THE CREDIT THAT WASN”T

October 10, 2014 was a day when the world once again looked at our country. But the hype drowned even before the celebration begun. For many of us who celebrate only the award and not the awardee, here is a little I read about him. Mr. Kailash Satyarthi an engineer according to the degree certificates but a true reformer, an activist, a Nobel laureate and an INDIAN.

He works at the grassroots saving thousands of children trapped by child labour. Every child has future. Every child yearns for the liberty to be free and to feel secure. Every child deserves to be celebrated. Believing in this gospel, he didn't stop with thoughts and belief but brought it into action. He is the guardian angel in the lives of many little ones for whom he has modeled an educational and rehabilitation centre. For years now he has been associated with several international organizations and movements fighting for this cause. Nothing comes easy and free. The price he had to pay was endless attacks and threats and uncertain survival.

Recipient of Germany’s Aachener International Peace Award, but not a German, Robert F. Kennedy award but a Non- American, Gold medal from the Italian senate, recognition from Spain, Netherlands and many more countries. But it needed a Nobel Peace Prize for us to turn back and look at this superstar of our own soil. 

        

Why didn't the media that updated us about the trending cricket news bring him to our notice as much as it should have? Why he and his work weren't the topic of discussion during our casual chats rather we spoke about a great deal about the latest movie released and the happening TV shows? Controversies in various forms are featured in the front pages of the dailies when there is lot more happening.

Real heroes are those who fight at our borders, are those who toil to see someone’s life change, are those who dream big and do big. Enough said! But how long will we only talk and forward such messages and share it on our timelines? Mr. Kailash is definitely not the only one. There are still many more who deserve a pat on the back- the least we can do.

The world will never fail to applaud your vision, hard work, struggle and the change you've caused. But only after you are successful! Before that you are just another person on the planet who is striving for betterment noiselessly.

All those who want to be a change, before we face the same struggle we better change our society, that is change ourselves.

  

REWIND>> REFORM

1947. It was a year when the world witnessed the rise of a nation. A nation blessed with freedom, heritage, leaders and culture. Dreams, aspirations and hope started taking shape in the lives of thousands.  Every Indian’s mind had a varied yet splendid picture of an independent country and the several decades that lay ahead of them.

Deep South in a small town, visionaries where scripting the future of India even before its Independence. With the far sighted vision, courage and determination that the soil implants into its people even without ones knowledge the leaders of the century fore saw Coimbatore as an industrial hub. They believed the strength of a nation did not lie in swords and riffles, courage and bravery was not about bloodshed, not gold or the precious stones buried deep down that can make a nation prosperous. Their ideology was different and thus making them leaders that the city will never forget.

The warriors of the 20^th century realized the potential of the parched land and its black soil. G.D. Naidu- an inventor, innovator and engineer. The pride of the city is also called the ‘Edison of India’. From electrical to mechanical, agriculture and automobile, industries founded by him are spread across sectors. He is the pioneer in transforming Coimbatore into an industrial city.

‘Medals, degrees and diplomas do not make a man genius’. Get to know more about him to understand the truth in this statement.   

A magnificent journey of one of India’s leading entrepreneur started with The Annamalai bus travels- P.Nachimuthu Gounder. Today, Sakthi Groups speaks the legacy that was left behind by him. A legacy that is now carried forward by Dr. N. Mahalingam- an educationalist, industrialist, a reformer and a notable person in the Kongu region.  

G.R. Damodaran Naidu who believed education deals with developing a healthy spirit in an effective behaviour. The GRD group of Institutions was thus altering the viewpoint towards education.

Coimbatore has given to the country many other leaders and reformers like G.K. Naidu of Lakshmi mills, Swamikannu Vincent- the man behind the Central Studios and never to forget the English man Sir Robert Stanes. When the majority was passive, they chose to fly, to lay the foundation of Coimbatore and thereby the nation strong.

When passion and skill meet the result is no less than a revolution. Coimbatore today stands as a testimony to this abandoned truth.  We today boost of living in the Manchester of South India, a land of opportunities, a land where the goodness of nature joins hand with the spirit of entrepreneurship. It is the dreams of those few who do not know how to quit that we are living today.

The life of every leader has one factor in common. Not one worked for fame or power but in all they did was to challenge the impossible, portray immense strength of character and turn obstacles into opportunities.  Most of all, the best leaders history has ever known have ensured to get things done by knowing what has to be left undone. It is our time now. To discover what is left undone for us. Take up the challenge with gratitude and create our future and make Namma Coimbatore a better place. Because future is at its best only if we create our own. The journey is not always a struggle if we put our heart, mind and soul into it. When the immense power in every youth can join hands, we can witness obstacles and doubts shattering right in front of our eyes. 

So, what is your step to take your city forward?

What is your contribution for this city of yours?

Ideas do not lead to advancements; it is the implementation that matters.