Striving towards Excellence

-Karthik Gurumurthy

As we bid adieu to 2020, where we were given an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, to take a break and realign our life needs. We also take a moment to thank all as they added meaning to our lives and pause and remember all those who left us, some to join us later some with only memories left behind..

-Karthik Gurumurthy

As we thank 2020., where we were given an opportunity to learn more about ourselves to take a break and realign our life needs- We also take a moment to thank all as they added meaning to our lives and pause and remember all those who left us , some to join us later some with only memories left behind..

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been contemplating Tolstoy's insight about imaginary versus true property. It's made me reconsider what actually belongs to me in the deepest sense.

When I think about it, "property" originally means "belonging to the self." That puts an interesting spin on how I view my possessions. My house, car, money, and other material things - I certainly enjoy using them, but they're separate from who I am. They're just things, not actual extensions of my self.

So what do I truly own? I've come to believe it's my moral and spiritual qualities - my capacity to love, my commitment to honesty, my integrity. These characteristics actually define who I am. The difference between telling the truth or lying is far more significant to my identity than whether I drive a luxury car or a basic bicycle. When I really grasp this distinction, I can begin developing what matters most - my spiritual self.

Deep down, I know that accumulating things can't bring lasting happiness; only a loving heart and clear conscience can do that. Yet I still find myself acting as though material acquisitions were inherently important. Sometimes I need to step back and remind myself to restore balance - to put material possessions back in their proper perspective.

What gives me comfort is recognizing that my true property is what can never be taken from me - my character, my values, my capacity for goodness. These are the possessions worth cultivating.

Wishing you all a wonderful holidays.
May the spirit of the season embrace you.
The year that tested us all in many ways, that tested our faith, hope, resilience give way to a deep sense of hope, peace, joy and positivity.

I trust you take some time to relax, reflect, recharge.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

-Karthik Gurumurthy

I've been thinking about Helena Morley's perspective on work - that distinction between being poor and having no work. It's made me reflect on what really defines us as humans.

We're often described in various ways - as creatures with language, with the capacity for laughter, as tool-users, as playful beings. But what strikes me is that perhaps our most defining characteristic is that we're working animals. It's fascinating to watch small children at play - they're essentially imitating the work they see adults doing. The lucky adults among us bring that same enthusiasm and dedication to our work that children naturally bring to their play.

I've come to see work as a blessing, even on those days when I might grumble about it. There's something about meaningful work that focuses my energy and brings a sense of wholeness. I've realized that sometimes what feels like my "real work" isn't necessarily what's on my job description - it might be writing in the morning, playing chess with son in the afternoon. We often diminish these activities by calling them "hobbies" or "just stuff I do."

I wonder how different our working lives would be if we approached our paid work with the same concentration and pride we have when crafting something with our hands or creating something we love. Our jobs carry such importance for most of us - they're how we define ourselves, support ourselves, contribute to society.

Finding work that resonates with me, that I can pour myself into and do to the best of my ability - that feels like one of life's true victories. I'm trying to reach a point where I can honestly say about my work, "I would do this even if I weren't paid for it." That seems like the ultimate test of whether I've found my true calling.

-Karthik Gurumurthy

“Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” - Andy Stanley

Isn't that true?

Listening is such a powerful and yet such an undervalued tool. Listening cannot only help us resolve discrepancies, listening can make sure that challenges do not even turn into issues.Leaders need to surround themselves with people who say what needs to be said, not what the leader wants to hear