All you need is a problem

Many of us want to lead a fulfilling life. But we do not know how. In these days of crass consumerism, when people run blindly after money, we hardly have any role models to emulate. Folks who have made it big in today’s world, the hero’s of this age , the ideals for youth – are nothing but mints printing money through their talent. Is there anyone who has offered his talent, dedication and service as a gift to the society?

You would be surprised to know that we have someone from a village in South India – Mr. Arunachalam Muruganantham – who has stood out from the crowd, paved a new path and is showing the way.

Mr Arunachalam identified a problem. For the next few years, his goal was how to get a solution for it. Like a postage stamp that remains stuck to the envelope till it reaches the destination, Mr. Arunachalam silently and relentlessly worked towards that goal, undeterred in the face of challenges on the way. Finally, he was able to get a break through solution. Today, he is also challenging the hegemony of MNCs. He has developed a unique method and model to produce low cost sanitary pads for women.

As per him, all we need is a problem. Yes, let our goal be to design the solution for the problem. Then we keep trying. We may fail. We may fall down on the path. But we have to dust ourselves and rise up to work again towards our goal. Eventually we will succeed.

Talent is a gift. Some people use their talent and come up with something unique and useful for the society. But once we arrive at a solution, we also have a choice.  We can make it a gift to the world or we can make a business out of it. The choice is ours.  Mr. Arunachalam not only gave the gift of hygiene to millions of poor women but also is an inspiration to the millions of youth in India. This selfless act is a true gift that he has given to society which has made life better for millions of women all over the world. This is a gift that cannot be repaid by any award, reward or royalty.

To know about his inspiring story, please watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1iWhljEbTE

This post is written as part of ‘The Idea Caravan’ organized by Indibloggers with Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments partnered the TEDxGateway Mumbai in December 2012.