As I look back I see that this journey was a learning process not only for you; but more so for me. I learned to be more compassionate even when making no compromise on matters of discipline. And let me tell you, that balancing act was never easy.
At the early stages of my tenure here, many of you did not believe that you had the potential to be winners. Instead you mirrored what your critics said. You voiced aloud the negatives that others whispered in your ears. But soon you learned to shut your ears to all that and focus on just winning and nothing else.
Now it is time to say goodbye. Some things in life are not decided by logic, but by the dictates of the heart. Today I step down because I know with certainty that you can go ahead without me.
And now I get time to spend with my wife and kids. After having taught you to be the best how can I fail to set you an example in the arena where I cannot afford to lose?
The band is playing; the flags are fluttering; and kids are playing football here in the ground. But to me, it is time to walk away; to say goodbye with the knowledge that I have done my best; and by the grace of God have brought to the limelight a few who otherwise would have dwelt in the shadows; undiscovered and not valued.
So with a thankful heart, let me say goodbye. It breaks my heart to think that I will not walk with you one more time to these grounds that holds so precious memories to me. But that is how life is. The show has to go on; the torch has to be passed, and new leadership has to take over.
Thank you one and all for all the support you gave me over the years.
Leadership is no easy task. It is not for cowards. And that excludes a lot of people. In this speech, let me try to spell out the vital elements of leadership that impacts.
Leadership that impacts is about having a vision. It is about seeing far ahead; it is about anticipating the changes that can come in one’s field of work; and it is about getting others equipped and ready to meet the future.
Leadership that impacts is about decisive decision-making.A leader is fully aware that all decisions have consequences. But he or she is prepared to gather relevant information, getting inputs from all around—360 degree–, weigh the possible ramifications of the decision, and go ahead with firmness, resolve, and unwavering determination with his or her decision.
Leadership that impacts is about earning respect, commitment, and loyalty from the team, group, or followers. This does not happen by chance. It is the character of a leader that inspires all these. Great leaders who are trustworthy have people around them who will go to any length to do something for their leader.
Leadership that impacts is about managing power and visibility. Both power and visibility can easily corrupt a leader. Often a leader is heading for trouble as he surrounds himself with personal favourites who advice him on all matters. The more he relies on these people (who might have their own personal agendas), the more he alienates himself from the rank and file. This can prove dangerous as he soon loses touch with ground realities. The possible solution is to find creative ways to stay in touch with the grassroots.
Leadership that impacts is about listening. A leader is one who can listen sympathetically and empathetically to people around him. He is one who can listen to what is not being said as well.
Leadership that impacts is about calmness. A leader is not characterised by turbulence; but by the quiet stillness found in the eye of a tornado. He should be able to inspire hope in followers by his fortitude during challenging times.
It is not too uncommon to find leaders exult in their new found authority and power; who exercise those in brutal and undemocratic ways. But man is mortal. And someday, each word and action will be accounted for. It is best if leaders can lead with a spirit of humility.
A life with purpose is one which looks with intense focus and passion on the goal. It defies all odds and comes back from all setbacks in the pursuit of the same.
It rises out of depths of despair; often clinging on to God in moments when strength gives out. It is energized by a single-eyed determination and a burning desire to excel.
It does not allow oneself to be distracted by the frivolous and the silly. Purpose enables one to be decisive in action, judicious in the use of time, wise in investments of talent and treasure, and cautious in friendship.
It is only when one is driven by purpose that one will persevere till the end. A purpose driven life knows where it is headed to; and in the first place why it is travelling to that destination.
Even when all other rewards are taken away; even when all others oppose, mock or reject; even when nothing else is there to be gained but only the joy of doing what one is called to do; a man or woman with purpose will remain true and faithful to it.
When life is dominated by purpose, there is no time to be wasted in answering critics, no time to wallow in self-pity licking the wounds of battle and no time to scatter away wishing “What might have been!”
When purpose takes hold, it knows how brief life is and with what speed and finality windows of opportunity will shut tight. Therefore it will act and will not rest till the matter at hand is done.
Aimless drifting is one sure sign that your sail has not caught the wind. If you are driven by purpose, life will never find you unprepared. Now is the opportunity and it is never too late.
It is not just the take off nor the flying that matters; but what counts is how you land finally. When you look back, hope you will be able to find many lives impacted just because you stayed good and true to your purpose.
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
“There are two great days in a person’s life–the day we are born and the day we discover why.”
— William Barclay
The LORD declares:
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
What helps you succeed? So many elements that contribute to success might have crossed your mind in the twinkling of an eye; haven’t they? Let me just pick one among them all. It happens to be one of my favourites. It is the ability to aim high.
But we find many people content to fly low in life. They sadly miss the chance to live life to the fullest. Therefore the question is, what prevents people from aiming high? Let me just quickly sketch a few points.
First of all, people do not aim high because they are afraid of their own success.
It might be a startling statement. But it is true. I have met many who thought that to succeed is a crime. To them, success meant that they are somehow stealing someone else’s opportunity.
But that is not true. This world is a big place and God has created a space for you and for me. It is only when you do not use your full potential and do not try to understand the purpose for which you have been created; it is then that you betray your calling in life.
So aim high and be the best you can be.
Secondly, people do not aim high because they are afraid to fail.
See, the problem lies in how you look at failure. If you see it as the worst that can happen; then you are finished. You lose even before you start to fight. That is a defeatist attitude and most negative.
Dear friend, stop worrying about what others will think when you fail. That is their problem; not yours. Unless you try, how can you exercise your God-gifted potential? If you look at yourself honestly; you are carrying a gold mine within you and living like a beggar. Who is to blame? I hope you got the answer.
So aim high and be the best you can be.
Finally, people do not aim high because they think that they are not significant.
Oh, how it disheartens me to see so many choose to stay behind the curtains and on the side benches without taking an active part in the drama and game of life! Dear friend, never fall into the comparison trap. The world will always try to make you feel inferior. Do not buy into that lie even for a moment.
For God has created you unique. There is nobody on planet Earth like you. With all your shortcomings you can still contribute much to the lives of others. Stop thinking about yourself alone. You can be the lifeline to many others who are in despair and in darkness.
So aim high and be the best you can be.
Let me conclude. Never fly low. I repeat it again; never fly low.
Like the law of gravity; negatives will always be around you trying to pull you down. But there is a higher law of flight and freedom that leads to joyous achievement.
I cannot but quote those famous words from Prophet Isaiah who said:
This is your true destiny. To rise from your bed of despair and hopelessness and aim high. Look at the vast blue expanse of the skies. Isn’t there a stirring in your heart; a longing to soar high?
Respected Principal, dignitaries on the dais, distinguished guests, members of faculty, non-teaching staff and students,
In this beautiful season of Christmas, where all hearts are filled with hope and joy; I stand here with mixed emotions. On the one side there is a sense of sadness that our Principal is leaving us. On the other hand there is this awesome responsibility I face that of stepping into her shoes. Both the leaving and the taking make this a moment a difficult one indeed.
At this time I recall the poem by P. B. Shelley titled Ozymandias. It talks about a king who made monuments and statues of himself. But as years passed by they were all destroyed and buried in the vast endless desert sands.
Unlike this king some others leave their legacy in the hearts of people which is never destroyed. Such a person has been our Principal. She has scripted love and enduring respect in the hearts of all those who came in touch with her. Unlike buried monuments of stone what she has authored in our hearts will live on.
Yes, one of the greatest lessons you have shown us is that you cared for all of us. Therefore you earned the trust and respect of all who came into contact with you.
The respect you showed to each one of us, your willingness and eagerness to involve us in taking major decisions are things that will be remembered. You were dedicated to your task, sincere to the core, simple in life, able to remain calm under pressure, and never yielding to anger.
You were not only able to improve results in all courses but also created a stress-free learning environment for students. You tried your best to improve the quality of faculty and encouraged their development through education and research.
Your student-friendly approach and your understanding of the background of each student showing extra concern for those having problems—both academic and personal—will be lovingly remembered for a long time to come. Your systematic approach to things and your emphasis on punctuality made working with you a pleasant experience.
With all my heart and with the blessings of all present here I wish you a contented and joyous retired life. May you find useful ways to engage yourself in the service of God and men in the days to come. I also request you to kindly accept the gift that we are giving as a mark of gratitude for all that you’ve done for our Institution.
Now let me highlight the area of my focus as the baton is being handed over to me today. I take up this huge responsibility of being the Principal of this great Institution with humble trust in God and the prayer that he will keep me faithful in all that I have been entrusted to do.
My utmost priority and effort will be to create a Campus here which will be admired for its academic excellence, co-curricular pursuits and discipline that will be a model for many other Institutions of this kind.
I seek your cooperation in this regard. I thank all of you and the Management especially for your faith in me and entrusting me with this great responsibility.
As you have extended your kind support in the past, continue the same with greater eagerness and enthusiasm. Together we can build upon the great legacy our dear Principal is leaving behind. Thank you.
Today, in contrast to the past centuries, we find women literate, educated, and liberated to lead. We find their surge forward not only in the political front, but also in social life where they act as agents of change contributing to economic development as well.
Empowerment is about being given authority and power to do something. Empowerment is about becoming stronger and confident. Empowerment again means to become aware of one’s rights and privileges. Empowerment also means the ability to control one’s life in a more meaningful and fulfilling way.
The term empowerment naturally presupposes a sense of powerlessness; doesn’t it? Well, with women it has been rightly so. As we look back at the centuries we find many dark ages where women in different lands were suppressed, treated as commodities, with no voice in decision-making and no role in deciding how social and community life evolved. But empowerment of women made a radical change in the whole situation.
And this change has come about not without its struggles and sacrifices, protests and conflicts. This transformation passed through many difficulties when those who led with a vision to emancipate women were often viewed with suspicion from within the ranks of women themselves and opposed by the male-dominated hierarchies. Even today there are ripples and reflections of these tendencies. One can never say the world has seen gender equality and rights of women championed in the fullest sense.
But change did come.From powerlessness, women have come to recognize that they are individuals made in God’s image and likeness just like men; and are valuable and precious in God’s eyes. They have come to celebrate their differences from men not as a reason for subjugation, but as a joyous gift of God to give an active support and contribution to the family first, to the workplace next and the community at large in a broader sphere.
In all these areas women have risen to greatness and power by utilizing available resources and increasing their influence in the decision-making process. The key to this change has been literacy and education. Economic freedom came through women finding employment in different spheres like nursing, teaching, management, and the like. Today, women have made their presence felt in the field of police, defence, sports, space exploration,* research and development, social work, and many other fields as well.
But all this was not enough as they had to have a political empowerment which especially came through right for women to vote through some tough campaigning. Emmeline Pankhurst who helped women win the right to vote in Britain cannot be forgotten. Perhaps a day will come when the most awaited 33% reservation for women in the Indian Parliament would become a reality. If that happens it will be a grand day when the the voice of women will ring out more loud and clear in the central hall of the world’s largest democracy.
Personally, I have been motivated by many examples where empowerment of women is first of all felt by the masses through the vision of a pioneering lady.
Be it Ida Scudder who in response to witnessing three tragic deaths of women in childbirth in Tindivanam in a single night in the late 1890’s responded to the challenge and heard God’s call to become a missionary doctor and establish the reputed Christian Medical College (CMC Vellore, first started for women),
Be it Amy Carmichael, who dyed her skin with dark coffee to make her skin brown to gain access to and acceptance with young girl children and rescued hundreds of them from a life of forced prostitution in Dohnavur,
Be it Pandita Ramabai, a scholar in Sanskrit who saved the lives of thousands of women in famine struck times through her Mukti Mission in Pune; the list goes on.
Today, the need is to have women with such vision and burden for the upliftment of women.
There are countless examples in modern times; Malala Yousafzai is one young voice many listen to today. Her courage and words inspire; and she emphasizes the importance of education as a means of women empowerment. As she said in an interview,
“The important thing to note is that it is not important whether Malala was shot or not — Malala is not asking for personal favors or support. She is asking for support with girls’ education and women’s rights. So don’t support Malala, support her campaign for girls’ education and women’s rights.”
I am sure there are several other names that come to your mind even as I speak. Indira Gandhi, Prathibha Patil, Rani Lakhsmibai of Jhansi, Kalpana Chawla, Indra Nooyi, Kiran Bedi, Arundathi Bhattacharya, Bachendri Pal, the list goes on.
If you recognized some of these names, it is simply because women have learned to lead, have challenged existing norms of society and have taken a proactive role in changing traditions and rewriting history. Surely, women empowerment is a reality; isn’t it? I am sure you are compelled to agree.
Now let me point out that social reformation alone is not just enough for women empowerment. The mind-set of society also has to keep pace. To ensure this transition, laws had to be enacted. Several laws have been enacted to ensure the safety and protection of women especially in the workplace.
But it is sad that there still needs to be a radical change in the way women are viewed in society. A women gets educated, earns a well-paid job and then suddenly finds herself being bargained for in the marriage market. This is sad and tragic. In this world of commercialization, women are in many places regarded as liabilities rather than as assets. This has to change if women empowerment has to become a reality in the fullest sense.
Finally, top leadership is something that women can aspire and reach to. But massive change for the empowerment of women has to begin and be sustained at the grass roots level. Assurance of employment, maintenance of good physical and emotional health should also be priorities as far as women empowerment is concerned.
Kudumbashree, a community organization of neighbourhood groups in Kerala started by the government in 1998 has proven itself as a successful model of women empowerment at the grass roots level. Such models need to be multiplied across different geographic regions across the world where there is a felt need for women empowerment.
Before I conclude, let me point out one more historical moment of women empowerment. When Jesus Christ rose from the dead; it was Mary Magdalene who had the privilege of seeing the Risen Lord first and had the unique distinction of being the first witness to the fact of his resurrection. This was her testimony: “I have seen the Lord!” the echoes of which still resonates in many millions of human hearts even after 2000 years of its happening.
But the point is that Jesus by allowing Mary Magdalene to be the first witness was empowering women for all time. This is stunning because Jesus did not reveal himself first to his inner circle of disciples who were all men and Jewish law did not permit women to be witnesses. And in that society, men usually prayed thanking God that they were not born as women. The way Jesus treated women with respect and dignity will always empower them to claim their rightful share not only in God’s kingdom but also in homes and workplaces; in politics and economics as well.
Two more new areas of women empowerment cannot be left unmentioned in this 21st century:
One is of women’s active presence in the social media. Several women needs and priorities have been brought to light through intense campaigning through the social media. This is powerfully used to promote a cause, share a story, change public perception and even prevent negative stereotyping of women.
The second area of women empowerment in the 21st century is the need to have a massive drive for bringing school and college students into sports and games and outdoor activities. This coming together will not only help teenagers gain self-confidence and esteem; but also increase their physical and emotional health.
Let me now confront some bitter truths. Women empowerment is definitely a reality today. But the question is, Is it enough? Is there more work to be done? Without doubt, there are many places where the voice of women is still not heard. Discrimination still exists and even in the Corporate world we talk about the glass ceiling. The media sensationalizes crime against women which is growing alarmingly.
Domestic violence, dowry, gender discrimination, continue to be evils of our times. Politics is still male dominated even when half the population is female. The dignity of women and their worth as persons and individuals is often tainted by wrong portrayals in movies, advertisements, and even in beauty pageants. The lot of sales girls in ever growing super market outlets looks glamorous with their uniforms and dignity it seems to afford; but some serious study should be done as to how difficult their days are in spite of the smiles they gift us with. The list of negatives can go on.
But there is hope. The voice of women will still be heard loud and clear in spite of attempts to silence them. More stories of women empowerment are being scripted in every village and city not only in our state and nation but across the boundaries. It can very well be the transforming reality of the present. Thank you.
In appreciation of the work of Pandita Ramabai for the advancement of Indian women, the government of India approved the issuance of a commemorative stamp of Pandita Ramabai in 1989.
Ida Scudder as a young girl heard three knocks at her door one night. Three men from different religious background came at different times with the same request to assist their wives in childbirth. Ida
Scudder told her lack of medical experience and offered the services of her father, a doctor. But those men could not bear the thought of a male presence. The next day Ida Scudder saw the corpses of three women being taken for cremation. This incident which all her biographers note challenged her to earn a medical degree and come back to India and do something for the health and well-being of women.
Respected Principal, Beloved Teachers and my dear friends,
A warm good morning to one and all.
Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is with this vision I aspire to be your leader. If selected, I would love to lead by example not just in academic pursuits but in all co-curricular activities as well.
The focus of my talk this morning is about three R’s. They are Reach, Respect, and Relationship.
First of all let me talk about Reach.
Most of us have potential. And many of us have not discovered what it is all about. One of my first priorities will be to create opportunities for everyone to display their skills and talent. We cannot do it on our own. We need the guidance and support and encouragement of our teachers.
I am sure they will extend all possible help in this regard. In fact we are blessed to have the opportunity to study in this School which has always set standards of excellence not only in academic results but more importantly in student-teacher relationship.
The second thought I want to share with you is about Respect.
Why is this important? This is important because we live in a world where mind, muscle and money power rules. Human rights are constantly being violated. Intolerance between communities is growing. It is in this context that respect for others should be taught and understood and appreciated in our classrooms.
It is good to begin while we are young. I would like to create an atmosphere of respect in classrooms. We should learn to respect our parents, our teachers and elders. We should learn to respect the law of the land and be law-abiding citizens.
The third thought is about Relationship.
What is the point in studying in the same school and sitting on the same bench and not knowing what your friend’s difficulties in life are? We have become too selfish that we do not care for those who are hurting. So as your leader one of my priorities will be to create healthy relationships in classrooms thus paving the foundation of friendships that will last a lifetime.
This is very important because today children are spending more and more time with gadgets; chatting, gaming, and living in a virtual world. I wish that our students would spend more time in face to face interaction and joyful communication thus cementing good relationships.
So these are my main thoughts:
One, Let us strive to reach our full potential.
Two, Let us create an atmosphere of respect.
And three, Let us also try to build lasting relationships.
So I seek your cooperation. For nothing can be done by a leader alone. A leader is one who has a vision and has the ability to share it.
This I have done with all my heart! Now it is your turn to respond to this vision.
Success to me is not one person achieving. Instead, it is about helping others achieve. It is about enabling others to realize their dreams. So let us begin to realize our full potential. Let us do this in an atmosphere of respect and sportsman spirit. In this process let us build lasting relationships.
Let me assure you my friends we are not going to be defeated, we will certainly win. And the beauty of the victory will be that we all shall win together and make our teachers and parents proud. So my dear friends, when you cast your votes remember me and my vision I have shared with you. Do cast your precious votes in my favour.
Reach, Respect, Relationship. This is my vision, my dream and my goal. I cannot do it in my own strength but in the strength God shall provide. I cannot do it alone; we shall do it together. Thank you.
This post is dedicated to the memory of Eric Lidell, the Flying Scotsman, who won the gold medal in the 400 metres race in the 1924 Paris Olympics. His athletic achievements have been chronicled in the Oscar winning movie Chariots of Fire which was released in 1981. Eric Liddell refused to run the 100 metres, the event he was expected to win, because the heats were scheduled for a Sunday, the day he had dedicated to worship God. He was called a traitor in his country but he cared more for the honour of God than winning a medal for the king.
Even though Eric Liddel had turned his back on his favourite event, he focused on the four hundred meters and trained for it. At the start of the finals of the event he went around shaking hands with all his competitors. And then, as shown in the movie, someone ran to his side and placed on his hand a folded square of paper. As he unfolded it, he found these words written on it: It says in the old book, “He that honours me, I will honour.” It was a verse from the Bible. And when the race began, Liddell starting from the outer lane simply ran fast as if he were running for his life. And came out first in world record time.
A little over a year, he just disappeared from the limelight by going to China as a missionary teacher with the good news of Jesus, to the land where he was born to missionary parents. During the Second World War he was interned in a camp by the invading Japanese and was held in a compound which housed more than one thousand five hundred foreign residents of China. He spent the rest of his life by having Bible studies, taking classes on chemistry for the youngsters there, organizing games for them, and even carrying water for the sick and the elderly. He died of an inoperable brain tumor at the young age of 43. His body was buried and a simple wooden cross put up with his name Eric Liddell written with boot polish.
Eric Liddell’s life has inspired many athletes including some gold medal winners in the Olympics in later years. I have dedicated this podcast to his memory because of the tremendous inspiration his life has been to me. May his life be an inspiration to you too to run the race of life well and finish on a note of glory.
If life is a race, you have to run. Staying still is not progress. It does not matter if others get distracted and do not focus on the race. You need to keep on running forward.
If life is a race, the destination is ahead. You cannot run if you keep looking back. An occasional backward glance can help you know how much distance you have covered already. But look ahead and run. Forget the past.
If life is a race, you have to run with patience as well as perseverance. Train yourself early to endure hardships. Then you can discipline yourself to run the long distance of life.
If life is a race, you should know the goal towards which you run. Otherwise it is a meaningless run. Run so as to win the prize.
If life is a race, at some point joy comes from helping others to run and succeed in life as well. Even though you run to win, many of your friends need your encouragement. Remember that.
If life is a race, and you did not know it, there is still time even though time is short. The one who starts late still has a chance to be rewarded. So it doesn’t matter if you were slow to start. Success comes even to those who started late.
If life is a race, make sure that you finish. Do not yield to despair or be discouraged. Be strong. Know that God will act for those who trust in him. He will bring to completion what he has begun to do in your life. There is glory awaiting you beyond the finishing tape!
Short Speeches of Introduction, Welcome, Felicitation, Vote of Thanks!
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”– Hebrews 12:1z Bible.
“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” — St. Paul (Philippians 3:13, 14 Bible NIV).
No one has become successful and maintained it without discipline. Talent, opportunity, passion, ambition, hard work and perseverance all have their contribution to make to success. But without discipline it is highly likely that a genius too will end up as a failure.
So what is discipline? “Discipline is one’s ability to adjust oneself to the given situation.” That was the thought the Principal at my school had driven home into our hearts at each school assembly. That means we are not to blame circumstances but instead rise above them by making necessary changes in our attitudes and actions.
The next step in discipline is to make priorities. As far as students are concerned, their first priority is not studies. You might be shocked and surprised by that statement, I am sure! But then what is your highest priority. It is to obey your parents and teachers!
Now why do I say this? This is because disobedience and disrespect are so fashionable with today’s young generation. But let me tell you; a disobedient child is an undisciplined child. And even if such a child becomes successful the traits of disobedience he or she carries in the mind will someday prove to be his or her downfall.
Let me add one more important thought to this. Many of you aspire to be leaders; don’t you? It is a good thing provided your attitude is to serve others in your leadership role—to be a true minister unto men. The Bible portrays this as servant leadership which Jesus showed when he took off his outer clothing, wrapped a towel around his waist, took water in a basin, washed the feet of his disciples and dried them with the towel the night he was betrayed.
Now if you want to be a leader, obedience is the key. Make a note of the saying, “He who cannot obey cannot command.” Just imagine what chaos will result if there is disobedience in the armed forces? Therefore obedience is the key as far as discipline is concerned.
After desire, and priorities and obedience, the next step as far discipline is concerned is to strengthen your resolve and commitment.Just making decisions are not good enough to lead a disciplined life. You have to increase your efforts to stick to commitments. Otherwise you will become bored and lazy with routines.
The key is to create good and healthy habits. Once those are formed; it is difficult to break them. Just imagine, the simple act of brushing your teeth every morning. This discipline became part of your life because your parents helped you to form that habit early in life; isn’t it?
Let me conclude with one last thought about a disciplined life. It is a very important thought as well. If you wish to maintain a disciplined and successful life, you have to avoid distractions. As far as youngsters are concerned, let me point out one way in which you are distracted is time you spent with your gadgets. If you do not learn to discipline yourself and limit time you spent on them; you will regret that later in life. For the quality and vigour of time in youth will never return. Therefore, invest the best of your time in life in the best things of life.
So my dear friends learn to adjust yourself to the given situations in life. Discipline yourself and leave behind an inspiring legacy of success!
Why is reading important? It is important because it is a habit that can make you a better person. Biographies of great men and women tell us that most of them became great because of the inspiration they got from reading books especially during their childhood days.
Books not only inspire us, but they also provide knowledge. Even though technology has brought in many changes to the way we read, it has only enhanced our ability to get connected to different sources of knowledge through reading.
It is to be noted that reading exposes our mind to different cultures and languages of the world. It helps us to digest the best that different regions of the world like Asia and the Middle East, America, Europe, and Africa have to offer us. As our minds are exposed to such a wealth of ideas through reading, it helps us to communicate with depth of thought and a wide mixture of emotional colours as well.
Again, reading gives us entertainment. Novels, short stories, poems, travelogues, even comics and cartoons entertain our minds. It helps us relax. More than that it engages our mind in a way nothing else does. Our imagination is ignited when we read. We become co-creators of stories as we animate the stories we read in our minds. It is definitely a healthy exercise to the mind.
These are reasons why books have been treasured, and to create a habit of reading; libraries established. There are libraries in the world where ancient manuscripts are preserved. They connect us to our roots and are a window through which we are able to see the history of the world.
But then with the giant leap of technology has come digital libraries which place books at our finger tips. Therefore, with mobiles and tablets, reading can happen even while traveling. The one difference it has made is that instead of flipping through the pages of a book physically, we use touchscreens. Yes, the way people read has changed, but reading as a habit continues to hold sway in the minds of people.
At the same time, we need to be reminded that good books are a great investment. As Francis Bacon, the great essayist, said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” And in the words of the great poet, John Milton “A good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life.”
Finally, some books can be like a beam of light lighting up your path ahead. In the Bible, we find the author of a Psalm assert this, saying,
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”*
Therefore, choose good books wisely. Make them your companions. And like good friends, they will give you counsel and wisdom when you need those most.
Now, what is the truth regarding this thought? The truth is you are not good enough! So what? Who is? Do you know anyone who is perfect? Have you ever seen the failures and mistakes of those you consider perfect?
Why should you compare yourself with someone else? Don’t you have an identity of your own? Is there any other individual like you on planet earth? Aren’t you unique? Made so very special by your Creator, God!
Then why do you entertain negative thoughts about yourself? God knows your faults. He knows your frame. He remembers that you are dust. And like a father has compassion on his children he has compassion on you.
God is not here to solve your inferiority complex. He is here to reveal his awesome power in weak vessels. He is here to make you strong in spite of all your feelings of “I can’t” and “I am not good enough.”
When God transforms a person, he does it patiently and lovingly. He takes long years, but he never gives up on you. Until his face gets reflected in the gold being purified in you, he will take you through tough and challenging experiences.
But God’s unconditional love for you will tug at your heart. He will say,
“Be strong and courageous. Have I not commanded you? Get up and try one more time. It doesn’t matter if you fail. My love for you is bigger than your failures. Trust me.”
Life is precious.It is God’s gift to you. It is so unique that there is no one else on earth like you. There never was; and never will be.
Life, again, is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to do good. Therefore it does not matter how long you live; all that matters is how well you live. And how many lives you are able to touch with love and encouragement.
Another thought is that life is always shadowed by death. All people have to face it. He or she is a wise man or woman who is prepared to meet death when it comes. It is a sense of readiness. It is also an expectation to pass through the bridge of death to life eternal.
Interestingly,the secret of life is best revealed to those who are not bound by their possessions. They are untouched by worry and the changing fortunes of life. They are people who do not live by adding things to life but by measuring their lives by things they can do without.
Life above all is a stewardship. It is a trust entrusted to you. Such an understanding of life makes you keenly aware that you are answerable to God for all the time, talent, treasure, and opportunity he has gifted you with.
This is in tune with the Biblical truth that “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” The balancing truth is that wrongs faced in this world will be made right; that God will wipe every tear from the eyes of his children, and good done will be rewarded.
It is this hope that makes life worth living. And it is in loving relationships nurtured within family and friendships that make life beautiful. Life is also made purposeful by knowing one’s role in one’s family, or one’s place of work, or society at large; and playing that role well.
Finally, there is an irresistible hope at the end of life’s journey for those who have trusted the One who said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die*.” Is there a better hope in life than this? Thank you.
Coach Gives Motivational Speech the Day Before Final Game!
Hi Team,
The power of defeat lies not in the score but in your attitude. A game lost is not the end of life; nor is it the end of your career. It is true that you made mistakes. Now what does that prove? It tells the world that you attempted to do something. But it did not turn out well. So what? There is still that final game ahead tomorrow. Let me tell you my friends, “Yes you can!”
We will look at defeat squarely in its eye. We will not give up in despair. Instead we will rally our best reserves of strength. We will sharpen and polish our skills. We will not focus on the reputation of the opposition but we will fight as if it is our last game on Planet Earth. In tomorrow’s final, my young friends, I do believe, “Yes you can!”
Young men, I see a look of fear and doubt on all your faces! Let me tell you what is bothering you. You are thinking: “It is OK Coach for you to say all this. But we are the ones out in the field; and that too before our home crowd. The opposing team have won the championship the last five years. Do we have a chance? What if we fail in front of our home crowd?”
The nod on all your faces confirms that what I just said is true. Now, here is my answer to your doubts. There is nothing to be ashamed of failure if you have done your very best. In fact, we all need to learn to fail graciously. We need to know that there are some days when our best is not enough. We need to accept that our opposition deserved to win. And in fact rejoice that we lost to a better team. But I am certain that tomorrow will be your day, “Yes you can!”
Young friends, success does not teach you much. But failures do. They are the best teachers if you are humble enough to go down with a winning attitude. Yes, learn to go down fighting. There shall be a resurrection yet. Out of ashes, you shall rise. That is my sure hope.
Therefore let nothing rattle your confidence. And the day will come when the world will stand up to applaud your crowning moment.
Tomorrow will be that day! There is no doubt; there is no uncertainty. Only assurance of victory. Victory in spite of the talent, the reputation, and the support for the opposing team from their fans world over. Believe in just one thing. Tomorrow you will win. They might be the hot favourites; but we will be the winners this time. My dear friends, Yes, you can!
People without goals in life do not accomplish much. Therefore it is important to have worthy goals in life. If your goal in life is related to your passion in life, then you’ll have great enthusiasm as you work towards your goal. In this speech let me spell out 7 steps that will take you to your goal.
#1. You need to have a clear focus.
The sharper your focus is the greater chance is there for you to achieve your goal. The lives of great men and women teach us that they achieved their goals by having a sharp focus and single-minded aim.
#2. Do not postpone working towards your goal.
Each day and moment is precious. Make sure that you do some little bit each day that will take you nearer your goal. Often goals are achieved by the small efforts taken each day rather than a big effort done on a single day. There is great truth in the saying that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
#3. Know your obstacles.
There has never been any easy road to success. Every victory is achieved through “blood, toil, tears and sweat.” So first of all count the cost involved in achieving your goal. Get to know all the factors that can come against you. Then make a realistic plan to overcome each one of them.
#4. Make your goals specific.
If there is lack of clarity in the way you have defined your goals, try to make it as specific and realistic as possible. At times, you may need to narrow down your focus and prioritize the use of your time, talent and resources. Always make sure that there is an immediately doable step as you work towards your goal.
#5. Have a deadline and be accountable to someone.
Many people dream of doing some great thing in life but never get started. One reason is that they do not set a deadline to achieve their goals. It is also important that you have someone in the role of a coach or a mentor to whom you can make yourself accountable. Do a review about progress made along with him or her occasionally.
#6. Perseverance is the key to success.
Perseverance means moving towards your goal in spite of every doubt, every failure, every setback and disappointment. When setbacks come, at times it is wise to take a few steps backward and then take a giant leap forward towards your goal! Focus on finishing well. A good beginning is not good enough; greater is the ability to stick on to your purpose and being able to finish what you began to do.
#7. Above all, believe in your goal.
It is amazing how much can be achieved if you just knew and believed the truth that God has invested in you with potential far beyond you have ever dreamed of. When you achieve worthy goals your life blesses others by inspiring them to go for their goals as well. It is important that you have goals that you are motivated to achieve. If you are passionate about it, the chances are extremely high that you will achieve your goals!
[Published on LinkedIn]
