Sometimes, the most profound questions/thoughts hit us when we least expect it. One such question hit me while working on my dance theatre production Sarathi, in July 2014. The dance theatre production was based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which has deep philosophical and practical content. Let me add here, that over the years, the book has been studied and presented from various perspectives – philosophical, religious and from a purely management based perspective.
For those of you who are totally new to the Bhagavad Gita, it presents the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna over 18 chapters consisting of 700 verses in total. What hit me was, the portion where Krishna asks Arjuna – “Who are you? From where have you come and what is your purpose, ponder over that Arjuna”. It was a profound question and in terms of a script and the context of the story presented- a script writer’s dream statement.
I never thought I would chance upon the same question again. This time it was in December, 2014, when I watched the movie “Lingaa” which stars south Indian cinema’s celebrated superstar Rajnikanth. There is a statement which the older character (for those of you who haven’t watched the movie, he plays a double role) says “One should leave back something memorable when one dies as an identity that one led a purposeful life”. The movie brought back the same question “What is your purpose in life?” or if I can reframe it here “What is your contribution that you wish to leave behind, which shows you led a purposeful life”?
This question cropped up again in January 2015, while talking to a few non-Indian friends who asked me about my dance theatre production ‘Sarathi’ and the discussion that ensued. It set me thinking.
In the rigorous and routine life that we tend to lead with aims of reaching a certain level of savings, buying certain earmarked properties, educating our children at certain schools, how much time do we give to this question? From a management perspective, the question appeals to the self actualization category in Maslow’s theory. It is pretty obvious that the question looks beyond earning for basic needs, or fulfilling ego and esteem needs.
We are at a stage in the corporate world where we wouldn’t look at something unless it gives “ROI”. This is where I hasten to add that purpose and contribution doesn’t always need to have just a philanthropic angle to it. It definitely does not have to mean “charity”.
So what then is Purpose or contribution ? It could be starting an organization that provides a source of living for thousands of employees. It could be producing a breakthrough drug that can cure patients. It could be taking the responsibility of providing sustainable development.
Whatever the purpose/contribution, however big or small it helps instill a sense that you lived and worked towards a higher goal. Let us not forget that it is the contribution of many people, that lives on in the form of life saving medicines, technologies that have created jobs, means of travel that save time, etc.
So put aside sometime and think of what is your purpose in life? What is your contribution that you wish to leave behind, as an identity of a purposeful life”. I am trying to find mine, I hope you find yours soon.
