Conversation with Self: Satish Pradhan
When I read in the newspapers that Satish Pradhan intends to chart a new career, I instinctively understood him. When you are on the wrong side of fifty, you realize that there is so much yet to be done which you always wanted to do.
This is also the time when one should look back on his career. In the case of Satish I called it ‘Simhavalokan’ [A Lion looking back reviewing on the territories traversed and conquered]. The word was apt in his case because Satish is a wild life enthusiast, capturing Tigers, though not Lions, on his camera.
There are times when one gets in a very reflective mood; end of one phase of your career is one such moment. We in Thane HR Group [THRG] invited him to share his thoughts and feelings. Satish readily agreed.What followed was a mesmerizing event for the 200 persons in audience. Beginning with his graduation, getting a job in Steel Authority of India, the ‘awakening,’ the role of ‘serendipity’ in his life, the burning desire to prove himself – not to be left behind, working with some great leaders and gaining insights, the extensive reflection that made him what he is today; all this came out without any talk of any achievement [which incidentally are simply
enviable]! What Satish did was not ‘giving-a-talk’ but ‘a-conversation-with-self.’ He had no message for those who wanted a ‘three takeaways for HR professionals.’ No prescriptions. No ‘do-this-and-you-will-succeed.’ The reflection told us what made the man, and there were many who relived their experiences. He was looking in to the rear view mirror and so were we. Each one was drawing his conclusions.
Mundaka Upanishad says that two birds are perched on the tree of life. One eats the fruits [experience], and the other bird does not eat anything but analyzes looking at the first one. This format is used to a telling effect by Vishram Bedekar in his autobiography. Satish did a similar effort.
All work is autobiographical; it tells the world who you are. Even if you do not want to. And when you look back upon the past, you discover yourself more,
deeper and the experience is both enriching as well as humbling. At this stage many persons wonder whether they made it whatever they achieved, or whether it was preordained.
And that is a question on which we can meditate lifelong.
Vivek
PS: Pic shows the memento to Thane HR Group by Satish Pradhan
Salii Chinchore says, "I walked into this session with both curiosity and excitement, I was to listen to ex HR Head to the most reputed and biggest business empire. Mr Pradhan bowled us over when he opened himself up and graciously allowed us to take a glimpse of his life- what shaped him up, what built his character. His session was like a classical music baithak- not meant for those looking for quick fixes / remedies. I read somewhere that after working long for an organization, individual and organization are inseparable. That was much evident yesterday – both wise, humble, hungry and yet understated. Thank you Mr Pradhan for exemplifying how to be a committed student of life! Thank you THRG, VSP for this unique learning experience This blog is an amazing read as well!"
I'm tuning in! Keep writing.
It was just amazing!!!
The way Satish Sir took all of us to venture his life journey was really exciting. Inspite of being such a big personality he is so humble and down to earth!!
Salute sir!!!
Thank you very much for sharing your experience with us enable us to b a genuine person in our own life.
Wished the session continue for some more time. I was spell bound by Humility demonstrated by Satish Sir. There are so many around us who start behaving like demi Gods with minuscule professional success !!
Sharad Sakorkar wrote on FB:
Dear Vivek,
Thanks for the program on 10.05.2013. It was really enriching experience listening to Mr. Satish Pradhan thinking and reflecting aloud when he went down the memory lane and took us all along with him. What appealed to me was his straight from the heart sharing and his humility. As he weaved through some of the landmark events in his career – all done very spontaneously.
I, now, want to relate directly with Satish. Yes, Satish, I am taking the liberty of addressing you by your first name. What I saw emerging was:
• Your yearning for being a Reflective-Practitioner at all times and glimpses of successes you achieved by being just that. A tough job indeed – action and reflection being the opposites of the same continuum!
• Your strongly held value: “treat people with respect and relate with them empathetically – the rest will follow”.
• Your holistic approach and strong emphasis on moving HR function away from the traditional “doable” focus to being a pivot for organizational excellence and growth.
• Your liking for wild life, bird watching and passion for maintaining a balance in the Eco system so that all living beings can co-exist peacefully.
You did not teach but I learned. You refused get drawn to a very tempting invitation to “Gurudom” – a very high point for me personally. Listening to your inner thoughts, helped me to do my own inner work – silently celebrate a few aspect of myself and make a few resolves for future….
It was an evening of ecstasy for me and I am sure many others who were present. Thanks a million!
Warmly,
I am one of lucky guy who watched Satish Pradhan closely being Tata group's employee