Fly Away!

Long ago, there lived a king in Persia who was much loved by his subjects. The kingdom was once visited by a wise man. He presented the king with two falcons and said to the king, “These birds have been trained to fly for long distances, deliver messages and return. Consider them as my gift to you, oh beloved king!”

The king was delighted. He rushed down to the stables the next day, to see the falcons fly. But alas, while one falcon soared in the sky with its wings outstretched in a majestic fashion, the other falcon simply refused to move. Whatever the trainer tried, the falcon refused to budge.

Now, the king was unhappy. The next day, he called in the best falcon trainers in the kingdom. Their end goal was supposedly simple – “You have to get the second falcon to fly”. They tried for a whole week and failed.

The king grew more desperate. He could not fathom the reason why the second falcon wouldn’t fly. He called in the best medicine men in the kingdom to examine the bird for any injuries. After two weeks, the medicine men concluded that there was nothing wrong with the bird. The falcon refused to fly, apparently out of its own free will.

Over the course of the next month, nearly everything was tried. The falcon was not given food. The falcon was made to overeat. Specially prepared gels and ointments were applied on its wings. None of the measures yielded any results. The falcon still sat doggedly on a tree by the stable with its wings folded and tucked-in. It simply refused to fly.

In one final desperate move, the king made an announcement calling for ‘anybody’ who can get the falcon to fly, promising a handsome reward for the man/woman who could do it.

Upon seeing the advertisement, a simpleton farmer came to the king’s court the next day. This farmer proclaimed that he could get the falcon to fly and asked for a chance to see the bird. The king was surprised; the most experienced zoo keepers, wisest doctors and expert bird trainers had tried to get the falcon to fly and failed. And this simple farmer was so confident about getting the task done.

But the king wanted to see what he could do. Besides, it really wouldn’t hurt to try.

So, the farmer was taken to the stable. He asked to be left alone with the bird. The king went back to his palace. He nervously paced up and down, racking his brains as to what the farmer might possibly be doing. After 30 minutes, he went back to the stable. And to his surprise, the second falcon was flying high in the sky.

“My king, I claim my rightful reward”, said the farmer. The king handed over 50 gold coins and asked him excitedly, “But how did you do it?”

“My king, it’s simple. I picked up this axe and cut the tree branch on which the falcon was sitting”

And thus, the supposedly complex problem had a simple solution.

How often do we sit perched on our branches, holding on to our support system, refusing to get out of our comfort zone just because we are scared of what lies ahead? The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice. We choose to not do something, because we are busy, because it is hard, or because we do not know if we will succeed or fail.

Imagine the world if Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magallen and all those countless voyagers were to sit at home, and not set out on those paths of discovery, for fear of what lay outside the safety of their homeland. We’d probably still be sitting at home, believing the world consisted of just our neighbors, or that the world was flat.

So the next time you decide that something is too hard, or not worth your while, think about the second falcon. And make a start, cut that branch, spread your wings, fly and discover your true potential. The only limitations in life are the ones we create, believe, and nourish within our own minds.

The rock band, The Calling puts it well in their song “Our Lives” when they say

In this world divided by fear, we've got to believe that

There's a reason we're here

'Cause these are the days worth living

These are the years we're given

And these are the moments

These are the times

Let's make the best out of our lives

And when we’re falling from the tree and wondering if we’re going to learn to fly or not, remember, even if you fall on your face, you are still moving forward.

My Unknown Friend

The date – December 26, 2012. The time – 10 AM. The situation at my home – chaotic

“Mom, hurry up, we’re gonna get late! I told Renny we’d be there an hour early atleast! The engagement is at 10 and it’s already 8 15!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming, anyway it’ll take just half hour to get there na, why are you hurrying so much? What will you do there going so soon….”

“Neil, why did you have to tell mom it’s only half hour away! You haven’t even been there, you don’t know the route, and what if we need to search for the place? I already told you it’s not on the main road, we need to search for it!”

I'm sure those of you who’ve ever had to wait for someone to get ready to go out, must be sympathizing with me right now. Those who know me personally, know that I like being punctual. And with my complete lack of navigational skills, if I’m going to a place I’ve never been before, I take extra precaution to ensure I’m on time.

“Mom, we don’t know the place, come soon, or we’ll be late!”

I was fuming, not because I would be late for the engagement, but more because I knew the engagement wouldn’t start without me. Now, before you start getting ideas, let me make it clear that I had agreed to be the MC for the engagement, at my friend’s request.

My brother Neil, mom and I got into our super fast white Ferrari of a car (or so my mom seemed to think). As we set off for my friend’s house in our Maruti 800, where the engagement was to be held, my friend called to ask where I was. In absolutely no mood to encounter Bridezilla, I had no other option.

“Haan Renny, I’m on the way. We’ll be there in half an hour max.”

Driving at a speed befitting a Ferrari, my brother zipped along the highway. As I watched the trees and other greenery whizz past, I tried not to feel the nerves in my stomach and concentrated on remembering my script.

“Turn right in 100 meters onto Surathkal road” There are times when technology has been a life saver, and with a GPS enabled smart phone at my disposal, combined with my brother’s race car driving speeds, we cleared most of the distance in record time. “Looks like we might be able to make it there on time”. Soon enough we were nearing my friend’s place, and I began to hope we’d be there in time.

We turned right, and followed a series of complicated twists and turns along the winding roads. We reached the pre-decided landmark.

“Call Renny and ask her where to go from here”, my brother says as he slowly drives to the side of the road and stops the car.

“I’ll go to that store over there and ask him how to get to her place. You and mom wait in the car.”

I watched him go to the store and figure out where we need to go next, while I confirmed directions with my friend. My brother came back and sat in the car “Let’s go!”, he says as he starts the car.

(engine stalling)

“Uh oh!”

(engine stalling sound)

“Oh God! Please no, why is this happening now! Damn! How could I have forgotten?!”

“What happened?”

“Dad had told me that the car won’t start if the engine heats up completely and you switch it off”

“Whaaatttt!!!! Why did you switch it off then!!”

A withering look from my brother, and I'm silenced.

“Argh! What do we do now?”

(engine stalling sound)

“You and mom take an auto and go to her place. I’ll wait for the engine to cool down and then try to start the car…It may take some time”

“I’m in a tight skirt, mom’s in a zari sari and we’re in the middle of a god forsaken village. And you want us to take an auto?!”

“I didn’t plan for this to happen ok! As if I knew the car would not start”

Now it’s only in times like these we remember God fervently… As my bother closed his eyes and muttered a silent prayer, there was a tap on the window.

A man in his mid 40s was standing outside.

“Car start zaina gi?”

“Na uncle, start zai na. Engine heat zala complete”

“Ok, ek kaam kar. Second gear-ak gal, ani start kar”

And then he tried to push the car forward, while instructing my brother to accelerate while on the second gear.

And Voila! It worked! As we accelerated away, we yelled out our thanks to that stranger who stepped out of his way to help us in our time of need.

Have you ever been in a situation where a complete stranger has come in like a true friend, helped you in that moment of peril, and then stepped out of your life, never to be heard of again? That, my dear friends, is what the magic of life is all about. People walk into our lives as friends for a reason, and stay as long as we need that friend. Some friends stay in lives for years together, some for few months, others few days, and some, like this Good Samaritan, for a few minutes. I had heard of the saying, “A friend is one who walks in when others walk out“, and my experience on that fated day made me realize that “To have a friend and be a friend Is what makes life worthwhile.”

As a Boy Scout or a guide, you are asked to pledge to do one good deed each day. As we step out of our house each day, let’s make a promise to ourselves, that we will help someone in need; that we will be a friend to them, for as long as they need us. You never know when your small action might make a big difference in someone’s life. 

"I can not do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good I can do."

A day to remember...

I was recently asked to give a write-up on an event conducted by our office. It's been so long since I've written an article or posted anything out here, I thought "Why not post this?". So here's the write-up :)

____________________________________________________

Over a 100 people screaming and shouting like children in a playground, squealing in delight over little things like winning a game – not something you expect when you know that they are qualified professionals working for a multinational company of repute. But that was what we witnessed on Friday, the 28^th of June, 2013, at the Hall of Fame, held at the Golden Palms Spa & Resort, Bangalore, where the entire team had gathered to celebrate the successful year that had just gone by.

On reaching the venue, we were divided into groups named after famous Bollywood villains, and asked to move through various tasks that brought us together as a team and helped the seniors and juniors blend together as one on common grounds. Running around hunting for clues, solving puzzles, clicking photographs and getting clicked yourself, there was fun and frolic all over the place. After the challenging task of piecing together a puzzle drawn by us itself, the exhausting search for clues, and other mind numbing tasks, seeing the lunch buffet felt like heaven. As we attacked the food ravenously, we wondered what other tasks lay in store for the rest of the day. The organizing team did not disappoint – the afternoon was filled with loads of charades, singing, sports events like swimming and cricket, and everyone participated enthusiastically to ensure their own team wins.

Post all the enthralling events of the first half of the day, we broke for an hour to “get ready” for an evening of bedazzlement. And bedazzled we were, as each individual walked out exhausted, but walked back in looking like models on a ramp. The red carpet event, themed along the lines of the Oscars was embraced by all and we had the award winners coming on stage in style to receive the awards they were nominated for. The catch though – these awards were given in jest, in award categories such as the Lochness award (given to the person who is never at their desk, but always ‘Available’), Bermuda Triangle award (given to the person whose desk has more exhibits than a museum), Chatter Patter award (given to the person who exercises their mouth the most) etc.

The icing on the cake was definitely the Yakshagana (popular folk theatre art form in Karnataka, India) performance by the Global Services & Support Lead Prashantha Kumar and Satish Kumar. This was followed by amazing singing and rapping performances by Prashantha Kumar, Mohammed Haji, Vidya R and Pearl Fernandes. Awards were also given to the winners of the “You Snooze, You Lose” contest that was conducted in the week prior the event, creating a lot of hype and excitement among the members.

The Lead India Sanjay Bhatikar was exuberant as he brought the ‘formal’ awards event to a close, recalling the events of the day and the thrill and excitement he felt. As the night grew colder, the windcheater given as a memento to all the members was gladly embraced by each one. Any event is incomplete without a dance floor, or so we Indians believe. The dance floor was opened up and all the members set the floor on fire, grooving to popular dance numbers.

A fun-filled, exciting day that will be etched in our memory for a long time to come I’m sure; the Hall of Fame was a resounding success.

The Stoning of Soraya M.

“Are you afraid?”

“Of dying?.... No. I’m afraid of the pain.”

The Stoning of Soraya M. is the heart wrenching tale of Soraya Manutchehri, a helpless young Iranian woman who was brutally stoned to death, just because she was an inconvenience to her husband.

The movie begins with French-Iranian journalist Freidoune Sahebjam entering a remote mountain village where he learns the story of Soraya – a ghastly crime committed by the entire village against a young mother. Her only fault – she refused to let her husband divorce her and marry a 14-year old girl he had taken a liking to, as she did not have the funds to support herself and her 2 young daughters. So he chooses the easy way to get rid of his “old” wife – accuse her of infidelity.

He is supported by a religious law that claims “If a man accuses a woman of infidelity, the woman must prove her innocence. If a woman accuses a man of infidelity, she must prove his guilt.” How does one prove their innocence when there is no crime committed? Helpless, Soraya mutely watches as her husband gathers the support of the entire village on the vaguest of accusations – a touch of hands, a simple smile! And the verdict is declared – she must be stoned to death.

Why such a brutal method of execution, one might wonder? The law claims that with each stone thrown on the offender, the sin can be wiped off the village and the people will be cleansed.

The gripping scene in the movie where Zahra, Soraya’s aunt, asks her “Are you afraid?” and Soraya responds “Not of dying, but of the pain” breaks your heart, yet Soraya’s courage makes you proud. Her innocent honesty tugs at your heart strings and you are left wondering how can anyone be so cruel and merciless! The most horrifying moment in the movie is probably when you see Soraya’s young son, blinded by his father’s words, pick the first stone to hurl at his own mother!

 Injustice of any kind should incite an emotion of righteous anger within all of us. Whether man, woman, boy or girl, no one has the right to make people feel worthless, useless and purposeless. This righteous anger will overtake you as you watch this film, especially since it still goes on today. In certain Middle Eastern countries this is exactly how women are treated. Women are seen as dispensable, replaceable at her husband’s choosing. Soraya’s story is just one of the many cases that happen, but one that has made its way out to the public.

The movie is a gripping, compelling and necessary story about lies, false beliefs, false religions, blasphemy, oppression, murder, human rights, decency, lust, pride and ego. If you walk out of this film unchanged, your integrity as a human being must be questioned. It not only leaves you stunned, angry and with a feeling of helplessness, but it also asks the question: When was the last time you witnessed an injustice and refused to speak up and act? Let your voice be heard.

Work for it!

Wilma Rudolph was the twentieth of 22 children born into an impoverished black family in Tennessee.  Those were the times of acute racial discrimination in the US. The blacks were underprivileged, and despite paying the same amount of taxes as the whites, they had very limited or no access to most facilities. Even the schools of the Southern states were segregated – black students and white students had to attend separate schools. The schools for black students were usually poorly funded, so they were less likely to have adequate books, teachers, classrooms, or equipment. 

Wilma was determined not to let any of them hinder her success. But fate had other plans for her. As a child, she contracted polio and was forced to wear leg braces until she was nine. Her sister was in the basketball team and so she decided to join too. At twelve, she tried out for her school's basketball team and failed. For the next year she practised every day, until her knees hurt and her feet ached so bad that she could barely stand. Her hard work paid off, and at the try outs the following year, she finally made the team. 

Ed Temple, a college athletics coach spotted her one day and talked her into letting him train her to be a sprinter.  Her persistence earned her a scholarship to Tennessee State University where she became a track star.  In 1960, she made the US Olympic team. In the 100-metre sprint she had to face Jutta Heine of Germany, the world record holder. 

But Wilma won-and she did it again in the 200-metre event! 

Wilma's third race was the 100-metre relay, where she again faced Jutta. 

Just as the baton was handed to Wilma she dropped it, giving Jutta the lead.  She had a choice there. She’d already won two gold medals and beaten Jutta at both of them. This win wouldn’t make a difference to her. And she’d already lost precious time in dropping it and picking it. Did she need to continue the race and speed up? But Wilma knew she had just one choice. To go forward and work for it. Her never-give-up spirit made her pick up the baton and take off in desperate pursuit.

She caught the German runner in the last few strides and won the third gold medal-more than any other woman had won at that time. 

Wilma Rudolph, the young black woman became famous as the fastest woman in the world, and the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field in a single Olympic games.

Wilma became a grandmother and travelled the world for children's causes, motivating them with her story.  'I let them know that they can achieve it, as long as they're willing to work for it.'

Why is it that failure destroys some people, yet makes others stronger? 

The secret perhaps is that they allow failure to become their teacher, and turn their defeats into learning experiences.  When we’re faced with a roadblock, overcoming it depends not so much on how well things work in our favour, but on how much we are willing to work to achieve that goal. How we choose to see that roadblock – as the end of the road, or as a stepping stone to our success.

89 years ago, one man had a dream. A dream that most people did not value enough. They told him it’s tough, it won’t work out, that he’d better give up on it. But he chose to pursue that dream, not just for himself, but for everyone who was a part of that dream. Yes, the dream I'm talking about is Toastmasters and the man is none other than Ralph C. Smedley. He dreamed a dream of bringing out the orator in every shy speaker he met. He believed that we are all diamonds, diamond that are rough; but with a little bit of polish, we’d shine bright through the night. The movement he started in 1924 in the basement of a YMCA building caught on, and today, it’s spread over 116 countries and is growing by the minute. He achieved his dream because he worked for it.

Imagine a world in which you were to get everything you wanted without even asking for it. Would you value it as much then? I remember as a child my parents, as a joke, told us they’d give us money for every house hold task we’d do. Minimal amounts, but we were excited. I never used that money since I never really had need for it. But the fact remains that since I had worked for it, I valued it.

I was watching a video recently in which different genres of people were asked what they would do if they were given a Rs. 500 /- note. The video started with the affluent who felt 500 was too small an amount to do anything worthwhile. It moved on to the middle class people who said they’d watch a movie or go bowling or go for an outing. It finally moved on to the lower class and kids of the slum. Their answers were filled with “I’ll get new shoes for my brother”, “I’ll buy provisions for the house”, “I’ll get school books for all the kids in my class”. The same note, but the value it had for each of them was different.

In the same way, no one knows the true value of your dreams except you. There will always be people who will tell you “It’s a stupid dream”, “It’s not possible”, or “It’s too hard”, “You’re wasting your time”. But remember, it’s your dream not theirs, so it’s up to you to put in the work to make that dream a reality. Even a diamond is just a stone... until it is polished. And then it’s true worth is known. If you’re willing to work for it, nothing is impossible.  And frankly, if it was that easy to achieve, would you even value such a dream? It probably wouldn’t even have been your dream in the first place! It’s because of the amount of work involved that it is your dream! There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little ‘extra’. Every “overnight success” has several nights of hard work and sweat behind it.

All the so-called "secrets of success" will not work unless you do. Thomas Jefferson put it very aptly when he said “The harder I work, the more luck I have”. So Dream your dream, and then be ready to WORK FOR IT.