A Life Measured in Possibilities, Not Years: Story of Dr.Sunil Tarun

For Dr. Sunil Tarun, age is not a limitation. It is simply a number. He believes that ageing is just a mindset. If you continue to think you are young even after sixty, you truly remain young; otherwise, some people begin to look old even in their thirties. His life, filled with professional transitions, entrepreneurship, humorous poetry, stand-up comedy, anchoring, social connections and an enduring curiosity for life, reflects a man who has never allowed circumstances to define what comes next.

Born into a middle-class family, Sunil grew up with a strong inclination towards education. He performed well academically and secured the 10th rank in his university during graduation. He wanted to continue studying, but family circumstances meant that he had to start working. He cleared his examinations and joined a bank.

Even while working, however, learning remained important to him. He enrolled in evening classes for ICWA and successfully cleared the intermediate level, managing his studies alongside his banking career. His professional life eventually took him beyond banking and into business.

From Banking to Business

Banking offered stability, but Sunil had always wanted to build something of his own. He eventually established a fabrication unit with several machines. The business grew well, and he later developed his own brand. Eventually, he decided to move on from that venture.

A connection in Bengaluru opened another chapter. He entered the wholesale business, dealing in hardware, hand tools and sanitary items. Over time, the business expanded across Karnataka, establishing a strong presence in the wholesale market throughout the state.

But professional success was only one part of Sunil’s story. Alongside work, he remained deeply involved in social and cultural activities.

Poetry, People and Purpose

Poetry has been a part of Sunil’s life since his college days. Over the years, he became actively involved in poetry gatherings and literary events, where poets and poetry lovers come together to share their work. He has also been invited as a Chief Guest at several such occasions.

Today, poetry is more than a hobby for Sunil. He is a renowned humorous poet, stand-up comedian and anchor, known for his engaging performances and distinctive style. Alongside his solo shows, he also performs as part of teams and poetry groups, bringing humour, poetry and entertainment together for diverse audiences.

Over the years, Sunil has performed in more than 1,000 shows across India, for most of the leading PSUs, banks, colleges, social and cultural organisations, Lions Clubs and various other institutions and organisations. He has the ability to adapt his performances to suit different audiences and occasions.

His poetry has also been broadcast several times on All India Radio, Bengaluru, as well as on various television channels. Sunil had the honour of representing the entire state of Karnataka at a prestigious poetry event held at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, founded by Baba Ramdev. At a programme organised by the Bengaluru Peace Organisation, he was honoured with the ‘Global Peace Award’ by two ministers of the Government of Karnataka.

Over the years, he has received numerous honours on various platforms, including ‘Kavya-Gaurav’, ‘Kavya-Ratna’ and ‘Sahitya-Prahari’, among others. He has also been honoured with the prestigious ‘Rashtriya Hindi Gaurav Samman’ for his distinguished contribution to Hindi poetry in Karnataka, a non-Hindi-speaking state.

His connection with people remains one of the most rewarding and meaningful aspects of this chapter of his life.

Retirement Is Not the End

At 63, Sunil does not see retirement as a full stop. His days continue to include social engagement, poetry and travel. He also makes time for walking and believes strongly in maintaining an active lifestyle.

His outlook towards ageing is refreshingly simple: "Age is a number."

For Sunil, life's difficulties are not reasons to withdraw. They are experiences that make a person stronger and teach patience. He speaks with gratitude about the opportunities life has given him and the people who have supported him along the way.

He is also proud of his family. He has two daughters, both professionally settled, and speaks warmly about their achievements and the support they continue to offer.

Keep Moving Forward

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Sunil's journey is his refusal to dwell on what did not happen. Some goals remained unfinished, circumstances changed and new paths emerged, but he continued moving forward.

His philosophy is rooted in gratitude and action. Life may not always take us towards the destination we imagined, but that does not mean the journey has failed.

For Dr. Sunil Tarun, there is always another conversation, another poem, another performance and another reason to step out and meet the world.

His story reminds us that growing older need not mean becoming less curious or less engaged. Sometimes, the best years are the ones in which we finally understand that life is not about counting the years.