"Calling All Parents of Children Aged 12-24 and Educational Leaders! Join Project आकांक्षा (Aakaansha) - Identify Individual Multiple Intelligences, Match with Suitable Job Descriptions and then with Types of Work too to Restore Smiles and Promote Mental Wellness. Enhance Organizational Productivity and Revenue!"

Dear Parents and Educational Leaders,

I have 5 questions for you:

1.    Do you agree that nearly every family grapples with the strain arising from the discord between children's education, ranking systems, institutional choices, and subsequent career paths?

2. Do you know your child/student’s Natural/Foundational Intelligence (FI)/Multiple Intelligence (MI) (Gardner's MI theory)? Can you identify the Top Two intelligences possessed among Math-Logic-Reasoning, Musical, Linguistic (Word Smart), Naturalistic (Nature Smart), Visual/Spatial (Picture Smart), Kinaesthetic/Body Smart, Intrapersonal (Self Smart), Interpersonal (People Smart)?

3.   If so, are they in the Foundational Stage, Intermediate, Advanced, Exemplary, or Eminence stage?

4.  Do you agree that students are admitted based on ranks, and they are heavily influenced by IQ-driven tests, completely ignoring their Emotional Quotient (EQ), Social Quotient (SQ), Adversity Quotient (AQ), Physical Quotient (PQ)?

5. Do you agree that educational decisions are often influenced by market demand/peer societal pressure rather than individual Natural Foundational intelligence(s) (FI)/Multiple Intelligence (MI)?

Finally, this recurring cycle not only fails to benefit individuals but also negatively impacts overall company productivity, taking a toll on both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness.

What is the Potential Solution? Answer is Project आकांक्षा (Aakaansha)

In light of these challenges, we request you to consider the potential solution - the 'Intelligence & Mental Wellness-driven 4H Career Planning Framework.' This framework is designed to empower individuals and organizations alike, offering a holistic approach to individual mental wellness and better career planning.

Please watch the proposal video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pICOv7yC-w

and  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC6qqp0jcXs

Highlights of the Solution:

1.    Identify the Top Two Foundational Intelligences (FI)/Multiple Intelligences (MI) of Children/Students.

2. Assess the current level of Intelligence (Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced, Exemplary, Eminence). Based on this, help them upgrade to the next level by the age of 17.

3.  At the age of 18 or beyond (during UG), assist them in taking up internships connected to their Top 2 Intelligences.

4.    If an individual decides to pursue higher education, ideally their Masters should be directly connected to their Top 2 FI/MI.

5.    For those opting for a job, the following process would apply:

General Principles

ü Best Case Scenario - Top Two Intelligences are aligned with the Job Description, benefiting both the individual and the organization (mental wellness, organizational productivity, revenue impact, sustainability).

ü Average Case Scenario - Top Two Intelligences are partially aligned with the Job Description, focusing on individual happiness while improving organization productivity.

ü Worst Case Scenario - Top Two Intelligences are weakly aligned with the Job Description, resulting in individual unhappiness and a negative impact on organization productivity.

 

Intelligence vs Job Description vs Nature of Job/Work  

 

It is not just Intelligence and Job Description that should match, but the Type or Nature of the Work within that Job Description should also match.

ü Head-Smart Jobs - More Research Oriented, Algorithmic Centred, Logic/Reasoning Involved, Heavy domain-centric - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top Two Intelligences are fit for Head-Smart Jobs (High IQ, reasonable EQ/AQ/SQ).

ü Heart-Smart Jobs - More Risk Appetite, Entrepreneurial Qualities, People-Centric, Networking, Social Impact Mindset, Growth Mindset - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top Two Intelligences are fit for Heart-Smart Jobs (More EQ-SQ-AQ and reasonable IQ).

ü Hands-Smart Jobs - More Hands-On Skills, Quick Replication of Ideas, Prototypes Making, Field Work, Quick Results, Non-specialization - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top Two Intelligences are fit for Hands-Smart Jobs (Reasonable IQ-EQ-SQ-AQ).

ü Heels-Smart Jobs - More Physical Strength Needed, Job Connected Body Fitness - Individuals exhibiting these characteristics while practicing their Top 2 Intelligences are fit for Heels-Smart Jobs (More Physical Quotient (PQ), Reasonable IQ-EQ-SQ-AQ).

 

In a Nutshell, 3 Rules for a Happy, Sustainable, and Productive Society:

1. If an individual's Top Two Intelligences are Identified and Practiced, it contributes to Individual Happiness & Mental Well-being.

2.  If an individual's Top Two Intelligences match the Job Description, it enhances individual and organizational productivity and revenue impact.

3.  The World holds only four job types 4H - Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, and Heels-Smart. If an individual's Intelligence, Job Description, and Nature of Job or Work all align, it leads to improvements in individual, organizational, and societal productivity, forming a Happy Society!

 

Dr. Ravi Saripalle

Founder, Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement

 

Celebrating Failure - The Inspiring Journey of Bhuvan Kaushik, UPSC - 2 Times Prelims Qualified!

Dear Friends and Students,

I have shared numerous achievers' stories and insights into what it takes to achieve success. However, today I want to highlight a different perspective—the positive story of how one comprehends failure, consolidates strengths, and seizes new opportunities. There are valuable lessons to be learned from the story of Mr. Bhuvan Kaushik, a six-time UPSC attempter, two-time Prelims qualifier, now gearing up to contribute to Developmental and Transformative Projects.

Every UPSC aspirant embarks on the Kurukshetra War with hopes, aspirations, and specific strengths, fully aware of the intense competition in this toughest examination on Earth, with a mere 0.2% success rate. Despite the challenges, lakhs of students enter this arena, giving their best efforts. Some drop out, some succeed, and many face failure. However, only a few persist until the end, exhausting their limited options. This spirit deserves celebration in India. In this context, I'd like to share Mr. Bhuvan Kaushik's story.

Bhuvan, hailing from Nagpur, the Orange City, also known as Deeksha Bhoomi, Maharashtra, completed his BTech in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Yashwantrao Chavan College of Engineering in 2015. Although he secured a campus selection in Atlantis Lighting Pvt. Ltd and worked for a year, his true calling was the UPSC dream. He relocated to Delhi and began preparing for UPSC exams, successfully clearing prelims in 2019 and 2021. During his Civils preparation, he worked as a content and evaluation freelancer for multiple UPSC coaching centers, self-sustaining his journey. His services might be sought after by other organizations, yet his skills acquired during this process should not be overlooked:

 Six continuous attempts depict unwavering commitment and focus on the goal.

 Fifteen hours per day for six attempts showcase an exceptional level of hard work.

 Preparing for Mains and evaluating others' Mains papers provide diverse perspectives on the world 

 Choosing to stay in Delhi with limited resources, while classmates pursue MNCs/abroad opportunities/high packages, demonstrates his resolute nature.

 Despite the contemporary societal emphasis on matrimonial requirements such as packages, premium institutions, family background, and new criteria, he remains confident in himself.

 Personally, I have been observing this young man for a long time. He possesses substance, integrity, compassion, and a service-oriented mindset.

This story is not meant to boost or discourage aspirants, but rather to convey to organizations that these warriors should get opportunities in the industry esp. individuals like Bhuvan. They can bring significant positive changes to an organization.

Best wishes to Mr. Bhuvan Koushik! I am confident you will have a bright future wherever you work.

For Aspirants: Please watch Bhuvan’s podcast, His UPSC Journey

 Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFIm1BN-Bhc

 Part 2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iMFSZHO4RU

For organizations interested in reaching out to Bhuvan, here are his contact details:

 Email: bhuvankaushik99@gmail.com

 Phone: 9561805320

 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bhuvan-kaushik-48a841207

Best Wishes Bhuvan!

Ravi Saripalle

A Special Birthday Letter for March 9, 2024 Celebrants (Ages 12-25): Fueled for Your Future

Dear Future Leader,

Namaste and a very Happy Birthday to you!

Picture waking up today not just to another year older but to a brand-new adventure! This letter serves as your map, brimming with exciting ideas to guide you on your journey toward a fulfilling career that you'll love.

Indiatimes.com featured a fascinating article on October 9th, 2023, titled "16-YO Autistic Boy from Chennai Swims Across Palk Strait in 11 hours and 52 minutes." If you take the time to read the entire article, you'll undoubtedly be inspired by Mr. Haresh Barath Mohan and his devoted parents, Smt. Nirmala Devi and Sri. Barath Mohan. They recognized his stamina and dedicated hours to train him in swimming. Indeed, "One of the activities recommended for autistic children to streamline their hyperactivity is swimming." (Source: https://shorturl.at/sAB26).

Whether you're a 12-year-old brimming with curiosity or a 25-year-old making waves, you find yourself at a crucial stage. Your innate intelligence, the effort you invest in enhancing it, and the process you adopt to shape your career define your success story.

Take care of your health—incorporate millets into your diet at least once in the next month. Did you know that Karnataka is the top producer of ragi in India?

Now, for the most important message: I need your mindshare in this. If necessary, sit down with your parents, relatives, or friends during this process.

Today is the best day and the right time. It's the opportune moment to evaluate your foundational intelligence and work towards "Intelligence & Mental Wellness driven 4H Career Planning" - (Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, or Heel-Smart). Please spare 5 minutes and assess yourself using the following link: https://shorturl.at/hmrx4.

I hope you agree with this and start planning your career from today. This is merely a suggestion and a wish from my side. Ultimately, you need to invest your time in whatever best suits you.

Your well-wisher, 
Dr. Ravi Saripalle
Founder, Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement

 

Note: Kindly forward this letter to your relatives/friends celebrating their birthday on this date.

Intelligence & Mental Wellness driven 4H Career Planning- Assessment Framework

Dear Aspirant

Are you between the 12 to 25 Age group? If so, Please spare 5 minutes to assess your intelligence and plan your career according to the 4H Career Planning framework.

Rule No 1- In this process, your class/branch/degree does not matter. It applies to all. In fact, we are encouraging natural intelligence-based career planning rather than degree-based career planning.

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Steps for Assessment

Step 1: Identify your Natural Foundational intelligence in Fig 1 below (First leftmost Column). Start Owning and Practicing it.

Check 1: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice Foundational Intelligence further, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. Check the 4H Definitions below.

-----------------------------

Step 2: If you progress to the level of Intermediatory intelligence in Fig 1 below (Second Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 2: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice beyond Intermediatory Intelligence, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

----------------------------

Step 3: If you progress to the level of Advanced intelligence level in Fig 1 below (third Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 3: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice beyond Advanced Intelligence, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

-----------------------------

Step 4: If you progress to the level of Exemplary intelligence in Fig 1 below (fourth Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 4: At this stage, if you need to take up any career or are Unable to Practice beyond Exemplary Intelligence, Please select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

----------------------------

Step 5: If you progress to the level of Eminent Intelligence in Fig 1 below (Fifth Column), Strengthen your Practice.

Check 5: At this stage, You are super ready to select a job based on 4H- Head-Smart, Heart-Smart, Hands-Smart, Heels-Smart. 

----------------------------

Definitions

Head-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more IQ (Intelligence Quotient)/Doing Research/Thinking deeply, then You are more fit and joyful for Head-Smart Jobs (Sample jobs are given in Fig 2).

Heart-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more Emotional Quotient/Social Quotient/Adversity Quotient/ Spiritual Quotient during the process, then you are more fit or joyful in Heart-Smart Jobs (Sample jobs are given in Fig 2)

Hands-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more Hands-On Skills and IQ/ Emotional Quotient/Social Quotient Equally proportion, then you are more fit or joyful in Hands-Smart Jobs (Sample jobs are given in Fig 2)

Heels-Smart: During Step 1 Practice, if you are using more Physical Skills and IQ/ Emotional Quotient/Social Quotient Equally proportion, then you are more fit or joyful in Heels-Smart Jobs (e.g. Defence, Firefighting, Farming, Physical Strength based Jobs)

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Fig.1 Intelligence & Wellness driven 4H Career Planning

Fig 2 Sample Jobs based on the 4H Framework

Rule 2: Never forget Rule No 1

Dr. Ravi Saripalle

Founder, Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement

From Postcards to AI: A 14-Year Chronicle of Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement!

 Dear Friends and Students,

In 2011, I initiated the Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement (i2iTM.blogspot.com). This movement aims to inspire students and professionals through epistolary-format stories that integrate various contemporary issues and topics. This year marks the 14th Birthday.

After leaving my last corporate job in 2010, I embarked on this journey with a specific purpose. While I am uncertain whether my stories have impacted anyone, I consistently receive comments at events, with at least one person stating, "I am forwarding your story to my son/daughter/niece/friend." Numerous students who read the stories commented, motivating me to publish the next one. However, not every response is positive. I have also received negative comments and constructive criticism. Fortunately, I have never reacted to these comments, instead, they have inspired me to think more.

Initially, I used to send stories using Indian postcards to headmasters of various schools, but I never received any postcards in return. I assumed I was making a mistake.

I then started printing letters and physically mailing them to ministers, district collectors, and vice-chancellors, DEOs for circulation. A few officers responded, and I include a sample acknowledgment from Panchkula District in Haryana below. In the AI world, these are just memories!

Realizing that this model is non-sustainable and not eco-friendly, I immediately transitioned to an email and social media model, which I continue to use today.

Today, AI can write better stories for us. AI can customize both intent and content! A few startups are building AI-powered storytelling platforms using Prompt Engineering.

The 14-year milestone holds significance in Indian Vedic history, as Lord Rama was in exile for 14 years. In those days, being in exile for 14 years meant one was not allowed to rule the kingdom. In the modern context, any technology/function/role/movement may become defunct after 14 years, paving the way for new energy, ideas, methodologies, and people. Change is constant!

In this context, I face a significant question. Am I also susceptible to the 14-year syndrome? Thinking aloud!

Ravi Saripalle

Lost Man Years and The Cost of Misalignment: Examining Aspirations in the Indian Educational Landscape

Dear Friends and Students

A few days back, one of my friends forwarded the left side of the picture below in the context of market sentiment and fluctuations during this period. After going through this picture deeply, I want to align this with a different perspective. I added something different on the right side now!

Indian competitive examinations are the toughest in the world. UPSC Civil Services Examination selection rate is between 0.1 to 0.3%. The National Defence Academy (NDA) success rate is 0.1%. UCEED (common entrance for Design) success rate is 0.7%. The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced for IITs success rate is 1.5%. The Common Admission Test (CAT) success rate is 2%. The National Institute of Design Entrance success rate is 3%. The Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) success rate is 4%. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) success rate is 6 to 7%. The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) success rate is 15-17%. The Chartered Accountant (CA) success rate is 25%. If you think Bollywood or Tollywood's success rate, they are less than 0.01%. This career success would be much tougher than other competitive examinations!! This data might vary here and there but the intention is to showcase the shrewdness of the competition.

In a country of 140 crores population, if there is a small mistake in the preparation or aspirational mismatch, it costs heavily. More than to the individual, it costs the Nation’s aspiration and economy. If one student wrongly makes a choice, would cost him a minimum of 2-man years of effort loss. E.g. this year 11,70,000 students prepared for JEE for 2 years. We all know only 1.5% of them would go to IITs. The rest of the 98%, covering 23,00,000-man years of the effort is futile. Assume 10,00,000-man years go for genuine learning, useful in future applications and individual learning. The rest of the 13,00,000-man years of wrong selection of aspiration is completely lost!! If you sum up all competitions together, this number would be astronomical. Nearly two dozen students have taken their lives in Kota in the past eight months (The Hindu, 07, Sep 2023). It is because of a misalignment of aspirations or an inability to see beyond this line.

Why this is happening? It is a clear mismatch of knowing our strengths and weaknesses! If one selects a career aspiration based on individual socio-physical-psychological nature or natural intelligence, the same lost man years would become the most productive man years, and constructively Nation can capitalize on this. NEP-2020 is all up for this game change.  

1.      A Head Smart student should apply for JEE but not for NID/UCEED!

2.      A Hand Smart student should apply for Skill based job but not for Civil Services

3.      A Heart Smart student should prepare for his/her startup but not for GATE!

4.      A Heel Smart student should prepare for NDA but not a long-sitting office job!

It requires a lot of societal changes and thinking. The left of the picture teaches us a great lesson! We need to identify whether our kids are Giraffe or Rabbit and push them to the “Water Pool of Competition”

Do You Agree?

Ravi Saripalle

EcoQuake: Sparks in the Silent Street!! a Sci-Fi movie idea to Christopher Nolan!!

 Dear Friends and Students

We all think Electric Vehicles are Green! Over 26 million electric cars were on the road in 2022, up 60% relative to 2021 and more than 5 times the stock in 2018. There is a prediction that EVs will be 350 million vehicles by 2030 (Iea.org). This is great news! It appears we are heading towards Zero Carbon! However, contrary to this, are we heading towards a “Lithium-Pure, Carbon-Free situation”!!

It reminds me of a story. In a village grappling with a rat infestation, they introduced cats as a feline solution. However, as the feline (cats) population grew, it became a new challenge, leaving the community entangled in unintended consequences. The initially applauded this solution turned into a mystery, bringing unforeseen disruptions to village life. The increase in cats led to a decline in the local bird population, disrupting the ecological balance. Cats, in their pursuit of rats, trampled gardens and flowerbeds, causing damage to residents' properties.

However, after reading a couple of articles, I am under the impression that Is EV another feline solution.

Discarded batteries, if not properly managed, could release toxic materials into the environment. Today the intricate design of current battery packs is complex to disassemble which is a hazardous task. Recycling centers are grappling with the risk of short-circuits, combustion, and toxic fumes. Today, recycling techniques, like pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, aiming to recover valuable metals from discarded batteries is not as straightforward as they had hoped. Still, we don’t have a right solution but we are producing more and more EV batteries (www.science.org/content/article/millions-electric-cars-are-coming-what-happens-all-dead-batteries)!!

In this context, on a lighter note, I want to give a Sci-Fi movie idea to Christopher Nolan!

Movie Title: EcoQuake: Sparks in the Silent Street

Narrative: In the thriving cityscape of Electropolis, Lumina EV Company's cutting-edge electric vehicles face a mounting environmental crisis with their sophisticated batteries nearing the end of their life. The once-celebrated icons of sustainability now cast a shadow of anxiety over the city as discarded batteries pose an imminent threat. Enter Lucas Rodriguez, an impassioned environmental scientist, and Dr. Elena Harper, a determined materials scientist, racing against time to devise a safe recycling solution.

Amidst the rising anxiety, news of a battery pack short-circuiting in their lab amplifies the urgency, forcing Lucas and Dr. Harper to confront not only the technical hurdles of recycling but also the moral dilemma of prioritizing environmental responsibility over economic feasibility. As Lumina EV Company grapples with internal discord and the city teeters on the brink of an environmental catastrophe, this high-stakes drama unfolds as a narrative of determination, ethical quandaries, and the anxiety-driven pursuit of a solution that could redefine the future of clean energy in Electropolis.

Do You see this movie as Sci-Fi (Science Fiction) or Re-Ti (Real-Time)? Your comments!!

Ravi Saripalle