A while ago, my friend’s brother co founded a company. When my friend texted this to me, I was very happy to hear the news. I asked him – why not you or why not me? Why do we not have such goals/ambitions? It is not about starting a company but do something of your interest other than go to office. But then we laughed off at that thought and convinced ourselves – every one need not think like that.
After a long time, in the last quarter of 2019, I read a book - biography of Mr. G R. Gopinath by borrowing it from the office library. Very impressive and an inspirational journey. After completing it, I was in retrospection. Why is it that I am a normal office guy? Why I do not have such broader mindset of doing something in life? Like hero Venkatesh in Nuvvu Naaku Nachav movie am I content with a good movie, food and travel? I never thought what I should do.
I can list some reasons why I am a normal guy.
Sports/Games: I was reluctantly selected into the cricket team during my school days. I would be the last but one to be selected into the team, that too after insistence by my friend who said – he is a good slip fielder. I would invariably run to fetch the ball instead of catching and my throw was weak – even now. But then during my 7, 8, 9, 10 classes I started playing cricket regularly and there were rare glimpses of my skills at batting & fielding. But then never took it seriously. Chess – no way, it is a brain game. Played carroms well.
Acting/Dancing/Singing: During my school days, till my 5th standard, I was regularly part of stage skits, dramas – Telugu, English, Hindi, group & solo dance performances. Truly I used do perform well. After joining 6th class in a different school, was never part of such events (except for a couple of times). That was the end of it. Went to music classes unwillingly but then stopped attending it after Jantaswaralu was complete. I remember my music teacher saying to my parents and others that I sing well. Why did I stop? Do not know. I simply walked up to my mother and declared one day that I do not intend to continue.
Movies: Why did I not get into movies? Anything in movies probably would be okay with me. After reading, seeing lot of interviews by actors, directors, etc., I realized that this passion or identifying the passion should have been there before I joined my graduation. Speaking to parents is a different thing but I, myself did not know what to do after my +2 except for taking up engineering.
Engineering: Computers or Electronics? If electronics , you can get a job in computers also but then if you take computers, you can secure job only in software – ha ha ha this was the end of it as my friend & sister told. Securing job after engineering was the only goal. Mind was not thinking about anything else. So why chose computers? Passion for coding? Nope ! Since I did not have a clear idea, I joined computer engineering, similarly like standing infront of a local train in Mumbai or Chennai – you need not walk, people can push you into the train. Now after 10 + years of software industry, I am like jack-of-all-trades, master of none. My friend says – this is enough to survive. I don’t know if I have to agree or disagree.
Stocks/Shares/Credit Cards offers/Discounts: I keep hearing from my friends or colleagues saying he is good at shares, good at getting good deals, good at extracting benefits of credit card usage. But for me none of these apply. Somehow I do not have that inclination.
No real inspiration/guidance: After reading the biography of Gopinath, watching interviews of various imminent personalities, there was some teacher, a friend or someone or some incident which inspired them to do something, set a goal and work for it other than following herd mentality. I was in a normal school, normal college. Engineering was not done in NITs or IITs where distinct people will surround you. Is this the reason? Lack of exposure or maturity? Don’t know. Very handful of my friends wanted to do something and tried for it.
Make your passion/interests your job: The things which I enjoy doing most are eating, watch a movie, traveling. Do not know how to make a job out of them.
Everyone has a hidden talent – a line repeated in many movies. I laugh at this.
P.S: My deepest desire is to become a writer
