Sanjay Kumar Srivastava is a retired senior officer in the power sector. He spent an important part of his professional career working in various responsibilities at Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID). Before joining POWERGRID, he also served with NTPC, where he gained valuable experience in power-sector projects and their working systems. Discipline, dedication to duty, responsibility, teamwork, and continuous learning were important values throughout his professional career.
Along with his professional experience, the author has a strong interest in Indian culture, spiritual thought, ethical values, and the life teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. In his view, human life is not limited to material achievements, position, or financial progress. The quality and meaning of life are also influenced by the way a person makes decisions, performs duties, manages desires and emotions, and conducts himself towards others.
Inspired by these thoughts, the author has tried to explain the message of Chapter 16, Verses 23 and 24 of the Bhagavad Gita in the context of modern life and present it in simple and practical language. Verse 23 highlights the consequences of ignoring scriptural guidance and acting according to one's uncontrolled desires. Verse 24 provides the positive direction by stating that scripture should be accepted as a guide for determining what should and should not be done. The author has connected these teachings with everyday decisions, personal responsibilities, family relationships, the workplace, and social behaviour.
The author believes that following this guidance does not mean giving up all desires, emotions, or material needs. Rather, it means learning to manage them through wisdom, self-control, and proper guidance. A person can have desires and ambitions while pursuing them through ethical and responsible means. Similarly, emotions should be handled thoughtfully, and personal interests should be balanced with duty and the well-being of others. In this sense, the author's approach is not about mere renunciation, but about transformation through right understanding, self-control, and responsible action.
The book also gives importance to self-reflection and conscious decision-making. The author believes that positive change begins when a person honestly examines his own thoughts, decisions, and actions. By asking whether a particular action is appropriate, responsible, and consistent with proper guidance, a person can gradually develop greater awareness and self-discipline. Such personal improvement can also have a positive effect on family relationships, professional conduct, and social life.
The author's purpose is not to preach to anyone, but to encourage readers to reflect on the message of Verses 23 and 24 of Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita and consider how it can be applied in everyday life. His effort is to present this ancient teaching in simple and accessible language so that modern readers can understand its practical relevance and connect it with their own decisions, duties, and behaviour.
This book is a humble effort for readers who wish to develop self-reflection, self-discipline, wisdom, responsible decision-making, ethical conduct, and a balanced way of life. The author hopes that the book will encourage readers to examine their choices, understand the importance of proper guidance, and gradually bring positive changes to their lives.