(Success and power do not last forever, like temple flowers that are replaced daily. True greatness comes from humility, kindness, and valuing relationships over temporary fame.)
It was a quiet morning at the grand temple, the air filled with the lingering fragrance of fresh jasmine and roses. Devotees streamed in, heads bowed, hearts whispering silent prayers. Just outside, a worker carefully removed the garlands that had adorned the deity the previous day, placing them gently into a basket before discarding them into the waste bin. Those very flowers, which had been the centre of reverence just a few hours ago, were now forgotten, their purpose seemingly over.
This simple act, repeated every day, carries a profound
lesson — one that many fail to recognise. The flowers, once revered, now lay
discarded, making way for new ones. In much the same way, life elevates people
to positions of power and influence, only to replace them in time. Yet, how
often do those who rise to prominence understand the fleeting nature of their
glory?
In our daily lives, we see individuals ascend rapidly —
whether in corporate boardrooms, political offices, or social circles. Like the
temple flowers, they bask in admiration and praise. But power has a way of
clouding humility. Many begin to believe in the permanence of their position,
distancing themselves from friends, well-wishers, and those who once stood by
them. They become unreachable, their words tinged with arrogance, their actions
fuelled by entitlement. The more they climb, the more they alienate, mistaking
temporary adulation for eternal reverence.
But time is relentless. Just as new flowers replace the old
in the temple, new faces inevitably take their place. The moment of reckoning
arrives, often without warning. One day, they are revered; the next, they find
themselves alone, struggling to understand where it all went wrong. By then,
the damage is done. True relationships, built over years, have withered. The
support they once took for granted has disappeared. They stand at the edge of
irrelevance, discarded like yesterday’s flowers, watching as others step into
the spotlight.
Yet, there are exceptions — rare souls who, despite standing at the pinnacle of success, never let go of their humility. One such extraordinary individual was Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Rising from humble beginnings to become the President of India, he remained grounded, always accessible, always kind. Power never altered his essence. He understood that positions come and go, but the way one treats people is what truly endures. Even today, long after he has left this world, he lives on — not in the grandeur of titles, but in the hearts of those who admired his humility.
Life is transient, and so is the honour it bestows. Let us
learn from the flowers of the temple. Let us embrace success with grace and
relinquish it with dignity. Above all, let us remember that it is not our
position but our character that determines our true legacy.
(Source: Published in Jan 2025 edition edition of Presense)
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