Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!
While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.
WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.
“I grew up in Calcutta in a family where service was quietly embedded in everyday life. My father was a doctor, and much of his work involved treating tuberculosis patients who often could not afford care. He was never overly concerned about money, helping people was simply what he believed his profession demanded. That stayed with me.
As I look back at my professional journey, three things consistently guided how I approached every opportunity and every client problem.
The first was learning. From 1976 to 2018, technology changed repeatedly, and I had to keep adapting. There was no choice but to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn.
The second was innovation. I was always interested in finding better ways to solve problems, whether it was applying management science or creating tools to improve how software was developed. It was not just about doing the work, but about doing it differently and more effectively.
The third was integrity. I always believed in telling the truth, whether it was easy or not. Over time, I realised that credibility is built not through success alone, but through consistency in how you conduct yourself.
I spent all 43 years of my professional life in IT. I worked 15 years in different roles and 28 years as an entrepreneur, building three different companies.
After spending many years in the IT industry, I moved into entrepreneurship. It was a completely different experience. In a corporate setup, systems already exist. As an entrepreneur, you must build those systems yourself. It meant taking risks, dealing with uncertainty, and being accountable for every outcome.
During this phase, I also faced significant setbacks. I became bankrupt twice, once due to a mistake I made in selecting the right people, and the second time when the events of 9/11 led to the collapse of my efforts in the UK. Those experiences were difficult, but they strengthened my resilience and forced me to think independently.
Over time, as my professional life evolved, so did my priorities.
Today, my focus is on two things. The first is promoting physical and mental health through yoga. I have come to believe that without health, everything else becomes difficult to sustain. The second is spreading Sanskrit learning, which I see to stay connected to deeper knowledge and cultural roots.
In many ways, I have always been a teacher at heart. Whether it was solving problems for clients, building teams, or now sharing knowledge, that thread has remained constant.
Even now, I continue to challenge myself physically and mentally. At 73, I completed a 90-kilometre solo cycling ride, because I believe fitness has no age limit. It is never about proving something to others, but about staying committed to your own sense of discipline and well-being.
When I reflect on my journey, from technology to entrepreneurship, and now to a more purpose-driven phase of life, I see it as a continuous process of growth.
Careers evolve. Circumstances change. But the values you choose to live by, learning, innovation, and integrity, stay with you, and quietly shape everything you do.”
Interviewed by Nehal Naik for WisdomCircle
Explore more inspiring journeys—read more Wisdom Stories here.
