By: Vandana Jhingan

An innovative blend of ancient wisdom and modern leadership science took center stage in Naperville as Chicago-area entrepreneur, inventor, and author Poonam Gupta-Krishnan officially launched her debut book, VARNA: Know Your Why, along with her patent-pending Varna-CQ™ Leadership Alignment Framework. The invitation-only event, held on May 30 at the Naperville Public Library, drew an impressive audience of diplomats, Padma awardees, corporate executives, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.

The response to the launch was immediate and enthusiastic. Every available copy of the book was sold or reserved before the conclusion of the program, while nearly 90 percent of attendees signed up for the complimentary Varna-CQ™ Leadership Alignment Assessment offered during the event.

Hosted by Bharathi Theertha, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, environment, and health, the program was organized under the leadership of environmental scientist and global sustainability leader Dr. Prakasam Tata. The event also served as a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The keynote address was delivered by Padma Bhushan Prof. Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, renowned scholar, author, and former Rajya Sabha member. Speaking on the cultural and philosophical foundations of the framework, he praised the work for drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic traditions while addressing modern leadership challenges. He later described the book as a significant contribution that connects India’s timeless wisdom with contemporary human development.

Among the distinguished guests were Padma Shri Dr. S.V. Rama Rao, Deputy Consul General of India Kriti Das Thokchom, business executives, university faculty members, chief information officers, and civic leaders from across the Chicago region.

According to Gupta-Krishnan, the framework was inspired by a simple but powerful question: why do talented and capable individuals often feel disconnected, exhausted, or misaligned despite achieving success? The Varna-CQ™ system seeks to answer that question by helping individuals understand their natural strengths, decision-making styles, leadership potential, and career alignment.

With workplace disengagement estimated to cost the global economy trillions of dollars annually, the framework offers a unique approach by combining principles of Sanatan Dharma with modern behavioral science. Organizers described the event as more than a book launch—it was the introduction of a new leadership model aimed at fostering purpose-driven success, personal fulfillment, and organizational effectiveness in an increasingly complex world.