Sanjay Gupta
About Sanjay Kumar Gupta
Sanjay Kumar Gupta is an international development consultant whose work with ADB, FAO, IFAD, UNDP, and the World Bank has taken him from India’s villages to Afghanistan, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka. Guided by his credo—moving forward and rising upward—he envisions a poverty-free, happy world.
1. Writing Journey
Can you share a bit about your background and what first inspired you to start writing?
Author: Born into a humble family, I was the first-generation postgraduate in our community at the time. I joined a consulting firm and worked there for over 14 years before deciding to quit and pursue my own path. I observed that comparison and competition were common norms in our society and workplaces. Over time, I realized there was no need to compare or compete with others — true growth comes from competing with oneself. I felt that the journey I had traveled could help others who were willing to take a similar path. This became my primary motivation for writing the book.
2. Inspiration & Themes
What core ideas or experiences influence the themes in your books?
Author: A person is subjected to comparison and competition right from birth. Initially, a child is compared to parents and other family members. Later, through education, employment, wealth creation, and social status, this cycle of comparison and competition continues throughout life. I believe it doesn’t have to be this way. While it’s natural for human beings to be influenced by the achievements of others, choosing whether or not to engage in competition is within one’s control. If one shifts the focus from others to oneself, it’s possible to achieve a balanced and empowered state of mind. And once this mindset is attained, one’s horizons can expand exponentially. I believe this shift has the potential to help create a more content and harmonious society.
3. Latest Work
Tell us about your latest book—what sparked the story and what message do you hope readers take away?
Author: The spark to write a book came sometime in 2019. I had started jotting down initial ideas that were on my mind at the time. Even before that, I had been sharing life and management lessons from my own journey for several years through LinkedIn posts and other social media platforms. I had also published a few articles and received positive feedback and engagement from readers.
One day, it suddenly occurred to me—what if I combined all these experiences into a book? That could be my contribution to society.
It took another six years for that initial spark to finally take the shape of a book, which was completed in 2025.
The core message I want readers to take away is that one should compare and compete with oneself—not with others—in order to lead a content and fulfilling life. Of course, there are other valuable insights as well, which readers may connect with depending on their own current state of mind.
4. Creative Process
Do you follow a specific writing routine or ritual, or is it more spontaneous?
Author: The main routine or ritual I followed was to write something every day. After a six-year gap, I was determined to complete the book this time. There were days when I didn’t feel like writing at all, but I still made sure to write at least one word before taking a break. On other days, when I felt more inspired, I would write much more.
5. Challenges
What has been the most difficult part of bringing your book to life, and how did you overcome it?
Author: Mental block. By 2019, I had developed the skills to write articles and social media posts ranging from 250 to 800 words. Hoping for support, I approached a couple of publishers, expecting they might help me develop content that was book-ready. I shared a 1,000-word sample with one publisher and received feedback that made me realize I would need to write the book myself—while others could assist with editing and publishing.
At the time, this felt like an insurmountable task, and I couldn’t make any real progress for the next five years. Then, in January 2025, I attended a webinar on book writing, which gave me a fresh wave of motivation to finally write and complete the manuscript.
6. Character/Content Development
How do you develop your characters (or structure your nonfiction arguments) so they feel authentic and engaging?
Author: The entire story in the book is based on my personal experiences and real events that happened around me and in my life. I have changed the names of a few individuals to maintain their anonymity, as my intention was to focus on the issues, not the people involved. I also acknowledge that the book presents only my side of the story, and the individuals concerned may have a different perspective.
7. Research
What kind of research did you undertake for this book, and did anything surprising emerge during the process?
Author: The story begins with my birth in a hospital in Delhi. To ensure accuracy, I gathered information from my mother during casual conversations and reconfirmed a few incidents with her. I also cross-checked facts using available documents, especially where dates and numbers were involved. Additionally, I spoke with my brother about certain family matters. Both he and my niece provided valuable feedback on the manuscript, helping me fact-check details and gain an external perspective.
Interestingly, in 2019, the current title of the book was originally just one of the proposed chapter titles. However, as the writing progressed, I realized that the entire book could be structured around that theme. Looking back, I was surprised by how naturally it all came together.
8. Influences & Favorites
Which authors or books have most influenced your writing style?
Author: I have read a few books that deeply influenced me, such as The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, The Story of My Experiments with Truth by M.K. Gandhi, and In Search of Mother by Sri Ram, among others. Inspired by these works, I have tried to remain true to myself while writing this book. However, I have also made an effort to develop and express my own unique style.
9. Advice for Aspiring Writers
What guidance would you give to new writers who are just starting out?
Author: I feel that would vary from person to person, depending on their individual state of mind. I would advise aspiring writers to remain true to themselves while writing their book.
10.What’s Next
Can you share a glimpse of your upcoming projects or future plans in the literary world?
Author: As of now, I haven’t given it much thought. However, I might come up with a sequel to this book or an entirely new title. I prefer to let the idea emerge naturally rather than forcing it.
Book by sanjay KUmar Gupta : Beyond The Rat Race, Twice
Pulisher: Evincepub Publihsing
