Each year a book gets awarded for its sheer brilliance. The moment it is called onto the stage to be lauded, it becomes a magnet. Readers of all ages fall spiraling toward it. There is no resistance but a craving alone. One such book that made it to the top of ‘The Booker Prize’ in 2008 was ‘The White Tiger’. The book that like all other masterpieces is not a book alone. As you read it, you observe the striking relevance of its pages to our everyday life. The protagonist, Balram Halwai, is a classic example of someone who breaks through societal barriers and achieves success against all odds. And while his methods may be questionable, there are some valuable lessons that we can take away from his journey.
Unleashing your inner entrepreneur
If there is a buzzword that is capturing every street corner, it is ‘start-up’ and ‘entrepreneurship’. You cannot pass a day without hearing these words or another that hover around these. Although I might be overstating, I somehow might resonate. The same happens in this book too. Balram Halwai was not content to live a life of servitude. This induced his will to take control of his own destiny and became an entrepreneur. Now, doesn’t this tale resonate somewhere with your dreams too? It serves as a reminder that we all have the potential to create something from nothing. Whether it's starting your own business or simply taking the initiative to pursue your dreams, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive within all of us. So, why not breathe this book and let its meaning fuel your will?
Breaking free from the chains of tradition
Tradition, although is a healthy thing, you never know when it rises up around you and cages you down. We all frown once in our lives upon something that is being followed but doesn’t make any sense. In 'The White Tiger', Adiga challenges the age-old traditions that keep the lower classes in India subjugated. This casteism is something that has coiled this country for centuries. Balram Halwai realizes that he cannot continue to live his life as a servant and decides to break free from the chains of tradition. Although it could not necessarily be caste, there surely must be something holding you back. It could either be the corporate politics, the bullying around, or your own self-critic pulling you back. Recognize that you have the power to break free from societal norms that hold you back. Be brave enough to step outside of your comfort zones and forge your own path.
The importance of education
Balram Halwai's rise to success was not easy. He had to work hard and educate himself in order to break free from the cycle of poverty. It is not some luck ascending from the heavens that elate you to the bliss of success. It is your ability to gain knowledge and advance in the ever-advancing world. In today's world, education is more important than ever before. It is the key to unlocking our potential and achieving success in our chosen fields. Don’t let ignorance blindfold you. Invest in your future and know how wonderful it feels. You almost feel like a superhuman.
Hard work pays
Instance success is something that lures us all – “one day I’ll find a bag full of gold and will be free from all the ordeals of life,” “A man will come and tell that I will now be handling his company,” “Soon, God will come and make me the richest man in the world.” Nothing comes this easily unless it is some fairytale. Balram Halwai's journey was not one of instant success. He had to work hard and make sacrifices in order to achieve his goals. His story serves as a reminder that success is not handed to us on a silver platter. Instead, we must be willing to put in the hard work and dedication required to achieve our dreams.
Books are not meant to merely entertain us. They open our eyes toward reality and let us see the immense possibilities out there. If you haven’t read this gem yet, or other similar books & magazine, buy now. There are several sites like Shopify where you may find numerous excellent books. Go out and let the pages keep you engaged yet awakened.
About the Creator
Shivam
Helping people communicate complex ideas using storytelling
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