Ordinary Lives Extraordinary Stories
Talent is like a seed. The seed won’t sprout, it won’t grow, it will remain buried underground, unless it gets fertile soil, sunlight, fresh air, and water. The little seed germinates, and begins its journey to becoming a big tree when it finds itself in a pleasant environment. There are individuals in our society who are blessed with natural raw talent waiting to be discovered, whose hidden talent seeks a nurturing environment. Once in such an environment, their talent will begin to thrive.
Over the years, Subharti University has created a stimulating environment for young talent to flourish, not only for young minds but everyone else as well. The article tells inspirational life stories of three staff workers at Subharti University — amazing life stories of three men from extremely humble backgrounds, who are known more for their genuine talent than their professional skills. What they do is highly commendable, yet they are very modest about their achievements.
A Colorful Dream Realized
His interest in sketching developed during his childhood. He would make drawings of people, places, and many different things. He would greatly enjoy doing it. Unfortunately, his family’s financial status didn’t allow him to continue doing what he really loved. He had to drop out of school and start working at an early age to support the family. But he never forgot the pictures he would draw.
Vinay began working as a driver for Dr. Pintu Mishra, the dean of Nandlal Bose Subharti College of Fine Arts & Fashion Design, in 2011. And it was a wonderful coincidence that he met Dr. Pintu, who was a distinguished painter. Vinay would eagerly watch him painting on canvas. He would curiously watch students sketching and using oil colors. This was something that rekindled his lifelong passion. Vinay learnt a great deal just from watching them, but he didn’t have money to buy canvas, colors, or brushes. Dr. Pintu knew Vinay was a real talent, so he helped him do everything.
Vinay paints like a professional artist, though he never had any formal training in the fine arts. Some of his beautiful paintings are on display at Subharti Art Gallery. His works receive much appreciation from visitors who are often very surprised to learn who the painter is. Art gives his life a sense of purpose. “Art is an inseparable part of my life. I need it like someone needs food & water to survive,” Vinay says.
Fine Poems Dedicated to the Nation
Maybe class 2 or 3; he doesn’t exactly remember the grade he studied up to. What he clearly remembers is the opening stanza of the poem he wrote and recited during his school days. He misses his teacher who admired him and motivated him to write more.
Narendra ji, a soft-spoken man, has been working for Subharti University since 2008 as a sweeper at Subharti Management College. He appreciates how Subharti has valued nationalism and honored the unsung heroes of Indian Freedom Struggle and martyrs of the nation. He says what Subharti has done over the years always inspired him to write patriotic poems. Narendra ji is often called on stage to perform his poetry, and the way he recites his poems is something that really pulls at the heartstrings. Narendra ji is credited for creating some fine poems. He says, “I wouldn’t have been able to do it, if I had worked somewhere else.”
Well-Wishes from the Core of Heart
He had a brain tumor when he was just 5 years old. The condition was treated with medication prescribed by the doctor. The tumor went away, but left him physically disabled. He is unable to move his right hand; he walks and speaks with difficulty; and his right eye does not work properly.
Anil ji is an introvert, a reserved man who speaks little. He is a quiet person who is more interested in his own thoughts and feelings than in spending time with other people. As a lift operator at Subharti Hospital, he has been working for the University for the last 18 years. Anil ji has a graduate degree, and he loves writing. He writes about different events held on campus, and writes heart-touching birthday wishes that he sends to his Facebook friends. “It gives me pleasure and a deep sense of satisfaction,” he answers when asked why he writes. Anil ji feels honored to work for Subharti. He clearly feels an emotional connection to the place, and thanks Dr. Atul Krishna, the founder of Subharti Group for everything, “I am eternally grateful to Dr. Saab as he just gave me a new life.”
The seed knows when to sprout and how to grow into a tree. It already has all the necessary stuff. All it needs is a natural environment. A true talent knows when and how to develop the enormous potential. All they need is an ideal environment. Certainly, Subharti University is a land for all such seeds to grow well in; it’s a world of imaginative minds & creative hands realizing their long-held dreams.
