Anand Bajaj

Despite a busy schedule, I set aside some time to read books of different genres to gather multiple perspectives and broaden my knowledge. Execution by Lawrence Bossidy and Ram Charan and Blue Ocean Strategy by Renee Mauborgne and W Chan Kim are some of my favourites.

I am very selective when it comes to watching movies, but I especially liked Anna and the King. Watching the leader maintain composure while handling adversities is definitely worth watching. When I want to relax, I enjoy laughing away to movies such as Fukrey and Mumbai Express.

Since I travel a lot, it has exposed me to several cuisines, but Indian food will always be a comfort. Yellow dal paired with pure ghee phulka is nourishing and delicious. The occasional daal baati also keeps me connected to my roots. Indulging in rossogulla and mishti doi puts me on the seventh cloud and puchka at Russel Street, Kolkata takes me to cloud nine. 

Hot tea helps break the ice and connect with people, and I get a feeling of togetherness when I pass cups to others at the meeting table. I feel a sense of responsibility when pouring or customising the beverage for someone close and make it a point to remember how they like it — kum chini or kum doodh.

Kolkata is very close to my heart as it brings back fond memories of my childhood. Coimbatore’s Isha Ashram radiates composure, spirituality and invokes soul searching in me. It is a serene environment against the backdrop of a huge intimidating mountain. Being amidst such picturesque beauty destresses me completely. It brings peace to my mind and teaches me resilience.