You Can Turn Rejection Into Service And Still Reach The UN with Aparnesh Ahan (India)

Rejection can either harden you or shape you, and Ahan chooses the second option. He joins us from India with a simple mission that turns out to be quietly radical: spot real opportunities, share them publicly, and help people from every walk of life feel less lost about their next step. What starts as posting on LinkedIn becomes a growing mentoring network, where one piece of information can lead to an internship, a volunteer placement, or a brand-new career direction.

We dig into the mechanics as well as the meaning. Ahan breaks down how he uses LinkedIn and online communities to spread international development opportunities, why timing and engagement matter, and how networks create a ripple effect when people comment and share. He also shares a major personal milestone, volunteering online with UNFPA India through the United Nations Volunteers programme, supporting awareness for the Just Has KI app, a WhatsApp-based tool focused on sexual and reproductive health education and mental wellbeing for young people.

The conversation gets real about confidence, neurodiversity, and momentum. Ahan talks about living with ADHD and dyslexia, being rejected repeatedly, and learning to hold a positive mindset without pretending setbacks do not hurt. We explore how volunteering can build skills and credibility, how a strong mentor can change your trajectory, and why he believes there is no race in life. He closes with three practical tips to move from frustration to success, plus what he is aiming for next as he advances into master’s study in international relations and peace studies.

If you care about volunteering, mentoring, career growth, international development, or finding your place in the world, this one will stay with you. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share it with someone who needs encouragement, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Music, lyrics, guitar and singing by Dr Ariel Rosita King

Teach me to live one day at a time
with courage love and a sense of pride.
Giving me the ability to love and accept myself
so I can go and give it to someone else.
Teach me to live one day at a time.....

Transcript

Welcome And Guest Introduction

Dr Ariel R King 0:08

Hello and welcome to another episode of The Business of Life with Dr. King. Today we have a very special guest, Sir Ahan from India. Welcome, sir.

Aparnesh Ahan 0:18

Thank you so much, Bob. It's a pleasure to be here.

Dr Ariel R King 0:22

Thank you so much. Would you please introduce yourself to our audience and the topic for today?

Aparnesh Ahan 0:27

Yeah. So hi everyone. My name is Ahan. My first name is Aparrnesh, but over here in my community back home in India, like most of the people who might uh know my know myself from Ahan by the name of Ahan. And yeah, like I'm currently u under I just completed my undergraduate student u studies from University of Delhi and now I would be advancing for my master's in a university in India. Of course, like I have been going here and there for universities, but let's see how it goes. And apart from one thing about me is that like I love to help people from every walk of life, even there's a unique personality about me that even if I'm connecting with someone on Instagram or LinkedIn, so I love to reach out to them myself because I really want every people, everyone from every individual from each walk of their life to you know just targeting their lives and me being there

Building An Online Community Of Support

Aparnesh Ahan 1:20

to support them.

Dr Ariel R King 1:21

That's wonderful. I think this is such a great subject, you know, being there for people and helping your community. I know that you do a lot in your community, so will you tell us more about that, please?

Aparnesh Ahan 1:32

Yeah, so my motive for others, like uh I started this initiative of helping people, uh helping to keep them stay informed, like last year in 2025 in April. And it is one of the most beautiful things that I have been doing. It really makes me feel happy that if I'm providing some opportunity, I came across on LinkedIn, on Instagram, or any of the websites or the board. I'm and I'm just like uh giving uh I'm just saying it over here on Instagram or LinkedIn, and then people are benefiting from it. Because while it's like, I mean, it's suppose I will just give one example. Over the past few years, few months, I have been guiding a lot of young peers, young professions in my country, not even young professionals, people from all like people who are like quite elder to me, who are professionals, who are like basically teaching at universities. I have been guiding them about several international opportunities they can be a part of. Suppose one of them is working with the United Nations at any capacity. Because over here in India, we all have read about United Nations in books already. And apart from that, like we don't really know that how you know most of the people don't really know how they can make a career over in the field of international development because all we have uh read is in our books. So yeah, like me writing them, uh it's bringing a new reope. And on top of that, people coming back to me and saying that, hey, I got into UN as a volunteer, as an intern. So that really makes me feel happy. That's all I want for the community that uh together we can do. Wonderful.

Dr Ariel R King 3:08

So basically, you're a mentor. I mean, you're mentoring young people like yourself and how to not just young people, but you're talking about also mentoring young people and how to how to make their way through specific career paths. May I ask, is all of your community help and guidance and so on and so forth always online? Or are you also doing something physically within the community that you're in?

Aparnesh Ahan 3:31

Um, so at the moment it's online because often at the moment it's uh not possible for me because I have a diverse amount of audience from all over India and for the matter from all over the world as so I keep making them as my medium of communication, of communicating these opportunities and events so that like the whole new community can be a part of.

Dr Ariel R King 3:54

I love that. I think that's so important. I mean, connecting to people all over the world and helping them to find their path and to find their way, and being a part of that, I think is really amazing.

Sharing Opportunities Through LinkedIn

Dr Ariel R King 4:05

May I ask, is there a specific way that you do it? Tell us more about the people that you've connected to, the way you've connected, and how it's affected their lives.

Aparnesh Ahan 4:18

So, like usually what happens is that like it all depends on LinkedIn's algorithm as well. If like I'm posting something uh related to um related to an opportunity from the international development field, then it's like I'm seeing the engagements going all around the world. But if it's for India, in my Loki country, I am basically a lot of my connections who have been working in various youth organizations or like government organizations, all of them have been commenting on my post and it's a network. So yeah, like I mean, if someone comments uh so they also their followers also have a look at it. So yeah, I mean just like sticking it to normal algorithm, only posting it in the morning, posting it in the night, posting it by evening. And yeah, like I mean, it feels really good that when people really comment on the post and see that, like, thank you so much for providing such opportunities that we will not be off. Yeah.

Dr Ariel R King 5:16

I love that. It's almost like the um modern-day community town crier, the person who actually helps people to know what's going on, when it's going on, and and how to be a part of it. I really love that. May I ask, have you yourself done some work uh with other organizations? And if so, could you tell us more about those work, the work that you've done, a volunteer that you've done uh with other organizations?

Aparnesh Ahan 5:38

So, yeah, like in 2025, I got a chance to work with my dream organization, which was as a UN volunteer, as an online United Nations volunteer with United Nations Population Fund India. Like I said, like uh I really wanted to work in this organization. I never really thought that I would get a chance to contribute to project by uh nation population fund India in collaboration with the government of India. And yeah, like uh I basically worked

Volunteering With UNFPA On Youth Health

Aparnesh Ahan 6:05

on creating awareness about an aware about a sexually productive and mental health well-being app by the name of Just Has KI app. It basically uh it's a WhatsApp app which basically educates young people, young adolescents about sexual and reproductive health issues, and even for mental well-being, it has a soul. So I played a very crucial role in this initiative by UNFPA on disseminating information across. And after that, like I mean, I believe that UNFPA's role came as a blessing in my life. After that, I was able to I was able to work with many organizations on, and after that, I think in between also I got like very busy with my exams. But yeah, after that, in April, I got a chance to work again with United Nations Volunteer in Southern African uh region as an uh congregations or yes, mom, like it has to be fabulous.

Dr Ariel R King 7:00

Oh my god, that sounds so exciting. I mean, I love the fact that you used your talents and also your you want to work with the UN, you want to actually help people and be you know the person that provides information. And you were able to do that through technology with helping young people learn more about reproductive and sexual health. That's fabulous. And can I ask was it what you wanted and will you be doing this type of volunteerism again? I'm asking because some young people think that, or not just young people, but that volunteering doesn't make a difference. Did volunteering make a difference for you? And if so, how?

Aparnesh Ahan 7:41

Really did, mom, it really did make a difference for me. Like, not only because uh, like I said, like uh for me, like uh it doesn't matter if even if it's for you in start line or uh anything, but yeah, like I mean, uh for me it made a really different big difference because I'm not here for money or anything that like if I'm going to an organization, they have to pay me some particular incentive to you know work for them.

Dr Ariel R King 8:05

But pardon me, how how my apology, maybe I didn't make it clear. My question is are you happy that you volunteered? And if so, what kind of skills were you and what kind of connections, what were you able to gain positively from it so other young people can know, or other people can know that volunteering at times does give you something positive?

Aparnesh Ahan 8:23

So, yeah, like for me, it was uh really positive experience to both what had happened was that like not only I was able to like contribute to an initiative which was a meaningful initiative, on the other hand, a lot uh I got a lot of respect on LinkedIn as well. I connected with people from all over the world who have been working with the United Nations, and I have been into events, local events over here in my country since I live in the capital of Paris. So I have been to events at like uh uh you can basically say that events like uh diplomatic events like have been to uh Spain, have been to MShields, and they also was greatly appreciated by the excellencies that uh among your own YouTube.

Dr Ariel R King 9:12

That makes it that makes a wonderful, I mean that makes such a big difference. I love the fact that you've decided that you want to do work with the UN and you found a way not just to work with the UN but to give value to so many people around the world. Bravo!

Aparnesh Ahan 9:29

Uh one thing about me is that like I'm also a neurodivergent, so I have ADST and uh uh for my dyslexia as well. I was never really good in studies, but apparently the kind of features my neurodivergent ADST has given to me. I mean, and now I'm applying uh for the community as well by uh telling them how they can also make a parts to the UN because it's a dream organization, Mamo here in my country. So we have all read it in our books, but now

How Volunteering Builds Skills And Networks

Aparnesh Ahan 9:55

have found a way on how like people can basically part of their dream organizations where like have been helping them and that too man for free of cost.

Dr Ariel R King 10:04

I really love that. And you know, I mean, the fact that all of us have something, you're saying that you have attention with HDHD, attention deficit disorder, something like that. But it also means that most likely you're quite smart and that your mind goes a lot faster than most people in a positive way. So you've been able to use that in such a positive way to help other communities. Would you like to say something about the fact that people can have challenges and use those challenges in order to help people within communities?

Aparnesh Ahan 10:38

Definitely, ma'am, definitely. Like we all have challenges. I have been uh like rejected so many times from my dream organization. And but yeah, like I mean, like one thing I would like to say over here is that like it's uh it's coming from my mother only, that whatever the situation is, like, handle it positively and uh you will see the difference. So yeah, I mean uh challenges will come, it will come and go. But like if you handle it with a positive mind, then everything can make a lot more sense and it will be much, much more.

Dr Ariel R King 11:11

So I guess there's room for everyone, isn't there? I mean, there's room for everyone to contribute to society in the way that they would like, no matter what their challenges are, whether it's a physical challenge, sometimes a mental health challenge, whether it's a challenge with whatever it is. It's you are a prime example of someone who takes a dream and uses your intuition, uses your hard work, and the fact that you give to so many people to make it possible to live your dream to work with the UN. That's really truly amazing. May I ask, are you going to do any more type of volunteering? And if so, what other volunteering would you like to do? What other goals do you have?

Aparnesh Ahan 11:53

Um, so definitely now like

Neurodiversity Rejection And Positive Mindset

Aparnesh Ahan 11:55

um I would be like uh opting for more and more volunteering. Uh yeah, like I mean, the goal for now is to work with international organizations. I have applied Vagap to hear them and to hear also from them. But nonetheless, like after the UN volunteering, I also got a chance to work for like a government initiative in release. Yes, ma'am, like it has to be moving on like that and in future as well, like because I would be now advancing for my master's release. So, yes, mom, like I would be going for more and more volunteering opportunities. This time it would be more on-rounding for you. It was mostly hybrid, but this time uh it would be more uh I think that's wonderful.

Dr Ariel R King 12:38

That's really great. And with the app that you've helped to create and also to promote, helping young people with with sexual health and with reproduction health, may I ask, will will this app be applied to other countries and will you be helping with that? Or what what's next for that particular for for that particular initiative by the United Nations?

Aparnesh Ahan 13:02

Uh so actually what had happened is that like like United Nations Volunteers India had posted about like they were wanting 60 volunteers TAN India to support and increase the engagement of the Just Rust EI app by UNFPA. So the app is currently working, it is still functionable. And after like my assignment got ended with UNFPA, it went on for three months. Also, we were on three months contract with UNFP from August to October 2025. And yes, ma'am, like after our contract ended, we could told by our mentors who are in UNFP that like even if your contract would end, you would still go and you know, like spend awareness about the app. So I think at the moment the uh the app is currently uh centered towards the Indian community, but I think yes ma'am because it's like it's by uh the UNFP India like uh country office uh basically segregated or you can say that it's basically for uh people and young adults and uh four to five states in the uh in India.

Dr Ariel R King 14:10

That's really amazing. Good for you, bravo, bravo. May I ask what what are some of your next goals that you that you've thought about trying to achieve? Just very curious about it, especially since you've been able to achieve one of the most difficult goals, which is to do work with the United Nations. What's what's next for you?

Aparnesh Ahan 14:29

Um so I would say like I'm at the moment uh figuring out what what's next for me. But yeah, like one thing after contributing to the United Nations and understanding what humanity really is side by side, not even side by side, like if I am uh thinking about it from your own perspective, I really want people to go and do something for the youth as well over here. And uh not even youth, like for me, the main target is not even for me. I have seen my mom over here when I was doing my pre-commetting uh sessions because also I have been finding a lot of professors of my um uh my country. So I have seen my mom and then that how they really want to like hope uh with these same organizations such as even because we all have been there over here in India. We just know what's the past to getting

Next Goals And International Relations Study

Aparnesh Ahan 15:20

these uh UN organizations or international development organizations. So yes, uh maybe you know working something for public uh in the future, which I'm doing at the moment right now, but like in general, inviting a lot of my friends also who also were uh volunteers with UNFP India and like internal at UN also. So we're gonna guarding to do something uh not only for the youth, but for people from all walks of life.

Dr Ariel R King 15:46

I think that makes a big difference. And I understand you were saying that you're also getting more education. You've decided, may I ask what are you going to be studying?

Aparnesh Ahan 15:55

So, yes, ma'am. So I have got into my dream university at some India. You can also search about it. The name of the university is Navanda University, N A L A N B A University. And this university is basically by the Ministry of External Affairs, which handles all the foreign-related matters, it is part of the AGs of that. And I've got securing admissions in uh I mean international relations and peace studies.

Dr Ariel R King 16:23

So I would be Oh my goodness, that's fabulous. So you're so you're following your dream to continue within the international realm?

Aparnesh Ahan 16:31

Yes.

Dr Ariel R King 16:32

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful. What advice would you give to a person who has been having a difficult time meeting their goal and not sure that it's the way to go? I mean, I know that you've had that. And what advice would you give someone who's frustrated and and doesn't find that they're they're you know finding a path to to accomplishing their goal?

Aparnesh Ahan 16:57

Um so mom, like the advice that I bought from my mentor was that like like while these uh we get me into several things, not only like in the international development field, but like anywhere would be a kind of consuming. But yeah, like uh one thing that has really sweet with me when I was in a position that like I wasn't getting anything getting a lot of rejections was that like there is no race in life, like it's like I mean it's a societal position, we have that you know, at a certain age we should get a job, at a certain age we should uh get married, but there's no actually no reason. Like it's like whatever will come to you, it will find your way, and that's how like it over my case are so while this might look a little like a little off topic for the person I've been guiding,

Mentors Patience And Three Tips

Aparnesh Ahan 17:45

but yeah, like not only this, like you know, being there for the person, supporting them, guiding them and mentoring them would also help them to meet more to help them feel more hope rather than hopeless. So, yes.

Dr Ariel R King 17:59

I think that's such a good point. And have mentors been able to help you to realize your goals?

Aparnesh Ahan 18:06

Yes, I have. I have one of the mentors, I mean, he's one of my like I mean I would say like uh uh what we say over here in India is that like when someone has come to you in your life, uh maybe like you know, bot has them, uh, them into their life. Um yes, ma'am. I mean that individual I would also recommend that you should also call him to your podcast. I mean, he has been doing so much for the community, he's like the best suit of India body in my country, and on top of that, worked with Plan International, intern with UNDP, and uh he was also working with me with the UNSP assignment, and he told me once that you know, I'm going to guide you and be there for you, and whatever you need me, any help, I would be here for you. So yes now. I although he's like quite elder to my age, like 10 years, so but yes now, like I think this is what's happening that the more good I'm trying to do for the community without expanding, the more it's uh coming back to me in unexpected ways. I never really imagined.

Dr Ariel R King 19:08

I love that. You know, I I think it's so important to find a mentor that's doing something that you think you'd like to do, or do you see somebody making an impact in the way that you'd like, and that person becomes your mentor? Bravo for you. Bravo for you. I'm really happy to hear that you're going to continue your education and also continue to do so much on the international level. Would you like to tell our audience, maybe give them three tips of how to go from frustration to success?

Aparnesh Ahan 19:43

Um, three tips would be like for the audience, I would like to give the first one would be like uh it's like I would say like be patient. I know like patience is a very huge term because over here also like in the United Nations, like I didn't got my first assignment like uh after weeks, I thought it after months. But being patient is really important because it will always teach us that like how we stay um active in such situations. Uh the second tip I would be saying that I know that it's uh not quite that uh it's not quite helpful, but like that's what has helped me to, you know, like uh band keep off my throat uh way through, you know, like all these situations. These are basically this is basically like I know the fact that like anything that is coming into my life, maybe like the miseries, maybe like the heart, maybe like the challenges or setbacks, it's going to be delivery, nothing is going to be permanent in life. It will go, it will come and it will go. And the third thing, mom, it would be like, uh, I don't think that's sometimes uh I think mom third thing would be that of course like you should have you know some hope in yourself as well. Because that's what also really matters. And it's like of course not saying mentorship or anything, but I guess not, like I mean even if you have that little hope, because I have that little hope in my heart that okay, like even if I didn't go to an internship program or anything, that doesn't mean that you know I'm not able to even continue uh at all internationally. But yes, like if you have that little hoping with yourself, then even uh everything can uh work out in your future.

Dr Ariel R King 21:31

I love that. That's such great wisdom. Thank you. I I love your wisdom about what to do. Thank you so much. And I'd like to thank you for being with us today and to our audience. Thank you for joining us. And remember, if I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I'm only for myself, when am I? If not now, then when? That was by the philosopher Lel. And I've added if not me, then who? Thank you so much for joining us.

Aparnesh Ahan 21:58

Thank you so much, Ryan. Thank

Closing Reflection And Quote

Aparnesh Ahan 22:00

you.