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Reflections on Guru Pournima: Leading with the Wisdom of the Guru, Learning with the Humility of the Shishya - The Guru-Shishya Within Us

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By Dr. Anupama Vaidya (hc) There are certain thoughts that stay with us long after we have written them.   Last year, on Guru Pournima, I reflected on The Transformative Power of the Guru-Shishya Relationship in Leadership , drawing upon the timeless wisdom that the Guru appears when the Shishya is ready. It was my tribute to the mentors whose presence has quietly, yet profoundly, shaped my life, and a reflection on what it truly means to be ready to receive from one’s Gurus – to become a worthy disciple.  This Guru Pournima, as I bow with gratitude to my Gurus, I also feel deeply touched by the many wishes I receive as a mentor. It is heartening to know that my work continues to touch lives, offer insights and make a meaningful difference.  Yet such recognition also carries with it a quiet responsibility – to remain worthy of being seen as a guide.  This year, however, my reflections have taken me to a different place.   Even as I continue to revere those who ...

Resonance with Divinity: Easter and the Quiet Journey of Renewal

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  Reflection  ·  Easter 2026 By Dr. Anupama Vaidya (hc) Easter has always held a special place in my soul. More than a celebration, it feels like a sacred journey — one that begins in introspection, deepens through surrender and silence, and ultimately arrives at hope, renewal, and new life. Perhaps this connection was shaped early — through my years in a convent school, through dear friends who observed this season with devotion, and in recent years, through Sunita's deeply enriching presence in my life. Over time, this period from Ash Wednesday through Lent and Easter has come to feel not merely like a period in the calendar, but a gentle and profound inner pilgrimage. During this Lenten period, several conversations with Sunita have been naturally flowing towards taking a pause and looking within — reflecting on what must be shed, what must be strengthened, and what must be surrendered. Maundy Thursday reminding us of humility, love, and service; Good Friday drawing us...

Resonance with Divinity: Hanumanji and the Awakening of the Inner Strength

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By Dr. Anupama Vaidya (hc). 2-Apr-2026.  There are some divine presences we do not merely worship; we return to them, again and again, for anchoring, courage, and inner steadiness. For me, Hanumanji has always been one such sacred force. The very chant of the Hanuman Chalisa , the sight of devotees offering oil and prayers with folded hands, the deeply reassuring image of Bajrangbali standing tall with strength, humility, and devotion; all of it evokes not only reverence, but also a sense of protection, discipline, and unwavering faith. Last year, in my reflection on Hanumanji, I wrote about the many virtues he embodies so powerfully — servant-leadership, humility, courage, presence of mind, empathy, discernment, and complete devotion to purpose. I reflected on how Hanumanji teaches us that true leadership is not always about position or prominence; often, it lies in the willingness to serve, to act with courage, to stay humble despite power, and to place the mission above onese...

Celebrating International Women's Day

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By Dr. Anupama Vaidya (hc) It was truly heartening when Priyanka Karekar reached out to invite me to engage with the wonderful women fraternity of Aptech Limited as part of their celebrations for International Women’s Day . I deeply value such opportunities, not just because they allow me to share my experiences, but because they create spaces for mutual learning and reflection through the collective wisdom and energy that gatherings of women naturally generate. Conversations like these remind us that when women come together to reflect, support, and inspire one another, something powerful begins to unfold. Because when women rise with purpose, they do not merely transform their own journeys. They expand the possibilities for many others around them. As we reflected on what theme might resonate most meaningfully, the idea of “Give to Gain” emerged. Last year, I had spoken about how women are natural givers. This year, I wanted to take that thought a step further, to explore the de...

2025, a year that spoke back to me... Welcoming a gentle unfolding 2026

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By Dr. Anupama Vaidya (hc)      Some years pass quietly, some rush in a wink. Some test us, some rejoice us. And then there are years like 2025 – years that gently, yet firmly speak back, asking us to pause… and listen.   As I look back, 2025 was not about ticking milestones off a list. It was about receiving them with awareness, allowing each one to reshape me, soften me, and steady me.   This was the year lived at the intersections of identity, legacy, and becoming rather being.     The Work, Quietly Affirmed In many ways, I saw this rhythm mirrored in the work I continue to do with organisations and leaders. 2025 was quietly affirming. Watching saplings take root; fragile at first, then slowly finding strength. Seeing teams, leaders, and institutions growing through years of thoughtful nurturing and conscious transformation brought a deep sense of fulfilment. Having stepped away from the comfort of a corporate role, staying the course without guar...