Success story and Testimonial
"Well friends,
My name is Lakshmi Narasimha Rao Sista. In USA it has become Lakshmi N. Sista.
*Prologue*
While 99.9% of PMP certificate holders and hopefuls are from software industry (incidentally PMBOK Guide has been modelled for the software industry), I am probably one of the few lone wolves in the pack. I am an engineer without any SW background.
About myself in short – I have a Master’s in Chem Engg from IISc and along the way I acquired MBA (Fin) – हमने भारत में देशभर घूमा हौ और घाट घाट का पानी पिया है.
*The story* - PMP journey
My initial browsing with PMP happened in 2017, when I saw at a relative’s place, the book of PMI. The actual bug started in 2024, when people were praising PMP certification. What is this PMP; is it greater than graduating from IISc/IIT or tougher than our IAS etc.?
Then a friend of a friend suggested Guruji’s name and gave his phone number. As fate would have it, I spoke to him on phone and immediately joined his training/ coaching plan. Believe me when I say this – I did not look at his Linked In profile or website or made any further inquiries. झठ मंगनी फट joining.
I call and address Umakanth sir as guruji, as we are all being trained by him in the craft of Project Management, as guru Dronacharya trained Pandavas & Kauravas in combat craft.
Guruji, apart from being a trainer, is a great motivator. He is unique because he will support us throughout till we get the certificate, which is very rare in any field and more so in the educational field.
Then started the mount Everest climb. Initially, I took it lightly. With so much practical experience, this should not be a problem, I thought.
But the main issue with PMP is not the course or the content. The course is pretty straight forward and easy, *but the principle that we have to be ideal in everything - is the toughest part.*
In my career spanning 50 years, I have seen all and done all – but not the idealism propounded by PMI.
Here comes *Guruji’s उपदेश – unlearn everything whatever you learnt so far.*
Some of you might have seen the Telugu movie Sankarabharanam (most of you might not have been born or might be toddlers).
The famous dialogue is *తుడిచేయి, నీ బుర్రలోంచి పూర్తిగా తుడిచేయి.*
This did not go down my throat. What is this? – How can a Guru preach to unlearn?
But, that what is exactly needed to understand PMI from the exam point of view – A change of mindset.
Going through the PMI course will also transform you. *By the time you come to the exam stage, your thought process will change*. In fact, I can say this – You are on the road to *Nirvana*.
The rest is simple - three mantras.
1. Practise
2. Practise
3. Practise
It is definitely hard work, but *doable and achievable.* And in that, the support system comprising of Guruji, Madame Sahera, Bhai Abhideep and the team in the back ground is great.
*I am immensely grateful and thankful to all of them.* The most important and the commendable part is the handholding till you get the certification. Even yesterday, Guruji gave me advice and some tips.
The course content and the training material provided by Guruji other than the books are simply great. I did not read anything outside of that prescribed by Guruji.
It is mighty important that you do all the exercises from Rita’s book, Scoredo, Heldman and the mock tests – once, twice, thrice – till you powder everything and drink it.
*The end result would be definitely sweet.*
In advance, Guruji introduced me as mentor in one group – I am the Sishya of Guru Umakantji.
So, any one of you can contact me for any advice you feel like. Timings are a little bit tricky and sticky. I am presently in Austin, Texas, so the time difference of 1 ½ hrs and AM vs PM. Till morning 9.30 AM, I am engaged in morning chores and pooja etc.
*For IT couples (wife & husband), I have separate piece of advice.* Pl contact me separately.
*Epilogue*
All are wondering *areh – who is this guy, calling us toddlers?*
Please refresh your memory and recall one post by Guruji in one of the groups, where he said that if a 77-year old man can do why can’t you do?
*Well friends, I am that guy by the name Lakshmi Narasimha Rao Sista.*
I have a B.Tech (Chem Eng with distinction) from Osmania - 1970, M.E. (Chem Engg with distinction), from IISc, Bengaluru - 1972. Along the way, I acquired MBA (Fin) from Pondicherry University.
As a chemical engineer, I worked as Ops Manager in the Fertiliser Corp of India (FCI) Ltd at Ramagundam Fertiliser plant.
Then I joined as DGM in Industrial Fin Corp of India (IFCI) Ltd, New Delhi, retired as MD, IFCI Fin Services.
Then worked as a CEO of a power plant based on bagasse in Khammam district, where in I have done the civil works, procurement and erection of equipment (boilers, conveyors, pumps the whole works).
I taught handling of sick cases (present jargon is – stressed assets) in MDI Gurgram, also taught finance subjects in the Bhadruka group of colleges at Hyderabad. I was a resource person (guest faculty?), for a while, in MDI Gurugram *and finally ended up as a PMP.*
*THE END*
March 10, 2026, 6.50PM"
