Leaving Microsoft to Change the World

The title of this blog is the title of the book by John Wood. I had heard about this book a lot and always wanted to read it. When I was travelling back home this summer, I saw the 'Nepali' version of this book by Nepali, I mean, someone had translated this book into a Nepali book. The whole story but it was being narrated in Nepali. I wanted to buy it, then again, I did not.

I had read one Nepali book called ' Palpasa Cafe' which was translated into English and had lost the whole meaning of the story. The translation was very disappointing. In retrospect, I had wished that I had read the book in Nepali. Likewise, I did not buy the Nepali version of ' Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.' I waited and here I am finally reading it. I have heard a lot about this book. Mainly by my husband who talked a lot about this book while we were doing the Annapurna trekking.

The book is by John Wood. John Wood is an individual who chose to walk away at the prime of his corporate career as a Microsoft's Director of Business Development in order to found Room to Read Foundation. He dedicated his life for a social cause.

I have just started reading this book and I am very enjoying so far. The story takes place in Nepal. John decides to have to have a little escapade in a foothill of Himalayas doing the Annapurna Circuit trekking. While doing his trekking he comes across a man called Pashupathi, who reveals his sadness for not having being able to do anything for the children of Nepal. One of his main concern in the Lack of School for the future stars of Nepal. John, with the help of Pasupathi visits the school in a village called Bahundada and is shocked to find the situation of the school. At the School John discovers that the few books available were so precious that they were kept under lock and key - to protect them from the children! There are fewer than 20 books –mainly left by backpackers which the children can barely read—(Danielle Steel’s, the Lonely planet etc) for more than 450 students.

His journey then begins....

This is a firsthand perspective of how John launched a literacy organization for children in Asia after a life-changing three-week trek through the mountains of Nepal. Leveraging his business acumen and networks from his days at Microsoft, Wood turned Room to Read into a successful nonprofit organization with schools and libraries throughout Asia.

I have yet to finish the book which I just started. The exciting part is that John is actually come to Kellogg School of Management next week and I want to finish the book before that. He is a graduate of Kellogg.

For anyone, who is looking for a book to read, this one is definitely recommended. One of the many things learned from this book is following your Passion.

One thing that struck me while reading this book is that quote from Dalai Lama that is mentioned in this book. “When we give something away, we actually get something in return: Happiness.”