Welcome to the Evolving Man Project’s “Evolved Man of the Week” profile. Each week, we will highlight famous and non-famous individuals who embody what it means to be an evolved man. The world needs to know their stories and deeds. This week’s honor goes to businessman, engineer, and founder of The Goodfellows, Shantanu Naidu.
Shantanu Naidu completed his Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University in 2014 and pursued a master’s in Business Administration from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management in 2016. Throughout his time at Cornell, he has participated in clubs and various activities and held several significant positions as a student. He was even awarded the Hemmeter Entrepreneurship award and won the Johnson Leadership Case Competition, among many others.
The Goodfellows was started by Shantanu Naidu, Niki Thakur, and Gargi Sandu, a trio of young Indians from Mumbai who all shared a love of hanging out with their grandparents. Today, they have a team of 65 young men and women aged between 18 and 24, and 400 grandpals signed up.
Once nominated, Shantanu Naidu, who leads recruitment, has an introductory interview with them to gauge their cognitive faculties, but more importantly, their interests to pair them with a good fellow who is interested in the same things.
Here is Shantanu Naidu in his own words about the mission of The Goodfellows:
I don’t know when it began, but I have always had a sense of affection toward the elderly. Over time, looking back at the friends I have, I notice a lot of silver-haired, gold-hearted people. Clearly, there has been something about their grounded, wise, and simple ways of looking at life that has brought me joy, and I notice the youth in their eyes as well when we are together. Intergenerational friendships are as special as any other bonds, if not more.
But as I have gone through life and spoken to more people, I realize over 15 million elderlies in India live by themselves. While they may have found ways to fulfill their utility needs, they often lead isolated lives be it because of the loss of a companion or genuinely busy families.
Today, by my side, stands a small but strong group of empathetic young graduates and professionals, who just like myself have found friends and love in elderlies in their own life, and now wish to bring the same bonds and friendship to many who seek it.
After a successful beta test over several months full of learning, we have come to realize this is in fact the right way. We believe in this with full hearts, we believe in the love and comfort a bond between generations can bring, and we will continue to pursue it with all the empathy and sensitivity we can muster.
With the trust and faith that our Grandpals and their families have put in us, I can say with great confidence: The Goodfellows are Coming!
The Goodfellows organization is doing great work. They’re bridging the gap between generations and bringing young people and their elders together. The gift of friendship knows no age limit. Today, we honor Shantanu Naidu as our Evolved Man of the Week.
Evolving Folks Project 