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Made of great!

11/21/2015

36 Comments

 
I thought in depth about this for several days. What makes people great? Being in the sports line the first thought that came to me was the names of many sports people I know who have shown greatness on the field. In lieu of this, Shakespeare’s quote came to my mind – Some are born great, some achieve greatness and others have greatness thrust upon them. This was applicable to the ones I know but ‘greatness’? I was convinced it had to be something else altogether.
 
In the face of the recent catastrophic rains and the resultant floods in Chennai, in which category would the hundreds of faceless, voiceless heroes and bravehearts who took it upon themselves to reach out and help ferry to safety thousands of people affected in the low-lying areas in Chennai come under? What of the police officers who braved the waters, went beyond their call of duty to help the stranded victims? What of those quiet volunteers who distributed food packets to the people whose homes were flooded and never made a show or spoke about it? What of those who opened their homes for those who had nowhere to sleep? I think it’d suffice to say I think it is these people who are truly made of great!
 
What are they made of I wondered? What sets them apart as great?
 
As I observed, the only thing they all had in common was, they were the daily, ordinary, pedestrian people who have lived through a similar life and who knew pain. The pain of having nothing, of having one’s livelihood washed away along with yesterday’s toils and tomorrow’s hopes. They know what it is like to go hungry. They know what it is like to fall and have no one pick them up. They know that tears are salty and hopelessness is crushing. They are all just ordinary individuals who found the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are people who get back up more times than they are knocked down. They give more for the sake of giving, without expecting a thing in return.
 
In my opinion it is these people who are truly made of great. We all sit in our cushy, high-rise apartments and crib about being inconvenienced about power-cuts, not being able to get out, about maids not coming during rains and about garbage not being cleared. But the real people are those who believe in action. They are out there making a difference without a word, without any coercion, without any expectation. In the process they have uplifted their own lives along with those of others.
 
In my opinion they are the real heroes, the unsung ones; the stuff greatness is made of! Greatness was neither thrust upon them, nor was it something they were born with. They just are what they are - sensitive. They are the ones who deserve to be hailed. This world is a better place because of them.

This Article was written for the #Madeofgreat campaign
http://madeofgreat.tatamotors.com/
36 Comments
Deepa
11/19/2015 11:28:05 pm

Well said Doc. It's these people that have a made a difference. That's one big slap on the faces of those who always think they can blame the government and nature and get away with it.

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:35:10 am

Thank you Deepa :)

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Sindhu link
11/19/2015 11:28:33 pm

Well written and I totally agree with your points. As you've mentioned, they are the ones who're always ready to help irrespective of anything.

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:35:36 am

Thank you Sindhu

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Pradeep Raghunathan link
11/20/2015 12:09:09 am

Wow! What a wonderfully written blog. I was just reading a book recently where the author talks about how we all feel happy and really good, only when we help someone and see that smile on their face, or to know that you were able to help someone in need. If each one of us do our bit to be happy, this world would be such a nice place to live in. My takeaway from this very well articulated article is to make a difference to someone every day. Thank you Madhu for this post. If you do not mind, will pass on the link to my friends and family.

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:36:04 am

Thanks Pradeep :)

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Meera
11/20/2015 10:34:04 pm

It's the triumph of the human spirit .. It's what makes people believe in the Universe...

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:36:27 am

So true :)

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Jayashree
11/23/2015 03:24:58 am

Shows ur sensitivity to your environment Madhu..

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:36:54 am

Thank you Jayashree :)

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Alok
11/24/2015 05:18:08 am

Indeed a nicely written post. I wish you good luck for the contest
Here is my answer
The association of Tata Motors with Lionel Messi is that of two greats. Lionel Messi has been exceptionally talented who with his hard work, determination and sacrifices has got better and tougher in his chosen sport so is the Image, reputation and quality of TATA Motors that have transformed brilliant ideas into masterpieces of engineering and created a brand and products that we are so proud of as Indians. Lionel Messi has transformed his body and the mind body co-ordination into a masterpiece of precision and excellence it would not be wrong to say that Lionel Messi is the TATA Motors of sports where as TATA Motors is the Lionel Messi of vehicles both giants in their own spheres driven by the drive to excel and lead by example. So Lionel Messi is the best choice for becoming the brand Ambassador for TATA Motors
aaloke19@gmail.com

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:37:22 am

Thank You Alok :)

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U K link
11/24/2015 06:42:59 am

The story of the Legend in themselves – that’s how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with words which enhance the simplicity yet greatness of these hundreds of people. Salutations and very happy for you to have got inspired and bringing out your best in life.

My answer: Tata is a name which any and every person can rely on for its honesty, commitment and perseverance. Lionel Messi is a legend who has carved his name in history books with total dedication to the game, simple living and improvisation which is seen with each game he plays. The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi as their Brand Ambassador will definitely give an edge to the Tata group over its competitors solely because the brand Ambassador also holds the same reputation of not letting his fans down ever, like Tata Motors who have given the best to the world over the decades. Its an exemplary association par excellence.

You can choose my answer as the Voucher winning comment if you feel I described it all well.. :) Please remember to post it on the Indiblogger contest page today.


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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:37:56 am

Thank You for feedback :)

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mahima
11/24/2015 11:04:06 am

Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt. Goodluck for the contest
My answer is:
Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the pillars of strength on which TATA have built a brand that has put India on the global map. It is a brand that has stood the test of time just like Lionel Messi who tackles opposition on the field with his skill,agility,strategy,brilliance and raw power to reach and score a goal so has been the track record of TATA motors who has become a brand leader and a global giant. These qualities make TATA Motors and Lionel Messi perfect partners who stand for the same set of values thus Lionel Messi is the perfect brand ambassador to represent TATA Motors.
Hope my best to be a winner here; do contact me for the prize at mahima2014j@gmail.com
fingers crossed

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:38:33 am

Thank You Mahima :)

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Hema
11/24/2015 10:21:00 pm

Your post describes #madeofgreat so well that it has winner written all over it. Good luck for your entry.
Here is my answer.
Like minds think and act alike looking at the track record of TATA Motors it has stood the test of time and built a business that was built using bricks of hard work on a foundation of trust. Authenticity, reliability, simplicity, as well as its commitment to innovation are the trademarks of brand TATA Motors. These same qualities are present in Lionel Messi who with his immense talent has made a mark for himself on the international football field .Facing all hardships he has worked hard toiling on the fields and in training sessions facing injuries and pressure to come out trumps and be a winner. Thus these two greats Lionel Messi and TATA Motors are made for each other .There association is a bond of two legends
In case you pick me a winner my email id is : princess09hema@gmail.com
Fingers crossed :)

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:39:04 am

Thank You Hema :)

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Destination Infinity link
11/24/2015 10:24:24 pm

People in high rise buildings may not have suffered as much during these rains, but they have their own unique problems. They are #madeofgreat too.

Destination Infinity

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:39:54 am

Thank You :)

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bhuwan
11/24/2015 10:35:40 pm

Your post defines #madeofgreat in a awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
My Answer
Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:40:31 am

Thank You Bhuvan :)

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bhuwan
11/24/2015 10:39:25 pm

Your post defines #madeofgreat in a awesome manner.Very well written and interesting post indeed.
My Answer
Tata Motors is a brand that makes durable vehicles, with its MADE IN INDIA mark makes every Indian proud. It is a brand seen globally as Trusted, Reliable, Innovative and at the forefront of technology. In its journey since inception it has overcome all odds, competition, and adversities with grit and determination. These same qualities are associated with Lionel Messi who was very talented and hardworking from a very early age. With each game that he played he kept improving his skills and built a career to become one of the best player of professional football. There qualities make both TATA Motors and Lionel Messi giants who perfectly compliment each other and Lionel Messi the right and perfect Ambassador who stands for the same values that TATA Motors does.
bhuwan198grover@gmail.com

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Nigar
11/24/2015 11:08:34 pm

Great thoughts as usual doc smile emoticon

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:41:04 am

Thanks and Very Kind of you ..Nigar :)

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Karthik Ganapathi
11/24/2015 11:57:02 pm

"The pain of having nothing" ... so true . Was helpless as a refugee at a very young age. So have some idea on how even little help or contribution from each one of us would help a great deal for others !!!

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:42:58 am

Thanks for dropping by KG ! Didnt know about your younger days !! We should chat when we meet the next time :)

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Nizam Md S link
11/25/2015 01:29:16 am

Simple words...Awesome message...Great post...
And yes "Anyone can be great" (modified a line from Ratatouille...given that this is Whinendine!)
Cheers Doc!

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:44:52 am

Thank You Nizam for the kind words !! Yes So true..'Greatness' does lie within each one of us :)

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Arundhati
11/25/2015 01:46:13 am

So well written. Its thesimple human beings who often rise to the occassion while the leaders well theless said thebetter.

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:34:37 am

Thank you Arundhati :)

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V. Swaminathan
11/25/2015 02:36:59 am

True words Doctor!
And what's help if it didn't get it thee at the right time ; and what's comfort of u don't put it around a crying man at his hour of pain: contributions can wait to reach the admin, approvals can delay the rightful dues but the furry of nature doesn't differentiate the process from chaos .
Am reminded of Ayn Rand when she wrote ;
A building is not an achievement of an individual ; it sis spirit of a pea people. And when u for at the magnificence of a building and ascribe its achievement to one individual, u are guilty of spiritual misfeasance"
And to listen to these media channels vie for cheap glory in the face of chaos and agony, those brave hearts and Fellow citizens who were there risking lives and injury need a BIG CHEER !
Long live thy tribe

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dr madhu link
11/27/2015 05:34:04 am

Thank you for your comments :)

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Yagnesh
11/25/2015 04:38:56 am

Yours is a very well written post your .Its is a very nice description of #madeofgreat
TATA Motors is a brand associated with performance, endurance and excellence. These words are also synonymous with Lionel Messi who plays as a forward and weaves his magic on the football field.Just as Lionel Messi is considered the best footballer in the world ,TATA motors which is Indias premier automotive manufacturer gives wheels to the people of India with its wide range of vehicles. Both believe in excelling in whatever they do and set examples for others to follow. They compliment each other as both are reliable trustworthy and leaders thus Lionel Messi is the natural choice as the brand ambassador of TATA Motors
yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com

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Divya Srinivasan link
11/26/2015 01:50:46 am

I loved your perspective for the tag "Made of great". Sometimes we don't appreciate the gems that lies next to us!

Share you thoughts on our blog entry!
http://creatikaa.blogspot.in/2015/11/ssb-gateway-to-be-madeofgreat.html

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madhu thottappillil link
11/27/2015 04:09:06 am

Thank you for your kind words Divya

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    Dr. Madhu Thottappillil

    ​A sports medicine specialist based out of Chennai, India. Avid Foodie and a Wine Enthusiast

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