Live for Yourself and Your Family | Dr.Purusottam Agrawal | TEDxYouth@VedicIntSchoolSambalpur

Introduction

• The importance of living for oneself and one's family is emphasized, as people often focus on competing with others and moving forward in life, but forget what truly matters 52s.
• The question is raised about the purpose of life, and what it means to truly live, beyond just reading, writing, building a career, earning money, and accumulating wealth 1m3s.
• Everyone is striving to move forward and succeed, but the question remains, who is the person that finds joy in losing, and what is their secret 1m49s.
• The concept of the four stages of life in Hinduism is discussed, which includes Brahmacharya (student life), Grihastha (householder life), Vanaprastha (retired life), and Sannyasa (renunciate life) 2m2s.
• The importance of following this system, as outlined in Indian scriptures, is emphasized, and it is suggested that if followed, it can help India regain its status as a global leader 2m39s.
• A personal story will be shared, and experiences from school days will be discussed, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself 2m52s.
• The speaker reflects on their own limitations, including not being proficient in Hindi or English, but being clear in their thoughts and emotions 42s.
• The speaker asks the audience to consider what it means to truly live, and what is the purpose of life, beyond just competing with others 1m20s.
• The concept of living for oneself and one's family is introduced, and the speaker asks the audience to think about what this means to them 57s.

Medical Education and Early Career

• The individual had always aspired to become a doctor, even though they didn't know what being a doctor entailed, and after completing their Plus Two, they pursued a career in medicine, initially securing a top 20 spot in the university entrance exams 3m15s.
• During their Plus Two, they started reading the Bhagavad Gita, which they believed held the solutions to life's problems, and they made it a point to read one shloka every day 3m36s.
• They were an average student in medical school but never feared failure, and their confidence stemmed from their daily routine of studying and participating in extracurricular activities 4m2s.
• The individual was also actively involved in social work, dedicating one or two hours daily to the cause, and even helped establish a shakha in a village every Sunday 4m11s.
• They led an anti-ragging movement in their first year of medical school, despite being a junior, and were eventually recognized for their efforts 4m38s.
• Initially, the individual was shy and introverted, finding it difficult to interact with girls, despite having 25 girls in their class, and they could barely recognize 20 of them 4m59s.
• A decision was made not to take the CA exam due to the mother's illness, and two years were sacrificed to be with her, after which she passed away, and then medical studies were pursued 5m12s.
• Initially, medical studies were not enjoyable, but after re-taking the exam, a spot was secured, and studies continued 5m36s.
• During medical studies, seniors would ask about the technique for learning, and the approach was to focus on learning one new technique every day, such as how to hold a scalpel or perform a specific task 5m49s.
• This daily learning approach allowed for the acquisition of 365 new skills in 365 days, and it became a technique that worked well 6m17s.
• After completing studies, the decision was made not to work in the government or build a personal empire, but to establish an institution to serve people, and a clinic was started in Odisha 6m43s.
• The clinic was eventually expanded into a polyclinic, then a hospital was built in a rented house, and later, another hospital was established 25 years ago 7m15s.
• The decision to serve people in Odisha was made despite having better opportunities in Bombay, and it was a choice to work for the community rather than personal gain 6m54s.
• A hospital named Sanjivani was started, which was a huge challenge to run due to a loan, but it eventually became a success and is now in expansion mode, requiring a lot of courage and support from well-wishers 7m31s.
• The hospital achieved several firsts, including a successful surgery on a baby, which was a new experience for the team 7m53s.

Hospital and Social Work

• The key to success lies in identifying the needs of the area, city, district, or province and working towards fulfilling those needs, rather than just seeking fame 8m12s.
• To stay updated and skilled, it is essential to attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions, which helps in skill development and ultimately leads to earning a good income 8m41s.
• Apart from professional life, social activities and responsibilities are also crucial, and being the State President of Bharat Vikas Parishad and Banwasi Kalyan Ashram, the focus is on working for the underprivileged, protecting culture, and educating children 8m57s.
• The inspiration for social work comes from family, particularly from one's father, and it is essential to share experiences and learn from them 9m18s.
• The three key factors that contribute to success are a strong belief in oneself, a positive attitude, and innovative concepts, especially in the medical field 9m33s.
• Science and risk-taking have been a significant part of life, especially when faced with challenges, deception, or wrongdoing, which fuels the inner fire to stay motivated and driven 9m37s.

Philosophy and Life Lessons

• Passion and profession should align, as seen in the decision to pursue a career in medicine, which led to success and practical experience 9m52s.
• Basic human needs like food, sleep, and sex are similar to those of animals, but what sets humans apart is the adherence to rules and norms that govern family, school, society, and the environment, which is the essence of dharma 10m22s.
• Dharma encompasses one's duties towards the body, family, wealth, and culture, as well as the environment that sustains life 10m38s.
• To control the mind and stay focused, it is essential to practice the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which is a crucial aspect of self-control 11m13s.
• Any task requires effort and perseverance, but the outcome is not always within one's control; however, continuous effort and hard work can lead to desired results 11m42s.
• Having faith in one's abilities and actions is vital to achieving success, and this mindset is essential for personal growth and development 11m52s.
• The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of self-control, hard work, and perseverance, which are essential life lessons for individuals to learn and practice 12m0s.
• Every tree can be used as medicine, and every person has a purpose, so it's not that people are useless, but rather they lack proper planning, good education, and guidance from good teachers or mentors to reach their full potential 12m12s.
• The absence of these factors is what makes people feel useless, which is why there is a need for good teachers and mentors who can guide individuals 12m31s.
• Purusottam Agrawal mentions that even when people work hard, they have enemies, such as mobile phones and social media, which can distract them and hinder their progress 12m38s.
• The amount of screen time spent on these devices can be a significant obstacle to success 12m54s.
• One should not try to be someone else, as everyone is unique, and it's essential to focus on one's own strengths and abilities rather than comparing oneself to others 13m3s.

Enemies of Progress

• The desire to be someone else is a significant enemy, and it's essential to understand the concept of infatuation and how it can negatively impact one's life 13m18s.
• Young people should focus on their studies and not get distracted by others, as everyone has their own time and opportunities 13m31s.
• Procrastination is another enemy that can hinder progress, and it's essential to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively 13m48s.
• One should not worry about what others think and focus on their own goals and aspirations, as everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses 14m8s.
• One should not worry about what others think of them, as when they are in trouble, it is their family who will come to help, and they should only listen to those who truly love them 14m26s.
• Peer pressure is a major enemy, and one should not do something just because their friends are doing it 14m34s.
• Running behind others and comparing oneself to them is also a major enemy, and one should focus on their own goals and aspirations 14m49s.
• Average people do not need to compare themselves to others, and they can achieve their goals with consistent focus and hard work 14m59s.

Keys to Success

• To achieve success, one needs to have a clear goal in life, and they should focus on it consistently, just like Arjun from the Mahabharat 15m28s.
• A routine life and time management are essential for achieving success, and one should have a fixed routine and prioritize their tasks 15m45s.
• Taking care of one's physical and mental health is also crucial, and one should engage in activities like exercise, yoga, and meditation to stay healthy 15m59s.
• The key to success is to stay focused, work hard, and not get distracted by others, and one should prioritize their goals and aspirations above all else 16m10s.
• To find answers to life's questions, one can refer to the Bhagavad Gita, which provides guidance on various aspects of life, including career choices and personal growth 16m31s.
• The phrase "make your passion your profession" is often used, but it's not always possible to turn one's passion into a career, and sometimes, one may have to settle for a different profession 16m40s.
• It's essential to focus on trying and not being afraid to fail, as failure is a part of the learning process, and one should never give up on trying 16m59s.
• One should strive to give their 100% effort in whatever they do, and be honest with themselves and their loved ones about their endeavors 17m8s.
• The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of trying and not being afraid to take risks, and one should be willing to step out of their comfort zone to achieve their goals 17m27s.
• Career choices are a matter of personal preference, and one should consider their options carefully, weighing the pros and cons of each choice 17m30s.

Missed Opportunities and Reflections

• The speaker was initially hesitant to give a talk, citing a lack of time due to other commitments, but was persuaded by Anand Bhaisaab, who pointed out that many people would jump at the opportunity to speak 17m34s.
• The speaker reflects on a missed opportunity in 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him to join politics, and wonders what might have been if he had taken up the offer 17m59s.
• One should be willing to step out of their comfort zone and take risks to achieve their goals, rather than staying in a state of comfort and stagnation 18m31s.
• To be successful, one must step out of their comfort zone, work hard, and be willing to take risks, as there is no shortcut to success 18m40s.
• Nobody is perfect, and striving for perfection is not necessary; instead, one should focus on continuous improvement and self-growth 18m50s.
• The concept of perfection is subjective, and even successful individuals, such as cricketers, can always improve and become better 18m55s.

Making a Positive Impact

• To make a positive impact, one can create something that generates employment, such as opening an industry, educational institution, hospital, or factory 19m5s.
• People often rely on the government to solve problems, but individuals also have a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society 19m22s.
• Enjoying the process of working towards a goal is essential, and one should not just focus on the end result 19m29s.
• Many successful individuals, such as dropouts or those who were not top performers in school, have achieved excellence in their respective fields 19m49s.
• Examples of such individuals include those who have changed their career paths and achieved success in new fields, often due to their passion and dedication 20m8s.
• Effective time management, risk-taking, and a strong work ethic have contributed to the success of many individuals, including a graduate who has made a significant impact on the world 20m27s.
• The key takeaway is that one's family, particularly parents and siblings, are often the ones who take joy in an individual's success and sorrow in their failure 20m40s.

Family, Nation, and Society

• A universal truth is that people who are ahead of you in life will not be envious, so one should focus on living for themselves until they become capable and establish their career through good education and earning a decent income 21m3s.
• After achieving success, one should strive for more, including wealth, respect, and material possessions, as these are also essential in life 21m11s.
• Happiness is not just individual but also combined, and it is achieved when people are connected with family and friends who appreciate and support them 21m34s.
• A person can only be truly happy when they have people around them who appreciate and acknowledge their efforts 21m46s.
• The importance of family happiness is emphasized, as they are the ones who have given birth, raised, and continue to care for an individual, regardless of their educational background 22m5s.
• A family's security is dependent on the security of the country and society, and if the country is not secure, the family's security is also at risk 22m28s.
• Historical examples are given of how a country's disintegration can lead to the suffering of its people, and the importance of national security is stressed 22m37s.
• It is essential to prioritize the nation and society, and one should cultivate the habit of donating time for the betterment of the country and community 22m58s.
• Everyone has 24 hours a day, and it is essential to use this time wisely, making time for personal growth and development 23m3s.
• The habit of giving and contributing to society, family, and the nation is what will ultimately lead to success and make a country unbeatable 23m9s.
• The suggestion is made that every student, teacher, and professional in the country should work in the army for two years to develop a sense of responsibility and service to the nation 23m25s.
• The importance of thinking about the country and its well-being is emphasized, along with the need to understand spirituality and the Indian way of thinking 23m33s.
• It is stressed that individuals should live for their family, nation, and society, rather than just for themselves, and that one's purpose is to serve others 23m51s.
• The idea is presented that people should prepare themselves to be of service to others, and that the joy of giving and sharing with others is a key part of life 24m7s.
• The value of living with and sharing with family is highlighted, and it is suggested that this is where true happiness and fulfillment can be found 24m12s.
• The concept of living for others is reinforced, with the idea that individuals should strive to make a positive impact on those around them 24m27s.

Call for National Service

• A letter was written to Modi, suggesting the idea of mandatory military service for students, teachers, and professionals 23m21s.