We recently had the chance to connect with Vikhram Baranidharan and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Vikhram, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I enter a new world filled with peace and joy when I’m playing any kind of sport, whether it’s my personal favorite—basketball—or even a random made-up game I create with friends. The rush of adrenaline I feel when I put my soul into the game is unmatched to any feeling in the world. The bonds that form with strangers that grow in amazing friendships solely because of the love for the sport truly is beautiful. But now you might be thinking what if I’m alone? The truth is I never really am because of my little brother always being there whenever I need a buddy to go out and have some fun. But in the rare scenarios I truly to do get to experience solitude, sports still haven’t left me down. They just require a little bit of help from another one of my favorite things, music! Putting on a pair of headphones causing every one of my movements to be even more energetic and rhythmic. So yes, simply put – sports is my way of finding myself every time I feel a little lost as I navigate a world filled with many twists and turns.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi Everyone, my name is Vikhram, the founder/CEO of Peak Scores Academy! So, Peak Scores Academy Inc. was founded with a mission to empower students worldwide by providing them with access to high-quality educational opportunities completely free of charge. We believe in the transformative power of education to unlock potential, bridge gaps, and create a brighter future for all. Through our programs, resources, and advocacy, we are committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, can reach their full academic and personal potential. As an immigrant student navigating the educational system in the United States, I was quite lost, and the only ones I could really look toward — my parents — were just as lost, having spent almost their entire lives halfway across the world. But in reality, I wasn’t the only one with something holding me back from embracing education’s true power. I opened my eyes my freshman year of high school and started to look around, finding myself and many others stumbling to find a foothold in what was, at the time, the “gruesome next four years.”
I learned that with the power of collaborative leadership and insightful guidance from my older peers, I could be the difference — so that people like my little brother wouldn’t need to go through the struggles I had witnessed and experienced myself. And boom — that truly was my spark, the moment that made me fight to provide support to those who needed a little helping hand as they navigated and took control of their education. Recently, I’ve realized that PSA’s story has grown so much further since those initial years, with the impact we’ve made and the new people who have joined our family.
When our team was figuring out ways to expand outward through more unique approaches, we decided to embark on a new partnership with Bisnova, an international organization that strives to teach students about business through discussions and hands-on experiences. We wanted not only to provide educational support to young students but also to help create future change-makers. Now, alongside Bisnova, we’re able to host business-oriented workshops and provide resources to generate business ideas in areas ranging from North America to Europe. Counteracting time zone barriers with flexibility, we hope to help create the future leaders of the world. I was thrilled when Sean, the founder of Bisnova, reached out to me about combining our resources to widen the impact we have on those around us. I hope this partnership strengthens as we head into the future and brings forth a whole wave of new positive changes.
But enough talk about global-scale initiatives — here at PSA, we cherish our roots, which is why we are very fond of our more local, East Coast–exclusive Summer Passion Workshops. This year, like every year, was no different, as I got to witness so many students passionately bonding over their shared interests and learning new skills and knowledge from their peers. This year, we had a new addition with our first-ever Art Workshop, which came about due to popular demand. While I was initially skeptical about how it would work given that our workshops are conducted online, the workshop heads absolutely crushed it with their perfect planning and execution. Aurora and Diya, the workshop leads, were able to teach and inspire the creation of so many amazing pieces of artwork from their attendees. This caught the eye of the executive board, and we’re now in talks about creating an even more local in-person workshop event day, where we can provide a platform for students to express themselves in the arts, sports, or anything they’re passionate about — without the limitations of an online format.
At PSA, we are working to remove the common association many young students have that “education means school.” We want to broaden the mindset of the younger generation, showing that education comes from learning something they are passionate and curious about so they can reach their own personal peaks. We understand that everyone has their own path, and education should be a tool used in different ways to achieve unique goals.
Our board is also happy to see our College Connect Program branch out to allow students not only aiming for private institutions but also public schools to gain greater access to crucial advice about getting into their dream schools — directly from attending freshmen and sophomores. As for the international Edvucates program, we have made a soft launch, allowing students from across the world to talk about both the good and bad sides of a multitude of different school systems, bridging gaps and barriers between students.
It brings so much joy to my heart to realize that this organization — which started with a freshman struggling with his educational path — has now grown to reach more than 1 million students, thanks to the incredible support PSA has received from its partners and community. While I may have started the organization, it truly cannot move forward and create real impact without the support of the entire PSA family, who all believe that education is a gift and wish to spread that gift to as many people as possible.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
For me, trust is the glue that holds people together—and when it’s gone, the bond almost always shatters. Someone once told me that trust is like glass: once it breaks, no matter how carefully you piece it back together, it’s never quite the same. Over time, I’ve learned that trust and loyalty are inseparable, and building them takes real effort. You have to show people—not just tell them—that the relationship matters. For one person, that might mean offering encouragement during a rough patch; for another, it could be something as small as checking in to see how they’re doing.
I’ve always lived by Harvey Specter’s line from Suits: “Loyalty is a two-way street.” If you expect it, you have to give it. That belief has helped me protect and nurture the bonds I value most—because when trust flows both ways, those connections can last a lifetime.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell him to never sacrifice your caring and ethical character to obtain anything because in reality your bartering something priceless for something in the long run that may be useless. I would tell him to value his character and continue to work hard like he always has. Reminding him that no matter how much he grows he will continue to remain humble and down to earth and that every failure is just a stepping stone for greater things no matter how bad they could sting. Overall, I’d tell him to keep his character and mindset and continue to keep striving to change the world no matter what anyone says.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
One thing I believe to be true but cannot scientifically prove is the ideology of karma—the idea that your actions and choices help shape certain life scenarios in the future. I have seen countless times throughout my life the powerful effect this phenomenon has on people’s lives. This belief pushes me to take action with meaningful purpose, aiming to create more happiness for others. I think of it like a boomerang: you might not realize it at the time, but picking up that piece of garbage or donating to the homeless could lead to an ironic twist where something you did in the past becomes the reason you find joy in the future. While I cannot prove this with facts, this idea remains close to my heart and continues to motivate me to help create positive change for the rest of the world!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I was someone you could turn to with any problem—a person who would sit down, listen, and truly connect, even with strangers, to find a way forward. I want to be remembered as a giver who devoted his life to serving his community, seeking no reward except the joy reflected in genuine smiles and laughter. I hope people speak about the real me: a simple, kindhearted soul whose character mattered more than any achievements or accolades. I dream they remember the conversations that helped them through difficult times, and the small gestures that meant something only to them. Above all, I want my legacy to be this: when I was around, the people around me felt happy, supported, and at peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peakscoresacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peak_scores_academy/
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/peak-scores-academy
- Other: https://linktr.ee/peakscoresacademy
Image Credits
– Rishab Malhotra
– Aurora Magadan
– Diya Patel
– All Culture Connect
– Bisnova (Formerly known as Biznova)
