Adversity brings out the best in man

By Priyanshi Mahajan

As Sir Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” The only way to combat adversities and transform them into opportunities is by accepting them. When we acknowledge and confront challenges, it grants us newfound strength, instills humility, fortifies our determination, and brings us closer to God.

One recent example is the COVID-19 outbreak, which compelled us to undertake unprecedented actions. The entire world learned to adapt, live, and work without physical meetings. It pressured the global community to develop a potent vaccine in just one and a half years, a process that typically takes a decade.

Reflecting on history, we find the inspiring story of Japan, where the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite near destruction, Japan emerged as one of the most prosperous nations globally. It is through grappling with the buffetings of fortune that they reached these great heights.

Dashrath Putra Ram wouldn’t have become Lord Sri Ram without the resilience he displayed in the face of extreme hardships and adversities. M.K. Gandhi wouldn’t have become Mahatma Gandhi if he hadn’t chosen to resist being thrown out of the train in South Africa. These examples teach us not to succumb to disappointment in the face of failures. Instead, we should confront problems and exert efforts to solve them with courage and determination.