| According to the concept of “Connect the Dots”, can the human beings design a different fate than the one decided by the heavens?
I do believe there is something called destiny but how exactly it unfolds depends on choices made by the individual. You have the potential but you have to unlock it using a key composed of passion and purpose.
Nothing will come to those who are too lazy or too deaf to open the door when opportunity knocks!
Do you think that, like the 20 enterprising individuals in your story, by possessing lesser degrees higher goals could be achieved?
I think degrees are a means of sharpening one's mental and social skills. This sharpening can take place outside school and college as well. You can develop your power to think, solve problems and constantly generate new ideas through experience, through observation, through pursuit of knowledge in books.
Working hard, learning from mistakes, staying motivated– these are qualities no college can teach you. You must strive to acquire them yourself.
What is the significance behind using phrases like “Food for thought” and “Truth Shall Prevail” as the names of the chapters?
Each chapter title conveys the theme of the chapter. For example 'Truth Shall Prevail' is the chapter on Paresh Mokashi who produced and directed Harishchandrachi Factory, based on the life of Dadasaheb Phalke. The unique thing was that Paresh had a vision for the film and stayed true to it. His vision was to make a film in Marathi, without songs, or big stars and hence no producer would support him. So he put his own money on the line (by mortgaging his house) and made the film as he desired. The result was a beautiful film which won much critical acclaim and became India's official entry to Oscars in 2009.
Laying emphasis, on the chapter “What Women Want”, how far do you believe in the freedom of women in this era?
Well, things are changing and yet not much has changed. Women are getting the best education, and they are taking up careers but at some stage most women decide they cannot 'have it all'. They choose family over career, become supporting pillars of their husband's career.
The family structure in India still expects a lot from women in terms of social obligations, bringing up children and not being 'more succcessful' than their husbands. No matter how many maids or other forms of support a woman has, the emotional and moral responsibility of her home rests on her shoulders. Hence you will find few women who are high achievers or entrepreneurs.
Do you think that the young generation is always wavering in their decisions and ideas?
I think today's youth wants a lot of excitement from minute to minute. Every job or vocation has its ups and downs, you need to weather them. If you want to grow in a career you have to put in 3-5 years of hard work, nose to the grind, and that young people don't have the stamina or patience for.
As they say a rolling stone gathers no moss and in case of careers 'moss' is the value add that you bring to your work. The value of experience.
I generally advise students/ young professionals who write to me that they have to first get a hold on their own emotions and mind. And the best way is to start practicing some form of yoga or pranayam. Or meditation. Once your mind is not restless all the time, everything comes easier .
Inspite of the presence of so many successful people in the world, why did you choose these 20 enterprising individuals?
Well, my criteria is not 'success' alone ie how big is the company, how much is the turnover etc. The story behind each enterprise is the most important thing. I wanted diverse people, diverse industries, diverse locations.
Once I start a project the people fall in place – it just happens.
In the chapter “Truth Shall Prevail”, the protagonist advised, “Don't listen to anyone's message”. Is it not important to follow the advice of the others?
Yes if you strongly believe in something you have to just do it. By constantly looking for support and approval from outside you dilute your own intent and purpose. When others see you are determined, they eventually start supporting you.
The protagonist of the chapter, “King of the Pop”, Satyajit Singh of Shakti Shudha Industries said, “for any big achievement you need Patience and Devotion”. Many of our elders today think that the youngsters of this generation do not have “Patience” and “Devotion”, towards their work or achieving their goals in life. What do you think?
I think everyone has these qualities, they are just dormant. It is society – parents and teachers – who are also to blame for this mindset. We constantly push our children to achieve. Even in summer vacation, we will enrol the child in different classes to keep busy.
The inner guidance system of the child is destroyed.. by the time he or she is a young adult all he can feel is restless. Yeh nahi karna hai par kya karna hai pata nahin!
You had have always been writing about the youth in various magazines. Which is the most important message that you would like to pass on to the youngsters through this story?
Each of you is special and divine. There is a spark in each of us which only needs to be ignited. Have all the fun in the world but also have passion and have purpose. Live every moment fully.
Money is important but not everything. If you run after money you will wear the most expensive shoes but only be tired at the end of your life. If instead, you seek out a path that you are destined for you will enjoy the journey even barefoot.
While introducing yourself, you said that you completed your Diploma from IIM in Ahmedabad . Then, instead of joining a corporate, why did you take to writing?
I was always a writer – before joining IIMA, while still completing my BA I had been a freelance journalist and published over 100 articles in different newspapers and magazines. After completing MBA I realised that writing remained my first love and hence I did not take the campus placement but went back and joined Times of India group as a management trainee with a unique job where I could use both my writing and management skills.
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