As we go through the challenges of life, we realise that it is always a struggle to balance different stresses at different points. It is there that having some practical solutions or guidance to coping with stress, can prove invaluable. At Hamlet, we are lucky to have amongst us, the author of the global bestseller, Buddha at Work, Geetanjali Pandit (12GF2).
In her book that imbibes the philosophy of Buddha while sharing personal anecdotes that become life lessons, one feels a sense of relatability with the challenges that the author seemingly has experienced.
Perhaps this personalisation that one connects with has contributed to Geetanjali’s success. She has authored 2 other books before, at the age of 24, a learning experience of getting into law school at DU, and later, as a management student in XLRI.
The latter was to be a distraction while coping with the challenges of finishing her MBA while being there for her mother, who was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer. It was after her mother’s passing when Geetanjali went into a personal abyss, that one of her friends introduced her to the principles of Buddhism, which eventually gave her a sense of grounding and purpose, to rebuild her life and grow.
From Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Geetanjali went on to head the HR function for many organisations, including India Today, and Zee Media group. It was in 2011 that she created the first draft of Buddha at Work, but felt like something was missing, and so put it on hold.
In December 2014, Geetanjali was abruptly asked to leave. Suddenly things changed professionally and personally. She then spent more time researching the teachings of Buddha. One day, an epiphany struck, making her revisit the draft that she had stowed away.
Geetanjali realised she had to sound like a learner. The book, published by Hachette, became a bestseller globally, translating into many languages. She went on to host a celebrity chat show based on the book, where she discussed stress management and well-being with the likes of Dr Bibek Debroy & Lucky Ali.
Geetanjali continues to conduct workshops and sessions and has plans to relaunch her bestseller in October 2023, with at least 2 other books in the series soon to follow!
by Sunaina Chaturvedi (HNo 11121) 98119 26287
