By Colonel Paurush Pradhan (Retd) · 27 May 2024

The fabric of time binds us all. It is a universal constant affecting everyone without discrimination, fear or favour. It does not care about status or circumstance. And yet, as humans, we tend to ignore the limited nature of this currency in pursuit of power, money and goals, looking for the mysterious and elusive “happiness”. To ignore this powerful fact of life, clearly evident all around us through nature’s cycle of death and decay, is one of the greatest mysteries of human behaviour. Alternatively, embracing this philosophy in totality can lead to inertia and futility of purpose, bringing human activity to a grinding halt.

The materialistic world, with its complexities and complications, is having a tremendous impact on the human psyche. There is constant chatter about work-life balance, rising stress levels, violence and profound sadness. Happiness is being viewed through the prism of money, fame and power, despite the lack of proof that those who have acquired all three have achieved inner peace. The internet and smartphones have created a matrix, destroying the good old days of banter and conversation, both within the family and society at large. The day starts with the screen and ends with it. Knowledge has not only become pervasive; it has become distorted and noisy, too. So, what is the solution to this dilemma?

Leaders who are inefficient are not only poor managers; they are morally responsible for the damage they cause to the well-being of employees. Likewise, inefficient employees drain not only the system but also the health of the organisation. Happiness is a state of mind, shaped by work, life, social, moral and family balance. A happy individual, team and organisation will not only be productive; they will achieve what they profess to achieve: happiness for their customers.