Interacted with 40 participants of the MP LEAD Fellowship initiated by Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade Ji at Uprashtrapati Bhavan today.
Describing the fellowship as an ideal platform to begin one's career, they expose young people to the world beyond classrooms, build confidence and provide opportunities to interact with national leaders.
Highlighting the importance of constitutional values, I said that democracy flourishes when citizens uphold their duties along with their rights and urged the fellows to learn with curiosity, innovate fearlessly and remain committed to the larger national interest, expressing confidence that the MP LEAD Fellowship would nurture future nation-builders committed to a developed and self-reliant India.
The difference between a good student and a great one is that a good student is concerned more about the outcome while a great one is fascinated by the process of learning.
A British soldier hides behind a bush while a woman casually mows the lawn during The Troubles, 1973. Photo by Phillip Jones Griffiths.
The Troubles was a conflict in Northern Ireland that lasted between 1968 and 1998. It was an irregular war that saw tensions between Protestants and Catholics reach a critical point, which resulted in 3,500 deaths.
The picture above shows how people in Northern Ireland were so used to the conflict and tension that they would about their daily lives, even while British soldiers were on edge.
Had a chat with friend and his words punched me in the gut...
"What if we're burnt out not because we're doing too much, but because we're doing too little of what lights us up."
The month of November 1971, 52 years ago, Very important events were happening in our country.
The year was 1971 and the month November.
“If India pokes its nose in Pakistan, US will not keep its trap shut. India will be taught a lesson.”
- Richard Nixon
“India regards America as a friend. Not a boss. India is capable of writing its own destiny. We know and are aware how to deal with each one according to circumstances.”
- Indira Gandhi
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi articulated these exact words sitting with the US President Richard Nixon in the White House, while maintaining an eye-to-eye contact. This incident was narrated by the then Secretary of State and NSA, Henry Kissinger, in his autobiography.
Life is too short to worry about little things. Have fun. Fall in love. Regret nothing, and don't let people bring you down. Study, think, create, and grow. Teach yourself and teach others.
"The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently." - Friedrich Nietzsche
No matter how high you climb or how much you earn, if you aren't proud of how you got there, you haven't succeeded.
Status is a reward for the result. Character is revealed by the process.
The most meaningful accomplishments lie on the path that aligns with your principles.