
I picked up this term during my pre commissioning officer’s training at National Defence Academy, Khadagvasla, India, which implied to feel like a king even under the simplest of living conditions. Some fellow cadets used to jokingly describe it by giving example such as “ Experiencing a feeling of eating Almonds while actually eating monkey nuts”.
The concept of a “Sultan Feeling” may have its origins in the grandeur of Mughal feudal lords, but it transcends the confines of wealth or power. It’s a state of mind, a mental condition that allows one to feel like a king, even in the simplest of living conditions. This feeling, I reminisce from my days at the National Defence Academy, Khadagvasla, India, serves as a reminder that true greatness is not necessarily defined by material wealth or status.
In the backdrop of our rigorous training and the commonality shared by fellow cadets, the idea of a “Sultan Feeling” emerged as a way to find solace and mastery over life’s challenges. It was those moments after a long, grueling day, sipping tea and sharing snacks in the company of junior cadets where this feeling was found. Despite the hardships and the fact that, at the time, we were far from being actual Sultans, it was a reminder that one’s mental state and attitude can transcend circumstances.
Now, at 73, having dedicated 42 years of your life to the military and facing health and self-maintenance issues in retirement, one can still find solace in this notion. My evenings spent sipping small drinks and listening to music in my living room encapsulate the “Sultan Feeling.” It’s a testimony to the enduring power of this concept to elevate your state of mind above life’s challenges.
The “Sultan Feeling” teaches that you don’t need opulence or grandeur to feel like a king. Even in the simplest of clothes and with the most frugal meals, you can attain a sense of mastery and greatness. It’s a way to shrug off life’s major and minor challenges with laughter, approaching them with the confidence and grace of a chieftain.
In essence, this concept is a practical philosophy for feeling good and great under any circumstances. It reminds us that we can always be the master of our own lives, to never feel defeated, and to maintain a sense of dignity and self-assuredness. The “Sultan Feeling” is a reminder that true wealth lies in the mind and attitude, and it can help you navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and confidence. It’s a reminder that you are the best, regardless of the situation, and it’s a philosophy worth embracing and passing on to others.
Guchi.