Role of Youth in Nation's Building

Instead complaining on the topic, “Why India is Still an Underdeveloped Nation?” I thought it would be better to discuss the role of youth in nation’s building. According to me, “Youth is that spark which needs no ignition”. Youth is that clay which can be molded in either shape one wants. In my belief, this is the sole reason for both exploitation and utilization of youth in the destruction and construction of any nation respectively.
It is a fact that, the nation’s building is highly dependent on youth. Youth is that powerful resource, which can either construct or destruct the whole nation as already said. According to everyone, youth should step forward to take up on the responsibility in developing the nation. Yes, I agree that, youth is not given a proper chance to prove their potentials in countries like ours, but, “The young” , according to Pearl S. Buck, (a Nobel Laureate in literature) “do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation”.
Isn’t this single quotation of her is sufficient to motivate the whole nation? Or do we still need motivational quotes like the one above to recall our own potentials to attempt the impossible and achieve the success? It seems highly surprising that, we, the youth fail to display the same enthusiasm in nation’s building which we often display for getting ahead in traffic? Have we really forgotten our responsibility towards our nation or that we are knowingly skipping the tasks to achieve development? It is observed that, the youth who always fight for enjoying their rights, never wish to take up the pains of responsibility.
According to me, Indian youth is socially responsible and moreover is working dedicatedly to see India attain the developed status. Many educated youth had already realized the necessity of utilizing their skills for the betterment of the society but at the same time, the youth is also misguided to a larger extent by some evil sources making them irresponsible towards the society they live in. It is pathetic but true that, due to many –a-problems that exists in today’s world, youth is highly attracted and/or fancied towards evil sources. As a result, a huge destruction is occurring all over. It is true that, youth is highly amendable, but one must show the guts to take up the challenge to guide the youth to a correct path as Swami Vivekananda and other eminent persons did in the past. But, speaking frankly, one must never wait for any as it damages the power of self-confidence and courage.
Luxuries, evil habits and societal commitments also gain youth’s attraction to a greater extent. In search of the above three, the youth is losing its identity and goals in no time as said by one of my friends. I already stated that, I am not against self-prosperity, and I always feel happy for the youth who is self-reliant in nature. (In my article, “How to Achieve Personal Freedom”, I stressed the necessity of self-reliance.) And of course, I am completely aware of the Indian Society and Culture, where more number of parents doesn’t wish to see their children working, as they think that, at least their children must not suffer. It is one point of view, where parents think of their children’s growth in every aspect and on the other hand, the youth (to a greater extent in India), which is dependant on their parents, will never wish not to work towards attaining self-reliance. It not only showcases the laziness of the youth but also the irresponsible behavior towards their country.
It always hurts me, when I see some youth taking wrong steps and/or directions to attain luxuries viz., by corruption, dowry, all kinds of malpractices like treachery, plagiarism, etc., It sounds true, as said by my friend’s grand father that, “Modern Education ruins Moral Education.” People, at the present date are completely neglecting the ethical values and ruining the moral education they had had learned in their childhood. This may be the reason why, people (World has 6.66 billion population among which 27% constitutes youth) are residing mostly in many-an-old age homes, orphanages, homes for the destitute, juvenile homes, individual families, and jails. Youth must take necessary steps and find new methods or revive old methods to avoid the above problems.
Evil habits, is a hip in today’s world. It is impossible for anyone to escape from these until and unless they are self-confident to control themselves. Self-Controllability is the only measure to save oneself from evil habits. Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, undesirable sexual activities etc., also hinder nation’s building. If the youth gets addicted to any of these activities, one can easily predict that, the destruction has started not only as the person but also harms the nation which needs young blood to run and/or construct it. One has to realize the necessity of being healthy in almost every aspect of life.
The statistics prove that, India stands second in the most populous nations, third in corruption, fifth in unemployment, twelfth in poverty, etc., It seems funny but true that, even after sixty years of independence, the country has a tremendous growth only in the population and not in all aspects and/or sectors to an expected level. Isn’t that making us feel ashamed of? What should be done in order to attain the development is a million rupee question (which has no answer, try to find it). Please don’t start listing that, the government must be changed, there are no good leaders etc., as said by Aparichit, first of all, we must try to be good citizens and question oneself that, what I have had given to my own country? One has no right to criticize who has not taken up the responsibility of nation’s building.
Youth in order to make his/her country developed, has to sacrifice not only their lives by protecting their country at the borders but also has to protect from internal threats, and make the society a healthy place to live. It is possible only, if the youth realize to stay healthy by sacrificing selfishness, laziness, evilness etc., and by thinking dedicatedly for the growth of nation. In my conclusion, as an Indian youth, who is proud of its rich and varied heritage, take an oath whole-heartedly that, I will strive for the development of my country and my people and in their well being and prosperity alone, lies my happiness. I will be happy if every youth who loves his/her country take a similar oath and strive hard to keep up the promise till the last breathe.

Jai Hind!! Jai Bhaarat!!

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi.

How to Develop Self-Confidence

It happened on a fine sunny day that I got into a bike of one of my friends. He started off at a rather high rate of speed on the busy road. He was going a little faster than I thought reasonable, and I reminded him that, we had plenty of time and suggested that we take it easy. Actually, I was so worried and tensed with his driving (as I usually do when I got into any one’s bike like his) that I started yelling instructions “Slow down, be careful, watch it, etc., and started holding and pressing his shoulders tightly”. I was causing a lot of disturbance not only to his concentration but also to the passersby.
“Don’t let my driving worry you,” he replied. I said, “I am aware of the fact that you are good at driving but I fear a lot”. He said, “Even I used to be filled with all kinds of insecurities myself, but I got over them. I was afraid of everything. I always went around with a feeling that something bad was going to happen, and it made my life miserable. I had always felt inferior and lacked confidence. This state of mind reflected itself in almost every part of my life. But now, I live with a feeling of confidence, not only in myself but in life generally.”
I was so much irritated that, I replied, “Just stop lecturing buddy! One must not wait for something bad to happen, and the confidence you are talking looks to be over confidence and not self-confidence. And added, still I am unmarried and I don’t want to take any kind of risk like losing my life or limbs in any accident due to such reckless driving as I always been a firm believer of the fact, Prevention is better than Cure.” He felt hurt, but still, he asked whether I can spare some time to discuss. I replied, “Even I want to talk to you and prove you incorrect”.
We drove to a local park near by that day and started a hot debate on self-confidence. He had taken out a small card from his wallet and gave it to me. It read, “If you have faith in yourself, nothing shall be impossible to you” on one side and on the obverse side it read, “Faith is life and Doubt is death”.
He said, as you know that I am into marketing business, I drive around all day to meet my customers. While driving, I have discovered the thought processes that were mostly negative thoughts viz., fear and defeat which had incidentally resulted in bad sales to the company. But since I have been using this card given by my boss, I have learned to think differently. The old insecurities that used to haunt me are just about all gone, and instead of thinking of fear, thoughts of defeat and ineffectiveness, I think thoughts of faith and courage.
I said, the quotations are really praise worthy but frankly speaking, I am not convinced. As far as I remember, we were here to discuss about your reckless driving and about self-confidence, but what you spoke is completely irrelevant. Could you please define what Self-Confidence does mean to you? I asked.
“To my belief”, he said, “Self-Confidence is nothing but having faith in your own abilities! It is that reasonable confidence in your own powers that will turn you successful and make you happy.” And added, “A sense of inferiority and inadequacy interferes with the attainment of one’s hopes, but it is the self-confidence leads to self-realization and successful achievement”.
But, what I found in you is Over-Confidence and not Self-Confidence, I interrupted. He smiled and continued, buddy as I already told, I have developed a sense of positive attitude by eliminating the most troubling inferiority complex from my mindset. I have realized my abilities and potentials by filling my mind with affirmations of the presence, and developed courage to face any challenging situation. It would appear like over-confidence to everyone but, I am sure that it is not. Believe me, lack of self-confidence is one of the great problems besetting people today. He added. Everywhere, one can encounter people who are inwardly afraid, who suffer from deep sense of inadequacy and insecurity and doubt their own powers. And thus, due to deeply rooted mistrust within ourselves, we kick many-a-opportunities at our own doorstep.
And this small card had worked wonders for you I asked habitually. Again, he smiled and replied. It is not just this card which made me realize about my strengths, but the realization itself that I had after reading it. It is true that I no more have feelings of inferiority and am enjoying success and happiness. Feelings of confidence depend upon those thoughts that occupy our minds. Think defeat and you are bound to feel defeated. But once you practice thinking confident thoughts, you will discover a strong sense of power with in yourself to overcome any difficult situation.
Well said, but practicing this isn’t a difficult thing, I questioned. He quoted Emerson, “They conquer who believe they can. Do one thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” And he added, it is never an impossible task to practice. Try to make a true estimate of your ability and practice to fill your mind with the thoughts of faith, confidence and security. This will not only expel all thoughts of doubt, all lack of confidence but also lead you towards having a firm belief in yourself. For attaining this state of mind, you need to read self-help books and sometimes your own experiences might help to a greater extent.
In my conclusion, I have nothing to say but to thank my friend for his wisely advise. Though, I have lost the card which he gave me, still I am practicing the most powerful concepts of Self-Confidence. Hope, this article would help you people in discovering your own abilities. All the best!!

Thanks and Regards

Srikanth Chintakindi.

Are we Socially Responsible Citizens?

The other day, when I was traveling by MMTS Train, I was given a small pamphlet which reads, that for the transportation facility from hi-tech city railway station to Madhapur, they need signatures of the passengers (as support) to be presented before the concerned authority represented by Mr. Chukka Ramaiah (IIT Fame) and other MLC. The signatures were collected by one Software Engineer and as soon as he left our compartment, co-passengers started to share their differences in opinion and showcased their frustration in every possible manner.
I was listening to their conversations carefully, which if summarized, more or less says, it would be sheer waste of time to do such things. It would be better to block the road and protest or else wait for the government to respond or wait for the people to realize the situation. But, after listening to a really frustrated employee of Four Soft Company, I suggested him to buy a bicycle and park it hi-tech station and use it everyday to reach his office instead showing his frustration. I also added, it would solve his problem in many aspects viz., saving the fuel, no pollution and will serve as a good exercise for his health.
He looked at me with anger and for a moment, I thought, he is definitely going to bang on my head. But, thank goodness! He had just left that place without any comment. I know people get hurt listening to advises if they are not seeking one. But, at the same time, we must also, respect some advises which are really worthy.
As I had been a great believer of the fact that, “Instead cursing the darkness around us by sitting idle, it would be better if we at least try to light a small lamp.” I feel happy that, people viz., the software engineer distributing pamphlets, some students of my department who clean the litter thrown outside my department building etc., are concerned about their society. If we hesitate to take up on the responsibility at a right moment, it would show its adverse affects not only on us but also on our society.
In my conclusion, I would like to say that, there is no harm if you don’t take the responsibility but it does really matter if you do criticize the people working for such noble causes. We must respect their morals and feel pride of these people who are concerned about their co-human beings. And if possible, we must try not to hinder their way but try to help them in any or every possible manner.

Thanks and Regards

Srikanth Chintakindi.

HOW TO CONTROL DESIRES?

Desires are always one more than infinity. We all desire something or the other and do strive hard to see them get fulfilled. But, the problem here is, as soon as one desire gets fulfilled, multiple desires stand in a queue making us lead a restless life.
According to Yogi Vemana, as fish gets trapped by a worm thrown by a fisherman into the water, so do we, the people, gets trapped by the earthly desires and finally get extinct. And as soon as we get trapped, we rotate continuously in a never-ending cycle in order to fulfill our desires at any cost.
For Instance, take the fish in the water, though it has got plenty of food still gets trapped for the sake of a small worm thrown by a fisherman. We can kindly consider the case of fish, as it is a brainless creature. But, what happened with us? Why do we behave foolish? Don’t we have brains to think? It is quite surprising but a fact that, we still are being trapped by the worldly desires.
Can’t we exercise control on our own desires? Yes, we can. It may be difficult but not an impossible task. To do this, we have to strictly impose some factoids on us. It is a well-known fact that, nothing is permanent in this world. Neither the body you possess nor the people around you, neither the money/property you have nor the worldly gain you had acquired. It is better to sacrifice the above foolish feelings of belongingness and better avoid possessiveness on the materialistic wealth. As we all are here for a certain span of time, we must not only utilize it to the fullest but also realize that we must acquire the wealth that gives us both the security and happiness and more over that is not materialistic viz., “knowledge of what/why we are here for?”
If we are successful in leading life in a righteous manner, then we also are equally immortal like many legendaries of the history viz., any role model of yours. Therefore, in my conclusion, I would like to remind, that as we all have come empty handed to this world and are familiar that, we leave this world in the same manner; it would be better if we do not develop any kind of lust towards materialistic wealth. Or to be content as, Harold J smith says, “Richest people are those contented with what they have”. As knowledge itself is the immortal treasure (which cannot be stolen), try to share it with others, which you had had acquired in this short span of time. Believe me, it is the knowledge what you share will keep you alive in the hearts of millions.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech AI,
University of Hyderabad.

THE ART OF SAYING “NO”

Saying “No” is an art according to me. It is not only a harsh/hurting word but also a really difficult one to say as it sounds cold-blooded. Yet, one has to say “No” when he/she doesn’t want to say “Yes”. In my personal life, I am an equally timid soul. I feel self-pity that I have no courage to say “No” for unreasonable requests. For instance, when I am at my department, I simply join anyone who approaches me for having a cup of tea or just for pastime. Not always, but many a times, I felt like saying “No” but failed. This attitude of I has not only affected my personal hygiene (me becoming a jumbo) but also my precious time. By the time, when I realized this, it’s too late.
It was a self-mistake that, I had always feared of losing friends and people around me if I don’t attend to their unreasonable requests thinking, “If I refuse to do that, they won’t like me or they will go mad at me”. Thus, since years, I had been a victim of unassertiveness. As a result, I have learned to act in inferior ways by masking my own strengths making me inferior. I found it extremely impossible to express my emotions like anger or tenderness and hence forth, kowtowing to others wishes and holding my own desires inside made myself possess no control on/over my (own) life. It’s as similar as the situation of hero Siddhartha in the movie titled, “Bommarillu”. Many a times I found it difficult to express my feelings and instead saying “I don’t like what you did/said”, said, “I like what you did/said”.
I know this is the case with many, but, can’t we get over it? Yes, I think, we can! To do so, what I found in my study/research on this topic is, to develop assertiveness by keeping a self-watch. I know it hurts others when we say a “No”, but, at the same time, if we don’t say no at the right time/moment, it leads us into activities we don’t respect ourselves for doing. As I already said, if you can’t state this simple two-letter word when you want to say it, you begin to lose control on your own life. Though I haven’t learned it so far, (Though, Dr. Johnson says to learn from the past in his book, “The Present”) still, I suggest one and all not to get into troubles by saying “YES” when you wanted to say “NO” and hope you people will not behave as dumbo as I.
In conclusion, I didn’t mean saying no to everything. You say yes when you want to give an affirmative response. If doing a favor for a friend or participating in a social event may inconvenience to you, there is still nothing wrong with saying yes if you feel the matter important enough to undergo discommodity for the sake of the friend or activity. Saying yes becomes wrong when you want to say no and it is in your best interest to say no, but instead, you end up with a feeble “OK, I will do it.”

Thanks and Regards,

Srikanth Chintakindi.

ARE YOU QUESTIONING BACK?

Last week in Hyderabad city, there were two bomb explosions which killed over 45 people. May it be the reason of Terrorism or anything but it had caused a huge human loss. These days, it has become a daily routine for those who explode bombs. Every part of the world is shivering just because of terrorism. For instance, 9/11 at twin towers and 7/11 at Mumbai last year. In such conditions, people are feeling fearsome to trust their own co-human beings. Do you know why actually it is happening? If you ask me, I would say that, we have completely lost the guts to question back. This is the sole reason why we can see such incidents occurring. I will explain you how.

You all may be aware of a popular fable of a herd of sheep. A shepherd was traveling to other cities with a herd of sheep. At the end of the day, the shepherd thought of staying at an Inn. But he was worried about his sheep. He thought, that the sheep will be lost if he don’t tie them. But at the same time, he had a small rope with which he couldn’t be able to tie at least a single sheep. But, some how, carrying the same small rope, he went to the herd of sheep and pretended as if, he were tying the sheep together. Actually, he didn’t tie any of the sheep but pretended that, he tied all the forelegs of sheep together. Next day in the morning, he came back to his sheep, and gave a hard push. The sheep stood steadily as if they were tied to each other. Again, the shepherd pretended untying the sheep which he never tied. Now the sheep moved freely and followed the herd or say the shepherd.

Now, it might have become crystal clear about what I’m going to speak today. Yes, you are correct that, I’m going to speak about the necessity of questioning back which we never try to do. Friends, let me tell you one thing first. No one of us (human beings) is perfect. We all do think alike; No one thinks more than what others think. It is the implementation which differs and yields results but remember, all of us think in a similar way as the sheep does. We people have developed a tendency to follow and not to lead and to our fate we have chosen leaders who misguide us.

May be, the zeal of questioning back should start from the budding or say sapling state. When children ask questions, we do neglect answering them and thus, we kill their enthusiasm to question why it is happening as such. And even if we do answer also, we never tell them it is not final. We never try to convince ourselves that there might exist yet another answer or say answers. To my belief, nothing can be concluded with cent percent accuracy. If one concludes, then there exists no research further.

It’s not the government which should be stood solely responsible for such kind of incidents. Government is nothing but people, we the people who govern us. Did the government employees come from planets or are they gods? No right! They too are humans like us, and they too don’t have the sixth sense to tell where the next explosion is going to occur. The terrorists think that, government had become deaf so an explosion might be a remedy to make it hear their voice. Is it really a remedy? Who are they killing? Are they killing the corrupt system or innocent people? If they want to make the system listen to their demands do they really have to cause human loss? Why people have forgotten that there exist Gandhigiri too (through which we can solve the problems)? There’s a popular saying, “If you know what hurts you, you know what hurts others”. And it’s true that, the terrorists are unaware of the same.

In the name of religion or say what ever, some organizations are hiring unemployed youth to cause huge destructions. Youth is much fascinated because they are frustrated being unemployed or say the leaders of such organizations are misguiding them in the name of religion and making them as their weapons. They are making them suicide bombers and since youth is highly distracted in nature, they are utilizing them to such an extent that the youth is completely forgetting the essence of ethics. Thus, developing hatred towards society, government or say what ever, the youth has become the major weapon for such organizations who stands responsible for what ever destruction it occurs. That’s the reason why, I’ve already said that, we are like the sheep who love to follow the herd and not lead, and to our fate we have leaders who mislead us.

Is there any solution for this problem? Definitely, to me, “there exists a solution for every problem”. It’s we who have to implement it. It should start with one’s own self. One must question him/herself back about how his /her actions affect the society. One must answer about what he/she does when questioned without hesitation or say the truth. It looks practically impractical to practice but friends it is never an impossible task too. If one goes wrong, let it the President of the country, question back why he/she did so, (if possible)? {I’ve used the term if possible, because, earlier, President Dr. Abdul Kalam used to respond if questioned; I don’t know about Mrs. Prathiba Patil}Or ask your representative (MLA’s or MP’s) to question from your side, after all, you’ve chosen them. Because, one can’t say that the whole system is corrupt. It’s you who have to choose the genuine person who listens to you and speaks for you.

If you do practice it from the budding level, say from schooling, college or whatever or where ever in the society, the habit of questioning back; then believe me, you’ll be the creator of new theories. Because, if you can’t find a perfect answer, I know, you will definitely strive hard to find one. But please beware that, the answer should not harm the society where you live. Finally, I don’t want to conclude this time, as I usually do in my every article because, I want you all to think about the cause and effect and then implement the same for the welfare of the society.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.)
University of Hyderabad.

NOW… WHILE THERE’S TIME!!

You all are familiar that, Monica Bedi was imprisoned. During she was in jail, she had taught her co-prisoners Yoga, Dance etc., She had a self-realization about what she did in her past and had prepared herself a set of goals that were to be achieved when freed from jail. Here, please do not mistake me, because I’m not going to write her biography but friends, I had took her life as an instance to explain you the key features of Human Life which we consciously are trying to forget.

There’s a popular saying that, “You don’t know the value of a Well, until its Dry”. This quotation is merely enough to explain you, what I am going to talk about this week. It’s true that, we the human beings are consciously ruining the human values and forgetting rejoice of being alive. To support my statement, I would like to talk about Telecommunications. Though it’s annoying but still true that, Telecommunication world had completely ruined the emotional attachments of the people. Earlier there used to a situation where people used meet each other in person to know the well-being of each other. They used to travel far distances and meet their relatives, friends, or whomever concerned just to greet each other and to have a get together.

Today it’s completely otherwise. Here people celebrate many-a-number of day’s viz., Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentines Day, Friendship Day etc., and all exported from foreign cultures. If you ask me, I would question you; do we require all this sort of nuisance making days? In India especially, do we need to celebrate a mother’s day? Isn’t it sarcastic? What ever may be the reason but, here too, telecommunication world rules! It’s really pathetic to state but, millions of SMS and Calls are being made to greet each other or say one’s own parents on what so ever day it is! It’s tragic that, the day is not far when people make conversations from the same home from different phones.

You have got all the rights to argue with me that, at least this way they are bound to each other, but does it really matter? Isn’t there any difference between parents feeding their children making sit on their lap and telling stories and suggesting their ayah’s to feed their children?

I agree that, we too must change with the changing world. But do we have to change ourselves to such an extent that, we forget the human values and Indian Culture which is respected all over the globe? Even in rural India, we can see the people moving faraway from the bonding they used to have with their own blood (relations). This appears to be an irony but, people are highly attached to their television sets than to their own relations. In cities, most of the Children are abused, molested, and drew away from the love they are supposed to get, and to my surprise, school going children are completely unaware of the games we used to play in our childhood like marbles, flying kites etc., sports and games are completely getting out of sight may be due to heavy home works or say addiction to television. And the same is with the case of the old people who are abandoned and are made to stay at old age homes.

If we behave with our elder and younger generations in such a manner, don’t you think that they too will impose on us the same rules, when we grow older? Friends, as Newton says, that “For every action there will be equal and opposite reaction”, we must all be aware of such reflections. We must never ill-treat any unprivileged human being and now, while there’s time, I plead one and all to take care of the relationships whatever, we have, viz., love, friends, parents, grandparents, children, neighbors, people in the society or whatever and try to spend some time for them, because beware, in the way up, we must not ill-treat people as, we have to meet the same while the way down.

We spend a lot of time for our own welfare and think less about the society. It’s no harm, as there is a proverb which says, if you cannot help no problem, but please do not hurt anyone. It’s our duty to attend well to the society by helping the unprivileged people. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve to contribute your money. A healing touch is enough, or say, a few soothing words too work only if you can spend a little amount of time to discuss with people sharing their sorrows and joys. Believe me, if you talk to the people, you can see a smile on their lips. Don’t stick to the Television sets when you’ve time. Talk to your own family, you need not have to go searching for the people to talk. You can give happiness to your own parents, if you discuss with them, let they be some petty/silly issues. Don’t feel irritated, talk freely and whole-heartedly. And now, while there’s time, you can become emotionally attached to your relations. People, once if they trust you, develop an intimacy to share their sorrows and joys unhesitatingly. Be a friend of society.

Get more out of your weekend. Many of you might be having two holidays per week. Utilize it fully. Learn new things or the things you love the most. For instance, I was very passionate about dance, but due to my lazy attitude, I had been postponing it since a long which made me lose complete interest as now. Don’t let this happen in your case at least. Involve yourself in the activities that gives you rejoice. Do charity on one day and spend the next whole day for yourself. Or say, if you’re good at painting, don’t let your art die. Who knows you may also become as familiar as M. F. Hussein is!. Practice your skills, learn new things, and don’t let your weekends go in vain. Now, while there’s time, utilize it to the fullest. Enjoy the life to the fullest and enjoy rejoice of being alive.

Finally, in my conclusion, I also plead you all to teach others what all you have learnt. If you know that teaching means learning twice, then, please never let your skills get vanished with you. As in the beginning, I instantiated Monica Bedi, who taught her co-prisoners yoga and dance, you too, take some time out to teach what you know, to the people who do not know. For instance, if you know kuchipudi dance and you teach it to someone, it will become immortal, and you’ll never find time complaining that performing arts are vanishing! Don’t let your skills die. Now, while there’s time, utilize the same for the benefit of the society.

Thanks and Regards,

Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

LIVE LIFE BLISSFULLY!!

I’ve heard many of my friends saying that they want happiness. Even for me, it seems like an impossible dream. I sometimes wonder and ask myself the question (as if I were asked by Shahrukh khan in Kal Ho Na Ho movie) that, when was it the last time I was been fully cheerful or say laughed soulfully? By now, I hope that you people might also be questioning yourself the same. Am I right!
Frankly speaking, I’ve totally failed finding a really convincible answer in the pursuit of happiness. Actually, I always break my heads to understand why we people behave foolishly searching for happiness instead knowing that it is with in us. But never dare wasting our valuable time listening to our own inner voices. Thus, we completely ignore it and make our lives complex in spite knowing, “One who wills can hear the inner voice.”
In “Anguthara Nikaya”, Gautama Buddha had stated that, “It is necessary for all, that some day we might become old; or some day we might fall ill; or some day we may die; or the things we love and treasure a lot will leave us alone. And thus, we are the one who stand solely responsible for whatever we do whether good or bad. And it is necessary fact that it happens in every one’s life, whether a day before or a day after but surely happens. No one can exercise his/her control on what is happening around us.” He stated it as a necessary ingredient of life because, if we fear of becoming old, then we tend to sacrifice the pride in youth; By thinking about death and ill-health, we can leave behind us the pride of being alive and staying healthy respectively. Therefore, he pledged us, to sacrifice the feelings of “Ego”. He asked us to remember that,“Nothing is permanent than Change”. Thus, it is the first step towards a blissful life where one leaves his/her ego for being beautiful,charming, handsome, rich,highly educated, or what ever and accept the changes that occur in his/her life.
The founder of “The Art of Living”, Guru Sri Ravi Shanker says, Laughter is the most invaluable property, we, the human beings have inherited. It serves as a good friend and keeps us free from stress. He says, when compared to a child who laughs more than 400 times a day, we laugh only 17 times a day. Thus, we have even restricted ourselves to feel the joy of life. Though we all know that, the problems never come to stay with us forever, still we worry. Remember, for every sunrise there is a sunset and for every sunset there is a sunrise; we too are blessed with a life cycle, which always changes. So, let us not fear about the obstacles that comes our way, because a pleasant smile of yours can reduce all burdens you have and smiling at problems makes us self-confident which in turn leads us to a successful living. Remember, that it is not the load that breaks you; it is the way that you carry it. Always maintain a positive attitude towards life which makes you feel cheerful always. Therefore, it must be noted that, being cheerful keeps up the spirit of the one who possesses it and brings smile to the lips of others. You all know a proverb which says, Smile a lot it costs nothing. So, laugh like a child and always try to be happy and stress-free. This is the second step to live blissfully
Our father of nation, Mahatma Gandhi says, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as it you were to live forever”. I believe that, there is no other alternative for this quotation. Because, worrying about future will make us anxious and thinking about past leave us depressed. Thus, in either ways, we may lose the most precious present life we are gifted with. Therefore, one has to live his life as if he/she were to die tomorrow. Live every moment possible to the fullest and promise yourself stay happily. I know saying this is quite easy but believe me, it is not impossible task at all. And of course, learning is an essential part of life, for both updating and secured life-style. In order to avoid redundancy in life, one has to learn from his/her past experiences, mistakes, and spend a lot of time in improving self because, where we come from isn’t nearly as important as where we are going. And believe me, if you understand this concept, then you will not find time to criticize others. If one does not poke his nose into the private issues of others (as we Indians often do) unnecessarily, then he/she will not find a reason to criticize others. If you don’t criticize others that itself means that you are leading a blissful life. And it is sure that you’ve found yourself. This is the third step towards a blissful life.
We consciously ruin our lives comparing it with others. Comparison is that vital ingredient which will never allow us to live happily. Richard J Harol, I believe stated that, “The Richest people are those who are contented with what ever they have.” Contentment and bliss go hand in hand. Both these qualities create a great fascination for you among others. But do we really care? In either ways, we want to be successful but not care for happiness, because we make a false assumption that money brings happiness. And for the sake of money, we are crossing the borders of morality and in one way or the other wanting make big money and become rich and famous overnight. This kind is very particularly seen in the employees of BPO’s and IT sectors. These people though earn a lucrative salary still are highly disturbed and unhappy souls on this planet. Every weekend they party expending the huge amounts but still can’t find satisfaction or say peace. And this all happens due to lack of contentment and of course due to comparison. (Why I said this, ask yourself!) Remember, if we don’t find peace (as peace always begins with a smile) within ourselves, then it is vain to find it somewhere else. If one compares him/herself with others for a better standard of living then there is no harm. But we are behaving like racing horses in the stadium named “Life”. There is no harm competing but it does matter only when we forget those human values and the real essence of life. So, better try not to compare your life with others. Believe in yourself, that you are unique by justifying that no two leaves of the same branch are alike. This is the fourth step to make your life blissful.
And finally, the best way to cheer you up is to try cheering somebody else up. This can be achieved only by serving others whole-heartedly. For instance, Saint Mother Teresa, who lead a blissful life serving the destitute and the poor. Does one have to explain that it was not the money which brought her fame, but it was her love, and caring attitude got her sainthood? It was her healing touch which gave an assurance to people that we belong to each other. Gandhiji said, “the best way to find you is to lose yourself in the service of the others”,as service to human is service to god. But do you think it is happening around us? Are we really feeling considerate about those people who need assistance? The answer is quite vivid. When the power medium of Communication, the Media itself is after making big money, which does really care? I hope it is the media which is the culprit for derailing us from the right track of life because it always tries to showcase the people who are rich and famous viz., politicians and film actors. For instance, is it necessary to telecast/ publicize Abhi-Ash’s marriage or say Rajni’s movie titled Shivaji. It is really a shameful act and thus it is crystal clear fact that, even the media is not interested focusing on the development of the underdeveloped things. Don’t feel I am going out of track, but it does also counts. Serving the needy will definitely make us feel blissful.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, each one of us are blessed with a right to live the way we wish. Follow what ever your heart says. Michael Nolan stated, “There are many things in life that will catch your eye; but only few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” Therefore, stop worrying and start living. And don’t just merely exist but live your life blissfully. As we all are equally gifted to live one life, so try to live it more happily as there is nothing more nourishing than happiness.

Thanks and regards,
Srikanth Chintakindi,
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

HOW TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL FREEDOM

India had attained its independence somewhere 60 years ago. That mean, we the Indians are free people. Perhaps the freer to do anything and everything until except it is illegal or illegitimate. But does, it sound true? Are we free enough to live our own life the way we wish? If you feel so, what exactly does the word “Freedom” means to you?
If you ask me, then I would define “Freedom” as that path which leads to individual satisfaction in life. It can also be termed as “Personal Happiness” (There is nothing more nourishing than happiness) where one does not have to spend an unreasonably large part of life doing things that he/she doesn’t want to do! But are we living a more vivid and effective individual life? No right! So, have you ever tried to find a solution for achieving Personal Freedom?
In my view, we as individuals can be truly free only as we are sufficiently independent, powerful and influential in our own right to become persons to reckon with. But to my surprise, it is always otherwise. We love to live like those caged birds (in the prison named Relationships) who had forgotten to fly high. By this way, we are our own enemies losing the enthusiasm to find the real essence of life. Here, please do not mistake me, because, I am neither criticizing the family system nor preaching the benefits of bachelor hood. This article is quite different. In this, I am just trying to focus on some guidelines applicable to each one of us to attain personal freedom. And here are those Nine Lines of Action for personal Happiness:
1) FIND YOURSELF: Being independent, we are more or less dependant on each other (say, family, friends, relatives, society or what ever). In India, to my knowledge, there are only two stages of life, viz., one where the parents look after their children until they get well-settled in their life and the second stage is that, the latter looking after the former until they die. And surprisingly, we do rotate in this continuous life cycle sacrificing all our choices and wishes for the betterment and happiness of others who are dependant upon us. So, there exists no question about individualistic life where one can think about his/her own happiness. And it is true that, “When we do not find happiness with in ourselves, it is vain to seek it else where”. Therefore, one must find himself/herself first. There is no harm being Selfish. But mind you, it should not effect the relations you have. Each of us is blessed to enjoy the pleasures that life brings to us. We are blessed with the right to live the way we wish. And hence, one must learn how to feel joy (Seneca). Live life blissfully. It is never too late to be who you might have been.
2) BE SELF-RELIANT: To be self-reliant, we should save money. Too many of us think of savings as security for old age. But to me, saving money is one of the key factors that strengthen our personal freedom. Voltaire stated, “When it is the question of money, everybody is of same religion.” If we are financially sound, then there exists no question of begging loans from others. To me the thought of making a loan itself make me feel guilty and stifled. My grandma had taught me, not to make a loan until it is a matter of cut-throat. Because making a loan threatens our self-respect. We our self, give a chance to people to talk ill about us. So, never ever try to risk your self-respect, as it knows no considerations (Mahatma Gandhi). If once, we are self-reliant, then people gather around us, praise us, and seek for help. We become independent for doing anything we wish. Even at Tirumala Tirupathi Temple, the richest people are given the highest priority. Therefore, try to save money for a secure future. And at the same time, also remember, “Save not where you can spend and spare not where you can save”.
3) BUILD YOUR EDUCATION AND SKILLS: Personal freedom can be expanded by education and skills because they open up a wider range of professional opportunities. Knowledge is a tangible asset, quite often the most important tool in the work. The more marketable knowledge you possess the more free you are, for it can’t be taken away from you – it’s a tool you carry around in your head.
This competence, cannot, in fact, be taken away from us except by obsolescence. In today’s world many of us can feel competent, and free, only as we keep abreast of new development in our field. We are definitely going to hear a great deal, in coming years, about the importance of continuing education. (By this statement, I hope many of my friends who always pinch me for still being a student might have got an answer for the reason behind me continuing my education.) Therefore, it becomes necessary to update yourself and share the knowledge in achieving personal freedom and immortality respectively.
4) KEEP YOUR HONOR CLEAN: To maintain freedom, we should reduce personal frailties, for these make us Vulnerable. It is still true that an upright man is more likely to dare to speak the truth. No matter, if you are financially pinched, but, never become a man of dishonor. Believe me, “Penniless is better than honor less”. If you keep your honor clean, you can dare to live the way you wish; say, as a leader or a hero. You can dare to express yourself to the fullest. And of course, as said by Albert Einstein, “Try not to become a person of success, but rather become a person of Value”. This will definitely fetch you freedom.
5) KEEP YOUR PRIVATE LIFE PRIVATE: Privacy is the heart concept of Freedom. It is the first thing to disappear when freedom disappears. And we all know that, in India, we cannot live a private life. These days, Media (Example, TV9) is after exposing the privacy of people to the Public itself. If we can at least preserve the privacy that remains to us, as so many do, giving it away; then, we can be successful in living an individualistic life to a greater extent. Of course, this can never happen, but we can try to preserve our privacy to dream and plan and to discover the reason behind our existence on the planet earth. We can seek an answer for what our life is meant for?
6) KEEP YOUR WORD: Always try to keep your word. If you cannot, then just do not say anything in the first place. For doing this, reach out and share your concerns with others. And by making certain that, they are well-informed and well-balanced; you can build your web of influence. People, who keep their word, always influence others apart from gathering respect, strength and trust. To my belief, those who are well-trusted in the society become the most effective. But for doing this, one must trust him/her self first. And hence, never lose trust as it is like a crystal vase that once it is shattered, it is broken forever. Therefore, remember that it does definitely count in maintaining your personal freedom.
7) TAKE UPON PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: The sovereign way to personal freedom is to help determine the forces that determine you. Be active! Take on Responsibility! This means not merely voting, but working for the things, you believe in! If you do not, you are surrendering your fate to others to do act. Never allow others to live your life. Be individualistic. Be firmly attached to the decisions you make for yourself. Live your views on the grounds of Self-Confidence and show courage. And if you’re courageous and confident, no one can dare to stop you; you are free to do anything you wish.
8) DON’T GIVE YOUR LIFE TO ONE ORGANIZATION -UNLESS IT IS GIVEN WHOLE-HEARTEDLY: Most of us do not dare to try things which we often wish to do. We feel “Absorbed” and Swallowed up by the organizations where we work of our daily bread. To my observation, when I was working with one such organization a year back, I found that, we do not personally control about what is happening around us. We are not allowed to express our feelings, as it does not matter at all for them. We thus, are supposed to wear the sad spectacles and have the vision through the goals of the organization itself. The many layers of authority surrounding us may leave us feeling insignificant. Here, again do not mistake me, because, I am not asking you all to start up a new business of your own or let yourself in the things that you cannot do; but, please do not give your life to any organization unless it is given whole-heartedly.
If you are in love with the work you do, then there is no problem; but in case, if you feel that you efforts are not recognized and thus make you feel hemmed in or manipulated, then, think for a change if you are a person of talents. And fortunately, there are many opportunities waiting at your own door step. Search for the companies where you can live and not just merely exist. Try searching for the opportunities where you feel contented. Make prior planning and just not drift to make the best from what ever job you get but make sure that you live an individualistic life to the fullest. And since, life is a matter of choices, and freedom consists in making them yourself, try making decisions which improve our lifestyle. All of us should assess the potential for freedom in any important action. Ideally, we should work for the things we believe in.
9) BE PATIENT AND ENTHUSIASTIC: There is a proverb that says, “To lose patience is to lose the battle”. So, try to be patient. Don’t hurry and rush up but rather wait for the gift that life is going to give us for our patience. It is always better to slow down and get there than to never arrive at all. If you believe “Life is Beautiful” then just be as enthusiastic as ever. For Enthusiasm, is that secret and harmonious spirit which hovers the production of genius (Isaac Disraeli). Don’t let life discourage you; and don’t let yesterday take up too much of today. Stop day dreaming. If you really want to achieve something seriously then, just look above and beyond the circumstances and never sit back crying for things which you don’t have. Be confident and contented. Realize your potential to the fullest. Every man gets an opportunity to prove himself. We too, will get a chance one day or the other. If we prove our self, then, we are free to do anything we wish.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, it is not only the most difficult to know one self, but the most inconvenient one too. We can try as it is never impossible. But the truth is that there is a great deal that most of us can individually do to increase our freedom. We can combat the forces that would make us tame. We can fortify ourselves with the qualities and conditions that promote individual freedom. In doing so, we will be helping to create a better environment of freedom for all, and thus, motivate the future generations. And finally, I would like to share with you all a wonderful quotation by Norman R Augustie, which reads, “Motivation will almost always beat mere talents”. So, keep motivating others like I, and create a lively society.


Thanks and Regards,
SRIKANTH CHINTAKINDI,
M.Tech (A.I.),
UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD.

WHEN EVER WE MAKE MISTAKES....

“To err is human,” says a proverb. I think that, I need not have to expand and explain why we do err? Can any one show me even a single person who had made no mistakes till date? It is highly impossible right. But, do we dare to admit this? No! We never try to admit our mistakes. (“If anyone who claims that he never did a mistake should be considered as a person who never tried anything new”).
The legendary poet of all times, Yogi Vemana (who needs no recognition) in one of his poems stated, “Every one does err. We can find people all over who always try to point at the faults of others but never try to admit their own.” Even I am not an exceptional case for this statement. I do many-a-mistakes and always stand first in pointing out the faults of others. But to my belief, I had never hurt any one when pointing out one’s faults, because, I was aware of the fact that, “If you know what hurts you, you know what hurts others.”
But there are people who blame others. Finding faults may not hurt people that bad but blaming does matter. We must not take it for granted the people who blame us, “Nobody can hurt me without my Permission (Mahatma Gandhi)”. Instead, we must ask them to prove us wrong (If we are genuine). We must not quarrel or argue with these people. As, Willie Jollie in his book, It only takes one minute to change your life, stated that, we should not quarrel with idiots because it is similar to wrestling with a pig. Even we must not blame others without any proof. We must cultivate a habit of “searching others for their Virtues and thyself (Own) for Vices but not vice-versa.” For developing this habit, we must “Observe all men, thyself the most”.
One must build the courage to raise the voice against the wrong. Winston Churchill said, “Courage is the best quality which guarantees all others”. No matter if you are left alone, show the strength that you are there to fight for the Right cause. Henrik Ibsen said, “The strongest man in the world is he, who stands alone.” Never wait for any one to support you. Our Father of Nation, “Mahatma Gandhi” is a classic example to illustrate that how he had fought against the wrong rulers. Remember life is real and you are the one who can play your role better than others. Thus, your courage towards life does matter.
I know that, it gives a kind of happiness (Ego satisfaction) pointing out some one else’s mistakes which itself in turn is an other mistake we make with a conscious state of mind. Yet we ignore. As ignorance is always afraid of change, we do enjoy our unchanged attitude. But one has to remember that, our ignorance leads to exchanging the arguments samely as we see in the case of the knowledge which exchanges discussion. Better discuss with people than to argue. Discussions will help us become a good human being with a better attitude.
According to Paul ‘Bear’ Byrant, whenever we make a mistake, there are only three ways we should ever do about it. The first thing is to “ADMIT IT”. Believe it or not, but I do admit my mistakes without any hesitation. Though it looks like self-drumming, people who knows me better, know that, I am gifted with that Courage which not only helped me to Stand-up and Speak (Whether in admitting my own mistake or pointing out some one else’s) but also to Sit down and Listen (To those who point out my mistakes). Why I am saying this is admitting a mistake needs lots of Strength and Honesty of course. Saying "Sorry" with in itself is an art. An art that strengthen our character. No one (including I, in the world) likes to admit his/her own mistake and take up the responsibility on his or her shoulders, as it is a matter of reputation. We never risk our character for the sake of reputation. Of course, Reputation is precious but at the same time Character is Priceless. Indecision (Here I mean, not admitting mistake) itself can prove to be our worst mistake ever. Believe me, if you admit that you’re wrong, you show the world that you’ve grown a little wiser and if you attend well to your character, the reputation will look out for itself automatically. And you’ll be definitely appreciated for your courage. (Example: the character of Victor played by Jimmy Shergill in the movie Lagey Raho Munna Bhai).
The second thing that we should ever do when we do a mistake is, to “LEARN FROM IT”. Plutarch once said, “To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes, the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.” Though it is not quite simple but it is not impossible too. Zarathustra said, “One who learns nothing from the past will be punished by the future”. Therefore, it becomes a necessity to learn and the only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. Others judge us by what we have already done and once if we learn, it takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why we did it wrong. Thus, we can make things set right which seems to be in a hopeless condition.
The third and the most important thing is, “NEVER REPEAT A MISTAKE”. You might be aware that we all do repeat our mistakes again and again constantly due to our love, favoritism or say addiction. (Example: Smoking, Drinking, Drugs, Gambling and what ever that is wrong and unhealthy to both self and society…etc.,). On 1st January every year, each one of us make an oath that we might leave a bad habit for ever, say for instance, drinking but never do it. Beware, we might fool every one else around us but never try fool ownself. Do not try to repeat the mistakes whatever you feel are wrong. List out the bad habits that you’ve cultivated and try to chop them gradually and try to chop them forever. Try to conquer your fears (Bertrand Russell said, “To conquer fear is the beginning of the Wisdom”) and be honest to yourself as an honest individual is satisfied with himself as much as others are satisfied with him and remember that being good to yourself and liking what you do is the first step to success.
For doing all these, you must develop a strong will power. And to my belief, “This world itself is filled with willing people. Some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.” If you wish to change yourself then no one will dare to interfere with your work/decision as each one of us are equally busy. You must learn from the mistakes you did in the past and never be afraid of the storms that occur while you learn how to sail your ship in the ocean called “Life”.
Finally, there are some cases where, “Even a mistake may turn out to be the only thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement (Henry Ford)”. These are really exceptional cases, which occurs very less often but yes it happens. Therefore never fear to try something new unless it is bad for both your health and your society.
In conclusion, I would like to share with you a popular quotation of Thomas H Huxley, who said, “The great end of life is not knowledge- but Action”. Therefore, I request you all (applicable to I also) to start working on improving the personality not just by reading these motivational articles but also try to implement with courageous attitude and just go ahead in your life.

Thanks and Regards,
SRIKANTH.C,
M.TECH (A.I.),
UNIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD.

HOW TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL

This article is about one of my workaholic friends who work for “Virtusa” until late nights and to my surprise even on weekends. I questioned him, “Why do you do it even when rest of the staff had gone home?” and added myself, “You don’t have to prove anything. You’d get the same salary”
He replied with a smile, “My friend, it doesn’t matter how much you get or who pays you. You’re always working for yourself!”
This answer has motivated me in jotting down what I feel. Sister Mary Lauretta said, “To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work”. To my belief, most of the purposeful and workaholic people who fall in love with their work only create master pieces with the skills they have. And thus, they inspire people.
Since, we are talking about people, they are categorized into three, viz., Great people who discuss ideas; Average people who discuss events; and small people (like me) discuss people. Great people are thus, considered to be both the champions (Champions are not necessarily those persons who have the most, but perhaps the persons who give the most) and the leaders (who know the way, go the way, and show the way) for the rest of the world. (And these leaders of course, do not create the followers; they create other leaders.)
They never hesitate or step back in learning new things. Thus, they always keep themselves young by updating the information, making new trials and propose new theories. Though they are people like us, but they see things differently. And, until we don’t start observing things differently we too cannot do different things.
Apart from the above three kinds, there is yet another category of people who always complain. These people don’t think their jobs are worth their best efforts. They are always saving themselves for the great break - which never comes. They never realize that a big job consists of many little jobs, all of which have to be done well. Hence, they do not allow themselves to grow high, as they are not aware of the fact that, “Every job is a self portrait of the person who does it. Therefore, one need to autograph his/her own work with excellence”. And of course, they are always busy complaining and crying about others; never know that, “Dictionary is the only place where Success comes before Work” as they want to be successful without hard work.
Some of the little jobs may seem to be thankless, but if they are consistently well done, “It is certain that”, as Ralph Waldo Emerson note, “the secret cannot be kept. If a man has good wood or boards or pigs to sell, or can make better chairs or knives, crucibles, or church organs, than anybody else, you’ll find a broad, hard-beaten road to his house, though it be in woods.”
And hence, for walking a mile long, you need to start with a single step. One must not analyze, whether the job is a little one or a bigger one; but try to work on it sincerely and give it a best shot possible. Thus, a little job well done is the first step towards a bigger one. It is possible only through, the constant and determined effort one breaks down resistance and sweeps away all the obstacles and thus gains happiness. One must remember that, “Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” Therefore, it must be obvious that, “every problem has a gift for you in its hand”.
In conclusion, I would like to add a proverb that says, “There always remains an opportunity to make a new start” and every morning brings us a new opportunity that puts a man on trial and each evening passes the judgment. And therefore, all of us must realize our goals and practice to be good to our own self and start liking what ever we do to reach the final destination named Success.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C (H.C.U.)

INSPIRATION

Recently I had bought a notebook, whose cover contained a beautiful quotation, viz., “Don’t go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trial.” As you all are familiar that my writings are born out of Inspirations, hence forth this article too, adds up to the same.
It might look quite funny but if we observe in particular, we may find a new idea ready at our own hand that needs to be developed. Since, we are the busy creatures on the whole earth; we don’t want to waste our time observing what’s happening around us. And never question what’s exactly is happening. May be it because of fear about what people think about us if we question? Or may be is the fear of getting regarded as a crank prevent us to do so. Thus, we never dare to make a trial. We simply follow the rules or definitions quoted by some one else, just like the sheep following the herd.
Once, Albert Einstein was asked, “What you would say to science students?”
He replied without hesitation. “I would advise them to spend an hour everyday rejecting the ideas of others and thinking things out for themselves. This will be a hard thing to do, but rewarding.” To my belief, this is the soul secret of Nobel Laureates who do research on the same topic again and again thus deriving new logics every time they trial.
And I believe that, the human brain can be an amazing instrument, when it is forced to function. It can create a rocket to the moon, computer, sculptures, sky scrapers, pyramids etc., until it is driven to the hard job of thinking.
And, if we start thinking then we will automatically find logic or answer in the question itself. But do we really care?
Have you ever thought of such persons like these: About him, who had proposed the theory of gravitation when an apple has just dropped on his head; or about him, who ran shouting Eureka! Eureka! I found it! I found it, along the streets directly from his bathroom after finding the solution for how the ships float on water; or about these person who had discovered so called, America or about that person who has found the sea route to India; or about that person who had lead the whole nation for the achieving freedom.
Why were they successful? Were they different from us? And what is reason behind them to be considered till date? Isn’t it because of the burning zeal and desire in them for developing a particular idea or inspirations? Does one need to explain, “Great people don’t do different things, but they do things differently!”
Realize that, when we have an idea out of inspiration, we create a vision. And to create this vision, people have to get beyond their current inhibitions, they have to dream. Our willingness to create a new vision for ourselves is a statement o belief in our potential. And thus achieving starts with believing.
Got confused right! It is so simple; but a chain of series which is inter-related to one another. Out of inspiration we develop an idea, and from that idea we develop vision which further gives birth to desire (inner belief) of achieving the tasks.
But where we get confused is not the above series. It is because that we really don’t know what we want out of life. It’s not enough to say that I want to be happy, I want money or I want to be a better person. One must determine exactly “What one wants and when?”
To do this, write down a short summary of your goal and the achievement date put it beside your bed or adhere it to your ceiling and read it aloud to yourself every morning when you wake up. Vagueness is the invariable hallmark of the unfocussed mind. So, better get rid of it.
There’s no use pinpointing in life unless what you want it enormously. (No matter how great your words may be, you will be judged by your actions.) Day dreams and wishful wishes are not enough; there must be intense and burning desire. Nobody can put this hunger into you; you’ve to develop it yourself by constant, vivid imagining of the benefits that achieving upon your goal will bring. Unless you care, you won’t get there. When setting your goal, remember that unless you are willing to pay the price you’re wasting time.
That’s why, we all have to work; take chances, make sacrifices, endure setbacks. If we set a high goal, we will have to pay a high price. Therefore try to make trials. And achieve new things and set new dimensions thus help the society with your brains.
Thanks and regards,
Srikanth.C (H.C.U).

TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY

Last week I’ve finished reading a truly inspirational and highly motivational book named “The Alchemist” written by Paulo Coelho in simple English and straight to the point (177pages). It is a story of a shepherd boy who turns his dreams into reality in spite of many obstacles he faces through out his journey following his dreams until he succeeds. (No matter if you think that I am advertising, but I surely suggest one and all to read this, as good literature like this comes very less often).
By now, you all must have understood that I am going to focus on the topic “Dreams”. Yes! We all dream for betterment of self and the society as well. (Even these days in my department, this is being the hottest topic ever, “How to get placed [recruited] in Dream Companies?”) And one must dream always because, “If we don’t have a dream - how can we have a dream come true”. It is the dreamers who have paved the road to success. Though dreaming is of no harm, but it proves to be harmful only when we do not realize them and start working with a sincere approach to turn them to reality. We, the dreamers must mould ourselves in such a way that instead of many obstacles we face through out following the dreams, we must always be well-prepared to tackle every consequence until they are fulfilled.
Most of us dream but show no courage to pursue them. Our fears hold us back from pursuing dreams. We often fear of being failure and that is the reason where we lag behind. But even from failures (if we consider failure as the best teacher) we can learn many things and mainly the Optimism (A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty and one such optimist was Thomas A. Edison who once said, “I’ve not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that do not work”).
We always show courage, testing the waters but never try to get into them to create waves, as we fear that we may get drowned. And this is the sole reason; we try not to attempt difficult tasks and thus always try deceiving our own selves. But, if we don’t experience the pain of failure how can we enjoy the pleasures of success? And if we don’t work on our dreams some other might take a chance and thus we will lag behind. Again to support my statement I want to use Thomas Alva Edison as an example. He said “Most of my ideas belonged to other people who didn’t bother to develop them”, so, the ball is in your court now and it depends on your own decision whether to strike it or not. (This article is purely meant for people like I and not for those who had already fulfilled their dreams.)
And, in order to turn dreams into reality; we must develop strategies to execute our dreams (Azim Premji, CEO, Wipro). We must learn to put them into action. And to perform an action one must learn to Trust in oneself. (Trust: Trust should be like the feeling of a one year old baby. When you throw him into the air, he laughs because he knows you will catch him.) Creativity comes from Trust. So, we should always learn to trust our instincts, because these instincts (Dreams) not only make us discover our mission (goals) but also help us feel its demand and develop an enthusiasm and burning desire to get work on it. Thus, Trust a.k.a. self-confidence makes us self-reliant automatically. And once if we become self-reliant, we need not wait for others to help/guide us.
We are never alone in this world; because to my belief, the man with an imagination (Dream) is never alone. Dream itself is the best friend of ours which not only guides us how to reach the destiny but also walk hand-in-hand until we succeed in fulfilling our dreams. (“What the mind can conceive and believe – it can achieve” and hence we must develop a skill of listening to what our heart and mind says.) But, it is we the traitors who never try to listen to our best friend (Dreams) and always change our set goals by trying to work on the new one. Therefore, we must learn how to stick to our passions strictly (dreams, goals, imaginations, missions what ever you name it). We must remember a proverb which says, “You are only young as young as the last time you changed your mind”. And hence, we must not allow any fluctuations until we successfully fulfill our dreams (we can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough – Helen Keller). And this is possible only if we Dream high and Think Big, and “Let us dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men”.
There also exists a problem named “Day Dreaming”. Most of us often do this, we dream a lot but never give it a sincere try on implementing it; and constantly, we waste our valuable time delaying them. But one has to remember that, we may delay but time will not. Therefore we must wake up at the earliest; as, “the best way to make our dreams come true is to wake up”. Instead wasting time dreaming multiple things, Plan out sincerely how to achieve your ultimate dream. Achieving dreams depends on how you set your priorities and how capably you schedule your work and time. You can close your eyes to reality but not to dreams and hence prioritize what you desire (want to acquire and really want from the life) faithfully. And if you really want to achieve what you dream then you will never sit back and no one can dare to stop you reaching your goals not even you. (“The dream is not what you see in sleep; Dream is the thing which does not let you sleep” – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, honorable President of India.)
Therefore, in conclusion, I would like to request you all to keep your dreams alive (i.e., never let them die; “Death is not the great loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies with in us while we live”) and cultivate a habit of listening to your heart or mind what ever it says. Follow your dream and must not allow yourself sit weaving dreams (as we all are familiar that, “Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down”) and thus, realize the importance and start working on it right now as we all know how precious the time is!! Always remember that, “Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals” –Henry Ford, so, never allow fluctuations in your dreams (set goals) and become the Creators of your own destiny, who can turn the dreams into reality; (and never live a life of a dreamer who can only dream).

Thanks and Regards
Srikanth Chintakindi
M.Tech (A.I.),
University of Hyderabad.

TURNING FAILURES INTO SUCCESS

SUCCESS IS GETTING UP JUST ONE MORE TIME THAN YOU FALL DOWN

On the other day when I was having lunch, one of my seniors asked me, “Being gifted with many skills, why aren’t you successful in achieving good GPA at semester exams?” Then I questioned myself, am I a failure? So, from this point of view I have thought of focusing on failure stories (good column appears every Sunday in Andhra Jyothi newspaper, where celebrities talk about their failure stories).
Why failure is never pleasurable? Is that because, it hurts all alike? Or the person who fails in an attempt is considered to be of no good?
But to my belief, Failure can make a positive contribution to your life, once if you learn to use it. For some optimists, it is the stepping stone for success, and for some pessimists, it is a huge mountain of obstruction.
If you know how to use it, then there arises no disappointment and you will be ready to strike again striving for success.
Step one is to, Question yourself, “Why did I fail?” and “Where did I went wrong?” and “What next, how I can improve myself?” If you start thinking in this manner you will find many answers ready at your hand. Start analyzing from the right beginning the causes responsible for your failure. Start working on it once again, and do it right now, because, “Success is getting up one more time than you fall down”.
Step two is to, Resist yourself, the natural impulse to blame some one else. Stop blaming others, it is your failure and you are the person who is solely responsible. And always remember that you can be winner only if you are willing to walk over the edge. Let people talk ill of you (as they usually do) when you get failed. Remember that, “you are not finished yet when you are defeated; you are finished only when you quit”. So, never quit from the race, “if some one speaks ill of you, let your life be such that no one believes him”.
Step three is, if some one else can help, don’t be shy of inquiries. Failure is the real good friend or teacher of ours. It unveils the truth or reality of the people. It makes us learn the real essence of life and also helps us to make us meet with the best friends who stand by us in such times.
Last step is that, one should allow oneself to experience the disappointment. Then only we can help ourselves to master it. Though, Success, encourages repetition of old behavior, is not nearly as good teacher as a Failure. You can learn from a disastrous event how to give a good one but not from the successful one.
In conclusion, I would like to say that, Failures does not mean the end of life; but it is the real start or a beginning. You are gifted with one more chance to prove your talents and give your best. So, never feel hurt, start working on your failures right then.

Thanks and Regards,
“Sinivaali”- Srikanth.C (HCU)
9346855723.

TAKE TIME OUT

One among my friends is a Doctor by profession. Being a doctor he is always busy with his patients and medical books. So, I never used to interfere in his matters through any kind of interaction as I am aware that his time is precious. (Of course, not only his, but Time of each one of us is equally precious and an old Zen Proverb says, “No day comes back again; an inch of time is a worth a foot of Jade”.) And once, he invited me for a lunch at his home and then immediately after that we had to drive to a charity home where he asked me to accompany him to carry some paintings with him.
I was surprised to see painting after lovely painting on the walls of his house and the charity home where we made a visit. I found a similarity in painting styles and as you all know that I am good at questioning, could not resist myself but to ask him “Who did these?”
“I did” said the doctor.
Knowing his long hours of duty and his heavy responsibilities, I again questioned him, “But how on earth do you find time to all these?”
“Find it”, he sputtered, “I don’t find it, I take it”.
His answer made me spell-bound completely. He became my role-model from then onwards, as he wanted me to realize the amount of time I have been wasting for a long, asked me to accompany him to the charity. Then he added a quotation of Leonardo Da Vinci, that, “Time stays for long for those who use it” and requested me not to use my time for unnecessary things as “Time” according to the Greek Philosopher Theophrastus, “is the most valuable thing a man can spend!”.
Now, all of you might ask me that don’t we know that Time is Money? Or don’t we know that time and tide waits for no one? Yes, I completely agree with you, but friends have you ever realized it soulfully. If so, then this article is not meant for you as you all are spending your time purposefully. But if not, I want to question you that how often; instead, do we let time spend us? Have you ever thought what else we can do about it to spend our time for a proper cause meaningfully? How can we really live with in 24 hours a day?
Ask yourself the questions like, Did I ever spent 15 minutes on a park bench, simply sitting quietly watching the squirrels or birds, which can refresh me for the rest of the day? Or do I have any creativity that can lead me cultivate a hobby that can kill my sheer boredom or give happiness/bliss to my soul when I get over tired or depressed? Or am I watching the beautiful nature around me, viz., mountains, trees, lakes, ponds while I travel in train/bus/cab?
I believe that for every problem there exists a solution and it exists in the problem itself. But to seek answers we again have to depend upon “time” to question our own selves. So, from now at least, take time out to sharpen your creative skills underlying in you, cultivate hobbies like painting, dancing, writing, collecting coins, notes, stamps, autographs, perfume bottles, match boxes, pens, erasers, etc., playing games like chess, Sudoku, crosswords, etc., and even reading books (I swear that a book is the real friend of us in the times of depression or loneliness) etc.,
Ask questions to yourself, like what I did on the other day at doctor’s home. I felt ashamed and also got realized the value of time. The doctor had left me such an impression that from then onwards time had started chasing me like tyrant. And thus I started reading books (which ever comes to my hand). And through this hobby of reading books, I cultivated one more hobby, of writing. (Such boring articles you are reading now.) (i.e., to write this little, I do read a lot, not only me, a great number of people including great personalities read. For your information, Pandit J.L.Nehru was found with a book under his pillow on the day he died. Thus, reading is an excellent habit to cut-off your distress or depression, you need not have to consult a psychiatrist as a book a day keeps psychiatrist away.)
In conclusion, I request you all creative genius people that you all take time out – that restores the lilt and zest to your living. Try to cultivate some hobby which is for some good to strengthen your personality and to the benefit of society too. Please, do not waste your valuable time watching television sets as it might kill your creativity and adds to your depressions.

Thanks and Regards,
Srikanth.C,
University of Hyderabad