Introduction
In India’s dynamic startup ecosystem, innovation is no longer confined to fintech or e-commerce—it now touches every facet of life, including spirituality. At the latest Indian Startup Times Meet, hosted by Priyanka Chatterjee, one compelling conversation stood out: an exploration of spiritual technology with Umesh Khatri, founder of Rgyan.
As a platform that seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with modern technology, Rgyan is redefining how Indians engage with spirituality in the digital age.
From Flipkart Engineer to Spiritual Tech Trailblazer
Umesh Khatri’s transition from a successful tech career—including a pivotal stint at Flipkart—to founding a spiritual-tech venture is rooted in personal conviction. In 2018, identifying a significant gap in the market for accessible, authentic spiritual content, he launched Rgyan along with his cofounder Devendar Agarwal as a blogging platform. Over the next few years, that vision evolved into a comprehensive mobile app by 2021.
“Spirituality in India is multilayered,” Khatri explained. “People seek not just information, but connection—between tradition and technology, and among spiritual communities.”
The Evolution of Rgyan: More Than an App
Rgyan’s flagship app, is now a holistic digital ecosystem. It combines spiritual/faith content, community forums, e-commerce, and AI-powered tools. From purchasing sacred items like Rudrakshas and the Talking Bhagavad Gita to accessing festival insights and ritual guides through Live Videos, users are offered a rich, immersive experience.
A standout feature is its AI-powered personalized astrology readings, which cater to users’ curiosity about the future while ensuring data privacy and ethical usage.
“People want insight, but they also value privacy,” said Khatri. “Our goal is to offer both—without compromising the authenticity or ethics of spiritual guidance.”
Spirituality for the Digital Generation
During the interview, Khatri underscored the evolving definition of spirituality in India—spanning religion, wellness, mindfulness, and astrology. Rgyan is designed to reflect this diversity. It not only disseminates information but also encourages interaction through user-generated content, festival calendars, and temple listings.
“Spirituality is deeply personal, yet inherently communal,” he noted. “Our users don’t just consume content—they share experiences, explore offerings, and grow together.”
Ethical AI and Cultural Responsibility
Khatri’s involvement with AIFOD (AI For Developing Countries Forum), a global forum by United Nations on responsible AI deployment in developing nations, adds further depth to his work. At Rgyan, he champions ethical AI use—particularly critical in sensitive spaces like spirituality.
“Technology should empower, not manipulate,” he asserted. “We prioritize transparency, user trust, and cultural respect in every AI-driven feature we build.”
Building a Mission-Driven Culture
Discussing the challenges of building a spiritual tech startup, Khatri pointed to the importance of purpose-led team culture.
“Hiring in startups is hard. Retaining talent is harder,” he acknowledged. “But when people resonate with the mission—helping others find peace or meaning—it creates deeper engagement and loyalty.”
His advice to budding entrepreneurs? “Don’t wait for perfection. Start building. Learn on the go. Clarity follows action.”
Looking Ahead: Rgyan’s Roadmap
Rgyan’s future is focused on scaling thoughtfully—deepening community features, expanding AI capabilities, and enhancing regional accessibility. The aim is to create a digital sanctuary that blends modern tools with time-honored spiritual wisdom.
Conlcusion
Umesh Khatri’s journey with Rgyan is a powerful reminder that innovation can be both high-tech and high-touch. As India’s startup space broadens its horizons, ventures like Rgyan prove that meaningful innovation often lies at the intersection of tradition and technology.
-Interview conducted by Priyanka Chatterjee, Assistant Editor at Indian Startup Times
