In the (rather short) course of my 20-year old life, I have had the pleasure of meeting quite a lot of people. Of course, some weren't a pleasure, but the most were, and a few of those are indeed memorable. However, there is one person who has left an indelible mark on my mind, and I would like to share her story now.
Lakshmi amma.
She was our household help for four years, until we moved to another locality. She was around thirty years old, and I hardly ever spoke to her, so most of what I know about her is from what my mom told me about her, and a bit of what I overheard when they were speaking.
She was married at a very young age to a much older man, which is not very uncommon especially in the poorer sections of the society. She later had four kids with him, three of whom are daughters and the youngest one is a son. She practically doesn't know about the whereabouts of her husband - he comes home once in a few days, and most of the time he's heavily drunk. Her body bears testimony to innumerable insults inflicted upon by her husband. Thus, she is faced with the responsibility of raising up her four kids all by herself.
Getting enough money for just the basic amenities is a struggle for many in India, and that's the one word that sums up her life - "struggle". She toils incessantly from morning to evening in a large number of houses, and works as a night-shift labourer after sunset. Above anything else, she is determined that her kids should never have to face a situation like hers, and therefore her first priority is to ensure that they go to school, no matter what hardships she may have to face for that.
For her single-minded resoluteness despite harsh circumstances, she sure is made of great.
This post was written for the indiblogger contest #madeofgreat. To know more, visit http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/
What do you think of Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi? Do answer in the comments below!
Lakshmi amma.
She was our household help for four years, until we moved to another locality. She was around thirty years old, and I hardly ever spoke to her, so most of what I know about her is from what my mom told me about her, and a bit of what I overheard when they were speaking.
She was married at a very young age to a much older man, which is not very uncommon especially in the poorer sections of the society. She later had four kids with him, three of whom are daughters and the youngest one is a son. She practically doesn't know about the whereabouts of her husband - he comes home once in a few days, and most of the time he's heavily drunk. Her body bears testimony to innumerable insults inflicted upon by her husband. Thus, she is faced with the responsibility of raising up her four kids all by herself.
Getting enough money for just the basic amenities is a struggle for many in India, and that's the one word that sums up her life - "struggle". She toils incessantly from morning to evening in a large number of houses, and works as a night-shift labourer after sunset. Above anything else, she is determined that her kids should never have to face a situation like hers, and therefore her first priority is to ensure that they go to school, no matter what hardships she may have to face for that.
For her single-minded resoluteness despite harsh circumstances, she sure is made of great.
This post was written for the indiblogger contest #madeofgreat. To know more, visit http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/
What do you think of Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi? Do answer in the comments below!
A crisp and nice post Saurav. Most house-helps do have a very harsh and tragic past and still live to tell the tale and move ahead in life.
ReplyDeleteAs for my thoughts on Tata Motors association with football great Lionel Messi, both are well established brands BOLTing ahead of competition which is an INDICAtion of their ZEST for reaching the upper echelons of success by exhibiting constant zeal from the word (INDI)GO.
Do hop over to my blog and share your thoughts on my post
Such life tales are all around us but it takes a closer look at one particular person's story to bring that inspiration in us. And it was her's! Glad that you've chosen a realistic, ordinary tale as your inspiration, exactly as I did.
ReplyDeleteDo you know that Messi had a growth hormone deficiency in his childhood? For the sports legend he is today, I guess none can believe this. His passion for football must have been so great that he could outgrew this condition. Do you also know that Tata Indica, Tata’s first passaenger car, initially faced huge criticism? Still, Tata Motors could make it as one of the best selling cars in India! Some stories move us, from within, don't they?! Their association certainly promises something far greater than what we’ve witnessed so far!
Nalini (nalinic55@rediffmail.com)
The story of Lakshmi Amma is probably the tale of most of our household helps. They have to struggle and go through innumerable hardships. But they go on. They work for a better future. Rightly, #madeofgreat
ReplyDeleteThe collaboration between Tata Motors and Messi is one of powerhouses. Tata motors is one of India's oldest automobile company with a global presence and Messi is one of the world's greatest footballers. We can expect great things from this association.
I see you are like me Sourav in writing posts, "do justice with as little words possible." Why waste an extra word and saddle the reader to read more. The plight of household help is really very aptly thought up and penned. I myself have seen the harsh comments they tolerate from the lady of the house. They are really #madeofgreat ones. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteAs to association of Lionel Messi, with Tata motors I really see him to be #madeofgreat. As Nalini has pointed out of his childhood disease, one can see the person's zeal in overcoming it and indpite of these hurdles becoming the world 's greatest sports person. His association with Tata motors will surely lift them to the stars rightly."
It's amazing who you've chosen to write about. So true, too. So many of the women from the lower strata of the society have much more willpower and motivation to give their best for their dreams than those who have been blessed with everything. Lakshmi amma really is made of great!
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, both Tata motors and Lionel Messi are highly successful, with stories from their past that inspire us. They both are names that have been heard by everyone and known by everyone to be made of great. With this association, they form a perfect combination that will definitely do wonders together.
Great post.
ReplyDeleteLegends always meet legends and so TATA Motors came in association with Lionel Messi. Both deliver their best in the best of their potential and manner and are always keen on working hard and improve with each performance. Both have proved their mettle in their own fields and are known for the best in their performance grounds. Splendid and amazing, both them of them and even a great pleasure to see their association!
Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
ReplyDeleteHere is my answer
The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
aaloke19@gmail.com
Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
ReplyDeleteHere is my answer
The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
aaloke19@gmail.com
Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
ReplyDeleteMy answer is:
Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
fingers crossed
Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
ReplyDeleteHere is my answer.
Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
Fingers crossed :)
Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
ReplyDeleteTATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com
Inspiration,
ReplyDeleteDedication,
Discipline,
Commitment,
Trust,
Loyalty,
Excellence,
Legacy,
Immortality.
These are not mere words but a part of our soul. Not just the ones that we carry around in our individual bodies but that supreme soul that binds us all together in this universe. That is why we teach our children values and morals so that these little pockets of our souls do not die away. But when we look around at our modern day lifestyle and society,it leaves a lot to be desired, right? Wrong :) I would say,as long as we have even 1 shred of humanity left,there is a ray of sunshine and that is what we see here.
I am inspired by your story just as I am inspired by the stories of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. As I said above about humanity and ray of sunshine, it is very few icons left in this world who make me feel that way. Both Tata and Messi definitely make it to this short list.
When we talk about Tata Motors,we talk about the pride that every Indian feels because this is our truly global brand, a brand with a soul, with every product made to help us fly. This is a corporate behemoth that has not amassed its fortunes at the cost of the little man but by being a part of the very grassroots. The legacy of excellence and giving back to the society selflessly is so ingrained in Tata DNA that it has become part of folklore. Even today,in any Indian home, the moment a son/daughter gains employment in a Tata company, nobody talks about salary or CTC, they just thank their lucky stars that they are a part of Tata family. The very soul of India resides in Tata. Tata Motors has taken these very same values global, making Indians proud of what they represent. 'Look,we represent excellence, with a dollop of old world values, with love and respect' !
When we look at Messi, we see a boy with dreams in his eyes and a man who has put everything he had in making them come true, and he did! With singleminded focus,dedication and hardwork, he has managed to outdo every obstacle he faced since his birth personally, healthwise and family financial situation wise. Every obstacle became just another step for him to grow and reach up the sky. And still, every time he walks out on the field, he plays with the same agility, alarcity and a a hunger to prove himself as if it is his first game! He hasn't achieved his demi-God status without superhuman efforts.
When these two demi-Gods of their respective fields come together, there are bound to be fireworks and that is exactly what it is! Purely from a corporate point of view, there are rare instances when we see such a perfect fit form. It can be called a divine sign that a symbol of vibrancy and dynamism like no other has taken shape with the partnership of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. More than a mere advertising gambit,it is an amalgamation of those perhaps 'lost' values that the world needs more of,now more than ever. Maybe the Gods are finally happy!
Prajakta Sinha
sinpra11@gmail.com