Sridhar Varadarajan has attained heights in his career which most middle-class youth only dream of. Belonging to a typical middle-class family hailing from Chennai, he has reached a post as important as that of the executive director of the Research and Development Centre for Iron & Steel (RDCIS) at Ranchi through sheer hard work and dedication. The humble engineer candidly admits that the profession came to him and not that he stretched for it. With just five more months left in his illustrious career, S Varadarajan opened his secrets and guiding principles to The Pioneer.
Tell us something about your early life.
I was born in Chennai in 1953 and educated throughout in a Christian institution namely society of Don Bosco. I passed out school in 1968 then I graduated from loyola College, Madras with a BSc in chemistry. After doing BSc I was confused about what to doIJ Then I came to the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (where my uncle had also studied) and did BE in Metallurgy. Just like any other middle class lad, I also started looking for a job.
Becoming an engineer was an accident or by choiceIJ
It was not a choice but not an accident also. Why I say so is because basically we are a middle-class family and education is the most important thing in our life. My father could not get past school because his father died at an early age. He had to take the responsibility of the family and quit school. But he was very keen that everybody should be educated. Both my uncles became engineers. All my brothers are engineers. Studying is important but engineering came later on.
My father was also keen than if want to study I will have to go outside Chennai due to the changing political situation in Tamil Nadu in 1969. So I shifted to Bangalore.
How has your marital life beenIJ
It was an arranged marriage. In Indian culture it is marriage between two families. I see my family and wife’s family are at same level. Initially she was not working but after my son grew older she started teaching in school just to keep herself engaged.
What are your HobbiesIJ
In school I kept myself busy in sports like football, cricket. At that time there was no TV etc. My father was also against magazines and such things. I saw first movie in college. I think it was Bobby. This was taboo at that time and of course money was also a matter.
Has there been any reflection of the missionaries’ ideals on your life, philosophy or ideasIJ
In Christian missionaries some kind of value system is always there. You have to give something back to the society. Once you are free then do something to the needy. That value system is still there.
What extracurricular activities do you pursue in your spare timeIJ
I like to get involved in anything that can give back to society. I still feel that we are a privileged lot considering the situation in the country. Whatever way we would like to do that depends upon the individual. I like to go temple every weekend.
Your food habits, likes and dislikes.
I am a vegetarian. I was fond of rice but due to diabetes I reduced it a lot. Sweets I almost avoid. Here with medication I am able to control the problem. I don’t mind cooking but I don’t like cooking.
What do you cook if you get a chanceIJ
I only cook South Indian food like idli etc. It is very easy to make. About 15 years back I used to do 30 per cent of cooking to help my wife as she was quite busy with our two growing kids. Also, we were living in a flat where no maid was available. later we shifted to single house in Bhilai where servant’s quarter was available.
How about your following Art of livingIJ
Initially I stated art of living to do something different. It attracts me as it keeps my sugar and all these health issues in control and keeps me focused. When you are physically fit then peace of mind follows. It does reflect on your profession and keep you calm. Basically all depends upon what you seek from your life; keep your expectation within limit. If you don’t keep pressure on yourself then things automatically pans out. You have to keep your wants in control.
Any gap between your generation and that of today or changes in the value systemIJ
Change is there but not in value system. Value system is what comes to you in early life through family and parents. Children adopt what they receive from parents, teachers. Society has changed a lot and many things keep coming to them. But they can manage.
What are your retirement plansIJ
I have another five months left. But I think I can work for four-five years more. I am open to any offer coming from somewhere. Not that I will jump at any offer. The offer should be challenging. I have to keep myself active. I will get involved in some activities. later I am planning to settle in Chennai. My whole family is settled over there.
Would you miss Ranchi after leavingIJ
Nothing like that. Definitely the weather; that I would miss.