My NHRDN Journey... Dil se!!!

“Naam Khuda ka le zara, sabak shuru kar Bismillah!”

(“I begin my journey of learning by invoking the name of God!”)

I was first introduced to Dr. T. V. Rao in 1992 at the Institute of Management Development and Research, (IMDR), while pursuing my PGDHRM. As I became aware of his achievements and his teachings, I understood why he was regarded as the “Father of HRD”. This became a pivotal factor in kick-starting my life-long passion for HRD.

Fast-forward to Aug 2018. I go on stage, on behalf of our team, to accept the ‘Best Chapter Award’ (NHRD Pune) from none other than Dr. Rao!

I do believe that one circle of that journey perhaps got completed then. However, the memory of that fulfilling encounter remains a source of much energy, spurring me on to work harder for this institution and help in bringing it the success that it so deserves.

In 1994, I got an opportunity to attend a training session held at Cadilla, Ahmedabad, conducted by the redoubtable Dr. Uday Parikh. He asked me if I had heard of the National HRD Network in Pune during one of our lively side-chats. In response to my ignorance, he simply said, “Hmm, but you will".

What a prophetic statement that turned out to be! NHRD was founded by Dr. Parikh and Dr. T. V. Rao, and I am fortunate enough to have met both so early on in my career.

Shortly after that, I was hearing about NHRD everywhere. Friends and colleagues suggested that I attend a few sessions and meetings conducted by NHRD (in Pune) for professional guidance, learning, and growth.

And here, on the very first day, I ended up meeting a galaxy of top-notch HR professionals all under one roof - Mr. Yeshwant Moodliar (whom I consider as my 1st true NHRD Guru), Mr. Arun Wakhlu, Mr. Harish Maru, and Col. Ramesh Pathak conducted the proceedings in such a seamless manner that I felt an instant sense of belonging to this group of professionals. And, for the very first time in my career, I was able to relate to and converse with people of high repute. It felt like I had come home. From then on, I became an NHRDN regular.

By the arrival of the new millennium, the Pune chapter had already gone through some pretty testing times. However, my spirit never wavered.

In January 2000, during a meeting at Thermax, when Mr. Dilep Misra (my 2nd NHRD Guru) as the new President of the Pune Chapter called out for volunteers who could help revive the chapter. No surprise then, that I unhesitatingly stepped forward.

And so began my journey as an actively contributing member of the Pune Chapter’s Executive Committee. A journey that has had a lasting influence on how my career, and I daresay my character, shaped up.

In this journey of 22 years, I took on and attempted to live up to every role and responsibility that came my way, regardless of title or position. The pull of loyalty impelled me to do all I could to contribute to the sailing smooth of NHRD.

In a way, at the risk of sounding a bit pompous, I did realise that my driving principle has been ‘Nish-kaam Karma Yog’ (‘Service before Self’).

Of course, like everyone, even I sought gratification. But that came from the possibility of making a difference in the lives of our community’s people, students, and all the stakeholders at large. This keeps me passionate in my relationship with this institution that I hold so dear.

The other clear tangible benefit for me has been the opportunity to encounter some remarkable people who have inspired and motivated me both personally and professionally.

The list is very long, but I would nevertheless like to list a few names.

Dr. T.V. Rao | Mr. Yeshwant Moodliar | Mr. Arun Wakhlu | Mr. Dilep Misra | Ms. Kavita Kulkarni | Mr. Satyanarayana Garu | Ms. Riya Arora | Mr. Dhananjay Singh | Mr. Anand Khot | Mr. VJ Rao | Mr. Ganjendra Chandel | Prof. Dr. Ashutosh Bhupatkar | (Late) Prof. Balasubramanian | (Late) Prof. Pillai | (Late) Prof. Deven Dhanak?

My deep and lasting gratitude to all of them for, knowingly or unknowingly, guiding, supporting, and inspiring me. It is owing to their support that NHRDN Pune has grown so much, especially in the last couple of years. And that has helped me to grow as well.

For myself, once again at the risk of sounding affected, I want to end with the poetic words of the renowned American poet, Robert Lee Frost:

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep...