On Saturday, Byju Raveendran described how he fell in love with Divya Gokulnath, his former pupil, now his wife. The creator of the ed-tech business, Byju, remarked during a speech at India Today Conclave 2023 that Gokulnath’s habit of asking many questions first caught his attention.
Byju Raveendran
Image Source: Byju’s
Mr Raveendran told India Today, “How did the romance happen? I can tell you that I always used to teach in auditoriums like these or stadiums which are bigger than this, so it’s very difficult to notice any particular student.” He added, “She (Divya) used to stay back and ask a lot of questions so she got noticed and I don’t know when it changed and we became life partners.”
The idea that opposites attract did not apply to them, according to Divya Gokulnath. She said, “We don’t know what came first. That has worked out very well. You know there is this whole notion that opposites attract. I say that’s a reel-life phenomenon, not a real-life situation.”
Bjyu with his wife, Divya
She said, “Here it really helps to have like-minded people on your side, life-work, otherwise. Those who know us say we are like chalk and cheese, very different personalities, but inside, our values are exactly the same. So, all our addictions outside work are our kids, family and travel.”
Image Source: Inc42
Byju Raveendran and Divya Gokulnath got married in 2009 and have two sons.
Mr Raveendran added that his students were also his founding partners for the ed-tech platform, established in 2011. He said, “All of them are still here is a validation we have not changed our mission. We have changed business models, but we have stayed true to our mission of impact on students and it’s a big advantage being in this sector. It is very easy to attract talent and retain them.”
Byju’s has faced criticism for accounting issues, alleged course mis-selling, and significant layoffs the previous year.
