Citrix AVP Indian subcontinent finds life lessons from books, feels they have the power to re-energise

Ravindra Kelkar, Area Vice President, Indian Subcontinent, Citrix believes books can enhance and expand one's horizon.

"The books I choose to read, are typically based on ‘top of mind’ areas of learning or ones based on a need to expand specific skills. Mostly these books are about business management, leadership or autobiographies. Recently, inner engineering and meditation have captured my interest. I follow Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, and this is a significant part of my reading. It is quite relevant in current times, more so because of its focus on overall wellbeing and breaking the monotony of ‘working from home’," he told ET Panache.

Reading raga
Being from the world of technology, Kelkar also tends to read a lot about IT companies to keep updated on the latest trends.


"I also have the habit of reading annual reports of leading companies. I always take away valuable learnings from these reports about how some of these companies and leaders are shaping the future of work. It’s also a great source to learn about customers and market verticals," he said.

The best practices followed by other leaders and companies can serve as a good inspiration and bring in a fresh perspective.

Learning lauds
"The key is not only to read but internalise those learnings as your own. Someone else’s point of view or trait always remains theirs, till one puts those ideas into practise. For example, as I now practise learnings on inner engineering, I think a little differently on problem situations like self-focus to solve issues rather than blaming the external world, prioritising interpersonal relationships and the power of being happy, as we are blessed to be living a life that is full of access to phenomenal opportunities," he said.

When Kelkar reads autobiographies of successful leaders, he is inspired to live every moment in his life like well-crafted chapters in the book.

"Our personal and professional lives are like painting a beautiful picture and the learnings from these books can help add a lot of colour to it. A good read can make you feel like you’ve earned your day," he said.

Kelkar does not slot time during the working day except when he needs to change or refresh his thoughts.

Quick skim
"Typically, it’s a quick 20 minute read on weekdays, before going to bed. Otherwise, most of my reading happens over the weekends and especially when on travel – or better: when I used to travel. I have found that reading on an aircraft is often the best time, as it helps me feel disconnected from the world and I am already looking forward again to this reading time," he said.

Kelkar thinks that reading something interesting online or physical books always helps – it just makes him think of something else for some time and after getting away mentally while reading – even if it’s just half an hour – sometimes the world already looks different afterwards. Books are best friends, as they say.

Physical books and audiobooks are both his favourites. "With so many hours being spent in front of a laptop screen – these two options of ‘reading’ are the best for me! Back in the days, when I was commuting in crowded cities like Mumbai, audiobooks also made for good use of my time," he ended.