सर्वे भद्राणी पश्यन्तु

Navi Mumbai : Date : 15 th February, 2020. 

        Today I was invited for farewell program for SSC students in Swami Sukhdevanand  High School (S.S.High School),  in Navi Mumbai.  I was surprised to know from  Head Master Mr. Santosh Patil, that this one is NOT a regular SSC students batch. (Regular Batch of 206 students is besides.)  This is a batch of 256 students, who have failed in 9^th Standard, (and so rejected by their regular schools) but are preparing for X th Standard Exam scheduled from 4^th March 2020.  S.S. High School  in Navi Mumbai, being the center for  such students, this  special   batch is being groomed, to write SSC exam. 

           We have seen top cream of the students being picked up by various Organizations, Classes  etc,  and then claiming credit for  “excellent performance” based on performances of those toppers.  Whereas, here is a School, which is picking up failed students (in addition to their regular SSC students), and preparing and motivating them to do well and to bring them at par with other students.    What a wonderful task  S.S.High School is doing ! So I was quite thrilled to address such students.  I spoke  partly in Hindi and partly in English.  The purpose being, to ensure that I drive my points in their minds, and make them think about it.   Here is an extract of my presentation:

             Head Master, Mr. Santosh Patil, other Teachers present, and dear students, Good Morning to all of you. At the outset I thank S.S. School for giving this opportunity to me to interact with this batch of SSC Students, and also for felicitating me and introducing in nice words. The invocation song and welcome song was also rendered so beautifully. Thanks to those boys and girls, who have done their home work so well.  Invocation of “Maa Sharda” is  heart touching and absolutely essential.  Quite often, you may think that ‘lighting of lamp’ and ‘worshipping of Saraswati Idol’ is mere a formality.  Believe me, it is not so.  Before going for exam please pray to God and take blessings and see the wonders it create. In fact, make it a habit to bow down before God, parents, everyday, before you go out for any work.  To substantiate this point I will share one program which I saw on TV channel  long ago. One scientist took a CT scan of brain of two students who were roughly of same IQ.  The only difference was, one student took blessings of his Guru before writing a exam paper, whereas the other didn’t.  It was observed, that performance of ‘blessed’ student was far better that the other one. It was observed that the brain centers of blessed student were ‘opened up’ or ‘bloomed’ whereas, in other student, they weren’t.  So the Scientist was emphasizing the importance of blessing ! Believe me, the Scientist was a Pakistani Doctor !

    

          The second point is about getting rid of anxiety.  When you read the question paper, the forehead starts sweating and anxiety grips in. This is common with everyone. Take a long breath, drink enough water and ensure that body is hydrated and enough oxygen is supplied to brain.  Change your thinking and don’t underrate yourself.  You are in no way less gifted than others.  You might have seen in movie ‘Taare jamin pe’. Darshil, the hero who is dyslexic and suffers initially, turns out to be a talented boy.  In reality also, God has gifted all ‘hardware and software’ you need. Now it is your responsibility to use it to the best effect.  Two ears mean listen all. Two eyes means observe all. Only one mouth means talk less.  If you pray before God, and expect him to write for  you, it is very unfair. God will say, what for have I given you all  ‘hardware and softwares’ ?  It is for you,  to put it to best use, and get desired results.  

         

            The third point is about effective communication,  which is a key to success in your life.  Right now you need to focus only on written communication, because whatever knowledge you gained during whole of the year, is required to be showcased in three hours in WRITTEN manner through your exam paper.  Having knowledge is one thing and being able communicate (to the examiner) is  another thing.  Many students fail to complete the paper in time. You need to practice and improve here.

        

               The fourth point is about realizing the fact that you are fully capable and you must use your full potential. You know that Lord Hanuman with his wanar sena was stuck at the southern tip and wanted to know how to cross the ocean. His Guru Prabhu Shri Ram told him that you are capable of such a long jump. Hanumaan ji  took blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram and jumped across the ocean to reach Shri Lanka. The point is, he was capable but not aware. Your position is similar.

               

              Do some exercises regularly.  Do Surya namaskar, yoga, whatever. You need not be fitness freak.  If you have excellent softwares but hardware is not supporting it, what’s the use ? You got the point I am making.   Exercise will also help driving out your fear factor.  Parents pamper you by feeding food, breakfast, etc by their hand, because they love their child who is too busy in studying. Not good. Without hurting mother, tell her, ‘ Maa, I will do my things by myself. Don’t feed me.  One more request;  don’t watch TV/Laptop/Book when you are having food. Give uninterrupted attention to lunch/ dinner.  Low aim, and not failure, is a crime. So aim very high and give your best.

        

              Last and very important point is from ‘kathopanishada’.  Everything we achieve begins in our minds, as an idea, a dream, a plan.  If we believe in the idea strongly enough and are willing to give our best, everything is possible.  It is our conviction that breaths life into an idea and makes it a living thing.  Kathopanishad  tells us:–

                                   You are your deep driving desire

                                   As is your desire, so is your will

                                   As is your will, so is your act

                                   As is your act, so is your Destiny.

So in other words, your destiny is in your hand ! So lets get going and  I wish you all the best ! Never forget  your parents,  your teachers  and  your school who are always your well wishers , and have important role in your formatting and development.  I appreciate the vision and  initiative by the Management of  S.S.High School to take special efforts for all you. Take the advantage and move on.  I conclude with this prayer for you.

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः I सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् । ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥