Story of India’s Most Awarded Pianist
Music has been an inseparable part of my life since childhood. I’ve always had the ability to play various musical instruments—remarkably, without any formal training. Over the years, I’ve developed the skill to play almost 40 different instruments to varying extents. I truly believe that this natural flair for music is the greatest gift the Almighty has blessed me with.
Born into a business family running a successful dry-cleaning empire with 19 outlets in Gurugram, it seemed predetermined that I would step into the family business. However, destiny had a different plan for me. At the age of 28, I made a life-changing decision to pursue professional piano training. What followed was unexpected and life-altering. My family was deeply opposed to this choice. They considered it not only impractical but also humiliating. Instead of receiving encouragement, I found myself disowned—thrown out of both my home and the family business.
In that moment of despair, my wife, Shilpi, became my unwavering source of strength. Together, we started from scratch, leaving behind the comforts of our previous life. I launched a small piano school and began offering home piano lessons. Those early days were anything but easy. There were times I walked nearly 20 kilometers a day for home tuitions, saving every last rupee to buy bread for my daughter’s breakfast the next morning. Gone were the days of chauffeur-driven cars—I now rode shared autos, often clinging to the edge to save on fares.
The struggle was real, and so was the hunger. There were days when I survived on just water to calm my growling stomach. Yet, despite the hardships, I remained focused on my dream—to establish music as a respected and viable profession. The fire to create my own identity and prove to the world that music could be a mainstream career kept me going.
What kept me moving forward, even in the darkest times, was the unwavering support of my wife and my unshakable belief in the power of the law of attraction. I channeled all my energy into positive action, trusting that the universe would eventually reward my persistence. And it did.
Life has a way of leaving its mark on us, shaping who we are and guiding us toward our purpose. The moments I lived in the hospital during 2021 were challenging to revisit, yet they are profound symbols of a journey that transformed my life and inspired my creations.
In the dark days of 2021, I stood at the edge of life, battling COVID-19. Reduced to just 30 kilograms, I was a shadow of myself. Yet, in that crucible of pain and uncertainty, I discovered the profound purpose that would guide my existence.
This book and the course Dr. Aman Bathla’s Piano Course in Music Composition and Music Therapy are dedicated to the pillars of my strength—my wife, sister, daughters, and every soul who stood by me during that harrowing yet transformative time. The birth of the OAKS Global Arts and Cultural Trust is a reflection of my life’s dreams, brought to reality by the unwavering support and love that surrounded me.
From the depths of my heart, I feel an unshakable calling to share the light that emerged from those dark days. Through music therapy, healing, and meditation, I aim to contribute to the well-being of others. Music, a sacred gift from the divine, has blessed my life, and I am committed to using its power to serve and uplift.
This course is my offering—a guide for budding pianists and creators to craft melodies that resonate with their unique spirit. My hope is to remind everyone that, with a strong foundation, the heights you can reach are limitless. I strongly believe that if you really want to grow in life, be it any stream, never stop learning. So, I always say, "Keep Learning... Keep Growing."
I am humbled to be recognized as India’s most awarded concert pianist, with 63 World Record Titles and 56 National and International honors, including prestigious accolades such as Bharat Gaurav, Haryana Ratna, Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award, World Piano Achievement Award, and Atal Pratishtha Samman presented at the Parliament of India. I hold two honorary PhDs—one in Music Therapy and another for my groundbreaking work as a World Record Holder, exploring the connection between Indian and Western classical music.
I am the fastest piano artist in the world, holding 52 World Record Titles. I’ve also been awarded the Raaga Pianist World Record for performing nonstop notations for 111 Indian Classical Raagas on a grand piano. Additionally, I pioneered online education in India, becoming the first Indian online piano educator whose student, at age 8, achieved a world record from California.
As a mentor, I’ve guided seven students to secure nine World Record Titles, solidifying my legacy as a world-class mentor. As Chairman of Dr. Aman Bathla’s Courses Pvt. Ltd., I introduced India’s first ISO-certified Online Diploma Course in Music Composition and Music Therapy, recognized by UNESCO, UNICEF, and ECOSOC, and endorsed by the Government of India.
Looking back, the journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth every step. Through music, I’ve found my purpose, and I’m dedicated to inspiring others to find theirs. My story is proof that passion, perseverance, and a never-ending hunger for learning can turn dreams into reality. I’m here to remind everyone that with determination, faith, and a melody in your heart, you can create your own symphony of success.