My First Meeting With Alok And Things I Couldn’t Say (updated with Answers)

By Mohul Ghosh on October 7, 2012 52 Comments / 2630 views

*** Update: Alok has replied to all the questions which have been putup in this discussion. The answers are the end of this post.. as well as in the 4th page of comments as of October 15, 2012 ***

What happens when you meet the person you would like to be? What happens when you look into the eyes of the person who daily inspires you and motivates you? What happens when you meet your Guru, for the first time?!

I was shaken as well as stirred.

October 5, 2012. Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

This date and this place would be forever etched in my mind, because this was the day and this was the place where I saw and met Alok Kejriwal for the first time. Face to face.

The Rodinhood Open House was scheduled from 7 PM to 8.30 PM.

But due to heavy traffic on the way and lots of pending work in the office, I was late. When I reached India Habitat Centre, and saw the impressive architecture and lush gardens, I was awestruck. I had never visited this place before.

The perfect set-up for meeting with The Entrepreneur.

As I slowly pushed the door, my eyes met the hall packed with entrepreneurs – young and old, would-be as well as seasoned, girls, ladies, boys and men. Each and every human being inside that packed hall had a strange spark in their eyes. And there near the edge of the stage was Asha, the community manager. I also quickly saw Gurpreet, the energetic, passionate, dedicated and immensely adorable Rodinhooder with whom I often chat online.

The First Glance

And then I glanced towards the podium where a man was standing and speaking. Right besides the podium was the screen where a presentation was being run.

And there he was, giving the presentation, wearing black t-shirt with the logo of The Rodinhood.

Time paused for me. Yes, I saw Alok.

Quickly I was ushered towards the other side of the hall. My eyes followed the person with whom I had come to meet. As I walked criss-crossing the hall, I saw that every possible corner was occupied with enthusiast entrepreneurs. A strange positive energy and vibe filled the place. Several of them were standing at the edges and corners, and some were even squatting and sitting on the floor. Later I came to know that this hall has a capacity of 65 people, and more than double had turned out. I positioned myself such a way that I was able to see Alok directly. My heart was beating fast.

Presentation was already 20 minutes old, and I guessed it was about to finish. Alok was explaining something about selling and daring. But as it happens when you are too excited, words didn’t make sense to me at that time. I was just watching Alok as an overexcited teenager would watch Lady Gaga live in concert. My eyes were trying to soak in as much as possible.

“Rs 40 lakhs in three months”

“ Rs 11 crore VC fund without any paper works”

“Sell Sell Sell..”

High quality entrepreneurship gyan was being shared, live. And Alok had occupied the stage as a rock star would do: complete in control of the situation and commanding awe and respect from spectators. It was pure bliss to see him live in action!

Things I Couldn’t Say

When the presentation finished, Akancha the host, asked the audience if they had questions? Few hands went up. I was wondering.. “If anyone had any questions??” I had a book full of them. The diary where I wrote those questions was in my handbag. Few new questions were in my mind. Some of them were on my tongue, ready to be shot. But I couldn’t ask. My tongue was stuck.

May be the moment was way too heavy for me. I just couldn’t utter a word! Damn it.

“Alok, how can an entrepreneur ensure that his natural talents are being fully utilized in his endeavours?”

‘Alok, what do you do when you are pushed to the corner and exits are blocked?”

“Alok, what happens when you lose lots of money and face defeat?”

“Alok, how to calm your mind and be positive always.. and always?”

“Alok, what if someone abuses you and accuses you of being over-smart?”

And so on.. these questions were just being resonated in my humble mind. Silently.

I always had this fear of public speaking, and this fear had acquired a monstrous shape at that moment. After couple of questions, the session of new ideas started.

Three entrepreneurs were selected to give their presentation. And soon the stage was occupied by young 18 year old entrepreneur, Jaisal, who presented his idea of ValueMunch.com, a search engine for services. Then came Amit with his idea of a crowd sourced social service to stop harassment and eve teasing. And lastly a presentation about StudentCafee.in by its founder Jeet.

But my eyes were following Alok. His unlimited energy and child like enthusiasm on every slide and every question was something which could only be experienced, right at the moment. To be very honest, I didn’t (couldn’t) follow the presentations. I was just watching and staring, Alok.

At the end of the presentations, Alok once again came to the stage and offered everyone his favourite book: “The Autobiography of The Yogi”. He also announced that he will click a picture of everyone with the book, as he is trying to set a Guinness world record of pictures of people holding this great book. One quick fact regarding the book which he shared inspired me like anything: Steve Jobs read this book every year, until he died.

As people lined up near the stage to collect the book, I stood back and tried to prepare myself as I was about to meet Alok!

I had initially planned that I would touch his feet as a disciple would do so while meeting his Guru. Then I would thank him for his teachings, which he shares for free. And then I will introduce myself and give him a small gift which I had brought from my home. Heart still beating fast, and knees trembling, I slowly approached the stage to collect the book.

But unfortunately, I was late. All the books which he had brought were distributed. But I was lucky, as I had purchased a copy of “Autobiography of a Yogi” few days back and luckily, it was in my bag.

The Moment of Meeting

Akancha quickly told Alok that this guy (me) had a copy of the book, and asked him to click a picture. And there it happened.

I was standing infront of Alok.

“Touch his feet.” My mind ordered.

“Introduce yourself.” My mind screamed.

“Thank him dammit!!” My mind was going crazy.

I just stared at him.. He clicked my picture, holding the book, with his iPhone. I just stood there.

It was a Satori – The Enlightenment. Time had paused.

Akancha asked Alok, whether my picture was clicked? Alok told yup. Picture clicked.

And I continued to stare at him, mouth half open. My legs were jammed.

Some other person’s turn had arrived for the picture clicking exercise. My turn to go down.

One last time I glanced back at Alok, uttered “Thank you” and silently came out of the hall into the gardens. My journey back to home was very silent. My mind was meditating.. and my eyes were closed. I was reliving each and every moment again.. I was experiencing nothing but pure joy.

Here is the Facebook update which I did right after entering my home:

I resolved then and there, and I would make myself capable enough to attend each and every Rodinhood Open House from now on.. whether in Mumbai or Bangalore or Chennai. But deep within my heart, I know that it’s not possible for a middle class salaried Writer to do so.

But, the entrepreneur soul inside me told that it is possible. Everything is possible for The Entrepreneur.

And I sincerely wish that the Entrepreneur inside me is correct this time.

Thank you Alok, for this wonderful meeting and for everything.

I would be indebted, forever.

PS: How was your experience when you first met Alok?? Pour in your thoughts over this discussion!

# PPS: Alok’s reply to each and every question:

“Mohul, the answers to your questions.

Question: “Alok, how can an entrepreneur ensure that his natural talents are being fully utilized in his endeavours?”

Alok – its like water. it will automatically flow to its natural level. Trust me. In the first 3-4 years you will not realise, but after the 7th year, you will exactly be using your best talents for the best purposes.

The funny thing is, your talents themselves will change!

Question: ‘Alok, what do you do when you are pushed to the corner and exits are blocked?”

Alok: You do what’s logical. Your god and your conscience guide you. Read this – https://www.therodinhoods.com/forum/topics/the-toughest-decision-of-my-l…

Question: “Alok, what happens when you lose lots of money and face defeat?”

Alok: Nothing happens. No one cares. It all remains the same. The roads look the same. Your mom smiles at you the same. The tasty food she always cooks tastes even better!

Think of that phase as a bad movie. Do you remember bad movies?

Question: “Alok, how to calm your mind and be positive always.. and always?”

Alok: Meditate and exercise. It will take 10 years to become neutral and another 10 years to always be happy.

Question: “Alok, what if someone abuses you and accuses you of being over-smart?”

Alok: That means you ARE over smart! Enjoy it!

But if you notice, the fact that someone is paying attention means that you are doing something right….

I am Mohul, a Writer and a Dreamer. MohulGhosh.com is the place where I blog, and WordsWithMagic is my entrepreneurial dream. I am pretty much active on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Comments

Mohul Ghosh

52 Comments

asha chaudhry October 7, 2012, 3:57 pm

mohul, mohul, mohul…

you’re a writer. and a wonderful one! feel free to post stuff whenever you feel like. and if you have q’s you need to ask – just write to alok – he replies his mails!

so thank you for this post. i’m sure a lot of other people will relate to your feelings pretty well. but not all of them have your gift.

next time… just look out for me! we’ll chat a bit and then catch up with alok! you’ll be fine :))))))))))))
Alok Rodinhood Kejriwal October 7, 2012, 4:23 pm

Mohul,

Babu, I cannot tell you how shaken and stirred I AM FEELING after reading this

Let me say only this:

Alok is just the doll – the disguise, the actor – you love the entrepreneur who is in him AND IN YOU and hence you related to me and EVERYONE so so much.

So stick to the path, meet as many Alok’s and the likes as you can – till the (very soon approaching) day when we will all be also lining up to meet you…

God bless and may all the Gurus, Gods and the Force make you even more successful than you are.

jgd. obo.
Akancha Srivastava October 7, 2012, 5:51 pm

Yes!! I remember how you came up and very softly said that you indeed had a copy of the book. You just wanted a picture..-:)))…Love the way you have captured the entire evening…wish you all the very best in everything you are pursuing and hope to meet you again very very soon!!
Vinay Chhoda October 7, 2012, 6:28 pm

Mohul dude I am speechless!!!
Ashish Bansal October 7, 2012, 6:52 pm

As I was reading this..I felt you are just standing in front of me and narrating your story…amazing writing skills !! Every word you spoke about Alok sir just resonated with what I felt after meeting him first time in my life on IHC…I was really eager to get a photo with him..which I finally got (blurred one !!!) but really when I stood beside him to get a photo..he said “You are a Big Guy !!!” …I couldn’t say anything..may be mesmerized by this sheer presence and lost in my eureka moment..

I was standing beside you after the event..when you were talking to Sandeep..and i thought gosh he is a writer…wish I too had those skills..may be jealous…but after reading this..hats off to you for this masterpiece 🙂 🙂
Manik Mehta October 7, 2012, 6:59 pm

Indeed a good Write-up… Somehow this reminds me of Chetan Bhagat’s writting.. 🙂
Gurpreet Singh Tikku October 8, 2012, 4:34 am

My my…Mohul…Seems you were speaking for all of us. Because…Irrespective how many Times we have met Alok Sir (Thrice for me)….The Novelty Value, The Attraction, The Positive Vibes, The Feel of being in Mandir/Gurudwara is always there.

We all are really glad to have met and known a person like him, who strives his best to every day to show us the Mirror, to share hard truths, To share his Unique Experiences, To give us Morale Boosters and to tell us that even when everything ends, Hope still remains Alive.

Now I know….Why we couldn’t meet and you slipped away Quietly….Because you wanted to enjoy that moment of Meeting him for as long as you can and Meditate in the aura of that evening.

And thanks a ton for the Kind words that you have addressed me with…..Believe me we both see each other in the same light.
Best Wishes.
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:04 am

thank you Asha for your generous comment! We will surely meet-up next time.. 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:06 am

Wow! I guess, that is the correct interpretation of the write-up.. we see and think what we want to become and achieve.. thanks a lot for your comment and your support.. Jai Guru Dev.. Om Babaji Om
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:07 am

Thanks a lot Akancha! We will definitely meet next time 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:07 am

thanks for the read Vinay!
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:08 am

Thanks Ashish.. I was just presenting my thoughts via words! Thanks for the read 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:08 am

Oh ho.. thanks for the ‘compliment’ !
Mohul Ghosh October 8, 2012, 5:09 am

Thanks Gurpreet for clearly understanding my state of mind ! We will definitely meet next time 🙂
Anamika Joshi October 8, 2012, 6:53 am

Mohul, your writing resonates joy in words and i could just feel each moment you spent there … you have immediately made a connect with your fellow rodinhooders. Next time, stay there and meet us all and you will realize that we are all sailors of the same ship. 🙂
Darshan Bhambiru October 8, 2012, 9:15 pm

Whoa!! Kudos Mohul!

Not Shaken, Not Stirred but I see you Absolutely Firm and There!!

All the thoughts in your Mind and the so called diary are already out Mohul, where’s the bag? and in the correct sequence as well, this is like an Old Projector movie which is SILENT moving in front of the Eye and picture yourself soaked in the Intensity of the Feelings so brought out.

Like a True Entrepreneur, you were Late because you had Work to get finished, for which you would be responsible to not complete, you apologized for being Late, but you WERE there cause your Heart wanted to meet someone you Admired, Respected and so wanted to meet for a Long time in Person.

The Recognition of the IDOL in its True Form and the Image so been made in its entirety presented so beautifully and Truly to the point where its Picture Perfect. (Pictures included)

The Senses fail, the Eyes See Through the Ears Hear away parts, The Brain does not register everything since the HEART is Stuck at the point where the AIM is to be Achieved and Here it is now, The Moment of Truth, any amount of Preparations, Mock drills, Mirror practice would not help the true feelings which can only be felt Once in a Lifetime it actually Happens. Made us all feel the same once again with your post.

The Utter feeling of DumbStruck and soaking the Energy of Being in the Presence and the Aura definitely Shines through in your Writing Skills.

Yes, we all connect immediately even though we have never met, had the same feeling on my end as well when meeting many of the RodinHooders in the past Mumbai Meetups (am A Regular), even though myself being in Mumbai met Alok after a gap of a few Years myself can reciprocate your feeling of meeting the First time here , though now we are in touch via the various media so opened up thanks to the Technology of the 21st Century which we all have adapted and got addicted as well.

Congratulations on your Achievement, I remember the Facebook post with this regards when you were expecting the book from Flipkart 🙂 we did have an exchange of a few posts.

Time Flies truly so even if the meeting is scheduled for a whole day, it would still feel SHORT!! My Personal Experience.

Awaiting to meet you in the next Mumbai Meetup, December. Maybe we would be meeting at a Stadium this time ? Lets see 😉

Everything is Definitely Possible It Just takes Your Heart and Mind to be at the Same place – NOW!!

SWSWSWSW…

Cheers!!
Tarun October 9, 2012, 5:46 am

Mohul….beautifully expressed. Seems like the idyllic setting. Love is taken to the next level…shall i say love0.2 🙂

kudos man….
Snehil Khanor October 9, 2012, 8:38 am

Here’s the pic of my moment with him.. I asked him to sign an autograph in my Entrepreneur’s Autograph diary and then clciked this pic.. :))
Sudarsan Ravi October 10, 2012, 8:45 am

Mohul – You are a talented writer and your feelings resonate with the thoughts of many rodinhoods. I cannot wait to meet you at the Mumbai Rodinhood and my best wishes for your journey.
Kunal Bajaj October 10, 2012, 11:48 am

WOW! I got goosebumps by reading this. I wish someday i too can meet THE RODINHOOD!
asha chaudhry October 10, 2012, 11:51 am

kunal… u can plan to be at the mumbai open house on the 7th of dec. details will be put up soon but the date is fixed. since you live in amravati, mumbai would be the easiest place for you to reach, right?

🙂
Alok Rodinhood Kejriwal October 10, 2012, 11:57 am

Kunal Bhai, RODINHOOD WILL COME TO U!! Tell me when we can meet boss…!
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 1:12 pm

Dont miss the chance, Kunal. It would be The experience for you.. 🙂
Vinay Chhoda October 10, 2012, 1:47 pm

There should be a like button for comments like that Alok 🙂

I am sure each and every member on The Rodinhoods appreciates the efforts of Team Rodinhoods 🙂

Thank you!
Yasvhir Chawla October 10, 2012, 3:21 pm

Congrats Mohul! Your post on #1 at Top Content 🙂
Alok Rodinhood Kejriwal October 10, 2012, 3:26 pm

And that’s without promotion!!!
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 3:52 pm

Thanks Yasvhir for sharing this information.. ! I just saw.. feeling proud 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 3:58 pm

Thanks a lot Anamika.. will surely meet you guys next time 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 4:00 pm

Such miracles are only possible at Rodinhood! I suppose the feeling and the vibes are felt by every Rodinhooder out there.. as in The Alchemist, narrator terms ‘The Soul of the World’ resonates with one and all.. the common binding factor!
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 4:47 pm

Wow! Thanks a lot for the wonderful comment, Darshan.. We will; surely meet next time 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 4:47 pm

Thanks a ton Tarun!
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 4:48 pm

awesome pic! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 10, 2012, 4:48 pm

Thanks for your wonderful comment Sudarsan! We will surely meet up next time 🙂
Kandarp Devashrayee October 10, 2012, 7:17 pm

Ashish Ji,

Than you should also read mohul’s one small fiction story.

Here is the link: https://mohulghosh.com/the-meeting-which-changed-my-life/
Kandarp Devashrayee October 10, 2012, 7:18 pm

“And your time starts now.”

I felt the heat. All preparations and revisions seemed like wastage of time.

Mohul, remember something?Some fiction work you did earlier is now non-fiction. Right Bro?
Puneet Nirogam Aggarwal October 11, 2012, 12:34 pm

Mohul, you have the gift of the mighty pen ! Lovely capture of what happened on 5th October in Delhi.

And yes, I think all of us go through similar moments when you meet Alok Sir. I remember my time, when he had come to Bangalore on 27th September. The whole day, I was eagerly waiting for him to reach the conference, and speak at 4 PM. He arrived, and was received by a hall full of around 300-400 people, standing, sitting, squatting, leaning, ogling at the GURU, waiting for him to speak.

After his presentation got over, he came outside the hall, and was mobbed by people, introducing themselves, and asking him questions. I came oustide, where he was standing, people trying to get a glimpse of him. I somewhat penetrated the “Chakravyuh of Entrepreneurs” surrounding him. Just when he glanced at me for the first time, I said “Hi” and immediately, he left whatever he was discussing with someone, and said “Thank you Man ! Thank you Boss, Awesome Man, Amazing Man !”. That is how the MASTER makes you feel comfortable. Just minutes ago, I was repeating inside, on how I would greet him, how I would utter my first sentence, but that didn’t happen. I was just standing there, still, numb, bathing in that moment of sheer godly felicity and blessedness.

On the first instance, he made me at ease. He said, “Puneet – just give me 5 minutes, and I have to do something that these guys want me to do, and then we will go”. It happens to all of us. When you meet a HERO, your mind goes blank, your body turns cold, you become light-headed, and you don’t have words inside. You just utter whatever is left of it.

Alok Sir says “The higher you go in the corporate hierarchy, the humbler, meeker you become” and I completely agree.

Alok Sir : You are up there, and as I say – just keep the tap ON.

JGD – OMO – Thank you !

Regards, Puneet
Alok Rodinhood Kejriwal October 11, 2012, 2:07 pm

Mohul, the answers to your questions.

“Alok, how can an entrepreneur ensure that his natural talents are being fully utilized in his endeavours?”

Alok – its like water. it will automatically flow to its natural level. Trust me. In the first 3-4 years you will not realise, but after the 7th year, you will exactly be using your best talents for the best purposes.

The funny thing is, your talents themselves will change!

‘Alok, what do you do when you are pushed to the corner and exits are blocked?”

You do what’s logical. Your god and your conscience guide you. Read this – https://www.therodinhoods.com/forum/topics/the-toughest-decision-of-my-life-the-exit-of-mobile2win-india

“Alok, what happens when you lose lots of money and face defeat?”

Nothing happens. No one cares. It all remains the same. The roads look the same. Your mom smiles at you the same. The tasty food she always cooks tastes even better!

Think of that phase as a bad movie. Do you remember bad movies?

“Alok, how to calm your mind and be positive always.. and always?”

Meditate and exercise. It will take 10 years to become neutral and another 10 years to always be happy.

“Alok, what if someone abuses you and accuses you of being over-smart?”

That means you ARE over smart! Enjoy it!

But if you notice, the fact that someone is paying attention means that you are doing something right….
Puneet Nirogam Aggarwal October 12, 2012, 2:16 am

Thank you for the Wisdom, Alok Sir !

“What Happens when you lose lots of money and face defeat ?”

This question reminds me of what Amitabh Bachchan’s father said to him – “Jo Mann ko Bhaye, Wo Accha, Aur Jo Na Bhaye, Woh Aur bhi Achha”. If you come across things which do not appeal to you, just accept them because that is what the God wants, and he always wants the best for you !
Gurpreet Singh Tikku October 12, 2012, 2:46 am

Puneet…… DOUBLE

O

DOUBLE U!!!
Abhishek Chhibber October 12, 2012, 10:14 am

Hi Mohul, the post is simply amazing. I have been an avid reader of this blog for quite some time, and have always felt motivated after reading posts from Alok and other Rohinhoods.

After reading your post, I feel like attending the next Rodinhood session in Delhi ASAP. Hopefully the day will come soon 🙂
Arun Natarajan October 12, 2012, 11:45 am

Jai Guru Dev.. Om Babaji Om

Wow! Thanks to Mohul, Rodinhoods is now officially a cult. And one, I have no doubt, will be terribly exciting to follow.

Or should I say, become a follower of?
Kunal Bajaj October 13, 2012, 2:31 pm

yeah one night journey 🙂 and may be someday there would be an Amravati Open house [ May be 10 years down the line 🙂 ]
Kunal Bajaj October 13, 2012, 2:55 pm

I feel blessed that you called me bhai 🙂 Sir am 24*7 available 🙂 Right now i don’t have anything big to show apart from big heart. So Bas ap yaad karo aur hum haazir 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 15, 2012, 12:51 pm

Thank you Puneet.. your description of the meeting is equally superb.. !

JGD – OMO
Mohul Ghosh October 15, 2012, 12:53 pm

You should not miss the opportunity.. Hopefully we will meet up next time 🙂
Mohul Ghosh October 15, 2012, 12:54 pm

yup.. follower wont be wrong as well 🙂 “cultofRodinhood”
Mohul Ghosh October 15, 2012, 1:06 pm

Wow!

Enlightened with the answers.. Thanks a lot sir!
Mohul Ghosh October 15, 2012, 1:07 pm

awesome observation Kandarp! Yup.. I guess, its pretty strange as well 🙂 fiction converted to nonfiction..!
Mohul Ghosh October 15, 2012, 1:08 pm

I have updated this discussion with Alok’s awesome answers!
asha chaudhry June 21, 2014, 2:03 pm

mohul – i was just going through this for old time’s sake to re-share over social 🙂

“I resolved then and there, and I would make myself capable enough to attend each and every Rodinhood Open House from now on.. whether in Mumbai or Bangalore or Chennai. But deep within my heart, I know that it’s not possible for a middle class salaried Writer to do so.”

you have come to every OH in delhi till now. even made it to one in mumbai!

keep rocking!!
asha chaudhry May 14, 2016, 9:49 am

mohul, you wrote this 3.5 years ago. as i was going through the archives as i do every weekend, i was going through your posts. when i re-read this, i realised YOU ARE ONE OF THE FEW RODINHOODERS who has always tried to ATTEND EVERY OPEN HOUSE IN ANY CITY!! how cool is that? and you said you would 3.5 years ago!!

you travelled by train, most times unreserved to reach. WOW! to me you are THE community person!
NEEL KAMAL BHARTIA (yourhealingstory.in) August 17, 2016, 3:10 pm

thanks Mohul, its really gr8. I am new over here and enjoying every bit of all the articles. I feeeeel finally, I hv come across to a site which speaks whats in my mind. Thanks Alok & Asha for letting it as it is.