One of the most fulfilling yet challenging experiences was contributing to AarogyaSetu, India’s official contact-tracing app.
Niharika Arora
Android Developer Relations Engineer at Google, India
Niharika Arora is as an Android Developer Relations Engineer at Google and the Co-Vice Chair of the FIDO India Working Group.
Before joining Google, she was a Google Developer Expert (GDE) for Android and one of the core developers of the Government of India’s contact tracing app, Aarogya Setu.
Niharika earned a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from JCBOSE, YMCAUST, Faridabad, and was honored to receive the Chancellor’s Gold Medal from the Honorable State Governor. She has also been recognized as one of the 40 Under 40 Indian Achievers and was rewarded by IndiaMentor for her contributions to the community.
Please tell us about your educational journey & achievements.
By God’s Grace, I have always been a hard working child with a passion for challenges and exploring opportunities for growth. I was so passionate about mathematics that I completed 8th-grade math during my 6th-grade summer vacation.
I was honored to be the District Topper during Middle & Secondary examinations and ranked among the top 0.1% of all candidates in the Middle Examination. I pursued a Diploma in Computer Engineering, graduating as the University Topper of my batch.
Later, I earned a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from JCBOSE, YMCAUST, and received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal from the Honorable State Governor. These milestones continue to inspire me to learn and grow with gratitude.
How did you start your journey in IT as an Android Developer?
During my final semester, I secured an internship working on an Android application. Seeing my code come to life on a smartphone captivated me and ignited my passion for mobile development. Android’s intuitive tools made the learning process enjoyable, and over a decade later, I remain deeply passionate about building impactful mobile experiences.
What was the most challenging part of your journey till now?
One of the most fulfilling yet challenging experiences was contributing to AarogyaSetu, India’s official contact-tracing app. Building the app for millions of users in just 15 days, across 12 languages, while ensuring top-notch security, was a monumental task.
I am incredibly proud to have served my country during such critical times, with the project receiving recognition from the Honorable Prime Minister. AarogyaSetu showcased India’s technical brilliance and taught me invaluable lessons in managing stress, making critical decisions, and delivering excellence under immense pressure.
With 10 years of experience in the software industry, How has your experience in startups shaped your current role at Google?
My experience in startups has been instrumental in shaping my professional growth. It taught me the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and taking ownership—key skills for thriving in fast-paced, high-impact environments.
Startups also fostered a customer-first mindset, emphasizing the creation of scalable, user-centric solutions. These experiences continue to guide me in navigating complex challenges and driving meaningful outcomes in my current role at Google.
Can you share insights from your journey as a Google Developer Expert (GDE) for Android?
I am so grateful to be recognized as a GDE. It provided a platform to deepen my technical expertise, engage with the global developer community, and share knowledge through talks & mentorship.
The role emphasized the importance of collaboration and staying updated with Android’s evolving landscape. It also reinforced my commitment to giving back, whether by mentoring aspiring developers or exchanging ideas with peers.
What advice would you give to young professionals who aspire to work in the tech industry?
While I don’t consider myself an authority, here’s what I’ve learned: Don’t try to master everything. Instead, focus on excelling in a few key areas. Aim to create value through your work rather than chasing money or fame. Success and rewards will naturally follow.
What’s one unique aspect of you that’s not highlighted in your profile?
Staying fit is a top priority for me—I never miss a workout, no matter how busy or tough the day gets. I’m also passionate about dance; play some music, and I’m on the floor!
Beyond that, I’m a people person who loves connecting with individuals from all walks of life.
Being recognized as one of the 40 under 40 Indian achievers in 2020 is a remarkable achievement. How did this recognition impact your career and personal life?
It was both an honor and a humbling experience. This recognition elevated my visibility within the industry, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations while strengthening the trust others placed in my abilities. It inspired me to embrace more challenging projects and continue delivering impactful results.
On a personal level, the recognition reaffirmed the value of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to my principles. It also motivated me to mentor and support others in their journeys, allowing me to give back to the community that has been instrumental in my success.
You have been at Google for more than 3 years. What are some key learnings and accomplishments you would like to share with young professionals aspiring to join such organizations?
Over the past 3+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working on impactful projects and solving complex technical challenges that impact millions globally.
This journey has taught me invaluable lessons. First, adaptability and a growth mindset are essential for thriving in dynamic and ever-evolving environments. Second, success isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s equally about communication, collaboration, and learning from setbacks. Lastly, curiosity and proactiveness are key to unlocking opportunities in competitive organizations.
For aspiring professionals, I encourage continuous learning, seeking mentorship, and confidently taking ownership of challenging projects. Success is built on persistence, passion, and a commitment to lifelong growth.
As Co-vice chair for Fido India Working Group, what are your goals and objectives for promoting passwordless authentication in India?
My primary goal is to raise awareness about the advantages of passwordless authentication ie. passkeys. This includes enhancing security, improving user experience, and reducing risks associated with traditional passwords.
Our efforts focus on collaborating with stakeholders across industries to drive the adoption of FIDO standards and educating organizations on the importance of robust authentication methods.
By fostering a community that values secure and seamless authentication, We aim to contribute to building a safer ecosystem in India.
In your portfolio, you mentioned mentoring before joining Google. What advice do you share with mentees, and what lessons do you hope they take away?
For me, mentorship has never been about earning—it has always been a responsibility to help others grow in their careers.
I always emphasized the importance of continuous learning, staying curious, and embracing challenges as opportunities. I hope my guidance inspired them to approach their goals with confidence, adaptability, and persistence, equipping them to overcome challenges and succeed in their endeavors..
How do you interpret the concepts of success and failure in life?
For me, success and failure are not labels for people but outcomes of events. Success reflects achieving milestones through passion and hard work, while failure is a stepping stone that reveals areas for growth. Both are temporary and teach valuable lessons. Success reinforces the rewards of effort and positivity, while failure transforms weaknesses into strengths when embraced as a learning opportunity.
It’s essential to remain humble in success and resilient in failure, as both shape our journey toward continuous improvement.
What are your future goals and aspirations, both personally and professionally? Are there any new challenges or opportunities that you are excited to pursue?
My goals revolve around solving impactful problems on a global scale while staying at the forefront of innovation and technology. I’m particularly excited about exploring solutions that enhance digital transformation and improve user-centric experiences.
At the same time, I prioritize maintaining a balanced life, staying committed to fitness, and embracing challenges that push me out of my comfort zone.
Who has been the biggest inspiration behind your journey, and how have they influenced the person you are today?
My family has been my greatest inspiration, shaping who I am today. My mother taught me empathy and the importance of supporting others, while my father inspired resilience and optimism in overcoming challenges. My younger brother motivates me with his dedication to fitness. My uncle & aunt have been unwavering sources of support, always encouraging my aspirations, while their children bring joy and keep me grounded. Together, they have instilled in me the strength to persevere, pursue my dreams, and embrace gratitude in every stage of life.
What are your expectations and compliments for your life partner?
Having your best friend as your life partner is truly a blessing, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have someone who embodies kindness, unwavering support, and a positive outlook that inspires me every day. His strength and individuality encourage me to grow, and his belief in me brings out my best self, making our journey together truly special.
What I admire most is his ability to communicate openly, understand deeply, and grow with me as we navigate life together.
I am also equally grateful to have amazing and supportive in-laws who encourage me to grow and excel in life. Together, they make my life truly fulfilling.
To conclude, could you share one of your favorite quotes with us?
The quote, I live by, is: “Just be happy with who you are, but never get satisfied with what you have.”
This quote beautifully captures the balance between contentment and ambition. It reminds me to appreciate and embrace who I am and what I have at present, fostering confidence and positivity within myself & my surroundings. At the same time, it emphasizes the importance of never settling for less—because the moment we grow too comfortable, we lose the drive to strive for greater things in life.
This keeps me grounded yet motivated to keep growing and achieving.
