# Home {% hint style="info" %} Currently preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination, But open to and particularly interested in roles I can balance with UPSC prep. Roles like Founder's Associate, Operations, Research, and Writing opportunities where I think I can make a meaningful impact. If you want a bird's eye view of what I worked on check my [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/theakhileshg/) {% endhint %} Hey👋🏼 Welcome to my corner of the internet! I'm Akhilesh G (AKG), a curious soul trying to make sense of the world while hopefully making it a bit better along the way. My mind works like a generalist's playground - jumping between ideas, connecting dots, and finding patterns in seemingly unrelated things. > लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु > > may all beings, everywhere, be free and happy. This Sanskrit wisdom has been my north star since childhood. It's shaped how I see the world and what I want to contribute to it. I find joy in simplicity, whether it's in design, writing, or life in general. You'll often find me deep in conversation about ideas i.e. thoughts, exploring everything from public policies, governance systems to products and startup innovations. This wiki is my Second-Brain / Digital-Garden, where I cultivate ideas, share learnings, and document my journey of figuring things out. It's messy, always growing, and constantly under construction - just like my thoughts! ### 🌱 Digital Garden > A garden is a collection of evolving ideas that aren't strictly organised by their publication date. They're inherently exploratory – notes are linked through contextual associations. They aren't refined or complete - notes are published as half-finished thoughts that will grow and evolve over time. They're less rigid, less performative, and less perfect than the personal websites we're used to seeing. > > Maggie Appleton, [*A Brief History & Ethos of the Digital Garden*](https://maggieappleton.com/garden-history) # Now {% hint style="info" %} Currently preparing for UPSC Civil Services Examination, But open to and particularly interested in roles I can balance with UPSC prep. Roles like Founder's Associate, Operations, Research, and Writing opportunities where I think I can make a meaningful impact. If you want a bird's eye view of what I worked on check my [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/theakhileshg/) {% endhint %} # About {% hint style="info" %} For professional/work summary, go to [Work](/biography/work) {% endhint %} I'm a generalist at heart with an amateur's mindset - always curious, always learning. My journey has been shaped by experiences that taught me the value of perspective, growth, and impact. Growing up, I witnessed my family's journey from a single room (that was actually a storeroom of the restaurant my parents ran) to a well-built home. These early experiences weren't just about physical transformation - they taught me about resilience and the power of gradual progress. At home, our dinner table conversations often turned into passionate debates about current affairs. My dad, an avid news follower, would discuss viewpoints with the family, and we'd all - mom, sister, and I - jump in with different perspectives. These discussions, though sometimes heated, shaped my ability to see issues from multiple angles. At 12, I applied to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya is a chain of central govt run residentials schools that aim at giving quality education). Despite learning about the entrance exam late, my curiosity kicked in - I remember intensively preparing for the admission test, determined to make it work. Being one of the 80 selected students from Palakkad, Kerala was just the beginning. JNV-Palakkad became a turning point in my life, but not in the way most might expect. While my parents were uneasy about sending their 12-year-old away from home, this experience taught me something invaluable - self-reliance. Living with peers from diverse backgrounds, we learned to manage everything on our own (Obviously, with the help of seniors, teachers and staffs). From morning PT to evening studies, from maintaining our daily routines to solving our problems - we were a community of young minds figuring things out together. The beauty of JNV wasn't just in the education it provided, but in the life skills it cultivated. Looking back, those years molded me into someone who could be trusted, someone who understood responsibility. As the saying goes - we entered as boys and girls, but left as individuals ready to take on the world, carrying with us countless memories of growing up together. > Enter to learn, Leave to serve The motto at JNV-P's gate - resonated deeply with what the institution provided. It wasn't just about the free education, uniforms, or essentials they provided; it was about understanding how institutions can positively impact lives when they work as intended. Being part of a system that took care of everything from our toothbrushes to our textbooks showed me firsthand how well-designed public institutions could make a difference. My understanding of governance and public service has evolved significantly over time - much like any other thought, it's not static. In my early days, I held a somewhat simplistic view that everything should be under government control, thinking that would solve all problems. But experience, exposure, and continuous learning showed me the beauty of balance. A recent conversation captures this evolution perfectly. I met a young man frustrated with India's problems, advocating for strict monarchy as a solution. His perspective reminded me of my own earlier black-and-white thinking. We discussed how a diverse country like India - with its varying religions, geographies, and political thoughts - actually benefits from its federal structure. Yes, it's complex and sometimes messy, but that's exactly what makes it work. I explained how centralization of power, while seeming efficient on paper, often increases the risk of corruption and mismanagement. When power is distributed, more people need to be involved in any decision - making corruption harder and solutions more inclusive. It's like understanding local problems - only someone from a coastal area truly knows how to deal with the sea. This diversity in experience and perspective isn't a bug in our system; it's a feature. Each region, each community brings its unique understanding to the table, making our solutions richer and more effective. {% hint style="info" %} #### Core Beliefs and Guiding Principles shaped by my learnings: 1. The pie always grows: Progress isn't zero-sum. I believe in creating value rather than just redistributing it. 2. Life isn't binary - there's beauty in the grey areas 3. Start with Why - Whatever the project, knowing and starting with the ‘why’ is important to me. It helps me understand the project and complete it. 4. Learning is constant - the best way to stay relevant is to remain an amateur at heart 5. Minimalism & Local first - I'm a strong advocate for localism - using and supporting what's around us. It's not just about reducing carbon footprints; it's about building resilient communities. This belief shapes everything from my consumption choices to my view on economic policies. {% endhint %} #### Current Interests & Pursuits My intellectual curiosity often leads me down various rabbit holes - from history and economics to philosophy and anthropology. I find myself particularly drawn to understanding how Indian ecosystems of politics, governance, and economics work. This isn't just academic interest; I believe studying these systems helps us grasp why things are the way they are and how they could be better. Reading history has taught me that patterns tend to repeat themselves. For instance, when studying any society's growth story, you often find similar challenges cropping up - the balance between centralization and federalism, the tension between tradition and progress, the trade-offs between rapid development and sustainable growth. These patterns aren't just historical footnotes; they're living questions we're still grappling with. Beyond these formal pursuits, I'm fascinated by how humans think and why societies evolve the way they do. When I look at any system - be it a local market, a government policy, or a social institution - I find myself asking: What made this work? What needs to change? How can we improve this while preserving what already works well? This curiosity extends from understanding global affairs - what's happening in the North, South, East, and West - to analyzing local governance structures. These interests aren't just abstract - they shape how I engage with the world. Whether it's debating with friends about economic policies, analyzing environmental sustainability challenges, or exploring questions of personal finance, I'm always looking for connections and patterns that might help us build better systems for everyone. The beauty of thoughts is their fluid nature - they're always changing - they evolve as we grow, learn, and experience life. I've seen this in my own journey. But these shifts didn’t happen overnight - they came through reading, discussions, and observing how systems actually work on the ground; in other words, through constant learning. I spend my time reading about history, economics, philosophy, and human behavior - not just as academic subjects, but as tools to understand the world better. Whether it's analyzing why certain policies worked in one state but failed in another, or understanding how local communities can solve their problems, I'm drawn to exploring these interconnections. In the end, this journey of constant learning, unlearning, and relearning is what keeps me going. As someone who aspires to be a generalistic specialist, I know there's always more to learn, more perspectives to understand, and more ways to grow. And that's exactly what makes life interesting. > "You're always you, and that don't change, and you're always changing, and there's nothing you can do about it." > > -by Neil Gaiman in The Graveyard Book # Work Why do I do what I do? The world faces numerous pressing issues - from environmental challenges to governance complexities. While no single person can solve them all, I believe in being part of the solution. This drives my interest in civil services and my openness to impactful roles in other sectors. I've chosen to pursue UPSC not just as a career path, but as a means to contribute to India's remarkable journey. Our country, with its diverse cultural, religious, and geographical landscape, has defied expectations for over 75 years. This unity and growth stems not just from our people, but also from those in governance and bureaucracy who navigate our nation's complexities daily. However, I recognize that meaningful change can come through multiple channels. Whether it's government service, startups, or social sector organizations - each has its unique way of addressing crucial problems. I'm particularly drawn to startups for their dynamic nature and the zero-to-one journey they embody. {% hint style="info" %} What I bring to the table: As a generalist, my toolkit includes: * Research and analysis * Operations and program management * Community building * Product development * Problem-solving across domains {% endhint %} My approach to work is straightforward: tackle problems head-on, learn what's needed, and focus on delivering results. Previous roles at organizations like TinkerHub, DRDO, and Tech4Good have taught me the value of adaptability and the importance of seeing projects through from conception to completion. Currently, while preparing for civil services, I'm open to roles where I can make meaningful contributions, particularly in areas like: * Founder's Associate positions * Operations management * Research projects * Writing and content development {% content-ref url="/pages/GZmaXMaUacAkN0FndO3e" %} [Previous Experiences](/biography/work/previous-experiences) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/7VA3QUWL6NaLbBPBevtB" %} [Broken mention](broken://pages/7VA3QUWL6NaLbBPBevtB) {% endcontent-ref %} {% content-ref url="/pages/kCY3X7lsVKDewJfNzsvF" %} [Projects & Case Studies](/biography/work/projects-and-case-studies) {% endcontent-ref %} # Previous Experiences {% hint style="info" %} If you want a bird's eye view of what I worked on check my [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/theakhileshg/) {% endhint %} #### Programs and Outreaches - Citizen Digital Foundation July 2023 - Aug 2023 [Citizen Digital Foundation](https://citizendigitalfoundation.org/) is a non-profit dedicated to promoting safe and responsible digital practices through innovative interventions and advisory services. * Managed the [LITT project](https://litt.citizendigitalfoundation.org/), curating courses that address online challenges, digital skilling, and professional development in key Indian languages to empower users across India. * Established partnerships with educational institutions and social organizations to facilitate course uploads, expand program reach, and foster knowledge sharing and community building. * Produced three Vox Pop video series focusing on information literacy, data protection, and AI governance. #### Research Intern DEBEL (DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India) Apr 2023 - Jun 2023 DEBEL (Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory) is a premier laboratory under DRDO focused on the development of bioengineering and electromedical solutions for defense applications. * Led our team to develop an AI model for a prosthetic leg project, enhancing real-time gait prediction improving accuracy by 15%. * Ensured project completion within deadlines by coordinating efforts across a multi-disciplinary team. * Analyzed data and reports to monitor project performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions. #### Program Manager - Tech4Good Tech4Good (now [Aikyam Fellows](https://aikyamfellows.org/)) partners with changemakers to provide crucial technical support, enabling them to amplify their impact. * Organized and facilitated a workshop for female entrepreneurs called 'Essentials of Software Testing', providing accessible technical training to over 20 participants in collaboration with NITI AAYOG's Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEP). * Managed an online community platform, fostering collaboration, solving queries, and assisting members. Enabled community members to share information about events, work, and job openings. * Contacted and coordinated a network of volunteer tutors to deliver low-code technology training to our T4G fellows. * Proactively engaged with potential NGOs to assess their needs, connect them with relevant resources, and identify opportunities where our assistance could benefit their work. #### Campus Community Manager - TinkerHub [TinkerHub](https://tinkerhub.org/) Campus Communities promotes a tech learning culture on campuses to help students develop their skills and advance their careers. * Managed 75+ TinkerHub campus chapters across Kerala, And serving as the point of contact for 30 campuses. Provided support and resources to help them implement tech learning activities effectively in their campuses. * Cultivated a vibrant online community of 15,000+ members on Discord, facilitating communication, collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning. * Organized and coordinated impactful events like Project Path Makers, Y Talks, and Share the Vision. * Led the development of a website for TinkerHub campus ([campus.tinkerhub.org](https://campus.tinkerhub.org/)), overseeing the project from inception to completion. #### Research Intern (Summer Fellowship Program) - Indian Institute of Technology, Madras May 2022 - Jul 2022 Worked in the Humanities and Social Sciences Department under Dr. Krishna Malakar on 'Environmental Policy'. * Researched and analyzed sustainability reports and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies from various organizations, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of environmental impacts and practices. * Developed and implemented data models to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of environmental policies and their real-world implementation. # Projects & Case Studies
Profit Optimization for KSRTCReseach | Mathematical Simulationnewscutting.pngProfit Optimization for KSRTC
Hoppscotch - Marketing Case studyResearch | Marketing logo.pnghttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1qF2etskOHrJRFAKkxxeJRhPwkrl39g1YVRxrqeaVt1A/edit?usp=sharing
Cohort ManagementA comprehensive guide for managing cohorts learning.jpghttps://docs.google.com/document/d/116Brw6JQuI3WeAXcYtbI_nkktkyOCw5LPBLh71QQ5i0/edit?usp=sharing
Founder's Playbook3 Essays startups book.jpghttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1n91YCukpRSaInX_ZMuGd4qYAnYrCwKSnNqwaSrFjk1c/edit?usp=sharing
# Featured/In Media ### In the News (English) 1.
### In the News (Malayalam) 1. ### Talks/Presentation/Lectures 1. Can FOSS and Software Patents Co-exist? FOSS United Kochi, November 2023\
2. # Thoughts Ideas start small, fragile, and weak. It's a powerful reminder of how the biggest breakthroughs often begin with the smallest steps. Often, ideas sprout by simply writing them down and allowing them to grow within you. This space is reserved for nurturing those small, fragile ideas into life. # Products # Profit Optimization for KSRTC Role: Co-author & Presenter | Digital Change Makers 2023 Award * Collaborated on a white paper proposing data-driven strategies to optimize operational profitability for the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). * Presented the project at a major conference and won the Manorama OnlineDigital Change Makers 2023 award. * Worked with academic mentors and experts to finalize the proposal. Read the full white paper here: {% file src="/files/PMTKehFsa8EgWTh8QmMz" %} white paper on profit optimization for KSRTC {% endfile %}
# Project M.A.K.E Mathematical Assistant for Kids' Enrichment Originated as a hackathon project to simplify learning Vedic Math using Sutras through interactive content and gamification. After the event, independently extended it into a mobile-first app to enhance math learning in regional languages. * From a basic website to a complete mobile-friendly app. * Focused on usability for school students with limited tech access. My Role: Product conceptualization, UX design Artifacts:
app shot.jpg
snapshort of final apk.jpg
video-sutra.mp4
marketing conditions.pdf
This project was awarded first place at the Cisco ThingQbator Sustainability Hackathon for its innovative approach to making Vedic Mathematics more accessible through regionalized digital learning tools. {% file src="/files/ZF8TXwCBNM5iWQAuXEaE" %} # Writings {% hint style="info" %} I'm working on the blog website & its contents. this page will be updated once it’s online. and this space is to get topic-wise bird-eye view of what on the blog. {% endhint %} #### Browse Topics👇🏽
# Book Notes
# UPSC Playbook {% content-ref url="/spaces/E2ij3zU0IdrbqkrNHoTt" %} [Broken mention](broken://spaces/E2ij3zU0IdrbqkrNHoTt) {% endcontent-ref %} # Notes/Bookmarks An open collection of notes, bookmarks, other resources, links & videos on different topics which I am interested in. {% content-ref url="/spaces/LaaNmPof7CrogGB7GU7h" %} [Notes/Bookmarks](https://notes.akhileshg.com/) {% endcontent-ref %} # Contact {% hint style="info" %} Email works best. You can drop me an email at **** {% endhint %}