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The Promotion Paradox: A Leadership Lesson from King Nahusha

A promotion is often celebrated as recognition for past achievements. Yet every promotion comes with an invisible test. While an organization can change a person’s title overnight, transforming the way that person thinks and leads is a far more difficult journey. Many professionals rise because of their expertise, dedication, discipline, and ability to deliver results. However, leadership demands a different set of capabilities. What we might call the “Promotion Paradox” occurs when the very qualities that help an individual earn a promotion become obstacles to succeeding in the new role. Time and again, we see capable people struggle not because they lack talent or competence, but because they continue to approach their new responsibilities with the mindset that made them successful in their previous position. Our Puranas contain a fascinating story that illustrates this paradox remarkably well: The story of King Nahusha. The chain of events began with Indra, the king of the Devtas. Despite occupying one of the highest positions in the cosmos, Indra allowed desire to cloud his judgment. He deceived Devi Ahilya, the wife of Gautama Rishi. When the truth came to light, Gautama Rishi cursed him. Humiliated and fearful of the consequences, Indra vanished from public view and concealed himself within the stem of a lotus. His disappearance created a leadership vacuum in Swarga. The Asuras quickly recognized the opportunity. Without Indra’s leadership, the Devtas found themselves disorganized and vulnerable. Repeated attacks from the Asuras weakened their position, forcing the Devtas and the Saptarishis to seek guidance from Brahma Ji. After hearing their concerns, Brahma Ji concluded that the heavens could not function without leadership. A new Indra had to be chosen. The selection process was based neither on birth nor influence. The Devtas sought someone whose life demonstrated wisdom, discipline, self-mastery, and unwavering commitment to dharma. Their choice was King Nahusha, a respected Chandravanshi ruler known for his learning, righteousness, and humility. Having mastered the Vedas and Shastras and performed a hundred Ashwamedha Yagnas, Nahusha had earned admiration across the three worlds. When approached with the offer, Nahusha did not immediately accept. He questioned whether a mortal king possessed the capability to govern Swarga and defend the Devtas against powerful adversaries. The Devtas reassured him that he would be supported by their divine powers and blessings. Eventually, convinced that he could serve a greater purpose, Nahusha accepted the responsibility. For a time, the decision proved to be an excellent one. Nahusha restored stability, protected Swarga, and inspired confidence among the Devtas. He demonstrated many of the qualities that had originally made him worthy of the position. But leadership tests character in ways that success never does. Gradually, the power, prestige, and adoration associated with the throne began to affect him. The humility that once defined his personality started giving way to pride. Responsibility slowly transformed into entitlement. Instead of viewing himself as a custodian of power, he began to see himself as its owner. The decisive turning point came when Nahusha became infatuated with Devi Shachi, the wife of Indra. Determined to make her his queen, he ignored both convention and dharma. Alarmed by his intentions, Devi Shachi sought the counsel and protection of Dev Guru Brihaspati. Together they devised a strategy to expose Nahusha’s growing arrogance. Shachi conveyed a message that she would consider his proposal if he arrived in a manner befitting the ruler of the heavens—carried in a palanquin borne by the Saptarishis themselves. Consumed by pride and blinded by desire, Nahusha accepted the condition without hesitation. The great sages reluctantly carried the palanquin. As they moved forward, Nahusha became impatient. The elderly Rishis could not match the speed he desired. Irritated and consumed by his own urgency, he repeatedly demanded that they move faster. Finally, losing all restraint, he kicked Agastya Muni and shouted, “Sarpa! Sarpa!” The irony is striking. While Nahusha intended the word to mean “move quickly,” the word “sarpa” also means serpent. Agastya Muni, deeply offended by Nahusha’s arrogance and disrespect, pronounced a curse. He declared that Nahusha had forgotten dharma, abused the authority entrusted to him, and insulted the very sages whose blessings had elevated him. As a result, he would lose everything and be cast down to earth as a serpent. The curse took effect immediately. The throne disappeared. The power disappeared. The glory disappeared. Nahusha fell from the heights of Swarga and spent ages wandering the earth in the form of a serpent until the time of his eventual redemption. The most important leadership lesson from this story is that Nahusha’s downfall did not begin with Agastya Muni’s curse. It began much earlier—when he started believing that his new position changed the rules by which he should live. His failure was not caused by the promotion itself. It was caused by the meaning he attached to the promotion. The same qualities that earned him the throne—humility, discipline, wisdom, and service—were gradually abandoned after he acquired power. Ironically, the traits that elevated him were the very traits he stopped practicing. This pattern is not limited to our ancient scriptures. It appears regularly in organizations. Many first-time managers believe leadership means attending every meeting, making every decision, solving every problem, and being involved in every conversation. They attempt to prove their value by doing more rather than by enabling others to succeed. Leadership, however, is not an amplified version of individual contribution. It is a fundamentally different responsibility. Success is no longer measured by personal output but by the outcomes achieved through the team. True leadership is not about accumulating authority; it is about exercising stewardship. It is not about being indispensable; it is about making others capable. And it is not about doing more work yourself; it is about creating the conditions in which others can perform at their best. The story of Nahusha serves as a timeless reminder that every promotion demands a corresponding shift in mindset. Without that shift, the habits that once propelled us forward can become the very obstacles that hold… Continue reading The Promotion Paradox: A Leadership Lesson from King Nahusha

From Corporate Life to Cosmic Lessons: How Astrology Found Me… And What I Found in It

From Corporate Life to Cosmic Lessons : How Astrology Found Me… And What I Found in It, reveals how an unexpected encounter with astrology transformed my perspective on leadership, management, self-discovery, and life’s deeper purpose. One of my father’s closest friends, Mr. Malhotra, was an astrologer. Soon after my birth, he prepared my first Janam Kundli. On my 12th birthday, while reviewing it once again, he made a prediction that seemed rather unusual at the time. “One day,” he said, “astrology will come to him.” Nobody paid much attention to the remark. To my parents, it was just another prediction. But he was serious. He encouraged me to learn Urdu because he owned an original copy of the Lal Kitab, written in Urdu by Pandit Roop Chand Joshi. He promised that once I learned the language, he would personally teach me astrology from those books. The idea fascinated me. I approached another friend of my father—a renowned Urdu poet—and began learning the language. It felt as though an entirely new world was opening up before me. But life had other plans. On the very day I started my Urdu lessons, Mr. Malhotra suffered a heart attack and passed away unexpectedly. With his passing, that journey came to an abrupt halt. His son eventually sold his treasured collection of astrology books to a scrap merchant. The books disappeared, the teacher was gone, and the chapter seemed to close before it had even begun. I gradually moved on. I stopped learning Urdu, focused on my studies, completed my MBA, and entered the corporate world. Astrology faded into the background and eventually became a distant memory. Years passed. Then, in 2019, life took another unexpected turn. My father slipped while taking a bath and fractured his femur bone. I had to relocate to our native place in Punjab to be with him. Since working from home was proving difficult, I rented a small office to continue my professional work. Coincidentally, the office was located in a building owned by a temple. Every month, Pandit Ji would visit to collect the rent. One day, after finishing his visit, he accidentally left a few astrology books behind in my office. I immediately called him and told “Pandit Ji, you’ve forgotten your books.” “Keep them for now,” he replied casually. “I’ll collect them the next time I come. Feel free to read them if you like.” The books remained on my desk. A few days later, on a quiet Saturday afternoon, I was alone in the office. Out of curiosity, I picked up one of the books and started reading. Within minutes, I was captivated. The idea that planetary combinations could reveal patterns and possibilities intrigued me. Equally fascinating was the concept that certain remedies could potentially reduce unfavorable influences and strengthen favorable ones. Yet the science student in me remained skeptical. Was astrology really a science? The more I read, the more I realized that whether one views astrology as a predictive science or not, it offers a remarkable framework for understanding archetypes, cycles, and human behavior. And that is where I found its greatest value. I noticed that every planet has a distinct role to play. No single planet defines an entire horoscope. Diversity creates balance. Timing matters. Strengths and weaknesses often coexist. Every planetary energy teaches a different lesson. The more I studied astrology, the more management lessons I discovered within it. Sun teaches leadership, purpose, vision, and accountability. Moon teaches emotional intelligence, empathy, adaptability, and people management. Mars teaches action, courage, execution, and decisive leadership. Mercury teaches communication, learning, adaptability, and informed decision-making. Jupiter teaches wisdom, learning, growth, mentorship, and long-term thinking. Venus teaches relationships, harmony, attraction, and value creation. Saturn teaches discipline, patience, accountability, perseverance, and the value of long-term success Rahu teaches ambition, innovation, disruption, and the courage to challenge the status quo. Ketu teaches that wisdom is not just knowing what to pursue; it is knowing what to leave behind. Gradually, I realized that astrology was teaching a principle that applies equally to organizations. Success is never created by a single planet acting alone. It emerges from the harmonious interaction of many different forces. The same is true for organizations. Successful companies are built when diverse individuals, skills, perspectives, and personalities work together toward a common purpose. Great leadership does not come from creating uniformity; it comes from understanding differences, respecting them, and aligning strengths. Perhaps that was the most valuable lesson astrology offered me. Just as a horoscope is not judged by a single planet, an organization is not defined by a single leader. Success emerges when every force plays its role in harmony. And when I look back now, I sometimes wonder whether my father’s friend was right all along. I never went looking for astrology. Somehow, astrology found me. And in astrology, I discovered not just planetary wisdom, but countless lessons about leadership, management, relationships, and life itself. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing some of those lessons. Stay tuned. First Published on LinkedIn

Leardership Lessons from Samudra Manthan

According to Hindu mythology, Indra, the king of Svarga, once traveled through the heavens on his celestial elephant Airavata. During his journey, he encountered Rishi Durvasa, a sage known for his spiritual power and fierce temper. Durvasa offered Indra a sacred garland blessed by Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Indra accepted the garland, but instead of wearing it respectfully, he casually placed it on Airavata’s head. The elephant threw the garland to the ground and crushed it under its feet. Durvasa viewed this act as a serious insult to the divine blessing carried by the garland. Furious at the disrespect, he cursed Indra and the devtas. The curse stripped them of their strength, prosperity, influence, and divine energy. As a result of the curse, the devtas began losing battles against the asuras. Under the leadership of Bali, the asuras captured control over the three worlds. Weak and defeated, the devtas approached Vishnu for guidance. Vishnu advised them to churn the cosmic ocean and obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality. However, the task required enormous power and coordination. Vishnu instructed the devtas to form a temporary alliance with the asuras. He suggested that both sides work together to churn the Ocean and told them to workout sharing of divine treasures diplomatically. And he would ensure victory for the devtas. The devtas then approached King Bali and informed him about the hidden treasures and Amrit, the nectar of immortality concealed within the vast ocean. Excited by the possibility of immortality and unimaginable wealth, Bali and the asuras agreed to participate in churning of the ocean. The great event became known as Samudra Manthan. To begin churning, the participants uprooted Mount Mandarachal and used it as the churning rod. The serpent, Vasuki, agreed to serve as the rope after receiving a promise of Amrit. Carrying the enormous mountain proved extremely difficult, and many devtas and asuras collapsed from exhaustion. Vishnu revived the fallen warriors, carried the mountain on Garuda, and placed it in the middle of the ocean. Vasuki wrapped himself around the mountain. Vishnu advised the devtas to hold the serpent’s head while the asuras held the tail. The asuras rejected the arrangement because they considered the tail inferior and inauspicious. As a result, the devtas accepted the tail position instead. When the churning started, the mountain began sinking because of its immense weight. Vishnu immediately assumed his Kurma avatar and took the form of a gigantic turtle. He supported the mountain on his shell and stabilized the entire process. As the churning continued, a deadly poison called ‘halahal’ emerged from the ocean. The poison spread toxic fumes that threatened all creation. To protect the universe, Shiva consumed the poison and held it in his throat. The poison turned his throat blue, which earned him the title Neelakanth, meaning “the blue-throated one.” After the poison emerged, many divine treasures and celestial beings rose from the ocean. Hindu scriptures collectively describe these treasures as the Ratnas. Among the most important treasures appeared Lakshmi, who chose Vishnu as her eternal consort. Celestial dancers such as Rambha and Menaka also emerged and later joined the Gandharvas. The devtas accepted Varuni, the goddess associated with wine and pleasure. Several divine animals also appeared during the churning. These included Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow given to sages for sacred rituals; Airavata, the celestial elephant claimed by Indra; and Uchhaishravas, the magnificent seven-headed horse received by Bali. The ocean also revealed precious objects such as the Kaustubha jewel worn by Vishnu and the Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling celestial tree later taken to Indraloka. Other treasures included Chandra and Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged carrying the pot of Amrit. The moment Dhanvantari appeared with Amrit, the nectar of immortality, conflict erupted between the devtas and the asuras. The asuras seized the pot and refused to share Amrit with the devtas. To recover it, Vishnu transformed into Mohini, an enchanting female form of unmatched beauty. Mesmerized by her charm, the asuras trusted her and allowed her to distribute Amrit fairly. Mohini seated the devtas and asuras separately. She then secretly served the Amrit only to the devtas. An intelligent asura named Swarbhanu recognized the deception. He disguised himself as a devta and quietly sat between Surya and Chandra. Before anyone noticed him, he drank a portion of Amrit. Surya and Chandra quickly recognized the disguise and alerted Mohini (Vishnu). Vishnu instantly used the Sudarshana Chakra to sever Swarbhanu’s head. However, Amrit had already touched him, so he did not die. His head became known as Rahu, while his body became Ketu. Hindu mythology later connected this story with the origin of eclipses. After the devtas consumed Amrit, Vishnu revealed his true form and returned to Vaikuntha on Garuda. Furious after realizing the deception, the asuras launched a massive war against the devtas. Empowered by Amrit, the devtas eventually defeated the asuras, reclaimed Svarga, and pushed their rivals into Patalaloka. Who Was Swarbhanu? Swarbhanu was the son of the asura king Viprachitti and Simhika. Hindu texts describe Simhika as intelligent, spiritually intense, ambitious, and highly powerful. From childhood, Swarbhanu displayed extraordinary intelligence and strategic thinking. Unlike many warriors who relied mainly on physical strength, he depended on observation, disguise, planning, and psychological tactics. He questioned authority and strongly opposed the repeated dominance of the devtas. Swarbhanu believed the asuras deserved equal respect, influence, and power. After his transformation into Rahu and Ketu, many associated him with illusion, ambition, rebellion, secrecy, obsession, and unconventional paths. Despite widespread fear surrounding him, Simhika never abandoned her son. Traditional interpretations often describe Rahu’s emotional attachment to his mother because she supported him when others rejected him. In astrology, Rahu symbolizes intense desire, emotional hunger, attachment, ambition, illusion, and the longing for acceptance. Leadership Lessons from Samudra Manthan and Rahu’s Story Respect the Intent Behind Every Gift Indra’s downfall began with a small act of carelessness. He failed to respect the sacred garland gifted by Rishi Durvasa and treated it casually. A wise leader… Continue reading Leardership Lessons from Samudra Manthan

The Leadership Dilemma- The Story of Kacha and Devayani

The Leadership Dilemma – The Story of Kacha and Devayani is one of the most thought-provoking narratives in ancient Indian literature, offering timeless insights into leadership, strategy, knowledge, loyalty, emotional intelligence, and human relationships. At a time when the conflict between the Devas and the Asuras dominated the cosmic order, the Asuras began gaining a decisive advantage in battle. Their strength did not come only from military power or weapons. Their greatest advantage was their guru, Shukracharya, who possessed the sacred Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya — a divine knowledge capable of restoring life to the dead. Whenever Asura warriors were defeated, Shukracharya revived them, making the Asuras nearly impossible to overcome. The Devas gradually realized that no victory could be permanent as long as this knowledge remained exclusively with their rivals. Brihaspati, the guru of the Devas, understood that the balance of power would continue shifting unless the Devas also gained access to the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya. After careful consideration, a difficult decision was made. Brihaspati’s son, Kacha, would enter Shukracharya’s ashram as a disciple and attempt to learn the sacred knowledge. Kacha arrived at the ashram of Shukracharya with humility and respect. Introducing himself openly as the son of Brihaspati, he requested permission to study under the Asura guru. Shukracharya immediately understood why Kacha had come. Yet, despite the rivalry between the Devas and Asuras, he honored the ancient principle that sincere seekers of knowledge should not be denied education. Impressed by Kacha’s discipline and conduct, he accepted him as a disciple. Among those living in the ashram was Devayani. Intelligent, proud, sensitive, and deeply attached to her father, she gradually developed affection for Kacha as she observed his sincerity, discipline, and dedication. Kacha treated her with kindness and respect, though his primary focus remained his mission. However, the Asuras viewed Kacha with suspicion. They feared that he had been sent specifically to obtain the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya and weaken their strategic advantage. Concerned about the possibility of losing their greatest strength, they repeatedly attempted to eliminate him. The first time, Kacha was killed while tending cattle in the forest. When he did not return, Devayani became distressed and requested her father to find him. Through his spiritual powers, Shukracharya discovered what had happened and revived Kacha using the Mrita Sanjeevani mantra. The Asuras tried again. This time they destroyed his body and scattered the remains, believing revival would be impossible. Yet Devayani once more pleaded for Kacha’s return, and Shukracharya restored him to life. Realizing ordinary methods would not stop him, the Asuras devised a more extreme plan. They killed Kacha, burned his body into ashes, mixed the ashes into wine, and secretly served the drink to Shukracharya. Unaware of the deception, Shukracharya consumed it. When Kacha once again disappeared, Devayani begged her father to save him. During meditation, Shukracharya discovered the horrifying truth — Kacha was inside his own body. Reviving him would destroy him, while refusing would fail both his daughter and his disciple. Faced with this impossible choice, Shukracharya decided to teach Kacha the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya itself. He instructed Kacha to emerge from his body after learning the mantra and then use the same knowledge to revive him. Kacha obeyed. As predicted, Shukracharya died when Kacha emerged, but Kacha immediately used the sacred mantra to restore his guru to life. Years later, after completing his education, Kacha prepared to leave the ashram. At that moment, Devayani confessed her love and asked him to remain with her. Kacha, though respectful and compassionate toward her, refused. He explained that because he had emerged from Shukracharya’s body, he was spiritually equivalent to his guru’s son, making Devayani like a sister to him. Devayani felt deeply hurt and humiliated by his rejection. In anger, she cursed Kacha that the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya would never personally benefit him. Kacha, wounded by her reaction, responded with a curse of his own, declaring that she would never marry a Brahmin. Their relationship, once filled with trust and affection, ended in bitterness. Kacha eventually returned to the Devas carrying the sacred knowledge that would help restore balance in the cosmic struggle. The story of Kacha and Devayani is more than an ancient narrative; it also reflects timeless insights into leadership, strategy, relationships, and human psychology. Like many ancient Indian stories, it combines spiritual themes with practical observations about power, decision-making, loyalty, and organizational dynamics. Management and Leadership Lessons from the Story The story of Kacha and Devayani explores challenges that remain deeply relevant in modern leadership and organizational life. Its themes continue to resonate in areas such as management, communication, stakeholder balance, emotional intelligence, and long-term strategic thinking. Knowledge Creates Strategic Advantage At the heart of the story lies Shukracharya’s exclusive possession of the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya. This unique capability gave the Asuras a major strategic edge over their rivals. In modern organizations, competitive advantage often comes from proprietary technology, patents, specialized expertise, AI systems, research capabilities, or rare talent. The story demonstrates that control over unique knowledge can significantly influence long-term power and competitiveness. Learning from Competitors is Essential Kacha’s mission was not merely educational; it was strategic. He was sent to understand and acquire a capability unavailable within his own system. Modern parallels include competitive hiring, industry benchmarking, capability analysis, market intelligence, and reverse engineering. Organizations that fail to study competitors risk falling behind in innovation and adaptability. At the same time, the story also highlights that strategic learning can create ethical and emotional complications when trust and personal relationships become involved. Emotional Intelligence in Leadership The story shows that leadership is not based on strategy alone — emotions, relationships, and communication also shape outcomes. Much of the eventual conflict emerged not from bad intentions, but from assumptions and expectations that were never openly discussed. The story teaches that effective leaders need empathy, emotional discipline, and clear communication. Organizations run through people, and leaders who ignore emotional dynamics risk damaging trust, morale, and long-term relationships. Invisible Contributions and Unmanaged Expectations… Continue reading The Leadership Dilemma- The Story of Kacha and Devayani

The Power of Slowing Down: Why Your Mind Needs a Pause

We live in a time where speed is celebrated. A packed schedule is seen as success. Constant activity feels like achievement. From the moment we wake up to the moment we sleep, we keep moving—doing, responding, consuming. But in all this motion, one thing quietly disappears: Our ability to pause. And that loss comes at a price. Mental exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout don’t suddenly appear. They build gradually when the mind is never given a moment of stillness—when silence feels uncomfortable and every free second is filled with distraction. We assume slowing down will hold us back. But often, it’s the only way to truly move forward. An ancient story from the Ramayan reflects this truth. When Hanuman Ji began his journey to find Mata Sita, he stood before a vast ocean. It wasn’t just physical—it required clarity, focus, and inner strength. Despite his power, he didn’t act impulsively. He paused. He centered himself, connected with his purpose, and only then took the leap. That moment of stillness gave direction to his strength. As he moved forward, another test appeared—Surasa. She emerged from the waters and declared that no one could pass unless they entered her mouth. It could have become a battle of force. But instead of reacting, he chose awareness. He observed, adapted, and stayed calm. He first grew in size as she did, then suddenly shrank, entered her mouth, and exited instantly becoming small, fulfilling the condition wisely, and continuing without conflict. That decision didn’t delay him. It made him more effective. This is where we often go wrong. • We rush into reactions. • We respond without thinking. • We avoid stillness by staying occupied. But here’s the reality: A busy mind is not a peaceful mind. Slowing down doesn’t mean becoming unproductive. It means becoming intentional. It looks like: • Pausing before replying when emotions are high • Stepping back when things feel overwhelming • Allowing moments of silence • Resting without guilt Because the human mind isn’t built to run at full speed all the time. Even nature follows a rhythm. Nothing grows overnight. Nothing meaningful happens in chaos. Why should we be any different? • Clarity comes from stillness. • Balance comes from awareness. • Peace comes from knowing when to pause. When you slow down, you begin to see what once went unnoticed—your thoughts, patterns, and reactions. You move from automatic reactions to mindful responses. And that changes everything. • You think better. • You feel better. • You live better. So instead of asking: “What’s next?” Try asking: “Am I present right now?” 👉 Take a moment. 👉 Breathe deeply. 👉 Slow down. Because true strength isn’t just in moving fast— It’s in knowing when to pause before you move. This article was originally published on LinkedIn.

The Soul’s Journey: Desires, Karma, and the Path to Liberation

Desires, detachment, and self-awareness are not just philosophical words—they are the forces shaping our journey across lifetimes. In our scriptures, the Atma (soul) is described as eternal. It never dies; it only changes forms. According to the Garuda Purana, after death, the soul travels through 84 lakh life forms before attaining a human birth. These include aquatic beings (9 lakh), plants (20 lakh), insects (11 lakh), birds (10 lakh), and animals (30 lakh)—forms that are largely driven by instinct rather than conscious choice. But an interesting question arises: when we count these forms, they total around 80 lakh. What about the remaining 4 lakh? These are said to be human-like births—as humans, Devtas, or Asuras. What distinguishes these is not the body, but the level of self-awareness. The same human form can express divinity or darkness depending on one’s awareness. A highly self-aware being evolves toward a Devta-like state, while a lack of awareness leads toward Asura-like tendencies. This is where the law of Karma becomes central across eastern religions like Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, karma (cause and effect) is the guiding principle. Good karmas bring peace, clarity, and wisdom. They lighten the mind and gradually lead the soul toward Moksha—liberation. Bad karmas, on the other hand, arise from ignorance, desire, lust, anger, and ego. They create inner disturbance—guilt, restlessness, and suffering—and bind us further to the cycle of rebirth. And this brings us to the heart of it all: self-awareness. Self-awareness truly determines our direction—whether we will attain Moksha or continue the cycle, until we learn to observe our thoughts, desires, and actions without being controlled by them. It creates detachment—not indifference, but a balanced state where we act without being enslaved by outcomes or cravings. When awareness increases, desires lose their grip. When desires weaken, actions become purer. And when actions become pure, karmas become liberating rather than binding. Let me share a couple of stories from our scriptures. Kakbhushundi, once a sage, was transformed into a crow due to a mix of curses and blessings from Bhagwan Shiv and his Guru. Yet, in that form, he gained immense wisdom. He witnessed the Ramayana unfold 11 times and the Mahabharata 16 times. Despite variations in the choices of the Pandavas and Kauravas, the outcomes remained the same. This teaches a profound truth: as long as desires and karmic patterns remain unchanged, the cycle repeats—again and again. True change only comes through awareness. When it was time for Bhagwan Ram to leave the world and return to Vaikuntha, he knew Hanuman Ji’s deep attachment would make separation unbearable. So, he dropped his ring into a deep pit and asked Hanuman to retrieve it. When Hanuman reached the bottom, he found countless identical rings. At that moment, he realized this was not the first time this had happened— Bhagwan Ram had taken many births before. The message was subtle yet powerful: everything in this world is cyclical and temporary. Hanuman Ji’s devotion was pure, but even devotion must evolve into understanding. This story teaches detachment—not from love, but from the illusion of permanence. And this brings us back to the essence of life: Desires bind us. Karmas shape our journey. Self-awareness frees us. The difference between a human, a Devta, and an Asura is not destiny—it is awareness in action. When we live unconsciously, we repeat cycles. When we become aware, we begin to rise above them. And perhaps, that is the true purpose of human birth—not just to live, but to realize. This article was originally published on Linkedin.

A Profound Encounter- Courage, Compassion and Empathy

Courage, Compassion and Empathy

I had a meeting near Badarpur and instead of opting for the usual metro, I decided to hire an auto till Badarpur. Little did I know that I’ll remember this auto ride for the rest of my life and learn so many lessons. As I chatted with my father over the phone in Punjabi, my auto driver, Sardar Ji, couldn’t help but notice, prompting him to inquire if I was from Punjab. Confirming his suspicion, we started conversing. I came to know Sardar Ji had visited my hometown, Sultanpur Lodhi and had visited Gurudwara Shri Ber Sahib. I was overjoyed to meet someone who shared a connection with my hometown. We delved into Punjab’s core, touching upon Punjabiat, the Punjabi Language, and the profound teachings of Sikh Gurus. We passionately recounted the sacrifices made by the 5th, 9th, and 10th Guru Sahiban to protect humanity. However, the tone took a poignant turn when Sardar Ji, with a heavy heart, asked about the date. I told him today’s 1st Nov. He asked me to reflect upon what had transpired 30 years ago on that very date. Though I keep newspaper cuttings of all important events but I couldn’t recall anything. I admitted my ignorance, and he proceeded to share a chilling account. On 31st Oct 1984, PM of India Ms. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her bodyguards, triggering a series of tragic events. Sardar Ji described how he narrowly escaped when a mob attacked his locality in Trilokpuri. In a desperate attempt to save Sardar Ji’s life, his father had to cut his hair. What Aurangzeb couldn’t do in his lifetime, the mob made his father cut Sardar Ji’s hair. After saving Sardar Ji’s life, his father was killed and his body was burned by the mob. Crossing Taimoor Nagar, I got a glimpse of Sardar Ji’s eyes from the rearview mirror. I noticed he was trying to control his tears. Even after so many years that tragedy still echoed in his memories. I was so overwhelmed that I asked him to stop the auto. Once the auto came to a halt, I stepped out, and embraced Sardar Ji with a warm hug, just like my mother used to hug me whenever I cried during my childhood. I cried like this tragedy had happened to me and I had lost one of my own family members. We cried together, and we consoled each other. I offered my sincere apologies for the pain he and his family had endured. I saluted the resilience and strength that Sardar Ji embodies. As we parted ways after reaching Badarpur, I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of Empathy- a virtue often preached but seldom truly felt. To date, I am grappling with the realization that some wounds are too profound to ever fully heal. We live in a world that is divided along the lines of religion, caste, and creed. Stories like Sardar Ji’s remind and compel us to cultivate compassion for one another. Raised on tales of Sikh Gurus and heroes like Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Bhai Mati Dass, Bhai Sati Dass, and countless others who selflessly sacrificed for the greater good of humanity. Sardar Ji’s story has reinforced my gratitude for all those who consider humanity as paramount religion. Their timeless lessons about compassion, courage, and interconnectedness resonate profoundly.

Rediscovering the Joy of Traditional Games as Training Tools for Deeper Impact.

Moneky’s Pole is the literal transition of the traditional game in context here. It is called Bandar Qilla. During our childhood, when televisions were an ultra-luxury, computers, laptops, and mobile phones were innovations in process, and routines were simpler and less distracting. our morning routine was all about waking up early, getting ready, and going to school and it was all fun. On return when, we would head out to meet neighborhood friends and engage in various outdoor games like Kabaddi, Gulli Danda, Pitthu Garam, Stapu, Lukan Meeti, Kokla Chhapaki, Bandar Qilla (Monkey’s Pole), and more. We would play until the sun set, and after coming home, do homework/study, have dinner, and sit with our grandparents to listen to their stories and tales. These stories would take us to magical worlds where horses could fly, and one could lift mountains. I would not call them fake, but they were probably high on imagination and wonder. However, today, it’s rare to find children playing in parks or playgrounds. Most of them are content playing on their PSPs or mobile phones. Cartoon channels have replaced grandparents as storytellers, and the traditional games we used to play have been forgotten. I often ponder whether the tales portrayed on cartoon networks or mobile screens possess the same enchanting ability as the imaginative stories that our grandparents used to transport us to other worlds. Having played both traditional and online games both, I would say that traditional games are much more enriching. I struggle to comprehend what younger generations find so appealing in mobile games. Traditional games were not only a form of entertainment but also provided valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and morality, while fostering meaningful social connections. No wonder the training interventions most loved in my training room are about those games and the corporates are bound towards outdoor retreats, recreation, and physical activities. One of my favorite traditional games is Bandar Qilla (Monkey’s Pole). Although the monkey (chosen player) often gets beaten by the group, the game is still a lot of fun. This game requires 8-10 players, and after drawing lots, the player who loses becomes the monkey (Bandar). The monkey ties a rope around the pole and, with the help of his leg, draws a circle around the pole, which becomes his area. He or she is required to hang on to the loose end of the rope during the gameplay. The rest of the players keep their shoes around the pole, and the monkey is supposed to protect them from being stolen by other team members. The players outside the enclosure are not allowed to enter it, and the monkey cannot leave his circle. If the monkey does leave the circle, the players are allowed to kick him back inside. During the play, while stealing shoes, if any of the players is touched by the monkey, then the monkey is set free and the other player who was touched by him takes his place and becomes a new monkey. Once all the shoes have been stolen, the players start hitting the monkey with them until he runs towards his house or a pre-decided place, signaling the end of the game. The game is then repeated after drawing lots, and a new monkey is chosen. Although this game may seem a little weird to those who have never played it before, the adventure, vibe, and impact of the game are remarkable. If you want to experience the thrill and understand the deeper meaning behind this traditional game, you should play it at least once. To me, this game was never just about the monkey and the pole, but about human nature. The circle around the pole represents our boundaries, and the shoes around the pole represent our external environment family, internal environment , and the little joys in life. As long as we stay within our limits and protect what belongs to us, we remain safe. If we cross our boundaries and leave things unattended, there may be severe consequences. Hence going out of the comfort zones is good but one must guard the boundaries that define and impact our internal and external environment. This also defines our peace of mind and social existence. Just like the players outside the enclosure who try to steal shoes, there may be people who are annoying, and distract you from your goals of peace, happiness, and growth. They can trigger your anxiety, and get on your nerves in a zest to take away the little things that matter to us. But that is where you need to guard your inner boundaries and focus on your core. Nourish your inner circle, guard the space that matters, and never allow anyone to enter your inner circle and destroy the mental peace, just like the monkey whose only job is to guard what is his own, what matters most without letting the outside stress enter his sacred space.

Changing face of Corporate Trainings during the Covid19 pandemic

The past generations approached learning conventionally. Learning or corporate training was delivered inside a classroom conventionally. The approach to learning is becoming more unconventional, lately. We moved out of classrooms, went to corporate retreats, had outdoor sessions as part of evolution of corporate trainings. Millennials and Gen-Z have a different relationship, expectation, and approach to learning. Learning now must be micro, mobile-first, innovative, beautifully designed, relevant, and on-demand to meet the needs of the next generation. These evolving expectations were the primary driving force behind the other learning and development shifts with the changing face of workforces in the corporates and also the fast growth of digitized culture. The way we work, train or learn has evolved and still continues to change every day with accelerated technological developments. Everyday new learning apps are launched, AI is becoming popular as the future of how businesses work and also to ease our lives. All this became fast track as the business ecosystems felt the heat due to the COVID19 crisis and nations being locked down for the safety of humankind. The human resources and L&D departments were found shifting gears towards remote facilitation and corporate training. Remote learning comes in handy when the learner, the facilitator and the resources of learning are separated by time and distance and cannot be together physically. In such a situation, the learning material is transmitted via technology. This transmission could take place through any digital platform like email, video conference, google classrooms etc. Such technological advancement saves a lot of time and money as it reduces the need to be physically present for the training or meetings. In the past, the Y2K glitch problem demanded extensive use of Indian software engineers, leading to the tripling of employment-based visas granted by the U.S. Fixing that bug enabled Indian engineers to establish their credentials, and catapulted them as world leaders in addressing technology problems. Alphabet, Microsoft, IBM, and Adobe are all headed by India-born engineers today. Similarly, right now the corona-virus outbreak is generating an extensive and widespread need for remote learning as people are practicing social distancing and complete lockdown in some areas. This pandemic is going to cause many substantial changes in our society as well as business. The face of corporate trainings is going to change but the challenges for trainers and facilitators will remain same as far as human interface and learning capability is concerned. With schools and colleges being locked down due to COVID-19, educators across the country are moving to virtual classes via digital portals to ensure learning never stops. Such remote learning not only enables teachers and students to connect over video-enabled remote classrooms but also provides a host of interactive and collaborative tools on a single platform. Similarly, the industry is fast moving towards online learning sessions, digital town halls and webinars. But when it comes to corporate trainings, the alignment of training delivery with learner’s preferences is going to be a challenge. The L&D teams would need to work extensively with the trainers as per the learner capabilities for various programs. While the change is slowly taking space, employers and employees are fast realizing the benefits of the same. Working remotely or work from home is already being seen as the new normal. Though it is still in the nascent stage, we can say that remote learning is advantageous in many ways even if not the most appropriate for all situations. Some of the advantages as seen currently include, Affordability, even during the scale of economies. Technological advancements have made the costs really low as compared the costs involved in infrastructure. Offers flexibility of hours as well as place. The medium of the facilitation can be decided on the basis of their program requirements. Offers, conferencing, face to face discussions as well as digital town halls to larger audience size. Easy to reach beyond geographical limitations. Opens wider opportunities by providing easy access to the learning materials in different forms and even at a click. The digital offerings and communication technologies in our lives are shaping the future of remote work. People are shifting towards web conferencing, team meetings on video call etc. Remote corporate trainings for employee development and online work boards are fast adopted for convenience, saving time and money. Covid19 is working as an induction phase and productivity is high with adaptability. Additionally, present day businesses are offering full-time “remote” work positions and employers are no more hesitant to do so because of the threat of decreased productivity. With the above adoptions in business ecosystem, the face of corporate trainings is going to evolve too. The facilitators need to work on wider perspectives, new ideas and innovation to make the online learning & corporate training programs exciting, inclusive and productive at the same time.