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).