My own sense of purpose is deeply shaped by a remarkable legacy.
My great-grandfather, Acharya Ramdev, was a devoted follower of the Arya Samaj movement. At just 15, he was disturbed by the inequalities he saw at home—while his father worked outside, his mother and sister were confined to domestic roles. That early sensitivity ignited a lifelong passion for women’s education.
In 1923, he established a gurukul for girls in Dehradun, empowering them with knowledge and independence at a time when it was rare. His devotion earned him deep respect, and he was even acknowledged and lauded by Mahatma Gandhi in his book, My Experiments with Truth, for his single-minded commitment to his cause.
His daughter—my grandmother—was an alumna of the same gurukul. Inspired by his work, she led the institution for over 50 years, expanding its reach while nurturing it like a family. Her tireless dedication earned her the Doon Ratna Award for contributions to education.
My mother, Smt. Savita Anand, also an alumna, carried this legacy forward. After my grandmother’s passing, she stepped in to preserve and grow the vision. Her devotion was recognized with the Mahashaya Lilavati Puraskar by the Santa Cruz Arya Samaj.
Three generations—deeply connected by their values, simplicity, and sense of mission. They followed their hearts, navigated challenges with wisdom, and chose purpose over convenience. Their lives remind me: purpose is not just about what we do, but the spirit with which we do it.
Six Reflections on Purpose
Inspired by their stories and shaped by my own journey, I’ve come to see that purpose has a few timeless hallmarks. Here are six reflections to guide your path:
1. Purpose is found in silence
When we quiet the noise and attune to a higher wisdom, true purpose emerges—not from external validation, but from within.
2. Purpose is unearthed, not invented
It is discovered through self-inquiry. It must reflect our authentic self—not our ego, fears, or societal conditioning.
3. Purpose demands focus and discipline
A life of purpose requires daily attention, deep commitment, and the resilience to keep going, even when things get hard.
4. Purpose is intrinsically motivating
It fuels us from the inside. We’re not driven by applause, but by the quiet satisfaction of alignment.
5. Purpose has no Plan B
When we are deeply connected to it, there’s no fallback—only forward movement. It becomes who we are.
6. Purpose serves a greater good
True purpose is never self-serving. Its power lies in being beneficial to others, in service of a larger whole.
The Evolution of Purpose
It’s important to recognize that purpose can evolve. As we grow, we might outgrow the identities or ambitions we once held dear. That dissonance can feel uncomfortable—like burnout, frustration, or restlessness. But it often signals the beginning of something new.
Purpose isn’t static. It shifts as we deepen our relationship with ourselves and the world. The key is to stay open—to release what no longer serves and welcome what’s waiting to emerge.
Becoming Who You Truly Are
To live with purpose is to become fully aligned with your essence—so aligned that you cannot be anyone but your true self. It means attuning to something higher and allowing that energy to move through you, in service of the greater good.
Just like a seed, your purpose needs time and care. It grows roots before it grows branches. But when it blooms, it becomes a tree—strong, generous, and life-giving. Offering shade, shelter, and fruit—not just for yourself, but for the world around you.
What Is Your Seed of Purpose?
Take a moment. Breathe. Reflect.
What is calling you inward right now?
What truth has been waiting for your attention?
What legacy do you want to leave behind—not just in name, but in impact?
Because the world needs more people living from the inside out. And maybe, just maybe, you are one of them.
– Shalini A Sareen