Harshil Bhadra - Mumbai, Maharashtra

 

Hello All,

I am born and brought up in Bombay, and over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to experience life from many dimensions. But it was Let’s Make A Difference that left a deep impact on me and truly transformed the way I look at myself and the world around me. In one liner I can say that ‘it taught me how to think’

Here’s my story:

Before Let's Make A Difference
From childhood to adulthood, I always strived to be a good human being. No bad habits, no abusive language, a strong upbringing, and a positive social circle. I was inclined toward music and mythology and deeply connected with a spiritual group.

In every sphere of life- be it academics, extracurriculars, or my personal and professional journey, I was doing well. My parents, teachers, relatives, and elders often praised me. Complaints were rare.

Naturally, I believed I had very few faults in me. Of course, no one is perfect, but I thought perhaps I just needed minor adjustments here and there. I had an attitude that I know how world functions and I’m self-sufficient.

In 2022, I first heard about Let’s Make A Difference through my fiancée. I noticed a positive change in her after she returned from the conference—she was more confident and clearer in her thoughts. Instead of explaining what the conference entailed, she encouraged me to experience it myself. And so, I participated in 2024.

During the 8-Day National Conference
To be honest, this course was a wake-up call. It shook me out of my comfortable illusions and made me realize that I had only partial knowledge of many things—which had unknowingly led to arrogance and ego.

One of the most impactful practices I was introduced to was Quiet Time—listening to your inner voice. When I sat down with a pen and diary, I was stunned to discover how impure I was from within. I realized that being “good” externally wasn’t enough. Deep inside, I carried traits of being judgmental, egoistic, greedy, short-tempered, manipulative, selfish, dishonest, lustful, and even fake in some relationships. I took people for granted and kept contacts only the ones from whom I can benefit.

Another eye-opening day for me was the Family Day. I analysed that my thoughts & actions were not aligned. I thought I was a good son, good brother, grandson however I was way too behind from an Ideal role & responsibilities. I cry very rarely but that day I burst into tears.

Seeing my inner dark side in the mirror made me hate myself.

But identifying the problem is the first step toward change.

The course was beautifully structured. Each day involved insightful sessions, quiet time, group discussions, and thought-provoking activities that helped us reflect and navigate the direction of our lives. It helped me cut through mental clutter and become wiser in my decisions. With such a diversity of people, and hearing their stories automatically dissolved the ego I had of being a “city guy from Mumbai.”

Two guest speakers—Nitin Ghorpade and Anurag Maloo—were particularly inspiring. Their life transformations rekindled the fire within me.

In short in these 8 days, I learnt how to Unlearn & Re-learn.

After Let's Make A Difference
I returned home full of positivity and with action points to work on myself. It felt like a refresher of moral values, and I committed to staying connected with these values for life.

I decided to eliminate negative behaviors—judging, complaining, taunting, gossiping—and to filter the sources of toxic thoughts. I began building discipline and consistency in good habits like waking up early, reading, practising quiet time and exercising.

One of the biggest insights I had was this: part of my life’s purpose is to give back—through my time, skills, and energy—to make society better. That’s why I also volunteered at the regional conference held in Jamshedpur.

Today, my thoughts are clearer, and my decisions are more logical. Since months I was wondering whether to bring some change in my career path. Later, I understood that growth lies beyond my procrastination and comfort zone. I heard my inner voice and took a bold step in career of transitioning from a Job to joining my family Business.

By listening to my spirit, I’m able to connect the dots of my past learnings and grow more spiritually. This conference has already begun shaping my character.

It’s a slow but fulfilling process—like planting a seed and patiently watching it grow. My family tells me I’ve become calmer, more organized, more generous, and yes, even more punctual! The by-product here is not personality building but it’s Character building.

I’m thankful to Viral Sir for being my Guru and my mentor. By living a life on the principles he’s teaching, he’s setting an example and inspiring others.

From the premises of MRA (Asia Plateau) I found a quote: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
– William Arthur Ward