The Kaleidoscope Within | Trigunesh Mukherjee | TEDxIITGuwahati

The speaker introduces the concept of the "identity kaleidoscope," emphasizing that while a core identity remains, individuals are perpetually evolving. He shares his experiences at the National Defense Academy (NDA), India's unique institution that trains all three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force – at the cadet level. Contrary to his initial misconception, he found NDA to be academically rigorous, requiring study in various subjects and practical skills like engineering drawing, carpentry, tinsmithy, forging, welding, and machine work. The goal, he explains, is to mold cadets into well-rounded officers, gentlemen, and leaders, capable of understanding and supervising diverse tasks, even if they don't perform them directly. This continuous training extends throughout an officer's career, with even high-ranking officers attending courses and workshops. The speaker elaborates on the importance of battle drills and procedures in the military, highlighting the need for instant and simultaneous actions, especially during mobilization. He gives an example of an infantry battalion mobilizing for war in just six hours, a feat only possible through rigorous and ingrained training from the NDA days, which fosters awareness, curiosity, and the ability to enact procedures quickly. The NDA's routine is described as consistent and demanding, with quick reward and punishment systems reinforcing discipline and efficiency. Drawing a parallel to the great Indian banyan tree, which thrives through continuous growth and adaptation without its original parts, the speaker illustrates how identity evolves. He shares an anecdote from his time as a faculty member at the College of Defense Management, visiting Tata Steel. He recounts a profound interaction with Russi Mody, the then chairman, who posed a challenge to the officers: how do they motivate their troops to face high risks when the company can provide material incentives but not the same level of commitment? The speaker's answer, based on the personal relationships he built as a battalion commander, resonated with Mody, illustrating the deep bond and trust fostered in the armed forces. The NDA's fundamental aim is to transform cadets into officers, gentlemen, and leaders, leveling individuals from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive, above-average group. This is achieved through progressive tests and demanding physical training, where the last person's performance matters, emphasizing team spirit over individual brilliance. Comradeship is crucial, with cadets expected to support each other, even carrying a fellow cadet's burden. The speaker also stresses the importance of the capacity to be led as a prerequisite for effective leadership. He recalls his experience during a war, where the rigorous training ensured preparedness. As a staff officer, he developed an almost instinctive alertness to calls, a skill honed through constant training. He shares a story about a friend who observed a dramatic transformation in a villager after he joined the army, highlighting how military training fosters methodical work, timely execution, and intellectual curiosity – the hallmarks of an evolving identity. Transitioning to his post-army life, the speaker discusses his commitment to not taking up a conventional job but engaging in meaningful work. He shares his experiences teaching at various institutions, including the Times School of Journalism and Jamia Millia's Mass Communication Research Center, where he taught photography and aesthetics. He also highlights his impactful interview with Melville De Mello, a renowned commentator, from whom he learned a great deal. He then describes his involvement with a team that used activities for learning, emphasizing self-reflection and discussion. This led to the formation of "expert executive education," focusing on outbound programs for adults. Despite an initial decision to avoid children's programs due to the responsibility, overwhelming demand led them to establish "inme learning," a highly-rated outdoor learning program that offers activities like scuba diving, skiing, and rock climbing, all designed for learning. One innovative program, "classroom outdoors," involved bringing school classes to their campus to integrate academic curriculum with outdoor activities, with a strict rule against traditional teaching tools like whiteboards or laptops, encouraging teaching in nature. Ultimately, the speaker concludes that identity evolution is driven by the individual, who continuously improves, embracing both failure and success as inevitable parts of the journey, and encourages never giving in or giving up.