PVPF 2024

Interview with Megha Bajaj Author of “The Breakthrough”

An exclusive interview with Megha Bajaj, the author of 'The Breakthrough,' on Frontlist – delving deep into her inspiring journey.
on Oct 19, 2023

Frontlist: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind writing "The Breakthrough" and what led you to choose the theme of showcasing individuals who've experienced pivotal moments in their lives?

Megha Bajaj: While I write on various subjects, one that is very close to my heart is about seemingly common people, who were somehow able to use the most ordinary of situations to create something extraordinary. People who got certain laws of life right and hence started surpassing their dreams and visions. People who seem to enjoy holistic abundance in all spheres – health, wealth, relationships, and spirituality. I wanted to know if there was a way to capture some key learnings, key insights, and ways of thinking of these trailblazers. I set out on a search and after months of interviewing, assessing, and speaking I finally found eleven such people who I felt fit the bill. The more I spoke to them, the happier and more inspired I felt. I knew, for now, this is what I was meant to do. Bring to my dear readers, in the simplest and most fluid ways, the stories of people who are so real and relatable that they would remind you of a neighbor or a cousin – and yet so aspirational, that you cannot help but be awe-struck. The journey from this to that is what makes this book come alive. It is filled with fun, anecdotes, heart-wrenching experiences – and ones that will make your heart sing in delight.

Frontlist: The book emphasizes the importance of taking time to absorb and reflect on breakthrough moments. Could you share your perspective on why this is essential and how readers can apply this in their own lives?

Megha Bajaj: "The Breakthrough" has been one of my most life-defining projects to date. It was a humongous project panning eleven people across cities – people who often do not even give a minute's time to anyone. From them being excited about the book, to feeling so close to my vision – from being with them to taking this book forward, it has been a journey of incredible love, laughter, and learning. Together, we have broken several records during the pandemic. For instance, since the book was ready in March 2020 and there was no way we could have a physical launch, we decided to have a digital launch. We wanted to aim sky high and decided 111,111 people from across the globe should attend this virtual book launch planned for 15 August 2020. We worked towards it with great zeal and wanted to gift breakthroughs to every reader and viewer. The result was phenomenal – our digital footprint was close to five million, and we had close to half a million attend it and get inspired by it.

In three months since its launch, 11,300 copies have been out in circulation, which is another tremendous feat. In fact, it has ceased to remain a book – rather it has become a movement where educational institutes and corporates are signing up with us to take breakthrough and real-life learnings and inspiration to their world. As an author, I can't help but feel deeply humbled by all the wonders getting created. My learning from my journey is this: when you feel happy doing something, you should develop your skills and do it very well. In fact, create such a niche for yourself that people have no option but to pay for your talent. Always give way beyond what the other is expecting – this builds love, trust, and people happily recommend you to others. This is the lesson that I wanted to drive for readers as well. Also, we can never undermine the power of the Beyond in our endeavors, and in my case, the grace of my guru, Mahatria, has always carried me through. Seeing the kind of response we have received from readers across the globe, ages, and walks of life, I do believe we have succeeded to a large extent, and it is my constant endeavor to inspire more readers to find breakthroughs in their lives.

Frontlist: "The Breakthrough" features stories of 11 trailblazers from different walks of life. How did you select these individuals, and what common threads or qualities do you think define them as "breakthrough" figures?

Megha Bajaj: I had a very in-depth questionnaire to ensure the people I chose were trailblazers and were walking their talk and had the ability to inspire the world. I had questions on all five dimensions: Health, Wealth, Relationships, Emotional Well-being, and spirituality and I identified these people based on my observation of some of them and recommendations by others. Finally, each had to go through the questionnaire, an interview, and only then they were shortlisted for the book. I feel humbled that these Who's Who were willing to be a part of my vision, went through the process, and finally we co-created the book together.

Frontlist: Success is a multifaceted concept that can vary from person to person. What is your definition of success, and within the context of your book, 'We all want happiness and success,' what kind of success have you specifically focused on and emphasized in your work?

Megha Bajaj: I am a firm believer of the word AND. I believe or/than limits one. Ours is a Universe of such abundance that to define anything as this or that would actually be doing injustice to it. I believe happiness and success are both equally important. I strive to deepen my bliss each day – as that is a facet of the within. Little things add to my joy and I cherish and celebrate them. Could be as simple as sipping a cinnamon tea while watching the play of colours at twilight – or the soft snore of a loved one.

At the same time, there exists a material realm – a world outside where I believe success plays a great role. Success to me is not measured in wealth alone, though that too is an important parameter. Success to me is the ability to live up to my potential and use my talents and skills to give back to the world.

I would like to be happily successful in life as I feel one without the other is not doing justice to the potential called Me. The 11 people were chosen on their ability to go against all odds and create breakthroughs be it in health, wealth, relationships or spirituality. And even their personal well-being. To me success is defined by each of these parameters and I was looking for people who fit these.

Frontlist: While all the stories in your book are inspirational, each has a unique flavor. Could you provide an example of a story that particularly resonated with you and why it stood out?

Megha Bajaj: I really believe the way a mother cannot choose who her favorite child is, it's tough for me to decide on a particular one. There were parts from each story that deeply resonated with me - be it that of Nitin Nyati creating his life from a chawl to a palace or a Chitra Prasad losing her father at six months of age and going on to becoming a parent to lakhs of children through her education institutions. The story of Guru Prasad Makam made me giggle, and there were parts in Dr. Asha's story that made me cry. Each story has its own flavor, and depending on what you are looking for in your life, some part of the other will find its resonance to you.

Frontlist: What do you hope readers will take away from "The Breakthrough," and how do you envision it inspiring and impacting their lives?

Megha Bajaj: In the sixth standard, my English teacher told me I would never learn English. I have written textbooks in English. In college, my father told me to not take up writing – today he is the proudest of his bestselling author daughter. As a postgraduate, writers told me that writing doesn't pay – today I earn as much as any CEO of a mid-sized company would.

At various steps, many said you can't. You shouldn't. You mustn't. Because they didn't. My message to you, dear readers is this: "Don't let anyone but your heart, mind, and soul tell you what is possible for you. If you have been given the idea, you have been given the power to achieve it. If the soul call is louder than all other noise, you will remain unstoppable." I have experienced miraculous, humongous breakthroughs in the journey of writing this book. The eleven featured trailblazers have lived a life of breakthroughs. The book pulsates with the energy of Breakthroughs, and I firmly believe if you give a sincere chance to this book, it will create the breakthrough that you most need. We have had stories from readers where some, after reading it, have had health breakthroughs, while others went ahead with job changes. Some broke their patterns in relationships, and others had spiritual insights that created them. It is our humble endeavor to ensure this happens for every reader.