IITian-CEO admits his body refuses to 'act corporate'. He sits cross-legged in meeting, loves to sleep on floor

In a world obsessed with polished personas and boardroom etiquette, one startup founder is proudly not playing by the rules. Harsh Pokharna, an IIT Kanpur graduate and entrepreneur, recently took to Instagram to share a deeply personal post that’s resonating with thousands—and ruffling a few feathers in the process.

“I sleep on the floor. Not the cold, bare floor. I have a gadda,” he begins candidly.

OkCredit founder’s post isn’t about rebellion—it’s about authenticity. Despite being a founder of a start-up, where image and perception often overshadow reality, he admits he still sleeps on the floor and prefers sitting cross-legged—whether it’s at home, in cafés, or even in business meetings. According to him, his body “just refuses to act corporate.”

'Act more sophisticated’—but why?
Friends, colleagues, and well-wishers have apparently urged him to behave in a more “refined” manner, in line with his role. But Pokharna isn’t sold. “Honestly, I try,” he writes. “But I last 10 seconds.” His post ends with a sincere dilemma: should he force himself to change for appearances, or continue embracing the version of himself that feels most natural?

The question, though simple, hits a nerve. In an era where corporate culture prizes posture over comfort and appearances over authenticity, Harsh’s post has sparked conversations around how much of ourselves we’re supposed to edit just to ‘fit in.’

A quiet rejection of startup stereotypes
While many founders are busy crafting their public image for the next investor meeting or LinkedIn post, Pokharna’s openness is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always have to come dressed in a tailored suit—or sitting perfectly upright in an ergonomic chair. In an increasingly image-conscious startup world, Harsh Pokharna’s grounded (literally) habits are challenging the very definition of what it means to be ‘professional’. As he puts it bluntly: “Sometimes I wonder if I should really try to change, or just stay the same.”

The internet seems to have its answer—and it’s cheering for the man on the floor.


Internet reacts
The internet had a lot to say after Harsh Pokharna’s candid post about sleeping on the floor and sitting cross-legged—even in meetings—went viral. Most reactions leaned supportive, even celebratory, of his raw and unfiltered approach to life.

Many users insisted he shouldn’t change a thing, saying comfort and authenticity matter more than trying to appear “corporate.” Some shared how, despite always trying to behave more “sophisticated,” they resonated with the idea that entrepreneurs who live and breathe their work should feel completely at home in their own skin—even if that means ditching chairs and formality. Others related strongly to his cross-legged sitting habit, admitting they too couldn’t sit with their legs down for long, regardless of the setting. For them, palthi maar ke baithna isn’t just a posture—it’s second nature.

Some did highlight the role body language plays in professional settings, pointing out that appearances can influence perceptions and decisions. They encouraged a balanced approach—switching between comfort and polish as needed, depending on context.

Interestingly, a few shared how they too sit cross-legged everywhere, even against medical advice, because it simply feels more natural. Others argued it’s actually better for the body and that modern society should normalize these traditional habits rather than stigmatize them.