In this podcast, CEO Raj Vasudevan shares insights on happiness and spirituality, interweaving personal anecdotes and professional experiences from his extensive career in healthcare. He emphasizes the significance of integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine to enhance overall well-being. The conversation covers topics including the importance of making career choices aligned with one's purpose, fostering a healthy workplace culture, and the impact of employees' well-being on patient care. • Mr. Raj is the founder and senior physician at a well-known Ayurvedic hospital, recognized for quality-driven Ayurvedic medical care. • Under his guidance, the hospital became the first Ayurvedic institution to receive a notable accreditation, as well as multiple awards, including the National Quality Award and accolades from Economic Times as one of the best healthcare brands. • Mr. Raj has over 19 years of experience and has expanded his hospital's presence across major cities, addressing chronic disease management and promoting authentic Ayurvedic practices. Mr. Raj's Background and Achievements "My journey has always been about doing something socially relevant." • Mr. Raj discusses his background, including former roles in the government and private sectors, highlighting his transition from engineering to healthcare. • His career includes directing Kerala's state healthcare mission, contributing significantly to Kerala's healthcare policies, and working for Motorola as the country head in India. • Throughout his career, Mr. Raj emphasizes the importance of societal relevance in professional choices and personal endeavors, underscoring a desire to combine ancient wisdom with modern science for holistic wellness. Initial Insights on Happiness and Spirituality "Being aware of these points early in your career will enable a good start." • During the podcast, Mr. Raj is asked about his personal journey and how his spiritual inclinations have influenced his understanding of happiness. • He shares that his experiences across various fields instilled a commitment to societal well-being, serving as a guiding principle throughout his career. • Mr. Raj reflects on the significance of making career decisions based on values that promote both personal and societal happiness. The Journey of Finding Meaning "The journey of happiness is not about fulfilling desire but about finding something more meaningful within each person." • The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking breaks in one’s career to explore pursuits that resonate at a deeper level, moving beyond mere desire fulfillment to discover a unique inner purpose. • They reflect on their extensive professional experiences, including roles in NGOs, multinational companies, state government, and as an entrepreneur, highlighting how each experience contributed to their understanding of happiness and fulfillment. • Working in NGOs allows individuals to positively impact local communities, while private sector roles focus on personal and customer engagements, creating a more micro perspective. • In contrast, government roles can facilitate larger scale changes, likening the role of a committed government worker to a traffic cop who guides and matches ideas to effectively help communities. Transforming Skills for Broader Impact "Translating professional capabilities from the private sector to government can significantly amplify your impact." • The speaker discusses the multiplier effect of transferring skills from the private sector to government, where a single initiative can benefit millions, exemplified by the impact of UIDAI and UPI on the Indian populace. • This transfer of knowledge enhances the ability to do good on a larger scale than what can be achieved in isolated or smaller roles. The Concept of Swadharma "Swadharma refers to being true to one's nature; it's about rewarding individual purpose rather than societal pressures." • The discussion introduces the concept of ‘swadharma,’ underscoring the need to align one’s actions with their inherent nature and purpose, rather than adhering to externally defined roles or pressures. • The speaker emphasizes that fulfillment comes from discovering personal calling, be it in any field, such as being a homemaker, worker, or entrepreneur. • There’s an encouragement for individuals to spend their time on what deeply resonates with them, implying that happiness is derived from living in accordance with one’s unique purpose, contributing to personal satisfaction. The Path to True Happiness "True happiness involves discovering and living your unique purpose, merging work with personal fulfillment." • True happiness, according to the speaker, is about discovering one's cosmic purpose and living out that calling in every aspect of life, particularly in work. • They propose that for many, finding this purpose could be a lifelong journey. However, the pursuit is worthy, contrasting those who settle for convenience with individuals who actively search for and strive toward fulfilling their true calling. • The notion that there’s no difference between living and working reinforces the idea that aligning professional endeavors with personal values leads to a profound, deeper sense of happiness. The Importance of Listening to Your Inner Voice "I think most of us are afraid to listen to our inner voice; I've been a little less afraid." • The speaker reflects on their career path and emphasizes that every moment offers opportunities for making life choices. They convey that, similar to identical twins diverging in life based on minute differences in vision, individual perceptions and decisions about the future can significantly alter one's direction over time. • They suggest that personal insights often shape one's purpose, highlighting the need for individuals to embrace their autonomy and freedom when making choices. • The notion of creativity is addressed, suggesting that true creativity stems from freedom and a lack of reliance on borrowed knowledge, enabling a more profound understanding of one's purpose. The Balance of Work and Well-Being "Life is a marathon race, and this journey is about learning how to manage it harmoniously." • The discussion transitions to personal habits that contribute to well-being, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle focusing on moderation rather than extremes. The concept of "Arash Shakti" is introduced, advocating for a consistent approach where individuals only exert a portion of their maximum capacity, fostering sustainable growth and avoiding burnout. • This balance ties back to the idea of harmony between body, mind, and spirit, suggesting that maintaining this state is crucial to navigate life's ups and downs effectively. Life's experiences are compared to a wheel that brings inevitable peaks and valleys, encouraging acceptance and equanimity in facing life's challenges. Finding Happiness in Everyday Life "Ultimately, people want harmony, peace of mind, and a sustainable approach to happiness." • The conversation delves into the quest for happiness and purpose within the scope of professional and personal life. The importance of understanding one's motivations and values is highlighted as crucial for achieving genuine fulfillment. • A focus on the concept of Karma Yoga is made, presenting it as a pathway to integrate work and spirituality, emphasizing that achieving happiness isn't merely about achieving temporary highs, but about finding peace and balance. • The idea is reinforced that fostering a culture of happiness and well-being in work environments is essential, supported by a shared vision and collective purpose that invites both individual and communal growth. The Focus on Well-Being in Healthcare "In every interaction, we focus on making the other person happier, healthier, and promoting their well-being." • The emphasis in healthcare should not solely be on treating symptoms or performing surgeries but rather on a holistic approach that considers the individual as a whole, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual health. • Well-being is described as a deep, sustained state of happiness that incorporates physical and mental harmony, rather than a temporary fix to a problem. • The goal is not just immediate pain relief but fostering an environment where patients can maintain their well-being even after they leave treatment. Empowerment and Trust in Healthcare Relationships "The secret to health is not just through medicines; it's about empowering patients and uplifting each other." • Empowering both patients and healthcare practitioners is crucial. This includes giving patients control over their health and ensuring that every caregiver, medical or non-medical, contributes positively to one another's lives. • Trust plays a fundamental role in healthcare, underpinning all interactions between caregivers and patients. This trust must be built on consistent ethical behavior and transparency in treatment decisions. • Every interaction should aim to enhance a person’s strength and support their journey to health and happiness. Cultural Integrity and Ethical Practices in Healthcare "Patient-centric healthcare means that business decisions do not compromise patient needs." • The culture within a healthcare organization significantly impacts the type of care provided. Organizations can have similar structures, but differing cultures lead to variations in patient experiences. • A patient-centric model prioritizes ethical practices and processes that align with patient needs, eliminating skepticism that can arise from profit-driven motives in healthcare. • The practice of having both patients and doctors formally agree on treatment plans enhances the ethical standards of care provided, fostering higher levels of trust and satisfaction. Employee Wellbeing and Transformation "We have health programs that cover our employees, enabling them to take treatments with the benefit of our excellent team of doctors." • The organization is committed to the health and wellbeing of its employees, featuring comprehensive health programs that support their medical needs. • This commitment reflects a passion for holistic care, emphasized through the integration of Ayurveda as a treatment option. • Long-term employees have seen significant personal and professional growth, with many advancing from humble beginnings to hold managerial positions, illustrating the transformative journey fostered by the organization. • The focus is not just on professional skill-building but also on enhancing individual lives, as evidenced by employees' achievements, including home ownership and children pursuing higher education. Patient Success Stories in Ayurveda "We support conventional medicine; we have traffic accident cases where people are quadriplegic, and we work with modern medicine doctors as partners." • The discussion reveals a patient success story involving a 75-80 year old woman with severe cancer whose tumor shrank by 50% after switching to Ayurvedic care. • The case emphasizes the harmonization of Ayurveda with conventional medicine, showcasing collaborative efforts that support patients undergoing modern treatments. • Another poignant example highlighted is of a painter with a heart defect who received significant relief and improvement without the burden of unaffordable surgery, thanks to the affordable Ayurvedic remedies offered through an assistance program for economically disadvantaged patients. Integrating Ayurveda and Modern Medicine "The future is Ayurveda and appropriately integrative medicine that's going to transform the world." • The conversation shifts to the vision for integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine, discussing collaborations with respected physicians and hospitals that embrace this approach. • There is an emphasis on communication and trust-building with partners in healthcare as essential steps in overcoming skepticism about Ayurveda. • The potential for a new model of integrated healthcare in India is explored, advocating a complementary role for Ayurveda in chronic disease management and preventive health, while modern medicine addresses acute issues and urgent care. Books Influencing Spirituality "There are many books that have profoundly impacted my spiritual journey." • The speaker mentions several books that have had a significant influence on their spirituality. Key titles include "I Am That" by Nisargadatta Maharaj and "Freedom from the Known" by J. Krishnamurti. • Additionally, they reference "Yoga Vasistha," describing it as a central masterpiece that deeply resonates with them. The wisdom contained within these texts is highlighted as crucial to their spiritual development. Mental Purging and Rest "You must purge yourself of mental toxins you've accumulated." • The speaker discusses the importance of mental cleansing to maintain balance and happiness. They metaphorically refer to "purging" the mind of toxic thoughts accumulated throughout the day. • The conversation emphasizes that while the body may be tired, it is the mind that truly requires rest and organization. Sleep is portrayed not as a bodily need, but as essential for sorting through chaotic thoughts and emotions. The Importance of Mindfulness "The more you search outside, the more you will be in a grip. Search inside to find calm." • The speaker stresses the need to minimize the mental "garbage" consumed daily. They mention the overwhelming amount of sensory input people experience, which can lead to cognitive overload and restlessness. • Mindfulness and self-reflection are recommended as tools to combat external distractions, suggesting techniques like oil baths or nature walks to restore mental clarity and equanimity. Core Purpose as Motivation "The core purpose fills the tank and keeps you going." • Discussing what drives them through difficult times, the speaker emphasizes clarity of purpose as a critical motivator. They believe that understanding one's "swadharma" or core duty allows for resilience against challenges and failures. • Additionally, they highlight the crucial ability to move past perceived hurts and grievances, encouraging forgiveness and gratitude as essential for maintaining a peaceful and focused mindset. Balancing Performance and Social Impact "How do I balance performance versus social relevance and social impact?" • The discussion revolves around the challenge of balancing economic performance with social responsibility and environmental impact. This is especially relevant for businesses that serve the public, where their actions can influence customer well-being and societal health. • The speaker aims to engage the next speaker in this conversation, emphasizing the need for insights on how decisions can be guided by both personal and professional ethics concerning societal issues. The Meaning of Namaste and Embracing Diversity "Namaste means I bow down; I acknowledge the God I see in you, which is identical with the God in me." • The concept of Namaste represents a profound respect for the divinity present in every individual, transcending barriers such as caste, creed, gender, and socio-economic status. • The importance of seeing goodness in others and embracing diversity is highlighted as a path toward understanding and acceptance. The speaker encourages youth to adopt this spirit of Namaste in their lives for a more harmonious society. Opportunities for Engagement and Learning "We welcome those who would like to come and intern with us from any school." • The speaker invites students and prospective interns to explore opportunities across various departments in healthcare organizations, indicating the broad spectrum of career paths available in the field. • By participating in internship programs, students can contribute to societal well-being while gaining practical experience in areas like data analytics, management, and operations, thus reinforcing the value of their education in real-world applications. Reflections on Learning and Knowledge Sharing "Every person has a story to tell; every person has something to share with us." • The conversation underlines the belief that knowledge exchange is crucial. Individuals are encouraged to implement the lessons learned and maintain a hunger for knowledge and self-improvement. • The session concludes with reflections on the collective experience of learning, acknowledging the importance of ongoing engagement and interaction within the community. Raj Vasudevan, a seasoned leader in the healthcare industry, is introduced as the founder of Apollo Ayur Hospital, which combines Ayurveda with modern medicine to provide holistic healthcare solutions. The Role of Purpose in Career Choices Vasudevan emphasizes that the clarity of one's purpose, or 'swadharma,' is crucial in making career choices and finding happiness in work. He shares his journey of pursuing socially relevant work throughout his career. Integrating Ayurveda with Modern Medicine The CEO discusses the importance of Ayurveda in managing chronic diseases and highlights that while Ayurveda can provide fast symptomatic relief, its true strength lies in addressing root causes for long-term health. Workplace Culture of Empowerment He explains how the empowerment of both patients and employees is central to Apollo Ayur's mission. The organization's culture fosters trust and collaboration, empowering employees to contribute positively to patient care. Importance of Balance and Well-Being Vasudevan speaks about maintaining balance in life and work, promoting the idea that true happiness comes from within and that professionals should work towards their cosmic purpose. Daily Practices for Inner Well-Being He shares his daily habits that promote mental peace, including moderation in work and a focus on maintaining a light mental and emotional footprint. Challenges of Combining Profits and Social Values The discussion concludes with the importance of balancing profit-driven metrics with social relevance and ethical responsibilities in the healthcare sector. Summary A conversation with CEO Raj Vasudevan covers his journey in Ayurveda, the importance of spirituality in happiness, and fostering well-being in healthcare.