Go for Gold !! Probably some other time ......

P.V. Sindhu has come in the limelight by creating history and becoming the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in the greatest of all global sporting competitions ... the Olympics itself. For the next week and onwards, Indian media will be pouring rich tributes to India's golden (or rather 'Silver' :) ) girl . Her photo will appear on all newspapers and magazines while TV channels will be screaming her name. Various companies will approach her and vie to make her their product brand ambassador. This spectacle will continue for some months before the euphoria dies down.

In a country which idolizes cricket at the expense of other games, including national games like Kabaddi, Hockey and Polo; Sindhu's medal comes as a breath of fresh air. Parents will take a leaf out of her book and will hopefully encourage their children to pursue their passion rather than force the mundane and soul killing world of studies, endless cramming and the beaten-to-death choices of Engineering, Medicine and Commerce upon them.

With only a few days remaining before the Olympics wraps up, India's has opened her medal account, but her dream of obtaining the coveted Gold medal might just remain a dream ... with only a few left to compete. After the players return home, it's going to be the usual game. The media is going to have a field day criticizing our players efforts. The same old tagline of "A hundred and twenty million people, but not a single gold medal." is going to make the rounds. Many will once again compare India with China and point out how woefully imbalanced both sides are. Some will criticize the training and the facilities. But then again, all this will be forgotten in a few months. Till the next Olympics at least. Then the whole cycle starts again.

This is not an analysis blog. I am not analyzing India's performance in Rio. God knows, there are enough and better qualified people than me to do that.  

For all those who plan to indulge in this banter, either as a past-time or seriously, I would advise them to lay off. There is no point in flogging a dead horse. Please leave the athletes alone. Especially, please don't spray the tagline of "A billion people and no gold medal." It's not as if all the billion people of India train rigorously for four years to qualify for the Olympics. A majority of the billion idolize cricket and train long and hard for it, but despite their effort, only a few qualify. And for all the fanfare associated with the game and the players, India has only managed to win the World Cup twice in forty years. Whereas a country like Australia which does not put Cricket in top priority has managed to walk away with the world championship five times!

Random and negative tweets such as Shobha De's do not help either. Actually, her tweets do open up and interesting line of thought. I would definitely agree that her tweets were ill advised. But I believe her ire should have been redirected towards the officials and the so called political well wishers of the Indian contingent. Just read this article and you will know what I am talking about.

There's a saying which goes:

"If you keep doing what you're doing, you will get what you have always been getting."

There's also another one which says:

"To get something which you never had, you must do something you have never done."

Enough said.

Till 2020!

Jai Hind! 
          

Stop reading! Start Doing!

Have you noticed one thing about motivational articles, self-help books and videos? When you’re down and out, when you’re lost and searching for inspiration; that article which tells you how to focus on your strengths and get the best out of life; the great achiever who gives you tips on how to get your desired results; the superb motivational video with soul-lifting music which causes adrenaline to pump into your heart might be just the tonic your waning spirit needed. But notice another thing! Very soon, you start to get addicted to them. You’ll find that without reading one motivational piece a day, you won’t be able to get your spirits on a high and start your work. In short, you are now addicted to self-help articles.

Absurd as it may sound, it’s true. I have visited numerous bookshops and seen the shelves cluttered with self-help books written by various authors. There are books which tell you how to make friends and influence their thoughts and actions (How to win friends and influence people — Dale Carnegie), there are books which tell you how to grow wealthy (Think and grow rich — Napoleon Hill), books which help you boost your self-confidence and think positive (You Can Win — Shiv Khera, The power of positive thinking — Norman Vincent Peale) and books which help you use the power of your conscious and sub-conscious mind for your benefit (The power of your subconscious mind — Dr. Joseph Murphy).

Notice one thing common about them? They all mention the same thing. In a nut shell this is what they will say to you:

a) Don’t lose focus

b) Always believe in yourself

c) Follow your heart

d) Take risks

e) Never give up

f) Ignore the naysayers

g) Go for your goal

h) Face your demons and fears

i) Learn from failure

j) Be consistent and good in all you do

k) Stop procrastinating

l) There is no substitute to hard work

m) Follow your passion to the ends of the earth

n) Never neglect your dreams.

And so on and so forth. It feels good reading them at first, but later on you realize that you have been gypped. You have been tricked into reading the same thing again and again. You slowly find out that their words have replaced your own subconscious thoughts and instincts and instead of following your own gut feeling, you tend to follow their clichéd advice and more often than not, end up with a result you are not happy with. You invariably end up trying too hard doing the thing you naturally do best.

The best thing to do for shaking yourself out of this rut is to stop it right here, right now! Stop reading and start doing! Actions speak louder than words. Ask successful people on how they conquered the odds and got to where they are currently and their answer will most certainly never include: I read a motivational book, written by XYZ. That prompted me to change my life and it’s because of that book that I am where I am right now. No sir! Reading a motivational book is like drinking a bottle of chilled coke on a hot summer day. It feels great and makes you want more. But after the second drink, you realize that the first drink was good enough and you probably should have ended it there.

Now don’t get me wrong. These books act as great tonics when your spirits are down. But you should be mentally strong and know when to draw the line and not get addicted to them. I don’t mean to offend all the writers who have put up some great articles of advice and motivation on various sites. No doubt, your articles are great. But my message is to those who read them.

Readers, realize this! No book ever made anyone rich, no matter how rich it was in content and advice. No book can motivate you enough to change yourself. Self-Change is something which will happen at the right time, at the right place. Self-Change is something intrinsic, which is triggered most of the time by external events. We all seek advice and try to emulate those successful hoping to attain similar results, but most of the time we fail to realize that the power to succeed or fail lies within us. When the light of enlightenment shines upon us, when we stumble upon the realization that we can alter our own destiny no matter what the odds, when we develop the courage to follow our own heart and instincts despite how foolish and impractical they may sound, then an only then can we say confidently that we have stepped on the true path to progress and success. And this can be realized by stepping out of your comfort zone, by doing things which you have never attempted before, by failing and learning from your failures. No book can ever teach you all that. You have to go out there and grasp it yourself and if you truly wish to succeed, you will!

Stop reading, and start working on your dream right now!

Brexit Ahoy !!

It finally had to happen.

In what could very well be termed as one of the most significant moves of the new millennium, last Thursday the United Kingdom voted to move out of the European Union. Given the significant amount of clout Britain wields over the European and world economy, the importance of this move cannot be underestimated.

The world did not take it lightly either. As soon as the decision became public, stock markets across Europe and Asia started tumbling. The Euro and Pound currencies took a huge nosedive and fell to new lows. A pall of gloom descended among British youth and Europe in general. British PM David Cameron stated that he would resign the coming September citing personal responsibility.

But I believe it was an event waiting to happen. In fact, given Britain’s unique and chequered history, this move should have hardly come across as a surprise. Geographically isolated from continental Europe, the British have always viewed themselves as politically and culturally separate from the European Mainland. In that sense, the English Channel separates Britain from Europe in more ways than one. Apart from James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Jeeves, Bertie Wooster, Royal Enfield and Jaguar; the one thing which the British are famous for, the one unique trait which differentiates a Brit from the others is their die hard patriotism and pride in their national identity and their stubbornness to influence from outside culture. It is this pride and stubbornness which made them heroically resist Nazi Germany’s air attacks during world war two. While any other nation would have buckled under the constant barrage of the Luftwaffe, Britain heroically resisted and also responded in kind by bombarding German cities. It helped to turn the tide of the war in no small way. It was this same stubbornness which made Captain Scott persist with his ill-fated quest to find the South Pole despite the numerous odds which were stacked against him. The same stubbornness and British pride which made the captain of the Titanic stay on board knowing very well that the ship was on its’ way to Davy Jones’ locker. All that and the cognizance of the fact that their nation colonized nearly half the planet not more than a century ago has acted in no small way to fuel British pride and instilled a deep patriotic sense of identity among their people.

And this could perhaps the single most reason for Britain to pull out. On the surface, they (The British) do cite valid reasons for leaving the EU. The less than ideal financial condition of the EU(not helped by Greece and the Euro crisis of past years) and the potential economic and employment problems Britain faces from member East European immigrants are pressing concerns. But knowing the British, I would say the single most important factor for leaving the EU could be a deep rooted fear of losing their national identity, a fear of being typecast as ‘One of those developed European Nations’ instead of being known as ‘Great’ Britain, a fear of being relegated to a mere speck on the map of a bigger Europe rather than being known and respected for it’s own.

Whatever it may be, the British have spoken. A rocky path lies ahead, given that they will soon lose all the prized privileges of being a powerful member of the EU and the fact the founding members have not taken Britain’s decision very sportingly. The British will soon have to carve out their own path, not an easy task by any means. To compound matters, Scotland and Northern Ireland have made very clear their preference to remain in the EU. With such complications, the United Kingdom might not remain so ‘United’ in the near future.

But all is not lost yet. Critics and pro-pounders of doom for the British might have just underestimated her strength and determination. In fact, this could be just the tonic the sleeping British economy needs to rouse it from its’ slumber. There’s nothing quite like a hard challenge to perk you up. Spain and France have also given indications to quit the EU, a move which will further weaken union and exacerbate matters no less. And if other countries do follow suit, Europe will start looking like how it was back in the late nineteenth century, with each country vying for financial and economic superiority. Two devastating world wars were the direct consequence of a divided Europe back then. God knows what will happen now.

The full impact of ‘Brexit’ still remains to be calculated and only time will stand proof of the soundness of the move. But there’s no denying the fact that once again the British have created a Big Splash, the ripples of which are being felt the world over. Trust them to stay quiet! I say what ..old Boy!

Cheers to the British!

The Changing Face of India

The sixties:

Son rushes into house jubilant and excited.

Son:   Mom, I have good news! I have graduated with top honours in my college. I have also got a job as a Junior clerk in Seth Makhichand’s firm. I will be getting a salary of three hundred rupees a month.

Mom:   God Bless you my son! If only your father was around to see this moment. He would have been so happy.

Son touches mother’s feet and takes her blessing. Mother bursts out into tears and hugs him. Overall, it’s a highly emotional moment.

The Seventies:

Son walks in the house, depressed and dejected.

Mom:   Any luck getting a job son?

Son:   No mom. There is no hope. You need a special recommendation to get a job. You need to be the son of a minister, industrialist or someone with high connections. Without that, I don’t stand a chance. I have roamed around the whole day, from one office to another. My slippers are torn to shreds and my feet are bleeding. They want people with experience. And how does one get experience without starting somewhere? This degree and my entire education have no value at all.

Frustrated, he throws the file containing his qualifications to the ground.

Mother:   Don’t get unduly disheartened Son. You will find something soon. Have faith in God and yourself.

Saying so she hugs her son. Once again, the atmosphere is heavily loaded with emotions.

The Eighties:

Still the same old scene. Son walks in dejected, a file in one hand and a bag of vegetables in the other.

Son:   Mom, here are the vegetables you wanted.

Mom:   Any luck son?

Son:   Still the same old story. There’s a huge waiting list for each job. They are asking a bribe now even for getting a chance to sit at the interview. I wonder why I ever took up studies. There is no value to this degree at all.

Saying so, once again he flings the file with disgust to the floor.

Mom:   Don’t get disheartened son. I have something for you. I spoke to Seth Makhichand the other day. He says there is a vacancy for a junior clerk available in his firm. I will request him to give you the job.

Son(Getting angry):   How can you even think of that mom? I am a graduate Engineer First class with honours. After doing engineering, how can you expect me to take up the job of a clerk?

Mom:   Why don’t you realize? We need some money to run this house? We have to get Chunni (younger sister) married. Where will the money come from? You have to take up this job, whether you like it or not.

Son gets dejected and hangs his head down while the mother bursts into tears. Once again, an emotional moment.

The Nineties:

Son walks into the house excited and happy.

Son:   Mom, there’s good news. I got a job in the new foreign IT company which just started its’ operations in India recently. The salary and perks are very good.

Mom:   That’s good news beta. I am so happy for you.

Son:   Yes. Thanks to the new economic liberalization policy of the government, foreign companies are investing in India. They have started new factories and offices. New jobs are coming through. It looks like our bad days are over.

Son and Mom hug each other in a … once again …. Emotional moment!

Dawn of the new Millenium:

Son walks in with laptop and travel bag in hand. His mother is waiting eagerly.

Mother:   How nice to see you again son. You should take some time off to meet me often from that hectic work schedule of yours.

Son:   Mom, I have good news. I have three job offers in hand. But my current company didn’t want to let me go. So now they are sending me to Europe on a long term assignment. It will take four to five years.

Mom:   Such a long time? What will I do without you?

Son:   Don’t worry mom. I will visit you once in a year. We can also be in touch via Skype.

Mom:   But son, you are already coming of age. What about your marriage? You need to settle down in life.

Son:   Oh c’mon mom. Don’t bombard me with your soppy emotional sentiments. I can’t afford to miss this opportunity. It will be good for my career. Marriage can wait.

Son touches mother’s feet and walks away without even looking back, not noticing the tears she is shedding. A totally one sided emotional moment!

And after the First decade of the millennium:

Son walks into the house screaming abuses in the cell-phone. It is evident from the wrinkles and warts on his face that he is going through great stress. He cursorily stoops to touch his mother’s feet, not really looking at her.

Mom:   How are you beta? Where are you wife and kid? Haven’t you brought them here?

Son:   No mom, they couldn’t come. Wife is busy with her job. It’s a critical period.

Mom:   What about my grandson?

Son:   I have left him in a proper day care centre. He will be occupied all day. The centre has excellent facilities.

Mom:   But why should she (your wife) also work? Isn’t it enough if you work alone? The kid needs his mother’s care.

Son(angrily):   Now don’t start that again Mom. Prices are rising. We cannot afford to survive on my salary alone. Do you know how expensive it is to buy even a small 2BHK these days? You have no idea.

Mom shrugs and sighs helplessly. Son keeps ranting on the phone oblivious to his mother’s presence. A moment totally devoid of any emotions.

Present year:

Our hero is lying on the sofa, animatedly chatting with someone on the cell phone. His mother walks in.

Mom:   Still here? Are you not going to college?

Son(laughing):   College? What are you talking about? I dropped out a long time ago.

Mother(flabbergasted):   WHAT??!

Son:   Yes. I and my two friends, we’re starting an online real estate business.

Mom(angrily):   And all this time you fooled me telling me you were going to college. Why did you lie to me?

Son:   Because I knew you wouldn’t agree. You always try to discourage me.

Mother:   I just want you to be safe. Can’t you at least wait till you finish your studies?

Son:   What for? I mean what’s the point? There’s never been a better time to become an Entrepreneur. The government has launched the new ‘Start Up India’ scheme. There are a lot of angel investors out there. The time is ripe. We must capitalize. Now, who would waste one’s life studying and sitting behind a desk and cubicle in a mundane and boring nine to five job? Ok mom, I have to be going. I will be back late. Have your dinner. Don’t wait for me.

Son walks out and mother is left behind shaking her head in disbelief.

© Srinivas Pavan Addanki

Wish you a happy and prosperous 2016

Hi Folks,

2015 is history now and 2016 is the 'in' thing. I wish to thank all those who have spared some time to read my blog and hopefully gained something from it, wherever in the world you are. I want to take this opportunity to wish you a very healthy, happy, prosperous and exciting new year. Let's hope 2016 will give you all that you have hoped for. I pray that all your dreams come true and you reach new heights in personal life as well as your career.

Let there be peace and happiness all around.

With Love,

Pavan 

A case of Poor timing !!

There’s a new buzzword among the Indian media these days – Intolerance. After 67 years of living in harmony, some people feel threatened and insecure and have termed our nation ‘intolerant’. They feel they are being singled out and being discriminated against since they follow a particular religion. Their fear that their freedom of speech and their fundamental rights will be threatened. The irony is that most of these people are those who have received tremendous love and affection from our citizens who have placed them on the highest pedestal of fame and glory. And yet, they feel insecure. They should in fact feel tremendously safe. They have nothing to fear. That’s because far from being ‘Intolerant’, we are really the most tolerant nation in this world. Too tolerant by half in my opinion. Indeed, if anything we should be criticized for being ‘over tolerant’. Let me show you how.

Let’s take the clock back seven years. Seven years, on this very day a group of heavily armed terrorists across the border sneaked in by boat to South Mumbai and attacked popular targets such as the Mumbai CST and Taj Hotel. The drama continued for five days until all the attackers were either apprehended or killed. By the time they were done, hundreds of innocent people were killed and scores more were wounded. Their mission was more or less accomplished. They had come to spread terror, death, destruction and they had succeeded. The world was quick to condemn the attacks and expressed their sympathy. For the next few days, Mumbai and the rest of the nation boiled as angry citizens came to the streets and demanded justice. We all knew where the perpetrators had come from, despite their vehement denials. And what did our government do? They snapped all Cricketing ties with that nation. Yes you heard me right, Cricketing ties!! Jeepers! And here I was, thinking of a nice old black cat commando operation Entebbe style to nab or kill the perpetrators, and all I got was ‘No Cricket!’.

Now pause for a moment and think. Did the planners of the 26/11/2008 attack even consider this outcome as one of the consequences? Did they, in their wildest dreams ever imagine this step by our government? No self-respecting nation would have tolerated this kind of attack on it’s soil and would have taken steps for immediate retribution. Keeping that in mind, the planners and all those involved would have been on high alert! Imagine the look on their faces, when instead of a deadly retribution, they hear the usual ‘Stern Warning’ and ‘No Cricket!’ message. They would have simply laughed their @$$es off. For all that we know, they would have simply died laughing. 

Ok so what’s done was done right? So the Cricketing ban would have hurt some players and some officials. Well, it was some kind of retribution at least. But then what does the BCCI do? Seven years after the dastardly attack, when the wounds have yet to heal for some of the survivors (or should I say, victims) the BCCI goes all out and announces resumption of Cricketing ties with our ‘Friendly neighbour’. That too, on the very anniversary of the attacks.

 

Now who would dare call our nation ‘Intolerant’ after hearing all this? To those who still brand our nation as intolerant, you have underestimated the magnanimity and the big heart of our government. Terror merchants across the border, perpetrators of scores of heinous and deadly attacks in India live a life of safety and leisure with the knowledge that justice might take a lifetime, if ever to catch up with them. That being the case, You: dear citizen of India can rest easy! Nothing is going to happen to you!

Friday the Thirteenth

It was a Black Friday for Paris indeed. On the morning of the Saturday, the 14^th of November 2015, the world woke up to the shocking news of terrorist attacks carried out on one of the most vibrant cities on earth. What should have been a gay and enjoyable weekend for many Parisians turned out be a nightmare, as scores of innocent people were killed and injured by terrorists who planned and executed the attack with lethal precision.

As an Indian who has witnessed similar attacks on home soil, my heart goes out to those affected.

If I knew better, I would say this was an incident waiting to happen. Our Prime Minister, Mr. 

Narendra Modi rightly said that the attacks mirror those carried out on 26^th November 2008 in Mumbai. India long ago stated that terrorists have used India as a staging ground for carrying out attacks on a worldwide scale. While we suffered, the world joined hands in condemning the heinous acts of terrorism but failed to heed our warning and realize the real repercussions. If the Mumbai attacks are not proof enough, take the 1999 hijacking of the Indian Airlines flight to Kandahar, Afghanistan. What followed on the 11^th of September 2001 in New York needs no elaboration.

It’s high time we all woke up and acted. Condolence messages might have the best of intent, but to those who have been directly and indirectly affected by such acts, these messages will sound hollow and meaningless, just like the fire brigade arriving after the house has been totally gutted. Terrorism has long since ceased to be a problem for just one nation. As is evident from the events in Paris, even the most powerful and developed nations now find themselves victims of anti-social elements who can wreak havoc at will without prior warning. We have to recognize terrorism as a global problem and come together to crush those responsible. Until we do, attacks like these will become more regular. What is more frightening is not the fact that these attacks will continue, but the fact that we will become immune to them (as we have to many other atrocities nowadays), which will only serve to encourage the perpetrators. We have to join hands and eliminate terrorism from the core. Until then, none of us is going to be safe and sound.

(Apologies if my blog sounds like some clichéd political diatribe)

But then again, there are always two sides to the same coin.    

While an infamous terrorist organization has already claimed responsibility for the heinous act, France has declared this incident as an act of war. French President Hollande has vowed to punish those responsible for this incident and has promised to act ‘ruthlessly’ to crush all enemies of state. This could just be the beginning of what could be a vicious circle and a dark chapter in French history. How France brings to book those responsible for this act is yet to be seen. It won’t take much to figure out that members of a particular religion will be targeted and persecuted. For the actions of a guilty few, many innocents must suffer the trauma of suspicion and hate. This in turn will lead to more dissension and hatred among those affected. This will lead to further repercussions. Need I say more?

This does not mean letting the perpetrators go off the hook. Go after them by all means but watch out for collateral damage. To the French Government I humbly request: if you see the guilty hiding behind a number of innocents, do not attack them or mow them down ruthlessly just to reach the guilty. Instead, move quietly till you trap and isolate the guilty party and then ruthlessly tear them apart. Ensure that no innocent gets harmed in the process. That’s easier said than done of course.

To those responsible for this dastardly act I say only this: What were you hoping to achieve? Have you come any closer to your objectives? Do you think you have redeemed yourself in the eyes of your maker? Are you still under this deluded belief that these kind of acts will guarantee you a spot in heaven?   

Hatred breeds only hatred. As Ben Kingsley stated in the film 'Gandhi', ‘An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind’.

When will this end, if ever?

I appeal to all:

Let there be Sanity, let there be love. Let no innocent suffer.

Above all, let there be everlasting peace.     

A tale of two cows

This is the tale of two cows; with a little twist.

In a certain country farm there were born two cows Molly and Holly. Both were identical twins with features so same that it was impossible to tell them apart. But when it came to behaviour, both were totally different. Molly was brave, adventurous, outspoken and always the bright spark. In contrast Holly was just your normal shy and average cow. Because of her nature, Molly was everyone’s favourite. While all the people and animals in the farm adored Molly, they did not pay any special attention to poor Holly. People often compared them both, with Molly most of the time scoring high in compliments and praises. The constant comparison with her sibling left poor Holly often in tears and she grew up with a deep and lingering inferiority complex.

One day, a cow name Steve joined the farm. Steve was from the city. He was smart, friendly and talkative and immediately made friends with all the farm animals, including Molly and Holly. Steve was particularly impressed by Molly’s nature. One day, when he got the chance he told her, “Hey listen Molly, I think you’re wasting your life on this farm. There are plenty of opportunities out there in the city for persons of your calibre. Just imagine the amount of money you’ll be making, the fame and fortune you’ll receive out there as opposed to just sitting here on the farm chewing hay and giving milk.”

Molly immediately perked up. “Do you really think so Steve?”, she asked.

“Sure as hell.”, Steve replied. “With your brains and personality, you can really go places.”

“Hmm … I don’t know. The farm is safe and comfy”, Molly replied hesitatingly.

“C’mon girl! Ask yourself!! With a personality as yours do you really want to be cooped up your entire life in this barn? Think about it!”, Steve said. And saying so he walked off.

Molly thought long and hard the next few days. She tried to envisage the pros and cons. Life on the farm was comfortable no doubt. There was regular food and caring. But it was also stationary. There was nothing new or exciting about it. It was the same old boring routine everyday and it would be the same old routine her entire life if she decided to stay here.

On the other hand, life in the city offered various choices. True, it was unknown and dangerous territory. There were various pitfalls and traps out there. But there were also so many things to do. She could learn new things, meet new people, visit various places, earn money and make a new life out of herself. Life in the city, while dangerous was also exciting and full of adventure. Finally, after a lot of deliberating, she made her decision.  

A few days later, Molly and Holly were talking as usual in between chewing hay. Molly said to Holly, “You know Holly, I have been thinking a lot. Don’t you think life as a Cow on this farm is pretty boring?”

Holly looked up to her in between chewing, a puzzled expression on her face.

Molly continued, “You know, life on the farm is pretty much dull. I mean it’s the same old routine. Eat hay, give milk, eat hay, give milk and so on. Don’t you think so Holly? “

“Umm…. Well I think it’s pretty Ok.”, Holly replied.

“Of course, you think so! You just don’t have any taste for adventure.” Molly snorted. Holly blushed, stung by the rebuke and continued chewing hay.

Oblivious to her twin sister’s discomfort, Molly continued, “I’ve been thinking long and hard and I really don’t want to end up being a cow my entire life; you know like giving milk and all that. I want to do something big in life and this farm is not big enough for my dreams.”

“Uh-huh.”, Holly said, in between chews. “So what do you plan to do?”, she asked.

“Well ….”, Molly said, bringing her voice down to a whisper. “Don’t tell this to anyone …… I plan to run away to the city.”

“You WHAT ??!!!”, Holly exclaimed dropping they bundle of hay she was chewing.

“Shhh … not so loud! Do you want to alert the entire farm?”, Molly said.

“Hmm … of yeah, Sorry! Are you serious?”, Holly replied.

“Of course I am girl! I’ve never been so serious in my life. There are a thousand things to do out in the city. I’ll find a job, earn lots of money and become rich and famous! Come with me. You can be my right hoof…. So to speak. Don’t get cooped up your entire life in this wretched farm. Just think of the possibilities. We can have nice gourmet food instead of the dull hay we eat every day. We can drive around in expensive chauffeur driven cars instead of lugging carts. We can go places!!”, Molly replied enthusiastically.

But Holly did not share her sister’s enthusiasm.

“Uh-oh! Count me out! I think the best place for me is the farm!” she said.

Her reply piqued Molly considerably. “I knew you would say that!”, she snorted. “Well! A cow you are and a cow you will be forever! Stay here and waste your life! Just do me a favour and don’t breathe a word about this to anyone.”, Molly said and walked away in a huff.

Holly, who was by now accustomed to such abuse from Molly sadly shook her head and continued munching hay.

That night Molly secretly ran off to the city. The farm hands were perplexed by her disappearance and searched high and low in and around the farm, but in vain. Soon, they forgot about her and life went on as usual.

Molly had to face a lot of struggles in the city initially. She was homeless with no money and had very few friends. But she had spirit and soon landed up a job with a big corporate dairy firm. She worked hard night and day and came to the notice of the owner who promoted her, gave her a good raise and additional responsibilities. Her confidence grew along with her ambition and she started working doubly hard. But in the process, she lost all her friends who now feared her as she had more power. Day by Day, Molly got more and more immersed in work. She worked hard, she worked smart and brought herself into notice of her superiors. Slowly and steadily, she climbed up the corporate ladder. Soon, she became an indispensable asset to the company and rose to great power and ranks. But all this came at a price. Her colleagues feared and despised her, became jealous of her power and position and started hating her more than ever. Molly’s continued hard work coupled with an irregular lifestyle also began to take it’s toll on her health. She frequently fell ill and slowly and steadily her health condition deteriorated. This continued for some-time until her system could take it no more. One fine morning, her heart gave way and she collapsed and died on her work place. The irony was that the company people for whom she dedicated her life and worked so hard for, were not even the least affected. There were no tears shed on her demise. Many had wanted to see her go. With shocking disdain, they just dumped her body outside the company premises and went about their daily business as if nothing happened. Outside, vultures, hyenas and other scavengers were waiting. They attacked tore apart poor Molly’s body limb by limb and feasted on her flesh till there was nothing left of her, not even bones!

On the other hand, Holly was now the centre of attention now that Molly was gone. But her experiences of the early days always kept her humbled and grounded to earth. She had her priorities set early in life and did not carry heavy expectations and was well aware of her responsibilities. She grew up to be a fine and sturdy cow on the farm and gave lots and lots of milk of good quality. Slowly and steadily, she became an indispensable asset to the farm. She also gave birth to fine and healthy calf specimens much to her owners delight. Though she did not have any extra-ordinary talents and did not win any medals, she was well versed with her strengths and limitations and more importantly, was very comfortable with her identity. She was well treated and likewise, she treated all animals on the farm with respect. She lived a happy cow for the rest of her life and also died peaceful and content, knowing that she had done her duty well and lived a fulfilling life.

So which cow do you want to be?