Thaen Amudham Satsang in Jaffna Sri Lanka

“The ‘Aho’ moments in my life!

Excerpts from Dr.Arun Madhavanji’s address during the satsang at the Karpagam Auditorium after the Awards ceremony:


“The ‘Aho’ moments in my life!
It is said that the road of life can only reveal itself as it is traveled; each turn in the road reveals a surprise. My life journey has taken many unpredicted and astonishing twists.


There is a common perception that in order to get ahead in life, one shouldn’t give up. An opportunity presented itself very early in life – when only seven years of age and conscious about personal grooming. I was given the opportunity to don the role of the mythical Baladhandayudhapani (aka.Karthikeya) in a theatrical presentation on the Annual Day of the School. My dad who encouraged me to take up the role suggested two options for a realistic portrayal – either wear a wig or shave off the hair completely! Though conscious about what others perceived as very aesthetic locks of hair, I opted for giving up the crown completely to make it authentic. Perhaps the seeds for ‘giving up’ were sown then. Some years later in 1962 when the Chief Minister felicitated me for Academic excellence with five gold medals; I had the wonderful privilege and opportunity to return the entire lot for the National Defence Fund keeping in mind the then ongoing efforts to build resources during the Indo-China war.


My peer group mocked at my choice of doing graduate studies in Loyola College, as in early sixties, students of this Institution were taunted with the phrase the ‘Slaves of Loyola’ by other front- ranking college friends. Today it is a top ranking destination for academics and the very same friends seek admission for their wards here! Equally they were derisive and surprised at my choice of PG studies at Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. Today IIMA stands tall as one of the Best Business Schools in the world! My choice of the then Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China was found laughable. Apart bearing a name that was mouthful, it was not deemed a hot shot employer, ranking a poor seventh in the ranking of overseas banks operating in India. Towards the time when I opted to go on voluntary retirement, the Bank has already notched up the first position.


It was a ‘aho’ moment when invited me for Tea at the Raj Bhavan following my nomination on Prime Minister’s Special Project for Integrated Rural Development under 20 point program. The decision to forgo a lucrative corporate career to get into voluntary work in mid-forties was a thunderbolt surprise and shocker to bank customers, family and friends. It was an aho moment when Sri Sri gave me a bigger canvas to work on some very useful community initiatives.


The communiqué from Karpagam about conferring the Doctoral honor was another adding to the list of aho moments! ‘Karpagam’ incidentally is the mythical holy tree in heaven. It gives whatever one wants from it. Like the mythical tree itself, the Mother blesses her sincere devotees not only with all they pray for but also shower them with surprises. Today I look up to her seeking greater strength and commitment to serve the humanity better and bigger. A regular Doctor’s focus is more repairing the Body whilst your doctor will continue to focus on Body-Mind-soul.

Karpagam University Coimbatore -Convocation

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Shri Arunji Honoured with Doctorate from Karpagam University

On 3rd October, 2011 at the Convocation held at  Karpagam University, Coimbatore,Justice M.Karpaga Vinayagam (third from right), Chairperson, National Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, presenting the degree of Doctor in Science (honoris causa) to  Shri.Arun Madhavanji, Banker-turned-Theologian.


Shri.Arun Madhavanji is the Founder trustee and First Chairman of The Art of Living Foundation. He was honoured for his interest in social service, involvement in several community projects, and contributions as a writer.