The world constantly wants you to behave or think in a certain way. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best:

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

To me, Learning is Forever, Precious like Diamonds. It never ends, its value never diminishes. After my Cardiac Issues in 2014, I felt I was given a new Lease of LIfe by God, I felt as if I am reborn.

I began learning to draw and paint as a hobby and spent the past 5-6 years pursuing it. My wife Madhura Parkhe​ became my mentor here. The thought to start this came from Dr. A.P. Bhupatkar of IMDR who asked me to pursue my childhood hobbies.

I realized I have many Knowledge Gaps too. I found Udemy online courses that are economical, short, swift, crisp and from the Best Trainers in the World. On my morning walks; instead of watching a video, I heard the audio and it helped me fill my knowledge gaps. There was help from the trainers on Speaking skills, Story Telling skills, Voice skills, Body language/ Gestures skills too. I also got over 150 Certificates. The trainers offer personalized coaching and mentoring and one is lucky to find them in life. A Class Apart!

In 2018 – Aug-Sept I joined The Toastmasters Internationa and began to learn Speaking Skills all over again. It was a struggle speaking with a strict time limit and also fill my Skills gaps in Voice/ Body language. I was fortunate to find 4 Worldclass mentors and they helped me go on the Pathways Path and I am now doing my 4th Path.

Along the way, came to many Mentees/ Mentorees/ Protege’ to learn and pick my brains and I remembered this :
““To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
I let my Mentees, Mentorees/ Protege’ BE as they are. With help to bridge their knowledge, skills gaps, coaching on their best strengths to get better, still better helped many of them. They also got featured in different magazines, Websites and were interviewed. It was my Moment of Truth, Their Accolades earned made my day.

In 2020, I shall stop Coaching/ Mentoring and focus on Writing/ Speaking/ Painting. It is not my New year resolution – it is a conscious resolve. Yes. along the way if there are Paid consulting, Paid Speaking opportunities – they will be welcome as much of these earnings go into my favorite charities that I assist, as they help Humanity.

The larger goal of life remains – Master – Attain Mastery in Servitude – Service with an Attitude – In service of Humanity.

Wish me luck.