Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited and founder of ASCENT Foundation, recently shared a touching moment that unfolded on a routine flight from Coimbatore to Mumbai. In a LinkedIn post that has since garnered praise and admiration, Mariwala recounted receiving a handwritten note from a fellow passenger, a young entrepreneur, who left a lasting impression.
The note came from Karnesh SV, a former Zerodha employee who is now building two ventures: The Solare, an eco-tourism project in Himachal Pradesh, and GIDIMA, a South Indian quick-service restaurant based in Ahmedabad.
Karnesh’s letter, though brief, was heartfelt. Addressed to Mariwala, it read: “It’s a privilege to be on the same flight as you today. I am writing to express gratitude for your contributions to India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — especially through your work at ASCENT, which I closely follow.
I’m an ex-Zerodha employee and now a founder, building two ventures. Your belief in scaling with values and culture, and empowering first-generation entrepreneurs, inspires the very philosophy behind our work. Your journey continues to give hope and inspire.”
For Mariwala, this quiet exchange served as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of his work. “Reading it was a humbling reminder of how our work can reach people in ways we do not always expect. His words left me with a sense of quiet gratitude,” Mariwala said in his post where he shared the letter.
“This is why I continue to believe in the power of community and shared learning… Simple words of encouragement can go a long way in inspiring others to keep moving forward,” he said further.
Mariwala ended his post by wishing Karnesh well and encouraging all entrepreneurs to keep building, learning, and believing. The post resonated deeply across the entrepreneurial community, serving as a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures — like a note on a flight — can carry the most meaningful impact.