The Time-Keeper’s Tale: Leading with Precision and Purpose – PDG G Chandramohan

They say timing is everything – and nobody proves this better than CM Sir! When I sat down with our past District Governor (precisely 10 minutes early, naturally), I discovered a leadership journey that would make even a bullet train envious. From riding railway engines in Bhilai to transforming lives with Pink Autos, here’s a man who turned every challenge into an opportunity. With a sprinkle of Japanese precision and a generous dose of South Indian determination, CM Sir’s story reminds us that when focus meets fire-in-the-belly, magic happens. Fasten your seatbelts for a masterclass in turning dreams into reality!

Q: Your journey from Dindigul to IIT Kharagpur is quite remarkable. Could you share your early life experiences and what motivated you during those challenging times?

A: My life story began quite differently from most. I lost my mother when I was just two years old, and I never got to see her. In those days, my grandparents took me in, and I grew up alongside my mother’s younger siblings. As the most pampered child in the family, my early years were focused purely on studies and play – I was kept away from family troubles.

I came from Dindigul, which is now a corporation but back then was a medium-sized town nestled in the foothills of Kodaikanal. What’s interesting is that neither I, nor my friends, nor even our teachers knew about the existence of the Indian Institute of Technology. That’s how limited our exposure was in those days. But life has a way of opening doors – I eventually learned about IIT and developed a dream to study there.

The journey to IIT Kharagpur was particularly challenging. It was in West Bengal, a Naxalite-infested area at that time. I still remember fellow train passengers warning me not to travel to the campus at night. This was long before the era of computers, Google, or modern communication. For a young man from Dindigul, going to Kharagpur was like travelling to a foreign country!

But you see, what makes this journey remarkable is not just the physical distance covered, but the mental barriers that were broken. Here was a small-town boy, with no mother, who could have easily remained confined to his comfortable, pampered life. Instead, the pursuit of education and excellence drove me to venture into unknown territories, face challenges head-on, and ultimately succeed.

I chose IIT Kharagpur specifically because it offered my preferred subject, even though I had options to study at IIT Madras or Kanpur. This early decision taught me an important lesson – sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone and travel far from home to pursue your dreams. There were no shortcuts, no Google Maps to guide us, no mobile phones to stay connected. It was pure determination and the hunger to learn that kept me going.

This journey from a small town to one of India’s premier institutions shows that with focus, determination, and the courage to venture into the unknown, one can overcome any obstacle. Your background doesn’t define your future – your aspirations and dedication do.

Q: You mentioned your experience at Bhilai Steel Plant and Mumbai in your early career. How did these experiences shape your professional outlook?

A: “You know, those early experiences at Bhilai Steel Plant and Mumbai were like going to two different universities of life (laughs). Let me tell you about Bhilai first.

Imagine a young man from Dindigul, going to this massive plant that employed 60,000 people! Everything was a challenge there – getting food, accommodation, travel, everything. I stayed in a bachelor’s hostel and just to have breakfast, I had to cycle 9 kilometres each way. It was a different life altogether.

But Bhilai gave me something magnificent – it showed me the massive scale of industrial operations. You know, one of my classmates was the transport-in-charge, and my daily transport was by railway engine! Inside the Bhilai Steel Plant, there were numerous railway tracks, and I would travel from plant to plant by engine. It was very interesting.

Then Mumbai (pauses and smiles) – for a small-town boy like me, Mumbai was like London or Paris! But let me tell you something – I learned much, much larger things in Mumbai than whatever I learned later in Japan or the USA. Mumbai’s systems are fantastic. Take their local trains – they run like bullet trains in terms of time precision. Absolutely clear time consciousness.

You see, Mumbai is like 50% of any foreign country in terms of systems and time management. Their administration is far better than many other states I have seen. And working at Godrej, a Parsi-controlled company like the Tatas – very sophisticated people. Our mess used to be like a five-star mess.

These experiences shaped me fundamentally. They taught me about systems, about time management, and about handling challenges. You know, when you’re young and faced with such situations, either you break down or you learn to swim. I chose to swim.

In Bhilai, I learned how to be resourceful – found friends who would cook in the night, learned to manage in a Hindi-speaking area. In Mumbai, I learned what world-class systems look like, what precision means in business.

(Leans forward) And let me tell you something important – these early challenges, they build your character. Today when I look back, I’m actually grateful for those experiences. They taught me that if you focus and put in your best efforts, you can overcome any challenge. That’s what I’ve carried throughout my career – whether in industry or Rotary.”

Q: What drew you to Rotary, and how has your journey from being a new member to becoming the District Governor evolved?

A: “My journey in Rotary began when Rotarian Thyagarajan, who was actually my junior in Tube Investments but senior in Rotary, introduced me to the Rotary Club of Madras Northwest. It was one of the finest clubs, led by KC Vijayan, who we called the father of polio – he was our charter president. Under his umbrella, we all grew very well.

What’s interesting is that I took my growth in Rotary step by step, taking up one position every year. In 199899, I became the president of Madras Northwest along with what we called the ‘dreamer presidents’ batch – ISAK Nazar, Natarajan Nagoji, Venu Gopal of Guindy, Jacob Rajkumar of T Nagar. You know, those were different times – our PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar) wasn’t in Sri Lanka or Malaysia like today, but right here in Chennai, at the Taj Connemara.

The beauty of Rotary is that it gives you opportunities to serve at different levels. After my presidency, I entered the district arena. My mentors were P.T. Prabhakar, who later became director, and Ram Kumar was the governor. I took up various district roles – I was vocational service chairman, RCC chairman. You won’t believe it – I used to drive alone to places like Vellore, Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai to start RCCs (Rotary Community Corps). We even conducted an RCC conference!

The journey to becoming District Governor wasn’t easy, I must tell you. I almost left it at one point because I had other interests in Freemasonry and Indo-Japan organization. But during AP Kanna’s period, things changed. I became AG Admin – and let me tell you something important: when you take up any responsibility in Rotary, you have to put in all your efforts and do your best. You have to grab opportunities whenever they come.

Finally, I became the District Governor after two attempts – it was a tough election. But what a year it was! Our theme was ‘Rotary Connects the World,’ and we truly lived up to it. We had 118 clubs, and every day was important, from morning to evening. We collected 1.25 million dollars for the Foundation, started the Pink Auto project, and even took 120 people to Japan!

What drew me to Rotary and kept me going? It’s simple – the opportunity to serve the community. As many people say, one man alone cannot do much, but jointly, we can do many, many things. That’s what Rotary is all about. Whether you’re a new member or a senior leader, what matters is your commitment, your fire in the belly, and your focus. If you want to grow in Rotary, you have to naturally assume positions and responsibilities with a focused mind, build networks, and most importantly, maintain your integrity as a humanitarian.

Q: Could you tell us about the “Yellow Pages” initiative you spearheaded? What motivated you to take up this pioneering project?

“Ah, the Yellow Pages project – that takes me back to when Ram Kumar was our governor, after Rekha Shetty’s period. You see, at that time, I was serving as a district chairman along with Nazar and Nagoji. We had this idea – why not create Yellow Pages for our Rotary community? It was something that had never been done before in Chennai Rotary.

Let me tell you something about my approach to projects – when I take up anything, especially back then when I was much younger, I wouldn’t leave it easily. I believe in finishing what I start, and doing it in the best possible way. That’s exactly how we approached the Yellow Pages project.

You know, in those days, we didn’t have Google or all these modern dialling services and community directories that we have today. The Yellow Pages served a real purpose. It was a necessary tool for connecting our Rotary community. Of course, now with technology, such directories might seem redundant, and we have new initiatives like RMB (Rotary Means Business) and other networking tools.

What motivated me? I saw it as a way to bring our Rotary community closer together. When you have a directory of fellow Rotarians and their businesses, it strengthens our network and makes it easier for us to support each other. It’s interesting to note that today, we might say ‘business means Rotary’ or ‘Rotary means business,’ but back then, we needed practical tools like the Yellow Pages to facilitate these connections.

The success of this project taught me something important that I always share with young Rotarians – when you take up a responsibility, you should be ready to put in all your efforts. No one will hand you work at higher levels; you have to see what needs to be done and do it. That’s how people grow in Rotary, and that’s how innovations happen.

This project was just one example of how, in Rotary, if you have a good idea and the commitment to see it through, you can create something valuable for the community. It’s not just about having ideas; it’s about execution, about following through, about making it happen. That’s what leadership in Rotary is all about.”

Q: The Pink Auto project has been transformative for many women. What inspired this initiative, and what keeps you motivated to expand it further?

“Sometimes the most impactful ideas come to you in an instant. I was in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and I saw this government program where they had given 100 auto rickshaws to 100 ladies. The moment I saw that, something clicked. I’m like that – when I make decisions, even when buying shirts from a readymade shop, it’s within minutes. Yes means yes, no means no. This project was conceived just like that, within minutes.

We started by training 200 ladies to become auto rickshaw drivers, helping them get their commercial licenses. Initially, we managed to give out two or three autos, and then we were working on 20 when COVID hit. But you see, even during COVID, we didn’t stop. We would give five autos at a time – people would come to my house, we’d hand over five auto rickshaws, then the next batch would come in the evening for another five.

What keeps me motivated? It’s seeing the impact. Today, we have 115 auto rickshaws running, and right now, 30 more underprivileged ladies are undergoing training. I’ve already secured commitments from my friends and individuals for another 50 to 60 autos. My goal is to train 100 more ladies this year.

You know what’s really encouraging? The Tamil Nadu government has now announced a similar scheme – they’re going to give 250 hybrid auto rickshaws to underprivileged ladies. This shows we were on the right track.

The project wouldn’t have been possible without people like Chairperson Shanthi Selvam and her team, who handled everything from training to selection. My friends, my club members, and even my other organization ABK-AOTS stepped in to help. When you see everyone coming together for a cause, when you see these women becoming self-reliant, it gives you the energy to do more.

I believe when you take up responsibility, you must give results. That’s what keeps me going – the commitment to complete what we started. From 111 auto rickshaws to 115, and now aiming for many more – we’re creating a ripple effect of empowerment. Each auto rickshaw represents a family’s transformation, and that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Q: You’ve mentioned the importance of taking responsibility as an Assistant Governor. What leadership lessons would you share with upcoming Rotary leaders?

“Let me share some crucial leadership lessons I’ve learned through my journey in Rotary, especially during my time as Assistant Governor and later positions.

First and foremost, when you take up a position like Assistant Governor, remember – you’re not just another Rotarian or committee member. You have to differentiate yourself. You must take initiative; don’t wait for work to be assigned to you. As I always say, ‘You have to grab the opportunity whenever it comes.’

I strongly believe in taking full ownership of responsibilities. When you accept a position, you’ve accepted the complete responsibility that comes with it. Put in all your efforts and do your best. No shortcuts. During my time as AG Admin, I would make countless phone calls, write letters, and later emails to keep in touch with all AGs. Today you have WhatsApp – use these tools to stay connected.

Here’s something very important I want to emphasize – you must learn to delegate. If you try to do everything yourself, you won’t achieve much.

Focus is absolutely critical. Many don’t achieve because they don’t focus. Whatever task you take up, do it in the best way possible so that no one can question your ability or achievement. Your work should speak for itself.

Let me add – networking and relationships are vital. Build strong connections with your fellow Rotarians. Use these relationships to get work done. During my time, I would continuously keep in touch with people. The more responsibility you take, the more your importance grows.

And please remember – Governors may come and go, but your commitment should be to your conscience and your district’s needs. That’s how you grow and find true satisfaction in your service.

Lastly, integrity is non-negotiable. Whether in industry or Rotary, your honesty and integrity will always pay rich dividends. Be a person of integrity and humanitarian values – success will naturally follow.

These principles have guided me throughout my Rotary journey, from being AG to Governor, and I believe they can help any upcoming leader in their path of service.”

Q: During your governorship, you achieved significant fundraising without major CSR support. What was your approach to this success?

“Yes, during my governorship year under the theme ‘Rotary Connects the World’, we managed to collect 1.25 million dollars. This was quite significant at that time – second only to Raja Srinivasan’s record. What made this special was that we achieved it without any major CSR funding or single large donations like 100,000-dollar gifts.

Let me share what I believe made this possible. First, it was about personal commitment and continuous engagement. You see, I converted one floor of my building into an office dedicated to Rotary work. Every day was important – from morning to evening, there was always work to be done with our 118 clubs.

What I’ve learned is that when you show complete dedication to a cause, others join in. We had fantastic projects from clubs like Rotary Club of Madras, Guindy, Madras West, Metro, Midtown, East – all of them did remarkable work. It wasn’t just about asking for funds; it was about creating meaningful projects that people wanted to support.

I believe successful fundraising comes down to a few key principles:

• Have clear, impactful projects that people can believe in
• Build and maintain strong relationships with all clubs
• Follow up persistently but respectfully
• Show complete commitment to the cause yourself
• Focus on execution and results

Remember, it’s not just about collecting funds – it’s about creating value and impact that makes people want to contribute. When you do that sincerely, support follows naturally.

And most importantly, whatever responsibility you take up, you must put in your best efforts. As I always say, you should do the job in the best way possible so that no one can question your ability or achievement. This applies to fundraising too – your sincerity and dedication must be visible in every action you take.”

Q: Your work with the Indo-Japanese organization has been extensive. How has this cross-cultural experience enriched your perspective on leadership?

“My work with ABK AOTS, particularly as the national president overseeing eight organizations across India, has given me a unique perspective on leadership. AOTS is a Japanese government organization under their Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which is as powerful as our Finance Ministry.

What’s fascinating is how this cross-cultural experience has taught me about perfect systems and administration. When you look at Japanese organizations, their attention to timing and precision is remarkable. I remember attending a world-level conference in Tokyo – if they say it ends at 6:15, it ends at exactly 6:14.5 seconds! This precision isn’t just about being punctual; it’s about respecting everyone’s time and creating efficient systems.

Through our language training programs at ABK-AOTS Dosokai, we’ve helped thousands of Indian students find successful careers in Japan and Japanese companies. When I visit Japan now, many of these students come to greet us – it’s immensely satisfying to see how this cross-cultural bridge has transformed their lives. I personally have sent around 150 people for training in AOTS.

The Japanese approach to leadership has reinforced my belief in two crucial principles: focus and systematic execution. Their way of doing things has shown me that leadership isn’t just about giving directions; it’s about creating systems that work with precision and purpose. Whether it’s in Rotary or in our Indo-Japanese initiatives, I’ve learned that when you combine Indian creativity with Japanese precision, you can achieve remarkable results.

What’s particularly enriching is seeing how this cross-cultural exposure has benefited our community. Our centres in India, especially the one in Nelson Manickam Road, have become bridges of opportunity. We’re not just teaching a language; we’re opening doors to new careers, new perspectives, and new ways of thinking about leadership and organization.

This experience has taught me that true leadership transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you’re in Chennai or Tokyo, what matters is your commitment to excellence, your focus on systematic execution, and most importantly, your ability to create value for others. That’s what leadership is ultimately about – creating opportunities that transform lives.”

Q: You’ve emphasized the importance of focus and commitment. Could you elaborate on how these principles have contributed to your success?

“Let me tell you something very important – in my entire journey, whether in industry, Rotary, or any other field, I’ve observed that many don’t achieve their goals simply because they don’t focus. It’s a very easy statement to make, but it carries profound meaning.

Take my experience as AG Admin during AP Kanna’s period. Once, Kanna jokingly asked me, ‘CM, whether I am the governor or you are the governor?’ You see, when I take up any responsibility, I put my complete focus into it. I believe whatever position one accepts; they should put all their efforts and do their best. It’s not about just occupying a position; it’s about owning it.

I’ve always believed in three principles. First, focus on what you’re doing. Second, do the job in the best way possible – no one should question your ability or achievement. Third, when you take up responsibility, you’re accountable for the results. Governors may come and go, but your commitment should be to your conscience and to the needs of your organization.

For the youngsters, I want to say – you need fire in the belly. Without that internal drive, nothing substantial can be achieved. Have a mentor, whether known or unknown to you. Study their methods, follow their path, and most importantly, maintain your integrity. Your honesty and integrity definitely pay a lot of benefits, whether in industry or any other career.

Remember, if one fails, no one can make them fail except themselves. Similarly, if one succeeds, it’s because of their own commitment and focus. You have to want to succeed – that’s all there is to it. When you combine focus with commitment and integrity, success will naturally follow. This is not just motivation talk; it’s what I’ve lived and experienced throughout my journey.”

Q: Time management and punctuality seem to be core values for you. How crucial are these aspects in leadership?

“These aren’t just good habits – they’re fundamental leadership principles that I’ve learned through my experiences in industry, Rotary, and life.

In industry, we call it ‘timely supply.’ If you don’t deliver on time, you lose your business – it’s that simple. But there’s something even deeper here. When you’re in a leadership position, your time management doesn’t affect just you; it affects everyone around you.

Let me give you a practical example I often share: If a governor comes one hour late to a meeting where 150 people are waiting, he’s not just wasting his one hour – he’s wasting 150 man hours! That’s the responsibility we carry as leaders.

Here’s something I’ve learned and very strongly recommend: When you go to a meeting or event early, you own the event. But when you go late, the event owns you. You see, when you’re late, even if you haven’t missed much, your mental status tells you that you’re not part of the real team.

And let me tell you about Rotary International’s administration – it’s one of the finest in the world. If one wants to learn administration and time management, one should go to Rotary International. Their planning, execution, schedules – everything is world-class. At any Rotary convention, everything runs to the precision of a minute – no more, no less.

Remember, people aren’t interested in your long lectures or making them wait. It’s about respect – respect for others’ time, respect for commitments, and respect for the organization you represent. This is what separates good leaders from great ones.

And finally, time management isn’t just about being punctual – it’s about being efficient, being respectful, and being professional. When you master this, your growth is definite because you’re seen as a disciplined person. In leadership, as in life, time management isn’t just about managing time – it’s about managing respect, trust, and your own reputation.”

Q: Between your roles as Club President and District Governor, which phase was most fulfilling and why?

“This is a very interesting question that makes me reflect deeply. Let me put it this way – these were two different phases of my Rotary journey, each unique in its own way.

I would say my time as President was my most enjoyable period, while my governorship was my most satisfying time. Let me explain why I make this distinction.

As President of Rotary Club of Madras Northwest in 1998–99, we were called ‘dreamer presidents.’ It was truly a golden period. You see, at that time, everything was different – our PETS (President-Elect Training Seminar) would be in Chennai. It was simple, but our bonding was incredible. Even today, our batch’s bonding is as good as or better than any other year’s bonding. And here’s what I learned – bonding isn’t proportional to the distance we travel or the country we go to. It’s about togetherness and networking.

Now, as Governor, it was a completely different ball game. The theme was ‘Rotary Connects the World,’ and truly, it connected me with so many wonderful opportunities and responsibilities. You see, when you’re Governor, the responsibilities are huge. You’re not just leading – you’re orchestrating. You have to run conferences, network with districts, connect with Rotary International. Every day is an important day, from morning to evening.

During my governorship, we achieved remarkable things – we collected 1.25 million dollars for the foundation, initiated the Pink Auto project that gave opportunities to underprivileged women, and even took 120 people to Japan. But these achievements came with enormous responsibilities. If anything goes wrong, the Governor is ultimately responsible.

Let me tell you something important – when you’re President, you can enjoy more because you’re younger, more energetic. But as Governor, you derive satisfaction from seeing the larger impact of your work, from watching your projects touch thousands of lives.

So, while my presidency was filled with joy and camaraderie, my governorship gave me the deep satisfaction of creating lasting change in our community. It’s like comparing the joy of winning a race to the satisfaction of coaching an entire team to victory – both are wonderful, but they fulfil you in different ways.

That’s why I always tell young Rotarians – enjoy your presidency, learn from it, build those bonds. But if you aspire for governorship, understand that it’s not about enjoyment – it’s about dedication, interest, and the ability to perform at a higher level. You need to be ready to take that responsibility with full commitment. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about which position is better – it’s about how you use each position to serve others and make a difference.”

Q: What advice would you give to young Rotarians who aspire to make a meaningful impact in their communities?

“To the young Rotarians who want to make a real difference, I want to share some fundamental principles that have guided me throughout my journey, my advice about focus might sound repetitive, but take this as a good reminder:

First and foremost, you must focus entirely on what you’re doing. Many don’t achieve because they don’t focus. This is a very simple statement, but it’s crucial. Whatever project or initiative you take up, you must do it in the best way possible. No one should question your ability or achievement.

When you take up responsibility, remember – you are responsible for delivering results. Governors may come and go, but you must work according to your conscience and your club’s or district’s needs. This is how you grow, and more importantly, how you find personal satisfaction. Forget about satisfying others initially – you must first satisfy yourself.

For those who want to grow in Rotary and serve in higher positions, you must grab every opportunity that comes your way. You can’t just be happy attending dinners and meetings. Your attention, planning, scheduling – everything has to be with a focused mind. Build your network, make friends with many people, and learn to use these connections for the greater good.

Most importantly, you need three things: commitment, fire in the belly, and focus. Without fire in the belly, no one will come forward to serve. Find a mentor – someone whose achievements inspire you. Follow their methods, learn from their journey. If you put in all your efforts, there’s no way you won’t succeed.

Remember, your honesty and integrity will pay enormous dividends whether in industry, career, or Rotary. Success will follow if you are a person of integrity and have a humanitarian outlook.

One final thought – one person alone cannot do everything. But jointly, we can do many, many things. That’s the power of Rotary. So, focus on your goals, maintain your integrity, work with others, and start serving the community. The impact will follow.”