The Hindu Business Line : `Hard work & vision key for success'

MARCHING thousand miles starts with a single step and success comes only to those who cherish values early in life and work hard with a vision, said Chartered Accountant, Mr P. Suryanarayanan, at a meeting of the members of BL Club. The meet was organised by the Department of Management Studies, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology, here last week.

He said life like a game of football, does not assume significance without goal posts. "Qualifying in a degree is not education. It is only a passport and would not lead to success. It is an art of making an empty mind into an open mind. Intelligence is necessary. While the curriculum helped to develop the intellect, intelligence is the product of education that comes with experience. This gets reflected in the confidence with which one handles a situation."

Citing an array of examples and referring to the Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai and its founder, Dr G. Venkarasamy, in particular, Mr Suryanarayanan said that success came to him late in life only after undergoing many tribulations. Dr Venkatasamy could succeed only because of his hard work, perseverance and a vision in life. Today, he has developed an eye care system that gives sight to lakhs of people, he mentioned.

Young graduates must seek to develop in them a vision early in life and work towards the same to succeed, he exhorted.

Citing yet another example of Honda Motors, the parent company, he said the plant in Japan was destroyed twice, once by the fury of nature and during World War II.

Yet, the owner did not give up. He wrote to 5,000 people to help and succeeded, he added.

Mr Suryanarayanan said further that one must pursue one's own calling to succeed in life. "While choosing the line of activity, a SWOT analysis is necessary as one is responsible for one's own action. While doing so, adherence to a sense of responsibility and accountability is more vital. A positive frame of mind coupled with integrity and honesty will take to great heights. Always try to give the best," he stressed.

Mr R.S.K. Raguraman, Director, PSNA College of Engineering and Technology and Mr T. Murali, Regional General Manager, The Hindu, Madurai, were also present.