जागतिक महिला दिना निमित्ताने ...

आज जागतिक महिला दिन! ८ मार्च हा जागतिक महिला दिन म्हणून साजरा केला जातो. त्या निमित्त सर्वांना शुभेच्छा! 

काही वर्षांपूर्वी महिला ही अबला समजली जायची. आज ती सबला बनत आहे. विविध क्षेत्रात समर्थ नेतृत्व करीत आहे. दहावी आणि बारावी परीक्षेच्या गुणवत्ता यादीत मुलींचे प्रमाण अधिक असते. आयटी कंपन्यांमध्ये अनेक मुलींचे पॅकेज मुलांपेक्षा अधिक आहे. जेंडर बायस नसावे अशी अनेक कंपन्यांची पॉलिसी असते. महिलांच्या सोई-सुविधांकडे विशेष लक्ष दिले जाते. महाराष्ट्र शासनाने महिलांकरिता लाडकी बहीण व इतर योजनांबरोबरच बाल संगोपन रजेची सुविधा दिलेली आहे.

रिअल इस्टेट क्षेत्रात सेल्स पर्सन म्हणून काम करणाऱ्यांमध्ये पुरुषांपेक्षा महिलांचे प्रमाण अधिक आहे. न्यूज चॅनल्समध्ये अँकर म्हणून आव्हानात्मक काम करणाऱ्या, प्रत्यक्ष फील्डवर जाऊन वार्तांकन करणाऱ्या महिलांचे प्रमाण लक्षणीय आहे. महिला पेट्रोल पंपांवर दिसतात. हॉस्पिटॅलिटी इंडस्ट्रीमध्ये महिलांचे प्रमाण लक्षणीय आहे. अशा प्रकारे सर्वच क्षेत्रात, महिला प्रगती पथावर वाटचाल करीत आहे.

तरीही अनेकदा महिलांवरील अत्याचाराच्या घटना घडताना समजते. याबाबत अधिक कठोर कायदे व त्याची अमलबजावणी होणे गरजेचे आहे. त्याचबरोबर समाजाने सुद्धा पुढे येवून जबाबदारी स्वीकारणे आवश्यक आहे. प्रत्येक कुटुंबात, मुले लहान असताना त्यांना स्त्रीविषयी आदर करायला शिकविणे व तशी वर्तणूक घरात सर्वांची असणे आवश्यक आहे.

या निमित्ताने लहानपणी माझ्यावर ज्या कर्तबगार स्त्रीचा प्रभाव पडला त्यांचा मी कृतज्ञतापूर्वक उल्लेख करतो – माझी आजी छबाबाई. अत्यंत कठीण परिस्थितीत संघर्ष करीत त्यांनी कुटुंबाला पुढे नेले. बिकट आर्थिक परिस्थितीचा सामना करीत असतानाही सामाजिक भान ठेवून इतरांना त्या आपल्या परीने मदत करीत राहिल्या. सल्ला देत राहिल्या. चांगदेव ग्रामपंचायतीच्या सदस्य म्हणूनही त्या कार्यरत होत्या. लहानपणीचे माझे सर्व हट्ट त्यांनी पुरविले.

बाबांचा उदार व प्रगतिशील दृष्टिकोण असल्याने, आमच्या कुटुंबात महिलांविषयी नेहमीच आदराचे स्थान राहिले आहे. आयटी इंजिनियर म्हणून पौर्णिमा अमेरिकेत जाणारी घरातील पहिली सदस्य ठरली. सौ. ज्योति शैलेन्द्र इंगळे यांनी जळगाव महानगरपालिकेत स्थायी सभापती म्हणून काम करताना आपल्या कामाचा ठसा उमटविला. सौ. दमयंती किरण इंगळे- मराठे बाल विकास प्रकल्प अधिकारी म्हणून कार्यरत आहेत. बालकांचे योग्य पोषण सुनिश्चित करण्यासाठी ‘राजमाता जिजाऊ माता बाल आरोग्य आणि पोषण मिशन ‘– हा यूनिसेफकडून सहाय्य मिळालेला महाराष्ट्र शासनाचा महत्त्वाकांक्षी प्रकल्प राबविण्यात त्यांचा सक्रिय सहभाग आहे. त्या सामाजिक बांधिलकी मानून सेवाभावी वृत्तीने काम करीत आहेत. त्यांच्या कार्याचा विविध स्तरावर गौरव झालेला आहे. शासनाचे विविध प्रकल्प त्या सेवाभावी वृत्तीने व समर्पित भावनेने राबवितात.

महाराष्ट्र शासनात नगररचना अधिकारी म्हणून कार्यरत राहिलेल्या सौ. लता इंगळे यांनी कौटुंबिक जबाबदारीही तेवढ्याच समर्थपणे पेलली. एखाद्या घटनेकडे अत्यंत बारकाव्याने व वस्तुनिष्ठपणे  पाहण्याची, व त्यानंतर निर्णय घेण्याची क्षमता त्यांच्याकडे आहे. त्यांची मला मोलाची साथ लाभली.

परवा पंचगणी येथील Moral Re-Armament Centre मध्ये श्री. राजमोहन गांधी यांच्याशी ओळख करून देताना मी म्हटले: “Lata Ingale, my wife. She served Maharashtra Government as an upright officer.” त्यावर त्यांनी मिष्किलपणे दाद देत म्हटले: “Then I must stand in upright position and salute her.” ९० व्या वर्षी त्यांच्या अंगी असलेला हजरजबाबी आणि दिलखुलासपणा सुखावून गेला.

मी माझ्या पुस्तकात लिहिले आहे:

“Smt. Lata Ingale – who 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.”

जागतिक महिला दिना निमित्त पुन्हा एकदा सर्वांना शुभेच्छा! 

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @Pune on March 8, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

 

The Importance of Parables

The Importance of Parables 

Beyond Data and Information

Data, information, and even knowledge cannot transform a human being unless they themselves resolve to change. True transformation begins with an inner decision. As a trainer in leadership development, I have found that three approaches—Stories and Parables, Self-Exploration, and Group Dynamics—create the conditions for such resolve. Among these, parables hold a unique power.

1. Stories and Parables: The Gateway to Change

Stories must be crafted meticulously. I often begin my sessions with a story rooted in real incidents, people, places, and timings—details that lend authenticity. The narrative is not about preaching a conclusion; instead, I leave the meaning open, allowing the audience to interpret. This subtlety keeps them connected throughout the session, and the effect lingers long after the session ends.

Parables, introduced once the audience is already engaged, transport them into another world. They spark imagination, reconnect participants with their own experiences, and stir emotions. Even familiar parables, when retold with fresh emphasis and emotional resonance, can inspire joy, excitement, and reflection. The litmus test of an effective parable is the emotional response it evokes—if the storyteller feels inspired, the audience will too.

Most importantly, parables invite multiple interpretations. The meaning drawn by the audience may be deeper and more personal than what the trainer envisioned. This autonomy makes the lesson transformative, because participants feel they have discovered the truth themselves.

Parables from Value-Based Leadership

In my work, I have used parables such as:

• Wings Are Born in Struggle – illustrating that struggle is not cruelty of nature but its gift: the very force that shapes resilience, confidence, and independence.
• The Sparrow’s Leadership – The sparrow's courage was not about extinguishing the fire alone, but about refusing to remain idle.  In life and in organization, leadership begins with the individual- one act of conviction.
• Learn to Unlearn – To learn without unlearning is like pouring tea into a full cup- knowledge spills away, wasted.
• The Sword of Awareness –Awareness is the true weapon. The subconscious when trained guides instinctive action.

Each of these parables carries timeless lessons. They do not dictate conclusions but invite reflection, allowing participants to discover meanings that resonate with their own journeys.

2. Self-Exploration: The Mirror Within

In self-exploration, participants are invited to share their achievements, failures, joys, sorrows, dreams, and inspirations. Speaking on stage is not merely an act of communication—it is a commitment. Before words are spoken, the cognitive domain is activated; when words are delivered, the affective domain comes alive. This dual process initiates change that lasts long after the session. Even if unnoticed at first, the seeds of transformation grow over time.

3. Group Dynamics: The Power of Collective Learning

Groups of six to eight participants engage in tasks designed to elicit cooperation, recognition, and excellence. Human psychology drives individuals to seek acknowledgment and to demonstrate their best selves. Within groups, people learn from peers, observe behaviors, and emulate positive traits. The desire to appear polite, cooperative, and generous reinforces constructive habits. Carefully chosen tasks ensure that the group dynamic fosters the desired change.

The Transformational Triad

Together, these three approaches form a triad of transformation:

• Stories and Parables open the heart and imagination.
• Self-Exploration engages the mind and emotions.
• Group Dynamics anchor change in collective practice.

Parables, in particular, act as catalysts. They bypass resistance, stir emotions, and leave lasting imprints in the subconscious. When told authentically, they inspire leaders to change—not because they were instructed to, but because they discovered the meaning themselves.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on March 7, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

 

Power, Progress, and Politics: Samna (1974)

Power, Progress, and Politics: Samna (1974)

Cinema often mirrors society, but few films hold up a reflection as piercing as Samna. Directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel and written by Vijay Tendulkar, this 1974 Marathi political drama transcends its genre. It is not merely a tale of power, progress, and politics—it is a meditation on the eternal struggle between ambition, development, and the human conscience.

The Duel of Ideals

At the heart of Samna lies the confrontation between two unforgettable characters: Hindurao Dhonde-Patil, embodied by Nilu Phule, and the Master, portrayed by Dr. Shriram Lagoo. Their exchanges are not mere dialogues but philosophical duels that compel the audience to confront uncomfortable truths.

Dhonde-Patil, proud of the empire he has built—factories, schools, hospitals, jobs—asserts with conviction: “We drained our blood and sweat to bring prosperity here.” To him, this is fact, not arrogance. The Master counters gently: “Pride itself can be a fact. And if one does not know the truth, any claim may appear as pride.”

This subtle tension captures the essence of the film: the fragile line between progress and pride, between reality and illusion.

The Rise and Hollowing of Power

Dhonde-Patil’s journey begins with vision and hard work. He gains power, brings development, and seeks more power. Yet service gradually disappears from his mission. Power itself becomes the end. When Maroti Kamble resists, he is eliminated.

Externally, Dhonde-Patil radiates authority—immaculate attire, diamond rings, silver-handled cane. Internally, however, he is hollowed out. Power gnaws at his soul. In solitude, he confesses to the Master: he is unhappy at home, friendless among his people, and buries his loneliness in relentless work.

It is a haunting admission—the loneliness of a man who has everything, yet nothing.

The Fall

The Master, once an idealist, demands justice for Kamble’s murder. An inquiry follows. Dhonde-Patil is found guilty. Police take him away. His empire slips from his hands, and he watches helplessly as the edifice he built crumbles.

Why did his downfall occur?

• Because of his opponents?
• Because of the justice system?
• Because the Master raised the right question?
• Or because power gained through wrongful means devoured his soul?

The answer lies in all these factors. Yet the deepest truth is this: a person’s true end comes not when society condemns him, but when he betrays his own soul.

A Mirror for Our Times

Samna is more than a film—it is a timeless allegory. It reminds us that progress without morality is hollow, that pride can masquerade as fact, and that power, when divorced from service, corrodes the very spirit of its wielder.

In an age where development and ambition are celebrated, Samna whispers a warning: the greatest downfall is not external defeat, but internal betrayal.

—Dr. Mahendra Ingle, Pune, March 6, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

मराठी भाषा गौरव दिन

 मराठी भाषा गौरव दिन

“अमृततेही पैजा जिंके” अशी माझी माय मराठी! आमचे पहिले बोबडे बोल उमटले ते या माय मराठीचे. “ये रे ये रे पावसा” म्हणत भिजत खेळलो, “श्रवणमासी हर्ष मानशी हिरवळ दाटे चोहीकडे” म्हणत नाचलो, “या बाळांनो या रे या” म्हटल्यावर खेळ सोडून धावलो. “कुठे बुडाला पलीकडे तो सोन्याचा गोळा” असे विचारत बालपणातून तरुणपणात प्रवेश केला.

शांताबाई, विंदा यांनी प्रेमाचा अर्थ उलगडून सांगितला. पाडगावकरांनी या जन्मावर, या जगण्यावर शतदा प्रेम करताना, “या ओठांनी चुंबून घेईन हजारदा ही माती.. अनंत मरणे झेलून घेईन इथल्या जगण्यासाठी..” हे सांगत मातृभूमीच्या ऋणाची आठवण करून दिली. तात्यासाहेबांचे गणपतराव बेलवलकर, कानेटकरांचे लाल्या वेड लावणारे ठरले. भाऊसाहेबांच्या ययाती ने मानवी मनाच्या अमर्याद इच्छांची ओळख करून दिली. नेमाडेंच्या पांडुरंगाने ग्रामीण जीवनाचा संघर्ष दाखवला. व पू नी मानवी मनाचा ठाव घेत जीवनाचा अर्थ उलगडवला तर मिरासदार आणि शंकर पाटील यांनी पोट धरून हसवले.

पू. लं. चे चितळे मास्तर, हरी तात्या, राव साहेब, अंतु बरवा, नारायण  ही घरातील माणसेच वाटली. जी एं चा सुवर्ण मृग आजही गूढ प्रदेशात घेऊन जातो. वाळिंब्यांचा चार्ली चॅपलिन डोळे पाणावतो. इनामदारांचे त्रिंबकजी डेंगळे आणि यशवंतराव होळकर  रक्ताचा प्रवाह वेगवान करून अंगावर शहारे आणतात. अण्णाभाऊ साठे यांचा फकीरा आणि नारायण सुर्वे यांचे माझे विद्यापीठ जीवन शिक्षण देतात.

साने गुरुजींच्या शामच्या आई  वर आचार्य अत्रेंनी चित्रपट काढून तिला सर्वांचीच आई बनवली. रणजित देसाईंचे श्रीमान योगी  हातात घेतल्यावर महाराजांचे अस्तित्व जाणवते. शिवाजी सावंतांच्या छावा ने शंभू राजांच्या बलिदानातून जगायचे ते कशासाठी आणि मरायचे ते कशासाठी याचे  भान दिले. ज्ञानेश्वरांच्या पसायदानातून  “जो जे वांछिल तो ते लाहो” अशी विश्वात्मक प्रार्थना उमटली. तुकोबांनी “जे का रंजले गांजले , त्यासी जो म्हणे आपुले, तोची साधू ओळखावा, देव तेथेची जाणावा ” म्हणत ईश्वरभक्तीचा सुगम मार्ग दाखविला.

या सर्व थोर विभूतींनी माय मराठीची सेवा करून तिला समृद्ध केले. त्यांच्याप्रती आजच्या दिवशी कृतज्ञता व्यक्त करतो. अभियांत्रिकी स्पंदनांच्या निर्मितीतून माय मराठीची सेवा करण्याची संधी मला मिळाली हे माझे परम भाग्य आहे.

आपणा सर्वांना मराठी भाषा गौरव दिनाच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!

डॉ. महेंद्र इंगळे, पुणे, फेब्रुवारी २७, २०२६

 

 

The Mango Tree of Gratitude

The Mango Tree of Gratitude

My book Value-Based Leadership: Engineering Dreams, Inspiring Souls is no longer just a creation of mine—it has become a living entity. It is finding its own way, carrying me to places of serenity and sacredness, and connecting me with people whose lives are deeply rooted in values.

What began as a parent–child relationship has now transformed. The book has grown, and like any child reaching maturity, it must be allowed to flourish independently. I have placed it in the hands of destiny, trusting it to unfold naturally. Each time it leads me to new places and people, I feel it is expressing gratitude back to me.

During my recent two-day journey through Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, and Tapola, I experienced such blessings. At the Moral Re-Armament Centre in Panchgani, I had the privilege of a brief interaction with Hon. Raj Mohan Gandhi over the book. 

Later, at Tapola—nestled amidst the serene Sahyadri hills and graced by the flowing river Koyana—I was felicitated under the gentle shade of an almond tree for my other book. The ceremony was led by Dr. Shashikant Jawale, former Civil Surgeon and now a devoted preacher of Sahaj Yoga as taught by Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi, along with Shri Somanath Kharde, former Paper Technologist. Surrounded by the family members, the moment became a heartfelt celebration of togetherness and reverence.

These moments feel like the sweet mangoes of a tree I once planted. Just as a mango tree bears its fruit in time, my book now bears fruits of joy, connection, and gratitude. I am simply savoring these blessings—humbled by the journey, and delighted by the destiny it continues to shape.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on Feb 26, 2026

#ValueBsaedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

 

The Ripple Effect of Inner Change

The Ripple Effect of Inner Change

I was delighted to present a copy of my book, Value Based Leadership, to Mr. Fernandez, Centre Head, and Mr. Viraj, Coordinator of Initiative of Change (IoF), at Panchgani.

In the book, I write:

The Panchgani Centre: A Living Laboratory  

Nestled in the serene hills of Mahabaleshwar, the Panchgani Centre was founded as part of the global Moral Re‑Armament movement. Over the decades, it has welcomed leaders, workers, students, and seekers of reconciliation. Its philosophy rests on four timeless values: Purity, Honesty, Unselfishness, and Love (PHUL).

Training here is not about techniques alone—it is about character. Silence, reflection, dialogue, and service form the pillars of its approach. The belief is simple yet profound: when individuals transform themselves, they can transform organizations and societies.

Programs at Panchgani range from youth camps to corporate workshops, from leadership dialogues to community retreats. Participants engage in storytelling, collective reflection, and experiential learning. Trainers act not as lecturers but as facilitators, guiding individuals to discover their own inner compass. The rhythm of the Centre—its sessions, meals, and shared service—creates an atmosphere where values are lived, not merely taught…..

It was a true privilege to engage in such an enriching interaction with Hon. Raj Mohan Gandhi, whose steadfast support and inspiration continue to strengthen the mission of IofC, and with Smt. Ushadevi Gandhi. Their presence and profound insights brought remarkable depth to the experience, serving as a powerful reminder that leadership rooted in values has the enduring ability to inspire generations.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Panchgani on Feb 24, 2026

#ValueBasedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats

Witnessing Destiny at Palledio Ballewadi Central

Witnessing Destiny at Palledio Ballewadi Central

The words on the invitation were simple yet profound:

“Come! Witness Your Destiny Take Shape!”

And indeed, I did.

 A Journey of Welcome

At Palledio Ballewadi Central (PBC), my journey began with the KARMA Valet Parking Team, who received my car with courtesy. From there, I was guided to the podium‑level reception lobby, warmly welcomed, and my unit confirmed as 2502. The atmosphere carried not just efficiency, but respect—a reminder that hospitality is the first step in shaping destiny.

The Mock Floor: A Vision of Living

On the third floor, I entered a spacious lobby with four lifts, one reserved as a fire lift. The entrance itself was striking—an elegant black matte door with digital lock and video door phone, a symbol of modern security and design.

Inside, the guest room opened onto a terrace, offering a panoramic view of Pune city. Fixed glass panels and invisible safety nets ensured safety without compromising openness. It was a vision of balance—between freedom and protection, between aspiration and assurance.

The hall carried red stickers from House to Home (H2H), marking areas for customisation. Here was a philosophy of choice: the ability to shape one’s home according to personal vision. Though the vitrified tiles were elegant, I resolved to upgrade to marble‑finished tiles, embracing refinement.

The kitchen, with its right‑angled platform and thoughtful provisions, reflected functionality with grace. The kids room and bedrooms were inviting, but the en suite master bedroom stood apart: expansive UPVC sliding windows with granite seating, his and her wardrobes, laminated wooden flooring, and a state‑of‑the‑art bathroom. It was not merely a room—it was a sanctuary, a self‑contained space of comfort and dignity.

The Bare Shell: Truth Behind the Walls

The bare shell unit revealed the unseen craftsmanship: waterproofing layers, plumbing and piping, block partitions tied to RCC walls with wire mesh, and the meticulous six‑to‑seven‑layer finishing process of plaster, putty, and paint.

Here, transparency met trust. I witnessed upgraded amenities being delivered—geyser inlets/outlets, flush valves, video door phones, shower drains replacing conventional ones. This was not just construction; it was commitment. The generosity of VJ delighted me, reminding me of my own teaching on “Delighted Customers.” Promises kept, and promises exceeded—this is the foundation of value‑based leadership.

Connections and Community

In conversation with the team, I discovered familiar ties—graduates from engineering institutes I knew, one the son of a former colleague. Such encounters reaffirm the truth that bonds form easily when rooted in shared journeys. After four decades in engineering, I felt once again the joy of connection, whether in professional spaces or casual encounters.

The day concluded with warm hospitality, snacks, and photographs. I offered my regards to the VJ Pariwar, grateful for a fruitful and memorable experience.

Dreaming Ahead

I carry a dream: on a rainy day in 2028, standing on the terrace of my 25th‑floor home, watching the Mula River in full flow, I will stretch out my hands to the clouds—drawing them into my hall, embracing destiny fulfilled.

Closing Reflection

My visit to Palledio Ballewadi Central was more than an inspection of walls and fittings. It was a journey into values—hospitality, transparency, choice, and trust. It was a reminder that homes are not built merely of concrete and steel, but of promises honored and dreams nurtured.  The dreams that reflect the union of engineering precision and human aspiration, of structure and spirit, of destiny and design.

In witnessing destiny take shape, I also witnessed leadership in action—the kind that delights customers, builds communities, and inspires futures.

Dr. Mahendra Ingale @ Pune on Feb 21, 2026

#ValueBsaedLeadership #EngineeringHeartBeats