Tackling life's blues

The You Can Win author and motivational speaker Shiv Khera, is here in Chennai for an inspiring workshop. Haven’t you always wanted to attend one since you were a school-kid?

Q You are a successful author of motivational books. How challenging has your journey been?
A: There is an old saying, “It took me 30 years to be an overnight success.” The last 30 years were very challenging, but gratifying. Being an educator is fulfilling because, one can influence millions of lives. The world sees you where you are today. They only see success, but not the struggle. They probably don’t understand that the Olympics champions train 15 years for 15 seconds of performance!

Q In India, there is a lot of disparity between the different streams of education.  What do you think about streamlining all the boards together as one? Also, what is your take on caste-based reservation in India?
A: Our education system needs a complete overhaul. There are many skilled people, who are totally incompetent. We need uniformity in our education system, which can be only achieved by common entrance exams that are properly implemented. The current system of promoting students up to the ninth grade without exams is totally absurd.  It must be abolished and evaluation must be done every year for promotion, as was done in the past.

Meanwhile, caste based reservation is the biggest danger leading to disintegration of this country.  Meritorious people with 90 percent marks are rejected whereas people with 35 percent marks get preference.  People with merit either commit suicide or leave the country. Reservation should be only on the basis of economic grounds.

Q Are you planning to enter into mainstream politics again?
A: Yes. Entering mainstream politics has crossed my mind. I have been invited by some parties to join them. I also did campaigning for BJP in the last Lok Sabha elections.  

Q What keeps you going ?
A: What keeps me going is the feedback that I receive from people. Feedback such as, ‘your book changed my life’ or ‘your program helped me achieve,’ are so gratifying.

Q How do you balance your personal and professional life?
A: I would confess that I have failed to maintain a balance between my personal and my professional life. I cannot change the past but certainly for the future I am making efforts to have a balance.

Q What is your favourite hobby?
A: I love pets. I once had four Rotweilers During my school days, I played polo and represented my school in horse-riding!  

Q Of your books, which is your  favourite and why?
A: You Can Win still remains my most favourite because it is very motivational. It is a very effective book with practical solutions for day to day problems.  

Q Tell us about your upcoming works.
A: I have two new books in the pipeline, which shall be released at the end of this year.  One of them is on the lines of You Can Win.

Q The audience has changed a lot in the last ten years. How do you modify your content accordingly?
A: You are right.  The audience has changed drastically primarily in their attitudes and values. Social media has played a big role in bringing about this change.  Though there are positives that social media has brought in, it has also brought in many negatives. It has also become a gossip platform, leading to the waste of time and insecurity. It is high time that we  return to our basic values which lay the foundation of a fulfilling life!