About Akhil Gupta
Akhil Gupta is one of India’s most respected corporate leaders, having led Blackstone India as CEO and CMD after prominent roles at Hindustan Unilever and Reliance. Now, he’s the founder of the Universal Enlightenment Forum (UEF), dedicated to exploring spiritual unity. Through his writings and philosophy, Akhil inspires others to embrace conscious leadership, balance, and a life of deeper meaning.
Podcast Overview
In this powerful episode of The Happiness Hour, Ashu Khanna speaks with Akhil Gupta about his evolution from high-powered executive to advocate of human oneness. The conversation explores identity beyond career titles, the search for inner harmony, and the shift from ego-driven ambition to soulful contribution. Akhil shares pivotal moments that shaped his worldview—rooted in spirituality, ethics, and curiosity—offering a compelling framework for those seeking a more conscious way of living. His reflections reveal how happiness arises not from achievement alone, but from choosing purpose, presence, and peace.
Key Themes and Takeaways
Happiness is Inner Alignment
For Akhil, happiness means living in alignment with your true nature—not striving, but showing up with intention, clarity, and a light heart.
Purpose Beyond Achievement
Akhil shares how his pursuit of power and success gradually gave way to a deeper calling—seeking truth, balance, and lasting peace through spiritual exploration.
Common Threads in World Religions
He discusses his work on uncovering the shared teachings in different faiths and how this understanding can foster harmony and global unity.
The ‘Love, Learn & Play’ Framework
Learn about his guiding philosophy that weaves together emotional connection, growth, and joyful engagement as pillars of a fulfilling life.
Why You Should Listen
This conversation is a powerful reminder that real success is defined not by titles, but by alignment with your authentic self. Akhil opens up about how childhood values, daily reflection, and spiritual study helped shift his focus from financial growth to inner clarity. One standout moment is his “Love, Learn & Play” framework—a profound yet simple map to joyful, meaningful living.
Whether you're in transition or simply seeking depth in a noisy world, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with the happiness that comes from choosing to live consciously, compassionately, and courageously.