It’s
a statement I think about often. In my life, I can
count five times that I have been sure of what I wanted
to do, and took the roads to those destinations. In
between, it has been largely a process of discovery.
Five academic degrees, four companies,
three continents, and one startup later, I find myself
at the crossroads again. I’ve learnt a few things to
date. That most roads don’t lead anywhere, and most of
the time, we don’t think about where we are going. Life
is a series of journeys to different destinations, with
different passengers and changing scenery. I know where
I want to get to, but I wonder how to begin the next
one.
Yet it is an exciting time. I’m 35, and
I’ve made a list of possible destinations, each with a
different theme. Purpose, Entrepreneurship. Leadership.
Achievement, Mission. These thoughts swirl around in my
mind like snowflakes in Central Park in January. And
somewhere in the snowdrift, hides a path that could show
the way.
For most of us, our journey did truly
begin at Pilani. BITS gave us the engine to power this
trip. We bid our goodbyes in Vidya Vihar and went about
our ways. Only recently we’ve chanced upon this global
BITS community. We’ve realized that this community can
give us with extra fuel and a new set of tires for our
individual trips. Maybe even a tune-up or new
directions.
BITSAA’s mission is to inspire us to
continue up the path. A number of initiatives shall help
in the quest. The alumni directory (which is finally
underway) will connect us to others in ways we did not
even imagine. The bits2bschool initiative will ensure
that you raise the bar on your MBA dream. We want you
to think of Harvard, INSEAD, IIM-Ahmedabad, of the
world’s greatest schools. In research, dream of the
Nobel, the Fields Medal, of the Lemelson-MIT Prize. In
business, achieve the heights of Vivek, Rajesh and
Mukesh. Desire no less than Padma Shri’s and
Knighthoods for your work. Choose your roads carefully.
As we speed along the highways of life,
or navigate the treacherous turns, we may find other
BITSians. Walking; stuck; lacchaing; waiting. Stop and
talk to them. Help them. Give them a ride. Your paths
may cross again.
In my personal journey through life, I am
accompanied by my wife and son. Together as a family we
see the tops of gleaming minarets in the distance, hear
sounds through the fog, and are thrilled by the images
of these destinations near and far. I want to spend
time figuring out how I can clear a path to these new
possibilities. And when my son leaves to follow his own
path, just like I did at 17 years of age, I want to bid
him farewell with the confidence that he will be safe;
but satisfied that I would have taught him well for the
journey that lies before him.
This magazine was a journey of personal
discovery. It reminded me how much I enjoy to write, to
work with like-minded BITSians. In past editions I
spoke of the vast greatness, of purpose or even a path
paved with gold. I must admit that for Sandpaper, some
of these thoughts may never have crossed my mind.
When we first started Sandpaper, there
were a few stragglers. I look back and see so many
following, stronger and fitter than I am. I have decided
to hand over the wheel, to become a passenger. But I let
others pass with mixed feelings. I am saddened because
I will miss our creative process that has made these two
years so much fun.
But I am also enthused, imagining the
mornings I will wake up, check my email and find a new,
unread edition. When I pick up my coffee and settle back
with the smell of print still
fresh from my ageing HP printer, I will turn the pages
and remember the days that all this began.
I am entrusting Sandp in very good hands.
Sandeep has the drive, the vision, the abilities and the
support of a very energetic and talented team to
continue our mission.
I am off on my journey. But before I go,
I’d like to thank my team for all their hard work, thank
those who emailed or called with words of encouragement,
and thank especially all of you for reading what we had
to say.
Chalta hoon.
I’ll be seeing you around.
Anupendra Sharma (’87 Eco Instru)
Chief
Editor
Nov 6, 2004
Pic: With Rohan in Ithaca
