Drumbeats Of Destiny

An event, a tragedy, failure or deprivation... anything can shape or alter the course of our lives. On the occasion of our 45th anniversary, we approach 45 achievers to find out what set them on their particular life journey and how they used it to achieve success in their chosen path

- Raj Chengappa

It is strange, but true, that the most important turning points in life often come at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected ways—so observed Napoleon Hill, author of several bestselling self-help books. The thing about such events is that howsoever many years may go by, you recall them as vividly as the day they happened, as though your mind had recorded the event in slow motion for you to relive the experience whenever you wanted.

My life-changing moment occurred when I was looking for a post-graduate course to study after completing my graduation in the arts from Bangalore University. Decades later, I can still conjure up the grilled counter behind the stone walls of the Central College from where I had purchased the admission forms for the courses. I was keen on doing a master’s in political science but, as a back-up, I decided to apply for the history, economics and English courses as well. For some inexplicable reason, I had bought an additional form. As I walked down the corridor, I happened to glance at the board where a notice inviting applications for admission to a post-graduate degree course in mass communication had been put up. I had never aspired to be a journalist though I do recall sending some of my poetry and fiction pieces to established magazines like the Illustrated Weekly of India only to receive disappointing rejection letters expressing the editors’ regrets. But rather than waste a form, I went ahead and applied for the course.