Ever wondered what books inspire those who inspire us? In this new feature, we peek into the reading lives of our Lions leaders. From current page-turners to life-changing classics, we explore how the written word shapes their thoughts, actions, and visions for service.
This month, we speak to PID Murugan about his favourite books or magazines, his reading habits and the leadership lessons he learnt from the books he read. Which of these books is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below.
What magazines or periodicals do you regularly read in your free time?
I used to read Reader’s Digest and The Week whenever I found free time. Reader’s Digest especially has been a constant companion with its perfect blend of wisdom and humour. I particularly enjoy ‘Life’s Like That’ for its heartwarming humour, ‘Word Power’ for continuous learning, and ‘Drama in Real Life’ for inspiring stories of human courage. The condensed books section gives me quick access to world literature, while ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’ never fails to brighten my day. These diverse sections offer both entertainment and enrichment, making it a truly comprehensive reading experience.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I prefer reading about stalwarts and history. These books offer invaluable insights into how great leaders navigated challenges and shaped our world. Historical accounts give me perspective on how societies evolved, while biographies of stalwarts show how individual vision and determination can create lasting change.
I find particular inspiration in reading about leaders who maintained their values while building institutions or leading movements. Their stories teach us that success and ethical leadership can go hand in hand. I’m also drawn to books that explore the lesser-known aspects of well-known figures – their daily habits, decision-making processes, and how they handled failures. These details make their achievements more relatable and offer practical lessons for today’s leaders.
Which business leader’s story has taught you the most and why?
JRD Tata. His simplicity and kind heart attracted me. His passion for maintaining high quality and ethics in all his businesses has made Indians trust the TATA brand. I have read and re-read his biography ‘JEH – A Life of JRD Tata’ by Bakhtiar K Dadabhoy several times. I also have mentioned his quotes in many of my speeches and articles.
What are your daily reading habits like?
Reading newspapers in Malayalam and English is a daily routine to get updated about politics, economics and other social events. My day is incomplete without this. Of course, I catch up with my reading list whenever I find time
Do you prefer to read one book at a time or juggle multiple books?
One book at a time. I believe in giving each book my complete attention and fully absorbing its message. This approach allows me to reflect deeply on the content and connect it to my experiences, both professional and personal.
When reading about stalwarts and history, which I prefer, this focused method helps me better understand their journey and the valuable lessons they offer. It’s like having a detailed conversation with one wise person rather than multiple brief exchanges.
Looking back over your years of reading, which publication has stood the test of time and still influences you today?
Reader’s Digest. It has been my constant companion through the years, offering a perfect balance of knowledge and entertainment. Its timeless format of presenting complex ideas in simple language, combined with inspiring real-life stories, continues to resonate with me. Even today, I find myself referring back to its articles and sharing its wisdom with others in my speeches and conversations.
If you could gift a book to every member of your Lions Club, which would it be, and why?
I would gift a book on Time Management and Interpersonal Skills. These are essential for professionals like me and also to be a good human being.
Share a book that helped you become a better leader. What key lesson did you learn?
I would credit ‘The 3rd Alternative’ by Stephen R Covey with helping me become a better leader. Synergy is the key lesson I learnt and I have been applying this in my profession as well as in my Lionistic activities.
“Synergy is what happens when one plus one equals ten or a hundred or even a thousand! It’s the profound result when two or more respectful human beings determine to go beyond their preconceived ideas to meet a great challenge.”
~ Stephen R CoveyHow do you apply the lessons from your reading to your Lions Club activities?
The leadership principles I gather from my reading help me better understand and work with diverse teams. Reading about great leaders has taught me valuable lessons about service, humility, and effective team management that I apply in our community service projects.
What’s the most valuable reading advice you’d share with the next generation?
I would advise them to read about great stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Jawaharlal Nehru and Mother Teresa. Their lives offer timeless lessons on values, leadership, and creating lasting change.
