Dr. Shallu Bansal, Professor and Head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Geetanjali Dental & Research Institute, Udaipur, shares a deeply personal and meaningful story, one she recounts to every student in every class.
She recounts a story once shared by her mother, during a period when her cousins—who were in the same grade but lived in another city—would visit during the holidays. They would complete their homework in just 15–20 minutes before returning home, while she required approximately 30 minutes to finish the same tasks. Noticing this difference, her mother narrated a story that left a profound and lasting impression on her.
The story emphasizes the value of hard work and dedication, highlighting that success is not about speed but consistent effort. It serves as a powerful reminder for all students and individuals who feel they are not capable—that with determination and persistence, they too can achieve their goals.
She shares the story of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in Hindi literature, to emphasize that even great minds face struggles. During his 7th or 8th grade, he faced academic difficulties and repeated the same class 2–3 times. In those days, strict parenting was common, and one day, after being harshly scolded by his father, he felt so disheartened that he even contemplated ending his life.
He then decided to end his life and walked toward a nearby well, which people commonly used for daily chores. It was around 3:30 to 4:00 AM—an hour when, in those days, many would already be awake and engaged in tasks like washing clothes. Because of their presence near the well, he couldn't go through with his plan, fearing that if he jumped, someone might intervene and save him.
However, while sitting near the well, he noticed the pulley mechanism used to draw water with a bucket. Dr. Shallu Bansal emphasizes the significance of this system. What truly caught his attention was how a soft rope, over time, had left deep marks on the hard stone through constant friction. This struck a powerful chord within him. He reflected, “If a soft rope can leave an impression on solid stone through persistence, is my mind so incapable that it cannot grasp studies?” This moment of realization became a turning point in his life, inspiring him to dedicate himself to learning — ultimately rising to become one of the most renowned figures in Hindi literature.
She emphasizes that her parents shared this story with her to ensure she never felt weak or inferior compared to her cousins. The message was clear — she wasn’t lacking in ability, she simply needed to put in a bit more effort and dedication.
Similarly, she urges children not to think of themselves as inferior but to understand their own capabilities and work accordingly. She emphasizes that every skill can be developed and any goal can be achieved — the only prerequisites are dedication, determination, and a genuine passion to succeed.
