Gerald D'Cunha

Pic.: Shreeshay Patel I REALIZED, THAT THE THOUSAND-MILE JOURNEY OF MY SELF-CONFIDENCE HAD TO BEGIN WITH ONE STEP AT A TIME… ONE MILESTONE AT A TIME! - Heena Khudabadi  (Age 15)  ‘‘Courage is not absence of fear. It is doing the seemingly impossible thing despite fear… with a quaking heart.’’ ] C onfidence, for me, is courage. I would love to share with you one of my experiences… Years back, when I was around 3 or 4, I was very fascinated by music. I loved to listen to it and dance. My parents and my relatives realized it; and, so, they decided to make me join classes so that I could get trained.  Six months had gone by, and, it was time for the annual dance show which was conducted by the classes. I, too, had participated in it… The day had, finally, arrived when I had to face the audience. It was a challenge for me and I accepted it…But, I was full of fear. Somewhere, deep inside, I knew I could ...

Pic.: Anima D'Cunha GIVEN THE SPIRITUAL UPBRINGING, I HAVE STRONG FAITH IN POWERS THAT GUIDE US AND GUARD US - Jayapraksh Rajangam (Chartered Accountant/Consultant/Speaker) C onfidence is a chosen state of mind. Hence, it is an attribute which needs to be cultivated. For confidence to build, it requires continuous and conscious efforts. When Gerry approached me and asked me to share my thoughts on the topic - “What makes me confident”, it set off a process of introspection. “Am I confident?” There are so many doubts, apprehensions and inhibitions which cloud my mind about every aspect of life. In this background, I am still perceived as ‘confident’ by Gerry.  Introspection over couple of days led me to the realization that the confidence I exude is attributable to the fact that I am ‘FIT’ - Faith, Intent and Trust. Couple of lines will elaborate the ‘FIT’ principle. Given the spiritual upbringing, I have strong faith in p...

Pic.: Anima D'Cunha I FEEL CONFIDENT WHEN PEOPLE CHEER ME WHILE   I AM DANCING ON STAGE IN FRONT OF A HUGE AUDIENCE -           Muskaan Valecha (Age 16) -             W hen I get less marks in some subjects, I become very sad… Then, I speak to my parents. They tell me, “It’s okay… Next time, you work harder.” That’s when I feel confident. I work harder the next time and get better marks in my exams. My parents’ support encourages me not to give up, not to get disheartened… That’s the time I feel confident. I feel confident when people cheer me when I am dancing on stage in front of a huge audience. In my P.D. class, when I speak before a group, I feel confident. Most of all, I feel confident when my parents support, guide and motivate me. So, confidence, to me, is just facing my fears and difficulties with support from parents...

Pic..: Anima D'Cunha IN LIFE, THERE ARE ALWAYS LESS THAN PERFECT CONDITIONS, WHICH ARE RATHER OPPORTUNITIES THAT HELP US TO EVOLVE AS CONFIDENT PERSONS - Pratap Thampi (Founder Trustee – Harmony Internation School) I very vividly remember having read an article where the interviewer, a much-decorated Lt. General of the Indian army, asking the candidate who spoke very little English, “Why have you come to this world?” It was an interview for IPS officers’ selection. The candidate, Vishwas Nangare Patil, who studied Marathi literature, replied in chaste Marathi, “Me sangharsh karayala alo”… meaning, “I have come to struggle”. This answer pleased the Lt. General and, today, Vishwas Nangare Patil is a well-known Police Officer! Harivansh Rai Bachchan, once, said to his more famous son, “Jeevan hai to sangharsh hai ”… meaning, “If there is Life, there is a struggle.” This was when his son was facing turmoil in his life, with more th...

Pic.: Anima D'Cunha CONFIDENCE IS THE FIRE INSIDE YOUR BELLY - Prasad Uchil  (Age 15) C onfidence is what makes people able to express themselves without having to refer to any piece of paper. It is the force that drives you from within. It is the fire inside your belly that motivates you to achieve greatness and keeps you going. It is the feeling of fire, greatness and exuberance combined along with a whole lot of self-confidence that makes great people who they are. Confidence is reflected everywhere and every time you tread farther than your reach. One can reflect his/her confidence while rocking crocs with a suit. One can portray confidence when he/she stands tall addressing people present in front of him/ her. Confidence is what makes people take risks and become entrepreneurs in life and mere seekers of infinity leading them to achieve endeavors in life and turn into great men and set the ideals in the future generations. Yo...