THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE IS SWEET
















Pic.: Neerja Panchal



Some seven years ago, Neerja had done a PD course with us. Those days, she was doing her graduation. Though endowed with a short-and-lean frame, she was filled with energy and life… always surrounded by dozens of friends, she was a classic extrovert-girl. After our PD course, I totally lost contact with Neerja. So, I had no idea as to what she did all these years…

Just a few minutes back, Neerja called me… Yes, all from the blue!

Honestly, I took some time to recollect. But, when I did, the picture was very clear before me… She ended up speaking to me for about fifteen minutes. During the conversation, I learnt that Neerja was, always, excited about photography. So, after her graduation, she did a basic course in photography and pursed it, as a hobby, as she did jobs at several places. But, photography was where her heart lay… and, eventually, this fascination with the camera propelled her to quit everything else and go after her heart’s calling.

“I am pursuing it full-time, now, sir,” Neerja told me, “It is just the beginning… I have a long way to go.”

“Yes, it is a long way to go, Neerja,” I said to her gently, “To make a place for yourself by promoting your talent has, always, been an uphill-task for every creative and talented person in this world.” I continued, “Success and recognition don’t come overnight… You have to slog it out, knock a hundred doors, get rejected… get humiliated, hurt and scared, too… Face opposition and cynicism... and, yes, as the famous phrase goes – you have to ‘Stay hungry and stay foolish’ as well!

Neerja was listening…

And, I knew she was familiar with whatever I was talking about… That, I was not trying to pour some cold water on her dream… Instead, I was trying to reinforce in her heart the truth: that was the only way any creative, any talented person had to tread to reach his ‘Promised Land’…

Finally, I told Neerja that, last night, my wife and I were watching on YouTube a programme on Vidya Balan’s struggle to glory: how much she had to absorb in order to break the so-called ‘jinx’… Both, my wife and I, have been great fans of this amazing actress – this ‘star’ – and, after watching this video, our admiration for her shot up several notches higher…

Yes, I urged Neerja to watch that video on Vidya Balan…


A long way to go?

If it is our talent and creativity… honey, the long way is the only way... the best way.  Trust me, it is, also, the ‘sweetest’ way…



"Sabr ka phal mitha hota hai."... 

The fruit of patience is sweet!


 

GERALD D’CUNHA

Video: YouTube




Comments

Rama V. said…
Brilliant Post! Gerry, the young girl is very talented and she will surely go places. Best wishes.

.. Rama V
Anonymous said…
Inspiring article and thanks for sharing the story of this young girl and Vidya Balan's video... Tej Nagpal
Haresh Navani said…
Simply inspiring!!!!! Haresh
Punita Sharma said…
As always, just touching!----- Punita
Anonymous said…
Talents are to be promoted with loads of patience and integrity. It is up-hill task but very fulfilling.
-- Leo
Anonymous said…
The photo (spider) is very appropriate and captures the theme of ur Post. King Bruce!!!!
.. Sheela
Unknown said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said…
Thanks a lot sir, I am truly touched. I am feeling so blessed to have a teacher like you. You have always been very kind to me and helped me out of every trouble I faced. I guess words are too less to explain my gratitude towards you.

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