Be Adaptive

Connected with changing; able to change when necessary in order to deal with different situations – is how word Adaptive is defined in Oxford dictionary. In last few weeks, entire world is getting under the reach of COVID-2019 and panic is spreading across countries, people are busting with anxieties and fear, situation is very slowly improving though.

Let me share an incident from Mahabharata, about Ekalavya. Ekalavya was son of Hiranyadhanus, Chief of Bheel Tribe known as forest dwelling hunters. Ekalavya was hurt when he was rejected as disciple for Archery by Guru Dronacharya based on his caste, but he didn't give up on his resolute will to master Archery. He created statue of Drona, established it in Jungle and began very disciplined program of self-study and master the art of Archery there.

One day when Drona and his students were in the forest, Arjuna saw a dog that was unable to bark due to an amazing construction of arrows all around his mouth. This construction was harmless to the dog, but prevented the dog from barking. Drona was amazed, but also distressed: As he had promised Arjuna that he would make him the greatest archer in the world. Upon inquiring they discovered that Ekalavya is behind this archery with dog. Upon seeing Drona, Ekalavya came and bowed to him. Drona asked Ekalavya where he had learnt archery. Ekalavya replied "Under you, Guruji", and showed Drona his statue while explaining what he had done.

Drona then reminded Ekalavya that to truly be Drona's pupil, Ekalavya would have to pay Guru-Dakshina. Readily, Ekalavya offers to do anything for Drona. Fearing that with his present skill and determination, he will surpass his dearest pupil Arjuna in future, Drona asked for the thumb from Ekalavya's right hand. Happy and Smiling, Ekalavya cuts off the thumb and presented it as Guru-Dakshina to Dronacharya.

Imagine an Archer without a thumb, but being determined to fight impediments and strongly adaptive, As History said Ekalavya was the best Archer of his time, better than Arjuna and said to be beaten Krishna in archery combat.

Ekalavya lost his right thumb and yet succeed to be the best, we are in for ONLY #21DaysLockdown, couple of countries are fighting this battle against COVID-2019 since last few weeks. Is it time to complain about not able to go out, why we are not able to manage our health regime of running/workout or it’s boring at home? As @Dinesh Madne said rightly in one of his articles, it’s time to be #StrongLink in the Chain wherever we go and whatever we do.

One perspective I have about this COVID-2019 that I am literally feeling happy about being at home with family, able to learn few new cooking recipes and also learning how to keep home clean. Learning keyboard from my daughter, I count as a super achievement of this #21DaysLockdown. Yes, I understand that I can’t go out, but I am adapting situation for safety of my family, friends and for all with whom we share mother earth. I am doing my part to prevent virus, by being extra adaptive and I simply request you to leverage this opportunity to strengthen ‘adaptive-muscles’ in your brain and body.

How adaptive are you to this situation and making the best of it? I would love to hear your thoughts, about things which you newly acquired/learnt becoming more adaptive to this situation.

Folks, #StayHomeStaySafe and #BeAdaptive !!!

#Day2, #21DaysLockdown, #StayHomeStaySafe, #LifeAtCapgmini, #BeAdaptive