Last month I completed my elementary Paragliding course. On the final day of the course, I did a solo flight from a height of 800ft which was, needless to say, absolutely fantastic. While leaping off the cliff, I felt the euphoric feeling of weightlessness that one experiences when onboard a plane as it takes off. My feet dangled over the seemingly endless vast forest below, the radio strapped to my chest crackled with instructions “Doing well Kishor, stay on course”, and I was hit with the realization that I was going solo, both literally and figuratively. Literally, since I had just jumped off a cliff by myself and figuratively, since 2014 would be a year of independence for me.
Growing older, I am now expected to be responsible for many important decisions that will affect the lives of those around me. Of course, going by the true definition of the word, I have been “an adult” for a few years now but it is easy being under the protective wing of parents. And as every month passes by, I feel the need to be better, faster and smarter than the previous month. Fortunately, my time in England has prepared me well to face the onslaught of a more mature life, of being decisive and responsible.
Taking about responsibility, an alumnus of my alma mater, the Hyderabad Public School, has been given a role of enormous responsibility. Satya Nadella (1984 HPS batch) was recently chosen to be the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company that has become an essential part of most of our lives, Microsoft. As expected, the Indian media was swift to talk about his new role, glorifying the triumph of Indians worldwide. It is definitely a proud moment for all of us and doubly so for us students and alumni of HPS. Most of us can only dream to build a brighter future for the world and to see one of our eagles rise to such heights is a story for the history books.
However, many people were quick to ask whether we, as a nation, should be proud for his role today? Have we contributed to his position today in any way? Is he not a product of the culture of the United States? Strictly speaking, I don’t think that matters now. Regardless of the quibbles and questions, the fact is that he is the CEO of a company that has the power to change the world forever. And that is a source of inspiration for everyone.
Think about the 8 year old kid in HPS who now thinks that he too can, one day, become the CEO of Microsoft. In his mind runs the thought “If Satya did it, why can’t I? After all, he is from the same school as me.” And his thought is well justified. Even if one child is truly inspired by Satya today, there is no limit to what he or she can achieve in the future if they put their thoughts to action. Passion and motivation can take people to places beyond their imagination. And the notion that I went to the same school as Satya brings a sense of pride that all the money in the world can’t buy. When our parents told us as kids that if we worked hard enough, fame and fortune would find us, they weren’t kidding. All we need is a dash of inspiration, a pinch of motivation and the strength to follow our dreams, regardless of what comes in our way. Today, Satya has provided us with that inspiration. Now we just need to find the strength within ourselves.
Currently listening to – The Wolves & The Ravens by Rogue Valley
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As usual very well written kishor. Reflects exactly what every eagle feels like about Satya.