Ashish Dhawan: Why I Left Wall Street for India at 30 | ChrysCapital to Convergence Foundation

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Ashish Dhawan’s journey from private equity to philanthropy exemplifies bold leadership rooted in purpose. Raised in Kolkata, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree from Yale University.

Dhawan began his career in 1992 working on Wall Street with prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, Wasserstein Perella, and McCown DeLeeuw. He also ended up pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School around this time.

After completing his MBA, Dhawan returned to India and co-founded ChrysCapital, one of the country’s leading private equity firms. In his early forties, he transitioned from a successful investment career to focus on philanthropy, particularly in the education sector. He established the Central Square Foundation in 2012, aiming to provide equal learning opportunities to India’s 250 million children. He also played a pivotal role in founding Ashoka University, bringing together over 170 philanthropists to create a world-class, interdisciplinary educational institution.

Dhawan’s philanthropic approach mirrors his business mindset—structured, scalable, and sustainable. He believes in institution-building rather than merely writing cheques, ensuring lasting social impact. His ventures emphasise collaboration with the government, educators, and nonprofit organisations, reflecting his deep commitment to reshaping India’s future.

For a deeper insight into Ashish Dhawan’s journey and impact, do watch his interview with Reuben Mistry.

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