I come from a lower-middle-class family. I was born in Trichy and brought up all over the country because my father was in the central government. And after I started my career in 1981, I continued to travel and live around the country. Whatever I have achieved in my life has been due to the blessings of my seniors, elders, and family members. Hence, I felt it was time to give back. This is not a post-retirement plan. Even as a student in school, I was always active in social services. Now after retirement, I’m quite content and my family is happy. So, with the support of my wife, we decided that all my earnings post-retirement will be donated to a cause. I do coaching, and consulting. I teach in business schools and mentor start-ups and whatever I earn is given to a cause.

The cause was determined by my working in an eye hospital in Delhi. When I was in Eicher, as part of CSR, they had adopted a Charity eye Hospital and unfortunately, the CEO of the hospital resigned. I was the HR head and the Chairman told me to hire a CEO. But I found it difficult to hire a person who was both a good doctor and an administrator. So, my chairman told me to look after the hospital while I find someone. This was a turning point for me. That one year really touched me and it was also a good lesson in leadership as I turned the hospital around financially. Since then, I have been doing something for the hospital every year. I coach the CEO and some doctors. I do this pro bono. I support all the eye transplantations for children. I am willing to consult with any organization where they do not pay me but donate to the hospital instead. I now give my earnings to them, and this is how I feel I should give joy. I can give sight to people who cannot afford it and this hospital does just that.