Ashok Ogra
Born in a village with no electricity and modest beginnings, his journey from scoring 42% in board exams to getting into IAS, featuring in the reputed TIME Magazine’s list of 100 Young Global Leaders, ex MLA, Union Minister (2014-19), is nothing short of extraordinary. Now an author, he brings ‘THE WINNING FORMULA: 52 WAYS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE’, a book narrating 52 inspiring stories of individuals including his own who have transformed lives through social work. This remarkable storyteller is none other than K.J. Alphons – known for his innovative solutions and impactful leadership.
Across its 52 chapters, the author offers a panoramic view of life’s challenges and triumphs, inviting readers to reflect on their own paths while drawing inspiration from those who have dared to dream, act, and transform. He effectively blends deeply personal reflections with remarkable anecdotes of ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats.
TRANSFORMING CHALLENGES INTO TRIUMPHS:
Alphons emphasizes how belief in oneself can rewrite destiny. In the story ‘The Disaster and the Take-Off’, he shares a pivotal fishing trip that sparked his journey from being an underperforming student to a determined achiever. This story underscores the power of self-awareness and motivation in overcoming failure. Similarly, ‘Introvert to Record Breaker’ tells the story of Binu, who transformed from a painfully shy individual into a record-breaking orator through persistence and courage. These narratives highlight the universal truth that resilience is cultivated through determination and consistent effort.
In the story ‘Golden Sheeta’, an armless archer defies societal stigma to win international medals, proving that physical limitations cannot hinder success. Similarly, Sherin Shahana recounts the journey of a paraplegic domestic abuse survivor who cleared the civil services exam, inspiring countless others to persevere despite adversity. These stories celebrate the triumph of the human spirit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
COMPASSION AS A UNIFYING FORCE:
Compassion emerges as one of the main theme throughout the book. In ‘With Them They Brought Light’, Alphons recounts the heroic rescue of 41 workers trapped in a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand in November 2023. When advanced machinery failed, 12 unnamed “rat-hole miners” risked their lives to save the workers, refusing remuneration and attributing their actions to humanity. Similarly, A ‘Little Care Can Save Lives’ juxtaposes the tragedies caused by public apathy with stories of individuals stepping up in emergencies, reminding readers of the profound impact small acts of courage and care can have.
Stories of selfless police officers exemplify extraordinary acts of kindness. In Kerala, Ani Shiva breastfed the starving infant of a hospitalized migrant worker, and in Gujarat, constable, Veerabhai Rabari risked his life to save an elderly man from being hit by a train.
LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION:
Leadership and innovation prominently figure in the book. As Commissioner, Alphons streamlined the exam system, delivering results transparently and in record time.
As District Magistrate, he achieved a remarkable feat of making Kottayam India’s first 100% literate town in a groundbreaking 100-day literacy campaign involving all citizens. Led by diverse stakeholders, the initiative empowered women and mobilized volunteers, and improved overall quality of life, demonstrating literacy’s transformative potential.
He also facilitated the establishment of private professional colleges in Kerala despite governmental opposition, dramatically increasing educational opportunities in the state. In ‘The Demolition Man’, he narrates how bold governance reclaimed public land from encroachers, demonstrating how leadership can redefine possibilities. The story of Cochin International Airport, the world’s first fully solar-powered airport, celebrates visionary thinking and sustainable innovation.
ENVIORNMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:
Environmental sustainability is a recurring motif. Jadav Payeng’s story, where he single-handedly transformed barren land into a lush forest, and the feature titled ‘Sweeping in Change’, refers to urban waste management reforms, thus underscoring the power of grassroots action. These stories, alongside ‘Sreeman: The Saviour of Birds’, where an individual provides water for birds during a heatwave, inspire readers to consider their role in protecting the planet. The author also advocates for coexistence with animals in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, urging humanity to embrace an interconnected ecosystem mindset.
SYSTEMIC BARRIERS AND COURAGE:
The book also highlights systemic barriers that often impede progress. ‘Mafia Strikes’ exposes the dangers faced by those confronting corruption, while Jitender Kumar’s story sheds light on the struggles of sanitation workers. These accounts emphasize the need for systemic reform and the role of collective action in driving change.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY:
Inclusivity and diversity are celebrated through stories that show how embracing differences enriches society. Fathima tells of a visually impaired girl excelling in music and academics, while ‘Empathy in Magic’ highlights how a magician empowers children with special needs. These narratives challenge readers to create spaces where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive. The story of Sujatha, a woman empowered through the Kudumbashree self-help group, illustrates how collective action can uplift entire communities.
DREAMS AND DETERMINATION:
In ‘You Are a Unique Creation’, Alphons emphasizes individuality and the importance of pursuing one’s unique path. Examples include P. Vijayan, who rose from rural hardship to become a celebrated police officer, and Tessy Thomas, India’s “Missile Woman,” who broke entrenched barriers in science. These narratives inspire readers to embrace their uniqueness, as seen in Rishiraj Singh’s progressive parenting, which allowed his son to pursue his passion for animation, and Sonam Wangchuk’s educational reforms, which nurture creativity and critical thinking.
PURPOSE AND MINDFULNESS:
Alphons’ focus on mindfulness and purpose resonates deeply. ‘In Live Happy’, he critiques materialism and champions inner contentment, while ‘Listen to the Sound of Silence’ advocates self-reflection as a tool for personal growth. Stories like ‘Lucky to Be Alive’ stress the importance of road safety and caution, and ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ celebrates the success of Chandrayaan-3, inspiring a new generation of scientists and innovators. These narratives affirm that fulfillment lies in small, intentional actions and consistent alignment with purpose and values.
Compassion for the marginalized and advocacy for systemic change features prominently in ‘The Voice of the Oppressed” Stories like that of Dr. Regi George and Dr. Lalitha Regi, who revolutionized tribal healthcare, and ‘The Slum Doctor’, where Dr. Surya forgoes a lucrative international career to serve impoverished communities in Delhi, demonstrates how small acts of empathy can create profound ripple effects.
ETHICAL GOVERNANCE AND COURAGE:
Ethical governance and the challenges of leadership are explored in stories like ‘Politics Can Be Clean’, where an independent MLA commits to transparency, and Blood vs. Belief, which addresses the ethical dilemmas public servants face in balancing constitutional duties with personal convictions.
His experience monitoring elections in Bihar’s volatile Madhepura constituency in 2004 demonstrates his commitment to fairness and rule of law, even under intense pressure.
LEGACY AND INSPIRATION:
The book also celebrates unsung heroes and post-retirement contributions. Avtar Singh Bhasin, at 89, continues to make scholarly contributions, while ‘Sara, You Are in Our Hearts’ recounts how a family turned personal grief into societal change. Glen Maxwell’s remarkable 201* in the 2023 ODI World Cup, achieved despite severe physical challenges, serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit under adversity.
The book has garnered widespread acclaim from thought leaders and prominent figures alike. Shashi Tharoor praises its transformative message, while Justice (Retd.) Kurian Joseph emphasizes how belief and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements. Sadhguru, Shiv Khera, and former diplomats such as Shyam Saran commend the book’s ability to inspire systemic change and foster self-belief. Sanjeev Chopra, former Director of Lal Bhadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, beautifully sums up the key message the book is aiming to convey: creating change doesn’t require privilege or exceptional talent- “just determination, a positive outlook, and the willingness to take the plunge.” Similar views are expressed by Mamidala Jagdesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC and former VC, JNU: “this book is an emphatic testament to the belief that one can recast one’s life by merely choosing to act, no matter their background.”
While The Winning Formula is undeniably inspirational, its breadth occasionally overshadows depth. Some stories would benefit from further exploration of their larger implications, such as the scalability of Kottayam’s 100-day literacy campaign or the long-term impact of Sonam Wangchuk’s educational reforms.
(The author works for reputed Apeejay Education, New Delhi)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
