Everything is not perfect in anyone’s life. Every person has his own qualities and shortcomings, which make him unique along with humanity. Life is a journey of struggle and learning. We have some things and some we don’t. Most people focus on what they don’t have, while winners always focus on what life has still given them. Those who think what can be done with what they have move ahead in life. You see where you are right now, the level you are at, the capabilities you have, the resources you have, how you can reach the next level by using all these properly. The one who knows how to do this does not waste time in making excuses. He does not weaken the power of his mind by complaining about life. If you don’t believe it, listen to this story.

This is the story of Mariyappan Thangavelu. This child was born on 28 June 1995 in Periyavadagampatti, a small village in Salem, Tamil Nadu. Born into a poor family, he was the youngest of six children of his parents. His father died when he was young and his mother used to support the family by working as a mason and selling vegetables. She used to get only Rs 100 per day. Despite this, she gave priority to the education of her children. When this child was five years old, one day he met with an accident that changed his entire life. A drunk bus driver ran over him, due to which his right leg was completely injured below the knee. After this accident, he became permanently disabled and had to use a wooden leg to walk. But despite the pain and difficulty, he did not let his disability dominate him. He continued his studies.  While continuing his studies, the boy also continued playing sports as he was fond of sports since childhood. He used to play volleyball but one day his teacher noticed his talent and encouraged him to participate in high jump. After this he started participating in high jump. He won many medals and trophies and caught the attention of Shri Satyanarayana, a renowned coach of para athletes. In 2015, Shri Satyanarayana invited Mariyappan to join his training camp in Bengaluru. Under his guidance, Mariyappan became the first Indian to win a Paralympic gold medal in high jump. Today Mariyappan has become a triple Paralympic medalist, winning a gold medal in Rio 2016, a silver medal in Tokyo 2020 and a bronze medal in Paris 2024. He is the first para athlete from India to set such a record. He is also a double medalist in the World Championships with one gold and one bronze medal.  Mariyappan, who has received major honors like Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and Padmashree, is also a graduate in Business Administration.

Just think how many complaints Mariyappan might have had about his life. How many excuses he might have had. He could have given up studying. He could have gone into depression. He could have become a burden for his family but he did just the opposite. He brought glory to his family as well as the entire country. The question is what are we doing! Are we really working towards our goal with honesty? Are we putting in our hundred percent? Or are we wasting both our mind and time in useless things?