Bangalore:
It’s important for youngsters to chase their dreams, but equally important to have a back-up plan, felt Indian cricketer Robin Uthapppa. Concurring with him was singer Vasundhara Das, but actor-director Pavan Kumar felt a back-up plan means you don’t chase your dream with passion.
They shared their thoughts at Headtable, a student leadership forum organized by Inexcel in association with Times NIE at Bishop Cotton Boys’ High School. Head boys and head girls from 226 city schools fired questions at panelists Robin Uthappa, activist Jasmeen Patheja, Pavan Kumar and entrepreneurs Shruti Shibulal and Pallav Nadhani.
Uthappa said several factors made him choose cricket as a career but passion was a driving force. Nadhani said as a 17-year-old, his passion for programming drove him to experiment and set up FusionCharts, a company that has earned the trust of US President Barack Obama.
For Shruti, success meant coming out from the shadow of her well-known father and establishing an identity for herself. For Patheja, on the other hand, it’s quantified by the public’s understanding about sexual harassment. She set up Blank Noise to bring about a change of attitude in both men and women. Pavan Kumar added that men must educate fellow men that harassment of women cannot be justified, and that each one should play a role towards this end.
The panelists added a brushstroke each to a blank canvas later completed as a work of art by Ranjana Ramchandran. The program was compered by Vasundhara Das and the discussion moderated by consultant Sam Selvakumar.
Quote hanger
Robin Uthappa
When you wake up, the first thing you think about is what you are passionate about.
When you have dream, tell the important people in your life – family, friends, and teachers – about it and they will help you achieve it.
It’s important to build a support system around you and they’ll push you in the direction of your dream.
Do your best. That way, even if you fail, rest assured you’ve given it your best shot, your everything.
Have a back-up plan, but that too must be something you enjoy doing. My back-up plan was to be a driver.
Pallav Nadhani
It’s important to find unconventional ways if one has to succeed in life.
The advantage of being young is that you can fluctuate between different goals. Experiment and figure out what you love doing best and then follow it up.
Luck is a combination of opportunity and sweat. If you work hard, luck will favour you.
When you’re young, your mistakes are forgiven and forgotten, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Jasmeen Patheja
Everybody is a survivor because everybody has been a victim at some point in time.
Everyone has to fight battles based on their inner convictions. We must have a sense of purpose and follow it through.
Pavan Kumar
People may dissuade you from pursuing your passion, because they are concerned for you. Do not be discouraged or lose focus. Enjoy the experience of climbing to the top as it can be tough getting there.
Failure was my first girlfriend. If you embrace failure and learn from your mistakes, she will break up with you and push you to success.
Don’t be afraid of being different, laughed at or alone. Take it in your stride. However, be genuine. Don’t deliberately try to be different.
Shruti Shibulal
All of us at some time may have to give up one thing for another. We have to make choices depending on situations.
Give the present your all without worrying too much about what you will be doing in the future.
It’s true women have to work harder to prove themselves to be taken seriously. But once, you achieve that, you gain the respect of your peers.
Education is just a guideline, experiential learning is what will help you understand what you want to do.
Vasundhara Das
Negotiate with your parents when they don’t agree with your dreams.
Having a back-up plan empowers you to go all out in chasing your dream.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Bangalore / TNN / September 02nd, 2012
