Saravanan's Journey: From Struggles to Success

Saravanan's Journey: From Struggles to Success

During Saravanan's grandfather's time, they lived a rich life with a car, had a bus services company and rice mill along with 100 acres of rice farm. His father sent his younger brother to America to study. When he came back, they were living a royal life, with the car, and the bullet. Little by little, everything was ruined due to my father's incompetence in management investing in different businesses. When Saravanan was in college, many times he had no money to pay the tuition fee. His family was saddled with huge debts, and nothing at home except my mother's live and little rice which was used make gruel.

Growing up in a financially struggling household, Saravanan witnessed the hardships of his parents faced each day. They worked tirelessly to make ends meet, but it seemed like a never-ending cycle of deprivation. However, Saravanan had a burning desire to change his circumstances and create a better life for his family.

After completing his studies, Saravanan realized that finding a job in my hometown wouldn't be sufficient to clear our debts and provide a comfortable life for his parents. With a heavy heart, Saravanan made the difficult decision to leave my loved ones behind and seek opportunities abroad. Saravanan set my sights on Dubai, a city known for its thriving economy and job prospects.

In Dubai, Saravanan faced numerous challenges, but I was determined to overcome them. He worked tirelessly, taking up multiple jobs to earn enough money to clear his debts, that was taken to build his Parents a home in his hometown. The days were long, and the work was demanding, but he remained focused on my goals. Gradually, he started making progress, and his financial situation improved.

As soon as he had paid off all his debts, he turned my attention to my parents. He wanted to repay them for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He bought enough jewelry for his mother, a symbol of her years of hardship. He surprised my parents with a brand new car, a symbol of their newfound freedom and comfort. And finally, he fulfilled their long-cherished dream of owning a house in Chennai, a place they could call their own. They gifted the hometown house to his younger sister.

Seeing the joy and happiness on my parents' faces was priceless. It was a turning point in their lives, a moment of triumph over adversity. But he knew deep down that my journey was far from over. He wanted to achieve even greater success, not just for himself but also for his friends and family and the community that had supported him throughout.

With newfound confidence, he made a bold decision. He  left my well-paying job in Dubai and returned to India with a vision of starting his own software business, one that would not only provide financial stability but also create job opportunities for others. The initial investment was significant, but he believed in my capabilities and the potential of his venture. But the market failed miserably due to the Lehman Brothers issue. So he turned into working as a Photographer, in which skill he was a master!

H started a photo studio business in Chennai, focusing on a niche market for weddings, with pre wedding shoot and also special albums for the couples that had untapped potential. H poured his heart and soul into it, working day and night to turn his vision into reality. The initial months were challenging, and setbacks were inevitable. But he persevered, learning from my mistakes and adapting my strategies accordingly.

Soon, his business began to flourish. Through dedication, hard work, and a bit of luck, I managed to generate over 25 lakhs in profit in the first year itself, that was about 25% of what he had lost running the software business. He expanded my operations, opening branches in two different locations. It was a testament to the power of hope, determination, and the lessons I had learned from my previous struggles.

However, amidst the success and growth, he never forgot the values that guided him and never forgot the struggles of his parents and the sacrifices they made for him. As his bank account grew, he made sure to invest in the family's happiness and well-being. He invested wisely all the money he had saved, ensuring the family's financial security in the future.

Looking back on his journey, he realized that it was more than just a story of personal triumph. It was a story of resilience, love, and the pursuit of dreams. His wife who was with him since the beginning days at Dubai, was supporting all the way. It was a story that screamed of hope and determination, reminding others that they too could overcome their hardships and achieve greatness.

As he stands here in 2024, contemplating the next move, filled with a mix of emotions. The anger he once held towards his father for his mismanagement of businesses and losses, has dissipated over time. It has been replaced with hope and gratitude for the lessons they have learned together and the opportunities that lie ahead.

He is determined to fully recover from the setbacks he had faced and opened few more studio branches in new locations. The lessons he had learned from my previous mistakes will guide him on this new journey. All know that success is not guaranteed, but he is willing to work tirelessly to make it a reality.

Saravanan's story is not just a piece for a song; it is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the power of dreams. It is a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances may seem, hope and hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. Saravanan's journey serves as an inspiration to all those facing hardships, encouraging them to never give up and to keep chasing their dreams.

The Importance of Meritocracy in India: Free Education Based on Economic Status and the Removal of Reservations

The Importance of Meritocracy in India: Free Education Based on Economic Status and the Removal of Reservations

Introduction

In a diverse country like India, the concept of meritocracy plays a crucial role in ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. Meritocracy promotes the idea that individuals should be rewarded based on their abilities, skills, and hard work, rather than their social or economic background. However, achieving true meritocracy requires addressing various socio-political issues, including the elimination of reservations based on caste and religion, and providing free education for the economically disadvantaged. This article aims to explore the need for meritocracy in India and advocate for a system that prioritizes equal opportunities based on individual merit.

The Problem with Reservations

Reservations, which were initially implemented to uplift marginalized sections of society, have become a contentious issue in India. While the intention behind reservations was noble, they have often perpetuated the very divisions they sought to address. The current reservation system, based on caste and religion, has led to the categorization of individuals into groups, creating a sense of entitlement and reinforcing social divisions. Meritocracy calls for a system that disregards caste and religion, treating all individuals as equals, thereby promoting a more cohesive and inclusive society.

Promoting Equal Opportunities

To ensure equal opportunities for all, it is imperative to provide access to quality education, especially for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Education is a powerful tool that can break the cycle of poverty and provide individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in life. By offering free education to the economically underprivileged, regardless of their caste or religion, we can create a level playing field that rewards talent and hard work. This approach aligns with the principles of meritocracy, as it focuses on individual abilities rather than social or economic factors.

The Role of Science and Rational Thinking

In advocating for a meritocratic society, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of science and rational thinking. By relying on evidence-based knowledge, we can make informed decisions and challenge traditional beliefs that may hinder progress. Science has the power to bridge gaps, unite communities, and eradicate superstition and baseless discrimination. By promoting a culture of scientific thinking, we can encourage critical analysis, innovation, and rational decision-making, creating a society where individuals are judged based on their capabilities and contributions, rather than their beliefs or backgrounds.

Challenging Political Practices

One obstacle to achieving meritocracy in India is the prevalence of dishonest politicians who exploit divisions for their own gain. These politicians often resort to populism, divisive rhetoric, and crony capitalism to secure votes and maintain power. However, by actively participating in the political process and demanding transparency and accountability from our elected representatives, we can challenge these practices. Meritocracy calls for a system in which political leaders are selected based on their competence, integrity, and dedication to public service, rather than their ability to manipulate public sentiment.

Conclusion

India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has the potential to become a truly meritocratic society. By removing reservations based on caste and religion and providing free education for the economically disadvantaged, we can create a system that rewards individual talent and hard work. Embracing science and rational thinking will enable us to challenge discriminatory practices and bridge societal divisions. It is crucial for citizens to actively engage in the political process to hold politicians accountable and drive positive change. By working towards meritocracy, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous India for generations to come.