Photo of Kiran Bhalerao

Kiran Bhalerao

 

My life's quest has been twofold: to master the logical world of technology, and to understand the profound depths of our inner world. Now, as a student of Psychology at Elphinstone College, I am formally uniting these two paths.

Kiran Bhalerao

My Second Birth: A Sadhana

It is often said that our early years gift us our *sanskars*—the deep-seated imprints that shape our being. My own were forged in the vibrant chaos of Ghatkopar, amidst the fires of civic discord and the warmth of a multicultural community. This journey of resilience was further shaped by profound personal losses and the harsh realities of discrimination. Yet, it was this very life that prepared me for my 'second birth' in 2018. In the profound silence of my first 10-day Vipassana course, as taught by S.N. Goenka *guruji*, I found my true calling. It was not just meditation; it was a practical path to inner peace. My life since has been a *sadhana*—a dedicated practice of integrating the technologist who builds with the meditator who understands, all in the spirit of selfless service, or *seva*.

Core Convictions

Dialogue Over Argument

I once saw a small dispute over a cricket ball escalate into a brutal fight. That day, a deep lesson was learned: true strength lies not in winning an argument, but in fostering understanding through calm dialogue.

Seva: Service Above Self

From serving meals during floods to volunteering thousands of hours at Dhamma centers, I believe in the principle of *seva*. It is in giving that we truly receive, and one profits most who serves best.

Anicca: Embracing Impermanence

Losing loved ones, facing financial loss, and seeing businesses rise and fall have been my harshest but most profound teachers. They taught me the truth of *Anicca*—that everything changes—and peace is found in its acceptance.

Bhāvanā-mayā Paññā: Experiential Wisdom

One can listen to wisdom, one can think about it, but true understanding awakens only through one's own direct experience. This is the heart of my practice, in both my work and my life.

Chronicle of a Life

1989-2000: Foundations in Chaos & Calm

A childhood shaped by the contrasts of Mumbai—the warmth of a multicultural society and the harshness of civic turmoil. A pivotal family move to my mother's hometown of Badlapur set the stage for a new life, inclined towards peace.

2001-2010: Forging Resilience & Purpose

This decade was defined by academic pursuits in Science and Technology, alongside profound life lessons in community, loss, and leadership. Surviving the 2005 Mumbai floods and being guided by mentors taught me the true meaning of resilience and the spirit of service.

2011-2018: Ventures, Voyages & Vipassana's Call

A period of building—businesses, educational initiatives, and a deeper understanding of the world through extensive travel across Bharat. The loss of my mother catalyzed a deeper spiritual search, culminating in my first life-altering Vipassana course in 2018.

2019-Present: Integration, Seva & Formal Study

A time of deep integration and selfless service. Having completed a formal diploma in Vipassana and multiple long courses, I have dedicated myself to sharing the path of peace. This journey has now led me to Elphinstone College, to formally study the science behind the mind I have explored for so long.

Areas of Seva

Technology & Education

It has been my privilege to found an ISP, co-found a science association for youngsters, and serve as an academic advisor, using technology as a tool for empowerment.

5000+ Students Mentored

Mindfulness & Counseling

As a dedicated Vipassana volunteer, I have been fortunate to facilitate over 20 Anapana workshops and, by grace, help resolve conflicts, saving careers and lives.

20+ Workshops Conducted

Community & Compassion

From organising relief during floods and the pandemic to regular blood donation and daily care for animals, living a life of compassion is my foundational *dharma*.

1000s of Hours Volunteered

Let's Connect with Metta

For collaborations, guidance, or simply to share a kind word—I am open to connecting.

The Full Journey: Year by Year

1989:

Born in Sarvodaya Hospital, Ghatkopar, amidst idols of many gods, earning the loving label of "God boy".

1990:

Received immense affection from a multicultural neighbourhood, an early lesson in unity.

1991:

My childhood explorations, often following animals, taught me early lessons in compassion, thanks to my parents.

1992:

Witnessed the deep wounds of civic discord during the Mumbai riots, planting the seeds of my search for peace.

1993:

Began early schooling at Kendriya Child School, my first formal interaction with India's diverse cultures.

1994:

A visit to Mumbai Airport with my father opened my eyes to a world beyond my city and language.

1995:

Started 1st standard, where my teacher Mrs. Manjarekar kindled my love for Maths and Science.

1996:

An adventurous solo bus trip ended with a calming interaction with police, teaching me about gentle authority.

1997:

Observed societal polarization firsthand, while annual pilgrimages with family built my ethical foundation.

1998:

Briefly swayed by negative influences, a crucial life lesson about the importance of good company.

1999:

The deep impact of these influences led my parents to decide to shift our family to Badlapur for a better environment.

2000:

A year of transition, as my parents debated the move, fearing the negative cultural impact on their sons.

2001:

Finally shifted to my mother's childhood city, Badlapur, where my personal inclination towards peace began to blossom.

2002:

Started organising religious festivals like Ganesh Utsav to foster community interaction and family spirit.

2003:

My first entrepreneurial venture—a lemon water stall—taught me customer service, patience, and how to handle negativity at age 14.

2004:

Witnessed a small dispute over a cricket ball erupt into a brutal fight, cementing my belief in dialogue over argument.

2005:

Passed SSC with First Class. Survived the traumatic Mumbai floods, experiencing the profound power of community compassion.

2006:

Passed 11th Science and was awarded "Student of the Year" in college, beginning my study of the science behind emotions.

2007:

Passed 12th Science and was chosen as the Science stream's representative. Began my BSc in Computer Science at CHM College.

2008:

Became Joint General Secretary of the Science Association, guided by Dr. Bhavna Motwani's ethos: "be an employer, not an employee".

2009:

As Class Secretary, I delivered my first live software projects for real clients, a unique achievement for a student.

2010:

Graduated with a BSc in Computer Science, thanks to the guidance of HOD Dr. Ritika Sachdev madam.

2011:

Chosen as Student President for the "Aadarsh Mahamelava", a grand 50-year alumni meet for my school.

2012:

The profound loss of my mother became a catalyst for understanding attachment and the preciousness of life.

2013:

Launched my own ISP business, ACWS GLOBAL INTERNET, and was invited to the Reseller Club event.

2014:

Engaged in community work, distributing school bags and books to children in need.

2015:

Co-founded "The Young Scientist Den". A visit to the Lotus Temple in Delhi ignited my formal path into meditation.

2016:

Completed my MSc Part 1. A visit to the Global Vipassana Pagoda solidified my interest in this profound technique.

2017:

Completed my MSc in Computer Science. Successfully counseled a suicidal student, affirming a new life-purpose in mental well-being.

2018:

My "second birth": attended my first 10-day Vipassana course, finding a clear purpose for my life in promoting peace.

2019:

Conducted over 20 Anapana meditation workshops across cities and tribal areas for thousands of students.

2020:

Completed my first long course (TSC). Led extensive community aid efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021:

Navigated immense personal challenges during the second COVID wave, reinforcing lessons on impermanence and selfless service.

2022:

Welcomed my daughter, Kishu. Completed a 20-day long course and began regular monthly Dhamma service at Khadavli center.

2023:

Established Ataraxia Yoga. Continued to resolve student conflicts through peaceful dialogue upon request from local colleges.

2024:

Volunteered for a 7-day teenager's course, guiding over 70 students. Navigated a major school crisis with compassion as a media representative.

2025:

Organised a large-scale sky gazing event for 500+ students with TIFR scholars. Began my formal studies in Psychology at the prestigious Elphinstone College, Mumbai.