India’s youth face innumerable challenges. While many face a serious dearth of opportunities, some are drowned in problems of plenty. Irrespective of their background, one motivation seems to unite them all; getting there in the shortest possible time, by whatever means! GenNext is in a big hurry, acutely conscious that if they are not on the move they may be left behind. Long-term commitment, integrity, endurance & the larger perspective are no more part of their vocabulary. While everyone wants to replicate the success of Bill Gates & Steve Jobs, no one wants to emulate their years of consistent hard work, and the high standards they set for themselves.
Can we blame them? What examples have we set for them? What they see in public life is the meteoric rise of the unscrupulous and the corrupt, the Gordon Gekkos whose sole mantra is ‘Greed is Good’. They see that those who slave away at modest jobs and businesses are never able to meet their life aspirations. Historical models of ethics and integrity are easily dismissed with the words ‘Times are different now!'
‘I too had a dream’ by Dr. Verghese Kurien is a story that can turn the tide. This is a story of post-independence India, of a man who spurned the lure of material wealth and devoted his lifetime to the service of his countrymen. Importantly, it tells us of a man’s courage to choose the untrodden path. It shows how, instead of blaming the government for its inadequacies, he reposed faith in the ability of India’s people to find practical solutions to their own problems. Dr. Kurien provides a fantastic role model for India’s youth.
This is not just the story of Dr. Kurien but a tribute to the industrious farmers of Gujarat who recognized the potential of a truly Indian professional. It showcases to the world India’s success in empowerment of marginalized sections of society. This story tells the world what an ordinary farmer can achieve if provided the right leadership.
I was convinced that ‘I too had a dream’ deserved a younger audience. After I met Dr. Kurien in person, I knew I could not rest till I had ‘done my bit’. Knowing this generation’s insatiable appetite for new media formats, we decided to come out with an Audio book of ‘I too had a dream’!
It has taken almost a year, from inception to its final release. It has been made possible by the blessings of Mrs. Molly and Dr. Verghese Kurien, the resonant voice of Tom Alter, and the guidance and support of many hugely talented people, whose voices are heard in special messages in this book.
Among them are Shyam Benegal whose encouraging support at the crucial initial level and Roger Pereira whose guidance at every stage, played an important role in completing this Audio Book project.
I would be failing in my duty if I did not offer my heartfelt thanks to all the special guests who have contributed their thoughts, motivated by their deep respect for Dr. Kurien, and their unalloyed admiration for his work. I offer my sincere thanks to all of them.
Ms. Priya Kapoor of Roli Books, the publishers of ‘I too had a dream’, (as told to Gauri Salvi) deserves a special mention for granting permission to convert the book to the audio format. I owe her my complete gratitude.
Siddharth made this Audio book complete in all respects by sharing with us his letter to Dr. Kurien.
I thank Siddhartha for allowing us into their personal space.
I take personal delight in mentioning two people who have been my pillars of strength; my wife Yashodhara who has actively supported me at every stage in my life, is fountainhead of energy for me on this project and my dear friend Sharath who has embellished every piece of correspondence and the supporting text for this audio book.
While commercial interests have never dictated this project, I have tried to ensure that the quality of the end product was not affected by any financial constraints. In this endeavor timely association with IMA Industries Srl, Italy has certainly provided a much-needed boost. My sincere thanks to Anindya Dasgupta and Paolo Bianchi of ‘IMA’ for their belief in the project.
It is my good fortune that Ratan Tata agreed to take time out from an unbelievably hectic schedule to give his audio foreword. His contribution is without doubt, the jewel in this crown. Meeting him at Bombay House was second most memorable experience after meeting Dr. Kurien himself.
A product however well-designed, realizes it’s worth only when it reaches the masses. The primary objective of conveying Dr. Kurien’s story to all Indians has been achieved, thanks to Times Music joining us in this project. I will be always grateful to them for taking on the mammoth responsibility.
Before I end, let me add a few words about the title. Contemporary economists and writers have likened India to an elephant, with its immense girth, its ponderous gait and its infinite patience. For me it is an apt metaphor representing India’s gigantic strength that remained latent until prodded into motion by an able ‘mahout’.
Friends, this is the story of ‘The man who made the elephant dance’
Atul Bhide Om Audio Books, July 2012
Yashodhara & Atul with Dr. Verghese Kurien & Mrs. Molly Kurien at their residence,Anand, Gujrat.
- 19th May 2011.
India’s youth face innumerable challenges. While many face a serious dearth of opportunities, some are drowned in problems of plenty. Irrespective of their background, one motivation seems to unite them all; getting there in the shortest possible time, by whatever means! GenNext is in a big hurry, acutely conscious that if they are not on the move they may be left behind. Long-term commitment, integrity, endurance & the larger perspective are no more part of their vocabulary. While everyone wants to replicate the success of Bill Gates & Steve Jobs, no one wants to emulate their years of consistent hard work, and the high standards they set for themselves.
