March 21st. The Vernal Equinox. A day when the world finds its equilibrium, where light and darkness stand shoulder to shoulder, equal in their fleeting embrace. For most, it’s a celestial milestone, a quiet nod to the Earth’s tilt and orbit. But for me, it’s something deeper—a personal new year, a sacred pause to reflect, to weave together the threads of my life into a story that continues to unfold.

As the sun crosses the celestial equator, I feel its alignment not just in the heavens but in the very rhythm of my soul. This is my moment to trace the intricate tapestry of my life, to feel the texture of every triumph, every loss, every joy, and every sorrow that has shaped who I am.

The Tapestry of My Life

Imagine a vast tapestry—rich with colour and complexity—where each thread holds a story, and every knot carries a memory. Some glint with the light of triumph; others bear the dark weight of sorrow. On this vernal equinox, I don’t merely glance at this fabric—I trace its weaves with care, pausing to honour each strand that has shaped the pattern of my life. This is my story—a journey marked by resilience, discovery, and an enduring quest for meaning.

I was born on March 21, 1963—the day of the Vernal Equinox—in the vibrant heart of New Delhi, a city where ancient traditions and modern aspirations coexist in a dynamic embrace. My parents, Nirmal Chandra Roy Choudhury and Monika Roy Choudhury, endowed me with quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. My elder sister, Chitra, was my first friend and confidante; the foundation of our bond became a lifelong source of grounding and inspiration. From them, I inherited more than just values—I inherited a profound love for learning, a steadying force that would guide me through life’s ever-changing tides.

Early Education & a Growing Love for Knowledge

My early education at Vinay Nagar Bengali Higher Secondary School was more than a classroom experience—it was a love letter to Bengali culture. I can still smell the musty pages of old books, hear the cadence of Tagore’s poetry echoing through the hallways. Those years taught me the weight of heritage, the power of knowledge, and the importance of pursuing truth with unwavering integrity. These lessons became the compass for my journey, guiding me through the chapters that followed.

In 1976, I embarked on a new chapter of growth and exploration as I stepped into the halls of Raisina Bengali School. This was the beginning of a journey that would shape my curiosity and passion for learning. It was within these walls that my fascination with science first took root, an interest that would grow and evolve throughout my life.

I vividly recall the excitement of 1978, when I participated in the National Science Exhibition. My project, which focused on conditioned reflexes using two albino rats, became the centrepiece of my presentation. As I stood before a crowd of eager onlookers, explaining the nuances of my experiment, I felt a rush of both nervousness and exhilaration. The buzz of the crowd, the weight of their curiosity, and the spark in their eyes as they absorbed my findings—it was a transformative moment that ignited a lifelong passion for discovery.

That experience wasn’t just about showcasing scientific concepts; it was a powerful lesson in pushing boundaries, in daring to ask questions that challenged the conventional and the ordinary. It taught me the importance of thinking beyond what was known and venturing into unexplored territory. More than just a school project, it was a defining moment in my life—a catalyst that sparked a deep and abiding love for science, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge.

From Loss to Legacy at University of Delhi

In 1980, I found myself stepping into the hallowed halls of Hans Raj College, University of Delhi—a place where my love for numbers, logical reasoning, and the boundless world of mathematics truly flourished. The elegance of mathematical principles, the precision of formulas, and the way abstract concepts unfolded before me were captivating. It was a time of intellectual growth, a period that solidified my academic pursuits and shaped my early career ambitions.

However, life—unpredictable and ever-shifting-had—had other plans. On November 30, 1983, tragedy struck with the sudden passing of my father. His loss was an immense shock, one that left a profound emotional void and cast a long shadow over my world. Yet, amidst the overwhelming sorrow, his memory became a source of strength. His values—discipline, resilience, and the importance of hard work—became my guiding principles. His legacy became a powerful motivator, pushing me to forge ahead despite the deep pain.

It was during this period of grief that a silver lining appeared. I was honoured with the prestigious His Holiness the Pope Scholarship, a moment that felt like a beacon of hope amid the darkness. This scholarship, which funded my Master’s degree in Mathematics from Delhi University in 1985, became not only an academic achievement but also a tribute to my father’s legacy. It was a reminder that even in the most difficult times, life has a way of presenting opportunities, and it was my way of carrying forward the values and aspirations my father had instilled in me. His memory was now woven into the fabric of my achievements, and every step I took thereafter felt like a promise to honour his legacy.

The University Years: A Shift in Perspective

During my university years, the world around me was a whirlwind of change, passion, and ideals. The early 1980s in India were a period of political upheaval, social unrest, and ideological awakening. It was a time when the air was thick with the promise of change, and the youth of the country were beginning to question the status quo, searching for ways to reform a system that seemed rigid, unyielding, and often indifferent to the struggles of the common man. In the midst of this, I found myself drawn to left-wing student activities, an arena that allowed me to channel my youthful energy and curiosity into something meaningful, something that could contribute to the broader conversation about justice, equality, and the future of our nation.

At Hans Raj College, where I pursued my undergraduate studies, the campus buzzed with political discourse, ideological debates, and calls for action. The college itself was a microcosm of the larger socio-political landscape of India at the time. It was here that I first became involved in student movements that sought to challenge the establishment and demand more for the working class, marginalised communities, and the oppressed. The atmosphere was electrifying, and the discussions were often heated, as students from various ideological backgrounds came together to voice their concerns about the political and economic challenges facing the country.

In the midst of these debates, I found a natural outlet for my thoughts and opinions in the student magazines. I began contributing articles that critiqued the political landscape, exploring themes of social justice, the failures of the government, and the potential for a more equitable society. Writing for the magazine became a way for me to sharpen my arguments, to engage in dialogue, and to take a stand on the issues that mattered most to me. It was an opportunity to not only articulate my beliefs but also to inspire others to think critically and challenge the world around them.

As my involvement in student activities deepened, so did my commitment to the left-wing cause. The movements I participated in were not just intellectual exercises but real, tangible actions aimed at creating change. From rallies and protests to organising awareness campaigns, we sought to address a wide range of issues, from the rights of labourers to the struggle for gender equality. These movements were not without their challenges. They were often met with resistance, both from the authorities and from those who were comfortable with the existing power structures. But that only strengthened our resolve. Each protest, each speech, each rally felt like a step toward a better future.

Tutoring Shaped My Journey

I began giving tuition to my junior students—a practice that became a cornerstone of my early life, one that started when I was just 13 years old. The first student I tutored was two years junior to me, struggling with mathematics, a subject I had an innate affinity for. I remember sitting with him, explaining basic algebra, trying to simplify concepts that seemed so intuitive to me. Though I was only a couple of years older than him, the experience made me realise the importance of understanding concepts not just for one’s own benefit, but for the ability to help others grasp those concepts as well. I had no idea at the time, but this small, unassuming act would become something that would define much of my life moving forward.

My first paycheck from tutoring was a modest ₹25 a month. It wasn’t much by today’s standards, but to a young boy with a voracious appetite for learning and a thirst for knowledge, it felt like a fortune. It wasn’t just about the money—it was about the possibilities that ₹25 opened up. With that ₹25, I could buy the comics and books I had longed for. These were not just simple entertainments—they were the very vessels that carried me into new worlds, new ideas, and new ways of thinking.

The practice of tutoring quickly became a steady source of income. Over the years, I expanded my clientele, teaching a wide variety of subjects, but mathematics always remained my first love. It wasn’t just about the income anymore—it became an opportunity to interact with younger students, to inspire them, and to witness their own growth.

Beyond the immediate financial support, tutoring laid the foundation for something much larger: it helped me develop the critical thinking and communication skills that would serve me well in my professional journey. It taught me patience, empathy, and the ability to break down complex ideas into simpler, more digestible pieces. These lessons learned in those humble tutoring sessions became integral to the way I approached challenges later in life.

The Early Days in Banking: A Journey Begins

In 1985, my banking journey began at Punjab National Bank as a Management Trainee. The year-long training took me through multiple cities, but it was my first posting in Aligarh that truly tested my mettle. Here I was, a young probationary officer, tasked with managing foreign exchange operations and corporate credit in a city embroiled in social unrest and frequent curfews. Navigating the city for security inspections and loan follow-ups often felt like walking a tightrope, and to stay prepared, we kept a month’s worth of provisions at all times.

This experience shaped me in ways I could never have anticipated. It taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and above all, the need for meticulous preparedness when faced with uncertainty. But beyond these lessons, I found an unexpected strength in the people around me—clients, colleagues, and local associates who placed their trust in me. Their belief in me became my anchor in such a turbulent environment.

One moment I’ll always cherish is my wedding reception, held in Aligarh. Despite the challenges of the region, my colleagues and clients rallied around me, turning it into a grand and memorable celebration. It was a profound reminder that no matter the circumstances, human connection and the support of those around you are fundamental to both personal and professional growth.

Leadership & Growth: From Aligarh to Budaun

My next assignment took me to Budaun, a district plagued by poverty, social unrest, and the pervasive influence of opium cultivation and dacoit activity. Taking charge of banking operations in such a challenging environment was nothing short of daunting. The very fabric of daily life was marked by uncertainty, and every decision I made carried weight, knowing the challenges were not just financial but deeply embedded in the socio-political landscape.

Navigating through this complexity was a test of resilience. The obstacles were many—ensuring security for staff and operations, fostering trust in a community that had known little but hardship, and managing the intricacies of running a business in such a volatile environment. Yet, it wasn’t just the external circumstances that defined my time there; it was the people of Budaun—their unyielding spirit, their hopes despite the odds, and their capacity to adapt and persevere, often in the most trying conditions.

In the faces of those who lived through daily struggles, I found the true essence of leadership. It became clear to me that leadership isn’t about wielding authority or making bold proclamations. It’s about creating stability where there is none, inspiring hope where there is little, and working together with people to build something that lasts—something that stands firm even in the harshest storms. Budaun taught me the value of humility in leadership and the importance of understanding that real progress is measured not just by financial metrics, but by the lasting impact we leave on the lives of others. It was a transformative experience that shaped not just my professional journey but my approach to life itself.

New Delhi & Beyond: Strategic Acumen & Transformation

In 1993, I returned to New Delhi and found myself immersed in the complex and dynamic environment of the bank’s Corporate Head Office. It was here that I truly began to grasp the intricacies of high-level decision-making, where the stakes were always high, and the margin for error was minimal. One of the most challenging and rewarding projects I undertook during this time was the decentralisation of the bank’s finalisation of accounts, a massive and transformative undertaking that would reshape the bank’s operational landscape.

This project was a pivotal learning experience, significantly deepening my understanding of organisational strategy and transformation. It demanded meticulous planning, precise execution, and a clear vision for the future. I learned the critical importance of aligning bank operations with strategic goals, ensuring each change contributed to greater efficiency and organisational coherence. This initiative also provided a unique opportunity to lead and train officers senior to me, which, though overwhelming at times, was incredibly valuable.

Another key milestone during this period was overseeing the consolidation of accounts following the merger of the New Bank of India with Punjab National Bank. This merger was a significant event in the bank’s history, one that demanded careful attention to detail and a seamless integration of processes and systems. Navigating the complexities of this merger allowed me to refine my skills in organisational growth, financial management, and cross-functional collaboration. It was a defining moment in my career, reinforcing the critical role of teamwork, communication, and adaptability in achieving long-term objectives.

Looking back, my time in the Corporate Head Office was foundational in shaping my understanding of banking at a strategic level. The lessons learned during this period laid the groundwork for the challenges and opportunities that would follow, offering me invaluable insights into the importance of transformation and collaboration in driving success.

Jharkhand: A New State, A New Challenge

In 1997, I moved to Ranchi to take on the role of Manager at the Regional Office during a period of profound change. Jharkhand, then part of Bihar, was on the cusp of becoming its own state, and the air was thick with both uncertainty and hope. The socio-political climate was marked by widespread unrest, particularly due to Naxalite violence, and the region was grappling with numerous challenges—both economic and social. Yet, amid this turbulence, there was an undeniable sense of possibility. The formation of Jharkhand was more than just a political shift; it was a chance to create something new, to build a future from the ground up.

At this critical juncture, I was entrusted with a responsibility that felt both daunting and rewarding. I was tasked with leading key branches to achieve ISO 9000 certification, a monumental undertaking that demanded the establishment of robust internal controls and an unwavering commitment to financial stability. The process was far from easy. It meant navigating a complex web of bureaucracy, overcoming local resistance, and working tirelessly to streamline processes in a region that was, at the time, underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure and systems.

Through long hours of coordination, training, and system improvements, we were able to achieve our goal. The experience taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of visionary thinking. In retrospect, that period in Ranchi was not just a career milestone—it was a chance to contribute to the growth of a state and to witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with transformation.

A Turning Point: Spiritual Awakening in Varanasi

January 2003 marked a turning point not in my career but in my soul. On the sacred banks of the Ganga in Varanasi, I took diksha, a spiritual initiation that felt like a doorway to awakening. The air was crisp, the river’s whispers a timeless mantra. As my guru’s hand rested on my head, something within me shifted—a veil lifted, revealing a deeper truth. That moment wasn’t an end but a beginning, a call to weave spirituality into the fabric of my life. Every prayer bead, every quiet moment since has been an echo of that sacred morning.

A New Chapter in Jamshedpur

In 2002, I moved to Jamshedpur, the industrial heart of Tata Steel, a city known for its dynamic business environment and rich industrial legacy. It was here that I forged strategic partnerships with numerous corporate clients, working at the intersection of banking and industry. This period marked a time of dynamic growth, both professionally and personally. I witnessed firsthand how the industrial ecosystem in Jamshedpur influenced banking trends and vice versa. My role in cultivating these corporate relationships was a cornerstone of my career, but it was also during this phase that I experienced one of my life’s most profound challenges.

On January 26, 2005, my mother passed away, leaving a void that no amount of professional success could fill. Her wisdom, quiet strength, and unwavering support had been a constant throughout my life. She was my guiding light, and her absence left an irreplaceable space in my heart. Her influence, however, continued to shape my path, pushing me to move forward even in the face of such a personal loss.

Leading Digitalisation in Jharkhand

Soon after this emotional setback, I was entrusted with a pivotal role as the Head of IT at the Jharkhand Zonal Office in Ranchi. This was a time when the banking industry was undergoing a radical transformation, one that would fundamentally alter the way financial institutions operated. The challenge before me was clear: I had to lead the transition from manual, paper-based systems to state-of-the-art core banking platforms. Spearheading the digitalisation efforts in this period of rapid technological change was not just a professional milestone; it was a defining moment in my career. The work was demanding, the stakes high, but it was immensely fulfilling to see how these initiatives redefined operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience. I received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the bank for my efforts. It was in this transformative journey that my commitment to innovation and the future of banking was solidified, and I realised that embracing change was essential to survival and growth.

Iraq: A Career Milestone Amidst Adversity

In 2007, my professional path took me to Iraq, a country reeling from the aftermath of war and social upheaval but also brimming with untapped potential. It was in this complex and volatile environment that I found myself at the helm of an ambitious project—leading the process optimisation and implementation of Iraq’s first-ever core banking system at the Trade Bank of Iraq.

Navigating a country riddled with bombings and instability, this project was nothing short of monumental. Yet, despite the daunting challenges, the successful modernisation of the bank’s operations was transformative, not just for the institution but for the entire financial ecosystem of the country. It positioned the Trade Bank of Iraq as a regional leader in international trade finance, laying the foundation for future economic growth.

Following this achievement, I transitioned to an advisory role at RT Bank, where I focused on refining policies, streamlining processes, and strengthening the bank’s regulatory frameworks. My tenure in Iraq wasn’t merely a professional achievement; it was a profound lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the transformative impact of innovation, even in the most hostile of environments. This experience underscored the power of determination and creativity to rebuild and drive progress in the face of adversity.

Returning to Ranchi: A New Horizon

In June 2024, I returned to Ranchi, channelling my passion for digitalisation and banking transformation into strategic consulting. The decision to move back to this city, where it all began, was as much a spiritual call as it was a professional one. Here, I’m helping businesses navigate the complexities of today’s fast-paced, digital economy, guiding them towards efficiency, growth, and long-term success.

The Heart of My Life: Family, Love, & Unwavering Support

Through every challenge and triumph, my family has been my unwavering anchor. My wife, Jagrata, has been my steadfast companion since November 22, 1991—the heartbeat of our home, the pillar of my strength, and the quiet force that has held everything together. Her resilience, patience, and unconditional support have been the foundation upon which our lives have flourished.

Together, we were blessed with our son, Judhajit, on October 15, 1992. From the moment he arrived, he became the centre of our world, filling our lives with purpose and pride. Watching him grow into a compassionate, dedicated physician has been one of my greatest joys. His tireless commitment to his profession, his patients, and his principles continues to inspire me every day. Yet, as a father, I often feel I could never do enough for him. There have been moments—especially during his most stressful times—when I wished I could have been by his side more, offering him the comfort and reassurance that only a father can provide.

On May 3, 2022, Judhajit married Tania, a gifted Mandala artist and Jewellery designer whose creativity and warmth have brought a new dimension of happiness into our lives. Their journey together is one of love, mutual respect, and artistic expression, and I take immense joy in seeing them build their own world. I offer them my choicest blessings, wishing them a lifetime of fulfilment, harmony, and unbounded happiness.

The Unseen Strength of Friendship & Camaraderie

I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering camaraderie of my classmates, batchmates, colleagues, and friends—those remarkable individuals who have stood by me through both triumph and tribulation. From the laughter-filled days of my school and college years to the demanding corridors of my professional journey, their presence has been a source of strength, encouragement, and belonging.

In moments of celebration, they have shared my joy with genuine warmth; in times of adversity, they have offered their steadfast support, often without being asked. Whether it was navigating the challenges of student life, the high-stakes world of banking, or the ever-evolving demands of strategic consulting, their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation. Their wisdom, kindness, and companionship have been invaluable, reminding me that no journey is ever truly walked alone.

From Ledgers to Landscapes: The Other Side of Me

Beyond spreadsheets and strategy meetings, I find my joy in the simple, enriching pleasures of life—travel, history, culture, and food. Writing has become my chosen medium to preserve these experiences, a way to weave my thoughts, reflections, and observations into stories that endure. Through Indrosphere, I chronicle my journeys—both literal and metaphorical—sharing tales of exploration, heritage, culinary delights, and the occasional quiet musing. It is a space where my professional intensity gives way to personal passion, and where I reconnect with the world in all its richness and wonder.

Reflections: What Lies Ahead

As the sun rises on yet another Vernal Equinox, I look back on this journey—a path filled with challenges, triumphs, losses, and wisdom. Life, with all its twists and turns, has been a testament to the importance of resilience, the pursuit of knowledge, and the unbreakable human spirit. And as I step forward, I carry with me the lessons of the past, ever ready to embrace the future with open arms and an open heart.

And so, as I celebrate another year of life, I am filled with gratitude—for the love of my family, the wisdom of my mentors, the strength of my friends, and the countless lessons that life continues to offer.