Does hard work go in vain?
“Graduating in these tough times and looking for job opportunities has been tiring and disappointing, with no luck so far. But then all I can do is work, without being motivated by the fruit of it. Remembering his struggle motivates me today to keep going”
It was 2012. On weekdays at 9:30 am, I would get down from the 14th-floor apartment in Mumbai, carrying my laptop bag, to board a city bus to work. The nearest bus stop was merely 50 meters away from my home, but I used to walk two stops before this one so that I can get a seat on the bus and not have to stand till the office. To give you an idea, this is how a crowded city bus can get:
Six stops ahead, a young man would board the bus. Our timings used to coincide almost every day. He used to carry a cricket kit, a laptop bag, and a bag with his office clothes. With all this, I used to see him hanging out at the door till the bus reaches the office complex, where he and I both used to get down and head to the office building. I had no idea which company he used to work for (there were multiple offices in that complex), and could never ask him as he always used to be in a hurry.
One day, while having lunch in the office cafeteria, I saw him sitting right opposite me. I walked to him and introduced myself. He reciprocated in a calm voice. Chatting for some time, I got to know we were working for the same company (but different projects).
Curious about his morning routine, I asked him if he plays cricket professionally, to which he replied — “I’m trying to enter into the state team. I’ve been practicing for over 8 years but still no luck. There is strong competition, as well as some other factors that many times push real talents back. But I love playing cricket and would keep trying. Whether I’ll make it to the next level or not, I don’t know. All I know is I’m honestly working to achieve what I truly love. I have two more years (there were age limits to get selected to the team) and I want to give my best.
Inspired and surprised, I asked him where does he live, and where does he practice. A mellow voice replied again — “I live in Borivali, and practice at Shivaji Park”. What? I was shocked. The place he was telling was too far considering his schedule. Okay, how do you manage all this, I asked. Again a calm reply — “ I wake up at 4:30 am every day, take the 4:55 train to the Dadar, then a walk to the ground from the station. I practice till 8:30 and then head to the railway station to board the train towards Powai (where the office is). And you know the rest”.
Now I could see a superhuman in him. Not getting it? Okay, the below picture of a Mumbai local train will make you believe me. He boards the train from India’s most crowded station.
I was left awestruck. The next question made its way into the conversation. Why don’t you buy a motorcycle? That would make your life convenient. He smiled and said — “I’m collecting money for it. I don’t come from a very well-off family and have to support them. I live with 3 other roommates to reduce my rent share. But that’s fine. At the end of the day, I’m satisfied because I’m doing what I want to do. There are days when I get very frustrated, but then I recall the following teachings of Bhagavad Geeta (the Hindu scripture):
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“Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana,Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhur Ma Te Sango Stv Akarmani”
Which means ‘You have the right to work only but never to its fruits. Let not the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.”
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I had no more questions left after this. As I tried sinking in all this, he got up and told me he had to head back to work, and left.
After that day, we met many times. On the bus, I used to take his laptop and clothes bag from the window so he just has to manage the cricket kit. I also got to meet a few of his academy friends who told me how good a sportsman he is and life has been unfair with him so far.
Life moved on. I got busy in mine, and he in his. A year passed, I moved to a new flat and wasn’t following the same route. Our meetings became rare. After a few months, he got transferred to a different office, and since then, I never saw him again.
I’m not sure if he made it to the team (I wish he had). But today, when I think of him, it gives me strength and hope. Graduating in these tough times and looking for job opportunities has been tiring and disappointing, with no luck so far. But then all I can do is work, without being motivated by the fruit of it. Remembering his struggle motivates me today to keep going.
He may or may not have achieved what he desired, but his efforts and dedication have driven some people to work towards their goals, who may end up succeeding.
And there are so many people in this world like him, giving power and hope to many others through their actions. Which brings me to this question:
Does hard work go in vain?
I would say no, as inspiring others through your actions and getting them to succeed is a reward in itself, an unknown reward. Such hard workers are true leaders, as they motivate and create the next leaders in the society — silently, unknowingly, through their actions.
What do you think?
Does hard work go in vain?
