R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JUNE 23
Can artificial intelligence make us smarter but not wiser? Can endless connectivity leave us disconnected from ourselves? And can true purpose emerge only when we step away from the relentless pursuit of external validation?
- Author-lawyer challenges Chennai’s students, thinkers and readers to rediscover self-worth, purpose and inner clarity amid the noise of the online world
- At SRM and Higginbothams, a powerful dialogue bridges science, spirituality, artificial intelligence and conscious living
- ‘The Unbecoming’ urges a generation raised on notifications to venture beyond the ‘known’ and embrace the transformative power of the ‘unknown’
- Thought-provoking conversations on attention, identity, fear, greed and meditation resonate deeply with young minds
- Book featuring forewords by the Dalai Lama and Swami Sarvapriyananda positions introspection as the ultimate act of self-discovery
These were among the profound questions explored by author and lawyer Kartikeya Vajpai during a thought-provoking visit to Chennai, where he brought together the worlds of science, spirituality, technology and literature through a series of engaging interactions centred around his acclaimed book, The Unbecoming: Let Life Reveal Its Purpose, published by Penguin Random House India.
From an intellectually stimulating session at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram Campus, to an insightful book launch and discussion at the iconic Higginbothams, Anna Salai, Vajpai encouraged audiences to challenge conventional notions of success and embark on a deeper journey of self-discovery.
At SRM, Vajpai presented a copy of The Unbecoming to Dr. R. Shivakumar, Chairman, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram and Tiruchirappalli Campuses, before addressing students and faculty on the theme “Navigating Life in the Age of Algorithms: Attention, Identity and Meaning in a Media-Saturated World.”
The session, attended by Dr. S. Thirumagan, Dean – Science and Humanities, and Dr. Prabhakaran V., Head of Department, explored one of the defining dilemmas of the digital era—the distinction between intelligence and wisdom.
Vajpai argued that intellect relies on memory, information and the rapid processing of the “known,” whereas wisdom emerges when individuals become seekers willing to venture into the “unknown.”
While acknowledging technology and artificial intelligence as extraordinary enablers, he cautioned against allowing algorithms to dictate identity and self-worth.
Speaking candidly about the psychological impact of digital platforms, 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.”
Fear, Greed and the Search for Freedom
Drawing from the philosophical foundations of The Unbecoming, Vajpai introduced participants to the concept of Maya, describing it as the illusion that distracts individuals from living fully in the present.
According to him, Maya operates primarily through two forces—fear and greed.
He described detachment as a rare superpower that emerges when both are transcended, enabling individuals to remain completely engaged in their actions while remaining inwardly fulfilled.
Expanding further, Vajpai presented science and spirituality not as opposing forces but as complementary dimensions of human understanding.
While science systematically explores and explains the “known,” spirituality courageously ventures into the “unknown,” he said.
In his interpretation, true balance lies in the union of Shiva—representing stillness and awareness—and Shakti—symbolising action and energy.
A Literary Conversation on Purpose
Later in the evening, the historic Higginbothams bookstore became the setting for another enriching exchange as Vajpai joined author and leadership mentor Sriprakash Nadadhur Sridharan for an in-depth discussion on identity, growth, purpose and the challenges of sustaining a meaningful spiritual practice.
One of the key themes explored during the conversation was the growing difficulty many people face in maintaining consistency in self-development and meditation practices.
Addressing this issue, Vajpai challenged a common misconception about meditation.
He explained that meditation is not about eliminating thoughts altogether but about allowing the senses to rest so that awareness can naturally emerge.
Through focused attention and conscious observation, individuals can learn to navigate the constant influx of information and choose which thoughts deserve their energy and attention.
Reflecting on the book’s deeper message, Sriprakash Nadadhur Sridharan observed:
“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.”
Stepping Off the Algorithmic Treadmill
For Vajpai, The Unbecoming is not merely a literary work but an invitation to reimagine the relationship between ambition, achievement and meaning.
Speaking at the launch, he 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 explores the evolving relationship between a celebrated cricketer and his mentor, using their journey to examine ambition, expectations, identity and the universal human search for meaning.
At a time when attention has become one of the world’s most contested resources, Vajpai’s message struck a powerful chord: while technology may shape the future, wisdom will continue to determine how humanity chooses to live it.
In a city celebrated for its intellectual traditions and literary culture, The Unbecoming sparked not just a book launch, but a deeper conversation about consciousness, authenticity and what it truly means to live a purposeful life.
