"If—"
by Rudyard Kipling
1865 – 1936
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run—
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!
In Loving Memory of Murali Kuppuswamy
May 28, 1961 – November 18, 2025
Murali Kuppuswamy was a deeply respected global leader, mentor, and humanist whose life was defined by integrity, intellectual depth, and an unwavering commitment to people. Over a distinguished international career—most notably in senior human resources leadership roles at organizations such as General Electric and Baker Hughes—Murali shaped institutions by shaping individuals, leaving a lasting impact on thousands of careers and lives across continents.
Known for his rare ability to combine strategic rigor with profound empathy, Murali believed that leadership was not about hierarchy or authority, but about responsibility and care. He challenged people to grow, often pushing them beyond their comfort zones, while always ensuring they felt supported, seen, and valued. His counsel was sought not only for professional decisions, but for life's most complex moments—because he listened deeply, spoke thoughtfully, and acted with quiet courage.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Murali was remembered as curious, well-read, culturally grounded yet globally minded, and generous with his time and wisdom. He loved meaningful conversation, books, music, travel, and learning—always searching for perspective and connection. He carried his success lightly, never losing his humility or warmth, and treated everyone with the same respect regardless of title or background.
Above all, Murali was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband to Jayanthi and a proud, deeply caring father to Archith. He spoke often of them with joy and admiration, and his life was anchored by the values of family, kindness, and service.
Murali's legacy is not contained in titles or achievements, but in the people he uplifted, the leaders he helped shape, and the humanity he modeled every day. His influence continues through those who strive to lead with heart and courage, just as he did.
He will be remembered always—for the lives he changed, the standards he set, and the quiet grace with which he lived.
"If—"
by Rudyard Kipling
1865 – 1936
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings—nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run—
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you'll be a Man, my son!
