Empowering Lives: Madan, a Mumbaiite Making a Difference!

orn and raised in Mumbai, Kotak Bank customer and GetSetUp community member, Madan's life story of his personal experiences, professional achievements, and commitment to giving back to the community are one of curiosity, perseverance, and the joy of continuous learning. His journey took him through various roles, challenges, and achievements, shaping him into the person he is today. Growing up, he had his sights set on a career in dentistry. However, life had other plans. 

“I’ve always been driven by a deep desire to learn and help others. My academic pursuit began with dentistry, which I couldn’t pursue due to financial constraints. After months of uncertainty, when I received an offer from the Indian Railways to work as an account assistant, I took it on. Balancing morning classes at KC College for a psychology degree with my railway job, my days were long. I then furthered my education with a law degree while teaching tuition and overcoming challenges in my job with the help of a chartered accountant. Achieving first place in an examination conducted by CAG was a highlight, marking me as the youngest officer to be promoted within the Indian Railways. But that was not it; I soon transitioned to a PSU under the Ministry of Railways, Ircon International, leveraging deputation for faster promotional opportunities. Later, I had the chance to work with a multinational company named Trafalgar House Construction India Limited, serving as a Senior Manager in finance from 1995 to 2003. Following that, I took on the CEO role at a biotech company called Rossari Biotech, where I worked from 2003 to 2018."

Madan's interests and hobbies are as diverse as his professional journey. A cricket enthusiast and a dramatics aficionado, he has spent years indulging in theater, from acting to directing and even set design. "I played cricket till the age of 60 over the last 10-15 years. But still, I play with these boys and underarm and all those things," he shares, highlighting his active lifestyle. Equally compelling is Madan's dedication to the arts, particularly theater, which has played a significant role in his life. "Theater is perishing. It should be promoted more. I have participated in many theaters, from Marathi to Gujarati. But then, as I grew up, my career was cut off. The last show that I did was in 1988. After 1988, I have not done any stage programs." he asserts, underscoring his passion for the art form and its power to connect and convey emotions more profoundly than cinema. His love for the performing arts extends beyond the stage, embracing the diverse linguistic landscape of India through music. "I can say I can sing in Bangla. I can sing Tamil and Malayalam. Also, I know a little because my wife is Malayali." 

“In 2018, I decided it was the right moment to retire while I was still at the top of my game, similar to a cricketer retiring before their form declines. It was important for me to dedicate more time to my family and to make a meaningful contribution to society,”.  After retiring from a fulfilling career that spanned public and private sectors, he dedicated himself to social work and education, mainly focusing on running a school in a remote agricultural district. Despite the challenges of managing a non-aided school and ensuring quality education for underprivileged children, Madan and his team have achieved outstanding results, with their students consistently excelling. Madan's decision to join GetSetUp was driven by a blend of personal curiosity and a strategic vision for his NGO. "I stumbled upon GetSetUp on Facebook, curious by its diverse activities for travel, learning, and meeting like-minded individuals. It seemed like the perfect platform to share my experiences, learn from others, and possibly find support for my NGO work. I was particularly drawn to connecting with others with a passion for making a difference." His engagement with GetSetUp quickly proved fruitful, leading to encounters with individuals who shared his commitment to social change, such as Nasreen R., a Tata Institute of Social Sciences retiree. "I had a discussion on this particular NGO and everything,”. His experience at a luncheon at the Gateway Radio Club further solidified his belief in the value of GetSetUp as a networking platform. "It was a well-organized event where we met several people in various fields," he reflects.

Through his active participation in GetSetUp's community events and luncheons, Madan shares how he found a platform for personal growth and a supportive network that values his contributions. “My experience with GetSetUp has been incredibly positive. It's a platform for people to come together. It has become a place where I can be bold in sharing my story, learn from the vast experiences of others, and even find new ways to support my educational initiatives. I appreciate what GetSetUp is doing for older adults to pursue their passions and interests, whether it's dancing, singing, or learning new skills.  Watching the ladies dancing at the Mumbai event I went to with their Dance Guide was great. Moreover, the organization's focus on raising awareness about cybercrimes and older adults' rights is commendable. Empowering older adults with knowledge and support is essential to navigate modern challenges effectively.”  His connection to the GetSetUp community goes beyond just attending sessions. Through casual conversations and shared backgrounds, Madan discovered a familiar face in Sunita, a Guide whose family he knew from his days on the Indian Railways.

As Madan continues to explore what GetSetUp has to offer, he inspires our community to embrace learning at any stage of life, proving that it's never too late to pursue your passions, contribute to society, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.

This article is brought to you in partnership with Kotak Grand. If you, too, are a Kotak Bank customer and want to join our community of Lifelong Learners, drop us a WhatsApp here.