Page 29 - Balvihar january 2024

as a security guard. By day, he worked endless odd jobs so that during his free time he could
support and pursue his passion. With his meagre salary, he could barely make a living, but
over the last 25 years, he spent over Rs. 2 lakhs on books, exam fees and related expenses to
get his MSc degree. He first took the MSc Maths examination in 1997 and failed. The next ten
years, he would pass in only one of the five subjects. But he never gave up! People heckled him
and made fun of his innumerable attempts to pass the MSc exam, but he never relented. He
continued to focus on his dream. Today, he is 56 years old, but has made his dream come true.”
Patti paused to sip a glass of water. “If he could do it, so can you, Harsh. You are only 11 years
old. You have a lot of time to improve and excel in sprint running. As Rajkaran said, it is only
effort and patience that got him through his struggle. So Harsh, now you know the two mantras
you should follow to realise your dream.”
“Yes – effort and patience,”
finished Harsh. He broke
out into a smile. Patti
was happy to see his
eyes sparkling with
hope and confidence.
In an enthusiastic
voice, he added, “Patti,
my coach is scheduling
another selection trail in a
week’s time. I will practise
giving it my all and I
will be qualified for the
interschool meet! You just
wait and see!

“But for now, I am
famished. Let us dig into
my favourite snack – onion
bhajiyas! You did say that
they were waiting for
me, right?” he giggled.
He held Patti’s hand and
rushed to the kitchen to have his fill.

– Usha Sundaresan
*The story about Rajkaran is true

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Balvihar - January 2024