Strive
not to be a success, but rather to be of value. –Albert Einstein
T
he above statement has always guided me through the ups and downs of life; a
life that has been a pioneer of confusion and search. But what enlightened my
path was Shakespearean literature.
Epitome
of puns and irony encourages positive outlook even in the toughest of
situations. Truly, ‘life is a stage’ and ‘The quality of mercy is not
strained’. Two beautiful statements but so contradictory in nature; after all
how can one act on a stage and still be such a natural so as, not to strain any
emotion. Thought provocative lines with beautiful imagery inspire one and many
even in today’s times.
Literature
guided me through difficult times and inspired me to be better every moment.
Life felt so much better in its presence. But then the morning news brought
with it the image of brutality and spite prevalent all around.
It
was an image that pushed me to be better. Better in areas that would help me
make a change, make the world a better place.
I
was satisfied with my mediocre job. But the ideal image painted by literature
and the cruelty posted by current news were so diverse from each other, that I
was astounded by it. It pushed me to do something bigger with my life. It
inspired me to be better.
I
joined a CSR project organized by my company. I worked to help children stuck
in domestic labor, gain education; so that they could be brought back into mainstream
education. It was a noble job which satisfied my need to help. But soon I
wanted more.
The
Lokpal bill, the Delhi rape case, continuous rape cases even after the fierce
public outrage, the power cuts of 2012 - there were so many cases ruling the
news, all blaming the mismanagement of the government. The Commonwealth case to
the 2G spectrum case, corruption was everywhere and it was all the fault of the
government. It seemed so ill-logical. Why should the government that wants to
stay in power for another five years be so careless in its actions? I wanted to
know more, understand more, and interact more. ‘Whatever you can do, or dream
you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.’ The
present times inspired me to be bold, to come out of my mediocre life and make
an impact in the society that has groomed me to be what I am today.
Walt
Disney said, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ And here I am trying to
fulfill my dreams of making a change. I believe it is our social responsibility
to be on the path of continuous growth. Like J. Krishnamurti said that ‘If the
thinker can understand himself, then the whole problem is solved’, I consider
that I have finally understood myself and my need to excel, not only for me but
also for the family and society that I am a part of.
Inspiration
guides us towards the better. And I believe what’s better for me is what helps
a large strata of the society be better.
