GHAZIABAD: In recent days, a video of 10-year-old Sharav Arora from Ghaziabad has drawn widespread attention on social media. In the clip, Sharav shares tips on applying to Y Combinator (YC), one of the world’s leading startup accelerators, a subject rarely associated with someone his age. Online, Sharav introduces himself as the founder of TechForges, a platform he says focuses on building solutions for tech-related problems, and his growing digital presence has sparked both admiration and debate.
To understand the story beyond the viral moment, we spoke to Sharav’s father, Gaurav Arora, to learn more about his interests, upbringing and daily life. In the conversation, his father explains how Sharav developed an early inclination toward technology and leadership, and how the family balances his online activities with school, play and social interaction, while also addressing questions surrounding childhood and public exposure.
“He’s been like this since inception”
According to Gaurav, Sharav’s alignment toward technology and leadership was apparent from an early age.
“Sharav is an out-of-the-world kid. His alignment towards things like AI, X (formerly Twitter), acting and leadership has been there since inception. He wants to lead teams himself,” Gaurav said.
He emphasised that as parents, they have tried to provide guidance rather than direction.
“We have only provided a framework or direction. Utna hi humne kiya hai, usse zyada nahi,” he explained, meaning they offered minimal structured influence, allowing Sharav’s interests to grow organically.
Sharav was born premature, arriving at seven months gestation, a fact his father mentions with pride. Worldwide, more than one in ten babies is born preterm, meaning before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, according to the World Health Organization. Prematurity can carry unique developmental challenges, as the final weeks in the womb are critical for organ and brain development. Survivors of very early birth may face increased risk for cognitive or learning difficulties later in childhood, though outcomes vary significantly from one individual to another.
Managing childhood amid public attention
As Sharav’s online presence grew, some voices on social media questioned whether this focus on tech and leadership might overshadow his right to play and enjoy a conventional childhood. Gaurav responded thoughtfully, outlining how they structure Sharav’s time.
“He goes out, plays in the field, spends time in the park. We’ve divided his schedule so that he contributes in both ways,” Gaurav said.
Sharav attends school regularly, plays cricket with neighbourhood friends, and spends time outdoors.
“Just yesterday, I spent two hours with him in the park. He was happy. He never said he only wants to be on the laptop,” Gaurav shared.
Academically, Sharav performs well. “He’s above average in studies and does well in whatever he tries,” his father noted.
“I have never seen a kid like him”
When asked if he has observed other children of Sharav’s age doing similar work, Gaurav answered without hesitation.
“I have never seen such a kid. Altogether, he is different.”
While Sharav may not be as tall as many of his peers, a consequence his father attributes to his premature birth, his intellectual curiosity stands out. “He is very good at mind games. You can see that on his social media platforms,” Gaurav said.
According to him, Sharav sets personal benchmarks and strives to surpass them each month. “As parents, our only control is that boundaries should not be crossed,” he said.
Books, ambition and online criticism
Sharav’s reading interests have also drawn attention. His father explained that Sharav chooses his own books and then discusses them with him. Most recently, Sharav has been reading The Power of Money and has recommended it to his father.
When asked about Sharav’s review of The 48 Laws of Power, a book some social media users criticised as inappropriate for a child, Gaurav defended the choice.
“I’ve read the book myself. I see no harm in it unless someone immaturely acts on it,” he said, adding that at Sharav’s age, understanding concepts does not translate into inappropriate action.
Sharav also imagines himself leading large teams in the future.
“He portrays himself as a billionaire leading 10,000 people from the front. That mindset is already there.”
Responding to critics of his son’s online visibility, Gaurav reflected on the realities of the modern world.
“Today, it’s a marketing world. Even you and I pitch ourselves to survive,” he said. “If he doesn’t do something different, he’ll just be a normal kid.”
He concluded, “A lot of people will say many things. We don’t care. I know my kid. He is close to me. He has certain powers, that’s why I talk proudly about him.”
We spoke to Sharav’s father, Gaurav Arora, to gain insight into the context behind Sharav’s early interests and activities. According to him, Sharav has shown a strong curiosity in technology and leadership from a young age, and the family tries to balance his online presence with regular play, school and outdoor time. While prematurity can carry developmental challenges for many children, outcomes vary greatly among individuals. Sharav’s story, as described by his father, reflects one such individual path.
Sharav’s viral clip in which he is seen giving tips on applying for “YC Winter 2026.”:
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