‘Dr. Das's exceptional leadership & vision inspired not only me but also countless others’

I still vividly remember the first time I met Dr. Bhaskar Das in the summer of 2006 for an interview. An interview that was supposed to be a mere formality. But Dr. Das had other ideas. With his characteristic intensity and piercing gaze, he grilled me for a solid hour, probing every aspect of my experience, skills, and vision. The experience was both daunting and exhilarating, as he pushed me to think critically, defend my ideas, and articulate my aspirations.

That gruelling hour turned out to be a transformative experience, one that taught me the value of rigorous preparation, crystal-clear thinking, and confident communication.

Little did I know then that this was just the beginning of a journey that would be shaped by Dr. Das's mentorship and guidance. Dr. Das has left an indelible mark on the media industry. I'm deeply saddened by his passing. However, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him during his tenure as President-Response at TOI.

Dr. Das's exceptional leadership and vision inspired not only me but also countless others who had the privilege of working with him. Throughout his illustrious career, he constantly innovated and pushed boundaries. Some of his quotes that have stayed with me include: "The biggest challenge is to stay relevant." He embodied this philosophy, constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve.

He was an avid learner, “The world is my classroom- I am a student in that classroom” was his personal response to my greetings on ‘Teachers Day’ (screenshot attached). "Our biggest success is in making our clients successful" was another mantra he lived by. And who can forget "Say No to No business"? Everyone who was part of the Response department during his tenure still believes in this philosophy. Dr. Das fostered a culture of creativity and excellence, encouraging experimentation and innovation.

I had the good fortune of meeting Dr. Das on several occasions even after he left TOI. Each interaction left me with valuable insights and lessons. His intellect, wit, and charm made him my favourite storyteller and mentor. His legacy will continue to inspire and motivate me and thousands of professionals he mentored and guided throughout his career.

The tribute has been written by Minal Kasturia, National Sales Head, Sakal Group.