Professional

Adios Amigos – Concluding An Incredible Chapter

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As I prepare to conclude my tenure at NTTF on September 30, 2026, I look back with immense gratitude and deep fulfillment after an eventful and fulfilling journey spanning three distinct innings, the best of which was the 2nd one, right amidst students and with the best team I ever was associated with. One common thread in all three innings is “everyone & everything here gives anyone an opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn”

Thank you Team

Tribute to Our Early Leadership

I want to offer my deepest tribute and respects to our earlier leadership who were instrumental in sparking my keen interest and urge to be part of this wonderful organisation despite it not being so financially rewarding as defined by the material world.

Last Picture of the Leadership Team with Late Dr Reguraj

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Late Dr. Reguraj—the true Vishwakarma of India’s skill development whose inspiring legacy at NTTF captured by me in this reflection on Dr. Reguraj’s legacy together with Mr. Arulselvan, Mr Louis, Mr. K. Venugopal, Mr. Rajagopal, and the late Mr. Anil Kumar, (who together with Dr. Reguraj were instrumental in me quitting an IT major and joining NTTF). Not to forget super seniors like Mr Ramachandran, Mr Madhu, Mr Cheriyan, Mr Gibson who sacrficed golden opportunties to dedicate significant part of their lives in service of NTTF. Being part of a system creating immense social impact and transformational value was an incentive that easily beat all personal financial gains.

Memories From Electronic City Campus

Here is the Reason why I wanted come back to campus every morning (to the extent I hated holidays)

The core academic and support team at the Electronic City Campus remains exceptionally close to my heart. During my time here as Principal, I had the privilege of leading a team of over 130 members, which stands out as the best phase of my 39 years of professional life. We recently created a WhatsApp group called “Golden Years,” and everyone joined overnight, which indicates the level of bonding we still share today. Cannot forget support function colleagues like Srikant, Anthony Raj, Sada, Senthil, Wardens etc both in NEC and also some lovely people in the corporate support functions. They made this humongous task look so easy and most importantly enjoyable.

My journey was also immensely enriched by colleagues from other units especially Kalpana, Jayaraj, Rajasekaran, Noble Peter, Preetha, Satish Joshi, Nidhin, and Joby, with whom I shared unforgettable conversations, collaborations, and camaraderie along the way.

However, it was not all hunky-dory, beginning with a literal initiation by fire when the Electronic City Campus, not until then known for being overly disciplined, faced a turbulent period with trainees resorting to a forced closure of the campus for a longer unauthorized vacation. Thanks to my incredible team, alongside Dr. Reguraj, Mr. Arulselvan, and Mr. Venugopal who stood by me steadfastly, we took unprecedented disciplinary action that ensured we never faced similar issues thereafter. Yet, the path also brought profound personal grief and heartbreaking tests of resilience. I sadly lost a total of five dear students to tragic accidents, a couple more to personal and family struggles where they took their own lives at home, and another precious student to a congenital heart condition. These unimaginable losses nearly broke me, making me question whether trading the corporate world for academia was truly worth it. It was Dr. Reguraj’s timely, grounding intervention that pulled me through when he gently asked, “What happens to the other 1,600+? Aren’t they your children and important too?”, a perspective that forever reshaped my dedication.

Memorial for 2 students whom we lost in a Bike Crash

Skill Development And Digital Growth

Coming back to my latest innings, again out of pure love for this organisaiton and total respects for Dr Reguraj (I remember the efforts of Ms Freeda during this phase – convincing and almost forcing me to hop on and let things happen), Brought in for playing an active part in the skill development SBU team that was a core part of my responsibilities. Together, we managed to turn things around and perform exceptionally well, until my heart went out due to some development (absolutely due to personal values and principles and not due to any other professional reasons) since April 2025, making it wise to call it a day when the going was good.

Serving as Head of Digital Properties along with Samyuktha also offered a wonderful journey of digital transformation where I could bring in my earlier IT process experience and it indeed was a fruitful and goal driven role. Handling the Life Long Learning Centre further added a completely new dimension to my career outlook, while coordinating alumni relations allowed me to connect with so many distinguished alumni, and happy outcome was an exponential increase in alumni engagement. Thank you dear colleagues in all these functions – you made handling these roles a cakewalk and successful. A huge decision to quit IT world and switch to financially non-remunerative and hitherto new domain (Skill Development) was largely due to unconditional and unflinching support of the Alums from the initial batches of NEC, who simply kept on cheering me up, especially when things looked gloomy. Thanks Sudha, Jay, Nagaraj, Joseph, Chip and Aparna (my better half) for their invaluable support at all stages that helped me deliver excellence in a place that was almost written off.

Philanthropy & Livelihood

I also received the rare opportunity to engage with big-ticket philanthropists and corporate CSR honchos who left an indelible mark on my thought process in this material world. I learned and attempted to imbibe what “Selfless Giving or Nishkama Karma (तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर)” means. I particularly recall fondly the impact of M/s Hemant & Manikandan of Redington Foundation, Mr Rao of Volvo Trust, Rimy & Hitesh, CSR Leadership of IOCL, BPCL, GAIL, NMDC and many many others, on my thought process in this regard. Special Thanks also to Mr Sivakumar, Mr Sathyan, Mr Shirish, Mr NN Rao, Mr. Misra, Mr Ranjan, Mr Rajesh, Mr Nihar, Mr Kamat and so many who went out of their way to help me achieve bigger altruistic goals. A special note of gratitude goes out to all of you who placed your trust in us to deliver impactful social impact projects under your CSR Programs. I am equally thankful to the bureaucrats (IAS officers) and government officials, Ministers of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar and Haryana to name a few whose continuous encouragement, guidance, and drive pushed us toward excellence while creating a lasting, meaningful impact on our beneficiaries. I cannot forget the earlier days working closely with Shri Subbaiah Sankaran, IAS who ignited the spark to focus on disadvantages and under-served communities

Student Success

Above all, thousands of my dearest students who were the absolute best part of the journey. Hearing their success stories or meeting them in airports made every single struggle and effort completely worthwhile. Seeing bright young minds like Vivek, Saikripa, Rohit, Alekhya, and Dhanush—to name just a few evolve into confident professionals, entrepreneurs and soaring achievers has been the ultimate reward, reflecting the true soul of NTTF’s mission.

Captain & Friend for Life

This expression of gratitude will not be complete if I did not write a note of appreciation to Ravi Tennety, the Managing Director. The organisation’s recent accomplishments are not just milestones, they were manifestations of efforts rooted in integrity and guided by a vision for the greater good, making success inevitable. It is indeed raining achievements, each one a reflection of thoughtful strategy, responsive governance, and a deep understanding of internal and external community needs. The winning factor has been an exemplary leadership of honesty, adaptability, and foresight, fostering an environment where innovation thrives, individuals are empowered, and in a contest between process and person, the process wins. Moving from ad-hocism to predictability, the institution now thrives in this comfort zone, with the ripple effects visible in unthinkably quick turnarounds and transformed lives. Though our formal association has been short, it has been sweet, profound, and deeply transformative. Ravi is an extraordinary human being, a great associate, and a friend for life truly, but for his stellar mentorship and persuasion, this good bye post would have come about in January 2025 itself! Thank you Ravi for Being you. I am sure each one in NTTF would agree when I say that organisation is lucky to have you around as the Captain. It is a cinch that under your leadership, NTTF has only way to go: Up, Up and Up right to the skies. Good Luck dear Friend!

Finally…

Signing off on a Philosophical note, since many of my colleagues here, sooner than later would be at similar crossroads hitting the wrong side of age. Please note this amazing piece of wisdom was given by my Gurudev – coincidentally it was in 2017 when I moved on from NTTF after a memorable 2nd innings.

May 4th 2017

Life moves through endless circles of hello and goodbye. Whether leaving a cherished office desk or bidding farewell to dear friends at a railway platform, separation carries a quiet weight. Yet wisdom reminds us that endings are merely transitions. Just as Ganesha removes obstacles to clear new paths, every farewell opens a fresh chapter written by destiny. Letting go is not loss, it is making space for new beginnings. Every handshake and last wave carries blessings of Maa Saraswati through knowledge gained and shared during the journey.

Making space for New beginnings

The hardest part of any great tenure isn’t learning how to lead, it’s knowing precisely when to leave.

In Indian tradition, life is measured in Ashramas, Dharmic chapters or stages of one’s life. The Grihastha (householder) doesn’t linger indefinitely in the seat of authority, there is a sacred grace in stepping back while the steps are still steady and the mind is still sharp.

There is an old story of a master craftsman who spent decades shaping a temple’s final spire. When the stone was set and the mortar dried, he didn’t pick up his chisel to carve his name. He simply laid his tools down on the workbench, walked out the gates at sunrise, and never looked back. Not because his work was finished (art is never truly finished) but because the structure no longer needed his hands. In fact, it needed his absence to breathe on its own.

Leaving before the door is closed for you is the ultimate luxury of timing. It transforms an ending from an exit into a passage, leaving behind a legacy that stands upright, and stepping forward into the next sunrise with empty hands ready for new work.

As has happened earlier in my life and with this organisation too, physical distance never diminishes genuine bonds. Goodbyes are only temporary pauses in a lifelong symphony. Just as rivers eventually merge into the boundless ocean, every parted soul finds its way back through memories and love. Walking forward with a light heart, trusting that every goodbye prepares the spirit for a glorious hello. So Until the next Hello,

Each one of us in these pictures continue to be connected and in regular touch even today

Adios Amigos

Wishing everyone in and associated with NTTF and their near ones a great and prosperous future ahead.

Insecurity: Child of Incompetence

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This story is inspired by a real incident last Friday, where a moment of quiet professional validation was abruptly interrupted by an awkward display of public insecurity. While the setting, industry, and individual identities have been completely changed to protect the privacy of those involved, the underlying behavior remains entirely authentic. The intent behind sharing this narrative is not to criticize or demean anyone, but rather to highlight a valuable workplace lesson on professional maturity, true competence, and the self-defeating nature of unprovoked insecurity.

Insecurity and incompetence are inseparable companions. A person who truly knows his craft remains composed, content to let his work do the talking. When real expertise is missing, however, every gathering feels like a threat to a fragile ego. Insecurity drives incompetent people to make noise at the most unexpected moments, desperately hoping to appear important. Sadly for them, this urge to steal the spotlight usually backfires, transforming simple ignorance into comedy for everyone else in the room.

This tendency unfolded in full glory during a grand renewable energy summit at a plush hotel in Hyderabad. The hall was packed with Ministers, corporate leaders, policy makers and engineers, all discussing solar power policies for rural India. On stage sat a veteran engineer, a man who had spent thirty years in dusty fields actually building power grids while others merely made presentations. The organizer invited him to address complex grid integration rules. With effortless calm, the veteran dismantled difficult technical doubts raised by nervous investors. Impressed by this intervention, one the ministers on stage introduced him as a true pioneer who had built foundational solar models during his long tenure at a reputed national energy agency.

Sitting in the last row, dressed in a suit three sizes too sharp, was a newly baked successor, Sharma from that very same agency. Sharma possessed very little knowledge about power grids, but he had an endless supply of self importance. Watching the veteran receive unanimous praise was too much for Sharma to digest. Insecurity hit him like a jolt of high voltage electricity.

Before anyone could stop him, Sharma leaped out of his chair like a jack in the box. He practically began shouting his name and company title into it. I am Sharma from National Energy, I am Sharma, he declared, as if announcing a grand arrival. The room fell silent, expecting some brilliant technical insight. Instead, Sharma launched into an energetic speech about two rural electrification drives, completely missing the fact that the conference was discussing solar grid integration, not basic wiring. To make matters funnier, those two projects he boasted about were actually designed and executed years ago by the veteran himself, long before Sharma even learned how to spell infrastructure. Sharma gesticulated wildly, dropping buzzwords that made no sense together, while senior engineers in the audience exchanged suppressed giggles.

The moderator, trying hard to keep a straight face, finally interrupted the performance. Mr Sharma, the moderator asked politely, do you have any specific suggestion regarding rural grid policy, or should we move back to the agenda? Sharma froze. His mouth stayed open for a second like a landed fish. He looked around, realized nobody was clapping, stammered something about how his organisation has managed projects and that they plan to also empanel under the project, and quickly collapsed back into his seat. His desperate attempt to  make his presence felt, born purely out of insecurity and incompetence, turned what could have been a silent afternoon into the best entertaining break of the summit.

A classic case of

Trying to Steal Thunder ending up Catching Lightning

Shri Krishna’s Life – Spiritual Paradoxes

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PC: Gemini

During a Satsang organized a couple of days ago (on 29th August 2026) by Art of Living volunteer faculty Hemadri ji and other volunteers at the Yoga Hall in Omkar Layout Centre, several participants raised common questions on how to address naysayers who critique the life and actions of Shri Krishna. Sri Krishna is one of the most revered deities in Sanatana Dharma. His life presents fascinating paradoxes that deeply inspire millions of devotees across the globe. To an untrained mind, seeing Bhagavan Shri Krishna as a butter thief, a flirt, or hearing Mahamantra of wisdom like Bhagavad Gita on a battlefield full of violence might appear contradictory. However, deeper spiritual study reveals profound truths hidden inside these divine events. Towards the end, I have also shared 3 popular anecdotes and lessons that we can draw from those.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami marks arrival of divine consciousness in world clouded by ignorance and chaos. Beyond midnight celebrations and fasts, life of Bhagavan Shri Krishna serves as practical guide for modern living. Whether viewed as divine incarnation, philosopher, or master strategist, His life stories offer universal values that apply directly to daily challenges, workplaces, and communities. We often think of Janmashtami as a historic event celebrated at midnight. But spiritually, Krishna’s birth represents light arriving in the darkest of places. And let’s be honest, between work pressure, personal challenges, and global uncertainty, we all face our own “dark midnights” occasionally.

Please read my earlier Article Beyond the Festivities: Shri Krishna Janmashtami in which I have described traditions, legends, and spiritual significance of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. From divine childhood miracles to vibrant South Indian home celebrations and community satsangs, I share how welcoming little Krishna brings enduring hope, peace, and joy into our everyday lives today.

Navaneeta Chor

In his childhood at Vrindavan, Shri Krishna frequently stole butter from cowherd women called Gopis. This act was not driven by material greed, but carried deep Vedantic symbolism. Butter comes only after patient churning of milk. It represents pure essence of human mind, free from worldly impurities. Gopis used to hide butter pots near roof ceilings, which symbolizes how human beings conceal their pure devotion under ego and worldly fear. By breaking those pots and taking butter, Shri Krishna actually steals ego and accumulated karmas of his devotees. Unlike human theft which arises from greed, divine theft is supreme grace where Ishvara claims what originally belongs to him.

Vastra Harana

Another pastime often misunderstood by critics is Sakae Vastra Harana, where young Shri Krishna hid the clothes of bathing Gopis on the banks of Yamuna. This act was not about physical nakedness or mischievous pleasure, but an essential lesson in shedding spiritual ego. The Gopis were performing Katyayani Vrata, seeking Shri Krishna as their divine lord, yet they retained their last lingering layer of worldly attachment—body consciousness, bodily shame, and social conditioning. By removing their clothes, Shri Krishna showed that one cannot approach the Supreme Divine while holding onto worldly masks or physical illusions. True devotion requires absolute innocence and complete surrender without any hidden layers between Jivatma and Paramatma.

Shri Krishna- Living Life to Fullest

Life of Shri Krishna teaches us to live with total freedom and joy. He is not a distant ruler watching from heaven, but an approachable divine entity who can be loved as a child, friend, or guide. Through his divine play called Leela, Shri Krishna shows that spiritual path does not require complete isolation or sorrowful asceticism, which is how we have come to associate spirituality with. One can celebrate every moment of life while remaining detached from material worldly traps.

Rasa Leela and Maya Roopa

To a worldly mind blinded by material desire, Rasa Leela might appear like human romance or flirtation. However, ancient scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam clarify that Rasa Leela is the ultimate spiritual union between Jivatma, the individual soul, and Paramatma, the supreme soul. Gopis of Vrindavan were not ordinary women seeking physical romance, they were realized sages and pure devotees who spent lifetimes doing intense penance to attain closeness with Bhagawan Shri Krishna. When Shri Krishna played his divine flute on full moon night of Sharad Purnima, Gopis instantly abandoned their homes, families, and worldly responsibilities. This sudden exit symbolizes complete surrender where a seeking soul breaks all physical bondages, ego, and worldly attachments to merge with divine supreme consciousness.

During Rasa Leela, Shri Krishna expanded himself into multiple divine forms using Yogamaya, his divine potency. This cosmic phenomenon created a divine play where every Gopi experienced Paramatma standing directly beside her, dancing exclusively with her. This Maya Roopa or divine manifestation proves that God is omnipresent and capable of reciprocating unlimited personal love to every single devotee simultaneously. Moreover, scriptures mention that Shri Krishna was merely a young child during this event, proving that Rasa Leela is entirely transcendental, sacred, and completely free from any material or carnal desires. Through Rasa Leela, Purushottama Shri Krishna revealed the pinnacle of Bhakti Yoga, where pure spiritual love conquers all material limitations.

Bhagavad Gita on Battlefield

Many wonder why supreme knowledge of Bhagavad Gita was revealed amidst conch shells, war cries, and impending death at Kurukshetra instead of a quiet forest ashram. The war field represents internal conflict inside human mind where righteousness constantly fights against ignorance. Spirituality that works only in peaceful environment is incomplete. By guiding Arjuna during peak moments of panic, Bhagavan Shri Krishna proves that true spiritual wisdom must help us navigate chaotic real world challenges.

Facing Duty Without Fear

Arjuna wanted to run away to forest to avoid fighting his own relatives. Sanatana Dharma teaches that running away from righteous duty due to emotional attachment is delusion, not true detachment. Shri Krishna taught Nishkama Karma, which means performing one’s duty without attachment to final results. Bleak setting of battlefield also served as perfect background to explain immortality of Atman. While bodies perish in war, eternal soul remains completely untouched by weapons, fire, or time. Through this timeless message, Purushottama Shri Krishna inspires humanity to stand firm in duty with unwavering mind.

Lessons from 3 Anecdotes from His Lfe

Signing off this article sharing three powerful anecdotes from His life highlight how simple actions can teach us about humility, environmental respect, teamwork, and duty.

Friendship Beyond Status

One of most touching accounts in life of Bhagavan Shri Krishna is His reunion with childhood friend Sudama. While Shri Krishna ruled as King of Dwarka, Sudama lived in extreme poverty. When Sudama visited Dwarka, he carried only small pouch of flattened rice as humble offering. Upon seeing his old friend, Bhagavan Shri Krishna did not care about social standing or wealth. He ran barefoot to welcome Sudama, washed his feet with tears of deep affection, and accepted simple offering with great joy.

In modern workplaces and society, people are frequently judged by titles, designations, and material success. This story reminds us that authentic relationships are built on respect and emotional connection, not social status. True leadership begins with humility and treating every individual with dignity, irrespective of position.

Strength in Unity and Environmental Consciousness

During His youth in Gokul, villagers regularly performed rituals to appease Lord Indra for rain. Young Shri Krishna encouraged people to shift their gratitude toward Govardhan hill, forests, and cattle that directly nourished their community. When torrential storms followed, Bhagavan Shri Krishna lifted Govardhan hill on His finger and asked every villager to support weight with their wooden sticks.

This incident carries dual significance for contemporary world. First, it emphasizes ecological balance and necessity of protecting natural resources that sustain life. Second, it demonstrates strength of collective effort. Complex challenges are rarely solved by single individual; real progress happens when communities unite and contribute toward common objective.

Dignity of Labor and Calm Guidance

On battlefield of Kurukshetra, Bhagavan Shri Krishna assumed role of charioteer for Arjuna. Despite being supreme authority, He drove chariot, tended to horses, and steadily guided Arjuna through intense conflict and moral doubt.

In daily professional and personal life, individuals often hesitate to take up tasks perceived as secondary or low-profile. Bhagavan Shri Krishna demonstrated that no work is small when performed with sincerity and commitment. True excellence lies in carrying out responsibility with focus, keeping ego aside, and remaining calm in midst of chaos.

Living the Wisdom Today

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is not merely historical remembrance. It serves as continuous reminder to approach life with balance, practice empathy in relationships, work collaboratively, and fulfill responsibilities without fear. By integrating these timeless principles into daily routine, individuals can build meaningful lives and stronger communities.

🙏Jai Shri Krishna🙏