October 20, 2023
There Are No Shortcuts...
IITKGP Foundation
IITKGPF (USA) Board Member and Eminent Alumnus Arjun Malhotra (1970/ECE) gave an inspiring speech as the chief guest at the 88th Founder’s Day of The Doon School in India. Arjun shared profound and moving insights from his journey during his school days to his time at IIT Kharagpur and to his time spent as an executive, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist. Arjun’s comments included valuable life lessons that are relevant for everyone:
- Try and be your authentic self. The minute you try and be like someone else, you are just a copy and no longer an original; learn from others.
- Don’t underestimate the person across the table even if you think you know more than them. Look for what you can learn from them.
- Know the people you work with very well. Treat them like your family. That is how you can motivate people as a leader.
- Do different things. It is “ok” not to know what you want to do at first. You will find out over time. Try and find a passion that keeps you busy.
- Never give up on your dreams. No matter how difficult things may seem, trust your abilities.
- Say sorry and thank you when appropriate. It works wonders.
- Never stop learning. Only constant is change; we need to adapt and be comfortable with change.
- There are no shortcuts! Those who cheat to get ahead are in the long run short of cheating themselves. Do things the way they are to be done.
Please take a moment to view the following link to the whole speech and share with the young adults and friends in your life. As IITKGP alumni, we are privileged to be graduates of an elite institution. You are invited to take a moment to reflect and share the story of your unique journey with us. It is time to use our privilege to consider supporting an initiative at IITKGP that you are passionate about. It will enrich your life in a different way and reconnect you to your alma mater and will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life.