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Akshata went away with anger and sadness in her eyes. I too left for college in a confused
state of mind.

When I reached, I saw that as usual the meeting was delayed. Now I was all alone. I settled
down in my chair in one of the lofty rooms of the college. There is a difference between
loneliness and solitude. Loneliness is boring, whereas in solitude you can inspect and

examine your deeds and your thoughts.

I sat and recollected what had happened that afternoon. Akshata’s words were still ringing
in my mind.

I was forty-five years old. What was my duty at this age? What was I looking for in life?

I did not start out in life with a lot of money. A great deal of hard work had been put in to
get where we were today. What had I learnt from the hard journey that was my life? Did I
work for money, fame or glamour? No, I did not work for those; they came accidentally to

me. Initially, I worked for myself, excelling in studies. After that, I was devoted to Infosys
and my family. Should not the remaining part of my
life be used to help those people who were suffering
for no fault of theirs? Was that not my duty?
Suddenly I remembered JRD ’s parting advice to me:
‘Give back to society.’

I decided that was what I was going to do for the rest

of my life. I felt relieved and years younger.

I firmly believe no decision should be taken
emotionally. It should be taken with a cool mind
and when you are aware of the consequences. After
a week I wrote my resignation letter as head of the
department and opted only for a teacher’s post.

I am ever grateful to Akshata for helping bring this

happiness and satisfaction in my work and life. It
means more to me than the good ranks I got in
school and my wealth.

When I see hope in the eyes of a destitute, see the
warm smile on the faces of once helpless people, I feel so solitude: the situation of being
satisfied. They tell me that I am making a difference. alone without other people
parting advice: a piece of advice
I joined Infosys Foundation as a Founder Trustee. The given while leaving another
Foundation took up a number of philanthropic projects for destitute: a person without
money, food, a home, or
the benefit of the poor in different states of India. possessions
philanthropic projects: projects
helping poor in need

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