Concord Origin Story: Ketan Chaoji

In the world of comic books, origin stories inform the reader of the identity and motivations of heroes and villains (thankfully, we only have the former here). Like Spider-Man or Captain America, your origin story is important as it defines who you are today. Learn about the experiences, people, and influences that shaped Concord's Ketan Chaoji by reading below!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in multiple cities. I was born in Nagpur and later moved to Mumbai, where I spent several years.

Do you have a favorite family tradition?

My favorite family tradition is celebrating Diwali together. I love seeing everything illuminated with colorful lights and enjoying the warm, festive atmosphere that brings the family together.

Who’s someone who’s made a big impact on your life?

My grandfather and father have had a significant impact on my life. They have always motivated and guided me while instilling in me the importance of discipline, loyalty, and punctuality in everyday life.

What’s one of your favorite places you’ve ever been?

Mussoorie is one of my favorite places. I love visiting it to admire the beauty of the mountains, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and take a break from the usual routine.

Can you share an experience that helped shape who you are?

Starting my career as a QA professional was an experience that helped shape who I am today. It taught me the importance of staying mentally active, observant, and alert at all times. Being attentive helps you learn continuously, notice things others may overlook, and understand problems more effectively.

It also taught me the value of staying calm when facing challenges. I believe that staying calm can help resolve a large part of a problem because it allows you to understand the situation clearly and navigate toward the root cause.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Traditional Indian food is my go-to comfort food.

How did you end up in your current career?

I have been fascinated by computers and coding since childhood. That curiosity gradually developed into an interest in technology and eventually led me to pursue a career in the field.

What’s a hobby or activity you really enjoy?

It may sound a little unusual to some people, but I really enjoy watching and photographing trains, buses, and airplanes. I also enjoy birdwatching and photographing birds. These hobbies allow me to observe the world from a different perspective and capture interesting moments.

When is a time you felt really proud of yourself?

There have been several moments when I’ve felt proud of myself, but one that stands out was when one of my photographs was selected among the top 50 in a national-level photography competition and displayed at an exhibition.

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

My first job was in QA. It taught me the importance of staying mentally active, alert, and attentive to detail. It also taught me to keep learning continuously and, most importantly, to remain calm when dealing with challenging situations.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self: Stay calm, especially during difficult situations. A positive attitude and a calm mind can help you navigate challenging situations with greater clarity and ease. Sometimes, taking a moment to stay calm is all you need to see the right way forward.