*** 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.