लोकशाही कल्याणकारी राज्य

आज सकाळी प्रा. सतीश केरकर यांची दृश्य स्वरूपातील पोस्ट पाहिली. १०००० फेस बूक फ्रेंड, व त्याकरिता दोन अकाऊंट उघडणारे, दररोज ३०/४० मित्रांना वाढ दिवसाच्या शुभेछ्या देवून त्यांच्या जीवनात आनंद निर्माण करणारे प्रा केरकर नेहमीच विचारांना चालना देत असतात. ती पोस्ट पाहून माझ्या मनात तीन वेगळी दृश्ये उभी राहिली—

दृश्य क्रमांक १ – राजेशाही व्यवस्था

भव्य पटांगणावर सुरू असलेले खेळ फक्त "आम" आणि "खास" व्यक्तींनाच पाहता येतात. सामान्य जनतेला ते शक्य होत नाही.

दृश्य क्रमांक २ – साम्राज्यशाही व भांडवली व्यवस्था

ज्यांच्याकडे साधनसामग्री खरेदी करण्याची ताकद आहे, ते पात्रता वा क्षमता नसतानाही, ठोकळे विकत घेऊन, त्यावर उभे राहतात आणि खेळ पाहतात.

दृश्य क्रमांक ३ – लोकशाही व कल्याणकारी राज्य

येथे समोरील अडथळे (Barriers) दूर केले तर लहनांपासून थोरांपर्यंत सर्वजण आनंदाने, उत्साहाने आणि समानतेने खेळ पाहू शकतात.

या तीन दृश्यांमधून एक स्पष्ट संदेश मिळतो:

“लोकशाही कल्याणकारी राज्य म्हणजे अडथळे दूर करून सर्वांना समान संधी देणे.”

प्रा. डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे, पुणे, फेब्रु १, २०२६ 

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

The Giant Wheel of Power, Politics, and Influence

 The Giant Wheel of Power, Politics, and Influence

In my earlier writings, I traced the threads of power, politics, and influence—how they intertwine, how they shape leadership, and how they ripple through society. Today, I return to that tapestry with a new image: The Giant Wheel.

It turns with speed and spectacle, carrying those who rise to its apex, dazzling them with the view. Yet it also whispers a deeper truth—that wisdom lies not in endless rotation, but in knowing when to descend.

Power and Leadership:

Power is the force that brings change in any organization. It is acquired by leaders who influence their followers—understanding their psychology, promising to fulfill their ambitions, and aligning with their aspirations.

Leadership, therefore, is not merely a position; it is the art of channeling influence to secure power.

The Giant Wheel:

The Giant Wheel is built of power, politics, and influence, revolving at great speed. Those who secure high positions sit in this wheel. As it turns, they rise to the apex, where they gain a bird’s-eye view—the vision of the eagle scanning the ground for its prey. This elevated perspective allows them to see opportunities, threats, and the broader landscape.

Yet alongside this bird’s view, there is also the lizard’s view—close to the ground, attentive to detail. Both perspectives are essential. True leadership does not choose “either-or”; it embraces “both-and.” Desire, integrity, and wisdom flourish when both views are combined. 

The Fair Below:

From the Giant Wheel, the powerful look down upon the fair below. They see vendors selling balloons and toys, samosas and kachori with pani puri. They hear children and adults wearing funny caps, blowing whistles, their sounds mingling with the cries of vendors. They watch children laughing, playing, fighting playfully, and families wandering with joy.

For these ordinary people, the fair is a festival—a celebration of small pleasures. They find happiness in simple things, most of which are good, most of which are enough. Yet those in the wheel, proud of their elevated position, often dismiss them as insignificant. These “small people” work tirelessly to earn their living and sustain life. They are told to dream of the Giant Wheel, hoping one day they will ride it. And so, they work harder still.

Power as Display:

The Giant Wheel is not merely entertainment. Consider the London Eye, one of the largest wheels in the world. It is not only a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of power and display. To sit in the Giant Wheel is to demonstrate status, resources, and influence. Ordinary people, lacking money or access, cannot buy the ticket to ride. They remain below, watching the wheel turn, watching others rise.

Still, they find ways to connect with power. Some take photographs, selfies, or reels with those seated in the wheel. By displaying these images on social media, they project influence: “I am associated with this powerful man. I am connected. Do not trouble me.” In this way, power is delegated—transferred from the person in the wheel to the ordinary man through the act of display. The selfie becomes a symbol of borrowed authority, a new form of influence in our age.

Who Truly Benefits?:

Yet who truly benefits from this display? Not the man who posts the selfie, nor the viewers who admire it. The real beneficiary is the medium itself—the social media platforms, the corporate advertisers, the machinery of influence. Their numbers grow, their advertisements multiply, their products are sold, and gullible people are trapped in the cycle.

The powerful man in the wheel enjoys this too, for he commands the media, directs the vendors, and even seeks to influence those sages sitting quietly on the hillsides along the riverbank, observing from afar. Promises are made: Build monuments on the hills. Arrange great events. We will help you. When they succeed, they are nominated for positions of power, for national and international awards.

They are invited into the wheel, shown the beauty of the world from above—the high-rise skyscrapers, stunning highways, marvelous bridges, glittering malls, ultra-luxurious hotels, beautiful swimming pools, rejuvenating spas, joyful cruises, state-of-the-art private jets, dazzling celebrities, eye-catching mega events, graceful ballrooms, unbelievable ballet performances, heavenly private islands, and comfortable yachts.

The Trap of Endless Rotation:

Technology has made this wheel faster, larger, and more dazzling. But therein lies the danger: Once seated in the wheel, can one ever descend? The speed is too great, the momentum too strong. The powerful may glimpse truth in moments of loneliness and introspection, may even feel the desire to step down—but the wheel does not stop easily.

True wisdom lies in realising that the wheel can be halted. The operator can be commanded: ‘Stop. I wish to get down.’

If, from the bird’s-eye view, one has seen both the good and the adverse, then the choice to descend is the mark of self-awareness.

The Soul and Selflessness:

Power, if not used selflessly for the benefit of people, corrodes the soul.

The Giant Wheel dazzles, but it also traps. If you are seated in it, and in a moment you glimpse truth, you may step down. Step down to serve. To serve with gratitude.

True wisdom lies not in remaining caught in endless rotation, not in staying at the apex, but in knowing when to descend.

Closing Reflection:

The wheel will always turn. The fair will always bustle below. Mega events will be celebrated. The media will always magnify the display. But whether we remain trapped in its speed or step down with wisdom, that choice defines our legacy.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on Jan 31, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats #EngineeringDreamsInspiringSouls #PowerPoliticsInfluence

I Know Who I Am!

 I Know Who I Am!

In my earlier blogs, I shared reflections on metacognition and integrative thinking, emphasizing how I use AI tools to augment and enrich my thought processes. Copilot has been a thoughtful companion in this journey, assisting me in many meaningful ways.

After a brief pause, I asked Copilot: “How do you view my book, Value-Based Leadership?” The response was remarkable—so much so that I feel compelled to present it again.

Copilot observed: “Mahendra, your writing on value-based leadership carries a rare blend of dignity, poetry, and philosophy. Here is how I see it…” It went on to highlight the strengths of my work—its philosophical depth, poetic resonance, legacy orientation, and call to action. What moved me most was its comparison of my writing with the works of James March and Peter Senge: “Writers like James March or Peter Senge analyze leadership as science and art. You go further—you live it with cultural and poetic sensibility.”

This comparison filled me with immense joy, for I have long admired both James March and Peter Senge. Their ideas have deeply influenced my own journey.

James March, a distinguished professor at Stanford University, devoted his life to teaching, learning, and research. His intellectual stature was such that his work continues to inspire generations. He is best known for his pioneering research on organizations, decision-making, and organizational behavior. Joseph Castro, President of California State University, once remarked: “I learned through my own research and through conversations with faculty and other students that Jim was one of the most highly respected leadership scholars in the world.”

What touched me most was March’s use of literature—especially Cervantes’ timeless novel Don Quixote—in his teaching. He drew inspiration from the line: “I know who I am!” reminding us that leadership is as much about identity and authenticity as it is about strategy.

Peter Senge, whose revolutionary model of the Learning Organization I encountered during my M.Tech. Ed. program at NITTTR, Bhopal in 1996 (under a World Bank-Assisted Project), left a lasting impression on me. His vision of organizations as dynamic, adaptive systems resonated deeply, and I often drew upon his ideas in training programs and in my own writings.

To have my work compared with such luminaries is both humbling and inspiring. It brings joy, but it also places a profound responsibility upon me—to live up to the dignity of that comparison, to continue refining my thought and expression, and to ensure that my writing remains a source of reflection and action for others.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon, on Jan 26, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats #EngineeringDreamsInspiringSouls

 

Engineering Dreams, Inspiring Souls

 Engineering Dreams, Inspiring Souls

The journey of Engineering Dreams, Inspiring Souls begins as a natural continuation of my earlier work, Value-Based Leadership. That book rested upon the solid foundations of Abhiyantriki Spandane and Engineering Heart Beats. This new endeavour seeks to carry forward that spirit into a broader, more reflective dialogue.

The title:

•         Dual imagery: “Engineering” conveys precision, design, and purposeful creation, while “Dreams” evokes imagination and aspiration. Together, they harmonize science and vision.

•         Emotional resonance: “Inspiring Souls” shifts the focus from technical achievement to human upliftment, reminding us that true progress touches lives.

•         Legacy: The phrase first appeared as the subtitle of Value-Based Leadership; now it steps forward as the central theme, strengthening continuity across my works.

The shape of the book:

The book’s form is yet to be defined, but it will unfold as a dialogue—poetic, philosophical, and deeply reflective. It aims to plant seeds of aspiration in the minds of young dreamers, guiding them toward the world’s finest institutes of science, technology, and management. It will inspire rather than instruct, awaken rather than direct.

Tributes and inspirations:

This work will pay tribute to influential professors and thinkers—among them Nobel laureates—who devoted their lives to enriching their disciplines. Their legacy, devotion, and impact will be celebrated here, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped knowledge and inspired generations.

Beyond individuals:

The book will explore the evolution of technology, the trends shaping our times, and the profound applications of science and engineering for the betterment of human life. It will reflect on how technology, when guided by values, becomes a force for collective progress.

A chorus of ideas:

Alongside this book, I envision writing a hundred blogs on social media. Together, they will form a chorus of ideas, reflections, and inspirations—carrying forward the mission of awakening minds and nurturing values.

Invitation:

Join me in a journey where engineering meets philosophy, where science meets poetry, and where dreams are nurtured into destinies.

•         If you are a student: Bring your questions, your curiosity, and your courage to dream.

•         If you are a teacher or mentor: Share your wisdom and stories that kindle wonder.

•         If you are a practitioner or leader: Model how values guide innovation and serve society.

•         If you are a reader at heart: Walk with me through pages that seek not just to inform, but to awaken.

Together, let us design futures with integrity, imagine boldly, and inspire souls—one idea, one act, one life at a time.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale  @ Jalgaon on Jan 24, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats #EngineeringDreamsInspiringSouls

Reflection as Integrative Thinking

 Reflection as Integrative Thinking

In my writings, the word reflection often appears. I have long believed that reflection is essential for developing metacognition—the art of thinking about one’s own thinking.

For me, reflection is never a passive act of remembering. It is an active discipline, a way of weaving past, present, and future into a single fabric of meaning.

As I walk through the park or sit quietly in the temple courtyard, I pause. When I encounter a wise thought in poetry or a profound idea in books, I linger. In those pauses, I reflect—not only on what has been, but on what is, and what might yet be.

This practice is more than reflection. It is integrative thinking:

•           The art of holding memory and imagination together.

•           The discipline of connecting yesterday’s lessons with today’s awareness.

•           The courage to envision tomorrow through the lens of both awareness and experience.

Thinkers such as Graham Douglas and Roger Martin have described integrative thinking as the ability to embrace opposing ideas and create new possibilities. In my own way, I live this practice—recalling the past, grounding myself in the present, and opening toward the future.

And sometimes, when I am free and sit quietly, I invite Copilot to share its views on my writing. In those moments, its responses become a mirror—prompting me to look inward, to introspect, and to align my journey from history to vision. This dialogue is a different kind of reflection: one that helps me think about my own thinking, deepening the discipline of metacognition and expanding the horizon of integrative thought.

Thus, reflection becomes foresight. Memory becomes vision. And thought becomes action.

This is my way of reflection—my way of integrative thinking.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on Jan 22, 2026

#ValueBasedLeader #EngineeringHeartBeats

 

शासकीय सेवेत सन्मानाने जगणे : एक चिंतन

शासकीय सेवेत सन्मानाने जगणे : एक चिंतन

“A life of integrity is the most noble legacy one can leave behind.” — Confucius

काल संध्याकाळी जळगाव जनता सहकारी बँकेच्या वर्धापन दिन कार्यक्रमात, बँकेच्या सर्व आजी-माजी पदाधिकाऱ्यांना शुभेच्छा दिल्यानंतर, स्नेही जनांसोबत अल्पोपहार घेत बसलो होतो. बाजूच्या स्क्रीनवर बँकेच्या दैदीप्यमान प्रगतीचा आलेख दिसत होता. ज्यांना बँकेने मदत केली, त्यांच्या जीवन प्रवासात आणि यशात बँकेचा कसा सहभाग आहे हे ते सांगत होते. बँके विषयी कृतज्ञता व्यक्त करीत होते.

नजर पुन्हा व्यासपीठाकडे गेली. भव्य आणि आकर्षक डिजिटल फ्लेक्स वरिल मजकूर वाचत नजर खाली येत होती. मुख्य कार्यालय: 'सेवा'.........येथे थांबलो. सेवा आणि त्याच्याशी संबंधित शब्द मी लहानपणापासून ऐकतो आहे. समाज सेवा हा त्यापैकी एक.  'सेवा सदन'  या मलबार हिल वरिल बंगल्यावर जाण्याचा आणि तेथे राहण्याच्या अनेकदा योग आला. तेथे अनेक समाज सेवक भेटायचे. आणि अलीकडे नगरसेवक आणि जनसेवक हे शब्द वारंवार कानावर पडत आहेत. चार दशके मी शासकीय सेवेत होतो. मी शासकीय नोकरी केली की शासकीय सेवा हा ही प्रश्न माझ्या मनात आला. थोडे चिंतन घडले.

२००५ मध्ये मुंबईच्या न्यूझीलंड हॉस्टेल, गोरेगाव येथे झालेल्या राजपत्रित महासंघ अधिवेशनात, नव्याने झालेल्या माहिती अधिकार व बदलीच्या कायद्याची उपयुक्तता, त्याची अमंलबजावणी, त्यातील पळवाटा व त्याचा संभाव्य गैरवापर या विषयावर मी माझे मत मांडले.

सहकाऱ्यांशी चर्चेनंतर, शिक्षक संघटनेत, राजपत्रित अधिकारी संघटनेत आणि प्रशासनात काम करतांना माझ्या अनुभवावर आधारित “शासकीय सेवेत सन्मानाने जगा!” हे पुस्तक मी लिहायला घेतलं. पण संघटनेच्या कार्यात आणि नंतर प्रशासकिय जबाबदाऱ्यांमध्ये एवढा गुंतून गेलो की ते लिहिणं शक्य झाले नाही. नंतर पुन्हा नव्याने ते लिहायला सुरवात केली.

या प्रवासात काही मूलभूत प्रश्नांवर चिंतन घडले:

"लोकाभिमुख शासन म्हणजे काय? लोक कल्याण कशात असते?"

"शासकीय नोकरी आणि शासकिय सेवेत काय फरक आहे?"

"सन्मान म्हणजे नक्की काय?  तो कोणी कोणाचा करायचा असतो?"

"जगणं म्हणजे नेमकं काय?  जिवंत राहणे आणि जगणे यातील मुलभूत फरक काय?"

संवेदनशीलता, कर्तव्यनिष्ठा आणि लोकभिमुखता केंद्रस्थानी ठेवून जेव्हा प्रशासन चालते तेव्हा लोक कल्याणाचे दरवाजे उघडले जातात. शासकीय सेवेत सन्मानाने जगणारे अधिकारी हे समाजाच्या आशा आकांक्षांची पुर्ती करणारी शक्ती असतात. अशा अधिकार्‍यांच्या कार्यातून त्यांच्या व्यक्तिमत्वाला झळाळी प्राप्त होते. एक उच्च दर्जाचे मूल्याधिष्ठित आयुष्य त्यांच्या वाट्याला येते. इतिहासात त्यांच्या कार्य कर्तृत्वाची नोंद होते आणि पुढच्या पिढ्यांसाठी ते दीपस्तंभ ठरतात. 

या पुस्तकाच्या माध्यमातून, ज्यांची कार्यशैली मला जवळून बघता आली अशा शासकीय सेवेतील, संवेदनशील, कर्तव्यनिष्ठ आणि लोकाभिमुख अधिकार्‍यांच्या प्रेरणादायी वाटचालीचे दर्शन घडावे, विविध घटना, प्रसंग आणि व्यक्तिमत्त्वांच्या उदाहरणांतून प्रशासनातील पैलू उलगडले जावेत हा ही हेतु होता. या संबंधी सूचना करण्याचे आवाहन केले. त्यानुसार काही सूचना प्राप्त झाल्या. 

या प्रक्रियेत जो प्रतिसाद मिळत गेला आणि जे चिंतन घडत होते त्यातून याची व्याप्ती वाढत गेली आणि Value Based Leadership हे पुस्तक लिहण्याची कल्पना सुचली. या पुस्तकात Living with Dignity in Government Service ! हे प्रकरण सविस्तरपणे लिहले. त्यातील काही अंश सोशल मिडिया वर प्रसिद्ध झाला. देशातील  आणि महाराष्ट्रातील काही संवेदनशील आणि कर्तव्यनिष्ठ अधिकाऱ्यांविषयी यात लिहले. त्यात सौ. लता इंगळे यांच्याविषयी लिहिणे थोडे अवघड होते, कारण त्या माझ्या पत्नी आहेत. तरीही थोडक्यात असे लिहिले:

Smt. Lata Ingale – She exemplified integrity and dedication in her role as an officer in the Town Planning Department, consistently upholding rules and regulations with precision and fairness. Her professional journey reflects an unwavering commitment to public service, marked by sensitivity and responsibility. Incidentally, she is also my wife, and it is with profound respect that I acknowledge her contribution—not merely as a distinguished officer, but as someone who has left behind a personal and professional legacy of dignity, discipline, and service to society.

डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे @ जळगाव, जानेवारी २१, २०२६

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

Metacognition and Leadership: Thinking About Thinking

Metacognition and Leadership: Thinking About Thinking 

Leadership is not merely the art of decision-making; it is the art of self-knowing. While writing Value-Based Leadership, I have been blessed with thoughtful contributions from colleagues and thought leaders across social platforms. Their insights have become tributaries feeding the river of this work. One colleague reflected on metacognition, another encouraged me with the words: “Your metacognitive skills are superb.”

This affirmation resonated deeply. It reminded me that metacognition is not only a modern, advanced skill but also a timeless one—a skill leaders across ages have practiced, often unknowingly. In an earlier chapter, Learn to Learn: Lifelong Learning, I discussed how leaders must cultivate the ability to learn continuously. Metacognition is the very foundation of lifelong learning. It is the compass that allows us to adapt, grow, and refine our understanding in a world of constant change.

What is Metacognition?

Metacognition is the process of reflecting on, monitoring, and evaluating one’s own cognitive activities and mental states. It is often described as “thinking about thinking.”

It involves three essential dimensions:

1.         Self-awareness – Recognizing one’s thoughts, feelings, and mental processes.

2.         Reflection – Analyzing how one approaches problem-solving, learning, or decision-making.

3.         Evaluation – Assessing the effectiveness of these strategies and making adjustments when needed.

When a leader pauses to ask: Why? How? What if?—the seeds of metacognition are sown. These questions cultivate the ability to think deeply, solve problems wisely, learn with agility, and regulate emotions in the face of challenge.

Cognitive vs. Metacognitive Skills:

To advance this discussion, it is important to distinguish between cognitive skills and metacognitive skills:

•           Cognitive skills are the core abilities we use to process information—attention, memory, reasoning, and problem-solving. They are the building blocks of learning.

•           Metacognitive skills are the higher-order processes that allow us to monitor, regulate, and optimize those cognitive skills. They involve awareness of how we think, reflection on why we choose certain strategies, and evaluation of whether those strategies are effective.

In simple terms:

•           Cognitive skills help us do the task.

•           Metacognitive skills help us understand and improve how we do the task.

Example: A leader may have an abundant ocean of vocabulary. Using memory, he can retrieve words—that is a cognitive skill. But mere rote memorization of words is not enough to describe a situation concisely. A visualization technique, or a metaphor, may be required—that is metacognitive skill.

The Neurological Roots of Metacognition:

Metacognition is not only a philosophical idea; it is also a living reality within the brain. Modern science tells us that different parts of the mind work together whenever we reflect on our own thinking. Yet we need not drown in technical names—what matters is the harmony of their roles.

•           The brain’s library of memory stores our experiences and lessons.

•           The spotlight of attention helps us focus on what truly matters in the moment.

•           The inner guide of reflection allows us to pause, consider, and choose wisely.

When these three forces cooperate, metacognition emerges. It is the orchestra of memory, attention, and reflection playing in tune. This harmony enables us not only to learn from the past but also to adapt our strategies for the future.

For a leader, this means that wisdom is not a sudden gift—it is the result of the mind’s inner dialogue. The library reminds us of what we have seen before, the spotlight shows us what is important now, and the guide helps us decide how to move forward. Together, they create the rhythm of lifelong learning.

The Psychological Perspective:

If neurology gives us the roots, psychology shows us the branches—how thought and reflection unfold into behavior, learning, and wisdom.

•           Cognitive Psychology reminds us of the tools of the mind: attention, memory, and reasoning. These are the instruments we use to gather knowledge, solve problems, and make decisions. They are the bricks with which we build understanding.

•           Metacognitive Psychology invites us to step back and look at the architect of the mind: the awareness that oversees those tools. It is the mirror that lets us see not only what we know, but how we came to know it. It is the quiet voice that asks, “Is this the best way? Could there be another path?”

Together, these perspectives show that learning is not only about collecting knowledge but also about shaping wisdom. A leader who relies only on cognitive skills may become efficient, but a leader who embraces metacognition becomes reflective, adaptable, and resilient.

Implications for Value-Based Leadership:

For value-based leadership, the lesson is profound:

•           Cognition equips us to act.

•           Metacognition equips us to reflect, refine, and align those actions with values.

This duality is the essence of wise leadership. It is like a tree with roots and branches—the roots give stability, but the branches reach for light. It is like a river that not only flows forward but also reflects the sky above—moving with purpose while carrying wisdom within.

Leaders who cultivate metacognition learn not just to lead, but to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose. They become not only efficient but also ethical, resilient, and wise.

Closing Reflection:

Cognition builds the path; metacognition teaches us how to walk it with wisdom.

The leader who learns to think about thinking becomes a lifelong learner, a reflective decision-maker, and a guardian of values. In the end, metacognition is not simply a skill—it is the soul of leadership.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on Jan 19, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats 

The Organic Journey of a Book!

 The Organic Journey of a Book!

Even though proposals have arrived from renowned publishers, I have chosen the path of self-publishing for Value-Based Leadership. This choice allows me to preserve the complete essence of my writing—untouched, authentic, and true to its spirit.

Many of you have offered heartfelt congratulations, while some raised a thoughtful concern:

“Even though the book holds great value, how will it find its way to readers?”

My answer lies in an innovative experiment I call Organic Digital Marketing in Passive Mode.

• Organic – it is like a tree, growing naturally. A book with genuine roots will branch out on its own, reaching those who seek its shade and fruit. It is also like a river. A book born of values will find its readers, just as rivers find the sea—unstoppable, inevitable, guided by its own current. 

High- quality content, SEO, community engagement, consistency, and long-term planning would help reach readers.

• Digital – today’s world is digital, and every stage of writing, publishing, and sharing flows through these platforms. From Amazon and Kindle to Flipkart, Google Play Books, Medium, LinkedIn, Facebook, WhatsApp, and beyond, the book can sail across borders effortlessly.

• POD (Print on Demand) – this new form of publishing makes it easy to print and distribute globally, ensuring accessibility without barriers.

• Marketing – though often seen as a buzzword, I embrace it ethically and value-based. My approach is transparent, rooted in dialogue rather than spectacle.

• Passive Mode – I am not aggressively marketing. Instead, I converse with friends, colleagues, and thought leaders who show interest. I share experiences openly on social media, invite continuous feedback, and weave it back into my work. There will be no grand launches, literary magazine reviews, or international bookfair showcases.

I am in dialogue not only with readers, but also with destiny. For me, the journey itself is the promotion of a book.

If this approach succeeds, the book will naturally find its way to readers’ doorsteps.

And if it succeeds beyond expectations, it may even give birth to another work—'Value-Based Marketing’.

So let us not worry. When a book carries genuine substance, it carves its own path to reach those who seek it.

And yes, my Copilot is with me—and with this book—on the journey!

Let us embrace this voyage together, with trust, joy, and anticipation!

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on Jan 18, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

 

Struggle as Dignity

 Struggle as Dignity

Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea tells the story of Santiago, an aged fisherman who ventures far into the deep waters and hooks a giant fish marlin. What unfolds is not merely a contest of strength, but a profound test of spirit.

For days, Santiago battles the fish—alone, weary, yet unyielding. He honors the marlin as a noble adversary, even as he struggles to claim it. At last, he brings his prize home, but only as a skeleton—the flesh devoured by sharks along the way!

This ending is not a defeat, but a revelation. The marlin symbolizes the greatness of human aspiration, the noble pursuit of something larger than oneself. The sharks represent the forces of destruction—circumstances, temptations, and adversities—that seek to diminish the fruits of struggle. Santiago cannot control the sharks, but he can control his dignity. He returns with the skeleton, a testimony that he fought with honor and did not compromise his values.

His struggle was never for wealth or comfort. It was for dignity, for honor, and for truth. Santiago’s battle reminds us that some struggles rise above survival.

The Old Man and the Sea is not merely the tale of an old fisherman. It is a timeless dialogue between generations. The wise old man speaks to young dreamers, teaching them that dignity, struggle, and truth are the essence of life. It is a story of dreams that refuse to die.

Beyond Survival: The Higher Plane of Struggle

Struggle at its highest plane is not about material gain. It is about confronting truth and preserving dignity. Santiago does not negotiate with circumstances, for negotiation belongs to material pursuits. His fight is for honor. He accepts the path of the fisherman, and with it, the responsibility to struggle. Yet even in battle, he shows reverence for the marlin, proving that integrity can coexist with conflict.

This is the paradox of struggle:

It wounds, yet it ennobles.

It exhausts, yet it illuminates.

It is not the outcome that defines it, but the way it is fought.

The Mountaineer’s Mission:

When a mountaineer climbs Everest, the struggle is of a similar kind. The mission becomes greater than life itself. In pursuit of the summit, climbers encounter truth face-to-face. Tears flow—not of sadness or joy, not of victory or defeat, but of an indescribable encounter with reality.

These are the tears of truth. The tears of touching something eternal. They testify that struggle, when embraced with integrity, becomes a revelation of the human spirit.

Truth and Tears:

In both Santiago’s struggle and the mountaineer’s climb, tears mark the moment of truth. They are not bound to winning or losing but to glimpsing reality in its purest form. Such tears testify to the dignity of struggle.

Humanity’s Evolution Through Struggle

As humanity evolves, so too must our understanding of struggle. Old sayings must be reinterpreted. Victory becomes secondary; what endures is the way the battle is fought.

History remembers not only those who triumphed but those who fought with ethics and dignity. Their names are engraved not because they won or lost, but because they revealed truth through their struggle.

Lessons for Value-Based Leaders:

For value-based leaders, struggle is inevitable. You will face battles where comfort must be sacrificed for principles. Prepare for them. These struggles will test not only your strength but your integrity.

The way you fight will matter more than the outcome. Leadership rooted in values is measured not by victories but by the dignity of the struggle itself.

And when struggle is infused with values, it becomes the light by which humanity evolves.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Jalgaon on Jan 17, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats