The Art of Decision-Making Without Stress | Kannan Gopinathan | TEDxIIFTDelhi

Summary

The speaker, a former IAS officer and a 'resignation aspirant,' shares his journey of self-discovery and service. He emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with one's thoughts to avoid hypocrisy and discusses his experiences teaching underprivileged children, which led to a realization about the need for systemic change. He recounts his time in Mizoram, dealing with the aftermath of insurgency and the importance of institutional checks on government power. The speaker also reflects on his role in the bureaucracy, his work during the Kerala floods, and the significance of patience and preparation in achieving one's goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses gratitude for the invitation and acknowledges the novelty of a one-sided talk format, contrasting it with his usual interactive engagements.
• 🎓 He prefers to identify as a 'resignation aspirant' rather than a former IAS officer, highlighting his ongoing struggle to leave the service after 4 and a half years.
• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes the importance of authenticity, suggesting that aligning one's actions with personal thoughts is crucial to avoid hypocrisy.
• 👴 Reflecting on aging, he humorously notes the physical changes like graying hair, symbolizing the passage of time and life decisions without fearing consequences.
• 🏆 He underscores the significance of courage and the belief in one's country and institutions, viewing it as a privilege to be guarded for future generations.
• 🏫 The narrative includes a personal journey from studying engineering to realizing a deeper calling, leading to community engagement and teaching underprivileged children.
• 💑 His wife's influence and their shared experiences in social work played a pivotal role in his decision to join the civil service to effect systemic change.
• 🏛️ The speaker's tenure in the civil service was marked by a commitment to empower citizens, learning from his interactions, especially in Mizoram, and dealing with the aftermath of insurgency.
• 🌊 He shares his experiences during the Kerala floods, highlighting the importance of individual contributions and the challenges of bureaucratic processes.
• ⚖️ The speaker discusses the implications of the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, expressing concern over the government's actions and the erosion of citizens' rights.
• 🔄 He concludes with a story about patience, emphasizing the importance of persistent preparation without being preoccupied with immediate results.

Q & A

Why did the speaker feel the need to transition from the private sector to the public sector?

The speaker felt the need to transition because they realized that they could not effectively bring about change and address the needs they saw in society from outside the system. They believed that to truly make a difference, one must be part of the system.

What was the turning point for the speaker that led to their decision to join the civil service?

The turning point was when the speaker and their wife started teaching underprivileged children and realized the limitations of their impact outside the system. This, coupled with their wife's decision to join the civil service, motivated the speaker to join a coaching institute, which eventually led to their entry into the IAS.

How did the speaker's experience with teaching children in the NOA sector influence their perspective on education?

The experience highlighted the challenges of providing consistent education to children in underprivileged areas and the need for systemic change. It also underscored the importance of daily engagement in education and the limitations of sporadic teaching efforts.

What was the speaker's reaction to the children's质疑 of their integrity during their teaching initiative?

The speaker felt hurt and questioned their self-worth and the value of their efforts. This led to a deeper introspection about the balance between personal ego and public service, ultimately reinforcing their commitment to serving others over personal pride.

How did the speaker's experience in Mizoram shape their understanding of bureaucracy and governance?

The speaker's experience in Mizoram, particularly dealing with the aftermath of insurgency and the process of compensating affected citizens, reinforced their belief in the importance of upholding citizens' rights and the role of bureaucracy in empowering people.

What was the speaker's stance on the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir?

The speaker was critical of the way Article 370 was abrogated and the subsequent restrictions imposed on the people of Kashmir, viewing it as an infringement on the rights of citizens without proper legal or constitutional backing.

Why did the speaker choose to participate in flood relief efforts in Kerala?

The speaker felt a personal need to contribute as an individual, beyond their official duties as a civil servant. They wanted to make a direct impact and help those affected by the floods, which led them to take part in relief operations.

What was the speaker's approach to handling the criticism and challenges they faced in their career?

The speaker chose to prioritize the good of others over their personal ego and self-respect. They believed in maintaining a balance between learning, doing, and sharing, and used introspection to guide their actions and decisions.

What is the significance of the story about boiling water shared by the speaker?

The story emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance. It suggests that one should focus on the preparatory work and not be overly concerned with immediate results, as long as they are committed to the process.

How does the speaker define success and fulfillment in their life?

The speaker defines success and fulfillment as being in a constant state of learning, doing, or sharing. They believe that as long as they are engaged in one of these phases, they feel a sense of purpose and satisfaction.