Why Pain Isn’t the Enemy: Manuj Aggarwal’s Story of Survival and Growth

In this deeply moving episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with tech entrepreneur, coach, and global keynote speaker Manuj Aggarwal, a man whose life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Manuj takes us from his childhood in a small Indian town, working 12-hour shifts for $2 a day, to battling depression and surviving a suicide attempt at just 15. Through raw vulnerability, he shares how early feelings of inadequacy, pressure from his family, and a need for validation led him to the edge, and how discovering computers gave him a reason to live, learn, and lead. Today, Manuj works with Fortune 500 companies, speaks to global audiences, and helps others turn their pain into purpose. In this episode, he opens up about what success really means, how pain can be a path to self-awareness, and why freedom, not money, is the true definition of wealth. Key Moments: 00:00:00 The Big Fish Cares Intro 00:05:11 The Struggles of Daily Life in Poverty 00:10:31 The Journey to the U.S. Dream and Its Challenges 00:15:55 Navigating Interfaith Relationships and Family Expectations 00:21:07 Overcoming Personal Communication Challenges 00:26:30 Impact of Early Technological Innovations 00:31:48 Redefining Success: From Wealth to Fulfillment 00:36:36 Personal Breakdown and Emotional Struggles 00:41:30 Discoveries Through Meditation and Psychedelics 00:47:09 Understanding Life's Journey: Mistakes or Lessons? 00:52:08 The Seesaw Effect: AI and Human Mind Interaction 00:57:04 Understanding the Balance Between Giving and Receiving 01:02:16 Overcoming Fear and Achieving Aspirations 01:08:07 The Power of Self-Love 01:12:50 Embracing a Vision to Change the World 01:17:10 Exploring the Connection Between Krishna and Jesus 01:21:23 The Importance of Creativity in Today's World If you’ve ever felt like your circumstances define your future, this conversation will prove otherwise.