Once Learnt, Always Wisdom: Key Lessons from My Journey

Recently, while gathering my thoughts for a power talk at a college, I found myself wondering, “What would resonate most with undergraduate students? What could I share that would genuinely add value to their journey?” As I started reflecting on my own experiences—both the planned moves and the unexpected turns—a common thread began to emerge: Once Learnt, Always Wisdom.

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, leading us down unexpected paths. But it’s these very experiences that shape us, build our resilience, and deepen our understanding of the world. From exploring the depths of a chessboard to navigating corporate roles, starting fresh in a foreign land, and finally, building my own brand—each step has carried with it lessons that continue to guide me.

Here are five stories from my journey that reinforced this belief:

1. The Language of Chess and the Power of Curiosity

Chess was a central part of my life for over a decade. For many, a chessboard is just a collection of lifeless pieces. But for me, each piece felt like a silent conspirator, plotting its next move. This fascination with chess wasn’t just about the game; it was about understanding the “why” behind every move. This curiosity led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology, despite my undergraduate degree being in Corporate Secretaryship.

Why the shift? Because chess showed me that strategic thinking goes beyond the board—it’s about decoding human motivations and behavior. This realization eventually led me into Human Resources, where understanding people plays a huge role.

Key Takeaway: Curiosity is the driving force behind learning. Don’t just look at things for what they are—explore why they are that way. Dig deeper into what intrigues you, because curiosity can lead you to unexpected and fulfilling paths.

2. Share What You Learn—The Value of Giving Back

After several years in the corporate world, personal commitments led me to take a break. During this period, chess returned to my life in a new way. I started a concept space where I trained over 300 students—not just in playing chess, but in using the game as a life skill. It wasn’t just about teaching strategy; it was about instilling resilience, patience, and critical thinking.

One of the most rewarding moments was watching these young minds take lessons from the chessboard and apply them in real life. Imagine a nine-year-old discussing the pros and cons of a “sacrifice move” in a school project! That’s when you realize the broader impact of sharing knowledge.

Key Takeaway: Share what you learn generously. When you pass on what you’ve gained, you not only reinforce your own understanding but also leave a legacy of knowledge that others can build on.

3. Trust Your Skills—They’ll Open Unexpected Doors

After taking a career break, I was apprehensive about returning to the corporate world. The gap on my resume felt daunting, and I wasn’t sure if my unconventional journey would align with corporate expectations. But TCS had a refreshing approach—they didn’t just rely on traditional qualifications or standard assessments. Instead, they looked for diverse experiences and the unique strengths each person could bring.

In my case, they recognized the ability to think several steps ahead, adapt to changing situations, and approach problems with a strategic and creative mindset—all skills I had developed through years of playing and teaching chess. TCS saw value in these qualities, appreciating how they could translate into thoughtful decision-making and innovative solutions in a corporate setting. It was a powerful reminder that even unconventional paths build valuable skills.

Key Takeaway: Your unique experiences can be an asset, even if they don’t fit the traditional mold. Sometimes, what sets you apart is exactly what opens new doors.

4. Embracing Change in Germany—Sustainability and Reinvention

A few years later, life took me to Germany—a country known for its precision and innovation. I was excited to dive into new opportunities. But here’s the funny twist: I found myself searching for sustainability in a nation racing towards advancement with all the efficiency of a Mercedes on the Autobahn!

Germany was a fresh start in every sense—new language, new culture, and new ways of thinking. It wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. Learning advanced German pushed me to embrace discomfort, while the country’s commitment to sustainability shifted my mindset entirely.

But there was one challenge I didn’t expect: I craved Indian spices, fruits, and vegetables. It’s not like I could pop into the supermarket and pick up fresh curry leaves or mangoes! So, I thought, “Why not grow them myself?” My garden became a mini-lab, where I tried convincing these poor seeds they were in Kerala and not Cologne! Soon, I wasn’t just growing plants—I was experimenting with making everything from scratch, from spices to skincare creams. Little did I know, I was laying the unintentional groundwork for LIFE PURIFIED.

Key Takeaway: When you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, embrace it as a chance to start fresh. When life doesn’t give you what you need, find a way to create it—and you might just discover a new passion!

5. Resilience and Reinvention—The Birth of LIFE PURIFIED

Personal commitments eventually brought me back to India, and I found myself at another crossroads. My experiences in the corporate world, combined with my journey of personal growth abroad, had given me a fresh perspective. I decided to channel my passion into creating something meaningful, and that’s how LIFE PURIFIED was born—a brand focused on blending the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with modern technology.

Starting LIFE PURIFIED wasn’t easy. There were countless risks and uncertainties. But every challenge taught me the value of resilience and adaptability, which remain essential to our growth today.

Key Takeaway: Reinvention isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong process. Embrace change, stay open to new paths, and let resilience be your greatest ally.

Final Reflections

Looking back, each experience has been a teacher. Chess showed me the power of curiosity. Teaching made me realize the importance of sharing knowledge. TCS reminded me that skills never go unnoticed. Germany reinforced sustainability and the beauty of starting over. And founding LIFE PURIFIED taught me resilience and adaptability.

Steve Jobs once said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Always be hungry for new challenges, and stay foolish enough to embrace the unknown. Lifelong learning is the true essence of wisdom, and with it comes a life rich in opportunities and growth.

So, keep learning, stay open to new beginnings, and let curiosity guide you towards success.