Our First Voices

The first time my Dad stood behind me while I recited the 'Gayatri Mantra' on stage in front of 200 odd people, he made me believe at the age of 4 that I could grow up to become an excellent orator.
The first time I saw Maa draping a sari, I knew I wish to become a woman of that aura one day.
The first time I met an Acid attack victim running a beauty parlor because she's passionate about it, I felt something change within me.
My first encounter with the husband of an Autistic woman taught me all you need to love and be loved is intent.

The first time I Lost a Speech competition in Std. 9th, I felt it's the end of the world.
The first time I saw Deepa Malik win a medal for India at Paralympics, I learnt no loss or pain is bigger than your determination.
The first time a kid came up to me and broke down about how his friends make fun of his stammer, I realized I have a duty to perform.
The first time I realized I will never be able to meet Dr. Abdul Kalam, while hosting his Condolence Meet in College, I sighed because some Dreams got to just remain such forever.

The first time a little, shy birdie (whose birth was being re-considered) cracked her entrances to become the first Doctor across all her generations and while she fake-complains about her everyday encounters with village patients in her ward visits, I feel lucky to have shared my parents with her.
The first time I saw Mahi becoming M S Dhoni on screen, I wanted to go hug him and tell him that no matter whether the stars dim out or the sun never shines, I would never leave your side.
The first time I was trusted with the story of a 105 kg bullied, feared potato sack transforming into a 75 kilos of inspiration who still fears the loss of his old parents, I knew I got to play a parent and a companion alike.
The first time at 23 I discovered I still wish to go to the hills and settle among the clouds, my hut and my own little world, I found my innocent self around.

The first story of a shriek, win, drag, hope, dance, music, pain, beating, teaching, care, strength, speech, revolution, loss, love, beginning:I have lived each of them to become bits of them. There will be many more stories we got to write about.

Let's not give up on us.
Let's breathe and create some, let's stay connected.
The Sun shines proud every morning and so do we stand a chance.
Life's rewarding.