Designs of the Heart

The most influential heroes in life are not those who get all the glory. All over the world there are everyday heroes, doing what is good and right, and they do not seek any recognition for it. On the other hand, we also see many who do not strive to create positive feelings in others. A snide remark gains us nothing, yet costs a lot. People pass such remarks with a sneer on their face. When we are angry, depressed, frustrated, guilty or envious, the focus is on ourselves and our needs. As soon as we stop focusing on ourselves, our negative feelings will evaporate.  A selfish act brings no lasting value. Some behave as though they are entitled to do those acts and they attract the enduring resentment of others. A kind word, on the other hand, costs nothing but its value lasts a lifetime.

Every day, we are greeted with impulses to grumble, to be cynical or to complain. It isn’t difficult to cast them off if we are ready to make a conscious effort.  When we give to others what we wish to experience, we will surely find it appearing and growing stronger in our own life. What we send is amplified through the lives of others and comes back to us without fail. Today in India the quality of education is really very low leading to lower employability in contrast to the educational attainment shown in their job application. Adequate reforms in the education system have to be brought about for increasing the skill of the youth. According to UNFPA, 356 million of India’s population is in the age group of 10 – 24 years. Therefore there is immense pressure to produce enough jobs to absorb this rising labour force and reap the advantage of the so called demographic dividend. It is said that the present skilled force in India is only 2 percent. About 33 percent of the labour has no education and therefore remains unemployable.  There is a pressing need for putting the house in order.

Our government has in fact taken many steps in this direction starting from the lower levels of schooling. Sadly many of the new reforms have not been implemented in the right spirit especially in the rural environ. Those at higher secondary level express their inability saying that the ones below them are to be blamed and the same reaction tapers down to the pre-primary level. We require a great amount of honesty in all those who are deputed to do the work at every stage.  

We can empower the younger generation to take the baton forward. We can help them to set a goal and do what is necessary to reach it. Instill in them the power to give a helping hand and say an encouraging word to those who need it most. Train them in such a way that they realize that they have the power to surprise someone with a sincere act of kindness that is totally unexpected and delightful. They should believe that each one has the power to give an extraordinary value to an ordinary moment. To top it all they have the power to forgive and to appreciate.  

Once they are armed with the above qualities they will know how satisfying it feels to make a real difference in this world. It doesn’t take any supernatural skill to be a real hero. All that a person needs is a genuine love of life, decency, honesty and respect for others around us. We know that everyday heroes work patiently and diligently behind the scenes to create meaningful value day after day. We always see these people honouring commitments and paying attention to quality. We need to give ourselves the pleasure and the power of a positive attitude.

Life is magical and the magic springs forth from the way we live it. If we strive to separate problems from opportunities, desirable from the undesirable, we end up with nothing but striving. We have to embrace life as it is, and allow our love to amplify its richness.