In 1998, after finishing my diploma Thiagarajar Polytechnic College and before joining PSG College of Technology for my undergraduate program, I went on a pilgrimage with my grandfather, Mr. N. Chandran. He was a sales auditor (Kanakupillai in Tamil), a hardworking man with strong ethics. He would wake up at 4 a.m. every day, practice yoga, and then begin his work. April 1 was always festive for us, as he would bring home old, empty notebooks from accounting records, along with chocolates that many enterprises would distribute on their opening day. In a joint family, grandparents play a vital role in shaping a child’s mind, and my grandfather was no exception.
During our pilgrimage, my grandfather shared many stories filled with wisdom and insights. One of the key lessons he taught me was how to manage finances: to divide income into eight parts — one part for the family, one for oneself, one for medicine, one for donations, one for investments, and so on. I owe so much of my understanding of life to him.
But the most profound lesson came when he told me three things that he believed were essential for a complete life:
- 1. Conduct a Marriage
- 2. Build a House
- 3. Write a Book
This simple yet powerful advice became a guiding factor throughout my life. The thought of becoming an entrepreneur first came to me when I realized I wanted to write a book. I felt that to write one, I needed to achieve something meaningful first. That’s where my journey began.
To conduct a marriage, I needed to see my sisters married, get married myself, and learn from the countless experiences that come with it — lessons that no textbook could ever teach.
Building a house (not just buying an apartment) requires understanding various aspects of life: planning, working with different stakeholders, managing finances, overcoming challenges, mastering time management, and nurturing dreams with dedication and perseverance.
My grandfather’s advice helped me cultivate good habits and build a strong character. I am deeply grateful for his guidance and the impact he has had on my life.
I’m sure each of you has fond memories of your grandparents or elders whose wisdom still resonates with you today. Let’s take a moment to thank all our ancestors who continue to bless us as we move forward.
Aum.
