Every second and every opportunity in our lives should be fully utilized by us. All of us should get the thought that every heart beat of us is a chip that carries us forward in the path of progress. Periyar said once, “Why do you give me very bitter medicine even without mixing a little sugar? After me who shall come this fast to say matters so boldly? I have become old. With one foot at home and the other in the grave, the first bell for my exit has been rung. A person like me who has to catch the next train fast, cannot afford to move leisurely.” Friends, this is not applicable only the aged but all those who try to make their lives meaningful and purposeful should follow this principle. Every moment of our lives is important. It is as important as every drop of the sweat of the labourer earns the wages for it at the period of activity. Sometimes even the last seconds are vital; at unavoidable times we have to run and catch the train in a hurry to succeed in travelling. We may miss the train if we hesitate for a moment to rush.
I was writing my final Examination for my Honours Course. The Supervisors used to keep many papers near those who write fast. It was a tact to help and encourage those who write fast. The bell has rung; it was time to return the answer sheets to the supervisor. In order to write at the last moment some answers which would surely fetch a few marks, I used to stand and write even after the bell. I used to consider the time taken by the supervisor to collect the answer sheets from other students, as a bonus time. Some supervisors used to come and pat on the back saying, “It is time, enough”. Some others would snatch the answer sheets. Are not even those seconds important? In the same way we are taking examinations every day and we are determined to succeed in the exams. None of the seconds should be wasted. The scene of the doctors fighting to save the patients till the last proves the same. The soldiers also fall in the lap of death having fought to the last in order to win success for their side. Therefore let us not be careless taking it as only a second. Our success solely depends on making use of every little opportunity and fighting to the last.
Translated by : Prof. S.F.N.Chelliah