My Life’s Journey: A Personal Memoir is not merely a book; it is an odyssey of a man who has devoted his life to the principle of not just doing good, but being good as well. Authored by Rajendra K. Saboo, fondly called ‘Raja’ by his friends, this memoir encapsulates the essence of a life lived with purpose, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service. Raja has profoundly influenced my own thoughts and acts, perhaps more than anyone else in my life. Our paths first crossed in 1991, when I was nominated as the Governor of the Rotary District of Sri Lanka, and he was the incoming global President of Rotary International. From that point on, our lives became inextricably intertwined. As you read this remarkable book, poignant at times, forthright at others, you will begin to see the portrait of a man to whom the phrase ‘larger than life’ is most fitting. Raja has been a visionary, a dreamer, and a builder; a man of enlightenment. His charisma, wholehearted generosity, and profound leadership are evident throughout his journey. From his early beginning with a vision to becoming the Chairman of India’s leading company in the watch component industry, Raja’s trajectory is one of commitment and success. He has shown, through example that one can thrive in life, business, and Rotary without compromising integrity, always keeping promises, dealing fairly, and displaying decency and empathy. Raja was equally comfortable addressing business leaders as he was, leading over 30 medical missions to Africa to perform corrective surgery on children. Though not a doctor himself, he was at home in an operation theatre, supporting the surgery in every possible way. As a respected elder in his extended family, he mediated strained relationships and resolved business disputes with the same ease and fairness. His hospitality is legendary. The Saboos have welcomed and hosted hundreds of ordinary Rotarians in their beautifully landscaped home and entertained national leaders and other celebrities, many of whom had been their family friends. As you leaf through the pages of this memoir, you also will appreciate the pivotal role played by his lovely, gentle spouse, Usha, or Usha-ji, as she is reverently known throughout India. In many ways, she is the ‘force’ behind Raja’s accomplishments. She has received standing ovations for her heart-wrenching presentations at the Rotary International Conventions, sharing with a their experiences with children in Africa undergoing Polio corrective surgeries and other medical procedures. Usha-ji, despite not being a doctor, worked with medical teams as a nurse, a counsellor, and most of all, as a mother to the crippled, blind, poor, and deprived children. Her disarming ways, a look from her, or a mere nod was enough to guide Raja’s decisions; her smile could quieten the most troublesome child. As this book would spell out, there was no Raja without Usha. If Raja were one of the jewels of India Rotary, Usha-ji would be the ‘Mother Teresa’ of India Rotary and the ‘Florence Nightingale’ to the beneficiaries of their medical missions. It is no wonder that they are blessed with such a wonderful family—Yasho and Jai, their respective wives Anu and Pallabi, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The quality of ‘goodness’ the parents possess, has so evidently seeped through to the children. I have always believed that Raja is a legend without the myth. As I read somewhere, legends often intertwine fact and myth to beguile, impress, and inspire. Raja, however, is a leader whose story is grounded in reality. His ability to inspire unyielding loyalty, as he did with me and with others, is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities. On the subject of loyalty, an aide to Douglas MacArthur, the proverbial us Army General, once remarked, ‘Obedience is something a leader can command, but loyalty is something, an indefinable something, that he is obliged to win. MacArthur knew instinctively how to win it.’ Raja also knows how to win loyalty, inspiring many in Rotary, who would follow him to the ends of the earth. You will undoubtedly enjoy reading My Life’s Journey: A Personal Memoir and gain insights into the life of an extraordinary individual, a leader, and a genuine human being. It is a powerful and moving story that would stay with you long after you turn the last page.