An Ancient Path to Modern Success

In Hinduism, before undertaking any significant task, a person first takes a vow (sankalpa) at an auspicious time. This isn’t just a ritual; it’s a powerful practice that strengthens one’s resolve and confidence. The sankalpa mantra declares the person’s  real identity, the exact time of the vow and exact location of the vow, and calls upon divine witnesses to strengthen the resolve: In sankalp mantra, earth, sky, water, sun, and other elements are called to witness the commitment, symbolizing how the entire universe aligns to support the goal. The Power and Importance of Sankalpa Taking a vow (sankalpa) is not a simple ritual; it’s a profound promise that focuses our mental and spiritual energy on our goal. In Hindu belief, this vow awakens one’s inner strength, making it possible to complete even the most difficult rituals and sacrifices. When we make a true sankalpa, natural forces are believed to align with us, helping us achieve our aims with greater ease. Example of Commitmen...

In life and in the workplace, success often comes through hard work, persistence, and the ability to remain focused until the task is truly completed. The story of Jayadratha from the Mahabharata serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of premature celebration and complacency. The Story of Jayadratha On the 13th day of the Mahabharata war, the Kauravas devised a plan to trap and kill Abhimanyu, the young and talented son of Arjuna. Using the Chakravyuha formation, a complex military strategy, they ensnared Abhimanyu, and despite his valor and skill, the Kauravas managed to defeat and kill him. Jayadratha, one of the key warriors on the Kaurava side, played a crucial role in blocking the Pandavas from rescuing Abhimanyu, effectively leading to the young hero’s death. Arjuna, devastated by the loss of his son, vowed to kill Jayadratha before sunset on the following day. If he failed, Arjuna swore he would take his own life. Jayadratha, hearing this terrifying declaration, sou...

Leadership Lessons from Story of Shalya In the epic Mahabharata, many great characters play important roles, and one of them is Shalya, the King of Madra. Shalya was the maternal uncle of the Pandavas, as he was the brother of Madri, the second wife of Pandu. Known for his strength and skill in battle, Shalya also had a significant role as a charioteer, especially for Karna during the Kurukshetra war. This role provides important lessons on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of trust between leaders and their guides. Karna’s Desire for Shalya as his Charioteer Karna, one of the most powerful warriors on the Kaurava side, specifically requested Shalya to be his charioteer. Karna recognized Shalya’s skills and reputation, knowing that having such a skilled charioteer would be a great advantage. Karna wanted to match the famous partnership between Arjuna and Sri Krishna. To Karna, having Shalya by his side would not only provide tactical help but also boost his standing on the...

During the initial years of my career as a banking professional, I experienced rapid growth and gained significant recognition within my organisation. My hard work and dedication were paying off, and I was climbing the career ladder quickly. I had been posted to different parts of the country in various roles, which gave me diverse exposure to different areas of banking and finance. However, when I was transferred to Mumbai, everything changed. I unknowingly fell into the trap of my comfort zone. Under the guise of prioritising family time, I started taking things for granted. I became casual, not only at home but also physically in the office. My performance and productivity began to suffer, yet the most troubling part was that I remained unaware of the downward spiral I was in. Looking back, I realize that my life was going against me in subtle ways, but I had blinded myself to these signs. This phase taught me the harsh truth about how easily complacency can creep in, even when yo...

A Silent Struggle in the Age of Opportunity In today’s rapidly changing world, the youth of India—whether students preparing for competitive exams, professionals pursuing their careers, or new-age entrepreneurs establishing their startups thousands of kilometers away from their homes—find themselves in a unique form of exile, reminiscent of the agyatvas (incognito exile) faced by the Pandavas in the Mahabharata . Unlike the physical exile imposed on the Pandavas, where they had to remain hidden to avoid detection by their enemies, the modern exile of India’s youth is more subtle yet equally challenging. This exile is not marked by physical boundaries but by emotional and mental ones, as young people are trapped in the pursuit of success, identity, and belonging in a world that constantly demands more from them. The current landscape, full of endless opportunities and relentless competition, forces many young people into a state of isolation, where they feel disconnected from their...