Transcedence, Self Esteem, and Creative Leadership

Transcendence, Self-Esteem, and Creative Leadership

Today, as I immersed myself in Transcendence: My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari, I found myself drawn once again to the idea of writing a blog. This book—gifted to me by my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Suresh Yawalkar—is more than a literary work. It is a bridge between science and spirituality, between leadership and humility.

Dr. Yawalkar and share a common alma mater- Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai. I have witnessed his journey as a man of quiet strength and unwavering self-esteem. Throughout his distinguished career- as Lecturer, Head of Department and Joint Director -he served the Technical Education Department of Maharashtra with dedication and distinction. His contributions during the World Bank Assisted Project in the 1990s were transformative. As Deputy Secretary of the Maharashtra Board of Technical Education, Mumbai, he spearheaded reforms that reshaped the system. His visit to Canada as a part of official delegation was not merely a professionally mile stone, but a reflection of his commitment to fostering collaboration and strengthening ties with Canadian counterparts.

What makes Dr. Yawalkar’s journey even more profound is his spiritual grounding. A devoted disciple of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, he embodies the values of service, discipline, and inner clarity. His life reminds me that true leadership is not about titles—it’s about the quiet impact we leave on systems, institutions, and people.

Reading Transcendence, I felt a deep resonance with Kalam’s reflections on Pramukh Swamiji. The fusion of science and spirituality, the emphasis on honour and creative leadership, and the call to live with purpose—all these themes echo in the lives of people like Dr. Yawalkar. Because of such friends, I have been fortunate to experience and learn across diverse domains—technical, philosophical, and spiritual.

Two quotes from the Book’s section on ‘Evolution of Creative Leadership’ stirred something deep within me:

‘Your vision will become clear only when you look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.’

-Karl Jung 

A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves.’

Lao Tzu

These words invite introspection. They remind me that authentic leadership is not about visibility, but enabling others to shine. They will serve as guiding lights as I write my next book-one that explores how government officers can uphold self esteem, honour, and dignity while serving society.