Jamshedpur : For most, airport lounges are just layovers, but for Mahima Bhalotia, founder of The Social Paathshala, a brief pause at Mumbai Airport turned into a powerful moment of validation and inspiration. Bhalotia had a chance encounter with Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt and a popular Shark on Shark Tank India, someone she has long admired for his authenticity and unconventional approach to entrepreneurship.
“As a female entrepreneur helping older adults become tech-savvy, meeting Aman in person was deeply affirming,” said Bhalotia.
Her initiative, The Social Paathshala, offers offline digital literacy workshops across multiple Indian cities, aiming to bridge the digital divide for older generations. With increasing digital adoption in the post-pandemic world, her work has garnered interest from civic bodies, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and fintech companies invested in promoting safe online practices.
Reflecting on her admiration for Gupta, Mahima shared three key reasons why he continues to inspire her:
* Authenticity: “He keeps it real. His honest, constructive feedback mirrors the balance we aim for while teaching elders — honest but always with empathy.”
* Relatability: “He shows that you don’t have to be suited up to be taken seriously. That validation matters a lot, especially for entrepreneurs in unconventional spaces like mine.”
* Support for Underdogs: “He bets on people others might overlook. That resonates with me, as I work with older adults who are often underestimated in the digital landscape.”
What began as a solo project has now grown into a movement — one where older adults are not left behind, but empowered to walk confidently into the tech-enabled future. “Meeting Aman reminded me that staying authentic is a strength, not a compromise,” she said.
Through The Social Paathshala, Mahima continues to inspire and educate, championing a future where no one, regardless of age, is left behind in the digital age.
उदित वाणी 
टेलीग्राम पर भी उपलब्ध है। यहां क्लिक करके आप सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।