India – The Vishwaguru is a tribute to India’s rich legacy, celebrating its contributions to science, technology, and philosophy. In an era of rapid innovation, the book reconnects with India’s ancient wisdom, showing its continued relevance. Inspired by a desire to reignite pride in India’s heritage, it highlights the nation’s potential to lead the world in knowledge and peace. By reflecting on India’s past achievements, the book encourages us to rediscover timeless wisdom, offering guidance for a balanced, sustainable future and inspiring future leaders.
The author, Srikanth K reflects his deep passion for Kannada literature, yoga, and promoting India's rich heritage. With over 18 years of experience in Accounts & Finance in the IT industry, Srikanth is currently working at Embitel Technologies. He is also a Kannada author, certified yoga teacher, and a member of a Guinness Record-holding team. In this book, Srikanth aims to revive a sense of pride in India's rich heritage while highlighting its potential to emerge as a global leader in knowledge, peace, and long-lasting progress.
Let’s open the conversation on this interesting and important topic with the author as we explore the inspiration behind India – The Vishwaguru and the profound wisdom it shares.
1. What's your book about, and what inspired you to write it?
India - The Vishwaguru celebrates India’s profound contributions to science, technology, and ancient wisdom. It aims to rediscover the timeless knowledge embedded in our culture and how it remains relevant in today’s world. The inspiration came from a desire to reignite pride in India’s heritage and demonstrate its potential to lead the world as a beacon of knowledge and peace.
2. Can you share an example where something from your work life inspired a scene or idea in your book?
In the corporate world, we often rely on data-driven decisions. This reminded me of how our ancient texts like the Arthashastra and Vedas provided systematic approaches to governance, strategy, and problem-solving. The parallels between ancient wisdom and modern practices deeply influenced the themes in my book.
3. What's one piece of advice you wish you'd had when you first started writing your book?
Writing is as much about persistence as it is about creativity. I wish someone had told me early on that it's okay to write imperfect drafts as long as you keep moving forward.
4. Did you ever have trouble switching from a logical, work mindset to a more creative one? How did you handle it?
Yes, but I found that focusing on India’s rich culture and history—topics I’m passionate about—helped me make the transition seamlessly. Reflecting on stories and lessons from our heritage provided the creative spark I needed.
5. What was your daily routine like when writing your book, and how did you stay focused while balancing work?
I dedicated late nights during weekends to writing, as it’s the quietest and most focused part of the day. Balancing work and writing required discipline, but the thought of sharing India’s greatness kept me motivated.
6. What advice would you give to someone in the corporate world who wants to write a book someday?
Start with a clear vision and outline and use your professional discipline to stay consistent. Treat writing like a project with goals and deadlines, and don’t hesitate to draw inspiration from your work life.
7. How has writing a book affected your work life? Have you learned anything new about yourself?
Writing has taught me patience, creativity, and the importance of perseverance. It also helped me appreciate the balance between logic and imagination, skills that now influence my professional decisions.
8. Do you feel that writing a book is a different kind of achievement compared to your work achievements?
Absolutely. Professional achievements are often collaborative, while writing a book is deeply personal. It’s a testament to individual passion and dedication.
9. Is this your one-time writing project, or might you combine your corporate experience with writing in the future?
While India - The Vishwaguru focuses on cultural heritage, I’m open to exploring themes like leadership, innovation, or even a memoir blending corporate insights with personal growth.
10. How did your coworkers or peers react to your book?
Many were curious and excited about the concept. It sparked conversations about India’s potential and how its heritage can inspire modern solutions.
11. If you could choose any famous person to read your book, who would it be and why?
I’d choose Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his dedication to showcasing India’s greatness to the world. His insights would greatly resonate with the themes of the book.
12. What inspired you to explore India's ancient wisdom while working in a corporate world focused on innovation and technology?
I realized that many modern principles stem from our ancient texts, such as holistic thinking and sustainability. These timeless lessons can offer solutions to the challenges we face in today’s fast-paced world.
13. Has ancient Indian wisdom helped you in the corporate world? If so, how?
Yes, the concept of Nishkama Karma (selfless action) taught me to focus on efforts rather than outcomes, helping me stay grounded and resilient in high-pressure environments.
14. How can India regain its role as the Vishwaguru in today’s globalized world?
By promoting its ancient wisdom in science, sustainability, and holistic living while integrating it with modern innovation. Education reforms, global outreach, and showcasing our heritage can pave the way.
15. Can you share an example where ancient teachings helped you make a decision?
In a high-stakes decision, the Bhagavad Gita’s lesson on detachment from results guided me to act with clarity and confidence, irrespective of the outcome.
16. What’s your favourite way to integrate ancient teachings into your daily routine?
Practicing mindfulness through yoga and meditation helps me stay centered while aligning with ancient Indian principles.
17. Do you think today’s tech giants could learn from India’s ancient wisdom?
Certainly. Concepts like sustainable development, holistic thinking, and ethical leadership are embedded in our ancient texts and can address modern-day challenges.
18. What’s your favourite part of Indian cultural heritage that deserves more attention?
The interconnectedness of science and spirituality in our texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, which showcase a balanced approach to life.
19. Was it harder to edit your book or your Excel sheets?
Editing the book was harder! It involved refining ideas, emotions, and perspectives, unlike the structured logic of Excel sheets.
Conclusion
In a world where rapid technological advancements and shifting global dynamics often overshadow our cultural roots, India – The Vishwaguru serves as a timely reminder of the profound wisdom embedded in our ancient texts. As we race toward the future, it is crucial not to forget the lessons of the past that emphasize sustainability, holistic thinking, and ethical leadership. India’s heritage is not merely a relic of history but a wellspring of timeless knowledge that, when embraced, can offer solutions to the challenges of today.
The question we must ask ourselves is not just how we can advance in the modern world, but how we can do so while staying rooted in the values that have stood the test of time. If India combines its ancient wisdom with modern innovation, it can once again become a global leader, a source of knowledge, peace, and prosperity for the world. Let us embrace this vision not as a distant ideal, but as a guiding principle for our lives and our collective future.
