Humanitarianism is like an ocean;

Humanitarianism is like an ocean;  

Can we dismiss the entire ocean as dirty just because a few drops of filth are found in it?  

The one who has felt the pain of falling is the very person who will first extend a hand when we stumble.  

The mark of a good human being is not determined by our birthplace, religion, skin color, or race.  

It is defined by how we treat others with humanity.  

Humanity is like a mirror.  

The love and kindness we show to others will reflect back upon us.  

Respecting others and sharing in the suffering of fellow humans is the true foundation of a civilized society’s growth.  

Regretting the past is like rocking in a reclining chair.  

It gives us the illusion of doing something, but it never moves us forward even an inch.  

Once there was a great emperor who ruled over many smaller kingdoms.  

One day, a scholar from China visited his court and gifted him two colorful parrots that had lost their mother.  

Since parrots were considered symbols of fortune, the king was delighted. 

He summoned his bird trainer and commanded:  

“Take good care of them, train them well, and teach them to fly!”  

Training is like nurturing a seed into a tree.  

The trainer showered affection on the parrots.  

He believed that building their confidence was more important than just growing their wings.  

But nature often works in mysterious ways.  

Months passed. Curious about their progress, the king asked the trainer:  

“Do they fly well now?”  

The trainer replied:  

“Majesty, one of them has learned to fly beautifully. But the other refuses to leave the branch it sits on, no matter how much I try.”  

The king summoned veterinarians and bird experts to examine it.  

They reported: “There is no defect in the bird. It is healthy. We cannot understand why it refuses to fly.”  

Scientific inquiry often fails to uncover the secrets of the mind.  

The bird’s fear was not physical it was mental.  

It believed the familiar branch was safer than the uncertain sky.  

The king ordered his minister:  

“Do whatever it takes. Within two days, this bird must fly!”  

Days later, the king looked out from his palace balcony.  

To his joy, the parrot was flying around the tree.  

He exclaimed: “Bring me the person who made this miracle happen!”  

A humble farmer was brought before him.  

The king asked: “Everyone tried and failed. How did you succeed?”  

The farmer bowed and said:  

“It was very simple, Majesty. I climbed the tree and cut off the branch it was sitting on. Nothing more.”  

Comforts are the greatest obstacles to human potential.  

When the branch broke, fear of falling forced the bird to spread its wings.  

That very fear revealed its true strength.  

Challenging situations remind us that we too have wings.  

Sometimes, God acts like that farmer cutting off the branch we cling to, so that we may discover our own power and rise higher.  

We are all born to soar.  

But often, we remain stuck in routine, thinking that is all we are capable of.  

In truth, our possibilities are limitless.  

Life is an endless journey.  

Its obstacles and disappointments are like axes that cut away the branches we cling to.  

Each time a branch is cut, we gain the chance to fly higher toward the clouds.  

A fall is not the end.  

It is the beginning of a new rise.  

Like oxen tied to a post, many of us confine ourselves to repetitive, easy tasks.  

That is why life feels ordinary instead of exciting and fulfilling.  

Let us cut away the branch of fear we cling to, and free ourselves as birds of liberty, soaring with pride.  

We are born to achieve.  

My dear young generation!  

Take time into your hands.  

With kindness in thought, clarity in vision, and firmness in mind, march toward your goals.  

Success in life is certain.  

You can do it.  

With love,  

Sakthi Sakthithasan