My selection for a Masters in Technology degree at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, was a turning point professionally. I was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card in recognition of my efforts in formulating an Information Technology Roadmap for the Indian Army. Training in the Army is very systematic and gears you to face challenges. I learnt Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on my own accord and developed software applications around it to solve complex military challenges faced in the field. This helped me carve a niche in the Army that I leveraged later in corporate life.

My parents supported my decision to join the military even though they were not fully convinced. My wife, Mary, was a pillar of strength all through. In the Army, the families of men we command are also an officer’s responsibility since jawans can deliver their best only when their families are looked after. My wife, Mary, supported me in every possible way during tough times in the office and even during the Kargil operations. She looked after all the families of jawans when I was out in the field. My success would not have been possible without her.