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From Dusty Streets to CPP: A 13-Year Journey That Redefined My Purpose

There are days in life that leave a lasting imprint on your soul—not because they are glorious, but because they are defining moments. One such day for me was in the early '90s when I walked along a dusty street in Gurgaon, feeling soaked in sweat, frustration, and unspoken ambition. Little did I know that I was beginning a journey that would take thirteen years to complete.

At that time, I was working in the security division of Reliance Industries. Eager to deepen my expertise and reach new heights, I decided to pursue the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification—the gold standard in the security industry.

Driven by a burning curiosity, I reached out to a senior veteran in the field, someone I respected, who was one of the few CPP certified professionals in India and had successfully transitioned from uniformed service to the corporate world. He invited me to meet him in Gurgaon, a place that was quite different back then from the concrete jungle we know today. It was a chaotic, dusty land filled with cranes, broken roads, and a sense of promise.

I made the trip and waited for two hours outside his office. Finally, he arrived. I stood ready and alert, anticipating words of wisdom.

He looked at me and simply said,

“Read the books twice. That’s it.”

And that was all. That was the entirety of our interaction—something he could have easily communicated over the phone. I felt shocked and disappointed, burdened by the sense of a missed opportunity.

Still trying to make sense of it, I reached out to another senior and a friend.

Still trying to make sense of everything, I reached out to a senior colleague and a friend.
"Office aaja baith ke baat karte hain (Come to the office, we can sit and talk)," he said over the phone.

An hour and a half later, I walked into his office, already drenched in sweat and the grime of Gurgaon. He offered me a coffee and listened patiently to my story. After a long conversation, he did something that restored my spirits: he handed me a complete set of POA manual and said,

"Go and study."

At that moment, I felt a mix of hope and self-doubt. Had I wasted an entire day and spent a few thousand as well?

I returned with the books and studied them for a few weeks with great enthusiasm, though it was short-lived. Soon, life took over; assignments piled up, and responsibilities increased. I transitioned from the energy sector to the mining industry and then to the African continent—a move that brought new challenges, fresh learning opportunities, and a broader scope in security operations.

Weeks turned into months, and months turned into years. Thirteen years after that grimy, sweaty day in Gurgaon, I found myself in South Africa for a professional course. One evening, as I sat in my room reflecting on my life's journey, I suddenly remembered that day: the coffee, the dusty street, those borrowed books.

Something inside me stirred.

Enough is enough. I couldn’t let that moment go in vain.

With a renewed purpose, I pulled out the POAs, which I had been carrying with me from 2006 till 2018 (good 12 years), and immersed myself in the CPP syllabus with a hunger I hadn’t felt in years. Within a few months, I completed my CPP.

But I didn’t stop there.

I enrolled in additional courses to expand my credentials and deepen my understanding of the industry. As I developed my skills, I noticed that many others, particularly fellow veterans transitioning from the armed forces to corporate security, were struggling to find proper guidance. That’s when I made my decision:

No one else should have to wait 13 years.

I decided to extend my hand. I became a mentor. One who didn't just advise but walked the path with them. Over the years with consultancy Veritas I’ve helped hundreds of professionals prepare for and clear their CPP and other certifications. I’ve been the voice on the other end of the phone who gives more than just one line of advice. I’ve been the coffee and conversation, the guide, and the hand that holds steady through the exam journey.

This isn’t just a personal story. It’s my ode to that day of disappointment that turned into a lifetime of purpose. To that set of books that once gathered dust but eventually paved the way for something far bigger.

To anyone reading this who’s been waiting for the right time — let me tell you - that time is now.

And if you need someone to walk the path with you, I’m here. Because I’ve been where you are. And I know exactly how to help you get where you want to be.

Capt. Ajay Pandey, a former Army officer and certified CPP and PCI-CFE professional, is a mentor whose journey in the security domain is truly inspiring.His experience, discipline, and leadership continue to guide and motivate others in the field.