No Shortcuts to Success.

The youth of today are typically distressed and anxious. Consequently, they are easily subject to short-temper, loneliness, depression, and abomination, besides getting carried away by emotions. Since many of the youngsters find it difficult to cope with their family members, they are often tormented by a guilty conscience. Being under the pressure of high ambitions, almost all youth, irrespective of gender, are afflicted by emotional trauma. They satisfy their narcissistic tendencies by boosting themselves on social media by posting radiant selfies to keep themselves in the limelight; but after that instant gratification, they again sink into the depths of despair, due to their unmet and unending desires. Some of them strive for meteoric success and amass wealth overnight by 'hook and crook' , but they often fail miserably. A few of them are drawn to alcohol and substance abuse mainly because of the pressure from their friends and endanger their lives while some fall in romantic relationships and drop out of studies and spoil their promising lives. This is the true vision of the youth of the modern world. It is right and necessary to nurture high ambitions in life. But to get overnight success in life is quite impractical.

I shall relate a true story. A young man named Albert was a student of 'Business Management Studies' in a renowned college in the neighboring State. After a year in college, negative thoughts began to overpower him and many of his fellow students. A number of questions started to pop up in their minds. "Would we get employment and better salary, after studies?" "Would we need to discard the course halfway through and chose another one?" They were all in utter predicament that they gradually lost interest in studies and started playing truant.

A few days later, Albert met with a motorcycle accident. His parents brought him back and admitted him to a hospital in their hometown. "You need to be hospitalized for two weeks", the Doctor said. Albert spent his time in the hospital by looking aimlessly out of the window. He saw the branch of a rose, planted outside the wall, dancing in the wind and touching the windowsill. Two days later, he saw a small bud and in a week the bud bloomed into a beautiful rose flower. He observed that it took seven days for a bud to grow into a beautiful flower. This spectacle opened his inner eye and changed his perception unprecedentedly. Though a rose plant is thorny and is not so charming, with blooming flowers, it can spread fragrance and provide a visual treat to the passers-by. He realized that everything takes its course and success often comes with a price, besides there being no short cuts to real success. This perception changed his mind-set. Thereafter, he made up his mind to study earnestly with focused attention so that he could become a helping hand to his parents.

He resumed his studies with renewed strength and strived incessantly and untiringly. He passed the examination with flying colors and got a campus placement with salary and perks beyond his expectations. Had the negative thoughts overpowered him, he would not have completed his studies and obtained the covetous placement.

I would like to tell youngsters that God loves each and every one. All the more, your lives are priceless. Your life should be fruitful for yourselves, your parents and the society. Therefore, lead a straightforward and committed life with endurance and resolute faith in God.

May God bless you with everything you desire!