What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson.
It is not how long one lives but how one lives that matters. Every body on this earth is born with a purpose. Hence, the persons who are aware of this, exhibit indomitable determination and will power to achieve the pinnacles of glory. And if one comes to know that among these some are even physically challenged is it not quite surprising? For the fact is that they never took their disability as an hindrance. They rather counted on their abilities than on their disabilities. Their weakness was converted into their strength in their path of glory.
Let us take the example of 'India's Wonder Girl'. Sudha Chandran who had lost her leg at the age of 16. Her ambition for learning Bharata natyam made her relentlessly practise with artificial Jaipur leg.
Her debut in 'Mayuri' was a super hit and opened the gates for a successful film career. She found a place (around the world) in the 'Top Ten Extra-ordinary People With Disabilities' along with all time great Helen Keller, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Stephen Hawking and others. In her words, "Many believe that what is destined to happen will happen but I believe that we can rewrite our own destiny. It is what we write with our actions that become our destiny... It's not how long we live but how well we live and what you pass on to others." She cherishes her husband's advice, before passing away, "Whatever happens never give up dancing because through it you reveal God." Her words, "I view the accident as a blessing" smack of her motivational spirit and indomitable energy.
Let's have a pick of another inspirational story from the copious anecdotes of 'weakness becoming strength.' A boy had lost his left hand in an accident. Still he had a strong desire to learn judo. He visited many judo masters requesting them to teach the art but in vain. When he was almost about to give up, one Sensei (master) accepted him to be his student. The master showed the boy a particular move in Judo and asked him to practice it. One week passed, two weeks passed. The boy expected for a change in learning of moves. But the master insisted to continue the same move for months. And the boy was worried about not getting a chance of learning of other moves in judo and was so vexed up that at a certain stage he wished he left the master. Meanwhile Judo Tournament in the town hall of the town were announced. The boy was astonished when his master asked him to participate in the tournament as he knew that except one and only one move, he was not taught any other moves of judo. But he obeyed his master. The tournament started. The boy won the first round. He got wonder. Second round too he won. Winning spree continued in all rounds and lo! he was declared Champion of the Tournament. On their return journey, the boy carrying the Trophy in his right hand could not suppress his surprise any more and asked his master, "Sensei, even though I had no left arm you kindly accepted me as your disciple and taught me but only one move all along the training of judo. How come that, I could win all the matches of the Tournament and become champion with only one move learnt?" The sesei (master) replied, "You have won the Tournament for two reasons. First, you have almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of Judo. For other students it being one among many throws and moves to learn, their proficiency in it is less than yours. Secondly, and most important one is that, the only known defence for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm ! Lack of it has become your strength/ forte in making you Champion."
Each of us is special and important . So, never think you have any weakness. Remember what Swamy Vivekananda said, " The remedy of weakness is not brooding on weakness. but thinking of Strength !" Never think of pride or pain; just live your life to the fullest and extract the best out of it. For, your weakness can become your strength !
Om Shanti!
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