GRIT THREE WAYS
T
here is something very basic – almost physical – about the word grit. I don’t know why but it reminds me of sweaty, exhausted, battered boxers in the ring who are at the end of their tether but still have that slight but deathly look of determination in their eyes, still in the hunt, still hungry. Since I hate violence, I also don’t like the word grit.
Yes, I have an illogical side to me. Well, it is mostly dormant, but it does surface once in a while – like right now. But this time grit was the only adjective I thought was appropriate to describe the fighting spirit of some of the extraordinary people featured in this magazine.
Shobika Kalra is one (read her story on page 24). Afflicted with a rare degenerative disorder that has left her wheelchair-bound, this business administration graduate is working tirelessly to ensure public places have wheelchair access. Her tremendous success proves that sheer determination is all you need to realise your dreams.
And then there is restaurateur par excellence Zorawar Kalra’s story on page 40. Being the son of Jiggs Kalra, who is considered to be classical Indian cuisine’s royalty, you’d assume Zorawar would cash in on the legacy that he inherited. But no, this man who never went to culinary school decides to risk his family’s reputation by setting up a chain of eateries that are an epitome of gastronomic avant-garde.
Another example of steely perseverance in this edition of the magazine is Sushant Singh Rajput (page 20).
From a background dancer to a leading star, this Bollywood actor’s journey is a testimony to all those who are apprehensive to hatch out of their limiting chrysalis and be the butterfly they potentially can be.
As I take pages out of their books, I’m constantly reminded of what Muhammad Ali, perhaps the greatest boxer to have walked the earth, once said: ‘Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is nothing.’
Looks like grit is not just a gruesome word, it’s the way to be. Until next week,