thinking has been essential in turning ideas into actionable, scalable plans. As an entrepreneur, I had to learn how to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions. For example, launching Knowasiak required understanding not just the technological aspects but also user behavior, market gaps, and the scalability of our platform.

Strategic thinking also played a significant role in my personal growth. Competing solo in a global competition against 149 countries taught me the importance of preparation and resource allocation. Instead of being intimidated, I made the fear, my power. I broke the challenge into smaller, manageable tasks, focusing on creating a metaverse experience that stood out.

Advice for Developing Strategic Thinking:
Learn to Prioritize: Focus on what will create the most significant impact. Avoid getting lost in the noise of minor details.
Stay Curious: Study industries, markets, and trends. Knowledge from diverse areas sharpens your ability to make informed decisions.
Think Long-Term: Always align your short-term actions with your long-term vision. This creates a sense of purpose and direction.

3. The Ability to Connect with People
Relationships have been the cornerstone of my journey. Whether it’s forming partnerships, building a team, or creating a global community on Knowasiak, the ability to connect with people authentically has opened doors I never imagined.

During my work with NGOs and organizations like UNICEF and YuWaah etc., I realized that empathy and communication are the foundation of meaningful connections. Whether you’re inspiring your team, pitching to investors, or engaging with your audience, people are more likely to support you when they feel valued and understood.

One of the most impactful moments was being invited to the G20 Global Business Summit as a VIP. It wasn’t just an acknowledgment of my work but also a testament to the relationships I had cultivated along the way.

Advice for Developing Interpersonal Skills:
Listen Actively: People appreciate being heard. It strengthens trust and fosters collaboration.
Show Empathy: Understanding someone else’s perspective is key to building lasting relationships.
Be Authentic: Genuine interactions resonate more deeply than trying to impress. Build connections that are meaningful, not transactional.

A Final Word of Advice
For anyone early in their journey, the road ahead will be full of challenges, opportunities, and moments of self-discovery. Focus on cultivating resilience to navigate the inevitable ups and downs, develop strategic thinking to turn your vision into reality, and invest in your ability to connect with others to build a network of support and inspiration.

Remember, your journey is unique. Embrace it fully, stay committed to your goals, and never underestimate the impact you can have on the world.

A person who is crazy to create something new, is the one who changes the world.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The Backbone of My Journey: My Mother
When I reflect on the person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges, build resilience, and develop the skills I needed to succeed, my mother stands out as an unwavering pillar of strength. Her influence on my life extends far beyond parental guidance—she has been my greatest mentor, cheerleader, and source of inspiration. Through her example, I learned the values of perseverance, compassion, and courage, all of which have shaped me into the person I am today.

The Foundation of Resilience
My mother’s resilience is legendary. Watching her navigate life’s adversities with grace and determination instilled in me the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable. When I was a child, I observed her balancing countless responsibilities, from managing our household to ensuring my two sibling’s and my education and dreams were never compromised.

There were moments when resources were scarce, and the future felt uncertain, yet she never let those challenges define us. Instead, she taught me to focus on solutions and maintain faith in hard work and persistence. Her unyielding optimism became a guiding light during my most challenging times.

For instance, when I decided to pursue my entrepreneurial journey as a teenager, it was an unconventional choice met with skepticism from others. My mother, however, was my anchor. She along with my sisters encouraged me to follow my instincts and reminded me that the path less traveled often leads to the most extraordinary destinations. She didn’t just believe in my dreams; she empowered me to believe in myself. And taught me to believe in transforming my dreams into reality.

Teaching Through Example
My mother taught me more through her actions than words ever could. She embodied qualities that I strive to emulate—discipline, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to growth.

One of the most profound lessons she imparted was the value of education, not just in the academic sense but as a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding. She always said, “Learning doesn’t stop when school ends; it’s a journey that defines your character.” This mindset shaped my approach to challenges, as I began to see every setback as a chance to learn and improve.

I remember vividly how she supported me when I participated in global competitions like the Game Development World Championship. While I was consumed by self-doubt and the fear of failure, she reminded me that success isn’t about winning but about giving your best effort and learning from the experience. Her wisdom helped me channel my nervous energy into focus and determination, ultimately leading to achievements I never imagined possible.

An Unwavering Source of Support
In the moments when I felt like giving up, my mother was there to lift me back up. Whether it was during the late nights spent building my startups or the grueling process of balancing academics and professional endeavors, she was my constant source of encouragement.

When I faced rejection, she reminded me that every “no” brought me closer to a “yes.” When I achieved milestones, she grounded me by emphasizing the importance of humility and the responsibility that comes with success. She celebrated every small victory, not just as my mother but as someone who believed deeply in the power of dreams.

One moment that stands out was during the development of Knowasiak. As a young entrepreneur, I faced countless obstacles, from financial constraints to technical challenges. There were times when the weight of expectations felt unbearable, but my mother’s unwavering faith in me gave me the strength to keep going. She reminded me that success is not measured by accolades but by the impact you create and the lives you touch.

Empathy and Compassion
Beyond resilience and support, my mother taught me the importance of empathy and compassion. Her ability to understand and care for others, even in the face of her struggles, was nothing short of remarkable.

When I worked on NGO projects or participated in initiatives like UNICEF awareness campaigns, I often drew from her example. She taught me that true leadership is not about power or authority but about uplifting others and creating a positive difference in their lives.

She taught me an important lesson: ‘If you can’t help someone grow, at least don’t cause their downfall—just stay away.’

Her lessons in empathy became the foundation of my work with Knowasiak, a platform designed to connect and empower individuals globally. Every decision I made for the platform was influenced by the values she instilled in me—ensuring that it remained a space for collaboration, learning, and mutual respect.

A Legacy of Strength
My mother’s influence is not just a chapter in my story—it is the backbone of every success I have achieved and every challenge I have overcome. Her unwavering belief in me gave me the courage to take risks, and her wisdom provided the clarity to navigate uncertainty.

One of the most poignant lessons she taught me was the importance of staying true to my values, even in the face of adversity. She often says, “Success that compromises your integrity is no success at all.” This principle has guided me through the complexities of entrepreneurship and life, ensuring that my journey remains aligned with my purpose.

Advice for Others
For those starting their journeys, I would say: find your anchor. It might be a parent, a mentor, or even a close friend, but having someone who believes in you can make all the difference. My mother’s guidance was not about solving my problems for me but about giving me the tools and mindset to solve them myself.

To develop resilience, learn to embrace failures as stepping stones to growth. To build empathy, listen to and understand the perspectives of others. And most importantly, stay true to your values, no matter how difficult the path may seem. And always believe in honesty, integrity and hard work to achieve something, not luck or supertitions, like majority of people running in the same direction, don’t run along with them in the noise, instead strive to achieve something new.

A Lifelong Inspiration
As I continue to grow and pursue new challenges, my mother remains my greatest inspiration. Her lessons are woven into every decision I make, every challenge I face, and every success I achieve.

When I look back at my journey, I see her fingerprints on every milestone, every triumph, and every moment of perseverance. Her legacy is not just in the values she instilled in me but in the ripple effect of her influence, which extends to the work I do and the lives I touch.

I aim to leave my mark on this world. When I leave, I want to be remembered for who I was for as long as the universe endures, inspiring the youth to build on my work and achieve even greater heights.

In many ways, my success is a reflection of her strength, wisdom, and love. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adityagaurav.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adityagauravkc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adityagauravkc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adityagauravkc/
• Twitter: https://x.com/adityagauravkc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@adityagauravkc
• Other: https://www.knowasiak.com/AdityaGaurav

Image Credits

Aditya Gaurav