Chasing the Horizon: A true story of grit, hope and perseverance ǀ Life lessons to become a better version of yourself

By Sundeep Singh

Being an IITian has long been considered an honour reserved for the sharpest and smartest minds in India. But there are exceptions.
CHASING THE HORIZON is a story about one such exception.
Aman is a carefree kid who loves playing pranks, worships Tendulkar, and couldn’t care less about his career. And then, he gets trapped in the mad rush of cut-throat competition. From being a happy-go-lucky kid, he transforms into a subject of mockery and humiliation. It is during this darkest hour of his life that he undergoes the most profound journey of self-discovery.
Read his real-life journey of grit, hope and perseverance as he embraces and conquers his insecurities. You will find simple yet powerful life principles to unlock your true potential and be a better version of yourself.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Srishti Publishers
• Release date: Jun 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9789395192217

Book preview

A TRUE STORY OF GRIT, HOPE

AND PERSEVERANCE

Sundeep Singh

An imprint of

Srishti Publishers & Distributors

Srishti Publishers & Distributors

A unit of AJR Publishing LLP

212A, Peacock Lane

Shahpur Jat, New Delhi – 110 049

[e-mail]

First published by Bold,

an imprint of Srishti Publishers & Distributors in 2023

Copyright © Sundeep Singh, 2023

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This is a work of non-fiction based on the author’s life and experiences. While due care has been taken by the author and publisher to verify content at press time, any inadvertent miss that is brought to their notice shall be duly verified and updated subsequently. Actual names of people and places have been changed for storytelling purpose.

The author asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publishers.

Printed and bound in India

Praise for the author

and his work

I regularly interact with youngsters from varied backgrounds, all trying to search their own path to success, dealing with their own fears & insecurities. There is no magic wand to navigate this journey, but there are some simple mantras that all successful people adhere to. This book does a remarkable job of laying these out through a beautifully narrated story – a simple, fast-paced and captivating story that finds you cheering and praying for the protagonist as he undertakes his pursuit of success. This is one book that you would want to read over and over again.

– Professor Amit Gupta

Mechanical Engineering, IIT Delhi

Life’s most enduring and timeless lessons illustrated through the lens of a young boy struggling to come to terms with the real-life pressures. The author not only lays bare his shortcomings but does a remarkable job of celebrating the role these shortcomings have played in shaping his personality. I particularly loved the key messages section at the end of each chapter. It’s a fantastic reference point – just adhering to the simple principles laid out here can have a transformative impact on one’s life. A truly roller-coaster ride!

– Dr. Bhaskar Chatterjee

CEO, Anil Agarwal Foundation – Vedanta

Ex–Secretary General, Indian Steel Association

If only we could cut the noise all-around and focus…if only we could choose the right path…if only we could realize our true potential... Chasing the Horizon is the story of a young boy who did all this with incredible hope and patience. Through his debut novel, Sundeep has done a fantastic job of bringing out some powerful messages, which are much needed in the world full of distractions today. He does it through a simple relatable story that takes you along a nostalgic wave of emotions – it’s an absolute must read!

– Chhavi Rajawat

India’s youngest & first woman MBA Sarpanch (Soda, Rajasthan)

Member of WEF’s Young Global Leaders community

Chasing the Horizon is an impressive and reflective debut novel by Sundeep Singh. It tells the story of the relentless pursuit of academic and corporate success - that will resonate with millions of professionals across "middle-India" from the post liberalization generation. The metaphor of the Horizon for success rings true - enticing, visible within grasping distance - but never really there and ever changing. A sincere attempt by the author to share a legacy of learning and values for the next generation, so they can navigate the pulls and pressures of an increasingly competitive, changing and stressful world.

– Deepak Malkani

Co-Founder, IndusGuru Network Partners

An absolute masterpiece! Chasing the Horizon is Sundeep Singh’s honest yet unapologetic account of his vulnerabilities as a student, and the way he discovers simple life principles to overcome any obstacle. While the story is set-up in an academic context, the messages highlighted here are relevant for one and all - this book should feature on top of everyone’s reading list.

– Dilip Chenoy

Chairman, Bharat Web3 Association

Ex-Secretary General, FICCI

Chasing the Horizon is a heartfelt and non-judgmental account of the joys and struggles of growing up. Sundeep Singh’s powerful storytelling unfolds real-life situations to help the reader discover insights by offering questions rather than providing answers. I’d highly recommend the book not just to youngsters preparing for life beyond school, but also to professionals looking to keep the child inside alive.

– Gagandeep Bhullar

Founder, SuperHumanRace

(a NITI Aayog incubated startup)

Simple yet hard-hitting – Chasing the Horizon is an inspiring story underpinning the power of patience and perseverance - the ability to hang-in there against all odds. The story brings to life powerful life messages through the story of a young boy undergoing a journey of self-discovery. Compliments to Sundeep for bringing out this inspiring story. A must-read for one and all.

– Ganesan Ramachandran

Managing Director, Accenture

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to achieve success in a holistic sense, then you’ve laid your hands on a delightful treat. Sundeep, in his inimitable style, delivers life lessons distilled with precision from personal experience. From conquering self-doubt, to avoiding negative self-talk, to staying laser focused on goals. Having watched Sundeep’s journey from afar, I can say with confidence that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. This is a veritable how to compendium.

– Himanshu Tambe

CEO, Cosmode Consultants

Faculty (part–time), ISB / Singapore University of Social Sciences

Sundeep is an outstanding individual of good character, with a passion to change the world for the better and an incredible ability to get things done. Over the 15 years we have worked together, I always wondered how he manages to do so much, so fast. Having read this remarkable account of his foundational years, I now know the answer. This book is an excellent articulation of what it takes to succeed in life. It’s an absolute must-read for all youngsters.

– Justin Keeble

Managing Director, Google Cloud

Sundeep has crafted a wonderful account of the rites of passage that millions of young people go through in their school-leaving years in India. Yet, the lessons he draws are meaningful for adults of all ages. His inspirational story will warm your heart.

– Mukund Govind Rajan

Chairman, ECube Investment Advisors

Former Brand Custodian, Tata Group

Sometimes the most powerful messages are hidden in our daily incidents. All it takes to bring it out is some introspection and the art of storytelling. Sundeep through his debut novel, brings it out through a simple and engrossing narrative that immediately strikes a chord through the nostalgic account which is very relatable. It subtly reinforces the fact that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is the first step towards success.

– Ruchi Kalra

Cofounder & CFO, OfBusiness

Ex-Partner, McKinsey & Company

Here is the story of a man who realized that ‘Profundity lies in simplicity’ and lived his life on his terms to come to terms with life. As Frank Sinatra sang - ‘I did it My way…’ Insightful, engaging and knocks on life’s door.

– Ms. Rupa Chakravarty

Director, Suncity Schools

Sundeep Singh’s Chasing the Horizon is all about hope. The book beautifully narrates the story of a young boy navigating a rocky phase of his life. The silver lining to the cloud is the way he overcomes his challenges, with dogged resilience and perseverance. Kudos to the way the book also sketches out the role of parents in extending unconditional support to children. It’s a must read for both youngsters and parents. Congratulations to Sundeep for his outstanding compilation with his debut novel.

– Sanjay Dawar

Managing Director, Accenture

People spend a lifetime chasing big goals, but sometimes miss out on the joy of small moments along the way. Chasing the Horizon by Sundeep Singh is a refreshing reminder of the magnificence of these small moments. The small things, the ups & downs, make the journey worth remembering in hindsight. It is the culmination of these moments that leads us into the future and becomes the foundation for success. Kudos to Sundeep for beautifully penning this thoughtful message and richly overlaying very pragmatic tips he has acquired over the years. I strongly recommend this book, particularly to those looking for motivation to overcome obstacles.

– Scott H. Pharr

Senior Managing Director, Accenture

We often read about success stories and heroes from different fields of life. They are all inspiring, but sometimes limit our definition of what success means. To me, Sundeep’s Chasing the Horizon is a tribute to countless inspiring people all around us, all fighting their own mini-battles in their own sweet way, every single day, shaping their own pursuit of success. The story nicely outlines the art of becoming a better version of ourselves through commitment, passion and hard work – something that we all can learn from. Simple, straight from the heart, and truly very inspirational. A must-read!

– Vaishali Nigam Sinha

Co-Founder and Chairperson Sustainability, ReNew

To my loving parents,

who always support me.

Unconditionally.

Note from the author

I stood at the start line of Tata Mumbai Marathon, thinking it was a mistake to not carry my iPod for the run. It was the first time I was going to run a full marathon without music. Even if I ran well, I was looking ahead at a good three and a half hours by myself. I was thinking how I’d keep myself distracted. Then, I decided to do something unusual. I decided that at each kilometre mark, I would think what life used to be at that numerical age. I thought the strategy would keep me distracted for the first 36 kilometres, and then I would figure something out for the last six kilometres.

The plan worked. Riding the tide of emotions, I reached the 36-km mark. It was during that state of fatigue that I made three promises to myself – one of those was to write a book about the emotions that I felt most strongly during the run.

This is that book. Through this book, I intend to share the roller-coaster ride that I went through during the last two years of my schooling. I intend to express my deepest love and gratitude for my parents and sister, who stood by me unconditionally, always. I wouldn’t be here today, had it not been for their commitment and care over the past three decades.

Life seems to have come full circle. In a few years from now, my son would undertake his own journey, a journey of transition from being the most adorable kid to a man ready to face the challenges of the world. I find myself at a similar juncture where my parents once were, possessed with the desire to shape a peaceful, successful and enriching life for my son. Through this book, I intend to share with my son that things won’t always be easy. As he grows, he is bound to face his share of hardships and disappointments. But even when he navigates the most testing times, we would be there by his side, showering our unconditional love and support.

Lastly, through this book I intend to thank my lovely wife, who has been a partner in crime for over fourteen years. She completes me in every sense, and without her unconditional love and support, I could not have completed this book.

Sundeep Singh

July 2021

Current day

Deep within, there are nostalgic memories, comfortably placed beneath the layer of consciousness. We may have long forgotten about their existence, but once in a while, these memories get nudged, perhaps inadvertently, triggering a realization of the path we have taken to reach where we are.

I, me, and my million dollars

It was a frustrating Saturday night. I had been completely hooked on to my laptop for over four hours. Every few minutes, I firmly straightened my back. My face must have looked like I was on the verge of a breakthrough for the entire world. In reality, though, I was working on a usual project report, not very different from dozens of similar reports I had done in the past. After reviewing every slide, I casually reclined back in the chair to view the progress. It was shaping up nicely. My concentration was broken as my wife Mehr entered the room.

Dinner is ready, Aman, she said softly.

I don’t feel like eating.

That’s not good. It is bad to skip meals, and worse when you have to do it over the weekends.

If I feel hungry, I will have something later, but don’t need anything for now, I offered my usual response.

Take a short break and have something to eat. Sit with Ekkam… he has been waiting for you.

I was tempted to offer an excuse, but the fact that my two-and-a-half-year-old kid had been waiting was difficult to condone.

Give me a moment. I will come in a few minutes.

Seeing me in the living room, Ekkam shouted cheerfully, and rushed towards me. He went up on his toes to add an additional inch to his height and managed to hug my thigh.

Papa! Ekkam exclaimed with kiddish exuberance.

Ekkam! I replied in just the same way.

We were halfway into the meal, and I hadn’t spoken a word. It had just been the baby talk between Mehr and Ekkam. It wasn’t the first time I was having such a quiet dinner. I had this knack of conveniently isolating myself in a shell.

How is your report coming along, Aman? Are you anywhere close to wrapping it up? asked Mehr.

I am comfortable with the storyline. But there are a few sections that need to be better represented. I think it will take me a few more hours to finalize.

When you say a few hours, do you mean a couple of hours, or is it significantly more than that? Mehr asked, looking expectantly at me. I am asking because I might require some help tomorrow evening.

What is it regarding? I asked.

Ekkam’s play school is re-opening on Monday and there is a lot of homework to be completed.

Homework? You can’t be serious! He doesn’t even know how to hold a pencil properly.

These are actually fun activities designed to introduce new concepts. For example, things like using wastepaper to build paper planes and imprinting poster colours over a white shirt.

Oh okay!

So, back to my question. Would you have some time tomorrow to help us wrap up the remaining activities?

I wish I could, but as it stands right now, it looks difficult. These reports can take forever.

…even when it looks just a few hours away from completion?

I guess, yes. The client paid us a million dollars for this project! I coldly replied to close the discussion. Without saying anything further, I picked up my empty plate and got ready to move. I think I should get back to my work before it gets too late.

Just as I walked out, I felt I shouldn’t have used the word ‘my’. It just felt too conspicuous.

After entering the study room, I quickly created a list of pending items with a clear priority order. I started working through the list, hoping to strike out most before hitting the bed. Even after an hour, I had hardly made any progress. Physically, I was at work, but my mind seemed to be wandering. I reclined back in the chair and tried to fathom the reason for my distraction. I wondered if it was the fact that I had refused to help with my son’s homework that was troubling me.

Maybe it was, or maybe it was something more than that. Perhaps, the discussion at dinner was just a trigger to something much more profound. I could not immediately define what it was.

I gently closed my eyes, put my right forearm on the eyes and started thinking about the final two years of my schooling days. Those days did not seem too long ago, at least not till the conscious mind reminded me that it had been well over twenty years!

March 1998

The uncertain pathways

Every moment, every interaction, every experience is nudging us along a pathway - towards an unknown destination. This subtle yet strong steer is so self-organized that its occurrence often goes unnoticed. It is happening, nonetheless, continually steering us along the path to our changed version, that we will