ES Chakravarthy

1. From Challenges to Triumphs: ES Chakravarthy’s Motivational Journey for Engineers Motivation is perhaps one of the aspects which is most difficult when it involves the world of engineering which is so fast changing. Engineers are confronted with complex problems, often they work with time limits and in stressful situations. Nevertheless, few leaders have infused the kind of passion and motivation in the hearts of engineers as ES Chakravarthy has done. His

2. story which is filled with challenges and victories is a treasure trove of teachings for the upcoming and current engineers. Embracing Challenges as Opportunities The driving motivation for ES Chakravarthy, too, comes from the conviction that difficulties are not deterrents but rather catalysts of development. His life history, rather typical of the engineering discipline, was not void of challenges. However, he did not back down in the face of these challenges but rather attacked them, utilizing such experiences for better achievements than before. He offers very valuable advice that, failure is not only common, but it is also an integral part of development. Most of the engineers have a challenge with the fear of failing, especially when the stakes are very high. He insists on the need to look at failure as a major aspect of Learning, rather than an obstacle. For him, how can one not come to every failure with such awful optimism. Every failure only takes one closer to finding the right answer. His message is concise: Whenever you don’t find yourself failing, it means you have not strained yourself sufficiently. The Power of Persistence Persistence is at the heart of his journey. For engineers, persistence means not only working through the long-standing and cumbersome problems but also staying upbeat over long working hours, monotone activities, and difficult designs. His example of perseverance where the end results were far from being realized acts as a beacon for engineers around the globe. In his talks, he often mentions the significance of having a growth mindset- the kind where one practices perseverance on a motivational ubiquitous daily basis. There is no engineer, however junior or senior, that will not face challenges, but the thrust is on remaining focused on the solutions the problem offers. Ewan's own problems with his projects have been a contributing factor to his desire to create and find solutions and most importantly to encourage other people to do so. A Vision Beyond the Technical Though engineering knowledge is indispensable to the career of an engineer as is the case of ES Chakravarthy, he has always maintained that it is the ability to marry that technical knowledge with a bigger picture that differentiates the successful from the ordinary. He further encourages such engineers to appreciate the effects and implications of their actions two steps away from the mechanical aspect of their profession; that is, the social, environmental, and future aspects of it all. He encourages engineers to ask the question: “How does this concern address the project in a broader sense?” Linking the technical aspects to a broader purpose not only helps engineers to

3. remain focused but also to make a genuine difference in the world. Such an attitude helps engineers think of the bigger picture and appreciate their contribution towards making the world a better place. Motivation Through Innovation From the very beginning, he has been in favour of innovation in every way possible. Engineering in his view is not only about tackling the existing issues but about finding new ones that can be addressed. He urges every engineer to find the limits of his or her imagination and knowledge and go beyond them. One of his important messages is that engineering is a fluid field of study and practice. In the practice of engineering, one must remain interested, committed to the basics and, actively look for the latest tools and methodologies so as not to be left behind. His belief in a multidisciplinary approach and his passion for creating have taken him to different sectors and he has been through to show that, with determination, strategic thinking and adaptability such obstacles can be turned around into positive results. Conclusion The life story of ES Chakravarthy teaches every engineer that one should not only exist under stress but should also be able to excel and use stress as a driving force. It is through the acceptance of challenges, enduring difficult situations, keeping your perspective wide and encouraging creativity that any engineer will be able to survive and even enjoy the roller-coaster of engineering. His thoughts are uplifting even today, as they serve as a reminder to all that achievements do not come easy, they come from smart, tenacious and audacious effort against all challenges.