From Challenges to Glory....

I read somewhere that the glory of gardening lies in having your hands in the dirt to create firm roots, your head in the sun to absorb sunlight for growth, and the understanding that nurturing your own garden requires caring not just for your body but also for your soul. As the scientific revolution progresses, extensive research is being conducted to create space stations. The largest space project began in 1998 and was built 350 km (217 miles) above the Earth in orbit. The space station was planned to be 108 meters (354 feet) wide and 88 meters (148 feet) long, weighing 430 tonnes (423 tons). It took 45 shuttle launches to transport the construction parts into orbit. Among the many astronauts contributing to space exploration is Sunita Williams, a retired Navy officer selected by NASA in 1998. She has completed two space missions so far. In her most recent mission, she has been in space for the past nine months. The challenges she faces during this adventure include bone and muscle deterioration, radiation exposure, and vision impairment, in addition to the psychological toll of isolation.

Sunita Williams, an adventurous astronaut, went to space for an 8-day mission and ended up staying there for 9 months. However, she was always ready to face challenges. She has now returned to Earth, having overcome all obstacles with a smile on her face. In today’s revolutionary world, anyone familiar with science knows about Sunita Williams and her incredible efforts. Glory comes through hard work, dedication, determination, and mental preparation to face any challenges that come our way. As ordinary human beings, we benefit from the dedication of such scientists, enjoying all the facilities they help create. Yet, we often rely so heavily on them that even minor challenges in our daily lives disturb our mental health. I wonder when we will learn to face at least a small percentage of life's challenges by drawing inspiration from such great personalities.

Today, while science is transforming the world, we still spend time differentiating between religion, caste, rituals, and other rigid thought processes. Spirituality is often practiced as a set of rituals rather than being rooted in true faith. This universe was created by one force, and we are all part of it, each with our own uniqueness and potential. That should be our understanding. On one hand, we seek progress and facilities, yet on the other, we create divisions that separate us. If we rise above this confusion and focus on our true purpose, life will become much easier and more fulfilling, leading us toward a brighter and more unified future.

Just another thought, in the early twentieth century, people traveled by air, and around the same time, cruise lines also became popular. Back then, we would visit floating hotels far from the main liner by boarding smaller boats. With the rise of jetliners and advancements in science, people began embracing adventure. Cruise captains would take us on voyages, allowing us to board for a limited time and enjoy the experience to the fullest. Now, in the twenty-first century, there are more than 10 million luxury cruises operating as floating hotels, equipped with countless amenities for our pleasure. Now, just imagine, if such a revolutionary transformation can happen in travel, why can’t a similar shift take place in our mindset? If we face challenges with an adventurous and flexible attitude, we too can achieve a remarkable transformation.

If we think philosophically, God or any story in mythology teaches us that we grow only through challenges. It is through facing these challenges positively that we achieve glory, and that glory is remembered for eternity. Different literary texts suggest that there is one supreme power, yet they also describe various gods and goddesses, each assigned different responsibilities such as the god of happiness, the god of wealth, the god of civilization, the god of war, the god of weapons, and many more. Over the years, they have carried out these responsibilities while overcoming immense challenges, often in connection with humanity. I wonder when we humans will truly understand our own responsibilities in this universe and fulfill them with kindness.

I have learned that true glory comes only from facing and overcoming challenges something my hearing-impaired kids have taught me. I remember a recent encounter with a young man who came to meet me. I must have given him hearing aids through Josh Foundation about 10 years ago when he was in a special school. Now, he has come with money to purchase new hearing aids, as we do not support adults over 20 years old through the foundation. He arrived with a big smile and told me, "I speak very well now. I have a job. My father retired from BMC, and I got that job, so now I take care of my family. I do cleaning work, and I’m happy. I am also looking for a girl to marry." He shared all of this with a sweet, beautiful smile, radiating happiness. It was heartwarming to see how far he had come and how proud he was of his journey.

He was so content with what he had achieved, and the best part was his confidence, I absolutely loved it. On one hand, many people hesitate to wear hearing aids despite their difficulty in hearing, holding on to myths and reluctance to accept them. They struggle with communication every day, and society still fails to fully accept or accommodate them. Yet, this young man must have faced countless challenges in his life. And after overcoming them, he now stands with remarkable confidence, a true testament to his resilience. His journey is proof that real glory comes from facing challenges head-on. These are the people who truly spread positivity in this world. I salute all these kids who work so hard, not just for themselves but also for the people around them.

India's victory in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy perfectly exemplifies the journey "From Challenge to Glory." Just like my hearing-impaired kids who overcome obstacles with determination, the Indian cricket team faced immense pressure, tough opponents, and high expectations. In the final against New Zealand, they chased a challenging target of 252 runs, with captain Rohit Sharma leading the charge with a crucial 76-run innings. Despite the tense situation, the team remained strong, ultimately securing victory by four wickets. This victory, much like the struggles of those who rise above societal barriers, proves that true glory comes only to those who embrace challenges, fight through adversity, and emerge victorious. Whether in sports or life, it is the courage to persist that turns hardships into moments of success.