One More Colour - To the Coloured Cover of Gratitude

One More Colour -

To the Coloured Cover of Gratitude

This morning, I received a call from Dr. B. L. Gupta, former Professor at the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training and Research, Bhopal.

With warmth and encouragement, he congratulated me on publishing my book Value-Based Leadership. He said:

“I came to know that you have written a very good book on Leadership. I will order a copy, write a detailed review, and publish it.”

I thanked him sincerely and requested his address, so that I may send him a copy with gratitude and respect. I also expressed how he has remained an inspiration in my journey of writing this book.

His call carried me back to my days at Bhopal, during my M.Tech.Ed. program, when Dr. Gupta, along with Prof. Dr. Chandrashekhar and Prof. Dr. Shivgunde, guided me into the treasure land of leadership. From them, I learned not just theories but practical lessons—living examples of how leadership principles can be internalised and embodied. They did not merely teach; they practiced leadership as a way of being.

In the metaphor of my Coloured Cover of Gratitude, each mentor shines as a distinct shade:

•         Dr. Gupta – the shade of inspiration

•         Dr. Chandrashekhar – the hue of wisdom

•         Dr. Shivgunde – the tone of practical guidance

Together, they painted my early journey with colours that continue to illuminate my path.

At that moment, I felt the truth of what I had written in the chapter Coloured Cover of Gratitude:

“Gratitude is far more than courtesy or polite acknowledgment.

It is remembrance, recognition, and reverence.

It is the radiant cover of life itself—bright, inspiring, and enduring.”

Dr. Gupta’s appreciation touched me deeply, for it was the very first recognition of my work. It was far more than a kind gesture—it became another colour added to my radiant cover of gratitude. His words turned an ordinary morning into an extraordinary experience, filling my heart with divine vibrations of gratitude.

One more colour, one more blessing, one more step forward in the journey of service and reflection. 

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on Feb 4, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats