Startup Ecosystem in Kolkata: Excess is NOT a Requirement for Success

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Let me finish this series with a bit of personal philosophy.

Excess doesn’t always breed happiness.

It often generates arrogance, hubris, jealousy, and a host of unappetizing side effects.

Keeping your feet on the ground, preserving social awareness, a sense of responsibility towards a set of goals bigger than yourself, nurturing healthy, warm relationships – these are the true drivers of happiness.

Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

The Media glorifies excess.

Young people get misled in a direction that doesn’t necessarily lead to fulfillment.

Build a business.

Be successful.

Make money.

Contribute to society.

Preserve your own authenticity.

For me, being my own authentic self includes painting, literature, dance, poetry, cooking, entertaining, travel, family, friends. If you follow me on Facebook, I share a lot of these personal elements with my community. 

In 2009, I was diagnosed by fluke with a pre-cancerous cyst on my pancreas. Half of my pancreas was removed surgically in November 2009. Throughout this process, I kept asking myself what I would like to leave behind if I had to die. My January 2010 New Year’s Resolution was the announcement of my intention to build 1Mby1M.

In 2022, I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. In January 2023, I had another surgery. I have recovered well. 

My commitment to 1Mby1M remains steady and complete.

I will try to finish this work before my time is up.

Photo Credit: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

This segment is a part in the series : Startup Ecosystem in Kolkata