NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Diya TV) — Indian American entrepreneur and author Poonam Gupta-Krishnan launched her debut book, “VARNA: Know Your Why,” and introduced the Varna-CQ Leadership Alignment Framework during a special event at the Naperville Public Library on May 30.

The invitation-only gathering took place during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event attracted diplomats, Padma awardees, business executives, academics, and community leaders from across the United States. The program highlighted a new approach to leadership development, career alignment, and personal growth. Organizers said the framework combines ideas from Sanatan Dharma with modern behavioral science to help individuals better understand their strengths and purpose.

Gupta-Krishnan said she created the Varna-CQ Leadership Alignment Framework after years of exploring why many successful people still struggle to find fulfillment in their work and lives.

“Varna-CQ was born from a question I carried for many years: why do capable, talented people still feel misplaced, exhausted, or unseen?” she said. “Success is not only about skill — it is also about alignment.”

The patent-pending framework evaluates natural strengths, decision-making patterns, thinking styles, and job-fit alignment. It also helps individuals identify opportunities for growth and leadership development. The launch event marked the first public introduction of both the book and the assessment framework.

The event was organized by Bharathi Theertha, a nonprofit organization that focuses on education, environmental stewardship, and health initiatives. Founder Prakasam Tata led the organization’s efforts. Psychiatrist Dr. Chaudhary Jampala served as the master of ceremonies.

Padma Bhushan awardee Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad attended as the chief guest and delivered the keynote address. During his remarks, he discussed the cultural and philosophical foundations of the framework. He also referenced teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic traditions. Prasad contributed the foreword to the book along with Dorri McWhorter, president and CEO of The Executives’ Club of Chicago. In the foreword, Prasad described the work as a significant contribution rooted in Indian civilizational values.

“Poonam Guptaa has not only written a book but also offered a civilizational contribution,” he wrote. “This work carries the fragrance of our eternal heritage and the promise of a more aligned, humane, and prosperous world.”

McWhorter emphasized the importance of values and alignment in effective leadership.

“Culture is the soil in which leadership grows,” she wrote. “Varna: Know Your Why replenishes that soil.”

Organizers reported strong interest in both the book and the assessment tool. All copies of the book available for sale were claimed before the event ended. In addition, about 90% of attendees enrolled in a complimentary Varna-CQ Leadership Alignment Assessment. Organizers said the response reflected growing interest in leadership frameworks that focus on purpose, self-awareness, and career alignment.

The audience included several notable leaders and public figures. Among them were Padma Shri awardee S.V. Rama Rao, Deputy Consul General of India in Chicago Kriti Das Thokchom, Diversity MBA Media CEO Pam McElvane, former Joliet High School Superintendent James Clark, and Sherman L. Jenkins, president of SLJ Communications and chairman of the Quad County African American Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Gupta-Krishnan is the founder and CEO of IYKA Enterprises, a woman-owned technology company. She has built a successful career in technology, innovation, and leadership development. In 2023, Crain’s Chicago Business recognized her as a Notable Woman in STEM. She also serves as honorary chief technology officer for Diversity MBA Media. Throughout her career, Gupta-Krishnan has received more than 35 national and international awards for her contributions to technology, leadership, and business.

Bharathi Theertha said the event aligned with its broader mission to support human potential and community well-being through education, environmental responsibility and health-focused programs.