CONVERT THE SPARKS OF POSSIBILITIES INTO FLAMES OF ACHIEVEMENT

The corporate Warrior Turned passionate storyteller

Dr. R Durgadoss has a deep-rooted passion for Indian mythology, history and philosophy. Since childhood he could attract a number of followers with his mesmerising storytelling capabilities. Having held his audience spellbound with powerful story telling abilities during lectures in various international forums, he thought it is time now that he focuses on a series of fiction in the historical/mythological genre. The Indus

Challenge is the second release from his contemplated series.

Durgadoss told Khaleej Times that he has styled himself as a stress buster and hope-builder for the next generation.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

We heard that you are a corporate storyteller, tell us more

In corporate offices, if we present the slide without a storytelling effect, it is a guarantee that the audience will go to sleep on the third slide. The serious subjects have to be presented in story format. In a team-building exercise, we tweak the hare and tortoise story. We talk about the conventional story first — which is the hare loses after it sleeps. We conclude complacence leads to catastrophe. Then we tweak the story a little; we say there was a second race called by the hare. It realised its mistake and focused on the race and won. We conclude by saying, “Your concentrating attitude alone can lift your altitude”. Tweaking it further, this time the tortoise took the hare in front of a river and challenged for a race to cross the river. The hare could not swim but the tortoise crossed the river. The message driven was — focus on your core competence to win the game. Further tweaking the story was the masterstroke. Both hare and tortoise realised as to why they compete and waste their energies. Instead, they enter a pact by which the tortoise would climb on the hare and cross the land faster and on the water the hare will climb on tortoise and cross the water. The message: synergy of five fingers combined together will provide more energy than a single finger. This story leads to an everlasting image in the minds of executives. This is the power of stories.

Is this a series? What motivated you to embark on writing series of books?

Yes, it is a series of 10 books. The first trigger for me to do the series was — millions of aspiring youths get upset the moment the results do not align to their expectations. You can design the strategy or process, but not the result. This tale does not answer, but attempts to awaken you. I want to awaken these youngsters. There is also a second trigger; Bharath is the longest unceasing/unbroken civilisation from many years ago. Bharath synthesised the contradictions and learnt to live with diversity since ages.

Writing a series required vision and persistence. What is your mission with regards to the series?

My mission is to take the rich ancient cultural roots to the young generation, as many feel the subject of history is boring. Youngsters today get disheartened at the slightest failures. Failure is taboo in many societies. However, failure is an option, fear is not, and navigating on safe shallow waters will not lead to new discoveries. Taking risk is a key foundation for new expeditions. Fearing failures, youngsters that stay away from risk get set back when the result is not forthcoming. We can design a strategy or process, but not the outcome. Focus on the roots, not on fruits.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

They should read books from diversified segments so that they will be able to enjoy a varied genre. Sticking to one genre will exhaust them quickly and it is difficult to retain the interest of the readers in the long run.

If any aspiring author wants to publish, they have to go from pillar to post and it is very difficult. I am ready to voluntarily guide them for self-publication, if they approach me. The budding authors need encouragement. They can reach me www.drdd.co.in and my Facebook page Dr. Durgadoss.

What is your inspiration? How do you get your creative juices flowing?

Passion is a trigger. If your passion drives you then your dreams will come true. These dreams will not be the ones you get in your sleep. These dreams will keep you awake.

What book are you reading right now?

This was a Man by Jeffrey Archer is the captivating final instalment of the Clifton chronicles a series of seven novels that has topped the bestseller lists around the world.

Which is that one book that has shaped your outlook?

The Wings of Fire by Dr. AP J Abdulkalam. The story of Abdulkalam’s own rise from obscurity and his personal and professional struggles as well as the story of AGNI, TRISHUL and NAG Missiles that have become household names in India.

Have you started working on your next book?

Yes, I am working on my next book. It’s called The Conquest of the East, which will hit the stands in the next six months.