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Hello, it's Baskar Sundaram here, inviting you to join me in a truly intriguing episode. Today, I'm going to share the incredible journey I embarked on to Luxembourg, a captivating land rich in history, adorned with picturesque villages, majestic cathedrals, and enchanting castles.

Come, let me take you through my adventures of hiking the magical Mullerthal Trail, fondly known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland. It was a trek that stirred up echoes of my earlier expeditions in the majestic Himalayas.

During this journey, I had the fortune to spend time with a dear friend of mine, an NLP trained primary school teacher. She ushered me onto a path of self-discovery, nudging me to confront challenges and open myself up to life-altering perspectives.

Together, we dived into "The Big Five For Life" by John Strelecky, a profound exploration of the question: What are the five things you most want to do, see, or experience while you're on this wonderful planet? This exploration led me to a profound contemplation about my life and desires.

In this episode, I grapple with the sobering reality of our finite time on Earth and share how this revelation imbued me with a newfound urgency - an urgency to live each day to its fullest. Together, we'll delve into the world of self-discovery, personal change, and growth.

This episode is all about shifting our perspective, focusing on the myriad opportunities that encircle us, and leveraging them to unleash our full potential. It's about cherishing and measuring our days not merely by their count but by the rich experiences, personal growth, and fulfillment they bestow upon us.

So tune in, embark on this exciting journey with me, and perhaps, you too will find the inspiration to uncover and pursue your own "Big Five." Let's start making each day count, together.

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Hello again, dear friends. It's Baskar Sundaram here, but this time, we're not going to delve into our usual business growth strategies. Instead, I want to invite you into a more personal space, a cherished slice of my life.

I'm sure many of you can relate to the whirlwind of emotions that come with parenthood. It's a rollercoaster ride, isn't it? The pride, the concern, the hopes, the fears. And every now and then, there comes a moment that just, well, it takes your breath away.

For me, one such moment happened recently when my 11-year-old son, Kai, lifted the U13 2023 Surrey Cedar Cup for his rugby team. Rugby, for those unfamiliar, it's not a sport that pulls any punches, literally and metaphorically. It's a game of physical strength, resilience, and a fighting spirit. And my Kai, he has that in spades.

You see, despite his smaller stature, Kai has a heart that's larger than life. Over the past four years, I've watched him take hit after hit, each time bouncing back stronger, that infectious smile never leaving his face.

And it's not just about the sport. I've seen a leader being forged in him. The kind of character, determination and team spirit he's been showing - it's truly heartwarming.

This whole journey got me thinking about my own childhood. You know, my father left us when I was seven to work in the Middle East. He was away for most of my formative years, sacrificing his time with us to provide for our family. It was hard, I won't lie. But I understood why he did what he did.

Now, as a father myself, I have the privilege to be a part of my son's journey. To cheer him on, to support him, to witness his growth first hand. And believe me when I say, it's an absolute honor.

So, this is not just a father boasting about his son. No, this is a tribute. A tribute to every parent out there making sacrifices, fighting their own battles to pave a better future for their children. I see you, I salute you.

In the end, it's about creating a legacy, isn't it? To pass on the love, dedication, and opportunities for our children. It's a journey, a beautiful, often challenging journey. But together, let's make it count. After all, our children are the future. Their dreams, their successes are the testament of our love.

Let's create a future filled with love, sacrifice, and boundless possibilities for generations to come.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing this moment with me. Until next time, dear friends, take care."

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Join Baskar Sundaram on a deeply personal journey, as he unfolds his wife's ongoing battle with Adenomyosis - a relatively unknown, yet prevalent condition that touches millions of women globally. In this five-part series, Baskar lends his voice to shed light on the silent struggles, exploring various aspects of living with Adenomyosis, and sharing valuable insights into potential treatments, coping strategies, and the power of empathy. His personal story and the lessons learnt aim to start essential conversations and bring this overshadowed condition into the forefront.

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Today I have the   honor of hosting an exceptional guest, Dr. Terrell Lamont Strayhorn. Known as a monumental figure in the realm of education and psychology, Dr. Strayhorn has dedicated his life to deepening our understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, or as we know it, DEIB. His insights have earned him a spot among the country's 'Top Diversity Scholars' by Diverse Issues in Higher Education, and he's widely recognized as a 'Bridge-Builder' between academic and student affairs.

 Dr. Strayhorn's contributions to the field are both extensive and profound. He has authored 12 books, including the award-winning 'College Students' Sense of Belonging', and over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and academic publications. His ground-breaking research has not only garnered over $10 million in support from premiere agencies like the Lumina Foundation and National Science Foundation but has also found its way into numerous respected publications such as The Washington Post and The Chronicle of Higher Education.

 In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Strayhorn wears multiple hats. He's the President and CEO of Do Good Work Consulting Group, where he partners with a multitude of institutions to bolster their culture and inclusivity. He's also a professor of Education and Psychology and the Director of the Center for the Study of HBCUs at Virginia Union University, leading their 'Belonging Lab'.

 His influence extends to being a Diversity Scholar-in-Residence at Harrisburg Area Community College, a Fellow of AGB's Institute for Leadership & Governance, and an active member of several non-profit boards. Notably, he's a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

 Dr. Strayhorn, we're truly thrilled to have you with us today."

 One of his core passions is translating research-to-practice in ways that improve the material conditions and lived experiences of our most vulnerable populations.

Tune in to the episode and get deep dive insights on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and be inspired by Dr. Terrell Strayhorn's personal experiences

 Connect with Terrell 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrell_Lamont_Strayhorn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrell-strayhorn-phd/
https://terrellstrayhorn.com/

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In this heartfelt episode, join me, Baskar Sundaram, as we pay tribute to the unyielding love and strength of mothers. I delve into my personal journey, reflecting on the steadfast support my own mother offered while single-handedly raising my sister and me. 

In the spirit of Mother's Day, we honor all mothers - birth mothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, guardians, spiritual mothers, single mothers, co-parents, and anyone who's stepped into the role of a mother figure. We acknowledge the resilience they embody, the burdens they carry, and the immeasurable impact they have on us and the world.

This episode is a celebration of the power of motherhood and the profound influence of a mother's love. We'll discuss how to honor the mothers and mother figures in our lives, ensuring their sacrifices and love shape our lives meaningfully.

So tune in, as we take a moment to appreciate the extraordinary mothers across the globe. Their boundless love continues to light our paths and inspire us. Let's make this Mother's Day special by recognizing and cherishing the crucial role they play in our lives.

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In this inspiring episode, Baskar Sundaram commemorates the birth anniversary of the extraordinary Mahatma Gandhi, a man who left a profound impact on the world with his principles of peace, truth, and non-violence. Dive into the journey of this ordinary man who, with unyielding self-belief, became the "Father of the Nation". Hear some of Baskar's favourite Gandhi quotes that deeply resonate with him and embody timeless wisdom. Let's remember and celebrate this man who shook the world in a gentle way.

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Embark on an emotional journey with Baskar Sundaram in this reflective episode of Baachu's Story. As he prepares to celebrate Diwali with his mother after years of separation, Baskar invites us to reflect on the profound influence our parents have on our lives. Stirred by the profound words of Abraham Lincoln - "All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother" - Baskar contemplates his own path from India to the UK, acknowledging the strong, guiding force of his mother's unwavering faith and support.

In this special episode, Baskar proposes a heartwarming request to listeners who've been part of his journey - a story, a moment, or a memory that they've shared. These narratives will form an invaluable gift for his mother, a testament to her son's influence and achievements inspired by her love and sacrifices.

Join Baskar in this personal episode, as he pays homage to the unwavering spirit of motherhood and the priceless impact it has had on his life. Don't miss this celebration of familial love, personal growth, and the bonds that truly make life worth living.

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Come along with me, Baskar Sundaram, as I journey back in time to the place where it all started for me - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. I invite you to walk with me through the familiar campus of my undergraduate years, now globally renowned as one of the top 50 engineering institutions. As I meet my esteemed professors and peers from the past, now distinguished professionals, I am flooded with memories of the formative years I spent studying Electronics and Communications Engineering here.

In this episode, I reflect on the timeless wisdom I gleaned from my experiences, the essential lessons about personal happiness, making the most of our time, and the importance of continuous learning. I found myself chuckling when some of today's students mistook me for a lecturer, and it reminded me of the truth we often forget: we should always be students in life, constantly learning and growing.

Join me for this heartening, nostalgia-filled episode, where I share the insights that have shaped me and the lessons that continue to guide me. So, let's embark on this journey together and perhaps, you too may stumble upon your own passport to happiness!"

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Welcome back everyone, Baskar Sundaram here. Today is a special day. Today, we celebrate the birthday of my late father, Mr. Sundaram.

Every morning, I light a candle in front of his photo and for one minute, I recite a pair of phrases in Tamil.

எல்லாரும் நல்லா இருக்கணும்
எல்லாருக்கும் எல்லாம் கிடைக்கணும்

This translates to "Everyone should be well. Everyone should get everything."

These are the very words that my father would utter each morning when he woke up, and each night before he went to bed.

When I asked him about it, he told me, "If you develop a habit of praying for others, you will never need to pray for yourself." His wisdom echoed his selflessness.

As for the second line, he explained, "The universe is not fair and it is never going to be fair. Fools, cowards, liars, and the selfish often hide in high places. You have to remind yourself every day to stand up for some things in this world to ensure everyone gets everything."

Yesterday, during my son Kai's parent-teacher meeting, his teacher, Mr. Davies, mentioned something that filled me with immense pride. He said, "Kai is always kind and very curious. He likes questioning maths, science, religious studies - why is it done or said this way?"

Mr. Davies also told me about a school rugby final earlier this week. When high tackles injured Kai's team, he, as the captain, pointed out the unfairness to the referee. Kai received the fair play award, and his team won the finals.

As I stepped out of the school, looking up at the sky, I knew my father was smiling too.

Remember, one of the kindest things you can do for anyone is pray for them. And sometimes, you have to stand up and be counted. If you stand for nothing, you will find nobody against you and nobody for you.

The world changes with each generation, usually because of a few brave and kind individuals who dare to make a difference. So, I encourage you: stay kind, do not fear unpopularity, and dare to make that difference.

#HappyBirthday Appa. Your teachings have kept me standing even when people tried to push me down. You did not drag me up; you brought me up. #ThankYou Appa!

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Three years ago, we lost a great mentor and friend, Howard Nutt. Howard was a true inspiration to many in the business development community including myself. He was a Fellow of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and Executive Director of the Business Development Institute International.

Today, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact one person has had on my life, and so, this episode is devoted entirely to him. It's a tribute to a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering beacon of strength and wisdom - Howard Nutt.

When we speak of individuals who've made a significant impact on our lives, Howard's name comes to mind immediately. His unexpected departure has left a void that's hard to fill. But instead of dwelling on the loss, I want to use this time to celebrate Howard's life, the wisdom he imparted, and the incredible legacy he left behind.

Howard taught me many invaluable lessons, but three key values he embodied have continued to guide my life and career: Resilience, Generosity, and Joy.

Resilience: Howard had an innate ability to face any challenge with unyielding strength. He instilled in me the belief that setbacks are not failures, but learning experiences that help us grow and become resilient leaders.

Generosity: Howard's generosity was boundless. It was not about giving material things, but about sharing wisdom, time, and experiences. He believed that by imparting knowledge, we enrich not only others' lives but also our own understanding and perspective.

Joy: Above all, Howard was a beacon of joy. Despite any challenges he faced, his infectious smile never faded. He reminded us that life isn't solely about achieving success, but about relishing the journey and finding joy in every moment.

Howard's passing has left a void, but instead of perceiving this void as a pit of loss, I see it as a space filled with potential - potential for each one of us to continue his legacy. Today's episode will take a deeper dive into how we can ensure that Howard's legacy lives on.

If there's one thing Howard always emphasized, it was the importance of education. He was not just a teacher but a lifelong learner, continuously striving to acquire knowledge and, more importantly, share it with those around him.

In honoring Howard today, I want to assure that his guiding light is not extinguished. His wisdom, love, and the values he cherished will continue to guide our path. As we remember Howard, we commit to continuing the journey he inspired us to embark upon, embodying the same resilience, generosity, and joy he demonstrated throughout his life.

Howard Nutt's legacy is not just in the past, it's a living, evolving entity that exists in our actions, our values, and the journey we continue to navigate. It's in the resilience we demonstrate, the wisdom we share, and the joy we cultivate.

In today's fast-paced world, where success is often measured by material wealth, Howard's joyful spirit was a breath of fresh air. He demonstrated that finding joy in the journey, not just the destination, is what truly enriches our lives. 

As we journey forward, it's my personal commitment to continue Howard's path. To educate, to learn, to share, and to live the values he embodied. It's not a task that can be accomplished alone, but a collective effort. We all have a role in ensuring that Howard's legacy lives on.

We'll continue to honor Howard's legacy in our future episodes, exploring his teachings, learning from his experiences, and celebrating his unwavering spirit. Remember, Howard's life may have ended, but his legacy lives on in each one of us. Let us honor him by nurturing this legacy, by keeping his flame of passion, resilience, and joy burning bright.

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