Of trials, tribulations, and the path of success..

A couple of months back, I happened to interact with Mr Arindam Phani, a researcher based in Canada. I have known Arindam very closely, from his days in Bangalore, India. Arindam has been following my attempts at blogging and has been very supportive, right from day one.  

Being a fantastic photographer in his own right, I always look for updates from him. One fine day, during one of our interactions, he mentioned that I can pick any photograph of his, and write about it. It was indeed an honour. For his photographic skills, I hold him in high esteem. 

So here I was, sifting through his collection and chanced upon this photograph. At first glance, you don’t give much credence to it. But, if you pause and observe, the first thought that comes to mind is resilience. The person who is making this journey and leaving his prints on the snow is an epitome of endurance. I could connect to this picture very deeply. 

Being associated with many start-up ventures, this picture, kind of portrayed what the founders and entrepreneurs go through each day at work. For them, there is no difference between day and night, rain or snow. They just create the path in the face of adversity, for others to follow. It is never about them as individuals, but the entity of their dream, that matters. Some succeed, many others do not. But at least they try. The passion is all that matters. It is a kind of madness. Because there was Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, today we know the path to the Everest. Because there were Scott and Amundsen, we know the route to the South Pole. 

Life will never be easy, in whatever one does. But it is all about the fire within. Your willingness to paint the empty canvas of life each day, and make it beautiful, is what will set you apart. My journey thus far too has been a roller coaster. Some of the ventures I was in, failed miserably while others succeded.

 But each venture has been a tremendous learning experience in itself.              The biggest takeaway has been the ability to share your experiences with others and be a mentor of sorts to them. When they succeed, you have got your success too. Sometimes that happiness is more than what money can buy. 

This picture has vividly brought out my journey, my trials and tribulations working and setting up start-up ventures. Thank You, Arindam for giving access to your fantastic collection.

Picture Credits: Arindam Phani, Canada