We feel inspired if we read the autobiography of successful people and world renowned personalities. But the success story of E.Sreedharan is not just inspirational; it teaches us many lessons.
Known for his dedication and hard work, E.Sreedharan not just changed the scenario of public transport in Delhi but built strong and efficient systems that can work even without him. The two prestigious projects that he completed on time and within the respective budget made him the ‘Metro Man’ of India. Also called a Karma Yogi, there is a lot to learn from him in terms of work, career and management.
Childhood and education: E.Sreedharan was born in Palakkad district of Kerala on 12th June 1932. He completed his schooling in Palghat and later finished his Civil Engineering from Govt college, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Career – Debut in Indian Railways: E.Sreedharan started his career as a civil engineering lecturer in Govt polytechnic college, Kozhikode. Later in 1954, by clearing UPSC exams, he joined as a Probationary Assistant Engineer in Indian Railways.
The first achievement: In 1964, due to heavy cyclone, parts of Pamban railway bridge that connects Rameshwaram to Mainland in Tamilnadu got washed away. For repairing the bride, six months target was set by Railways. But Sreedharan’s boss, head of the project, reduced the target to three months. To everyone’s surprise, Sreedharan restored the bridge in just 46 days. He was honored with the Railway Minister’s award for his achievement.
In 1970, he was appointed as a Deputy Chief Engineer for planning, implementation and design of Calcutta metro – the first metro in India. However, he retired from Railways in 1990.
Career continued even after retirement: Even after retirement, his services were still needed by Government of India. He was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Konkan Railway. The 1,319 m long Konkan Railway bridge was the major and unique project to be undertaken by government of India. Sreedharan successfully completed this project in record time. This bridge reduced the distance between Mumbai – Kochi almost by one third.
The prestigious Delhi Metro: In 1997 Sreedharan was appointed as a Managing Director of Delhi Metro. The plan was to build Delhi metro that involved the construction of 414 kms of railway tracks throughout the city which were mainly underground and in the suburbs over ground. While everyone are anticipating the project to get finished in 10 years, he did it in just 7 years and within the budget.
Since, Sreedharan was not formally trained in management, this achievement was a remarkable one. He has got individual style of management that is based on his fifty years of work experience. He became popular as ‘Metro Man’.
Awards and Honours: Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awards were given to him as an honour by Government of India. He was also given ‘Man of the Year’ award by Times of India in 2002. Moreover, he was also awarded ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’ (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by Govt. of France.
Lessons to Learn from E. Sreedharan: E.Sreedharan, made all this possible by just believing certain values and adopting the same in his work. Focus, passion and dedication are the keys to his success. He is known for his punctuality and clear decision making.
Following are some lessons one can learn from the E.Sreedharan’s life:
Let deadlines motivate you rather than pressurize you: He took up the task of restoring the Pamban bridge within the dead line of three months, but completed the project in just 46 days. Thus made the bridge operational within a short period of time.
Work with honesty, others will co-operate: Thousands of people achieved success because of Sreedharan. With a sense of honesty and full devotion, he simply did the best. He became the role model to many people, thus making them do their best too.
Believe in yourself, believe in the impossible: Sreedharan achieved what no one could imagine. With confidence and hard work, he succeeded in his work. Whatever he took up, gave his best efforts and achieved the impossible.
Let awards and accolades not affect you, and similarly let criticism not deter you: Many awards came in Sreedharan’s life, but he didn’t get carried away. He believed that, achieving praises and rewards should not be our goal. Similarly, when met with criticism, don’t get disheartened instead accepting it as someone’s opinion could become a better way.
Do the work and don’t care for the results: When working for any project, Sreedharan gets fully involved and sticks to the target of completing the work before time without caring for the results. “I have never worked for any recognition or reward. Working for fame and money and building a fortune should not be the only aim in life” he says.