Life is long and makes us go through so many different paths, makes us meet so many different people and some of them really make a big impression on us,don't they? Some people truly teach us they are not mere mortals made of flesh and blood but are #madeofgreat substance, something that makes them impossibly brave and courageous.
Meet Ashakutty Aunty. I met her through a friend in college who is her neighbour. Then it turned out that her daughter was my senior in college, so we also soon became friends and I realized she spent so much of her time participating in charity endeavors. Soon thereafter I came to know her mother's, Asha aunty's story. Know those women who are shunned by their family when they give birth to a girl? Yes, the same stories that we read in newspapers. Asha Aunty is one of those women. She gave birth to a daughter and was immediately asked by her in-laws and husband to throw her away! She was supposed to forget her daughter and move on in the quest to give birth to a son! But she refused. She ran away from that society, took her newborn daughter, joined those teeming millions in Mumbai who live in slums and started her life as a single mother. She worked 3 jobs, 18 hours a day, cooking and cleaning houses as a maid in the morning, sewing clothes in evening, giving basic maths education to kids in late evening, some embroidery work late at night and whatever else she could get her hands on, to make sure that her daughter was able to go to school, be independent and live a life of freedom!
Thankfully, she was supported by her own mother and some of her relatives who also chipped in from time to time. Luckily, her daughter grew up to be a brilliant student who got scholarship as well as part time jobs to help Asha Aunty in running the household. And after decades of struggle, Asha Aunty met a kind, compassionate man who decided to support her, without worrying about her past or any associated taboo and also adopted her daughter as his own. Soulmates meet at the unlikeliest of times!
Today, Asha Aunty spends her time helping those who are stuck in a hopeless situation. It includes children from underprivileged backgrounds, giving them education and support, plus cancer patients plus homeless people who need a helping hand for a second start in life. It is her belief that we are put on this planet to absorb other's pain as much as possible and spread joy wherever and whenever we get a chance and this is exactly what she does.
I have had the pleasure of meeting her quite a number of times over the years and every single time, I am struck by how calm she is. Not a hint of anger or frustration! Her belief in Karma makes her strong enough to be forgiving of everyone, including her first husband! 'He did what he did, God knows everything, I have nothing against him or anyone else', is her answer every single time anyone asks her a question about her painful past. Her vision is of moving forward with only one aim-to help as many people as possible.
We all have troubles in our life and even the smallest of problems seem so gigantic,don't they? But meeting Asha aunty has helped me look at life in a new perspective. It has made me calmer too, and more inclined to use all my resources to help others in whatever capacity I can. That is why I consider myself lucky that I have been able to meet her and learn from her :)
I am thankful to Tata Motors for helping me bring this #madeofgreat story in front of everyone and so happy that they have partnered with Lionel Messi, one of my favorites, to be their Global Brand Ambassador. They have a brilliant contest going on where YOU, my dear readers, can Win an Amazon voucher worth 750 for simply answering the question 'What do you think of Tata Motors' association with Lionel Messi'? Hurry, as the contest closes on 26th November 2015 at 11.59 PM :)
The story of a Legend in herself – that’s how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with words which enhance the simplicity yet greatness of the Lady. Salutations and very happy for you to have got inspired and bringing out your best in life.
ReplyDeleteMy answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.
You can choose my answer as the Voucher winning comment if you feel I described it all well.. :) Please remember to post it on the Indiblogger contest page today as soon as you have 3 comments here..
Thank you for your kind words and incredible answer, all the best :)
DeleteHi Richa,
ReplyDeleteIndeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
Here 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
Wow,that's a great answer! Thank you so much for your wishes :)
DeleteYour 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 :)
Those are some stellar words! I am honored to have your attention to this post of mine, thank you :)
DeleteYour 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
Thank you so much for appreciating my post as well as for your wonderful answer, all the best to you too :)
DeleteYour post defines #madeofgreat in an awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
ReplyDeleteMy Answer
Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
bhuwan198grover@gmail.com
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
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