Dr. George Panicker is an educator, entrepreneur, and author passionate about innovation, sustainability, and mindful living. His writings blend wisdom, resilience, and self-discovery, inspiring readers to embrace purposeful transformation.
The Literature Times: What inspired you to write By George: ‘Mindful Living’? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked this collection of poetry?
Dr. George Panicker: My inspiration for ‘By George’: Mindful Living, emerged from a deeply personal journey of quiet reflection over the years, where I discovered the profound importance of mindfulness in navigating life’s complexities. The pivotal moments that shaped this collection was the success of my earlier books, ‘Inspirational Reflections’ and ‘Blakofie’, which fueled my desire to celebrate the magic of mindful thinking and share it with all who understand the punctuations of life that are key to mindful living.
The Literature Times: Mindfulness is a key theme in your book. How do you personally practice mindful living in your daily routine?
Dr. George Panicker: Mindful living is about cultivating awareness and presence in every aspect of life. Mindful living is part of my daily routine, where I start my day with a few moments of quiet reflection with the intention to stay patient as realistically possible, embracing gratitude, connect with nature by spending a little time observing the world around me, which includes very simple things like noticing the colours of nature, the sounds of birds and the feeling of the morning breeze. For me mindful living is a journey, not a destination—every small step matters. By weaving these practices into my routine, I have cultivated a greater awareness and appreciation for the present.
The Literature Times: Your poetry delves into themes of innovation, resilience, and self-reflection. How do these themes relate to your personal and professional journey?
Dr. George Panicker: My poetries are deeply interwoven with the experiences that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. Innovation has been a cornerstone of my work—whether through pioneering educational initiatives, leading large-scale international projects, or engaging in STEAM education research. In these professional pursuits, I’ve learned the importance of thinking creatively and embracing novel ideas, which naturally influenced the themes in my poetry.
My career has taken me across continents and into diverse roles, from serving as CEO of organizations to representing nations in global forums. Each challenge and success along the way required resilience, the ability to adapt, persevere, and grow. This idea finds expression in my poems, as I explore the human spirit’s strength in overcoming adversity.
Self-reflection ties everything together. My poetries are as much a personal endeavour as it is a professional reflection. It’s an outlet where I can pause, introspect, and celebrate the beauty of mindful living. Through this collection, I wanted to capture the convergence of thought and emotion that defines the human experience.
Ultimately, ‘By George’: Mindful Living, is an invitation for readers to embark on their own journeys of innovation, resilience, and self-reflection. I hope it resonates with them on as many levels as these themes resonate with me.
The Literature Times: Writing poetry requires a deep emotional connection. Did you find any poem particularly challenging or cathartic to write?
Dr. George Panicker: Writing poetry indeed demands a deep emotional connection, and there were several moments during the creation of ‘By George’: Mindful Living, that felt especially challenging yet profoundly cathartic. However, it would not be possible for me to pick just one poem out of the entire collection as every piece was challenging to write because it required me to confront emotions and memories that I had perhaps set aside in the whirlwind of professional commitments. Yet, the process of putting those feelings into words was incredibly liberating. It allowed me to not only process those emotions but also transform them into something meaningful for others to connect with.
The Literature Times: The book speaks to a wide audience—entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and students. Was this intentional? How do you see different readers interpreting your work?
Dr. George Panicker: The wide audience ‘By George’: Mindful Living, resonates with, was indeed intentional. My diverse professional journey, spanning industries and continents, has allowed me to interact with individuals from all walks of life, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, students, and more. This anthology reflects that richness, aiming to offer something for everyone, regardless of their background or profession.
Entrepreneurs might see these poems as a call to innovation and resilience, embracing the challenges and triumphs of their journeys. Scientists could interpret them as an exploration of the interplay between logic and wonder, finding beauty in both discovery and curiosity. Artists and thought leaders may connect with the emotional depth and creative expression in each verse, while students could find inspiration and guidance in their own pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery.
The beauty of poetry lies in its openness to interpretation. I believe each reader will bring their unique perspective to the work, uncovering meaning that resonates with their personal experiences and aspirations. My hope is that these poems inspire reflection, spark creativity, and encourage mindful living across all realms of thought and action.
The Literature Times: You have an impressive background in education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. How has your professional journey influenced your writing?
Dr. George Panicker: My professional journey has deeply influenced my writing, and this connection is evident throughout this collection of poetries. My experiences in education have taught me the importance of inspiring minds to think creatively and critically—a theme that resonates in my poetry, particularly when exploring innovation and the pursuit of knowledge. My work in sustainability, including managing large-scale international projects and addressing global challenges, has instilled a deep appreciation for resilience and mindful living. These values have found a natural expression in my verses, as I seek to celebrate the intricate beauty of the natural world and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Entrepreneurship, meanwhile, has provided me with insights into the transformative power of vision and perseverance. It has shaped the way I write about resilience and adaptability, both in professional contexts and personal growth. My poems are a reflection of these diverse influences, an intersection where intellect and emotion converge to inspire readers across all realms of thought.
My book, is a testament to the lessons I’ve learned throughout my journey. It’s a way for me to share those insights and encourage others to pause, reflect, and embrace the possibilities within their own lives.
The Literature Times: Besides poetry, you’ve written books on business and entrepreneurship. How do you balance writing across such diverse genres?
Dr. George Panicker: Writing across such diverse genres has been both a challenge and a source of immense fulfillment. Each genre allowed me to express different facets of my experiences and passions.
On the other hand, poetry offers me a creative outlet, a way to explore the emotional, philosophical, and mindful aspects of life. While business writing is analytical and structured, poetry allows for freedom and introspection, bridging the gap between the intellect and the heart.
Balancing these genres comes naturally because they are not as disparate as they might seem. Themes like innovation, resilience, and self-reflection are constants in both realms. Writing poetry helps me see the beauty and interconnectedness of these ideas, while my professional writings ground my work in practical applicability. Together, they complement each other and enrich my journey as an author.
I see this balance as a reflection of life itself—a harmonious blend of logic and creativity, structure and spontaneity. It’s my way of bringing mindful living into every aspect of my work.
The Literature Times: Who are some poets or authors that have influenced your writing style and philosophy on life?
Dr. George Panicker: My writing style and philosophy on life have been shaped by the works of several poets and authors who have left a profound impact on me. Among poets, Rabindranath Tagore stands out with his ability to seamlessly blend the beauty of nature with deep philosophical musings. His works inspire mindfulness and introspection, themes that resonate strongly in my own poetry.
In the realm of prose, authors like Paulo Coelho have influenced me deeply. Coelho’s works, particularly The Alchemist, underscore the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and embracing the journey, a philosophy I hold dear. I have also found inspiration in the writings of Helen Keller, whose resilience and spirit are a testament to human strength and the power of mindful living.
These figures, along with many others, have enriched my understanding of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge. Their words remind me to view the world with wonder, celebrate the depths of human emotions, and seek meaningful connections between different realms of thought, principles I try to embody in the book.
The Literature Times: If readers could take away just one lesson from By George: ‘Mindful Living’, what would you want it to be?
Dr. George Panicker: If there is just one lesson I hope readers take away from ‘By George’: Mindful Living, it is the transformative power of mindfulness, being fully present in the moment and finding beauty, purpose, and strength in even the smallest aspects of life.
In our fast-paced and often chaotic world, mindfulness serves as a bridge between our inner thoughts and the external realities we navigate. It empowers us to pause, reflect, and embrace the interconnectedness of all things, whether we are pursuing innovation, overcoming challenges, or simply seeking joy in the everyday.
Through this collection of poems, my intention is to encourage readers to look within themselves, appreciate the wonders around them, and approach life with thoughtful awareness. If this book inspires just one moment of clarity, resilience, or self-discovery in someone’s journey, then it has achieved its purpose.
The Literature Times: Do you have any future writing projects in mind? Will you continue exploring poetry, or do you plan to venture into other literary forms?
Dr. George Panicker: My writing projects are always kept under wraps until the time is right to share them with the world. It is part of the excitement and anticipation that comes with creating something new. That being said, I can reveal that my next book will take a different direction from poetry. It will focus on empowering readers to navigate the fast-changing times we live in, offering insights and strategies to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-evolving world.
The rapid pace of change, fueled by advancements in technology, shifts in global dynamics, and transformations across industries, presents both challenges and opportunities. My upcoming work will aim to help people not only keep up but stay ahead, embracing the possibilities that come with change.
