often on life's journey we unexpectedly meet someone or get to hear about someone whose success story touches us to the core of our soul. last month i had to go to chennai to attend a seminar on active strategies in the classroom. it was a long journey. i often carry a book to away the time. the passenger on the adjoining seat was quite impressed to see me reading. as the plane took off, and steadied for the 3 hour long flight, i eased my self into the seat and began reading.
my fellow passenger could not hold , and struck up a conversation with me. i closed my book and began enjoying loquacity. from words i came to know that he was a great admirer of persons who loved books. he shared with me a rags-to-riches story of one of friends. the story was a real inspiration for me. the following is the narration of what he recounted:
"twenty years ago when i was in my 10th class. i had a classmate who belonged to a poor family. he wore old ragged clothes; he shoes used to be in need of repair all the time. often i saw distributing newspapers in the colony where i lived. in fact he delivered the newspaper at my house too. he always exuded confidence, determination, and focus. he had been distributing newspapers since he was 7 years old. he earned enough to pay school fee and provide for small family, consisted of and mother only. father had died in a road accident. it is true that fortune favours the brave and courageous. classmate of mine who distributed newspapers, employer was a compassionate man. seeing the boy's dedication to work, and taking pity on he once called to office and asked,"would you like to study in a school? i will pay the admission fee and your monthly fee also. but there is a condition. you will always have to pass the exams and tests in top grades." the boy was so happy. he replied,"sir, i have always wanted to study. i accept your condition. the day i score less than 80% i will stop going to the school."
thenceforth people always saw with books. even distributing newspapers, he carried books. he would study, study, and study any free time he got. as a result, he did exceptionally well. he topped in all the exams. employer was proud of . he got admitted to college. he did better at college. he topped the city. and then he topped the civil services examination. the day he cleared the civil services examination, he went to employer touched feet and said,'it is all because of you. i can not ever you." boy is now the deputy commissioner of chennai. i am going to attend wedding." i was so thrilled and inspired to hear the story. i did not feel my time wasted. it was more inspiring than the book i had planned to read. the plane touched down smoothly. we had reached our destination.
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