From Partition to Purpose: A Journey of Resilience to Triumph

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 Journey as a Mentor of Change with ATL  

In 2022 I was selected as MOC for Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, which provided me the opportunity to facilitate the journey of young minds in creativity, innovation, and transformation. It was a new chapter and an opportunity to work with future innovators. As a Mentor of Change with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) for Atal Tinkering Labs(ATLs), I have been mentoring students from prominent schools like Air Force School Hebbal Bangalore, KV IISc, KV BEML Kolar, JSS Public School Kolar, and large number of schools jointly with RMOC Dhariwal ji and other group of mentors, focusing on mindset transformation, confidence building, brainstorming, and creative problem-solving. My diverse background and experience have equipped me with the skills and passion to inspire and empower young minds.

 What Inspired me to become a mentor of change? 

My experience at Bharat Electronics Limited and as an entrepreneur and trainer ignited a passion within me to nurture creative problem-solving skills and I started working on this. This gave birth to BMP (Body Mind Programming) and I started doing half day workshops on creativity for everyone. In these workshops young students also participated and enjoyed. I observed young minds have great creative potential which can be nurtured and for that some guidance, support and mentoring can help. Young children have immense power of imagination and are very curious. I thought I could help them to unleash their creative potential. For this I have developed special aids which I have named – Magical Screen, Virtual Lab, and Virtual Guide. I want to teach them how simple meditative methods can help them to connect with the source and tap creative solutions. I observed most of the people are afraid to ask questions. They are afraid they may appear stupid. They have lack of confidence. I want to encourage them to ask questions, to want to develop as a culture because I believe questions bring answers. I believe creativity always begins with a question. I want to remove the fear of failure. I want to tell them a question is an opening to creation, it is an invitation to creativity and adventure.  

I also observed the importance of surrendering in creativity. Surrender does not mean to quit or give up, but rather to let go of any emotional attachment to the final outcome. The feeling that accompanies the act of surrender is that of relief, relief from anxiety and worries.  

I want to facilitate the journey of young minds in creativity, Innovation, and transformation. To facilitate, I want to understand what they are and where they are, whether they are struck up, why they are struck up, and how I can help them?  

 

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My  first experience like in an Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL)? 

My journey as a Mentor of Change took an exciting turn when I visited KV BEML Kolar, despite the school being far from my residence in Bangalore. Upon meeting the Principal, Ms. Rubina, I was struck by her enthusiasm and support for the ATL program. Although she shared that the school was facing challenges with their ATL In charge having left and lacking a regular science teacher, I was undeterred. Instead, I saw an opportunity to make a difference. During my 60-minute talk to students and teachers, I witnessed a magical transformation. The students got inspired and started focusing on solutions rather than problems. And I was happy that a large number of students participated in the ATL marathon. In the Brainstorming session they came out with a large number of problems which they can undertake in the present circumstances of non-availability of ATL In charge etc. A team made a model of gold mining for which their city Kolar is famous. Some teachers also came forward to help students.  

 

My  Mentoring Journey 

a) How did  I engage with students? 

As my main job is to facilitate the journey of students in creativity, innovation, and transformation, I first try to access where they are; this helps me in how to engage. I also try to understand the thinking of management and faculty of the school towards the program. Some students have identified the problem on which they have to work. I help them to take it forward by clearly defining the problem by writing, so that they are very clear about their work. At this stage also questioning helps -what is the problem, who are facing this problem, how this problem is affecting them. What are the main causes of the problem? I tell them the answers to these questions will help them in finding or working out the solutions. I also emphasize the importance of gathering/ collecting all the information about the problem as this helps in finding solutions. If the students have already found the solution, I facilitate them to take it forward step by step. I always tell them to find out more than one solution, this equip them with the skill of problem solving.  If the students have not yet identified the problems, which is the case with majority of the students, I tell them to think of what problems they themselves are facing, their family members are facing, what problems people around them are facing, what problems are faced in the class and school, what problems  their city , state and country is facing… and so on. This helps them in understanding the first step of the tinkering/ innovation process. As most of the students and even faculty are not fully aware of the concept of discovery, innovation, and tinkering process, feeling the need to fill this gap, I started my journey by conducting upskilling sessions in power of imagination, they liked the three special aids: -Magical Screen, Virtual Lab, and Virtual Guide. They had a lot of fun and amusement as creativity is fun. Asking questions starting with -what, when, where, why, who, how. My main focus is on removing their fear of asking questions. How to identify the problems by observing and paying attention all around, defining the problem by writing the problem. Empathize with the end users, what problems they are facing.  They loved brainstorming in groups and individuals. I emphasize no evaluation and judgement while brainstorming. The main idea is to generate a large number of ideas. Evaluation is done in a separate stage.  

Apart from visiting the schools in Bangalore I started doing online programs.  These sessions, held via Google Meets, were designed to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among students. With the support of RMOC Dhariwal ji, we were organizing three regular online sessions every week. This encouraged a large number of students from all over India to participate and showcase their talents. So, for 105 sessions and 1534 presentations have been done in our special Google Meets. I have been acting as a Project Coordinator, host for the session, and I am also one of the Evaluation Panel Members. I have been assigned responsibility as organizer for “Learn From Each Other across the country “; and “Top two presenters “award schemes; and for bringing out digital book about presentations in 2024. 


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Engaging with rural students in a school in a village: 

One of the most rewarding experiences in my mentoring journey was adopting a non-ATL school in a village. This presented both a challenge and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an underserved community. I was determined to create awareness about STEM education and provide resources to support students’ growth. We set up Computer and Science Labs providing students with hands-on experience and exposure to the latest technology. For teaching computers, getting a teacher to teach students was also a big problem. I met the nearby educational institutes and Rotary Clubs and persuaded them to send volunteers to teach students about computers till we can get a teacher. They agreed and after about nine months through them we got a teacher also. There was a problem with the internet in the village school, we managed somehow with mobile phones for the time being but finally by divine help got a Jio Air Fibre WIFI Connection. What I want to convey is that when we are inspired by a noble cause the divine help comes. 

Participation in ATL Programs: I am happy to say that village non ATL school students by collaborating with ATL schools where I was mentoring., participated in ATL programs. This exposure allowed them to showcase their talents, learn from each other, and develop essential skills in tinkering, innovation and problem solving.  

Science Fest: A Platform for Innovation 

The highlight of my mentoring journey in the village school was organizing a Science Fest, where over a dozen government schools from villages and three ATL schools participated. More than 100 teams and 350 students participated, many parents and students visited. It not only showcased the potential of rural students but also demonstrated the power of their zeal and confidence, and keenness in learning and experimenting.  As a mentor, it was heartening to see the student’s curiosity, enthusiasm, and confidence grow. And I am committed to continuing my efforts to empower young minds in rural areas. Public donations and contributions financed it. Now we are planning to have Atal Tinkering Lab for the school in a village.

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  Key projects, experiments, or innovations I helped students with

Some notable projects I've mentored include:

1. Taking Millets Forward: 

One of the most inspiring projects I have had the privilege to mentor was a collaborative effort between Air Force School Hebbal and non-ATL School Sai Shankar Vidayashala in a village. The project focused on millets, specifically Ragi (finger millet), and showcased students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Three teams each of three students worked on the millet project.  

Developing a Website and Chat-Bot: the students worked together to develop a website and Chat-Bot, demonstrating their technical skills and innovative skills. But what truly set this project apart was their visiting the farmers, discussing with them and gathering the data and understanding the real-world challenges faced by farmers growing Ragi in villages. 

Empowering Farmers through joining hand through Self-help Groups. 

Through visits to villages and discussions with farmers, the students identified key issues affecting yield and income, such as small holdings (less than 2.5 hectares). They proposed a sort of cooperative farming by forming self-help groups. They also observed that in the same village the yield of crop per hectare varied from one farmer to other by more than 75 percent. They studied the farmers with high yield and low yield per hectare. They identified the importance of seed quality and quality of soil. Where the irrigation facility is there farmers can have two crops in a year.  

 

2. Generating Electricity by Footsteps and forming a company KRISH-Tech – We Transform the Ideas to Realities  

It is amazing and incredible that a 7th grade student, Krish A. Y.  of JSS SMCS VIDYAGIRI DHARWAD (Karnataka) presented an idea about Piezoelectric Pressure Pad/Plate on 2nd August 2024 in our National Google Meet Session. I congratulated and suggested to him that this idea is great, and he should take it forward.  I am very happy to say that he participated in ATL Tinkerpreneur 2024 and was one of the top 100 participants with the best business ventures and registered his venture with UDYAM as KRISH Tech -We Transform Ideas into realities-website krishtechindia.com  

Krish is now in 8th grade, and I am mentoring him to take his entrepreneurship skills forward. As I am a life coach I am trying to groom him as an innovative innovator. I am mentoring him to make about ten units and try it at a provision store near his house to see the performance and testing it in the field. After the field trials he should plan to manufacture and market.

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 Krish-Tech Power Plate for generating electricity.

 

3. Development of the Gluco-Preserve by Vidays Sharma of Hansraj Model School New Delhi, whom I started mentoring in 2022 when she was in 7th grade. Very intelligent and inspired to do something to solve the problem being faced. She identified a major problem being faced by the nurses in the hospital while giving IV fluid therapy of backflow. She developed Gluco-Preserve. Its special features are low-cost, attachable biomedical devices that prevent backflow without requiring electricity or complex installation.

* It is Portable, so it can be used in rural clinics.

* Effective, tested with simulated IV setups and validated by feedback from medical professionals.

It has won several accolades at the national level - top 200 teams of Vivo Ignite, Top 500 teams of ATL Marathon, showcased at IBM Skills build Annual Festival and felicitated by eminent personalities.  

The idea of GlucPreserve had come to her mind, when she observed a nurse monitoring the levels of glucose in an IV dripper. I encouraged her to take it forward and introduced her to Mrs Purnima of the medical electronics department at MS Ramaiah Institute Bangalore to help her in technology. I am continuously in touch with her and trying to groom her as an all rounder.  

 

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Gluc0-Preserve developed by Vidaya Sharma of Hansraj Model School New Delhi.

Other projects include waste management, composting, and producing electricity from waste.  

 

Breakthrough moment which I felt my  mentorship made a real impact.: 

1. Cultivating the culture of creativity-creative thinking  

Students started enjoying and started coming with solutions to daily life not connected to their projects or ATL activities. For example, students in a village school (Sai Shankar Vidayashala) observed that school fees are being paid in cash only. They discussed with me that they would like to work on this, and I am happy to share here that within a month they came up with the solution and made a QR code for school account and students started paying through UPI. To start with there was lot of hesitation by parents to pay digitally as they were used to pay by cash. A group of students started persuading the parents and I am excited to say about 85% people started paying by UPI. This was a breakthrough moment of cultivating a culture of creativity.  

2. Another breakthrough moment was-Making Kris Yallal an entrepreneur – Kris a student of 7th grade of JSS SMCS Dharwad came with the idea of generating electricity by footsteps based on piezoelectric effect. I encouraged him to make a prototype. We had a brainstorming session discussing how electricity can be generated at railway stations, platforms, bus-stands, theatres, malls, where large numbers of people walk. Krish participated in ATL Tninkerpreneur 2024 and was amongst the top 100. I am excited to say he has become an entrepreneur and got his company registered with Udyam as Krish tech jointly with her mother.

 Others include making a device which will not allow the bus driver to exceed the speed as per the speed set. Giving an alarm when the bus driver goes to sleep.  

 3. Challenges and Lessons Learned 

a. What were the biggest Challenges in mentoring (lack of resources, Mindshift, school constraints etc)  

I observed mentoring students comes with its challenges, such as:

- Mindset of management, some of the school managements were not very enthusiastic about the ATL activities. They don’t welcome mentors. Same is with some of the faculty members/ ATL In- Charge. One person told me there is no extra incentive.  

Pressure of examination is another reason management and teachers feel the heat of showing good academic results and feel ATL activities will take away much of the time, and facility for organizing online sessions- internet connection, frequent power cuts. Non availability of schools for mentoring in the city of mentor or nearby residence is one of the major challenges.

 

d. How did I overcome these challenges?  

To overcome these challenges, I considered that the key is passion and inspiration for mentoring and I thought challenges bring the opportunity too, every problem has a solution- I talked politely and tried to build up good relationships and repo with the school management/principal of the school and ATL In-charge. I tried to understand their point of view also.  I used to listen to their problems sympathetically and jointly discussed with them ways to overcome challenges. I observed that by creating the awareness how tinkering, creativity, and innovation will help the students and bring name to their school helped.

 

c. What lessons would you like to share with new mentors?  

Mentoring young minds is a noble job of facilitating their journey in creativity, innovation, and transformation. Feel proud and lucky for getting an opportunity to mold them. I have learned a lot from students during mentoring and interacting with them and they too will. It is a challenge which they should accept happily. Inspiration, love, and patience are the keys for success in mentoring. It has been a source of my personal growth, and every mentor will feel the same. Be a facilitator.  

Be Flexible: Adapt to the students' needs and learning pace. Think and appreciate their problem. Be polite.  

Encourage Creativity : Foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, experiential learning.  

Build Good and Cordial Relationships with all- management, faculty, and students.

 

4. Impact and Success Stories 

.I am  sharing here one success story of Vidya Sharma of Kulachi Hansraj Model School New Delhi, whom I started mentoring in 2022 when she was in 7th grade. Very intelligent and inspired to do something to solve the problem being faced. She identified a major problem being faced by the nurses in the hospital while giving IV fluid therapy of backflow. She developed GlucoPreserve. Its special features are low-cost, attachable biomedical devices that prevent backflow without requiring electricity or complex installation- It is portable, so it could be used in rural clinics. Effective, tested with simulated IV setups and validated by feedback from medical professionals.

Vidya Sharma has emerged as a passionate changemaker, STEM enthusiast, and social innovator who believes in using technology to empower communities and create lasting impact. From winning multiple STEM accolades, to initiating social projects.  Has won several accolades at the national level - top 200 teams of Vivo Ignite, Top 500 teams of ATL Marathon. Her journey is a blend of curiosity, leadership, and a deep desire to bridge gaps through innovations. I have been mentoring him for the last three years encouraging her and I am very happy to share her achievement which I have listed below.  

Some of her notable achievements are: -

  1. Finalist for Young Scientists India, Student Ambassador & exhibitor- IBM Skills Build Annual Festival 2024.  
  2. Accepted by -New York Academy of Sciences.
  3. 1M1B Impact Booklet -Featured as one of the Top 10 Performers (2025)
  4. 7 Medals in Olympiads  
  5. John Locke Institute PPE Summer School: Admitted with full scholarship.
  6. Youngest panellist-UNICEF Event  
  7. Best Presentation Award-Illuminate Hackathon 2024
  8. Training: She is associated with AIM, GirlsUp and GirlsInStem
  9. She has been conducting the TinkerBuild program, which combines STEM, leadership and empowerment. Here kids learn by building. I am very happy to see her overall development excelling in many areas.

 

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 Gluco-Preserve by Vidaya Sharma  

 

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 A collage showcasing Vidya Sharma achievements.  

2. Second Success Story is - mentoring an outstanding all-rounder student Laura Anika Student of 8th at Scottish High International School Gurgaon, whom I have been mentoring since 2022 for all round development. She has excelled not only in STEM but in sports and arts also. She has been awarded as an innovator, writer, anchor, dancer, and podcaster. Her weekly news series ‘Bharat This Week’ has already completed 47 episodes and people wait for it.

  • Secured Position in the top 100 finalists Tinkerpreneur 2024 (In Top 100 Achievers List) 
  • Participated in School Innovation Marathon 24- 25, project submitted for ATL Marathon, a national level innovation challenge spearheaded by Atal Innovation Mission, Ministry of Education, Govt. Of India. Result awaited.  
  • Participated in Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan 2024-25  

  Awarded “All-Rounder of the Year” for two consecutive academic years

(2023–2024 and 2024–2025), recognizing excellence in academics,

leadership, and extracurricular activities.  

 

 

 

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 Laura Anika Student of 8th at Scottish High International School Gurgaon 

 

Publications:-

  • Contributed Article for North Wind- Topic – “CAN THERE BE A FUTURE
  • WITHOUT POLLUTION” and The High-writer Magazine with Topic -DO WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO REACH THE SKY? 
  • eBook- Creating a library of all the ATL Student Presentations shared during National Google Meet over the last one year. Laura Anika is part of this ATL TASK FORCE
  • Laura Anika selected as a Top Student Mentor ATL Group.
  • Special Invitation by Rotary International District 3262 as a Guest Speaker for event “India Book of Records” to honour the artist Mr Subal Maharana for creating the “Biggest Sand Eye Sculpture made to promote Eye Donation”.
  • Earned accolades in the Chinmaya Gita Chanting Competition two years in a row, securing the 3rd Prize in 2023 and a Merit Award in 2024
  • Participated in “Viksit Bharat 2049” Drawing Competition | Inter Clan
  • Started A Weekly News Series in 2024 named “BHARAT THIS WEEK”, already completed 47 Episodes. Video released on YouTube Channel ‘Laura Anika TV’ National
  • Started PODCAST named “The Vartalay” on YouTube Channel Laura Anika TV I National

 

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Laura Anika Student of 8th at Scottish High International School Gurgaon arranged an event for ATL Community Day

 

b. Did they go to win in competitions, start a business, file a patent, or pursue higher studies in STEM?

Both have won in competitions. Krish Yallal has started the business and has registered with Udayam. Seeking funding for taking his innovative product forward. Vidya Sharma is pursuing higher studies in STEM. She has been doing Boots-camps for learning AI and Digital Skills.  Laura has started her own channel and brings out ‘Bharat This Week’ and is doing a podcast also.  

 

c. Include any qualifiable data  

I have been mentoring the whole group of students at the school and sometimes of many schools in the Google Meets sessions. My schools Air Force School Hebbal, KV IISc Bangalore, PM Siri KV Hebbal and PM Siri KV CRPF Bangalore, JSS Public School Kolar, KV BEML Maddur Kolar have been performing very well in competitions and winning awards. On Special Google Meets National Sessions arranged by RMOC Dhanpat Raj Dhariwal ji, where I have been mentoring students from all over the country, large numbers of students have performed very well and have received top awards also. At KV  IISc and PM Siri KV Hebbal students have filed for patents too.  

 

5.Conclusion and Call to Action 

a.  What advice would you give to aspiring mentors? 

Mentoring is a noble job, they should love it, and they should have a passion. They should try to facilitate their mentees journey to creativity, innovation, and transformation. They should try to inculcate a culture of creative thinking and innovation. They should try to understand their mentees, their requirements, their likes, never try to thrust their ideas on them, always remember they are facilitators.  Building creative confidence in them is most important. They must try to bring the best out of their mentees, they have the potential, and their job is to manifest that potential. Try to encourage the habit or spirit of questioning. Keep cheering them, appreciating and encouraging them.

b. What are your thoughts on the future of mentorship in India?  

I see a great future for mentorship of young minds in India. Our country is progressing quite fast in every field from manufacturing to services, information technology to logistics, tourism to medical. India is leading in new startups, infrastructure, research and development, defence. Therefore, mentorship has great promise for the overall development of the younger generation. Mentors can play a very significant role in sharing their experiences and expertise with the younger generation. Government of India has recently announced setting up additional fifty thousand Tinkering Labs in the schools and for the success of that mentors will be required in very large numbers. There are more than six lakh villages in India and the future of mentoring in India, especially in villages, has immense potential for transforming the lives of young students. Mentoring school children in villages in India can be a game changer in inculcating creativity and innovation.

Mentorship programs can help in empowering rural youth through digital skills, fostering creativity, and helping them in solving problems. Our agricultural productivity is much lower as compared to other developed countries. This clearly shows that there is a great future for mentorship in India.

 

c. Why should more professionals and experts step up to mentor students? 

Mentors shape the young minds as future innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders to create the culture of creativity and innovation in the country. As a mentor they have the power to inspire, to ignite curiosity, and to empower students to tap their full potential. By mentoring students, professionals and experts get the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and experience with the next generation. This not only helps students to learn and grow but also gives mentors a sense of purpose and satisfaction.  

As a mentor I have experienced that mentorship can have a great impact on mentees life. It boosts their confidence, boosts their creativity and brings opportunities. As a mentor we make a real difference in student’s life and help them to achieve their goals.

Giving Back to Society / nation.  

Mentoring is also one way for professionals and experts to give back to society. By giving time and efforts in mentoring young minds they will be contributing to the development of the community and the nation.  

Why Step Up?  

The answer is simple: to make a positive impact, sharing knowledge, and inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators. By mentoring we can leave a lasting legacy, mentees will remember you for making a difference in their lives.  

By mentoring we learn a lot and it will help in their personal growth and fulfilment (Santosha).



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Summary 

Raj Kumar Dham’s mentoring story is a rich tapestry of personal growth, professional innovation, and impactful social engagement. Rooted in early childhood curiosity—sparked by tales like Aladdin’s lamp and explorations into the mysteries of nature—his journey evolved through engineering education at NIT Bhopal and IISc Bangalore, where he explored the human mind and computing. His early professional life at Bharat Electronics Limited introduced him to systems optimization and innovation through Cellular Manufacturing Systems, a contribution recognized by BEL and IIT Delhi. This foundation transitioned into entrepreneurship, where he co-founded a design and office equipment company, gaining hands-on experience across functional areas.

A pivotal transformation occurred through his collaboration with Dr. K. N. Krishnaswamy, culminating in the creation of Body Mind Programming (BMP)—a toolkit drawing from Indian philosophical traditions and modern STEM inspirations. Together, they launched Heart-Mind Yoga and tested it in clinical environments like Narayana Hospital, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy.

His role as a Mentor of Change with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) since 2022 marked a powerful convergence of his lifelong experiences. Dham’s mentoring spans prestigious institutions like KV IISc Bangalore and rural schools, where he fosters creative confidence, empathy, and innovation using BMP-based techniques like the “Magical Screen” and “Virtual Lab.” He emphasizes question-asking, divergent thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

Dham’s online mentoring model, featuring over 105 sessions and 1,500+ student presentations, exemplifies scalability. Projects under his guidance include “Power Foot” for generating electricity, “GlucoPreserve” for IV therapy safety, and millet-based agri-tech ventures. These combine empathy-driven problem identification with field research and technical implementation.

His most striking interventions include empowering students like Krish Yallal, who founded Krish Tech, and Vidya Sharma, recognized nationally for her biomedical innovation. He also supported village-level transformations, such as enabling QR-code fee payments in rural schools and orchestrating a multi-school Science Fest.

Dham candidly addresses challenges—ranging from institutional resistance to infrastructural limitations—and illustrates how emotional intelligence and strategic relationship-building helped navigate them. His message to new mentors is to lead with empathy, curiosity, and patience, focusing on students’ growth rather than prescriptive guidance.

His reflections on mentorship emphasize its critical role in India’s development, especially in rural areas. With government initiatives promising expansion of Tinkering Labs, he argues for an urgent scaling of mentorship efforts, appealing to professionals to contribute by sharing expertise and inspiring the next generation.


Plusses (+)

  • Rich and authentic storytelling; grounded in lived experience.
  • Strong thematic unity across curiosity, innovation, and transformation.
  • Valuable illustrations of BMP and meditative creativity rooted in Indian philosophy.
  • Excellent integration of rural and urban mentoring contexts.
  • Clear impact metrics: student achievements, startups, patents, and national recognitions.

Minuses (–)

  • Overlong sections with repetition; needs tighter structure and clearer narrative flow.
  • Lacks citations to connect with Mentor India’s official objectives and frameworks .
  • Some success stories could benefit from more concise, theory-linked analysis

Storyline suggestion

The Journey of Curiosity, Code, and Community: The Mentoring Saga of Raj Kumar Dham

It began not with a lab bench or a textbook, but a story—an old tale of Aladdin’s lamp, spun by a grandfather in the golden light of Bangalore. A six-year-old Raj Kumar Dham sat wide-eyed, not merely enchanted, but activated. The lamp, real or not, kindled something more enduring than a wish—a relentless curiosity. This flame would fuel a lifetime that wound through the halls of premier engineering institutes, defense manufacturing plants, and eventually into the hearts and minds of thousands of students across India’s educational landscape.

A Seed is Broken

In a scene almost poetic in its simplicity, young Raj once cracked open a pea seed, seeking to locate the miracle within—the leaves, the flowers, the pods. None were to be found. The disappointment was momentary; the insight, lasting. Some things require nurturing, time, and unseen transformation. Years later, this metaphor would find new life in his role as a Mentor of Change.

The Search Deepens

The curiosity matured. It turned contemplative during his engineering days at NIT Bhopal, and then intellectually expansive at IISc Bangalore. There he encountered computers, coding, and Transcendental Meditation. Programming, he realized, was not confined to machines. Could the mind be coded? Could creativity be structured? These were not rhetorical musings. They were design problems.

In this period of synthesis, he came across Einstein’s statement: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Raj didn’t just agree; he set out to prove it.

Engineering the Mind

His work at Bharat Electronics Limited wasn’t just a job. It was a canvas. Tasked with improving production efficiencies in a defense equipment manufacturing setup, Raj designed and implemented the Cellular Manufacturing System. This reduced cycle time by 25%. What mattered more was what he discovered—systems could be rearranged to reflect more organic, intuitive flows. He would later transpose this thinking onto human potential and learning environments.

When he transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching a small-scale industry in Chandigarh, he wore every hat—from product designer to financial planner. Competing with industry giants, he developed unique drawing office equipment. But the real victory was internal. Here was proof that structured creativity, grounded in India’s ethos of jugaad and interdisciplinary learning, could yield competitive innovation.

Body Mind Programming: The Inner Tinkering Lab

The soul met the system when Raj collaborated with Prof. K. N. Krishnaswamy at IISc. With the Bhagavad Gita as their north star and ancient Indian wisdom as compass, they developed Body Mind Programming (BMP). It wasn’t pedagogy. It was praxis. Published in a book titled “Create Your Own Future,” BMP became the nucleus of a course attended by professionals from HAL, BEL, ITI, and more.

What BMP offered was not just inner transformation but practical innovation. It birthed Heart-Mind Yoga, tested among patients at Narayana Hospital’s Integrative Oncology Department. Participants, including caregivers, reported elevated hope and well-being. Raj had built a bridge—from meditative stillness to operational excellence.

Enter: The Mentor of Change

By 2022, Raj’s journey found an even larger canvas: the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). These were not just rooms filled with 3D printers and sensors. For Raj, they were sanctums of imagination, and he, a facilitator of transformation.

Assigned to multiple schools including Air Force School Hebbal and KV IISc, he employed his full repertoire. Where ATL in-charges were absent, Raj stepped in. Where students feared questions, he introduced the Magical Screen, the Virtual Guide, and the Virtual Lab—conceptual tools rooted in meditative introspection and problem-solving. He urged students to list everyday problems, not to solve them immediately, but to see them. Awareness, he believed, was the first invention.

In rural settings like Sai Shankar Vidyashala, the challenges were steeper: no computer teacher, no reliable internet, no exposure. Raj activated his network—Rotary Clubs, educational institutes, philanthropists. The lab came alive. Eventually, students from this non-ATL school collaborated with ATL students to compete nationally.

Projects as Portals

There were projects. Many. A few stood out. One was about millets. Students not only built a chatbot and website around Ragi but went into the fields, spoke to farmers, and proposed self-help farming cooperatives. Another, from a 7th grader named Krish, turned into an entrepreneurial venture—KRISHTech—focused on harvesting electricity from footsteps. Raj coached him not just in circuitry, but in courage.

Another mentee, Vidya Sharma, invented GlucoPreserve—a biomedical device to prevent IV fluid backflow. Her device, low-cost and power-independent, was born from observing a nurse in action. Raj didn’t merely mentor her; he connected her with a professor in medical electronics. She went on to win accolades and became a STEM ambassador.

The Snowball Becomes an Avalanche

Raj’s initiative extended to online mentoring. Through Google Meets, 105 sessions, and over 1,500 student presentations, he helped create a national ecosystem of learning. A “Learn from Each Other” initiative was born. A digital book is in the works. Awards began pouring in. So did inspiration.

He confronted resistance too—apathetic school managements, faculty disinterest, infrastructure deficits. But he saw each challenge as a design flaw, not a dead end. Listening and empathy became his most effective debugging tools.

The Pivot to Impact

When students at Sai Shankar Vidyashala created a QR-based digital fee payment system, it wasn’t just a project. It was a paradigm shift. When Krish got Udyam-registered and Vidya earned a spot at the New York Academy of Sciences, it wasn't a coincidence. It was cultivation.

Diagnosis: A Practice of Embedded Leadership

Raj Kumar Dham embodies the rare synthesis of agitator, innovator, and orchestrator. He raised issues (fear of questioning, infrastructural voids), proposed novel solutions (BMP, Heart-Mind Yoga, Magical Screen), and built collaborative structures (Google Meets ecosystem, mentor-student networks) that scaled and sustained impact.

His story reflects public narrative mastery: a Story of Self rooted in curiosity and contemplation; a Story of Us that includes both rural and urban learners; a Story of Now anchored in India’s innovation potential.

A Framework for Generalization

From Raj’s journey, we can distill a mentoring framework:

C-R-E-A-T-E:

  • Curiosity Anchored: Begin with students’ wonder, not your expertise.
  • Real-World Rooted: Tie innovation to local, lived realities.
  • Empathize Deeply: Understand blocks, fears, and aspirations.
  • Activate Networks: Leverage social capital and institutional goodwill.
  • Tinker Systematically: Move from brainstorming to prototypes via structured divergence and convergence.
  • Elevate Autonomy: Encourage self-leadership, reflection, and entrepreneurship.

Raj Kumar Dham’s story is more than a tale of mentoring. It is a design blueprint, a cultural treatise, and a national call-to-action.

Theories that can be used


1. Marshall Ganz’s Public Narrative + Leadership Practice

  • Story of Self, Us, Now: Raj’s childhood curiosity, his engineering and spiritual synthesis, and the immediate challenge of mentoring rural youth maps perfectly onto Ganz’s triad. His narrative turns personal growth into communal inspiration and urgent collective action.
  • Distributed Leadership: His creation of online ecosystems and student-led initiatives embodies Ganz’s snowflake model—enabling leadership by developing leaders who build further leadership structures.
  • Values-Based Organizing: Rather than anchoring solely in technical knowledge, Raj leads with values like curiosity, compassion, courage, and interdependence.

Deeper Connection: Raj’s methodology blends Eastern spiritual introspection (sankalpa, dhyana, karma yoga) with Western organizing praxis. This makes his approach unusually potent in India’s pluralistic but bureaucratically rigid schooling system.


2. Power & Influence for Positive Impact (HBS Framework)

  • Role Play: Raj acts as agitator (challenging ATL status quo), innovator (designing BMP, Magical Screen), and orchestrator (scaling via online networks and institutional partnerships).
  • Shifting Power Dynamics:
  • Attraction: His charisma and credibility attract school partnerships and donor support.
  • Consolidation: By organizing student communities and engaging NGOs, he reduces ATL schools’ reliance on under-motivated faculty.
  • Expansion: He increases alternatives for underprivileged students by bringing them into national innovation circuits.
  • Withdrawal: Rather than confront hostile administrators, he redirects energy into building model systems that attract wider buy-in.

Unique Insight: Raj’s use of meditative metaphor (Magical Screen = internal locus of power) subtly realigns resource power with narrative power. He restores agency in traditionally disempowered students.


3. Systems Thinking + Design Thinking (SESC & IDEO Model)

  • Leverage Points in Broken Systems: In rural schools, Raj intervenes at multiple failure points—teacher availability, internet, STEM exposure—using the Data–Discovery–Delivery triad seen in the Lifebank Case (SESC).
  • Prototyping & Feedback Loops: Projects like GlucoPreserve and QR-based fee systems reflect rapid ideation and field-testing. These go beyond theory into positive deviance—students solving real problems through lived insights.
  • System Boundaries and Role of Informality: The rural innovation Raj nurtures often occurs outside formal ATL structures, akin to hybrid social systems described in the Social Enterprise Spectrum.

Deeper Theoretical Layer: Raj’s use of Heart-Mind Yoga as a systemic intervention links to Donella Meadows’ leverage points, particularly “mindset or paradigm out of which the system arises.” He transforms how students view problems—moving from passive receivers to active designers of their world.


4. Theory of Practice and Adaptive Leadership (Heifetz & Schön)

  • Reflective Practice: Raj’s mentorship is not instructional—it’s iterative, emergent, and embedded in the “zone of proximal development.”
  • Adaptive vs. Technical Challenges: He recognizes that schools’ challenges aren’t just technical (no ATL in-charge) but adaptive (cultural resistance to inquiry). His interventions address emotional, social, and cognitive shifts—especially fear of failure.

Synthesis: Raj demonstrates double-loop learning—mentoring that doesn’t just teach how to solve a problem but revisits the assumptions behind how problems are defined.


5. Indian Indigenous Knowledge Systems

  • Vedantic Inquiry (Neti-Neti, Satchitananda): BMP and Heart-Mind Yoga rest on inquiry as revelation. His tools—Magical Screen, Virtual Guide—are pedagogically Vedantic, encouraging introspection and unity of thought and action.
  • Bhagavad Gita’s Karma Yoga: His detachment from outcomes (“surrender is not quitting”) and emphasis on effort reflect a deeply spiritual framing of creativity as seva (service).
  • Sankalpa (intentional resolve): Every student project, from millet advocacy to electricity plates, is rooted in a resolve to serve community—action born from internal clarity.

Unique Interpretation: Raj is designing not just educational programs but a dharma-based entrepreneurial ecosystem where innovation is a spiritual discipline.


6. Social Learning and Peer Mentorship Models

  • His initiatives like “Learn from Each Other” and “Top Presenter Awards” institutionalize peer-based learning, combining Vygotsky’s developmental learning theory with modern networked education.
  • Public exhibitions (e.g., Science Fest) create social validation loops that build collective efficacy—a powerful motivator in low-resource settings.

Unique Conceptual Bridge

Raj is not just a mentor; he is a cultural systems architect. His frameworks combine:

  • Techno-Spiritual Engineering (BMP, system redesign)
  • Narrative Organizing (Public narrative meets Indian mythic symbols)
  • Resource Redistribution (From elite to underserved students)
  • Power Realignment (Student as agent, not recipient)

VERSION TWO

VERSION TWO

MENTORING STORY - by Raj Kumar Dham

 RAJ KUMAR Summary (500 words)

Raj Kumar Dham’s mentoring story is a rich tapestry of personal growth, professional innovation, and impactful social engagement. Rooted in early childhood curiosity—sparked by tales like Aladdin’s lamp and explorations into the mysteries of nature—his journey evolved through engineering education at NIT Bhopal and IISc Bangalore, where he explored the human mind and computing. His early professional life at Bharat Electronics Limited introduced him to systems optimization and innovation through Cellular Manufacturing Systems, a contribution recognized by BEL and IIT Delhi.  He also worked in improving the health services at factory hospital by applying Industrial Engineering which was selected as the best case studies at the IIIE conference in Bangalore and was awarded with a medal. .  This foundation transitioned into entrepreneurship, where he co-founded a design and office equipment company, gaining hands-on experience across functional areas.

A pivotal transformation occurred through his collaboration with Dr. K. N. Krishnaswamy, culminating in the creation of Body Mind Programming (BMP)—a toolkit drawing from Indian philosophical traditions and modern STEM inspirations.BMP seven steps make it a toolkit for creativity, innovation, and transformation.  Together, they launched Heart-Mind Yoga and tested it in clinical environments like Narayana Hospital, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy.

His role as a Mentor of Change with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) since 2022 marked a powerful convergence of his lifelong experiences. Dham’s mentoring spans prestigious institutions like KV IISc Bangalore and rural schools, where he fosters creative confidence, empathy, and innovation using BMP-based techniques like the “Magical Screen” and “Virtual Lab.” He emphasizes question-asking, design thinking,divergent thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

Dham’s online mentoring model at the ATL Google Meets platform of RMOC Dhanpat Raj Dhariwal ji, featuring over 105 sessions and 1,500+ student presentations, exemplifies scalability. Projects under his guidance include “Power Foot” for generating electricity, “GlucoPreserve” for IV therapy safety, millet-based agri-tech ventures, and Peer -support forum “ Buddies Talk “ for open discussions by students and guardians about wellness, especially mental health. These combine empathy-driven problem identification with field research and technical implementation.

His most striking interventions include empowering students like Krish Yallal, who founded Krish Tech,Laura Anika who developed Peer-support forum “ Buddies Talk,  and Vidya Sharma, recognized nationally for her biomedical innovation. He also supported village-level transformations, such as enabling QR-code fee payments in rural schools and orchestrating a multi-school Science Fest. He also guided students in developing devices for preventing vehicle accidents through speed control and sleep control especially for state buses. Under his guidance students did projects in waste management and composting.His focus has been inbuilding creative confidence and inculcating the culture of creativity.

Dham candidly addresses challenges—ranging from institutional resistance to infrastructural limitations—and illustrates how emotional intelligence and strategic relationship-building helped navigate them. His message to new mentors is to lead with empathy, curiosity, and patience, focusing on students’ growth rather than prescriptive guidance . He advocates asking questions starting with “Why” or “What if “. He has unleashed the power of design thinking for a large number of students. Dham has been taking sessions for faculty, and ATL Incharge for learning from each other program in design thinking, creativity and innovation process, creating culture of creativity, tinkering, and  innovation. Raj has been sharing his blogs,and writings with mentors, ATL Incharge and students, and talking to Rotary Clubs and NGOs about setting up ‘SARTHI’ for helping the ATLs which are not very active. He advocates from duty to passion. The heart represents humanity in the form of personal passion -happiness and emotional well-being. We as mentors should think of ourselves as facilitators  and enablers in the journey of students as innovators and enterprenuers.

His reflections on mentorship emphasize its critical role in India’s development, especially in rural areas. With government initiatives promising expansion of Tinkering Labs, he argues for an urgent scaling of mentorship efforts, appealing to professionals to contribute by sharing expertise and inspiring the next generation.


Plusses (+)

  • Rich and authentic storytelling; grounded in lived experience.
  • Strong thematic unity across curiosity, innovation, and transformation.
  • Valuable illustrations of BMP and meditative creativity rooted in Indian philosophy.
  • Excellent integration of rural and urban mentoring contexts.
  • Clear impact metrics: student achievements, startups, patents, and national recognitions.

Minuses (–)

  • Overlong sections with repetition; needs tighter structure and clearer narrative flow.
  • Lacks citations to connect with Mentor India’s official objectives and frameworks .
  • Some success stories could benefit from more concise, theory-linked analysis.

Deltas (Δ): Opportunities for Enhancement

  • Reframe key mentoring episodes using the “What, How, Why, Enablers/Barriers” format.
  • Embed theory: Use Ganz’s public narrative model for storytelling structure ; link with change agent roles (agitator, innovator, orchestrator) .
  • Structure suggestions: Segment into “Early Influences,” “Professional Practice,” “BMP Innovation,” “Mentorship Engagement,” and “Outcomes.”
  • Add a case-based analysis for 2–3 key student projects using design thinking and systems change lenses .

MENTORING STORY OF RAJ KUMAR DHAM

VERSION THREE

Early Influences

What:
 Raj Kumar Dham’s journey was seeded by early childhood curiosity, nurtured by stories like Aladdin’s lamp and deep explorations into nature.

How:
 This early wonder instilled in him a relentless quest for understanding—a drive that transformed simple questions into lifelong research and innovation.

Why:
 His formative experiences set the stage for blending creativity with analytical rigor, paving the way for a holistic approach to both personal growth and professional development.

Enablers/Barriers:
 Early familial and cultural support enabled his inquisitiveness, even as societal norms and traditional boundaries occasionally presented obstacles.

Professional Practice

What:
 During his academic tenure at NIT Bhopal and IISc Bangalore, Raj delved into the human mind and computing. His early career at Bharat Electronics Limited introduced him to innovations such as Cellular Manufacturing Systems and improvements in health services using Industrial Engineering—efforts recognized through awards and conference accolades.

How:
 Applying engineering principles to real-world challenges, he developed and implemented optimized systems that balanced theory with practical impact.

Why:
 Raj’s work was fueled by a desire to shift from conventional problem solving to innovative thinking—crafting solutions that not only answered pressing questions but also created a foundation for future advancements.

Enablers/Barriers:
 A forward-thinking educational environment and hands-on industrial experience empowered those efforts, while institutional inertia and resource constraints frequently provided counterforces that honed his resilience.

BMP Innovation

What:
 A turning point in Raj’s journey came through collaboration with Dr. K. N. Krishnaswamy, which led to the development of Body Mind Programming (BMP)—a seven-step toolkit that fuses Indian philosophical insights with modern STEM strategies. BMP also gave rise to innovative practices like Heart-Mind Yoga, tested in clinical environments such as Narayana Hospital.

How:
 By converting philosophical insights into a practical methodology, Raj and his partner developed tools that moved seamlessly from abstract ideas to tangible outcomes. Their approach involved iterative refinement and real-world validations.

Why:
 They envisioned BMP as a means to empower individuals to unleash creativity and achieve holistic transformation—empowering both the mind and the body.

Enablers/Barriers:
 While the rich heritage of Indian philosophy provided abundant inspiration, aligning these insights with contemporary technological applications required constant adaptation and innovative bridging of two very different paradigms.

Mentorship Engagement

What:
 Since 2022, Raj has served as a Mentor of Change with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), extending his expertise to institutions ranging from KV IISc Bangalore to rural schools. His mentoring leverages BMP-based methods—creatively embodied in techniques like the “Magical Screen” and “Virtual Lab”—to foster design thinking and creative confidence among young learners.

How:
 Through over 105 online sessions on ATL Google Meets, where more than 1,500 student presentations have taken place, Raj has facilitated a vibrant exchange of ideas. His mentoring sessions emphasize asking questions like “Why?” and “What if?” and guiding students through structured problem-solving processes.

Why:
 For Raj, mentorship is about transforming potential into impact. By sharing his wealth of experience, he inspires others to see challenges as opportunities to innovate and collaborate, rather than obstacles to be overcome.

Enablers/Barriers:
 While infrastructural limitations and institutional rigidities sometimes challenged this engagement, Raj’s emotional intelligence and relentless drive converted these into learning opportunities that spurred creative problem solving.

Outcomes and Impact

What:
 The true measure of Raj’s mentoring lies in the tangible outcomes achieved by his students. From visionary ventures like Krish Tech to rural transformations like QR-code fee payments in schools, his influence is visible across diverse settings.

How:
 By integrating design thinking and systems-change methodologies, Raj has catalyzed projects that address significant societal challenges. His focus on empathy-driven inquiry and iterative testing has allowed students to experiment boldly while grounding their innovations in practicality.

Why:
 His mentoring aims to build creative confidence and empower students to lead changes that can ripple through both urban and rural communities. His approach suggests that true innovation is not merely about technical proficiency—it is about nurturing an ecosystem where creativity, collaboration, and systemic thinking converge.

Enablers/Barriers:
 Government initiatives such as the expansion of Tinkering Labs have served as enablers, while occasional resistance within established institutional frameworks continues to demand adaptive strategies and emotional intelligence.

Case-Based Analysis of Standout Student Projects

Case 1: Power Foot—Electricity Generation Initiative

  • Empathize:
     Students began by engaging with local communities to understand the challenges of unreliable electricity in urban and  rural areas,small enterprises and shops They interviewed residents, local business owners, and school administrators to grasp the real-world implications of energy scarcity.
  • Define:
     The problem was articulated as a need for a reliable, low-cost, and easily implemented method for electricity generation that could be maintained locally.
  • Ideate:
     Drawing on design thinking sessions led by Raj and brainstorming, the team brainstormed various renewable energy options. Ideas ranged from small wind turbines to kinetic energy converters. Power Foot emerged as a creative synthesis, harnessing the potential of human movement and simple mechanical systems at malls, theatres, bus stands and railway station platforms.
  • Prototype:
     Using accessible materials, students built a scaled-down model to simulate the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy. Prototypes were tested in real-time, and feedback was gathered to iterate on design.
  • Test:
     Field tests in local settings allowed the team to identify technical and systemic adjustments needed for scalability. They refined the design based on energy output, maintenance feasibility, and community engagement.
  • Implement/System Changes:
     Beyond the device itself, the project prompted system-level changes. These included community education on renewable energy, establishing maintenance protocols, and interfacing with local energy grids, ultimately leading to a sustainable energy initiative for the region.
  • Taking to the market Entrepreneurship:

Krish has registered with UDYAM as KRISH TECH, created a website and is getting enquiries. Raj talked to him and his mother a month back to make a few pieces and test in the field before going for regular production.


Case 2: GlucoPreserve—Enhancing IV Therapy Safety

  • Empathize:
     The project began by engaging with healthcare professionals and patients to understand the challenges with traditional IV therapy, including safety concerns and logistical inefficiencies.
  • Define:
     The problem was defined as the need for a robust system that could ensure the safety and efficacy of IV therapies while reducing the risk of human error.
  • Ideate:
     Guided by the principles of human-centered design, the team ideated various technological enhancements. Ideas included integrated sensor systems and automated monitoring devices. GlucoPreserve coalesced as a system-focused innovation combining real-time data analytics with user-friendly monitoring interfaces.
  • Prototype:
     A working model of GlucoPreserve was developed, incorporating sensor arrays and alert mechanisms. The prototype was constructed with iterative feedback from medical practitioners to ensure its relevance to clinical needs.

Test:
 Extensive trials in controlled clinical settings allowed the team to identify performance gaps. Iterative adjustments were made to improve reliability, data accuracy, and user interface design.

Implement/System Changes:
 The initiative led to broader system changes in hospital protocols, enabling safer IV therapy administration. Enhanced monitoring capabilities were integrated into existing healthcare systems, improving overall patient safety and operational efficiency.


Case 3: Legendary Buddies Nurturing Happy Minds by Laura Anika : Budding Mental Health Forum

Empathize:

Students and even their parents and teachers  are under stress and anxiety, no one to discuss about, they often go low (depression), experience stress and mental anxiety.

Define : Support pre-teens, teens, and also guide parents and teachers in tackling pre-teens, teens anxiety, stress, academic pressure, and exam stress

Ideate :

Holistic approch, brainstorming, and questioning brought the idea to create an online forum, a colourful website, books, blogs ,Chatbot.

Prototype:

Laura Anika created a website-legendrybuddies-1-com , wrote blogs , and created her own Youtube Channel.

Taking to the market Entrepreneurship: Through membership subscription 



Reflections and Call to Action

Raj Kumar Dham’s narrative is a compelling blend of personal passion, professional rigor, and a deep commitment to transformational mentoring. His story—now enriched with concrete examples of design thinking and systemic change—serves as both an inspiring testament and a practical blueprint for mentors. By dissecting breakthrough projects like Power Foot and GlucoPreserve, Raj demonstrates how empathetic engagement, iterative design, and systems thinking can collectively empower the next generation of innovators.

This robust framework not only guides students towards creative breakthroughs but also catalyzes meaningful change across communities. Raj’s legacy challenges fellow mentors to embrace empathy, curiosity, and resilience.

Version Two

I am forwarding you first two chapters for your review .

Your critical feedback will be of great help to me.

Looking forward hearing from you .

To the Reader

 

In every moment, the universe speaks to us in whispers of possibility and hope. My journey alongside Professor K. N. Krishnaswamy ji of the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, spanning three decades of relentless inquiry and compassionate study, has been one of discovering the profound power within—the power to transform ourselves and, by extension, the world around us.

This is the story of Body Mind Programming (BMP), a revolutionary approach born from the union of heart and mind—a symphony of ancient wisdom and modern science. Together, we explored the uncharted territories of the human potential, witnessing miracles day to day life, in hospital wards, outer space, schools, business houses, and creative arts and industries. The work we started in 1990 blossomed into a method that not only instils hope but also builds resilience, creativity, and lasting change.

In the pages that follow, you will embark on a transformative journey. You will learn the seven universal steps—Preparation, Alignment, Entry, Programming, Surrendering, Exit, and Follow-Up—each designed to help you reprogram the mind and elevate the spirit to meet the challenges of life. You will discover the pioneering aids of BMP: the Magical Screen, Virtual Lab, and Virtual Guide—innovative tools that connect you to the deeper layers of your consciousness. Most importantly, you will be introduced to the Heart Mind Approach (HMA), a paradigm that promises a quantum leap in management, leadership, and every field touched by human creativity.

This work is dedicated to the endless potential within each one of us. May it inspire you to create your own future, cultivate your inner universe, and transform the world with the wisdom of Heart and Mind.

“I am the sky. I am limitless.”image.png

Raj Kumar Dham

Bangalore

Summary & Reflection:

Summary:

To the reader outlines the genesis of BMP, the legacy of our work, and introduces the key elements of the book.

It sets the stage for a transformative journey, inviting readers to awaken their inner potential and embrace a new paradigm of human possibility.

Contemplation & Action:

Reflect on a moment when you sensed the interconnectedness of your inner world with the universe.

Write down how you believe embracing both heart and mind has, or could, impact your own transformation.

Quote to Inspire:

“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.” – Ru

Introduction

In every person lies a reservoir of limitless potential, waiting for the right spark to ignite transformation. This book is an invitation to awaken that power within through Body Mind Programming (BMP)—a method born from decades of research, real-world experience, and the merging of ancient wisdom with modern science.

What Is Body Mind Programming?

image.png

BMP is a structured methodology designed to reprogram the mind by aligning our deepest intentions with our subconscious intelligence. It is a holistic approach that enables individuals to transform their lives, overcome challenges, and achieve breakthroughs by working in harmony with both their conscious and subconscious selves. At its heart, BMP is about creating a fertile internal environment—preparing, aligning, and nurturing your thoughts and emotions so that your desired future can naturally take root and flourish. BMP is a set of principles, thoughts, and techniques for achieving self-change that is aimed at accomplishing our intensely desired ideal in life. It is a modus operandi for success in our attempts to go from where we are to where we would strongly like to be, to what we avidly want to be, and what we keenly desire to accomplish. It is a harbinger of success in changing ourselves efficiently and effectively to move towards our goal.

BMP is about tuning the resources we possess-body, mind, and soul -to create a new way of living. In this new way of living, we accomplish our goals whatever they may be. It is new paradigm for self-transformation to live a happy, healthy, successful, and fulfilling life.

The Genesis and Evolution of BMP

The journey of BMP began in the early 1990s, during a time when the mysteries of the human mind and the power of intuition were ripe for exploration. Alongside Professor K. N. Krishnaswamy ji, I embarked on a quest to understand how subtle mental cues and deep emotional insights could be harnessed to create lasting change. What started as early experiments with meditation, intuitive practices, and even remarkable real-life events gradually coalesced into a comprehensive system, thoroughly tested and refined over three decades.

From the transformative work conducted in hospitals with cancer patients and their caregivers to educational programs like “I Am The Sky” that nurture young minds, and in industries and business houses, BMP has proven itself a catalyst for hope, resilience, innovation and creativity. In R&D finding creative and innovative solutions to problems, in manufacturing industries for professional in any field.  Whether you are looking to build personal strength, improve relationships, or lead innovative change in your community, BMP offers practical tools to build the future you envision.

 

Introducing the Heart Mind Approach (HMA)

While BMP empowers the mind to reshape reality, it also embraces something equally powerful—the union of heart and mind. The Heart Mind Approach (HMA) is a revolutionary concept that recognizes the synergy between emotional intelligence and logical reasoning. It is this balance that fuels authentic leadership, creative excellence, and quantum shifts in personal and organizational transformation. HMA challenges conventional models by proving that true innovation comes from harmonizing passion with precision, empathy with strategy.

Bridging Science and Spirit

The science behind BMP is rooted in the principles of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize connections, and emerging insights from quantum physics about the nature of intention and energy. Yet, beyond the scientific validation lies a deeper, more intuitive understanding—one that has been celebrated in ancient traditions for centuries. This book is an exploration of both dimensions, offering you insights, practical exercises, and aids like the BMP Magical Screen, Virtual Lab, and Virtual Guide that serve as portals to unlocking your full potential.

In essence, this is more than a method; it is a way of being—a call to embrace the universe within and create your own destiny. As you turn these pages, prepare to embark on a journey that challenges limitations, inspires growth, and ultimately, invites you to become the architect of your future.

Summary & Reflection:

Summary:

The Introduction explains BMP as a holistic method for transformation, balancing conscious intent with subconscious power.

It recounts the evolution of BMP, from early experiments to a well-tested methodology.

It introduces the Heart Mind Approach (HMA) as a revolutionary fusion of emotional intelligence and logical insight, underpinning real-world successes.

Contemplation & Action:

Reflect on a time when you experienced a deep intuition or breakthrough that changed your perspective. How did it align your heart with your mind?

Consider how embracing the principles of BMP might help you overcome current challenges and manifest your dreams.

Write down your thoughts on what it means to “create your own future” and how this journey could start within you today.

Quote to Inspire:

“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams, who looks inside, awakens.” – Carl Jung

 

 

 

Chapter 1: Awakening to Possibility – The Path That Created BMP

A person standing in front of a door

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

1. The Call of Possibility

In every human experience there is a moment when the ordinary dissolves into possibility—a moment when the inner voice speaks louder than the clamour of daily life. For me, that call came quietly at first, in moments of stillness during my engineering days, and later, in the profound silence of Transcendental Meditation. It was as if a hidden door in my mind was slowly creaking open, inviting me to step into a realm where the subconscious could be tapped, nurtured, and transformed.

This calling wasn’t fuelled by grand proclamations or dramatic events—it was a subtle, persistent whisper reminding me that the mind held untold power. It was the beginning of a quest to discover a method that could harmonize our everyday life with the vast potential that lies beneath.

2. Discovering the Hidden Garden: Early Experiments

My journey into this uncharted territory began with simple, yet profound experiments. I started by giving myself subtle commands before sleep—asking my subconscious to awaken me at a precise moment or to solve a perplexing problem through a dream. More often than not, these intentions manifested in ways that defied explanation, suggesting that my inner world was far more receptive than I had ever imagined.

I recall one particularly transformative experiment: in the quiet of the night, with nothing but the inner light of deep meditation, I planted a single intention. The following morning, the solution to a long-standing challenge awaited me, elegantly wrapped in the clarity of a dream. These experiments, though small, became the seeds of a much larger idea—a method by which anyone could harness the latent power of their mind.

3. The Seed that Becomes a Tree

One of the most powerful metaphors that emerged during these early stages was the image of a seed transforming into a tree. Just as a seed is prepared in fertile soil, then nurtured to grow into a massive tree, our intentions, when sown in our subconscious, can blossom into life-changing realities. BMP is built on this very idea: you prepare your body‑mind, carefully select a goal (or plant a seed), implant it deeply, and nurture it with continuous, aligned effort.

This living metaphor resonates deeply when understood as a natural process—growth that is organic yet guided by clear, deliberate steps. It reminds us that transformation is not forced; it is the inevitable result of internal alignment and dedicated nurturing.

4. Intuition at Work: Moments of Unexplainable Clarity

Alongside my personal experiments, I witnessed moments that confirmed the power of the subconscious. One striking example was an incident at a railway station. I was guided—not by logical reasoning—but by a profound inner knowing to board a train. Later, I learned that this intuitive impulse had steered me away from potential crisis. It was as if my subconscious had forewarned me, reinforcing the idea that our inner world speaks to us in unexpected yet significant ways.

Another cherished memory comes from intimate gatherings with colleagues. My wife, possessing an uncanny intuitive ability, would often declare whether a pregnant lady was expecting a boy or a girl. At first, these predictions seemed like simple guesses, yet time and again, they proved astonishingly accurate. Her sensitivity to subtle energy and unspoken signals was a living testament to the deeper faculties we all possess—if only we can learn to listen.

These experiences reinforced the notion that the subconscious is not a passive reservoir but an active, responsive force—a partner in shaping our reality.

5. Forging the Path: From Experience to Method

Each of these moments—those quiet experiments, the vibrant metaphors, and the spontaneous intuitive flashes—led me to a singular realization: we can consciously connect with the vast potential hidden within us. They formed the foundation of what would later become Body Mind Programming. This was not a method conceived in isolation but a natural outcome of living deeply, observing intently, and trusting in the subtle signals of the inner world.

The early days of BMP were a blend of science, spirituality, and serendipity. They taught me that transformation is both an art and a science—a gradual process where each step builds on the previous one. And thus, the path to awakening was not a single moment but a tapestry woven from multiple threads of experience, insight, and intuition.

“Within you, there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.” – Hermann Hesse

 

Summary & Reflection

Summary:

In this chapter, you have journeyed through the early sparks of BMP—from the quiet call of possibility, through personal experiments and powerful metaphors, to moments of unexplainable intuition.

The narrative illustrates how subtle experiments, and profound insights laid the foundation for a method that nurtures intentional growth, much like a seed evolving into a tree.

Contemplation & Action:

Reflect on a time when you felt that inner calling or experienced a moment of unexpected clarity. How did it change your perspective on what is possible?

Consider writing down a personal intention, much like planting a seed, and gently nurturing it each day. What might that transformation look like in your own life?

 

 

Chapter 2: The Creative Force Within – The Birth of BMP

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1. The Spark of Inspiration

In the quiet aftermath of initial experiments and intuitive nudges, there emerged a subtle yet insistent stirring—a creative spark that illuminated a broader vision. It was in the stillness after deep meditation, when the mind quieted its habitual chatter, that I found clarity. In those moments, ideas converged like streams merging into a mighty river.

This creative force was not a sudden burst, but a gradual unfolding. It emerged from the simple act of observing the interplay between conscious intent and subconscious reception. Every experiment—from setting intentions before sleep to those unexplainable moments of deep intuition—served as a tiny ember. Over time, these embers kindled a flame that would ultimately illuminate the path to Body Mind Programming (BMP).

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein

In that playful yet profound interplay between logic and instinct, I discovered that our inner creativity holds the key to transforming not only our thoughts but the very fabric of our existence.

2. Gathering the Threads of Discovery

The journey from isolated insights to a cohesive system was both organic and methodical. With each experiment, I began to notice common threads—the subtle patterns that linked the spontaneous outcomes of meditation, the dreams that seemed laden with answers, and the powerful intuitive hunches that emerged in daily life.

These threads, though initially disjointed, started to weave a tapestry. I began to see that the creative force was not merely an individual flash of insight; it was a continuous process of refinement and integration. Guided by countless hours of introspection, discussion with Professor K. N. Krishnaswamy ji, and the silent wisdom of deep meditation, these ideas coalesced into a blueprint for transformation.

The process was much like gathering seeds from different trees to plant a garden—each seed holding unique potential, yet all destined to contribute to a vibrant ecosystem. This garden of ideas became the fertile ground upon which BMP was born.

 

 

 

3. From Intuition to Structure: Crafting the Method

As the fragments of insight accumulated, the creative force began to demand form and structure, transforming from a nebulous inspiration into a systematic approach. I realized that in order to help others tap into this reservoir of potential, the method needed to be both accessible and robust.

Thus, the early informal practices evolved into a carefully designed series of steps. The guiding principle was simple: harness the natural interplay of the conscious and subconscious and channel it to create meaningful change. This was the point where art met science—a fusion of intuitive creativity with empirical rigour.

Every practice was refined, each experiment retested, until a coherent system emerged. This system, later known as Body Mind Programming, was built upon the belief that every human being carries a creative spark capable of reshaping their reality. It was a moment of birth—not of a single idea, but of a dynamic process that would empower individuals to actively create their own future.

4. The Synergy of Science, Spirit, and Creativity

The birth of BMP was not solely an internal, creative revolution—it also marked the convergence of ancient wisdom with modern scientific insights. Neuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to rewire itself, provided a scientific framework that validated the practices emerging from my experiments. Simultaneously, timeless spiritual teachings affirmed that the heart and the mind could work together in harmony to create profound change.

This synergy was the creative crucible in which BMP was forged. It was a recognition that transformation requires both the illumination of insight and the structure of disciplined practice. When the intuitive muse meets the empirical mind, the result is a method that is not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the universal truths of human potential.

“You are the creator of your own reality.” – Deepak Chopra

In embracing this creative force, I learned that transformation is both an art and a science—a delicate dance of inspiration and method that, when wedded, leads to a life reimagined.

5. The Birth of a Methodology

Thus, from the quiet moments of introspection to the dynamic interplay of science and spirit, the creative force within paved the way for a new paradigm of transformation. BMP was born out of a need to give structure to such insights, to transform intuitive whisperings into a reproducible, practical method.

The earlier seeds of insight had grown, matured through rigorous experimentation, thoughtful analysis, and the continuous refinement of ideas. What began as an exploration of the inner workings of the mind had now taken shape as a method—a tool to unlock the vast potential residing within every individual.

BMP stands as a testament to the enduring power of inner creativity—the quiet yet unstoppable force that, when guided with care, can shape destinies and create futures that once existed only in our most cherished dreams.

 

Summary & Reflection

Summary:

This chapter traces the evolution of BMP from a series of isolated, intuitive moments to the birth of a structured methodology.

It highlights the creative force that emerges when the mind listens to its own quiet wisdom and how the integration of science and spirit made BMP possible.

Ultimately, the chapter celebrates the journey from inspiration to a reproducible process, turning creative sparks into a transformative method.

Contemplation & Action:

Reflect on a personal moment when a small insight or intuitive flash led to significant change in your life. How did that creative force reveal itself to you?

Consider journaling your thoughts on the interplay between your conscious goals and your subconscious potential. What creative seeds are you ready to nurture?

Try a simple exercise: spend five minutes in quiet reflection each morning, noting any intuitive thoughts or ideas that surface—these might be the seeds of your future growth.

Quote to Inspire:

“Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” – William Plome

 

 

 

Chapter 3(X): The Mandala of Transformation – BMP Vehicles in Motion

 

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Transformation

Imagine entering a sacred circle—a transformative space where every element of your inner world becomes a deliberate, powerful tool for growth. Here, the Body Mind Programming (BMP) methodology unfolds through a unique mandala: a symbolic chart where the core represents our transformational engines, the BMP Vehicles. Radiating outward are the thematic petals—Rhythmic Balance, Pacific Harmony, Implantation, and Nurturing—each contributing to a holistic journey of personal evolution

A logo with text and a car in the middle of a flower

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

 

 

Section 1: BMP Vehicles – The Core of Transformation

At the heart of our mandala lie the BMP Vehicles—the essential engines that fuel our journey toward transformation. These vehicles come in two primary forms:

Conscious Tools:

These include guided visualizations, journaling exercises, and imagination interactive tools such as the Magical Screen and Virtual Lab. They actively direct your focus and awaken your awareness to new perspectives.

·         Subconscious Channels:

Techniques like dream directives, symbolic affirmations, and subtle yet powerful rituals work at a deeper level to plant transformative seeds, nurturing growth in the hidden recesses of the mind.

Imagine these BMP Vehicles as a brilliant chariot, a dynamic vessel that carries you on a journey inward. Each vehicle is imbued with its own unique energy and purpose, inviting you to choose the path that resonates most with your current stage of growth.

Here's your vibrant Indian chariot with radiant sun, merging futuristic tech with glorious ancient symbols

A painting of a person riding a chariot

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

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A green and yellow vehicle with a bird on it

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

 

 

Section 2: Mandala as a Storytelling Structure

The mandala is not a static image—it is a living, dynamic framework that guides the flow of transformation. It acts as a narrative structure that moves from the core outwards.

2.1 The Central Core: Unveiling the BMP Vehicles

At the core of our mandala reside the BMP Vehicles—dynamic catalysts of transformation that illuminate each individual’s path to self-discovery. These potent initiators fuse conscious tools with intuitive channels, creating a luminous centre from which all growth radiates. They serve as the guiding force that shapes and sustains each step of the awakening process.

Every transformative journey spring from this heart, where intention and insight converge in perfect harmony. By engaging with the BMP Vehicles at the centre, practitioners set themselves on a clear, purpose-driven course toward lasting change. From this starting point, the outward expansion of awareness unfolds naturally, forging deep personal and collective evolution.

Interactive Prompt:

Pause for a moment and turn your attention inward. Picture the “vehicles” you’re using to drive your growth—your daily practices, tools, or rituals. What’s steering you right now? Which new vehicle—whether it’s a breath-work technique, a visualization practice, or a fresh affirmation—are you ready to welcome on your journey?

To deepen your reflection, consider:

Sketch or describe your current vehicle in a journal—its shape, colour, and motion.

List three qualities you’d like your next vehicle to embody.

Commit to experimenting with one new tool this week and note how it shifts your perspective.

2.2 The Radiating Petals: Themes that Expand the Journey

From this core, vibrant petals radiate—each petal representing a key theme in this process of inner transformation:

Rhythmic Balance:

This petal embodies the essential pulse of life—the interplay between movement and calm, action and reflection. Use rhythmic language and repeating motifs (like the cadence of a drum or the ebbing of a tide) to mirror how balance is achieved through structured repetition in your narrative.

Pacific Harmony:

Here lies the essence of serene strength, a gentle yet assertive call to inner calm. Let this section infuse your writing with compassionate wisdom and illustrate how leadership and creativity arise from a state of measured tranquillity.

Implantation:

Implantation is the art of seeding transformative ideas into the subconscious. Through vivid metaphors and symbolic language, describe how powerful insights are planted like seeds in fertile soil, destined to sprout into profound personal truths.

Nurturing:

Nurturing represents the continuous care required for these seeds to flourish. This petal is about the daily rituals, reflective exercises, and supportive practices that sustain long-term growth. It speaks to revisiting, reinforcing, and expanding upon initial insights.

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Figure 3: It is a detailed diagram of a mandala with a clear central circle for BMP (Chariot) and BMP Vehicles -four radiant petals labelled as Rhythmic Balance, Pacific Harmony, Implantation, and Nurturing. Each petal has its own distinct visual texture—soft brush strokes or gentle gradients—to evoke its unique energy.

 

Section 3: Weaving the Mandala into Your Narrative

3.1 Crafting the Flow

In this chapter, the mandala itself will shape our journey. Each layer of the mandala becomes a narrative ring, guiding you from the heart of transformation outward—and then back again. As you read, allow its geometry to mirror your own process of awakening.

Start at the Core

We open at the centre, where the BMP Vehicles reside. Here you’ll encounter the engine of change: the conscious tools and intuitive channels that catalyse every shift. This introduction not only defines each vehicle but also invites you to sense its power in your own life. By grounding in the core, you prepare to receive and move energy through the rest of the mandala.

Expand Outward

From that central spark, the mandala petals bloom into four distinct practices. Each petal is both theory and invitation—an experiential waypoint on your path.

Rhythmic Balance

Explore how breath, movement, and sound synchronize to steady the mind and body.

Pacific Harmony

Discover the art of inner peace through gentle visualization and melodic consonance.

Implantation

Learn to plant intentions deep within your subconscious, nurturing seeds of lasting change.

Nurturing

Develop simple rituals that reinforce growth and honor the emerging self.

As you move through each section, pause for the exercises woven into the petals. They let you live the teachings rather than merely read about them.

Cycle of Return

Transformation is never linear—it loops. In the final pages, we bring every element back into a unified whole. You’ll revisit the core vehicles now enriched by your journey through the petals. This cyclical closing reminds you that growth is ongoing: each return to the center lights new pathways outward, ready for your next spiral of discovery.

 

3.2 Interactive Exercises:

Introduce each practice with a short invitation to experiment. Encourage readers to settle into a quiet space, keep a journal or sketchbook handy, and move through the exercises in order.

1. Mindful Meditation

Find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and take three slow, grounding breaths.

Visualize a radiant point at your core—the seed of your mandala.

Watch as thin, luminous lines (your BMP Vehicles) extend outward from that centre, one for each tool or practice you currently use.

Spend two minutes simply observing their colour, shape, and movement.

2. Rhythmic Journaling

Place your hand over your heart and feel your natural heartbeat.

Set a timer for five minutes. With each heartbeat, write one word or short phrase that reflects how you’re feeling or what you intend to cultivate.

Let your pen move in time with your pulse, creating a steady cadence of insight.

After five minutes, pause and reread what you’ve written, circling any words that stand out.

3. Subconscious Planting Exercise

Open a fresh page in your journal and title it “Seed Journal.”

For each insight, image, or metaphor that emerges during your BMP practice, write it down as if you’re planting a seed.

Below each entry, leave space to revisit and “water” that seed with new thoughts or emotions in future sessions.

Return to this page at least once a week to track what’s sprouting in your subconscious garden.

4. Nurturing Daily Ritual

Decide on a brief ritual—two to five minutes—that you can do every day.

Examples: reciting a chosen affirmation, tracing a small mandala with your fingertip, or playing a primordial sound.

Schedule this ritual at a consistent time (morning, midday, or evening).


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