Life’s secret is simple to read yet the most difficult to practice. “Your life will be a masterpiece if you master peace,” says S. Nagasubramanian, popularly known as Naga by all his admirers. “Life will change without your permission. It is up to you to change according to the change. Life is sweet – take time to taste it,” he adds. “Only you can change your life. No one can do it for you. Because you are the only one who can write your own destiny.”
Naga believes the secret mantra is understanding the delicate balance between awareness and action. It’s about recognizing the fundamental truths of existence—the impermanence of things, the importance of human connection, and the power of present-moment awareness. However, truly integrating these principles into our daily lives is where the difficulty arises.
With over five decades of multifaceted experience, Naga comes to you as a master in excellence of corporate consultancy. As a distinguished consultant, his expertise spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, including public relations, media coverage, branding, and corporate communication.
Naga further says, “The Happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything they have. Always remember that ethics, positivity, and respecting everyone make you glow. Your tongue and heart are made boneless so that they think and tender kindness.”
Freeing from the Trap
He explains that we may intellectually grasp that material possessions bring fleeting joy, yet we get caught up in the relentless pursuit of ‘more.’ We understand the importance of cherishing relationships, but the daily grind can leave us neglecting the ones we love. We acknowledge the power of mindfulness, but the constant barrage of distractions makes staying present a constant battle.
The secret lies not just in identifying these truths but in actively cultivating practices that bridge the gap between knowing and doing. It involves making conscious choices—prioritizing time with loved ones over work, practising gratitude for what we have, and deliberately quieting our minds through meditation or spending time in nature.
Naga elaborates that the key is consistency. Just as building a strong physical foundation requires regular exercise, cultivating a fulfilling life requires ongoing effort. There will be setbacks, moments when we succumb to old habits or lose sight of our intentions. But with each mindful breath, each act of kindness, each moment of genuine connection, we inch closer to unlocking the true secret of life: living with intention, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the precious gift of existence.
Beyond his advisory roles, Naga is a prolific content writer, seasoned anchor, and voice-over consultant. He is a certified lead auditor in both Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) standards. He has made significant contributions as a trainer in corporate social responsibility (CSR), human resources (HR), industrial relations (IR), and legal compliance.
The Wisdom of Ages
Naga’s take on everything is philosophical, yet you find that coming from his mouth, it sounds practical. When asked how we can change our situations from bad to better, he says, “We can’t upload luck. We can’t download time. Google can’t give all the answers in life. So just log in to reality and ‘Like’ the status of your Life.”
He furthers, “Don’t judge by appearances. A rich heart may be under a poor coat. Comparison is a thief of joy. Nature gives you a wealth of health. Understand specifications before dolling out the offer. If you cannot catch a fish, do not blame the sea. Impossible is just an opinion. Your only limit is your mind. Trust is an invisible currency, hard to earn and easy to lose. So trust in it and believe in yourself.”
Remember, the secret itself is not hidden or complex. It’s readily available to anyone who seeks it. “The challenge lies in the daily practice, in the unwavering commitment to bridge the gap between what we know and how we live. And in that ongoing pursuit lies the greatest reward – a life filled with meaning, connection, and a profound sense of peace,” claims Naga.
From Barefoot Boy to Industry Leader: The Inspiring Journey of Naga
Naga’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of perseverance, education, and dynamic leadership. It underscores how one can rise from adversity to achieve greatness, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines successful leadership in modern business.
Naga’s journey from a humble background to a position of prominence is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Born into a low-income family, Naga’s father, the late N. Sambamurthy moved from the village of Sathanur near Chennai to Pune during the Second World War in 1945. He worked as a primary school teacher at Saraswati Vidyalaya School in Somwar Peth, earning a meagre monthly salary of ₹20. Naga still cherishes his father’s appointment letter to symbolise their humble beginnings.
The Flame Ignited
Naga, the fourth sibling, was the only one of his parents’ children to survive past infancy, as his three elder brothers tragically died young. His early years were marked by extreme hardship, often walking barefoot with his younger brother, Natarajan, 30 kilometres to and from Saraswati Vidyalaya. Despite the severe poverty, Naga’s desire to achieve great things burned brightly within him. He often went to bed on an empty stomach, drinking only water to quell his hunger, yet he remained determined that he would rise to remarkable heights one day.
Kind-hearted neighbours and a generous cook from a nearby military mess frequently provided food for Naga and his brother, who were moved by their plight. Naga’s sole focus was to work hard and gain wisdom, which he believed to be everlasting wealth. He recalls a time when a rat chewed through his sandals. Without money to pay a cobbler, his younger brother skillfully stitched them together, allowing Naga to continue his 15-kilometre walk to school, often on an empty stomach, with his father bringing breakfast during his school break. If his father were delayed due to transportation issues, Naga would return home without eating, only to walk back to school and later back home at 1:30 PM.
The Spirit Strengthened
There were times when Naga’s uniform was torn; to conceal this, he wore a sweater over it. He also remembers the humiliation of being sent home from school for non-payment of fees. The family’s financial situation was so dire that Naga’s mother often had to borrow rice or wheat flour from neighbours, which they ate without any vegetables. Despite these challenges, Naga’s academic brilliance shone through. He received a double promotion in primary school and graduated from SSC (equivalent to 11th grade today) in June 1970 at the young age of 15.5 years.
Naga dreamed of becoming a doctor, but his mother had to make him understand their financial constraints. He ultimately decided to pursue Commerce, joining a pre-degree commerce course on a scholarship. He recalls with gratitude an ex-serviceman, Mr. R.S. Sharma, who generously paid the ₹22 admission fee to Ness Wadia College, marking the beginning of Naga’s college career.
Naga had a profound bond with his mother, Parvathy, whom he revered as his mentor and protector. In 1970, she advised him to enrol in shorthand and typing classes for a modest fee of ₹12, recognizing the high demand for stenographers with good English skills. With tears in his eyes, Naga reflects on how his mother often went hungry to ensure her children were fed, a fact he only realized decades later.
The Resolve Hardened
Naga took on a part-time job at a furniture shop in Bhavani Peth, Pune, to support his education while studying in college. He walked 27 kilometres daily to earn a part-time salary of ₹50 per month. He dedicated himself to his studies, frequently reading in the Ness Wadia College library, and consistently achieved top grades. Meanwhile, he became proficient in shorthand and typing, reaching speeds of 130 and 70 words per minute, respectively.
On February 10, 1972, Naga registered at the Pune Employment Exchange. To his surprise, he received a call within ten days to attend an interview for the position of Personal Assistant to the Director at the Institute of Armament Technology (now DIAT) in Khadakwasla, Pune. He was selected for the position and began working with Dr. S.C. Mitra, a nuclear scientist. Due to his lean frame and unshaven appearance, a result of poverty, his boss initially doubted his age, but Naga explained his situation honestly. His parents were overjoyed at his securing a stable government job.
Naga’s journey of perseverance and determination continued as he juggled work and studies, cycling 30 kilometres across Pune to complete his B.Com, M.Com, Diploma in Business & Marketing Management, and Inter ICWA by age 25. He registered at Pune University under the guidance of the late Dr. K.M. Gavaskar, Vice Principal of BMCC, Pune, and began pursuing a Ph.D. However, he could not complete it due to the demanding hours of his job in the private sector.
The Leader Awakened
Naga transitioned to the industry, becoming Executive Assistant to the Chairman & Managing Director of the Finolex Group on September 15, 1980. Within a year, he moved to the Thapar Group, where he steadily rose to become the Head of Central Administration at Greaves Cotton, managing four group companies. After 18 years at Greaves, he was offered a promotion that required relocation to Chennai, but being a staunch Punekar, he chose to stay in Pune and resigned on April 20, 1999. He then joined the RSB Group in Pune, where he found a mentor and guide, Mr A.K. Kaul, the Director, who had also been his boss at Greaves and RSB Group.
Naga holds a Master’s degree in Commerce, a Diploma in Business & Marketing Management, and a Diploma in Software Technology. He is an International Register of Certified Lead Auditors in Environment Management Systems and OHSAS, a Total Quality Management (TQM) expert, and a guest faculty member at several prestigious educational institutions. He has also been a chief guest at numerous colleges in Pune. Naga has a rich background of 51 years in the automotive, genset, and earth-moving equipment industries. He has led a ₹200 crore business centre for the spares vertical at Greaves Cotton & Co Ltd, contributed to media coverage, and has been involved in content writing, publication of business articles, and conducting channel interviews. He has also served as a certified lead auditor for ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and ISO 45001 (OHSAS), headed HR/IR/Admin for three plants and been a jury member on several panels of the CII and the National Innovation Council, led by Dr R.A. Mashelkar.
The Legend Shone Brightest
Naga has appeared on TV channels like Times Now and ETV, has been interviewed by elite business schools in the US, and has anchored numerous press conferences and business events. He has also served as the Chairman of the HR Committee at the Deccan Chamber of Commerce and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the corporate world. His career spans the Ministry of Defence and several multi-crore corporate entities, including the Finolex Group, Greaves Cotton, and RSB Group, where he held senior management positions and became well-versed in Industry 4.0 technologies.
Today, at 71, Naga continues his professional journey, which he proudly calls “Naga 4.0.” His extensive career reflects his relentless hard work, grit, and unending thirst for excellence, yet he remains humble and simple despite his remarkable achievements. As the CEO of Enlightened Thought Works Pvt Ltd, headquartered in Bangalore and operating from Pune, Naga oversees operations and new business developments across India. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes, “I dream only of realities without an iota of fiction.”
Enlightened Thought Works: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Nature
At Enlightened Thought Works (ET Works), Naga says they believe in the power of innovation, but with a twist. “We’re not just about creating cutting-edge technology; we’re passionate about ensuring it works in harmony with nature and enhances human well-being.”
The company operates at the intersection of technology, human needs, and the natural world. “We design and develop products and services that utilize technology’s potential to create a more peaceful and enjoyable life, all while keeping environmental responsibility at the forefront.”
Whether you are looking for innovative solutions for businesses or tools to empower your personal well-being, ET Works offers a unique perspective. “Visit our website https://et-works.co/ to explore our current offerings and discover how technology can truly work for you and the world around you,” says Naga, whose success saga is more than just a list of achievements.
It’s a tale of overcoming adversity, the unwavering support of family and mentors, and the power of believing in oneself. He is a true inspiration to all who dare to dream big, regardless of their background.
