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A Conversational Clash: Defeating the Upline’s Arguments
Confrontation with Bhaskar
I went to Bhaskar’s room and faced him. He wondered why I hadn’t been answering his calls. I told him straight up, “I’m done with network marketing. I’m tired of the fake promises and chasing unrealistic desires. I just want a peaceful life now.”
He was shocked because I used to be one of his most dedicated team members. He had really high hopes for me. So he asked, “Why? What’s wrong?”
“I’m tired of chasing something that’s not real. It’s messing with my mental health. Trying to persuade people to join me fills me with anxiety. I’ve lost friends, neglected my spiritual life, and my studies are now suffering. I’ve also wasted a lot of my dad’s money. I’m not blaming you, but I’ve realized this is not my cup of tea” I explained with determination.
He nodded silently and said, “Chirag, remember your promise to your team? They depend on you a lot. And what about the challenge you took up in front of your classmates? They’ll tease you if you back out now.”
“So what if my classmates mock me? Do I have to act like a fool to prove something to them? Dragging people into chasing unrealistic dreams? It’s absurd. I’ll be honest with my teammates, and it’s up to them how they take it. Everyone has their own choices,” I responded with frustration.
“What’s wrong with you, Chirag? Everything seemed fine before. But now you’re rebelling against our teachings and principles,” he asked.
“Okay. I will be very clear. I visited my uncle; He made me realize my pathetic condition. I’ve decided to listen to him and try to follow his advice,” I replied.
“So, what about your uncle? Doesn’t he work and earn money? Why is he advising you to stop if he does?” he asked.
“Yeah, he does earn a lot, actually. But he doesn’t do it by manipulating others, by selling big, unrealistic dreams and leaving them frustrated. He owns a company where people work and get paid for their services, and he doesn’t interfere in their personal lives,” I explained.
“So, what’s your goal, then? How do you intend to make money and find success in your life?”
“I’m going to concentrate on my career. First, I’ll learn some skills and then figure something out. But definitely not through network marketing,” I replied.
“Do you believe you can achieve success that way?” he pressed.
“Success isn’t just about making loads of money and giving people questionable advice. You’re encouraging folks to chase after money relentlessly as if that’s the only way to lead a fulfilling life. Isn’t that so?” I countered.
“Sure, money is essential for survival and comfort,” Bhaskar replied.
“Absolutely, but that doesn’t mean network marketing is the only option. There are plenty of legitimate ways to earn money,” I asserted.
“But then you’d have to work for someone else, following their rules. You wouldn’t have the freedom; you wouldn’t be living like a king,” Bhaskar retorted with a wry smile.
His smug smile ignited a fire inside me, but I kept composure. “You speak of freedom. What kind of freedom is that? Do you not abide by government traffic rules? Pay taxes? Adhere to all regulations set by higher authorities. Don’t you follow the rules to earn money even within your network marketing organization? We’re all bound by rules in this world. So, spare me this nonsense about freedom and all. I have already seen what kind of freedom is there.” I said.
“Alright, it is mentioned in The Bhagavad Gita that we should do our work without being attached to the outcome. What do you have to say about that?” Bhaskar challenged.
I scoffed and looked at him, talking to myself, “Now you are gone. You shouldn’t have brought Bhagavad Gita into this discussion.”
“Hmm, so you’re talking about the Bhagavad Gita? Have you ever read it?” I inquired.
“No, I haven’t read it. But I’ve heard about it somewhere,” Bhaskar replied.
“Well, there are various kinds of work. Some are prescribed in scriptures, while others are self-concocted. If you believe you can whimsically do something and call it a duty, then that’s nonsense,” I stated firmly.
“Why are you getting annoyed?” he asked.
“Do you have a Bhagavad Gita in your room?” I asked him.
“Yes, I bought one after being inspired by you,” said Bhaskar.
He handed me the book, and I opened it, showing him the verses that discussed different types of work and the modes of material nature. I also read the purports written by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Then, I looked at him confidently, but he remained silent, unable to respond.
“Is there any difference between us and a dog? We’re essentially doing the same things. We work hard to eat good food like a dog scavenges for its meals. We sleep in comfortable apartments while a dog finds a corner on the street to rest. We fight to protect ourselves and our loved ones, just like a dog defends its territory. We’re essentially living a refined version of a dog’s life,” I stated with a serious expression.
“Thank you, Chirag! You can go now. All the best for your future.” said Bhaskar, shaking hands with me.
Seeking Guidance From Uncle
As I walked back to my room, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that maybe comparing our lives to dogs was too harsh. Despite being relieved to break free from the pressures of network marketing, anxiety about my future still lingered. Network marketing was all I knew about earning money and exploring other options seemed daunting. Feeling uncertain, I resolved to discuss my concerns with my uncle. Since it was late at night, I decided to reach out to him via WhatsApp, pouring out my worries.
The next day, my uncle called me up and asked, “What’s on your mind?”
“I’ve been thinking about how to earn money. I don’t want to rely on my father,” I confessed.
“You’re still a college student. Why the rush for money? Are you responsible for your family now? Focus on your spiritual growth and studies for now. Just concentrate on these two aspects, and everything else will fall into place. Chant the Holy Names, and clarity will come,” my uncle advised before ending the call.
I realized that I was unnecessarily worrying about my future. Instead, I should enjoy my life more. So, I kept my daily routine very relaxed. After my college hours, I spent most of my time reading scriptures, hearing chants, and listening to lectures.
Dealing with Roommate’s Disapproval
After a week, my roommate Shubham arrived, who still had high expectations from network marketing. He came up to me and said, “What’s your problem? Why are you losing this opportunity?”
“No, I am fine. I will focus on my studies more. I don’t want to waste my time in this nonsense network marketing anymore,” I replied with a smile.
“Then what about your dreams? Do you think sitting quietly and reading scriptures could make you successful?” he asked.
“For me, peace is everything. I want a peaceful life. I don’t need to hustle for money. My dad sends me enough pocket money. And after my graduation, I can also earn a good amount of money. Why should I unnecessarily bother about money?” I replied.
He was annoyed and left my room. After two days, he came up to me and said, “I am leaving this house. You have to take care of the rent from now on. I am not going to pay anymore.”
“Hmm… I was thinking that you would take such a step. Anyways, do whatever you want,” I replied.
I felt relieved that no one was disturbing me so I could focus on my spiritual life more. I also informed my uncle that all the disturbing elements had gone from my life.
He suggested I go to his house after a month in Holi. I agreed, and he also sent me tickets. I was very happy that my life was sorted. But when I went to his house, I discovered that there were a lot of obstacles I had to get rid of, and they were very tough to face.
What happened at Sumay-uncle’s home will be revealed in the next chapter. Stay tuned…
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Embracing Spiritual Guidance: I Got A New Direction
Realizing the Path Forward
After I got home, I sat down to relax. I thought about what my uncle had taught me, but I also couldn’t shake off the promises I made to my leaders and team. It felt like a lot to deal with. I rode my bike to Khirachora Gopinath Temple, hoping it would help clear my mind.
I went to the temple and joined the evening prayer, asking Lord Gopinath to guide me. On my way home, I started feeling calmer, and all the negative thoughts faded. Eventually, I realized that getting into network marketing was a big mistake. I smiled and texted my uncle on WhatsApp, saying, “You were right. I’m in the wrong field. I’m quitting network marketing to focus on my studies and spiritual life.”
He replied quickly, saying, “Interesting! Something’s happening, huh?”
“Yeah! I won’t get involved in that again,” I replied.
things turned pretty quickly
Then I called my childhood friend to understand what went wrong. She apologized for the misunderstanding, saying, “I’m sorry, Chirag. I shouldn’t have reacted that way. I should’ve talked to you instead of getting angry right away.”
Her apology lifted a massive weight off my chest. I felt incredibly light and relieved beyond words.
She invited me to dinner the next day, which was unusual because she hadn’t been so polite. Things were changing rapidly. When I finally agreed with my uncle’s advice, all the negativity vanished. I began hearing the chants with more attention. This time, they felt even more powerful. I felt incredible joy while listening to the Hare Krishna Mahamantra chanted by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. I couldn’t resist, so I just kept listening. I felt so peaceful that nothing could make me feel distract. At night, I texted my uncle and thanked him for everything.
He said, “Let’s have a quick video call.”
When we connected, he smiled and asked, “How are you feeling now? Better?”
“Yeah! I feel much better. I’m listening to the chants and reading the book,” I replied, smiling back.
“Now you seem calmer than before. How did you change?” he asked with a smile.
I just smiled back because I knew exactly what he was saying.
The following day my friend called me again, asking for a video call.
I thought to myself, “What’s going on? When did she change so much?”
I agreed to the call, and she appeared very humble and caring. Having gone through a rough time, I felt humble too.
She smiled and said, “I’m sorry. I misbehaved.”
“It’s okay. I hold no grudges. It was just a misunderstanding,” I reassured her. We set a time and place for dinner.
In the evening, I went to the restaurant and waited for her. When she arrived, she smiled and greeted me, and we ordered our food.
“I’ll have vegetarian food today since I know you don’t eat non-veg,” she said.
I was surprised by her consideration. “Are you feeling alright?” I asked.
“Yeah, I’m perfectly fine,” she replied.
We chatted for a while, and she started clicking my photos. I wasn’t sure what’s going on yet I sat calmly. Then we said goodbye as I was leaving for university the next day. I packed my bags, and at night, I talked to Sumay-uncle again.
i quit network marketing
My uncle advised, “Please don’t follow the dictation of your mind again. I understand it’s tough, but try to chant, listen, and read more. It’ll help you avoid trouble.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that. I’ve also stopped taking calls from my uplines. I’ll tell them straight up that I’m done with network marketing and warn them not to mislead others with false promises of wealth and dreams,” I said firmly.
He chuckled and replied, “Focus on your own life. Don’t chase after money and wealth. You’re still young. Whenever you need money, ask me. I can help you out. Don’t hesitate.”
When my uncle saw my friend’s photo on my status, he asked, “Does she have an interest in Krishna?”
“I’m not sure. We’ve never talked about it. We’re just friends,” I replied.
“Ask her then. I have a feeling there’s more to it than friendship,” my uncle teased with a playful grin.
I chuckled and replied, “No, we’re just friends. But I’ll ask her about Krishna.”
He smiled warmly and wished me luck for the future, promising to stay in touch regularly.
Then I approached my dad and announced, “I am quitting network marketing. I will fully focus on my studies.”
He was surprised to hear this from me. “Really? Why the sudden change?”
“I’ve been struggling to focus on my studies and feeling much pressure. I also talked to Sumay-uncle, who made me realize all the troubles I’ve been facing because of network marketing,” I replied.
“Hmm… It would have been best had you thought about this before diving in. It’s good that he helped you see clearly, but you have wasted a lot of money. Anyways, now focus on your studies.” said my dad.
a life changing experience
I felt relieved that everything was resolved as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The following day, I had to catch a train to New Delhi, and my dad came to see me off. During the journey, I was completely engrossed in listening to the Hare Krishna Mantra Chant and some lectures by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. For the very first time in my life I was taking so much pleasure in hearing the chants. The following day, I got off the train and boarded another one bound for Punjab. On the train, I ran into two of my roommates who were also working with me in network marketing. I opened up about my decision to quit, and to my surprise, they also supported me. They were facing similar struggles, with their academics suffering due to spending too much time on network marketing. When I got back to my room at night, I started missing my parents as usual. So, I played the chants on one of my phones and let it play all night to help me feel better.
Exhausted from the long journey, I fell asleep while listening to the chants. But then something extraordinary happened. At dawn, I began to stir from my sleep and found myself in a dream where Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appeared before me. He turned to me with a serious yet gentle smile and said, “Haribol.” I was so startled that I immediately bowed down as if he were physically present. However, when I regained my senses, I realized no one was in my room. I got up from my bed and searched around, forgetting for a moment that it was just a dream.
Reflecting on the dream, I felt confused and strangely peaceful. It was as if I was being watched over by a powerful presence shielding me from harm. With a smile, I got out of bed and went about my usual routine. Since it was Saturday, there was no need to rush. I decided to grab breakfast at a nearby small restaurant.
As I strolled towards the restaurant, I played the chant on my phone at a low volume, ensuring others wouldn’t notice. I found myself surprised by this behavior. After all, I used to listen to popular songs and other kinds of music during my free time, not chants like these.
seeking Spiritual guidance from Sumay-uncle
After returning to my room, I continued reading “Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers“. I stumbled upon a statement by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada: one should surrender oneself to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and one’s life will be successful. This statement touched my heart and I wanted to do that. However, I had no idea what it means to surrender to God. That’s when my uncle’s face flashed into my mind, and I decided to reach out to him.
I texted him and said what I read from the book.
“So, What do you want to do?” he asked.
“I want to learn more about Spiritual life. Please tell me what to do?” I said.
“You should seek guidance from someone experienced and spiritually advanced,” he advised.
“Who should I turn to for guidance then?” I inquired.
He didn’t respond immediately. After a few minutes, he initiated a video call and asked, “What do you want?”
“I’m hoping you could offer me some help,” I replied.
“What kind of help are you seeking?” he questioned.
“I want to pursue a spiritual life. I was in fear and anxiety all the time, but the changes impacted by adopting spirituality have provided solace, so I want to explore this further.” I explained.
“Why are you asking me to guide you?” he asked.
“I don’t know anyone else who could guide me. You’re the one who pulled me out of a difficult situation, so I’m turning to you for assistance,” I answered.
“Well, that’s a good answer. Alright, I’ll take on that responsibility. But don’t return to those troubles. Consult me before making any decisions in your life, okay?” he advised.
“Yes, I’ll do my best to follow your advice,” I promised.
I also told him about my dream. He smiled and said, “If you advance in spiritual life, you can talk directly to the Acharyas, as they are eternal.”
I just nodded my head, and then he hung up the call.
I was happy to get the opportunity to learn about spiritual life. I talked to my mother about it. I said, “After graduation, I will stay with Sumay-uncle. I won’t go anywhere for doing a nonsense job.”
“I am happy that you have chosen this life. Do whatever you want in your life,” she said.
My joy knew no boundaries. I again continued reading that book. Then I started reading the Krishna Book given by Sumay-uncle. Then, at night, Bhaskar called me up. He used to stay near my house. So, I decided to give him a good lesson.
I entered his room with a sense of confidence. He made me sit near him and asked me, “What’s wrong with you? What happened?”
Then I gave back a befitting reply which shocked him and he forgot what to say.
Stay tuned for the next chapter, where all will be revealed…
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Seeking Refuge in Spirituality Amidst Adversity
I returned home from college, and my health wasn’t good. My parents noticed and were worried about both my physical and mental well-being. I was stressed, and it seemed like I was heading towards depression. A friend came over and invited me to the beach, hoping to cheer me up. I agreed but wasn’t in a good mood, and my friend could notice that. Sometimes, I went with my associate to different places, but the frustration and loneliness lingered.
Call from grandma:
After two weeks, nothing had improved. Then my grandma (Sumay-uncle’s mom) called me and asked where I was. I told her I was at home. She scolded me, saying, “Last time you didn’t visit, I was waiting for you. Now, you’re still at home and not coming to our place. What’s going on? Please don’t come to my house anymore. I don’t want to see you.”
After hearing her, I could sense that I should go to her place and spend some time with them. I called my uplines and told them I was taking a five-day break to be with relatives. I asked them not to disturb me during this time. Quickly packing my bags, I boarded a bus and reached their home in the evening. When I entered the drawing room, my grandma spotted me and jokingly shouted, “Get out of my house. I don’t want you here. Why have you come?” Unable to suppress my smile, I immediately hugged her.
Observing me, she commented, “What have you done to your body? Look at yourself. Where is your glowing face? Are you not caring about your health?”
Soon after, my aunt (Sumay-uncle’s wife) arrived, smiling and remarking, “You’ve come after a long time.”
I nodded and respectfully touched her feet. She asked about my well-being. After a brief conversation, I wondered about Sumay-uncle and learned he was in the evening chant. I entered the area from a distance and witnessed him standing in front of the Altar room, clapping his hands and chanting the Holy Names loudly. As I went near him, he saw me and immediately embraced me. I felt thrilled to see him after such a long time. The kirtan got wind up, and he spent some time with me.
“So, what’s going on? Your condition seems very pathetic. You are suffering, mate.” said Sumay-uncle and smiled.
“Yeah, that’s true. But hopefully, I will get over soon.” I replied.
My aunt gave me snacks to eat, and we discussed many things. Then, at night, after having dinner, I went to sleep.
Spiritual Guidance from Sumay-uncle:
The following day, after breakfast, while sitting with my uncle and grandma, they inquired about my activities. I began explaining my involvement in network marketing. Upon hearing this, my uncle expressed his concern: “You are a student now. Why waste your time on these things? Concentrate solely on your studies.”
Grandma added, “Look at yourself. You’ve lost your glow, and you seem depressed with dark circles. Is it all because of network marketing? If it is, quit immediately and live like a normal student.” I remained silent without responding. My uncle continued, “This is complete madness. Can you see your future in it?”
I replied, “Yes, a person named Mudit Sinha (name changed) in our organization earns over one crore yearly, and many others also earn a lot.”
“Alright, but do you possess those traits? How many Mudit Sinhas are there in your organization? Only one. And that too among two million people. Do you have any chance to become one of them?” he questioned.
I fell silent. After a moment, I responded, “What’s the benefit of having a job? I can’t lead a luxurious life with a job. I’ll be stuck in a middle-class life forever, and I don’t want that.”
“That’s understandable. But why have you chosen network marketing as your path to success? You could learn more about technology and find solutions to help people – that’s what an entrepreneur does. Instead, you’re meeting people, discussing all sorts of things, and trying to influence them to join you just for money. Isn’t that absurd? There’s so much happening in the world of technology, especially since you’re studying Computer Science. You should be aware of these things.” said Sumay-uncle.
His words made me reflect. “Alright, you go to your room and study some scriptures. I am going to work now,” he said as he headed off.
I looked for some scriptures on the shelf and found the thinnest book, “Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers,” by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. This book captures a conversation between Bob Cohen and Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in which Bob asks questions about life, its purpose, and identity. Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada responds beautifully to all his questions in a practical manner.
As I read the first chapter of the book, I found it intriguing. Later, I went to the terrace to bask in the sun since it was winter. There, I noticed my uncle sitting on the terrace. I approached him and asked, “Why do you believe that network marketing is a dreadful thing to do?”
He smiled and responded, “Look, if someone works in your team, they become your responsibility. What if they start misusing the money by indulging in drugs or alcohol? Then you’ll have to deal with the consequences.”
“Really? Why me? I didn’t ask them to smoke or drink. I showed them a way to earn money. If they misuse it, how can I be held responsible? You are also running a business. What if an employee of your company engages in these undesirable habits?” I questioned.
“I compensate them for the services they render to me. However, in your scenario, you don’t pay them; rather, you collect funds from individuals and redistribute them among your team. Consequently, you share equal responsibility for any hardships that may befall your teammates” he explained.
“I see. So, what should I do now?” I asked.
“Why didn’t you ask me before starting this?” he inquired.
“I did ask you, but you didn’t respond,” I replied.
“You are an idiot. Instead of asking, you just informed me. If you had asked, I would have rejected this proposal,” he pointed out.
“So, what should I do now? Please tell me,” I asked him.
“Just read that book you took out and chant. Then God will help you make the right decision,” he said.
A sudden conflict arose with a childhood friend:
I went inside my room and resumed reading the book. Suddenly, my phone rang my childhood best friend’s number. I answered, and she immediately asked, “Are you busy now?”
“No, what happened?” I inquired.
“You are a duplicitous guy. You are saying behind my back that I am dating many boys at a time. I have a very loose character. But you are behaving nicely before me,” she growled.
I got confused as I had no idea what she was talking about. I tried to convince her I had not done anything like that, but she was not ready to listen. I then hung up the call. I was already suffering due to my choice of getting into network marketing, and then my best friend accused me of backbiting. I wasn’t sure of what was going on.
I went to Puri reluctantly:
The next day, in the afternoon, my uncle, aunt, and their friends decided to go to Puri. But it was my last vacation day. My uncle asked me to join them, but I hesitated. “Why are you not coming? You should come, man. This will help you a lot,” said my uncle.
“No! I have a lot of work to do. How can I go with you? My associates are waiting for me.” I replied.
My grandma scolded me again, saying, “People don’t even get an opportunity to visit Puri. You have come here after such a long time, and now you are refusing to go. Just go and stop thinking about your so-called work.”
Then, I decided to join them on their journey. I remained silent during the entire trip since I was very disturbed. We reached there in the evening and stayed in a hotel. The next day, we went near the Gundicha temple. We stood outside the temple and waited for some people to come. After a few minutes, my uncle’s friend came with his family. They were also devotees of Lord Krishna.
When his friend saw me, he asked my uncle, “Who is this guy?”
“He is my nephew,” my uncle put his arms on my shoulder and replied. “He studies at LPU. Now he has come to spend some time with us for a few days,” my uncle said.
Coincidentally, my uncle’s friend was also from Jalandhar and was happy to meet me.
They spent about an hour or two with us. Before leaving, he and his wife joyfully greeted everyone. Then he came up to me and embraced me. I felt relaxed and smiled at him.
I found solace in a divine atmosphere:
After they left the place, we went inside the Gundicha temple. The ambience was lovely, with many statues and pillars carved on wood and stone. Many monkeys were jumping from one pillar to another. Small children felt happy upon seeing them. I saw everyone cheerful and happy except me. There was a beautiful garden surrounding the temple as well. As I entered the temple, I felt relaxed. Bowing reverently before the deities, I sensed a gradual easing of my sorrows and pains as if they were dissipating. I felt Lord Jagannath heard my prayer and helped me from within.
After some time at the temple, we went to the Chaitanya Dandabhanga Dham. I didn’t talk to anyone and just sat silently, contemplating my problems and life goals. I was perplexed, and my heart burned due to a lack of clarity about life. Then I went to Gurudev’s Samadhi (Shrine where Gurudev’s body was buried after his disappearance.) I sat there and tried to remember my interaction with him and his unconditional love for me. At 4 PM, the doors of other temples opened, and I went to have the darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev, and Mother Subhadra. There was also the deity of Lord Krishna. After bowing to the deities, I sat there for a few more minutes, and finally, Sumay-uncle asked everyone to hop in the car as it was getting darker. After 2 hours, we reached Sumay-uncle’s home, and I went straight to a room assigned to me. I just closed my eyes and took a deep breath. My phone rang, and it was Bhaskar’s call. I hesitatingly picked it up, and he asked me seriously, “Hey, Chirag! Where have you been? Why are you not picking up my call?”
I replied, “I wanted a break, so I did not respond to anyone. I will talk to you later. Now I am busy with my relatives.” I hung up the call.
A gift from sumay-uncle before I leave:
The following day, I woke up late and freshened up as I had to leave for home. Before departing, I went to Sumay-uncle’s office room. He was sitting there hearing chants. I went up to him and sat silently on a chair beside him. He looked at me and asked, “So, what’s up?”
“I am leaving for my home, uncle”, I replied.
“Yeah! Before you leave, I have a gift for you. I hope you will recover soon and live a peaceful life,” he said. Then he called one of his personal assistants and asked him to bring a book.
In the meantime, he advised me to focus on studying and start a spiritual practice. Then his assistant knocked at the door and handed over the book to him.
“Take this, read this at least 5-6 times. I hope this will give you some insights and help you understand the seriousness of your life,” said Sumay-uncle while giving me the book.
I held the book and looked at the cover. The book’s name was “Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead“. I thanked my uncle, then touched his feet and bid him goodbye.
Then, I took a bus to my hometown, and during the entire journey, I only remembered the moments I had in Puri. I plugged in earphones and listened to the chants. Gradually, I was experiencing peace within. Then I heard an inner voice saying I should stop network marketing. But the decision was yet to be made. On the one hand, I had many promises to keep; on the other hand, I had to bring myself to a peaceful condition.
Stay tuned, as I will explain my decision in the next chapter…
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My Endless Chase for Success in Network Marketing
Inspirational Convention
After a warm welcome, he started talking about his life journey in network marketing. He spoke about how he got into network marketing from a lower-middle-class family that always struggled financially.
He got interested in network marketing when he saw a senior in college with a fancy bike, only to discover the senior was into network marketing. Excited to earn quickly, he joined but faced challenges as his friends needed to support him. However, he persisted, and one day, he met a successful senior in the business who gave him valuable advice. Applying what he learned, he started seeing success. Within a year, his team grew from 10 to over 2000 people. He became highly successful in five years with a team of sixty thousand people, earning 250,000 Rupees per week. He bought houses and cars and provided a comfortable life for his family.
His story got me pumped up. I used to be laid-back about my network marketing gig, just knowing some theories and business concepts. However, after listening to him, it hit me how powerful network marketing can be. He continued sharing his experiences and, towards the end, provided us with solutions for handling people with a negative outlook on network marketing.
A Determined Decision
After the convention ended, he walked out of the auditorium, and all the associates rushed towards him for autographs and selfies. I watched from a distance, dreaming that people would do the same for me one day. However, I was far from that point. He had a massive team of over fifty thousand, while I didn’t even have one person in my team. This sparked a determination in me. Before encountering him, I had little faith in myself and the business. But after listening to his story, I gained confidence in myself and the business’s potential.
My friends and I boarded the bus, and I took a window seat on our return journey. I was looking outside and contemplating his speech. After 3 hours we reached college.
Everyone was excitedly buzzing, discussing the convention, but I stayed quiet. Then Bhaskar approached me and asked, “Chirag! What’s up?”
“Yes, Sir! I need to take action. I’ll put in more effort from now on,” I responded.
“No, Chirag! Let’s work smarter, not just harder. It’s late now. Please go home, and we’ll catch up tomorrow. Good night,” Bhaskar said, patting my shoulder.
I rode back home on my bike with Shubham. As soon as I reached my room, I quickly fell asleep.
From Teasing to Team Building
The following day, I woke up with an idea to show the business presentation to my classmates I didn’t interact with much. When I entered the class, the buzz started, “Hey, look! The millionaire is here,” someone joked, “Entrepreneur in the house.” Another person said, “Come on, give me one million. You’re a multimillionaire now.”
This time, the teasing didn’t bother me much, having heard about the everyday struggles everyone goes through in the beginning. I just smiled in response, and their comments faded as they noticed the change in my attitude. I headed straight to my seat and opened my notebook and laptop. Another guy entered the class and sat beside me.
Since the teacher was absent, I took out a book called “Cashflow Quadrant” by Robert T. Kiyosaki. In the book, Robert categorizes people into four groups: employees, self-employed, business owners, and investors. It caught my interest, and I started reading attentively while my classmates continued chatting. Aditya, the guy next to me, wasn’t someone I knew well, and we rarely talked. He glanced at my book and asked, “Hey! What’s this?”
I smiled and replied, “It’s about how people are divided based on their professions and how they earn.”
“Really? So, what are those categories?” he asked with curiosity.
I explained, “See, there are four categories: Employees, self-employed, businessmen, and investors. An employee works for money under certain conditions. The self-employed works for money independently, not controlled by others. He puts in as much effort as he can. The businessman builds a system where others work for him, and he earns significantly. Lastly, the investor is someone for whom money works.”
“Okay, got it. So, what’s next?” he asked.
“Which category do you want to be in?” I inquired.
“Definitely businessman or investor,” he replied.
“So, what steps are you taking to get into that category?” I questioned.
His eyes widened, and he looked at me curiously, “What are you talking about? I’ve never heard of such things in my life.”
I responded, “Meet me at the mall after 5 P.M. I’ll tell you more about it.”
My First Teammate
He promised me to come, and he kept his promise. He met me, and I showed him the entire presentation. I also told him about my experience at the convention. He became impressed, and I took him to my upline. He discussed with my upline and cleared all his doubts. He went to his hostel room, and I went to my room. I was not expecting him to join me. But to my surprise, he called me up at night and said, “Chirag! I am joining you. I have told my father, and he will send money tomorrow.”
I was on cloud nine. I had never expected him to join, and finally, I would make a person join my team.
“Okay! Then come tomorrow with a business diary. We will begin your training tomorrow.” I said and hung up the call. I immediately called up Harshvardhan and said that Aditya was joining. He congratulated me as it was my first step toward success. I was feeling very positive and started reading more books about network marketing. Within two months, my team size became 10. My classmates couldn’t bully me anymore. They saw me going from zero to ten. From then on, I started teasing them.
“Hey man, are you ready to be dragged like an ox? Oh! I am so sorry, man. I can see your face after being bashed by your boss.” I used to say these kinds of words to those who once bullied me. Some of my associates who were also my classmates, would laugh at them.
As my fourth semester was coming to an end, I prepared to return home. My mentors had trained me to expand my network marketing business in my hometown. Upon reaching home, I called up my friends and arranged daily meetings with 4-5 people, presenting my business to them. Some showed interest, while others declined. Nonetheless, in just two months, I built a team of 10 enthusiastic individuals who looked up to me in every aspect.
Sumay-Uncle Invited Me, But I didn’t Go
I often taught my team that those stuck in traditional jobs lived unsatisfying lives, and we would sometimes jest at jobholders. We began evaluating people based on their financial status. During this period, Sumay-uncle invited me to his place, but I could not make it due to my busy schedule of building networks. One day, he called and inquired about what I was up to. I explained that I was encouraging people to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.
“So, you believe your life goal is crystal clear?” he inquired.
“Absolutely. I’ve already decided what to do, and my goal is crystal clear,” I confidently replied.
“You are in illusion that your goal is clear. You might feel you’re on the right path, but it may not be the case,” he cautioned.
After a brief pause, he added, “Do visit here before heading back to college.”
With that, he ended the call. Although I wanted to visit, but I couldn’t find time as I had commitments to teach and support my team. So, I couldn’t visit him and as my vacation concluded, I returned to college, feeling immensely proud of my accomplishments in just two months. I gained valuable experience in giving presentations, mentoring others about life, and conducting meetings. This led me to perceive myself as superior to my classmates and friends, which unfortunately resulted in losing friendships. But I didn’t care; my only goal was to become rich. I began disrespecting my teachers and fellow students, categorizing those in traditional jobs as mere labourers in my eyes.
Despite having a modest income, I portrayed myself as a successful businessperson. We organized meetings and invited students, but it required money, and I frequently asked my father for funds. Although he was unsure, I would insist on the name of my business, and he would reluctantly provide the requested amount. Within three months, my team had grown to 30 people, but I yearned for more significant results.
I really wanted to build a team of over 100 people, but it didn’t work out. Me and my team attended various seminars organized by successful leaders in our organization. Whenever we felt down, these seminars would lift our spirits. Many students would come on stage during these events to showcase their accomplishments. Sometimes, their parents would also share their experiences of watching their children grow in the business.
Frustration Began
Even though I put in a lot of effort, my results weren’t as impressive as I hoped. My teammates began making excuses for not working or attending meetings. I knew what was happening, but I clung to the false hope that one day, I would find success and transform the lives of others. As the fifth semester concluded, we were given a month-long vacation. Before heading home, I gathered my team for a meeting, emphasizing the importance of working diligently and not slacking off during this break.
Some of my teammates had completely given up on the work in my hometown. Only one guy continued to put in effort, but unfortunately, he had no positive results to show for it. When he found out I was coming home, he became excited and wanted to meet me to discuss his questions and concerns. After a day-long train journey, I finally reached home. It had been six months since I last saw my parents, and their first reaction upon seeing me was, “Are you okay? What’s wrong with you? It seems like you’re not taking care of your health. You look dull, with dark circles under your eyes, and your vitality is completely gone.”
My mom was deeply concerned, saying, “This is all because of that nonsensical business. Why are you wasting your time and energy? Just look at yourself.”
I became angry and went inside my room. Deep down, I acknowledged that I was in the wrong place. However, I had already made commitments to my classmates, friends, and everyone, promising I would become rich and financially free one day. So, I was afraid of stepping back. But after two weeks, something occurred that pushed me to make a significant decision, completely altering the course of my life.Stay tuned to know what happened in the upcoming chapters…
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The Allure of the Network Marketing Stage
As Bhaskar said, there was an upcoming event that could boost my confidence and help me grow in my business; I was constantly thinking about it. The next day, I met him and asked again about the event, and then he showed me a video.
A Glimpse of the Grand Stage
Our organization had conducted one convention at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. More than 100,000 students from India gathered there. The stage was at the center and decorated nicely.
The director of the organization was there and gave a speech. Then, all the young personalities, aged between 25 and 30, came on the stage individually. The host would call their names, and everyone would come up with a grand entry on the stage. Their associates and downlines were treating them more than celebrities. There was music, lights, and hooting that was making the atmosphere electrifying. One guy owned a BMW GT car and had a network of 120,000+ associates from all over India. He entered the stage with his BMW, and the audience went wild. They were chanting his name. Then he came out of the car wearing goggles, and his associates, standing in a queue, were bowing down to him on the stage. Then, 20-30 more personalities like him entered the scene, and each had a unique way of showing their charisma.
I was so immersed in that video that I started imagining myself standing on that stage, wearing luxurious tuxedos & goggles and people cheering for me. Suddenly, Bhaskar paused the video. I immediately looked at him and saw his smiling face.
He said, “What happened, Chirag? You were not even taking your eyes off my phone. Were you watching something very serious and interesting?”
I smiled and said, “Yes, Sir, I have never seen such a scene.”
“Yes, now see what happens next,” he said and resumed the video.
One person had invited his parents on the stage, and everyone was clapping and cheering for him. His parents were so ecstatic upon getting such a welcome that tears flowed from their eyes, and had constant smiles. I became very excited and wanted to stand on that stage with my parents.
Bhaskar’s Challenge
I paused the video and said to Bhaskar, “I just want to go there, man. What a scintillating atmosphere that is! When will this happen again?”
“It will happen soon. Just think, apart from celebrities, how many people can witness such an environment where thousands of people would cheer for them because you have changed their lives? How would you feel if you got to stand on that stage?” said Bhaskar.
“I can’t imagine. It would be an amazing experience.” I replied.
“Then what are you doing to go up to that stage? All these guys have done something so that they are standing on the stage. And even if you stand on that stage, who would cheer for you? These people are being cheered up because those leaders have changed their lives. So, if you desire to be there, you must achieve something.” said Bhaskar.
I remained silent since I could grasp what he was hinting at me.
Then he spoke, “So, dear Chirag, only one month left for our next convention. This time, it will happen in Chandigarh. Near about 2-3 thousand persons will be coming. You have a golden opportunity now. If you could make 20 people join this month, you would be standing on the stage, and your team and all of us would cheer for you.”
I just nodded my head positively and tried to convince myself that I could do that. Then he asked, “Do you know who is coming this time?”
“Who?” I asked.
He named a very successful personality in our organization who led a team of 60,000 persons only at 25. He was very dynamic, and his speeches were so persuasive that he could quickly motivate even a dumb guy who had no idea about network marketing.
“How would you feel if such a successful person saw you speaking on the stage? Don’t you think he would be impressed and help you grow your business? Just work very hard, Chirag and let’s achieve something by the end of this month.” said Bhaskar.
My Struggle to Recruit
I was motivated and ready to go to anyone and show them the presentation. I did that for three days and delivered the presentation to about ten people, including some friends and strangers. But none of them converted. Gradually, my motivation was lost, and I became frustrated.
Bhaskar and Harsh were trying to motivate me by regularly talking to me and telling me some inspiring stories but they had no effects on me. I stopped meeting people and just focused on reading books.
The day of the convention neared, and I could show no result. I went there with a heavy heart, yet I was excited to witness the event and the prominent spokesperson.
Journey to Chandigarh: Anticipation and Excitement
Finally, the day came, and we all booked a bus to go to Chandigarh to attend the convention. I saw a huge gathering outside the auditorium when we reached it. Many students from different states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi, Uttarakhand and Jammu were there. All of them were in formals, and their leaders had worn blazers.
After half an hour, the entrance opened, and we took our seats. 2 girls held mics, and I could understand they were the hosts. For half an hour, they played music and tried to cheer up the crowd. Then, one by one, our uplines entered the stage according to their hierarchy. Most of them were in their twenties, and their speeches were very intriguing. They shared their experiences during their tenure while working in the organization. They were addressing the problems that I used to face. I could relate to what they were saying, and they also gave solutions that they had applied and became successful. Gradually, as time passed by, my interest started increasing. But I was only expecting the big personality who had yet to come. I had already watched some of his videos on YouTube, which were very good.
The Grand Entrance: A Dazzling Start to the Convention
Then, the host announced that he was coming to the stage. She urged everyone to clap and shout as much as possible to make his entry grand. 10-12 associates gathered on the stage and made a two-lined queue. They held roses, and the music was changed as if a king was about to enter. All of us took out our phones and turned on the flashlight. Finally, he entered, and the crowd was unstoppable. They were shouting and hooting as if they had achieved great success only by seeing him. I was also clapping and was amazed to see his craze.
This went on for 15-20 minutes, and the person standing on the stage requested everyone to sit and become silent as he had a lot of things to address, and the time was very short. Everyone took their seats and became quiet as he started speaking. He taught us something that resolved a big problem of mine, and I was enthusiastic to begin again.
The upcoming chapters will explain what he said and how it helped me. Till then, stay tuned…
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Rising Above Criticism
As I was getting picked on by some classmates, one of my pals came over and said, “You’re going the wrong way. Everyone’s criticizing you. I feel bad for you, too.”
“Oh, really? So, all of you think you’re on the right track?” I asked.
“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?” he replied.
“Well, because you are just following what everyone else is doing. In India, tons of people are studying engineering. Almost all aim to work in a big company or start their own.” I explained.
He went silent.
“Do you really believe everyone will get the job they’re after?” I asked.
“I’m not sure about others, but I’m confident I’ll get one,” he replied.
“Really? What makes you so sure you’ll get the job? Why would they pick you?” I questioned.
“Because I’ll have my degree and knowledge,” he replied.
“What about the others? Won’t they have degrees and knowledge, too?” I inquired.
He was silent.
He stayed quiet.
“You need more than just technical skills to impress an employer. I’m learning things like presenting, communication, people skills, and leadership here. These are the things that will be helpful in the long run. Technical know-how can be replaced as new technology evolves, but do you think these skills could ever be replaced? But these guys think I’m just chasing money. If that’s the case, what are you all doing? Why spend 5-6 hours daily in this classroom, enduring these boring lectures? Because all of you want to qualify for a job and earn money,” I said, looking at him thoughtfully.
“Now tell me I’m wrong about everything and laugh,” I said, slamming my palm on the desk.
My aggression left him speechless.
It became routine for me to go to the mall after my classes. I’d hang out with Shubham, Harsh, and Bhaskar in the evenings, discussing business, technology, and other topics. Often, we’d criticize those in jobs.
That day, I went to the mall and told them, “Today, I shut up one of my friends.”
“Wow, really? How?” asked Harsh.
I recounted the entire story. They laughed and praised my efforts. After spending an hour with them, I headed back to my room.
I thought to talk to Sumay-uncle regarding this. He had always stressed upon doing business rather than hankering after a corporate job.
So, it was the right time to tell him what I was doing. I texted him at 10 PM, hoping he’d be awake since he usually stays late.
I shared with him my decision to learn and venture into business. Luckily, he promptly responded on WhatsApp, saying, “Nice to hear.”
Shortly after, he called me and inquired about my plans.
“I want to learn about business. I don’t want to be part of the rat race, so I’ve decided to get into network marketing to gain practical business skills,” I explained.
“Hmm, it’s good that you aspire to be an entrepreneur. But why network marketing? You can read books by famous businesspersons. They share a lot of interesting facts about business that you can learn from,” he suggested.
“Yes, I plan to do that too,” I replied.
“Well, it might be better to reconsider before diving into network marketing,” he advised.
“Hmm, okay,” I responded.
He then ended the call. That night, I found it hard to sleep. My eagerness to learn about business and Sumay-uncle’s caution kept me restless. Instead of calming down, I became more agitated and started pacing on the terrace. Suddenly, I thought about reading the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki. Bhaskar had recommended it to me as a way to grasp the basics of business.
The book delves into crucial aspects that can lead a person to achieve mental and financial freedom. Robert T. Kiyosaki elaborates on the distinction between assets and liabilities, the significance of financial education, and the importance of entrepreneurship. He also teaches about how to retire early so that a person doesn’t need to strive for money. These concepts opened up my mind to a different dimension of society.
My mind was constantly grappling with the business theories, concepts, and teachings I had encountered through various books and discussions with my mentors. As a result, my academic focus began to wane, and I was falling behind without being concerned about it. All I yearned for was to become a businessman and lead a financially free life. My grades took a backseat as my sole concern became my pursuit of entrepreneurship.
A month went by, and I couldn’t convince any of my friends to join me in my business venture. While I had grasped many business concepts, I needed help figuring out how to apply them in real life. Instead, I started observing people and tried to share my newfound knowledge with them. Unfortunately, this approach cost several friends who used to hang out with me.
I stopped wandering around my college campus and dedicated any free time to reading books on business. My eagerness to learn became so intense that I even read these books during class lectures. Sometimes, my teachers noticed, but they didn’t say anything.
One day, after college, I joined Bhaskar at the mall. He greeted me with a handshake and a cheerful “good evening,” but my response lacked enthusiasm. Bhaskar, usually the one encouraging others, noticed and asked, “What happened, Chirag? You seem hopeless. Did something happen?”
“No, sir. I’m just not making any progress. I don’t know where I’m headed in life. I’m reading books and learning a lot, but I can’t make a single sale. It’s frustrating,” I admitted with a downcast voice.
“Hmm, you’re right. The same thing happened to me when I was a new associate. But one event changed my entire perspective. Now, you see a different Bhaskar. Attending that event gave me realizations that transformed my business outlook,” he shared.
“What event?” I asked immediately.
“An event which will clear many doubts and give you more clarity about what you are doing.” he said.
“Really? When and where is it happening?” I asked eagerly.
“I’ll tell you tomorrow. Right now, I have to meet a guest. See you later,” he said, leaving the table.
As he walked away, I pondered, “What was the event, and how could it help me?”
As Bhaskar promised, the answers would be revealed in the next chapter. Until then, stay tuned…
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My Initial Struggles in Network Marketing
meeting an influencing personality
The person approached the table where Harsh and I were sitting & greeted me with a handshake, saying, “Hello, I am Bhaskar.”
I responded, “Hello, I am Chirag.”
“How are you?” he asked.
“I am good.”
Then he turned to Harsh, and Harsh said, “Sir, Chirag is unsure if he can achieve his dream or not.”
Bhaskar smiled and commented, “It’s okay to have doubts. It helps build faith in ourselves.”
“Please sit, Chirag,” he said, opening a notebook and grabbing a pen. He looked at me and asked, “So, what do you want to do in your life?”
“I want to be a businessman,” I replied quickly.
“Why? You can work in a big company. Why choose to be a businessman?” he inquired.
“No, Harsh showed me the tough reality of the job life yesterday. If I go down that path, I might not be able to live the life I dream of,” I explained.
“Interesting! But do you know that those who work jobs are like heroes?” Bhaskar stated.
“How?” I asked.
An Allegorical Awakening
“Let me tell you an interesting story.” Bhaskar began to narrate a small allegorical story.
“Once upon a time, there was a man named Chirag. Born in a simple, middle-class family, his childhood was filled with laughter and carefree days. Like any child, he dreamt big. At first, he wanted to be an actor, inspired by the glitz and glamour of movie stars. Then, after watching biopic of a famous cricketer, the dream shifted to becoming a cricketer. His aspirations changed with each passing success story he encountered.
As he approached his 10th-grade exams, his parents, with the best intentions, advised him to focus on studies for a secure future. Chirag followed their guidance, excelled in exams, and was nudged towards science. Later, engineering seemed like the path to success. College was a struggle, but he persevered, secured a job, and eventually found happiness.
Then after sometime got married. Then had children. Now he has big responsibilities on his shoulders. He has to work very hard to support them.
He has lots of desires and dreams, but every time he thinks about them, he remembers his family duties. He makes compromises, believing that if he ensures a successful life for his children, he, too, will find success. A picture of his family graces his office desk as a constant reminder. Thus, he diligently fulfills his family duties, ticking them off one by one. Time rolls on, and at the age of sixty, he bids farewell to his job. With an aging body, he succumbs to the effects of old age and disease, finding himself in a hospital bed. In his final moments, he reflects on a life marked by struggles, numerous unfulfilled dreams, and the realization that the children for whom he labored tirelessly are now engrossed in their own worlds.
Our hero spent his entire life following the expectations of his parents and society, waiting for death on his hospital bed, wondering what he had achieved.”
i decided to join him
I fell silent, unable to find words. Bhaskar’s story struck a chord, and I could vividly picture a life I didn’t want for myself.
“What’s on your mind, Chirag? Isn’t that an amazing life? Don’t you want to be that hero?” he inquired.
“No way. I don’t want that,” I replied.
“Why? This is what you are doing now. Knowingly or unknowingly this has been the purpose of your life.” said Bhaskar.
“But I don’t want to live this kind of life”, I replied.
“Then what are you doing to avoid becoming like that hero?” he pressed.
“Nothing,” I admitted.
Bhaskar took out his iPhone, a luxury for a student, especially in India. He opened YouTube and played a video featuring a 25-year-old person immensely successful in their organization.
“At just 25, he owns two big houses, two luxury cars, and leads a team of 60 thousand people. Many work under him, and he doesn’t need to do much himself. His annual income is over 10 Crores. Even if he stops working now, he doesn’t have to worry about retirement because he has already taken care of his family responsibilities. He can do whatever he likes.”
After a pause, he said, “When people start working to earn money, this person has already taken care of all their financial responsibilities. He chose to work in this system and made a system for himself, inspiring many people to pursue their dream lifestyle. I am also working in his team. Now, I have a team size of more than 350 people, and I am only 21. If I work sincerely, don’t you think I could also build a team of more than 30-40 thousand people at 25?”
“Yes, you can,” I replied.
“Now, Harsh is also in my team. His team size is only 30 today, but he will eventually rise. We will all have systems that would work for us even in our absence. But what do you have that could help you achieve this in your early twenties?”
“Nothing,” I replied.
“So, what are you waiting for? Let’s work together and fulfil our dreams together,” said Bhaskar.
i told my friend
Feeling a surge of confidence after my conversation with Bhaskar, I hurried back to my room and promptly called my father, requesting money. He assured me that he would send the money the next day. At that moment, I felt like I was already on cloud nine as if I had taken the first step towards living my dream lifestyle.
Eager to share my excitement, I called up one of my classmates and said, “I have something important for you. Would you like to know that?”
Intrigued, he asked, “What is it you’ve got?”
“If you want to know, then meet me in class tomorrow. I will explain it to you,” I replied.
When he met me the next day, and our teacher was absent, I asked him about his life goals. Unfortunately, he had no clear goals. I struggled to articulate my thoughts, having no prior experience. Despite my poor attempt to convey the message, he, being my friend, asked, “Are you doing this?”
I replied, “Yes, I am joining today.”
“Okay, you go ahead and join. I’ll join you later,” he responded.
I was thrilled. Although my presentation was far from perfect, the fact that someone wanted to join me made me very happy.
my training began
My father sent the money in the afternoon and informed me about it. I immediately called Harsh and asked him to help me join. He instructed me to accompany him to a nearby bank to create a demand draft and send it to the organization’s office. While filling out the demand draft form, I told Harsh, “You know, I have shown the presentation to one of my friends, and he also wants to join me.”
Harsh was surprised to hear this. I expected him to be pleased with my initiative, but he asked, “Why did you say that? You know it takes time to learn to present this scheme. What did he say then?”
“He told me to join first, and he will follow,” I replied.
“No, man, you shouldn’t have done that. You have no experience. We haven’t even started teaching you. Now, he will never join you because you showed him a wrong presentation from the very first day, ” Harsh advised me.
Ignoring Harsh’s advice, I brushed it off, thinking I had done a fantastic job. Once we made the demand draft, we returned to college, and Bhaskar started giving me training. Patiently, he addressed all my doubts and generously shared contacts of his higher-ups. Bhaskar narrated stories about their team sizes, accomplishments, and personal qualities. He stressed the significance of addressing everyone with a higher rank as “sir,” regardless of their age. Additionally, he provided a list of books to read daily, aiming to enhance my knowledge of business, particularly in network marketing.
facing Skepticism and Criticism from Peers
After receiving training for 2-3 days, I practiced giving presentations to my roommates, who had also joined with me. We dedicated about 20-30 minutes every day to these sessions and spent an additional hour reading business books. Following a week of preparation, Harsh suggested that I call the friend I had previously talked to about this opportunity. I invited him to the college mall, expecting him to join me without hesitation. However, things took an unexpected turn. He not only refused to join but also informed all of my classmates about my working in a network marketing organization.
Within a day, the entire class knew that I was involved in network marketing, and a negative perception began to form. I was labeled as someone whose sole aim was to extract money from innocent individuals. Except for my two friends, everyone started making fun of me.
Entering the class became a daunting experience as I faced taunts and comments. “Look, our entrepreneur has arrived,” one would say. Another would mock, “Hey, he’s the youth empoweree.” I was even referred to as a fraud who should be kept out of the campus.
These comments shattered my self-confidence, and I felt like an outcast in my own class. It was unbearable, but I was not ready to give up. Then, unexpectedly, the tables turned.
Gradually, people started respecting me, and even my classmates changed their attitude. I became renowned for my presentation skills. When someone came to meet me, they left impressed, and sometimes, they wanted to meet me again.
The transformation of how I regained respect will be explained in the upcoming chapters. Until then, stay tuned..
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Dreams Ignited: The Network Marketing Expedition
The person came up to me and introduced himself with his name, “Harshvardhan”. I also reciprocated as I said, “Hi! I am Chirag”.
So, he sat in front of me and kept his backpack aside.He asked, “Where are you from?”
“I’m from Odisha,” I replied.
“Nice! I’m from Madhya Pradesh. What are you studying?”
“I’m doing BTech in Computer Science & Engineering here,” I answered.
Our chat began with these fundamental questions. He showed interest in getting to know me better, asking about my family and hobbies. He was trying to connect with me. Then, he got to the point and asked, “So, what did Shubham tell you?”
I explained, “Shubham gave me a quick presentation about making money through network marketing. He mentioned some guys under 20 making a lot of money.”
A Persuasive Presentation
Harshvardhan smiled confidently. He explained the scheme in more detail, even showing me some legal documents proving the organization’s legitimacy. He seemed really smart and had answers to all my questions. Then, he pulled out his phone, opened YouTube, and showed me videos of successful people in the organization. They had gone on world tours, skydived in Dubai, and were driving fancy cars. They even surprised their parents with expensive gifts. All this triggered my desire for a luxurious life, and I saw a potential path to make my dreams come true.
Then, he posed a shocking yet severe question.
“Do you believe that if you secure a good job through our college placement, you’ll attain this kind of lifestyle?” He inquired.
I was left in deep thought. “Wow, I’ve never really considered that. Is my college life just a drama? What am I doing here?” I started thinking.
After a deep breath, I responded, “Not really.”
“So, do you aspire to lead such a lavish lifestyle?” he asked.
“Absolutely. Who wouldn’t?” I replied.
“Then what steps are you taking right now to achieve this dream lifestyle? Are you pursuing anything save and except your so-called academics that could help you attain the life you desire?” he questioned.
“No, I’m not doing anything,” I admitted with a shake of my head.
He pulled out his phone, opened an app, and then abruptly turned off the screen. He looked at me and asked, “Imagine you land a job through campus placements. What kind of salary are you hoping for?”
“As far as I can tell, I’m aiming for a package of 8-10 lakhs,” I replied.
“Alright, now picture this: you work tirelessly for a whole year, dealing with office politics, senior colleagues’ rebukes, and all the workplace challenges. At the end of it, you’re making around ten lakhs a year. How much do you think you can save?” He explained.
I smiled and admitted, “Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it.”
He leaned in and said, “Well, if you’re earning ten lakhs, chances are you’ll be in a big city where living costs are three to four times higher than your hometown.”
He paused, then continued, “Saving up for luxuries becomes nearly impossible. Chirag, you’ve got potential, but do you want to spend your life as a corporate servant, settling for an ordinary & struggling existence?”
His words stirred something inside me, making me realize this wasn’t the life I truly desired. I’d always dreamt of a comfortable life with all the nice things.
“Why so quiet? What’s on your mind?” He asked with a hint of sarcasm.
I replied earnestly, “I don’t want a life of constant struggle. Do you have another option?”
“If you join our organization, you could earn 2.5 lakhs,” he said.
“Only?” I asked.
He chuckled, and I joined in. “No, not yearly, not even monthly. You’d be making that per week.”
I was taken aback. “How is that possible?” I wondered aloud.
He proceeded to show me a calculation of how it could be done, but I remained skeptical.
“You don’t believe it, do you?” He sensed my doubt.
He then whipped out his phone, opened an app named after their organization, and navigated to a section called “Highest Earners of the Week.” There, I saw a list of people earning from 25,000 to 2.5 lakhs weekly.
“So, which life do you want? The one full of struggle, or the one that fulfils your dreams?” He asked with a mischievous grin.
“Definitely the dream-fulfilling one,” I replied.
“Well, to do that, you’ll need to join us. The sooner, the better,” he said.
I was convinced about the organization’s legitimacy and the plan, but I lacked the funds to join. I’d have to ask my dad for money.
“I’d love to join you, but it’ll take about a week for my dad to send me the money after he gets his salary,” I explained.
“No problem. Let’s meet tomorrow. Bring a business diary with you,” he said.
“Why?” I asked.
“We’ve got a surprise in store for you,” he replied, shaking my hand.
Desire for luxurious lifestyle rekindled
Around 8 PM, I left the college mall, my thoughts consumed by Harshvardhan’s presentation. I couldn’t help but imagine myself living the lifestyle I’d always dreamed of. As I approached my motorcycle in the parking lot, I thought, “I might even replace this second-hand bike with a brand-new Royal Enfield.” During the ride to home, all I could think about was the new life I’d always longed for, a life I had finally found a path to.
Once I got home, I wasted no time and called up my dad, requesting money without revealing the real reason. I told him I needed it for an important career-related course. Thankfully, he agreed, but he was out of town and promised to send the money in two days. I was overjoyed and immediately informed my friend that I’d be joining in two days. We all got carried away with excitement, behaving as if we were already wealthy. However, one of our friends, Rohit, refused to join. He had no faith in the network marketing business, and we couldn’t help but criticize him with various comments.
“Seriously, you want to be a corporate servant? What a foolish decision, man. You have such a golden opportunity, yet you’re acting like a stubborn mule,” we taunted him.
“Okay, you guys go ahead. When I see you actually making money, then maybe I’ll consider it. But for now, just leave me be,” he retorted and walked away.
Temptation of the Dream-Fulfilling Life
The following day, after my class, I met up with Harshvardhan, bringing along a business diary. He took a glance at it and complimented my choice, saying, “What a nice diary you’ve got there. I like it.”
I simply smiled and stayed silent. He then asked me, “Chirag, do you have dreams you want to fulfill during your college days?”
“Absolutely, I have plenty. I want to buy a Royal Enfield bike while studying, own expensive gadgets, and embark on a thrilling trip to Leh-Ladakh on my bike,” I replied with enthusiasm.
“Have you ever thought about how you’d make those dreams come true? I mean, have you taken any practical steps toward achieving them?” he inquired.
“No, I haven’t had the money to make them a reality, and my dad can’t afford these things for me either,” I confessed.
“Now you have a fantastic opportunity to make your dreams come true, now that you’ve found a path. But we need to create a plan for that, and we’ll do it right in your diary,” he asserted.
I got pumped up after hearing his motivational words.
“List down all your dreams, no matter how big or small, and write them in your diary. Also, jot down the dates by which you want to achieve them,” Harsh advised with a confident look.
I continued to list my dreams in the diary, but while doing so, Harsh interrupted me and said, “Are you doubting whether your dreams can come true? Let me assure you that we’re all here to support you in achieving your dreams, because our progress depends on making your dreams a reality.”
“Yeah, I understand that, but I still feel lost. I don’t really know what I’m getting into,” I admitted, my self-confidence wavering as doubts crept in. This experience was entirely new to me, and it left me feeling uncertain.
Harshvardhan paused for a moment and then asked, “How old are you now?”
“I’m 20,” I replied.
“What if I introduce you to someone who’s only 21 years old but leads a team of over 350 people? He earns his own living and even pays for his college fees. Would you like to meet someone like that?” Harsh inquired.
“Absolutely! I’d love to meet such a person,” I replied eagerly.
Harshvardhan arranged for me to meet this remarkable individual. His charisma surpassed even Harshvardhan’s. His eyes radiated with self-assurance, and he walked as though he had already achieved everything in life.
When he began to speak, I was captivated by his presence. His words were so powerful that I didn’t want him to stop.
Stay tuned to find out what he said and how he bolstered my self-confidence…
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Curious Pursuit: Quest for Purpose
After the risky trip, we finally arrived at the hotel. We exchanged a comforting smile, showing both our bravery and nervousness simultaneously. Completely soaked and dripping, our jackets and shoes felt like sponges. The friendly room attendant gave us extra towels, and we patted ourselves dry. We fell sleep instantly.
A New Day Dawns
The following day, I woke up at 9 AM and stepped outside the hotel room. The rain had vanished, and the Mall road was bustling with a crowd. It was hard to imagine that this was the same place where we barely saw a human being the last night. As I gazed at the sky, heavy grey clouds hung around, hinting at another rainy day. Then, a miraculous moment occurred—the sun’s beam touched the peak of a nearby hill. It felt like a glimmer of hope lighting up the horizon of my anxious thoughts. Then I went inside my room & woke my friends.
“Hey, sleepyheads, rise and shine! We didn’t come here to snooze all day. Look, the sun’s out, and I’ve got high hopes for an incredible day ahead,” I exclaimed with excitement to my friends.
Rohit poked his head under his blanket, his eyes half-closed with sleepiness. “Yeah, you’re right. Let’s get up. Last night was a bit of a wild ride. I’m crossing my fingers for a smoother day today.”
“Shut up, you troublemaker. We’re in this mess partly because of your ill-omened birthday. My clothes and shoes are soaked, and now I’ll need to buy new ones, and my wallet isn’t feeling too generous,” I joked playfully.
After he sprang out of bed, we all kicked into action, getting ourselves ready to explore the hill station often dubbed the mini Switzerland of India.
I headed to a nearby store and bought a new pair of shoes and a shirt. Meanwhile, Shubham took his bike to a nearby garage to sort out its issues.
With the day feeling quite chilly, we decided to warm up by ordering tea and some buttery parathas and sandwiches.
Exploring the Wonders
Once we were done with breakfast, we checked Google Maps to figure out where to go. Our first stop was an incredible theme park named Kalatop. You could see the towering Himalayan mountains from there, but unfortunately, the clouds covered the view.
Next, we headed to Khajjiar Lake, a stunning spot with a little lake in the middle of a forest of cedar trees. The green fields and cattle grazing around made it a sight to remember. After a day spent amid hilly forests, we returned to the hotel. The following morning, we started our journey towards Punjab. On our way back, we stopped by the Shiva temple, where we had found the rope. We placed the rope in the cowshed and paid our respects to the Shiva Linga. I couldn’t help but smile as I saw both Rohit and Shubham, who had often questioned the existence of God, now bowing down with reverence. I overheard Shubham quietly saying, “Thank you, God, for keeping us safe.” With that, we continued our journey back to Punjab. After driving for around 4 hours, we finally reached our home and fell asleep due to exhaustion.
This trip left an indelible mark on all of us. It was truly unforgettable. However, we gained valuable insights from this experience. We realized that our planning needed to be improved, and we needed to account for worst-case scenarios like our bikes breaking down. We should have been better prepared. From the following day, we slipped back into our usual routines.
A Retreat to Remember
Two months passed, and my third-semester exams came to an end. I took advantage of a 20-day break and headed back home in December. During this time, I visited Sumay-uncle’s house to join a year-end retreat. The retreat spanned five days and was a delightful experience. We explored parks, strolled along river banks, and visited temples to recharge our spirits. With Sumay-uncle’s friends and brothers also present, it turned out to be a truly relaxing time for me.
One of the highlights was Sumay-uncle’s talk about the pastimes of Lord Krishna and how to cultivate a stronger connection to spiritual life. It was the first time I truly focused on his words. He emphasized the significance of regularly chanting the Holy Names, listening to bonafide Acharyas’ teachings and applying them.
A Desire for Change
After listening to him, I pondered, “I should try to follow these practices. If I feel so much peace just by listening to these teachings, why shouldn’t I put them into practice?” Once the retreat concluded, I approached Sumay-uncle and asked him for some books to read. I had always been fond of reading stories about the pastimes of Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Krishna’s triumph over demons.
As I prepared to leave his home, he kindly gifted me some books. They were pristine and neatly wrapped. I had the intention of reading them every day to immerse myself in spirituality. However, when I returned to Punjab, I didn’t follow through as planned. I opened just one book and read a mere 2-3 pages before placing it on my shelf. Soon, I slipped back into my familiar college routine – waking up, heading to classes, not paying much attention to the lectures, coming back home, and spending my nights engrossed in LAN games with my roommates.
Once more, life settled into a monotonous rhythm, and I longed for excitement and joy. Strangely, despite my friends’ constant presence, a sense of loneliness lingered within me. I found myself navigating a path devoid of purpose or clear direction or goal. This confusion left me in a state of uncertainty.
The vision I had cherished involved attaining a high-paying job and indulging in a life of luxury. Yet, I came to a swift realization that if I continued my current way of life, that dream would remain unfulfilled.
A Serious Conversation
One day, after college, the rest of us gathered in a room, excluding Shubham. We began discussing our future aspirations, but the mood was so low that positivity seemed hard to find. It dawned on us that Shubham hadn’t returned home yet, which was unusual. Our attempts to reach him were in vain, as his phone was off. We contacted his classmates, only to learn that he had gone to Chandigarh and had even skipped class that day. Our worry deepened. He was expected home by 5 PM, but it was now 9:30. Finally, after another half hour, he arrived.
Typically, Shubham was known for his playful expressions and jokes, but that day, he was unusually serious. After changing his clothes, he joined us and turned to me, asking, “Chirag, what are your life goals? What do you want to achieve?”
His question took me aback, as I had always seen him as a carefree and lighthearted individual. I smiled and replied, “I’d like to start a business, though I’m not sure what kind yet.”
“Alright, I get it,” he responded.
He posed the same question to each of us, and to our surprise, we were still waiting for a solid answer. Eventually, one of us burst into laughter, realizing we had never delved into such deep discussions about life.
Shubham continued, “I used to have no clear direction in life until I met someone who completely changed my perspective. He’s truly remarkable. Despite being just 21 years old, he’s self-sufficient, supporting himself without relying on his parents for money. At the age of 20, he purchased a brand new KTM Duke bike and embarks on journeys across India, all while carrying an irresistible charm.”
His words sparked something in me, and I found myself picturing what it would be like to lead such an exciting and independent lifestyle. I immediately asked him, “How?”.
He then began jotting down notes in a notebook and proceeded to share a presentation detailing an organizational strategy designed to help individuals generate income by recruiting others into the company. He was introducing us to a network marketing company. I was familiar with network marketing because my parents were consumers of products from a network marketing company. But I had never seen any person living such a lifestyle in his twenties. So, that compelled me to know more about the company.
“I want to know more about this. After that, I will join you,” I declared, my curiosity piqued.
“Okay! Meet me at the college mall after class hours. I will introduce you to a person who can provide you with all the intricate details,” Shubham responded, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
A Promise of More to Come
The night stretched endlessly as I tossed and turned, restless with anticipation. The next day, Class ended at 5 PM, and I dialed Shubham’s number immediately. “Where are you?” I asked with excitement.
“I’m already here at the mall. Come on over,” said Shubham.
Navigating through the mall’s vibrant bustle, I finally spotted Shubham. He led me to a quiet corner furnished with empty tables and chairs.
“Just wait a few minutes, he’s almost here,” Shubham advised before disappearing into the crowd.
I was feeling a bit nervous and also excited. After some time, a guy wearing formals came up to me and prostrated his hand with confidence to greet me.
With a confident smile, he extended his hand in greeting, his aura radiating assurance. “Hello, my name is Harshvardhan” he said, his voice resonating with authority.
Our conversation began, unravelling a world I had never known. I listened, astonished and a bit puzzled, as he painted a picture of a different reality.
Stay tuned to know what did he say and what happened to my decision to join the company…
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The Adventurous Night : An Unforgettable Road Trip
After returning home from Sumay-uncle’s house, I went back to university, feeling happy to reunite with my friends after two months. Spending time with them helped lessen the sadness from my strained relationship with Pranshi. I chose not to talk about my heartbreak and focused on enjoying myself and my academics.
Despite Pranshi’s attempts to contact me, I remained angry and stopped responding, leading to her eventually giving up. Our second year of college began, bringing new teachers and syllabus which was pretty exciting. However, the hostel rules felt restrictive. So, four friends and I rented a house near a cantonment area, bought second-hand motorbikes, and enjoyed our freedom. We spent our time cooking together, hosting parties, and and talking about everything till late night. Life felt awesome.
23 September 2017: I can never forget this day
On 23 September, it was Rohit’s birthday, and we wanted to do something special. Instead of the usual fancy restaurant treat, we decided to go on a road trip to the beautiful hill station of Dalhousie, often called the mini-Switzerland of India. Rohit generously offered to cover the hotel expenses.
Filled with excitement, we packed our bags after college on Friday and got ready for the trip. Since we had three bikes and six people, two people shared each bike. At 6 PM, we set off on our first road trip together, heading towards Dalhousie. The cool breeze on the highway, surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees, made the journey feel heavenly.
At 10 PM, we reached Pathankot, the border of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, just 50 kilometers away from Dalhousie. Our excitement was uncontrollable, and we joyfully screamed in anticipation of our destination. After a delicious dinner at a restaurant, we resumed our journey.
a scary encounter
As we rode ahead, we entered a forest area, which turned out to be a wildlife sanctuary. At first, we didn’t feel unsafe, but then the heavy rain started pouring down. With no shelter in sight, we continued bravely. Thankfully, after about 10 kilometers, we found a closed shop with a large roof, providing us refuge from the rain.
After waiting for about thirty minutes, the rain finally stopped, and we decided to continue our journey. However, our excitement had dampened as we were completely soaked and shivering from the cold. After riding for about 4-5 kilometers, we spotted a big creature with shiny skin crossing the road. As we got closer, we realized it was a python, its swollen stomach indicating it had recently gobbled up something. This sight made us nervous and scared.
To make matters worse, the rain started pouring heavily again as we were about to ride up a hill. Despite the unsettling experience, we pushed on, trying to stay composed. However, the presence of animals near the roadside added to our concerns. We came across a group of foxes walking down the road as we passed. Suddenly, one of the bikes developed issues, raising our worries. Thankfully, our friend Shubham, a student of mechanical engineering, quickly examined the bike and fixed the problem with the chain. While he was doing that, I noticed a signboard in the dark night, and upon approaching it, I realized we were in an area known for leopards and bears.
Filled with fear and desperation, my only wish was to escape that situation as quickly as possible. We had all lied to our parents, pretending we would travel by bus. Deep down, I regretted the lie, thinking it might have caused our current plight. Doubts consumed me – What if we couldn’t find the hotel? When would this nerve-wracking journey end? The uncertainty crippled my courage, and fear gripped me tightly.
My friend Nitin, who was riding with me on my bike, also seemed nervous and asked silly questions. After that scary moment, we continued our journey. To calm myself, I started praying and quietly repeated the “Hare Krishna Mantra” while riding the bike. It was a new and frightening experience for me.
endless obstacles
I used to believe that the journey itself is more enjoyable than reaching the destination, but that belief was challenged during our trip that night. We were anxious to reach the hotel as soon as possible, but it seemed the obstacles were endless. We encountered a check post where the police stopped us and asked for our identification. Sadly, nobody except Shubham had their driving licenses, and we didn’t have the insurance papers either. I only had my learner’s license as my driving license was still being processed. The officer was upset and fined us a substantial amount. We didn’t have enough money to pay the fine, so we begged him to be understanding. Fortunately, he reduced the fine, but it still meant we lost a significant portion of the money we had with us.
After passing the check post, we decided to take a short break, but it wasn’t a relaxing one. One of our friends became upset and started shouting, expressing regret over the decision to go on this trip. He was quite frustrated and exclaimed, “We shouldn’t have come on this trip. Whose idea was this, anyway? I just want to go home now.” We made an effort to calm him down and empathize with his feelings, trying to understand what was bothering him.
I hoped this terrifying night would end soon as we were just 20 kilometers away from our destination. It was already 1 o’clock at night, and the roads were completely empty, with only a few trucks passing by. Along the way, we saw mud heaps and large stones that seemed to be a result of landslides due to heavy rain. Despite this, we kept going on our journey. I kept telling myself, “Don’t worry; everything will be alright. Have faith in Krishna; He will protect you.” I also remembered Gurudev and Srila Prabhupada during that challenging time.
Then, all of a sudden, Shubham’s bike suddenly made a loud noise and came to a halt. His bike broke down and it didn’t move further. It seemed like a serious problem this time, and he couldn’t fix it on the spot. We were now stuck, still 10 kilometers away from the hotel we were supposed to reach.
Amidst this situation, my phone began to ring, and it was my mom calling to check if I had arrived at the hotel safely. Feeling the pressure to reassure her, I decided to tell a little white lie. I claimed that I was already at the hotel and that her call had woken me up from my sleep. In reality, I was far from the hotel, dealing with a broken-down bike and feeling unsure of how we would reach our destination now. The weight of our circumstances was heavy on my mind, but I didn’t want to worry my mom further.
Amidst the tense atmosphere, we gathered around Shubham, attempting to assess the issue with his bike and figuring out our next steps. The road we found ourselves on was unfamiliar and seemed completely deserted, with no signs of nearby mechanics or repair shops. The only sounds that filled the air were the buzzing of insects, the croaking of frogs, and the constant roar of a waterfall beneath the hill.
An Unexpected Blessing
Despite Shubham’s persistent efforts, his bike remained unresponsive. The sense of helplessness began to sink in as we realized the magnitude of our situation. It was then that a sudden idea sparked in my mind. Turning to my friends, I suggested, “Let me go ahead and see if there are any ropes or tools available.”
Without wasting any time, Nitin and I rode my bike for about 50 meters and stumbled upon a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a nearby cow shed. Hoping for a stroke of luck, I instructed Nitin, “Go inside the cowshed; there might be a rope there.” To our relief and amazement, Nitin discovered an unused rope lying near the cows. Excitedly, he called out to me, “Chirag! I found a rope!”
We rushed back to where Shubham was stuck and started implementing our plan. We carefully fastened the rope between the two bikes, making sure it was secure enough for the towing. The atmosphere was still tense, but now there was a glimmer of optimism that we could overcome the challenges before us. With Nitin on the back of my bike and Shubham’s bike in tow, we slowly set off on our makeshift journey. The sound of the waterfall roared beneath us, acting as a constant reminder of the challenging circumstances we were facing.
A Thin Line Between Life and Death
As we were riding cautiously, we faced a sharp turn, and suddenly, and to our horror, a large truck appeared seemingly out of nowhere. I reacted swiftly, slamming on the disc brakes, but my bike skidded dangerously close to the edge of the cliff.
In that terrifying moment, it felt like time stood still. I thought to myself, “This is it; I’m going to die.” Fear engulfed me as I closed my eyes tightly and held onto my bike’s handle with all my strength. The proximity to the cliff was nerve-wracking, and my mind was filled with thoughts of the worst possible outcomes.
However, after what felt like an eternity, I realized that we were somehow safe. It was as if a divine force had intervened, sparing us from disaster. I couldn’t comprehend how we managed to avoid falling off the cliff, but we were still standing on the road with our bikes, unharmed. It was a surreal and miraculous escape. In a daze, we looked at each other, speechless and in awe of what had just occurred. My heart continued to race, and it took a while for us to find our words. Eventually, we got off our bikes and stood silently for a few minutes, trying to process the near-death experience.
finally we made it
Feeling immense gratitude, I couldn’t help but thank God for protecting us in that critical moment. Gathering our courage, we decided to press on and continue riding towards the hotel. The journey had been filled with terror and unexpected challenges, but we were determined to reach our destination.
As we rode on, the rain persisted, soaking us to the bone. The temperature dropped to a freezing 4 degrees Celsius, and we couldn’t stop shivering. But the thought of finally reaching the hotel kept us going. Finally after enduring all the hassles we made it to the hotel. A sense of relief calmed our fast beating hearts and we smiled looking at each other.
It was around 2:30 at night; it had been my life’s longest and most frightening night. After changing into dry clothes, we all collapsed on our beds. We didn’t want to talk about the hardships we faced.
But the problems were not over yet. We still had a broken-down bike to fix and arrange money for the rest of the trip.
Stay tuned to find out what happened to our trip…
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