Nitin Gokhale offers us his valuable insights on how he took on life, unexpectedly becoming a journalist and author, through inspiring anecdotes and memories. He explains how fleeting moments in his life led him to make unpredictable decisions and take up life-changing opportunities as a sports and war journalist, making him who he is today. His enthusiasm and dedication to stay curious and remain a student throughout his life is inspiring, and stands as a testament to the innumerable learnings he acquired by, in his own words, “putting up his hand for everything”.As one of India’s leading strategic analysts today, Nithin Gokhale is proof that a combination of hard work and diligence along with passion for your line of work, be it a planned or unplanned one, can take you further than you think. “Carpe diem” is the motto he lives by; he believes that life is about its ups and downs, and the only thing you can control is knowing how to seize the moment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Nitin A. Gokhale is a renowned national security analyst, author, and media entrepreneur with over three decades of expertise in India’s defense, security, and strategic affairs. He has reported from the frontlines of numerous conflicts and authored several pivotal books, including Securing India the Modi Way and Beyond NJ 9842, offering valuable insights into India’s military strategy and geopolitical challenges.As the founder of BharatShakti.in, a leading defense platform, Mr. Gokhale has shaped critical narratives in defense and security, drawing from his vast experience in journalism across print, television, and digital media. His work continues to influence public discourse on India’s strategic interests in an increasingly complex global landscape. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx