A Journey of Hard Work and Excellence: From Raipur to Success
Anurag’s journey began with a childhood filled with achievements. He recalls one of his earliest memories topping his 5th standard board exams in Raipur, Madhya Pradesh. “My parents were on top of the world! I was too young to understand why everyone was congratulating me I had just done what felt normal to me.” This moment set the foundation for a life dedicated to hard work and excellence.
His academic journey was filled with more milestones. He continued his education at St. Joseph’s Indian High School in Bangalore, where he became the school captain and excelled in sports like hockey. “The friendships I made during these years are still some of the most special to me.” He later secured admission to a prestigious government engineering college purely on merit, a moment of pride given his family’s humble background. “My father studied under a lamppost and education meant everything to us. I knew I had to make the most of every opportunity. I passed out as a first ranker from the university”.
Conquering Challenges, building a Legacy: A Career of Resilience and Leadership
Anurag’s professional life was marked by determination and success. He joined the petroleum industry
Bharat Petroleum corporation Ltd in 1987 and learnt the ropes of the Petroleum industry. One of his proudest moments was joining Shell, a company where he helped set high operational standards and revolutionized the industry. “I remember a colleague in my previous organization telling me, ‘A guy like you will fit extremely well in a company like Shell.’ At that time, I laughed it off, but years later, it became a reality.”
His career spanned multiple roles that tested his resilience and ability to lead. “There were moments when I felt I was at the end of the road, not because of my performance, but due to external factors. Yet, every time, I came out stronger.” Despite these challenges, his dedication never wavered. “I believe that when we face obstacles, the best in us comes out.”
The Guiding Principles: Values That Shaped a Life of Integrity
Anurag credits his parents for instilling in him the values of honesty, integrity, humility, and respect. “I never had to be told to do the right thing I simply saw my parents live by those values, and I followed them.” His ability to stay disciplined, approachable, and open-minded has been a key factor in his personal and professional growth.
One lesson he shares with everyone is that life is not just about happiness. “There are ups and downs, but with the right attitude, every challenge can be overcome.” He believes in self-discipline and consistency, stating, “No matter how difficult the situation, staying true to your principles will always guide you through.” His faith in perseverance, humility, and lifelong learning has allowed him to build lasting relationships and maintain a sense of purpose even after retirement.
A New Chapter: Finding Purpose in Retirement
After an accomplished career, Anurag retired in December 2023. The transition was not easy. Like many professionals, he had envisioned retirement as a time of relaxation and exploration. However, he quickly realized that it came with new challenges particularly finding structure in daily life.
“For the first few months, it felt great to relax. But soon, I realized I needed structure. I had spent years in a fast-paced corporate life, and suddenly, I had nowhere to be. That was a challenge.”
He has since taken up coaching, mentoring, and training young professionals, ensuring that his wealth of knowledge continues to benefit others. “Many of my former colleagues still reach out to me for guidance. That connection keeps me going. It feels great to know that my experience is still valuable to someone.”
With retirement, Anurag has rekindled some of his old passions. He enjoys gardening, driving, and traveling. “I love the freedom of the open road. There’s something about driving that clears my mind.” He dreams of exploring the Northeast of India, Ladakh, Europe, and the United States. “Each place has something unique to offer. I want to experience as much as I can.”
Gardening has become one of his daily joys. “Tending to my plants, watching them grow it’s incredibly fulfilling. Nature has a way of teaching patience and resilience.” His garden is now a space of peace and reflection, reminding him to slow down and appreciate the little things in life.
One of his greatest joys now is supporting his wife, who still works as a teacher. “I wake up early to ensure she has a smooth morning routine. It’s a small way to give back after all these years.”
Anurag also spends time reconnecting with old friends. “It’s amazing how time flies. I find immense joy in being with friends and colleagues from my childhood, schools, colleges and the organizations where I worked. Some of whom I met after a gap of several decades and it feels like nothing has changed. Relationships are an invaluable part of my life” He also enjoys reading, discussing ideas, and staying intellectually engaged. “Curiosity keeps the mind young. I make it a point to learn something new every day.”
The Power of Perseverance: A Story of Inspiration and Growth
Anurag’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, values, and adaptability. He continues to inspire those around him, reminding us that life does not end at retirement it simply enters a new phase of growth and discovery.
His message to everyone is simple: “Do your best at every point in life, learn from the past, and move forward with a positive attitude. Challenges will come, but they will also pass. Keep believing in yourself, and success will follow.”
As he embraces this new chapter, Anurag Anand remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that every stage of life holds the potential for new beginnings and endless possibilities.
Finding Community: A New Beginning at Sukoon
Retirement is not the end it is the beginning of a new phase. Anurag found a new purpose at https://sukoonunlimited.com/ , a community where senior citizens come together to share experiences, learn new skills, and find companionship. “I always believed in continuous learning, and Sukoon gives me the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals. It has been an enriching experience.”
At Sukoon, he enjoys engaging in meaningful conversations, mentoring younger members, and participating in various activities that keep him active and socially connected. “It’s amazing to see how life comes full circle we begin by learning from others, and later, we get the chance to pass on our knowledge.”
He particularly enjoys storytelling sessions, where members share their experiences and perspectives on life. “Every person has a story to tell, and there is always something new to learn from each one.” He also takes part in cultural activities, creative workshops, and discussions that make him feel part of a larger, vibrant community.
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