“Learning Can’t Be Limited to a Day”: Megha Singh Nandiwal on World Book Day

She highlights leadership’s multiplier effect: “The higher the position, the greater the responsibility to stay grounded, because your thought process doesn’t just guide decisions — it influences people.”

Jaipur Roots and Literary Heritage

Deeply rooted in Jaipur’s rich cultural and literary traditions, Nandiwal credits her upbringing for instilling a lifelong love for books. “I am from Jaipur and literature is in our roots. I grew up reading books, and that’s usually how our summer vacations used to go — I have cherished those memories,” she recalled.

She belongs to one of Jaipur’s most prestigious families as the great-granddaughter of Durga Lal Nandiwal (also known as Durgalal Nandiwal), a renowned royal mason and craftsman credited with contributing significantly to the city’s architectural heritage alongside figures like Maharaja Man Singh. This legacy of craftsmanship, humility, and service continues to influence her approach to leadership.⁠

When asked about a book that profoundly shaped her, Nandiwal points to the Ramayana. She does not view it merely as mythology or ancient history but as a living mirror for ethical dilemmas. “I don’t see it as a story of gods or history — I see it as a mirror,” she said. “It asks you uncomfortable questions: What would you have done? Would you choose duty over love? Would you stand by your word even when it costs you everything?”

Nandiwal appreciates the epic’s nuanced characters, each convinced of their own righteousness within their context. “It’s not a book you finish; it’s a book you grow into. And every time you come back to it, it shows you a different version of yourself.”

A People-First Leadership Philosophy

Beyond her corporate roles, Nandiwal serves as National Vice President at the World Human Rights Protection Commission, bringing a global, people-centric lens to her work. Her career reflects deliberate pivots across industries, always anchored in strategy, transformation, and impact that extends to individuals within organisations.⁠

In an era of rapid technological change and complex challenges, leaders like Nandiwal demonstrate that authentic growth stems from integrating intellectual curiosity with lived experience. Her message on World Book Day resonates strongly: books ignite the spark, but continuous learning — through reflection, adaptation, and human connection — fuels lasting leadership.

As India’s aerospace and tech sectors accelerate, professionals who embody this mindset are poised to drive meaningful progress. Nandiwal’s journey offers a compelling blueprint: stay grounded in heritage, remain open to evolution, and lead with both intellect and empathy.

For aspiring leaders and lifelong learners, her words serve as timely encouragement — pick up a book, but never stop learning from life itself.