Friday, November 13, 2015

Darkness Scares me Not, It Stares at my Greatness - We all are great if we choose to....

There is darkness all around. I try to burn a candle but the stormy winds blow it out. I try to burn another candle but it blows out too. I fear not. I quit not. I do not give up. There is something in me that says 'Have courage.." There is something in me that helps me 'see' through the hazy, foggy, obscure surroundings. The darker it gets, the steadier becomes my tread, the stronger becomes my 'sight'. No, I am not the one to surrender. I go on, and on and on. I fight. I fight the negativity inside me. I fight the forbidding gloominess around me. I fight. I fight without weapons. And then, as if it was a miracle, as if it was a dream, everything lights up. Luminescence wraps me in a gentle embrace. I feel elated, enlightened, victorious. I have defeated the dark forces within and without. I have won.

It is often the despair and hopelessness that lurks inside us that shatters us, defeats us, becomes the cause of our undoing. We resign before our own fears. We withdraw because our thoughts become our enemies.

But people who are resilient, people who rise above the commonplace, are people made different by their inner strength. It is as if a light shines inside them. That light is the light of persistence, of faith, of belief in one's own abilities. 

Think of a butterfly who sticks to a petal and even the harshest of winds is unable to move it. Is it just the physical strength of the tiny butterfly? No, it is it's unwavering belief in itself that helps her battle the raging winds.

Think of a child who builds a tower of blocks. The tower crumbles. The child builds again. It falls down once more. The child does not stop. He still builds it. Isn't it the the force of persistence that keeps the child motivated? As we grow, we lose that persistence and become edgy on our first failure.

Image Source here


Think of the great leaders of the world who inspired others to stand up for their cause, to defend their rights, to defeat the wrongs in the society. Think of Gandhi, the frail Indian leader, whose sheer mental strength and determination led thousands out of their homes and spearheaded the country's movement for independence. Think of Stephen Hawking, the world-famous physicist whose disabilities deterred him not and his findings in the field of science and his book The Brief History of Time has made him a timeless hero for all. Beethoven's deafness in now way hindered his exceptional musical skills. 


Image Source here




One might say that they were great people. But don't we meet great people everyday? Aren't those people great who can smile in adversity? Isn't that father great who despite his painful illness smiles and gives a thumbs up to his children so that they don't despair? Isn't that mother great who eggs on her child who is physically or mentally disabled? Isn't that teacher great who pushes his weakest student and helps him inculcate a belief in himself? Isn't that friend great who despite your failures, motivates you to give it one more try? Isn't that person great who takes the courage to suppress her own sorrows, so that she can wipe the tears off your face?

Greatness is something that spreads cheer, hope and faith. Greatness is something that we all are made of. It is only upon us to discover it. Greatness is in the heart that is receptive, that is full of love. When we discover that well of love within us, we bathe in that well and cleanse ourselves from thoughts that bind us. Greatness is in the persistence, in the will that refuses to succumb to harsh circumstances. 

I want to pen down my thoughts through the medium of a poem I have written.



जब मैं तुम जितना लम्बा हो जाऊंगा 
मम्मी तब क्या बड़ा मैं बन जाऊँगा 
मैं हंसती हूँ सुन यह बात 

कद-काठी से नहीं बनेगा 
उम्र से भी कुछ हो न पाएगा 
बड़ा बनेगा अच्छे मन से 
जब तू खुशियां बिखराएगा 

जीवन नदी के जैसा है 
रिश्ते उनमें बहती कश्ती 
जितना सहज रहेगा तू 
उतनी ही कश्ती आएंगी 
अहंकार और क्रोध से जब 
नदी में तूफ़ान आएगा 
कश्ती खुद को संभाल कहीं 
दूर निकल जाएंगी 
तू अहंकार से लड़ना बेटा 
क्रोध को ठंडा कर देना 
भावनाओं के भंवर से जब तू 
बाहर निकल के आएगा 
तू उस दिन बड़ा बन जाएगा 

जब हाथ बढ़ा के मदद करेगा 
दुःख के आंसू पोंछेगा 
निःस्वार्थ भाव निष्कपट हृदय से
निश्छल प्रेम तू बाटेंगा 
हार नहीं मानेगा चाहे कितना ही श्रम करना हो 
डग-मग पथ पर अडिग रहेगा 
नैतिकता ना छोड़ेगा 
खुद पर दृढ़ विश्वास रखेगा 
जब उथला  सम्मान ना चाहेगा 
तू उस दिन बड़ा बन जाएगा .....

Hope we all discover the greatness within us!

This post is written in response #madeofgreat campaign being organized by Tata Motors. Linking it to http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/   



Tata Motors and Lionel Messi - What do you think of the two coming together?

Answer in the comment section below. The best entry has a chance to win Rs. 750/- voucher from Amazon.

56 comments:

  1. Simply inspirational post Sunaina. Fighting the negativity within and fighting with the darkness by gathering all the courage, trying and trying like a kid building the tower,, all together made this post inspirational one. And the poem is heart-touching with amazing lines.
    Wishing you all the best wishes for the contest :)

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    1. Thanks Prasanna...I am glad you liked it and found it inspirational.....

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  2. Beautiful post! And i really like how you have focused on the greatness within. Truly Inspiring quotes too. Do check out my blog too :)
    http://soniakundrasingh.blogspot.com/2015/11/someone-whom-i-admire-madeofgreat.html

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    1. Thanks Sonia.....I saw your write-up...It was equally amazing....!

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  3. Inspiring poem...every kid should read it. A gem
    Of a work!

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    1. Oh...really....Did you like the poem so much....?!....that's great...!

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  4. Hey lovely ...heartfelt poem. It touched a chord in me...exactly what I keep telling my son.... I made my son read it... Only response he gave ..it would have been better in English..Teenagers!!!
    Anyways...it's good to know I'm not the only mum who thinks like this.
    I will keep on drilling this in....something will trickle down.


    To answer the question... both Tata Motors and Lionel Messi have built a solid reputation. This foundation is built on the sheer perseverance and self belief and the ability to not resting till they achieve what they had planned to. And once they reach that stage... its so easy for both to say Veni Vidi Vici and then move on...to higher and more difficult to achieve aims. They both have set very high standards, and if anyone does want to surpass them they'll have to work very hard indeed.
    Cheers to greatness. - See more at: http://baketitude.blogspot.in

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    1. Hi there...thanks for such wonderful words.....My son is seven and he is hearing all this from me all the time....sometimes, he knows what I will say and starts speaking before I do.....so good to see you too think like me...!.....And a great answer there....!

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  5. That's a lovely poetry. Greatness is earned! Inspiring post! Great!

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  6. Inspirational Post and very well penned down

    Answer to the question

    Tata Motors has gained the goodwill from giving the best and innovative Automobiles and it is also known as one the best Automobile Manufactures. And if you see the Lionel Messi , his throughout dedication, zeal , targeted goal of life and technically soundness make him big, achiever and remarkable position in the world.
    As per me, the association of Tata Motors and Messi is a grand amalgamation of two legendary entities of the world, and their amalgamation will definitely break down the clutters and affect the cut throat competition of Tata Motors. Tata motors will sure get a huge preference by the fans of Messi. This will sure make a record on the of Tata motors in the world of production or may be the highest selling automobiles.
    Tata motor’s main target is to give an impression on the large amount of crowd and this can be achieved only through the Messi, because the youth generation is crazy for MESSI and this can be smart move and a great achievement for Tata Motors they positioned MESSI as their BRAND AMBASSADOR .
    In the nutshell, Tata Motors , Messi joining hands will definitely give more soundness in technicality of promotional strategies and Messi’s influence will influence the audience for choosing Tata Motors and expand the business drastically.

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    1. Thanks for the thoughtful answer Bhawna....! Welcome to my blog...

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  7. The story of a few Legends in themselves - that's how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with the pics which enhances the simplicity yet greatness of all of them. Salutations to all and very happy for you to have got inspired and bringing out your best in life.

    My answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.

    You can choose my answer as the best if you feel I described it all well.. :)

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  8. The hindi lines are words of art from you....
    Words usually captivate me... , and yours did it even better :)

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  9. Real wow factor achieved Sunaina. The disability laden Stephen and Deaf Beethoven's miraculous feat surely leaves us in awe. My sincerest salutes to the wonderful #madeofgreat people you have brought into light.

    My answer to Lionel Messi question is quite obvious one. Their association will turn a new leaf in their brand value and the choice is really admirable.

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  10. Quoting my favorite lines from your post, Sunaina.
    जीवन नदी के जैसा है
    रिश्ते उनमें बहती कश्ती
    जितना सहज रहेगा तू
    उतनी ही कश्ती आएंगी

    This post is one of your best, so far. I applaud your choice.

    As for the expression of views towards the question, I would like to answer through a stanza or two of verse:

    ---

    'What drives us from within is what makes us great'
    Belief in oneself, the zeal to put up a brave face,
    In the face of adversity, to stand strong against fate,
    That's how life is - it's an excellent goal to chase!

    To create a name for oneself, from the soil your feet dampen,
    To let critics enhance your effort, not let your spirits dampen,
    It's the journey that counts, more than having scaled the peak,
    To persevere so that it's your actions that have the loudest shriek!

    ---

    To sum up, I feel that this age-old adage rings true whenever I think of this beautiful alliance of an Indian Global Brand - Tata Motors and a Global Argentinian Sportsperson - Lionel Messi

    "Our Similarities bring us to a common ground; Our Differences allow us to be fascinated"

    That realization is truly #madeofgreat. :)

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    1. Thank you so much Poonam....lovely verse there...!

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  11. Hi sunaina ,
    Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
    Here is my answer
    The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
    aaloke19@gmail.com

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  12. Hi sunaina.. my email id is shalinids21@gmail.com

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  13. Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
    Here is my answer.
    Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
    In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
    Fingers crossed :)

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  14. Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
    My answer is:
    Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
    Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
    fingers crossed

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  15. Your post defines #madeofgreat in an awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
    My Answer
    Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
    bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

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  16. Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
    TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
    yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

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  17. Congratulations on the big win, Sunaina. Happy for you. :)

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    1. Thanks Saru. Your comment made me wonder what I had won..!

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  18. Congrats Sunaina...your post was very well written. Cheers🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

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  19. I love the poetry.
    I went childlike. Having an innocent me after reading this. :)

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  20. Lovely post. CONGRATULATIONS! :D Early New Year present ;)

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  21. Congratulations Sunaina. This is an amazingly well written and inspiring post. Yes, Greatness lies within all of us, we just need to discover it. Greatness lies in resilience, in persistence, in the way we deal with the trying circumstances. Very very well deserved. :-)

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  22. Congratulations Sunaina. This is an amazingly well written and inspiring post. Yes, Greatness lies within all of us, we just need to discover it. Greatness lies in resilience, in persistence, in the way we deal with the trying circumstances. Very very well deserved. :-)

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  23. Congratulations Sunaina. This is an amazingly well written and inspiring post. Yes, greatness lies within all of us, we just need to discover it. It lies in persistence, in resilience, in the way we deal with trying circumstances.
    Very well deserved. :-)

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  25. Just back from my vacations... and noticed that you are the BIG winner. Congrats! :)

    Arvind Passey
    www.passey.info

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  26. Congratulation :) Well written straight from the heart!

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  27. A well and truly deserved win Sunaina...you are "made of great" indeed!:)

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  28. Congratulations on the deserving win, Sunaina.. I salute you for writing this post.. Really wonderfully penned down thoughts..

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    1. Thanks Roohi. Your presence here makes it even
      better...:)

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  29. Congratulations Sunaina. This post is truly inspirational and you completely deserve the win. Excellent post.

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  30. Awesome post...very inspiring post. :)

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  31. Awesome post...very inspiring post. :)

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