Who You Are ?

Who You Are ?

While walking the track this morning, a quiet phrase surfaced in my mind - ‘Carried Away.’ It felt like a nudge from within, prompting me to write this blog. As I often say in my poem: ‘Let Not The Eyes Become Old!’
Even today, my eyes,  still curious and searching, look at the world not as an observer, but as a writer, trying to sense the moments.

Since my student life, I’ve had the privilege of closely witnessing and sometimes actively arranging events that brought great personalities into view. Many of these memories live in the pages of my book. And now, as I shape another book, I continue to meet and reflect upon such inspiring individuals.

What strikes me today is the quiet paradox: When greatness walks too close, many fail to recognize it !

In life, proximity can blur perception. A person might be wise, kind, or deeply inspiring, but if he is always around us, we begin to take him for granted.
We silently think, "How can he be great? He is so close to me."
The aura fades not because the person has diminished, but because our gaze becomes routine.

We often seek awe in distant lands, grand stages, or curated personas. Yet the wisdom we truly need might be sitting beside us, silent, steady, and consistent.

In today’s age of amplified impressions, we are constantly bombarded with content; celebrity voices, grand lectures and preachings, theatrical presentations, and glittering media events. It’s easy to be ‘carried away’.

But I offer a gentle caution:

Before accepting any transformative thought, ask:

• Who is the speaker behind the podium, and the author who penned the book?
• What values does he or she truly live by?
• Is the message consistent with the messenger's character?

Don’t get carried away by:

• Multimedia slides or PowerPoint charm
• Grand event arrangements or celebrity appearances
• Polished advertisements or enthusiastic reporting

Check authenticity. Truth lives in consistency and silent depth, not in theatrical display.

Some days ago, I shared a reflection on social media; a thought that continues to echo through this blog:

“Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” — T.S. Eliot
And I extended it:
“Where is the information we have lost in data?”

This journey from data to wisdom is sacred. Data, when processed, becomes information. Information refined becomes knowledge. Knowledge judiciously applied is wisdom.

But biased or corrupted data cannot become wisdom. It fails the journey.
That’s why, when reading a book or listening to a speaker; especially one aiming to transform—you must examine not just the message, but the messenger.

The path to a meaningful life doesn’t lie in following the loudest voice; it lies in discovering the truest one. And often, that voice isn’t far from us. It may reside in someone we meet daily, whose values are lived, not performed.

Don't lose focus. As you ask yourself, “Who Am I?”, take a moment to turn your gaze toward the one standing behind the podium; and the author of transformation, the narrator of change. Ask him, “Who You Are ?” True insight unfolds only when both voices are questioned with equal sincerity!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service, Not Demonstration !

Power, at its core, is not mere possession; it is a vital potential. It stands as one of the key psychological needs embedded in human nature: the instinct to acquire, retain, and demonstrate control. When used wisely, it fuels change, enables progress, and gives momentum to noble intentions. Without power, even the most compassionate ideas may remain dormant. It is essential for implementing welfare programs, solving societal problems, and reshaping communities for the better.

Yet, power is never solitary. It is acquired through engagement, through politics that influence people.  And at the heart of that influence lies authentic leadership. I’ve come to express this interconnection through a guiding quote:

‘To implement any welfare program or bring change in a social or political organisation, power is required. Power is acquired by doing politics. Politics is done by influencing people. People are influenced by leaders who understand their psychology and promise the fulfillment of their needs.’

This insight grew out of a rich journey spanning decades of reflection, education, and experience. Over twenty years ago, I had the privilege of coordinating a statewide training program on ‘Institutional Management’ for engineering educators in Maharashtra. Among its sessions, one of mine; 'Power, Politics, and Influence’, proved unforgettable. Drawing from my family background, and having passion for leadership, I delivered this session with thoughtfulness, real-life anecdotes, and just the right touch of humour. Even today, many participants recall it with fondness. And for me, it remains a milestone!

This foundation helped me further articulate leadership as a moral and practical force. I often say:

‘A leader is a person who shoulders responsibility, who is sensitive to the environment, and puts earnest efforts to solve problems.’

Leadership, in this sense, is a form of service. But through this journey, one cautionary truth has always stood clear: Power demands demonstration. Many who possess power feel compelled to assert it—sometimes coercively—to prove their strength. In doing so, they may invite their own undoing. Power, when stripped of purpose, becomes perilous. Power, when wielded without wisdom, can corrode the soul of leadership.

Yet human nature holds another deeper need; ‘Self-Actualisation.’  This is the pursuit of inner fulfilment.  When this need is genuinely met, it tends to quieten the craving for power and its outward display. Even when entrusted with great authority, such individuals choose service over dominance. They use power not to impress, but to uplift.

In recent years, as my reflections evolved into blogs and a book I authored; I embraced creativity in newer forms; transforming quotes and thoughts into short social media reels. With visuals, music, and emotional storytelling, these reached younger audiences and sparked fresh engagement. The process itself was exhilarating; teaching me new tools, inviting new voices, and awakening the spirit of innovation I always sought to nurture in my students.

Throughout my journey as an educator, I have always encouraged learners to be imaginative, expressive, and rooted in purpose. Today, I live that philosophy anew; infusing wisdom with creativity, and creativity with compassion.

Because in the end, power is not for display. It is for direction. And leadership, at its best, is a luminous act of service !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write your autobiography, if you truly believe you are a great man

I promise myself each morning: “Today, I’ll read my favourite books. No blogging!”

But as I walk on the track,  in the morning sunshine, new thoughts pop into my mind.  My inner voice persuades me to write. That silent commitment is postponed to tomorrow.

Why does this happen? Maybe because I sleep listening to Carl Jung, Paramhansa Yogananda, Osho, G. A. Kulkarni. Their words don’t just speak to me, they awaken me.

Today’s idea was profound:
“Write your autobiography, if you truly believe you are a great man.”

It struck me deeply. We often hesitate to speak about ourselves. Why? We fear being judged as boastful or ego-driven. But expressing oneself is a human need, unless you've reached that rare state of  'Self-actualisation' where silence alone feels complete.

So I say:
Don’t suppress your truth. Share your story, when the time is right and when people are ready to listen. And if you write with honesty, you’ll find immense joy. Writing is not just about sharing. It’s about liberating the soul.

You’ve served with commitment. You’ve walked the hard path. Now that you have achieved most of the goals, walk the bright one, guided by your soul. And once you begin, you’ll realize you’re not alone. There are many, walking on this path. Share with them. Celebrate with them.

I haven’t written an autobiography yet, but perhaps, I’ve begun with something Autobiography-like!

So here are the words that spring from the soul, and flow like waterfall!

Let us dance in that eternal energy!

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.

मैत्रीचा सोहळा!

 मैत्रीचा सोहळा!

चांगले मित्र मिळाले ही ही परमेश्वरचीच कृपा!

चार महिने पुस्तक लेखन आणि प्रकाशन यात व्यस्त असल्याने पुण्याला होतो. त्यांनतर आज प्रथमच मित्रांशी भेट झाली.

१९७८ पासूनच्या सहप्रवासात,  हास्य विनोद, विचारांचे आदान प्रदान, कठीण प्रसंगी साथ, एकमेकांना प्रोत्साहन, आठवणींचा गोडवा या साऱ्यांचे शब्दांकन कठीण, पण त्यांचे सार काढून ते ‘अभियांत्रिकी स्पंदने’ या पुस्तकातून मांडले. माझे हे मित्र माझ्या व्यक्तिमत्त्वाचे भाग आहेत. शासकीय तंत्रनिकेतन, जळगांव या प्रेमळ धाग्यात आम्ही बांधले गेले आहोत. आयुष्यातील अनेक धाडसी निर्णय मी यांच्या प्रोत्साहनामुळे आणि भक्कम पाठींब्यामुळे घेवू शकलो. अनेक संकल्पनांना मूर्त स्वरूप देवू शकलो. ते या पुस्तकाचा भाग आहेत. 

Social and Educational Entrepreneur असलेले आमचे मित्र डॉ. भरत अमळकर हे यशस्वी उद्योजक आहेत. केशव स्मृती प्रतिष्ठानचे अध्यक्ष आहेत. Maharastra State Board of Technical Education, Mumbai वर Governing Coucil Member आहेत. याचा आम्हा सगळ्यांना सार्थ अभिमान आहे.

कुशाग्र बुद्धी लाभलेले, VJTI या नामांकित संस्थेतून B E Production पदवी प्राप्त केलले, काही काळ सक्रिय राजकारणात राहून तेथेही आपल्या कर्तृत्वाचा ठसा उमटविलेले, आध्यात्मिक वृत्तीचे आमचे उद्योजक मित्र श्री सुनील बढे यांचाही आम्हाला सार्थ अभिमान आहे. मुंबई, त्यानंतर SSBT College of Engineering and Technology, Jalgaon आणि गिरणांजनी तंत्रनिकेतन, एरोंडोल हा प्रवास आम्ही सोबत केला.

कृतज्ञता भावाने, मी मित्रांना व विवेकानंद प्रतिष्ठान संस्थेच्या शिक्षण विभागाची जबाबदारी समर्थपणे सांभाळणाऱ्या सौ. हेमाताई अमळकर यांना हे पुस्तक भेट दिले. 

उद्योजकतेच्या वाटेवर पाऊल ठेवून, काकांच्या मार्गदर्शनाखाली त्यावरून आत्मविश्वासपूर्वक वाटचाल करणाऱ्या माझ्या प्रिय विद्यार्थ्याने, चिन्मय अमळकरने हे क्षण आपल्या कॅमेऱ्यात टिपले.

स्पंदनांचे दस्तऐवजीकरण झाले!

तो एक आनंदोत्सव झाला! 

तो एक मैत्रीचा सोहळा झाला!!

आत्मसन्मान !

 आत्मसन्मान!

‘शासकीय सेवेत सन्मानाने जगा !’ या पुस्तकाचे ‘लेखन’ सुरू आहे. खरं म्हणजे लॅपटॉप वर ‘टाइपिंग’ आणि मोबाईल वर ‘स्पीकिंग’ सुरू आहे. मोबाईलवर बोललो की ते टाईप होते. पुण्याला असतो तेव्हा शिवार गार्डन परिसरातील, Vision Flora च्या प्रशस्त लॉबी मधे खुर्चीवर बसून, रस्त्यावरची रहदारी न्याहाळत, येवलेंच्या चहांचा आस्वाद घेत, मोबाईल वर सहजपणे जे सुचते त्यास अनुसरून काही वाक्ये लिहतो. हे लेखन नंतर लॅपटॉप वर कॉपी किंवा ट्रान्सफर करतो. जळगांवला असतो तेव्हा ‘भाऊंच्या उद्यानात’ सकाळी ट्रॅक वर फिरतांना मोबाईल वर बोलतो…लिहतो. घरी लॅपटॉप आणि बाहेर मोबाईल असे खऱ्या अर्थाने हे ‘मोबाईल’ लिखाण आहे. प्रकल्प स्वरूपात हे सुरू आहे.

पुस्तक लेखनाच्या निमित्ताने, आता मी Digital World मधे प्रवेश केलेला आहे! त्या निमित्ताने Web Developing, Graphic Desigining, Podcast, Talk Show, Social Media Management या क्षेत्रातील लोकांशी संपर्क येत आहे. मला नवीन गोष्टी शिकायला, समजून घ्यायला आणि करायला आवडतात. सर्जनशीलता वृद्धिंगत व्हावी या करिता अनेक वर्षांपासून जाणीव पूर्वक प्रयत्न करीत असल्याने, या क्षेत्रातील लोकांसमोर नवीन कल्पना मांडून त्याप्रमाणे काही गोष्टी त्यांच्या कडून करून घेतो. काही स्वतः करतो. पाऊल ठेवले तेथे आजही ठसा उमटतो ही परमेश्वराची कृपा!

काल मी, ‘अविरत प्रयत्नांती, सदाचरणाने आणि परमेश्वराच्या कृपेने जबाबदारीच्या पदावर पोहोलेली व्यक्ती जेव्हा त्या पदाची कर्तव्ये प्रामाणिकपणे पार पाडते तेव्हा ती आत्मसन्मानास पात्र ठरते.’ असा Quote लिहला. Canva चा उपयोग करून, हवे ते बॅक ग्राउंड निवडून त्याचा  flyer बनविला. Instagram वर अजय-अतुल व अजय गोगावले आणि मुकेश पाटील यांच्या अत्यंत प्रेरणादायी महाराष्ट्र गीतांचा उपयोग करून त्याचे रील बनविले. ते Insta आणि Fb वर अपलोड केले. स्टेटस ही ठेवला. तो अनेकांना आवडला. त्यांनी 👍 करुन लाईक केले. त्यांना मी धन्यवाद दिले. 

काहींनी व्हॉट्सअप वर, ‘खूप creative visual representation आहे.’ 

‘Quote आणि Visual  फार परिणाम कारक आहे.’

या सारखे अभिप्राय पाठविले. 

अभिप्राय लिहलेल्यांना सहज म्हणून आणि connectivity असावी व्हावी म्हणून मी धन्यवाद देतानाच, 

‘या व्यक्तीला आत्मसन्मानास पात्र कोण ठरविते?’ 

Answer the Question 

And get the Mint !

असे लिहून पाठविले.

अजून पर्यंत कोणी Mint क्लेम केलेले नाही!

अर्पण !

 उत्तर भारतीय श्रावण मास सुरू झाला आहे.

मराठी श्रावणाची आम्ही वाट पाहत आहोत.

येत्या सहा सात दिवसात तोही सुरू होईल. 

या पावन पर्वावर, पत्नी सोबत मी ओंकारेश्वर मंदिरात आलो आहे. 

मंदिर व परिसरात आकर्षक रोषणाई केली आसल्याने, संध्याकाळच्या शांततेत मंदिर परिसर दिव्य प्रकाशाने न्हालेला आहे.

संध्या आरती नुकतीच संपली आहे. 

पावसाने थोडी विश्रांती घेतली आहे. 

वातावरणात प्रसन्नता आणि मंदीर परिसरात चैतन्य जाणवते आहे. 

मंद वाऱ्याचा झोत देवस्थानचा सगुण साकार स्पर्श हृदयापर्यंत पोहचवत आहे. 

माझ्याकरिता ओंकारेश्वर मंदिर श्रद्धास्थान आणि ऊर्जेचा स्त्रोत !

पंडितजींनी तिलक केल्यानंतर, साकार निराकार स्वरूपातील श्री शिवशंकर आणि माँ पर्वती यांचे समवेत विराजमान असलेल्या श्री गणेशांच्या चरणी माझे पुस्तक अर्पण करीत आहे.

महेंद्र इंगळे, जळगाव 

जुलै १९, २०२५