Last Sunday, I was cooking chicken curry for the family. My mom takes a cooking break on Sundays, while I take over the kitchen duties which also helps me in experimenting with my culinary skills. After I was done preparing the food, I got busy in arranging them on the lunch table. Accidentally, the chicken bowl I was carrying, slipped off my hands, probably because of my improper gripping, thus, the hot and steamy curry fell on my feet, ending in an outcry.
Excruciating pain overtook me, though my mom applied toothpaste to it, which prevented a blister. I was immersed in tears as I felt the pinch of agonizing pain, every now and then.
My mom pacified me, saying, “Imagine how it must feel to those who get burnt completely!”.
These words stayed with me!
During the course of my healing through continuous application of toothpaste (it did work wonderfully well!), my mom’s words did not leave me. In fact, they calmed me to deal with the pain. I started to ponder about those “burnt” victims, who are scarred for life. Amidst this thought, one face revolved in front of me- Laxmi. I recently read about her baby’s birth and instantly googled to know more about her story.
Laxmi is a beautiful, high-spirited, Delhi girl, like any other regular girl in this world. She worked with a local music shop and one unfortunate day, was attacked by a 32-year-old man and his companions after she refused his advances. She was barely 16! It’s unimaginable to compare the unbearable pain that one goes through when attacked by acid, as it not only disfigures the skin, but also affects the bones and other organs.
Doctors termed her condition as an ‘acid attack victim’, but it goes more far than what was diagnosed. Living in a society where women are still ill-treated, laxmi well knew the social influence her life will undergo, despite the physical pain and disability. She survived the attack, but that was not what made her a known figure, her will to rise above the pain and serve the society and other acid attack victims did!
What defines us is how well we rise after falling.
This quote aptly defines Laxmi’s courage. She didn’t let her physical appearance deter her will, as she rightly says in an interview, “Your inner strength defines your beauty”. I was moved by her undying passion and desire to help and support other acid victims, as she led a petition to the Supreme Court to order the Central and State governments to regulate the sale of acid, and the Parliament to make prosecutions of acid attacks easier to pursue.
She leads Chhanv Foundation, an NGO dedicated to help the survivors of acid attacks in India. She also received a 2014 International Women of Courage award by US First Lady Michelle Obama and was chosen as the NDTV Indian of the Year. She started her career as a campaigner with Stop Acid Attacks campaign and works with a Local News Channel as a Reporter.
We are mortal by being, but immortal by actions
Perhaps, Laxmi’s greatest reward is the way she rebuilt her life. She told in an interview, “A relative once told me that, given how I looked, I could forget ever finding love or romance”. But in 2013, she met Alok Dixit, a journalist who joined her campaign and eventually, they fell in love and now, live together in Delhi.
“I was attracted to her courage, She is an exceptional young woman and for me, she is beautiful.” Dixit told in an interview.
A few months back, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, whom they named, “Pihu“.
Why I feel she is undeniably #MadeOfGreat?
Situations and circumstances are common to all, but how we choose to deal with them is what defines us. Through Laxmi’s undying spirit to live a life of honor and pride, and carve a change not only in her life, but the society, inspired me. She didn’t choose depression as a way of life but fought against it. Her story taught me that life is indeed what we make of it and petty incidents don’t define its course, but how we deal with it, does.
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
Most importantly, her tale of love depicts how she was proud of her scars which won her the love of her life. Her perception of true beauty inspires me or anyone who’s concerned about their physical appearance, because, it certainly doesn’t define us. We must be happy with what we own and create happiness around it.
The birth of her baby was another incident which inspires me, of how life doesn’t end with a mishap, as we have many beautiful days and opportunities to live and make them beautiful and worthwhile. She realized her dream and made it happen.
Laxmi is indeed a lady #madeofgreat passion, desires, strength, love and compassion.
What is great?
Is it the peak of high-rising mountains
or the wealth of a millionaire?
or a proud celeb’s popularity
or the king’s rule?
Great is the inner strength, the inner voice
which rises above everything else.
Great is the beauty
which speaks beyond looks
Great is the change
which is brought forever
Great is a life
which is beautiful.
Great is
to stop wishing and start doing
—–
Now an interesting thing for my readers. Answer the below question and the best comment will win a Rs. 750 Cash Voucher! Cool? Go ahead & comment >>
What do you think of Tata Motors‘ association with Lionel Messi?
Photo Courtesy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
AKA The Versatile 
This looks a winner already! The way you have blended what happened with you and then Laxmi’s case is marvelous!
She indeed is a top choice to be featured here, for she is an inspiration beyond words!
I think Messis’ association with Tata Motors is a good one…it would help in promoting brand awareness better!
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Thank you so much Alok! I always enjoy reading your comment 🙂
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Thank you 👍
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🙂
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Hi Amreen!
I would like to say that you’ve done complete justice to the prompt and written your post beautifully. Laxmi’s story is indeed a true inspirational one to that delivers the message across of – ‘your inner strength defines your beauty’
As for my thoughts on Tata Motors association with football great Lionel Messi, both are well established brands BOLTing ahead of competition which is an INDICAtion of their ZEST for reaching the upper echelons of success by exhibiting constant zeal from the word (INDI)GO.
Do hop over to my blog and share your thoughts on my post
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Thank you so much Gauri for your insightful comment. I’ll check your post soon! ❤
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I loved your post, Amreen.
Great inspiration. Such people teach us the real meaning of life. I am so glad that you chose to write about this wonderful woman.
Here’s my answer:
The association of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi is indeed an amazing one.When two heroes combine together, the result will surely be an extravagant one. Moreover, the name of Lionel Messi will instill a lot of trust and reliability in the mind of customers for Tata Motors because Messi is a great, dedicated and a hardworking sportsperson. People love and admire Messi for his single minded focus.
Therefore, the collaboration will surely be very beneficial for Tata Motors. With Messi’s name associated with Tata Motors, people will find this brand more trustworthy for sure.
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Thank you so much Purba! I’m glad the post inspired you!
Thank you for your views on the question and I appreciate it 🙂
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I just read about this story a few weeks ago in a magazine, I think; with not this much details 🙂 Nice choice to write about 🙂
About the answer to the question, I believe that Lionel Messi is the best choice that one can have; we know how good he is – TATA Motors has only gotten better in the last few years, and they will make a great combination made of great! They can achieve greatness with more ease 🙂
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Thank you so much Teny for the comment and words!
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Indeed rebuilding a life from scratch and remove the scars of trauma are no easy tasks you have spotted a true #madeofgreat
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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Thank you for your encouraging words and for the comment. I appreciate it ! 🙂
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The story of a Legend in herself – that’s how I will describe it in a short sentence. Very well written with the pics which enhance the simplicity yet greatness of the Fighter woman. 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 best if you feel I described it all well.. 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words and the comment. I appreciate it! 🙂
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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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Thank you for the comment and words 🙂
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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
Please consider me as a winner
Email: yagneshbjoshi10099@gmail.com
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Thank you for the comment and words 🙂
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Your post defines #madeofgreat to the hilt.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.
Contact : bhuwan198grover@gmail.com
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Thank you for the comment and words 🙂
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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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Thank you for the comment and words 🙂
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I time and again wonder for what joy these guys do such acts?! How painful! Thoughtful of you, Amreen, to have written about her here. There’s so much warmth and honesty in your words. I hope to see this post in the winners’ list 🙂
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Indeed, I agree! It is disheartening! Thank you so much for the kind words and the wishes, I’m thoroughly elated. Gratitude! ❤
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Of the thousands of thoughts moving around the Messi-Tata Motors association, here’s a new insight. Messi is also the ambassador for UNICEF for his noble deeds for the betterment of children across the globe. That’s something that truly touched me, more than the football legend in him. On the other side, our Tata Motors could think of making several Indian middle class dreams alive with their Nano. Definitely there’s a touch of humanity behind this. Their association sound to me like humanity meets humanity!
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True indeed! Thanks for the insight and the comment. I appreciate your answer 🙂
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A very thoughtful post!Best of luck for the contest!
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Thank you Rahul! Means a lot 🙂
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Beautiful post, absolutely heart-wrenching! Hope you like my thoughts too-
Inspiration,
Dedication,
Discipline,
Commitment,
Trust,
Loyalty,
Excellence,
Legacy,
Immortality.
These are not mere words but a part of our soul. Not just the ones that we carry around in our individual bodies but that supreme soul that binds us all together in this universe. That is why we teach our children values and morals so that these little pockets of our souls do not die away. But when we look around at our modern day lifestyle and society,it leaves a lot to be desired, right? Wrong 🙂 I would say,as long as we have even 1 shred of humanity left,there is a ray of sunshine and that is what we see here.
I am inspired by your story just as I am inspired by the stories of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. As I said above about humanity and ray of sunshine, it is very few icons left in this world who make me feel that way. Both Tata and Messi definitely make it to this short list.
When we talk about Tata Motors,we talk about the pride that every Indian feels because this is our truly global brand, a brand with a soul, with every product made to help us fly. This is a corporate behemoth that has not amassed its fortunes at the cost of the little man but by being a part of the very grassroots. The legacy of excellence and giving back to the society selflessly is so ingrained in Tata DNA that it has become part of folklore. Even today,in any Indian home, the moment a son/daughter gains employment in a Tata company, nobody talks about salary or CTC, they just thank their lucky stars that they are a part of Tata family. The very soul of India resides in Tata. Tata Motors has taken these very same values global, making Indians proud of what they represent. ‘Look,we represent excellence, with a dollop of old world values, with love and respect’ !
When we look at Messi, we see a boy with dreams in his eyes and a man who has put everything he had in making them come true, and he did! With singleminded focus,dedication and hardwork, he has managed to outdo every obstacle he faced since his birth personally, healthwise and family financial situation wise. Every obstacle became just another step for him to grow and reach up the sky. And still, every time he walks out on the field, he plays with the same agility, alarcity and a a hunger to prove himself as if it is his first game! He hasn’t achieved his demi-God status without superhuman efforts.
When these two demi-Gods of their respective fields come together, there are bound to be fireworks and that is exactly what it is! Purely from a corporate point of view, there are rare instances when we see such a perfect fit form. It can be called a divine sign that a symbol of vibrancy and dynamism like no other has taken shape with the partnership of Tata Motors and Lionel Messi. More than a mere advertising gambit,it is an amalgamation of those perhaps ‘lost’ values that the world needs more of,now more than ever. Maybe the Gods are finally happy!
Prajakta Sinha
sinpra11@gmail.com
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Hey! thank you so much Prajakta for the insightful comment and view on the post and question. I’m overwhelmed! Good luck 🙂
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