Unlearning Yesterday to Master Tomorrow: A Transformative Guest Talk at PES University

The Faculty of Management and Commerce at PES University, Electronic City Campus, hosted an enlightening guest session titled “Unlearning Yesterday to Master Tomorrow” on January 19, 2026 at the MRD Student Center. Delivered by Mr. Gaurav Agarwal, Vice President at Infosys, the talk aimed to inspire students to embrace adaptability, continuous learning, and a forward‑thinking mindset—qualities essential in today’s rapidly evolving professional world.

Adapting to a Changing Landscape
Mr. Agarwal opened the session with the core idea that resonated throughout the talk: to grow in a dynamic world, one must first unlearn outdated patterns. He emphasized that clinging to old ways of thinking limits progress, especially in industries driven by technology, innovation, and shifting global demands.

Drawing from his experience leading large-scale delivery teams, managing multimillion‑dollar client engagements, and driving organisational transformation at Infosys, he highlighted how continuous learning forms the foundation of long-term success.

Insights from a Multifaceted Career
As an alumnus of University of Roorkee, IIT Delhi, and IIM Bangalore, Mr. Agarwal shared his personal journey of navigating diverse academic and professional environments. He reflected on how openness to change, adaptability, and willingness to evolve were crucial to his leadership development over the years.

The session also addressed broader organisational themes such as talent management, leadership development, and hyper‑productivity, offering students a holistic perspective on what modern workplaces expect.

Engaging Narratives and Relatable Lessons
To connect with students meaningfully, Mr. Agarwal used real-life scenarios, relatable examples, and references from the film 3 Idiots, making complex concepts easy to absorb and reflect upon. His storytelling approach sparked curiosity and helped students understand how the principles of unlearning and relearning apply in real situations.

Encouraging Active Participation
The interactive nature of the talk encouraged students to ask questions, share their viewpoints, and actively engage with the speaker. This created a dynamic learning environment where ideas flowed freely and students felt comfortable expressing perspectives.

To motivate participation and celebrate engagement, small goodies were gifted to those who contributed the most—adding excitement and warmth to the session.

A Session That Inspired Transformation
By the end of the talk, students walked away with a renewed understanding of how:

• Unlearning outdated beliefs is necessary for growth
• Adaptability and curiosity shape strong leaders
• Continuous learning fuels long‑term relevance
• Open‑mindedness builds resilience in a fast‑changing world

“Unlearning Yesterday to Master Tomorrow” ultimately succeeded in shifting mindsets, inspiring students to take ownership of their growth journeys and preparing them to navigate the future with confidence and clarity.