Conscious Living Across Chennai

Author and lawyer Kartikeya Vajpai brought together the worlds of science, spirituality, and modern technology during a compelling visit to Chennai. Engaging with students at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, followed by the launch of his book, The Unbecoming: Let Life Reveal Its Purpose (published by Penguin Random House India) at Higginbothams, Anna Salai, Vajpai challenged audiences to move beyond the "domain of the known" and embrace the transformative power of the "unknown" within themselves. At SRM, Vajpai met with Dr. R. Shivakumar, Chairman – Ramapuram and Trichy, presenting him with a copy of The Unbecoming. He then addressed students and faculty on "Navigating Life in the Age of Algorithms: Attention, Identity and Meaning in a Media-Saturated World," in a session attended by Dr. S. Thirumagan, Dean – Science and Humanities, and HoD, Dr. Prabhakaran V. Delving into the core conflict of the digital age, Vajpai drew a sharp distinction between raw intellect and deep wisdom. He explained that intellect is a cognitive function—reliant on memory, thought, and quick recall of the "known"—whereas wisdom requires one to become a "seeker," stepping into the present moment to experience life beyond familiar patterns. He warned that while technology and AI are remarkable boons that free up our time for objectivity, they operate strictly within the "domain of the known" and cannot access the "unknown" that fuels genuine human growth. Expanding on the hidden cost of connectivity, Vajpai remarked: "In an age where algorithms are actively selling us curated identities, the greatest challenge isn't just managing our screen time, but fiercely safeguarding our self-worth. Digital platforms rob our attention span by dictating who we 'should' become, pushing us to seek validation externally. True confidence must originate from within. We must train our attention span—not to reject technology, but to consume it consciously—so that we choose which thoughts to engage with, rather than letting the algorithm manufacture our sense of purpose." Understanding Fear, Greed, and Detachment Drawing from his spiritual exploration, Vajpai introduced the philosophical framework that forms the bedrock of The Unbecoming. He explained that Maya—the illusion that pulls us away from the present moment—operates through two weapons: fear and greed. He described detachment as a superpower—the absence of both—that allows one to be fully fulfilled with their action in the moment. He further explored the symbiotic relationship between science and spirituality, noting that science rigorously observes and establishes the "known" world, while spirituality dares to venture into the "unknown." In his view, perfection lies in the union of Shiva (the silent observer, stillness) and Shakti (action, energy)—a balance that allows one to act dynamically while remaining rooted in internal awareness. Later, at the historic Higginbothams, Vajpai was joined by author and leadership mentor Sriprakash Nadadhur Sridharan for a profound discussion on purpose, identity, and personal growth. The conversation took a candid turn as they addressed one of the most pressing hurdles in modern self-development: the high dropout rate in sustained spiritual practice. Commenting on this challenge, Vajpai emphasized that meditation is not about achieving a "thoughtless" state—an impossibility in our sensory-overloaded world—but rather the art of resting the five senses to allow pure awareness to emerge. He stressed that training attention through single-object focus helps practitioners manage the constant influx of sensory data, enabling them to consciously decide which thoughts deserve engagement. Sriprakash added: "The book invites readers to examine their deep-seated assumptions about success and identity. It underscores that spiritual practice requires consistency, even when immediate results are invisible. True growth happens when we turn our gaze inward, despite external distractions." Speaking at the launch, Kartikeya Vajpai said: "I hope The Unbecoming encourages readers to step off the algorithmic treadmill. It is an invitation to let life reveal its purpose through introspection, rather than chasing externally imposed milestones." Featuring forewords by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda, The Unbecoming is a reflective exploration of identity, purpose, and self-discovery. Through the evolving relationship between a celebrated cricketer and his mentor, the novel artfully examines ambition, expectations, and the quiet search for meaning in a world saturated with noise.