Narayana – A Personification of Love & Light

(Adapted from Gurubodh Volume 3: Fragrance of Love and Light, Page 579, Published December 2014)

G. Narayana: Chairman of Companies, Company Director, Corporate and Business Contributor, a path making Author, Trainer and Spiritual Teacher, effective Counsellor and committed Peace Contributor, inspiring leader, loving mentor and insightful exponent of Gita Yoga and other spiritual paths of world has an experience of more than 45 years in the Engineering, Operations, General Management, Corporate Management and Management of synergy of Group Companies and in teaching, human relations and developing leaders.

At present, he is the Chairman Emeritus of Excel Industries Limited, Chairman of Yash Papers Ltd., and Punjab Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited, Director of Aryan Paper Mills Pvt. Ltd., and a mentor to Mahavir Group of Enterprises. He has been Chairman and has been on the Board of several other Companies. He is also an honorary guide to several Medium and small-scale industries and voluntary organizations.

He is the founder of the Indian Institution of Plant Engineers (Maharashtra Chapter) and Sri Seetha Rama Sevasadan, a voluntary organisation, Mantrapuri Veda Vikasa Mandali, Hari Seva Sadan, a social voluntary organisation, and Samarth Vikas Trust in Konkan engaged in community development. He is a Graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Post Graduate in Management Studies. His learning includes a deep study of the Vedas, the Gita, the Upanishads, and the Dhammapada
and Indian Philosophy, Indian Ethos, Meditation, Tao, and Zen.

He has made visionary and creative contributions in blending the modern scientific approach of management with the holistic Indian philosophy and culture, and contributed for Progress, Development, Growth, and Enrichment of several outstanding Gurus, Leaders, Teachers, and Organisations.

His field of work contribution includes facilitating inter-company stakeholder transactions, conflict resolution, financial restructuring, generation-transition, re-arrangement of shareholding patterns, developing internal entrepreneurship and leader-managers, synergy between group companies, corporate planning, long-range planning, organisational development, responsible business leadership, effective teams, finding optimal solutions, change management, and creating and nurturing organisational culture.

He has led the teams and contributed to the creation and formation of several joint ventures and strategic alliances between Indian promoters or partners with Belgian, Australian, Israeli, and Indian partners.

He is the author of several path-making masterpieces like “Appropriate Integrated Management”, “Stairway to Excellence”, “Responsible Leadership in Gita”, “Strategic Leadership-Chanakya Way”, Excellence in Education”, “Dependence to Freedom”, “Harmony and Disharmony in Life Partnership”, “Harmonious Family”, “Siddhi Yoga – System for Success”, “Appropriate Internal Management”, “Transformation to Transcendence – Breakthrough Ideas for Leadership in the New Millennium”, “Gateways to Self-Realisation”, “Stable And Able”, “Noble Leader – A journey through Dhammapada”, “Seeds of Excellence”, “Inspiring Leadership- A Journey through Parvata Gita – Sermon on the Mount of Holy Bible” and has written many articles on Management, Leadership, Education, Life and spirituality. He has translated “Bhagavad Gita” (Song Supreme) into Telugu and English Poetry and written several articles on Upanishads.

“Namami Bharata Mata” is a song of India visualised by Narayana, which captures the vision of a new harmonious, vibrating, and contributive India and also poetically depicts the mission to attain that vision. While his recent book on Yoga Sutras is like an encyclopedia of Yoga, “Lalitha Sahasranama Bodhamruta Lahari” is like an encyclopedia on Sri Vidya.

He has visualized and created many original concepts related to management and leadership, including “Four Way Thinking System”, “Appropriate Internal Management”, “Appropriate Integral Management”, “Gateways to Self-Realisation” and other processes. His X-ray insights have uncovered and discovered the source codes of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
Dhammapada and “Sermon on the Mount” and helped to develop transcendental change processes, which can facilitate “Change”, Transformation”, and “Metamorphosis” of human personality.

His recent book “Spirit of Tao” with co-authorship of Smt. M.V. Padma and “Krishna the Management Guru” are breakthrough works on spirituality and life. With insightful and visionary approach he complemented, extended and added value in integrating way to the prophesies of Dr. Eric Berne (Transaction analysis – revisited and revised), John Adair (Sparkles of team spirit), Dr. Stephen Covey (Dependence to Freedom), Dr. Wayne Dyer (No limits personality), Dr. Peter M. Senge (Sixth Sense), Adishankaraacharya, (Narayana Shatkam, Nija Moola Shatkam), and Maharshi Veda Vyasa (Nirvahana Gita and Atma Nirvahana Gita).

His “e-books” include “ABCD for Children’, “ABCD for Youth”, “ABCD for Adults” and ABCD for Elders”. His several powerful PowerPoint presentations include “Chakra Vyuha Mantra” for Achieving Excellence, Success and Progress in Present Business and Market Situation, “Taraka Mantra of Transformation” For Delightful Distribution, “Turn-up Strategies for Quantum Success”,
“Manthan-Blue Print Of Corporate World” To Realize Vision 2020 And “Essence Of Ethical Management”. His Books, e-books, tapes, and CD Roms are brought out by Ahmedabad Management Association, email address: ama@ad1.vsnl.net.in .

“Gurubodh” compiled by Shri Hasmukh Upadhyaya, is essence of 477 books and articles of Narayana. “Gurudarshan” also created by Shri Hasmukh Upadhyaya pictorially depicts the journey of Narayana in terms of his initiatives, contributions, practices, and services to Society.

While “Gurubodh” is the essence of what he learned and taught, “Gurudarshan” is the essence of what he did and practiced. It is an example of the implementation of his own mantra, “Say what you do and do what you say.” “Gita Yoga” is a self-realization process and exercise visualized by him after his own transformation in 1983, which he imparted to hundreds of leaders, teachers, and seekers for their own transformation.

He has conducted “Gita Gnaana Yagnas” at Baroda, Ayodhya, Godavari Khani and Manthani (A.P.), thus taking the message of the GITA to people for practice in life. Quotations from his book “Responsible Leadership in Gita” appeared in the Sacred Space column of “Times of India” several times. He was featured in the Magazine “Life Positive” covering the subject of “Spirituality in the Board Room”.

He was invited to speak at the Vision – 2000 Conference at Washington and Chicago in 1993, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s speech at Chicago in 1893. He was a faculty member in the International Executive Programme on “Religion: Conflict or Peace” organised by The University of Peace in collaboration with several Asia Pacific Universities and the United Nations at Mahidol University, Bangkok. During this programme, his book “Humanity to Divinity,” covering the core spiritual essence of all religions of the world, was released. He participated in several national and multinational conventions and seminars and spoke in the areas of Management, Education, Engineering, and spirituality.

He was in Zurich, Switzerland, in October 2004 to receive the prestigious “International Spirit at Work Award” on behalf of Excel, where he contributed to spirituality in the Board, Management, and Work. In this connection, his book “Rays and Ways of Human Spirit” has been released.

As an active supporter of the Baroda Management Association, he has made significant contributions to the National Management Conventions as the Convention Director and to Chief Executive Conferences as Conference Director. He has contributed to revitalizing and developing the Management Library of the Baroda Management Association and creating and supporting libraries
in several organisations, institutions, towns, and villages.

In association with Ahmedabad Management Association, Ramakrishna Mission, Chinmaya Mission, Symbiosis, Baroda Management Association, and Institution of Public Leadership, he has contributed to spreading the movement of Indian Ethos in Management and New Approaches to Management and Leadership Processes. Visited several countries on Business, Educational and Spiritual Missions.

He has travelled as a missionary to distant parts of the country to train thousands of teachers and educators on the subjects of “Excellence in Education” and to inspire teaching staff. He made valuable contributions and played a key role in making the Vedic Conferences at Manthani Dharmapuri, Yadagiri, Godavari Khani, and Mahboobnagar a great success.

He was felicitated by Baroda Management Association, Ahmedabad Management Association, Excel group of Companies, Nirlep Industries, Mahavir group of enterprises, and other social and educational institutions for his outstanding contributions to the Management movement and Community development work. “Guru Narayana Centre for Leadership” was established by Baroda Management Association in honour of his contributions, in February, 2004, at Baroda.

Sri Seetha Rama Sevasadan, established by him, is an example of service to humanity in the areas of caring for elders, women, and children, tree plantation, ambulance services, children’s garden, health care, and transformation through publications related to values and principles.

“Mantra Puri Darshan” Heritage House, created with his vision, is a classical reflection of the civilization, culture, and heritage of Manthani. His search and research about “Manthani Inscription” and “Gaya Inscription” brought out many revelations about Manthani and Kakatiya history, “Saraswati Shishu Mandir” School building, “Shashi Krupa Bala Vikas Kendra”, “Asha Jyoti Mahila Vikasa Kendra”, and “Muddu Ramakrishniah Yuva Jana Vikasa Kendra”, which are landmark examples of multifaceted services and development facilities created with a missionary spirit by Sri Seetha Rama Sevasadan with his inspiring and visionary inputs.

Narayana is an outstanding Teacher, Guru, Master, Mentor, and Visionary dedicated to assisting humanity to levels of divinity. He was honoured in 2008 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for his vision and scholarship as related to the Vedas and the Upanishads.

He is recognised and respectfully called as “Guruji” “Arsha Vidya Vibhushana”, “Soujanya Premashraya”, “Sarva Vedanta Daksha”, “Vedodharaika Diksha”, “Pitamaha”, “Mahatma”, “Brahmiparayana”, “Visionary”, “Maharshi”, and “Prophet” by the Industry, laureates, Yogis, Acharyas, Seers, Baroda Management Association, and C.P. Brown Memorial Library and International Conferences.

Family Background, Parents and Childhood

To the relatives on mother’s side, he is AJITH; to the relatives on his father’s side, friends and colleagues, he is NARAYANA; and as a mentor, contributor, teacher, trainer, and guide, he is GURUJI. Like his three names, he has three personalities in him: Bramha, Vishnu, Maheshwara.’ Guruji’s cousin Shyam Sunder Taman of Manthani writes:

‘Like Brahma, he creates new ideas, new theories, new insights and new realizations which come naturally to him. (Authored many books and built the Gopijana Vallabha Temple at Manthani).

Like Vishnu, he preserves the richness of our vast ancient wisdom, temples (helps in the renovation of old temples which are on the verge of ruin in and around Manthani), culture, and heritage (Mandata at Manthani).

Like Maheshwara, he destroys the feelings and senses of negativity around him. Like the three of them, he too offers whatever people want or ask for.

Guruji has strong willpower. Once he decides to do something, nothing can stop him. Despite his health condition, he left no stone unturned in unearthing the rich inscriptions about Manthani in Gaya. He ran from pillar to post around the Archaeological Department, climbed hillocks, traveled risky terrains to explore the greatness of the yester-years Manthai and the existence of the Gopijana Vallabha temple then. He succeeded in all his attempts. Today, the newly constructed Gopijana Vallabha temple is a prized possession of Manthani.

He is the proud son of Manthani.’

Guruji, amongst five brothers and sisters, enjoys the second position with elder brother Mr. Radhakrishnaji, younger sister Smt. Sumathiamma, younger brother Mr. Amarnathji and youngest sister Smt. Radhamma. Brother G. Amarnathji describes Guruji as his loving brother:

‘I am 5 years younger than my brother Shri Gattu Narayana Guruji. The bonding that I continue to share with him is nearly 67 years old. Though we belonged to an economically challenging family, my brother, through his sheer determination, perseverance, and forbearance, rose to the present day position – as a towering personality – a Godfather, Guru, and Guide to many esteemed companies, institutions, organisations, and individuals. I feel proud to witness his many achievements and glories.

Me, being the most innocent of all, he protected me and shielded me like an armour. In spite of his hectic schedule he has been visiting me every 3 months only to assure himself of my well-being.

Not only to me and my family, he also attends to the needs of all others, their families, and so on. What he is to the outside world, he is the same within his own family. He helped me in my education by bearing all the expenditure. He also assisted in the development and progress of my sons and son-in-law. He always strives to keep the family united and integrated. Whether it is for us, our children, or even their children, he comes running to provide the best.

My brother’s deep rooted humanity also comes from the inspirations he draws from various Gurus like Swami Vidya Prakasananda Giri, Ramana Maharshi, Swami Jayendra Saraswati, Narahari Somayajulu, to mention a few.

Yoeman service, thy name is Narayana. It is a matter of fact. The service he renders others and the people of his native place, Manthani, is incredible. Many relations and families have survived because of him.

True to her name (Sujana), my Vadina (Bhabi) is a very pious and compassionate person. Though I’m older than her, she treats me like her elder son, showering the same love, affection, and concern as she would do on her own children. She has always been a mother to me. She is a perfect partner to my brother. I will always remember the happy moments I share with her, especially related to music and singing.

There is no other love, like the love for a brother. There is no other love, like the love from a brother.’

Guruji’s son Pradeep Gattu writes about his parents Guruji and Sujanabhabhi:

‘The essence of Guruji-Amma relation is responsibility. The entire partnership span of 50 years can be summarised by this one word: ‘Responsibility’. This focus on being responsible has been the compass which has guided them and provided direction to their journey of 50 years. Guruji and Amma have complemented each other perfectly in jointly leading a life of responsibility.

Guruji is an embodiment of supreme courage. It is his courageous nature which has enabled him to overcome all the difficulties, weather all the storms, and succeed in difficult situations. This courage is evident in one statement, which he often makes, “When in doubt, proceed”. This means that if one allows fear of the future and anxiety to paralyse oneself into inaction, he/she will not make any progress. It is only when one gathers the courage to take the first step towards positive action that one is on the path to the solution. Courage is the thematic thread which is woven into his life story right from the completion of studies (in the face of economic difficulties), professional progress, weathering the professional ups and downs and bouncing back from a dire situation when his personal net worth was almost wiped out.

Amma is a living personification of patience and fortitude. Life with Guruji was dynamic and turbulent, and Amma took all the twists and turns and uncertainties into her stride. She never lost her calm demeanour despite trying circumstances. At a very young age, she came to Mumbai, where Guruji and Amma started their life in refugee camp quarters in Ulhasnagar. She reposed her faith in Guruji when he left a secure and well-positioned job with Voltas, Mumbai, after a stint of 15 years and shifted to Vadodara. Again, after a period of 2 years in Vadodara, there was a change in their lives when Guruji left a secure job to start an enterprise of his own. From a comfortable and secure lifestyle, there was a long phase where daily life had to be managed with compressed finances. Guruji would be away from home for days together. Amma’s patience and calmness were the one constant amidst this kaleidoscopic diversity of situations.

Guruji’s life is a saga of service and contributions to society. He has contributed immensely to the cause of management education and the teaching of the Indian ethos. His contribution in setting up exemplary social service institutions like “Shri Seetha Rama Seva Sadan” is noteworthy. These contributions alone would have sufficed to make his name in the area of service to society. However, his unique and immeasurable contribution is the impact he has been able to make in the lives of many people. His involvement has provided a healing touch to many people who were overpowered by troubles and problems. Guruji has been a guide, mentor, and counsellor to whoever needed him. While helping, distinction of ‘mine’ and ‘other’, ‘friend’ and ‘opponent’, ‘well-wisher’ and ‘ill-wisher’ have never entered into his mind. Guruji is the living example of the following verse

Ayam Nijah: Paroveti Ganana Laghu Chestasam Udara Charitanam Tu Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
“This is my own and that is a stranger, is the calculation of the narrow minded, but for the magnanimous one, the world is an extended family.”

Again, the formidable physical barriers of space and time have not been able to restrain Guruji from being present wherever and whenever he is required. He has been known to travel to and attend work at Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Manthani only to ensure that the persons who require his help get his comforting presence and attention. We have never heard him say “I do not have time” despite his busy schedule. Indeed, he says, “If you are there, time is there”. The following verse from the Bhagavad Gita describes him perfectly:

Sarvatah Panipadam tat sarvato
akshishiromukham
Sarvatah srutimalloke sarvam avrtya tishtati
(BG XIII, Verse 13)

With hands and feet everywhere, with eyes and heads and mouths everywhere, with ears everywhere – He exists enveloping all.’

During Education days:
Guruji studied Electrical Engineering at Government Polytechnic, Nizamabad during 1959-63. One of his co-students M. Muralidhara fondly remembers Guruji and reflects as:

‘Shri Gattu Narayana, now popularly known as Guruji, was my roommate (1960-61) when we were doing our Diploma Course in Nizamabad. He is a man of a versatile personality. He always excelled in whatever role he played. He was a distinguished student. Guruji encouraged group study and shared his learning us.

What is most remarkable about Narayana is his simplicity, unassuming nature, his readiness to connect and re-connect with everybody. After a wide gap, we met again. The gap did not diminish our friendship. It bounced back with more intensity.