In August, 2016 I decided to pursue the Bachelor's of Business Management Course from University of Mysore. My previous qualification was a Diploma in Production Engineering that was completed in the year 2001. I chose not to pursue a degree in engineering then. However, the lack of a formal degree was a short coming as few good career opportunities failed to materialize. I had made two previous attempts. One through IGNOU and another through Anamalai University. I did not attempt even a single exam. The enthusiasm and motivation at the time of enrollment fizzled out. I just could not get myself to focus on studying and gave up.
The Bachelor's of Business Management course from University of Mysore was my third attempt at completing my graduation. I enrolled in the year 2016 and there was a good chance of history repeating itself. I did not get started immediately after enrollment. The best part of University of Mysore was that there was a follow-up done wherein a representative would contact over email and/or phone to check on the progress. In the initial days, it helped me to overcome the inertia and the work place related challenges that prevented me from focusing on studies. I attempted few exams and again there was a break for few months. Then I set a target for myself to complete my exam by August-2019. Due to work load in office I missed this target. It was demotivating and I felt bad that I was not able to focus and get the course completed.
In December, 2019, I decided that come what may, I will complete the course by May, 2020. I took it as a mission to be accomplished. I figured out how many subjects were remaining to be attempted and created a tracker in Google drive for the remaining subjects. I attempted my last exam in June, 2020. The results got declared in July and I managed to clear all the remaining subjects. The whole experience taught me an important life lesson. Clearly defining a goal, putting specific timelines for the milestones in between and trust in the divine is how goals are accomplished. I believed that things not in my control will be taken care of by Him. I truly feel that Lord Shiva's blessings played an important role in having a strong faith that this time I will complete my graduation.
I am sure that successful completion of my graduation would serve as a catalyst in achieving few other goals I have set for myself. Ultimately, the process remains the same no matter what the goals are.
Today is the death anniversary of a great soul named Swami Vivekananda. He left for heavenly abode on July 4, 1902. However, he is one of those rare personalities whose thoughts and words still continue to inspire and he remains amidst us as a guiding force. He was a perfect blend of scientific temper and spirituality. From being someone who did not believe in God, he transformed into a person who through self-realization became a strong advocate of existence of a divine force. He was against superstition and also believed that a divine force exists in every living being. How can racism or discrimination exist in the mind of someone who believes that God resides in every living being?
Whenever one feels low, reading few of Swami Vivekananda's quotes should be enough to fill you up with energy. He had said, "Thoughts live; they travel far". It is definitely true and his quotes are a testimony of this fact. They continue to inspire millions even today. Check out any of his pictures and there is something distinctive about his eyes. They still seem to communicate and his body language was that of a super confident person. He believed that all religions in this world are just different ways to reach the same God. Can anyone forget his speech at the World's Parliament of Religions, Chicago on 11th September, 1893?
Simple one liners of his are enough to inspire people to overcome inertia and start taking action towards their life goals. He believed that all knowledge is within us. He left this world at an early age of 39 but in that short span of life, he was able to motivate and inspire people from all walks of life not just in India but abroad as well.
He wanted every one to believe in oneself. A strong belief in self is the first step in the realization of God. Without having faith in self, faith is God is not possible. Isn't this true of any task you undertake in life and not just seeking the divine? Without self belief, nothing can be achieved in life.
I wish I could have met this great soul in person.
Image Courtesy: https://www.india.com/
