The Alphabet of Courage Continues
Throughout this series, we have explored a wide range of inspiring stories-from family values to cinematic brilliance, personal sacrifices, and professional achievements. Each part reminds us of a timeless truth: fear predominantly lives in our minds, and when we choose not to let it control us, victory becomes not just a possibility but a likely outcome. In Part IX, guided by the letter "B," we meet two remarkable individuals from very different backgrounds who turned their internal fears into external successes. Their stories remind us of an important lesson: that the fear of failure can often be more paralysing than failure itself, and lasting success comes to those who consciously cultivate positive thoughts and disciplined action, as well as refuse to let imaginary obstacles hold them back from their destiny.
डर से जो आंखें मिला ले, हार भी उससे क्या लेगी
जो खुद गिरकर उठना सीखे, राह भी उससे क्या लेगी
[When you dare to look fear in the eye, even defeat loses its power. When you learn to rise after every fall, even the road cannot stop you.]
This verse beautifully captures the heart of what we are about to explore through two inspiring lives, each of whom chose not to be held back by fear, whether it was social stigma or perfectionism. Their stories show us that courage is not about never feeling fear, but about choosing to move forward anyway, even when fear is present.
5. Baba Amte Ji - When Fear Becomes the Teacher
Born Murlidhar Devidas Amte on December 26, 1914, into a wealthy Maharashtrian Brahmin family in Hinganghat, Wardha district, Baba Amte Ji was surrounded by privilege as he grew up. His father was a well-known district official under the British and also owned considerable land, which meant Murlidhar's childhood was filled with comfort and abundance. He enjoyed having a gun for hunting wild animals, drove a luxurious sports car lined with panther-skin seats, a stark contrast to the life he would later choose and carried himself with the confidence that comes from wealth and social standing. After finishing his education, he earned a law degree from Wardha Law College and built a successful legal practice that brought him financial stability, respect, and traditional success.
Beneath his outward calm, a restless conscience lived. His social consciousness was sparked in college when he witnessed the hardships ordinary Indians faced under colonial rule. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of selfless service and equality, Baba Amte Ji began to question the comfort of a life built on societal inequalities. He actively participated in India's freedom movement, often on the streets, facing lathis and imprisonment, rather than from the safety of his home. Gandhi Ji himself once awarded him the title "Abhay Sadhak" (Fearless Seeker) for his courageous efforts to shield women from the advances of English officers. This honour quietly stayed with him, particularly during the most crucial moments of his life.
The Encounter That Changed Everything
The turning point was not marked by a grand moment of glory but instead by a time of deep fear. While working as a sweeper to grasp the daily struggles of municipal workers-a practice inspired by Gandhian principles-Baba Amte encountered what he initially thought was a bundle of rags moving in a municipal latrine. But upon closer inspection, horror gripped him: it was a human being suffering from advanced leprosy, which Baba Amte himself describes as "a rotting mass of human flesh with two holes in the place of a nose, without a trace of fingers or toes, and with worms crawling in the sores." His first instinct was to run away, overwhelmed by revulsion and fear.
That moment of retreat left a deep, heartfelt mark on his conscience. For six months, Baba Amte Ji pondered a profound question: "Why did I feel fear instead of compassion when facing such human suffering?" How could someone whom Gandhi Ji called "fearless" turn away from someone in pain? This inner struggle went far beyond pride or reputation; it was a heartfelt spiritual challenge. He realised that his fear was unwarranted-leprosy was not as contagious as many thought, but social stigma had planted a deep-rooted fear in society's mind. Ultimately, he understood that the real challenge was not the disease itself, but overcoming his own conditioned thoughts.
After months of deep reflection, Baba Amte Ji shared a heartfelt realisation. He admitted that his initial motivation for taking up leprosy work was not just about helping others, but primarily about facing and overcoming his own fears. He honestly explained, "That is why I took up leprosy work. Not to help anyone, but to overcome that fear in my life. That it worked out well for others was a by-product. But the fact is, I did it to overcome fear." This sincere self-awareness recognising that accurate service begins with transforming oneself-provided a meaningful foundation for everything that followed. It was here that Baba Amte Ji understood a timeless truth:
जिस घाव से हम डरते हैं, अक्सर वहीं से रौशनी है जिस दर्द को अपनाते हैं, वह हौंसलों की नर्म ज़मीं है
The wound we fear to face often hides our light.The pain we choose to embrace becomes the soft soil of courage.
Building Anandwan: From Fear to Forest of Joy
In 1949, Baba Amte Ji began an inspiring journey with merely fourteen rupees in his pocket. He was joined by his loving wife Sadhana Tai, their two sons Vikas and Prakash, and six brave leprosy patients whom very few others dared to help. Together, they ventured into 250 acres of rough, panther-inhabited wasteland near Warora in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. Though that barren land was harsh at first, it would soon transform into Anandwan meaning "Forest of Joy." However, those early days were not easy; society's hostility was swift and intense. Villagers prevented leprosy patients from visiting their flour mills. Family and friends pulled back from visits to Anandwan out of fear of contracting the virus. Even organised groups issued threats to Baba Amte, vowing to harm him and burn down the settlement.
Baba Amte Ji was truly inspiring, consistently motivated by a strong belief: "Work Builds; Charity Destroys." He avoided the conventional charity model that makes help recipients passive and reliant. Instead, he highlighted that even those with severe disabilities can play an active role in their own dignity and well-being. To dispel myths about leprosy being contagious, he personally treated patients' wounds, gently dressed their sores, and boldly publicly demonstrated close contact to dispel fear in public to prove that casual contact was safe. He also developed protective footwear from recycled tyres to prevent foot injuries, even if sensation was lost. Every innovation he introduced was rooted in compassion, necessity, and a firm rejection of traditional limitations.
Over the years, the land was gently and lovingly transformed through committed effort. Those who once felt hopeless, often hiding in forests or begging, discovered new hope as they became farmers, artisans, teachers, and administrators. Anandwan has become a lively community with its own hospital providing comprehensive care, vocational training centres teaching practical skills, schools nurturing young minds, and even a university for higher education. What began as a way to support leprosy patients grew into a caring refuge for people with various disabilities, tribal communities, and orphans. Today, Anandwan spans 450 acres and has inspired nearby ashrams-like Somnath and Hemalkasa-where Baba Amte's sons continue his inspiring legacy.
Recognition and Legacy
Baba Amte Ji's extraordinary contributions have touched many hearts both in India and across the globe. His inspiring work earned him the Padma Shri in 1971 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1986, two of India's highest honours. In 1985, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award-often lovingly called Asia's Nobel Prize-for his sincere humanitarian efforts. The United Nations also acknowledged his impactful work by presenting him with the UN Human Rights Prize in 1988. Later, in 1990, he received the Templeton Prize, honouring his commitment to promoting religious and spiritual understanding through service. Ultimately, in 2000, he was awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize along with a generous 10 million rupees, which he kindly chose to allocate to support his heartfelt projects and vision.
Despite these remarkable achievements, Baba Amte Ji remained humble and chose to live simply at Anandwan until he peacefully passed away on February 9, 2008, due to age-related illness. His inspiring life teaches us a valuable lesson: when we face and overcome our fears, it creates a strong foundation for continuous service. He reminded us that our biggest fears-such as disease, social rejection, and failure-are often just in our minds. By confronting these fears with bravery, unwavering determination, and heartfelt effort, we not only transform ourselves but also bring positive change to the lives of many others.
डर को जो अपना साथी बनाए, वो राहें नई दिखा जाता हैसेवा का दीप जो मन में जलाए, वो खुद भी जग जग जाता है
[One who makes fear a companion discovers new paths.One who lights the lamp of service illuminates both self and world].
6. Bobby Fischer - The Courage and Cost of Genius
Robert James Fischer, born on March 9, 1943, in Chicago, is celebrated as one of the greatest chess players in history. His story beautifully illustrates how inner struggles can sometimes accompany incredible talent. Fischer's journey into chess began early, when his mother bought him a chess set at the age of 6. By the age of 13, in 1956, he had already made history by winning the US Junior Chess Championship, becoming the youngest-ever Junior Champion. That same year, he competed against top American masters and created what chess journalist Hans Kmoch called "The Game of the Century." This famous game features a stunning queen sacrifice against International Master Donald Byrne and continues to be admired by chess enthusiasts worldwide. It not only showcases Fischer's sharp tactical skills but also his remarkable courage, as he was willing to sacrifice his most powerful piece for a winning move that required careful planning over many steps.
In 1957, at just 14 years old, Fischer reached two extraordinary milestones: he became the youngest US Chess Champion. He earned the International Master title, leading the tournament with a +8 record against top American players. He also defended the US Championship title seven consecutive times between 1957 and 1966, an unprecedented achievement that highlighted his dominance in American chess. By age 15, he set the record as the youngest-ever Grandmaster-a record that lasted for decades.
The Path to Reykjavik: Facing the Soviet Machine
Fischer's journey was always filled with emotional ups and downs. Behind his stunning moves and daring attacks on the chessboard was a young man facing many inner struggles-fear of failure, fear of not being perfect, worries about losing control, and growing distrust of opponents and organisers. His intense dedication to chess sometimes led him to withdraw from typical social interactions, and his desire for perfection often resulted in unreasonable demands about conditions such as playing surfaces, lighting, noise levels, and even the chessboard itself.
The most crucial chapter of Fischer's career unfolded during the 1971-1972 World Championship cycle. After years of staying away due to disagreements with chess authorities, Fischer finally took part in the Candidates tournament-the qualifying event to challenge the reigning World Champion. What followed was arguably the most remarkable individual performance in chess history. Fischer skilfully outplayed the world's top players: he beat Soviet Grandmaster Mark Taimanov 6-0 in their Candidates match, then confidently defeated Denmark's GM Bent Larsen 6-0 in the next round-a twelve-game winning streak at the highest level that amazed the chess world. In the final Candidates match, he convincingly beat former World Champion Tigran Petrosian, earning the chance to challenge Boris Spassky for the world title.
The 1972 World Championship match in Reykjavik, Iceland, was more than just a chess game-it became a powerful symbol of Cold War ideas, with Fischer representing American independence and spirit against the mighty Soviet chess machine. The Soviets had a long history of leading world chess, backing their players with extensive training and expert analysis. Fischer, on the other hand, was on his own, supported only by his second, Grandmaster William Lombardy.
The Match of the Century: Triumph and Turmoil
The match almost did not happen at all. Fischer had some quite demanding requests about prize money, playing conditions, and TV cameras. He arrived late in Iceland, skipped the second game because of the cameras, and seemed ready to walk away from the match altogether. Commentators around the world wondered whether his behaviour was part of a psychological game or a sign of real instability. Nowadays, many believe he intentionally orchestrated the chaos, hoping to throw Spassky off his game and shake his confidence.
Once Fischer got into his groove, his talent really shone. He played with such boldness and confidence that he often surprised even the experts. His thorough preparation and daring approach kept Spassky on his toes, leading to uncharacteristic mistakes. On September 1, 1972, Fischer celebrated a remarkable victory with a score of 12½-8½, making history as the first American to become the World Chess Champion and ending many years of Soviet dominance. The New York Times warmly noted, "The best man clearly won in Reykjavik, and Russians and Americans joined in applause along with millions from the rest of the world."
तूफ़ान से जो लड़ता है, खुद भी भीगा, नाव भीगीपर साहिल पर जब पहुंचा, आँखों में थी धूप नयी
[The one who fights the storm gets soaked, and so does the boat.Yet upon reaching the shore, there is new sunlight in the eyes].
The Shadow Side: When Fear Wins
Fischer's story is quite poignant. After reaching his life's goal, he chose not to defend his world title in 1975 due to disagreements with FIDE over match conditions. Instead, he stepped away from competitive chess and lived a reclusive life for seventeen years. During that time, he became increasingly isolated, haunted by suspicion and conspiracy theories. By the mid-1980s, reports suggested he was nearly destitute, surviving on handouts after turning down many lucrative offers to play.
His brief return to the spotlight happened in 1992 when he played a rematch against Spassky in Yugoslavia. He earned over $3 million from it, but unfortunately, he violated U.S. sanctions, which landed him in legal trouble and led to his permanent exile. Fischer passed away in Reykjavik on January 17, 2008. He was a brilliant yet troubled genius, and his fears ultimately overshadowed his extraordinary talent.
Bobby Fischer's story shows us an important truth: overcoming external fears-like opponents, pressure, and expectations-isn't enough if we don't also address the concerns in our minds. His incredible chess talent and bravery at the board were truly inspiring, but his struggle with the fear of imperfection, losing control, and failure kept him from finding lasting peace. His journey reminds us that true success comes from facing not only external hurdles but also the fears within ourselves. Taking care of our mental health, maintaining balance, and practising self-compassion are just as vital as having determination and resilience. In today's high-pressure professional world, this lesson feels more relevant than ever.
Two Journeys, One Inner Truth
Baba Amte Ji and Bobby Fischer represent two very different worlds, social reform and intellectual pursuit. Still, beneath the surface, they were both battling on the same battlefield: the human mind. Each faced a unique kind of fear-disgust and stigma, or failure and imperfection. Baba Amte turned his fear into compassionate action, making a lasting difference through service and surrender. Bobby Fischer defeated his opponents but could not conquer his inner demons, reminding us that external victories don't bring true fulfilment without inner peace.
मन की जंग जो जीत ले, बाहर की जीत खुद आती हैडर को समझो, भागो मत, फिर देखो राह बन जाती है
[Win the battle within, and external victory follows naturally. Understand fear, don't flee from it, and watch the path emerge.]
This Part IX highlights an essential truth in our journey: it is not failure itself that holds us back, but the fear of failing. When we decide to think bravely, act with purpose, and keep going steadily, patiently, and purposefully, "डर के आगे जीत है" stops being just a catchy phrase and becomes part of how we live our lives. In Part X, we shall dive even deeper, exploring how physical limitations and mortal dangers challenge our courage in new ways.
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