The past few days, I have been reading “Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.” It is story of IIMA (The most premier MBA institute in India) graduates, who have chosen the difficult path of entrepreneurship as opposed to the path of cushy jobs which were available to them. It is a true story of successes through struggles, failures, setbacks, yet unwavering conviction. Some of them have authored the biggest success stories like naukri.com, makemytrip.com, Mastek Technologies, Educomp etc. They are really inspiring tales, which could motivate any person towards doing his/her own thing!
Growing up in middle-class urban Indian family, all we ever wanted was a secure job. We all came from families with government jobs, and stability was high on our radar when it came to career choices. Were we really told to go out there and take risk? No, of course not. With the rampant red-tapism of the 80’s and early 90’s, it is a miracle that these folks went ahead with chasing their dreams. Just to give you an idea, it took a minimum of 6 months to get a telephone connection or gas connection in those days. I would not be able to imagine it, had I not experienced it then :). Incredible that they had the faith to keep chasing their dreams and to make it big. It was not easy, and it took them many years.
Why I find it so appealing and relevant is that my husband and I have started our own company Smart Solutions. Reading something so inspiring just now is what the doctor ordered for me :). Gurdev, my husband, always had this dream coupled with an amazing conviction, confidence, and ability. I was the one who needed more convincing! My middle-class values, I guess!
Just a couple of quotes from the book:
“You do not fail until you quit.”
“It’s the idea that fails, not the person.”
To all my friends, really, we have only one life to live. We need to follow our heart and chase our dreams; success would follow. We conservative, risk-averse Indians are slowly waking up to this message (recent movie 3 Idiots also talked about the same).
wonderful yar..awesome..i like thse kind of posts…n sorry R for disappointing u on humour in my post..say cheese anywy..after all u r my friend..heheh
“You do not fail until you quit.”
“It’s the idea that fails, not the person.”
Rachna , its such an inspiring quote….and post too….loved it…
Congrats to you and your husband as you set forth on your new venture. I so admire anyone who dares to take the first step! The quotes were great, too!
@Ramesh Thank you
@rohini Thanks. The book is really inspiring. Btw, I like your profile pic. You look very pretty.
@Cheryl Thanks Cheryl. It is the support of friends like you which keeps us going.
Very few have the guts to follow their dreams and for some circumstances do not allow
Best of luck
Bhagyashree
(www.bbsearchingself.wordpress.com)
@Bhagyashree You are right, and thanks for the encouragement.
This is my first visit here.
Very interesting.
Will return
all the best … been reading all the posts. …vani
thnx Rachna…and yes yesterday i forgot to wish u…All the best dear…for your Company…
@BK Chowla Thank you Sir, for visiting. Hope to see you more often.
@Vani Thanks, and I have been reading all your posts too.
@rohini thanks again 🙂
Thank you and this is an awesome post.
good luck and best wishes for smooth cruise ahead 🙂
@Sorcerer Thank you and thank you 🙂
very inspiring, gave me goose pimples, really forced me think casuse i was always been a dreamer, but never had the guts to pursue my dreams and got stuck in 9 to 5 job instead.
@Manoj Thanks and hope your dreams find a platform too.