Author: Rakesh Soni

“I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.”

These two efficacious anaphoric lines of the poem INVICTUS by William Ernest Henry deliver a sempiternal and imperishable message to every Homo sapiens in this crucial phase of life. The moment when we are urged to be extra cautious, to maintain social distance and to confine ourselves in quarantine, it’s our inner strength and patience which can bring solace to our panicky soul.

Being physically apart but virtually united, is the sole weapon to crush this contagious disease. God has gifted us infinite robustness and attributes. Let’s reroute our mind towards creativity and explore our potentialities. Let’s accord some time to sanctify our inner core. Let’s renovate our temporal accommodation into an affable and compassionate home where feelings and emotions exist. Let’s allocate some slices of valuable moments to our dear ones. Let’s attempt those things which we have never tried like understanding and appreciating the significance of this beautiful life by praying for others.

We can definitely accomplish everything, provided we channelize our mindset. And then, one sunny day, these gloomy clouds will have to bow before our definitive spirit. There will be a sure shot ray of silver when we will inhale fresh breath in the lap of a healed Mother Earth.

Hence, take a pledge of honour to remain triumphant and taste this experience of life to the utmost, to reach out without fear for newer and richer experiences. Rewind those potent lines of Gurudev in your memory gramophone and interpret as:

Where the mind is without fear, ambiguity or despair,

My Father, take me into that heaven of dare,

Let my country thwack this pandemic to become the rarest of rare.

‘A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.’

I, as a keen observer, take bountiful time to open myself in any social gathering, while making friends and in being social. People often comprehend my character as unsocial or introvert. I have never reacted to these comments as I know that one fine day, the Almighty would bless me with his finest creation which he has secured only and only for me.

With this reliance, I grew up and started my career. In the workplace, I met different people of different temperaments. I became friend to all. Some called me ‘R.B.I.’ while others defined me as diplomatic but this time also, I didn’t react. I considered friendship as a quality time spent in the company of those whom I know well.

Then came that eminent phase of life where I aspired to go beyond my capacity at an age when others prefer stability. I was unfamiliar to this life lesson. Hitch and hesitation often obturated my progress. I felt slightly reluctant to communicate with young colleagues. However, with the grace of God, I found a friend, who came as a gentle breeze, as a maiden monsoon shower to drench me with her goodness. We were quite different but we were alike too. The cord of honesty bound both of us. I could discuss my doubts with a comfortable ease. Her words of motivation would infuse energy in my veins to face and crush the challenge.

Gradually, I developed a cordial relationship with all. Some would entice me to taste delicious delicacies. While others would leave no stone unturned in transforming me into a techno-savvy employee. There were a few significant personalities who cracked jokes which rejuvenated me.

After one year of my association, now when I walk through the corridor of my school building, I find every element (from quotes to classes) desperate to evolve an alliance with me.

Hence, dear readers, enjoy the fruit of friendship. Life is too ponderous without this charming bonding. Seek then, an authentic friend who recognizes the song of life in your heart and can sing it back when you have forgotten the words.

‘Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.’ -Erica Jong

Gone are the days when the young fledgling of the family had to struggle a lot to secure his place in the society as the proficient one. After minute scrutiny a certificate titled inept was casually awarded and that child had to shoulder this discernment throughout his life with almost faint scope to stretch.

Hailing from a similar background where sibling comparison was a trend practised on a regular basis, I often lamented in solitude, to ask as to how a child can be conferred a title like this when the universal creator has not drawn any line of difference.

Stimulating the imagination and creativity of innumerable students in my class, I find that each floweret has a unique personality, born with conspicuous talent which is yearning to fulgurate.

As an educator, I extend my ardent gratitude to the enduring education system where the curriculum demands to enrich and enhance the talent of every individual, where every child is appreciated for his subject of interest, where every child is considered and evaluated not only on the academic basis but also on the basis of co-curricular skills because we have to welcome this certitude that a fish can’t fly like a bird and an elephant
can never jump like a monkey.

So, my young friends, strengthen your character and competence. Explore your hidden talent to enhance your credence in this world as ‘Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God’.