Courage vs. Fear

"Courage is not the absense of fear" quoted by Mark Twain. Later brilliantly rewritten by a writer in a Hollywood movie Princess Diaries- "Courage is not the Absense of Fear, rather the judgement that something else is more improtant than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all". This is an advise given by a father to her daughter when she was confused to make a decision.

When Arjun was confused to take the right decision when he was on the warfield, Krishna had to take control and give him advise " Hatova Prapsyasi Swargam, Jitwa bhokshyasi mahim". If you win the war you will be the King of the Land, if you die fighting you will get upgraded to the Heavens. So, why there is confusion?

I have seen many people never having to face this confusion. Because they have opted for comfort zone. For a middle class boy the choice is clear--Good marks, A respectable degree, a good paying job in a big company, a family and so on. Many have opted for this and living happily(?) Our bollywood films end on the note that the Hero and his love finally married and lived happily. Even I did this.
But I keep questioning my self whether it is alright to stop in the middle of this journey. When I go back and rewind,an interesting phenomena came into view. When I had little, I was least afraid of any thing. The only thing I was bothered was to get a good income so that I could manage my life. But slowly, somewhere down the line, I forgot to even look at the dreams that I planned. I am sure majority are suffering from this crisis.

But, somewhere something needed to be done. Better late than never. As Dr.Abdul Kalam quoted in his book "To make a mark on the sands of history you must stand firmly on your feet". People who have opted to live the life without any disturbances have their own arguments to make. They take the shelter of Religion. Why shall you run in this rat race? What is the goal of life? How much money we need to make?

Why people want to work for large companies? Is it really safe as they think? Sacrificing the dreams for a comfortable living. Giving up the freedom for Subordination. If you observe deeply it is only the people with higher academic qualifications who are running after all these MNCs and large firms. It seems a person less educated is not worth an employment in the large MNCs. Who is courageous? Who is afraid? I have seen it is people who are less educated who are always looking to do something on their own. Putting up a small workshop, car garage, shop, and such small business. Not many highly educated people could venture it out. But whoever did, gained freedom.

But during the last Two decades the trend has changed to some extent and some really courageous educated engieers and other professionals went on their own. I wish this becomes a normally accepted nature of the young generation. It is the need of the nation. In spite of being the 4 the largest economy we are ranked 128th in the per capita calculations. We have miles and miles to go to catch up with other Asian Giants like Japan and China who are ranked 24th and 97. It is the common responsibility of the educated youth to contribute to fasten the growth rate. Achieving the ranks in the class room is onething. And improving the country's ranking is "something". Every small and big addition from micro units will strengthen the economy.

Come let us contribute to improve the ranks. Come let us dream. Come on let us be courageous.