When I entered the manufacturing industry, after the initial 4–5 years, I suddenly realized something was missing. College friends had moved abroad, shifted cities, got married, or simply become busy with life. The industry demanded so much of my time and mind that I missed having that one safe corner called friendship.
To me, a friend is someone with whom you can laugh, vent, cry, celebrate, or even talk complete nonsense—without the fear of being judged.
At that stage, a senior leader and mentor gave me advice that has stayed with me ever since:
"In our industry, you need to find your friends within the industry."
At first, it sounded strange.
But over the years, I realized how true it was.
Today, many of my closest friends are my customers, vendors, consultants, and fellow industry leaders. People I trust. People who challenge me professionally but stand by me personally.
My mentor, however, added one condition:
Never mix professional decisions with personal relationships.
Business negotiations, disagreements, orders won or lost, and tough conversations belong to office hours. After that, every relationship deserves a fresh start.
I understood this lesson even earlier because of my first boss, Captain Dutta, a retired Indian Navy fighter pilot.
He was one of the toughest bosses I have ever worked with. Precision, discipline, and accountability—there were no compromises. He could firmly pull me up for a mistake at 5:30 PM.
Then, at 6:30 PM, he would call and ask,
"Where are you? Aren't we going for dinner?"
As a young engineer, I couldn't understand it. One day, I finally asked,
"How can you scold me in the evening and then expect me to have dinner with you an hour later?"
He smiled and said something I have never forgotten:
"The person didn't shout at you. The boss did. After office hours, I'm simply your friend. Learn to separate the chair from the person."
That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.
Today, I feel fortunate that my strongest friendships have been built within our own fraternity. Manufacturing is often seen as a tough industry, but behind the machines, plants, and deadlines are some of the most generous, knowledgeable, and supportive people I have ever met.
To every young professional who feels they don't have enough friends because of work, here's my message:
Don't stop looking. Your next true friend may be sitting across the meeting table.
Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to ask for help, start a conversation, or share a meal.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Friendship Day.🤝❤️
