GenY swears by iconic speeches
What is it about a speech that moves us? Why do some words have the power to strike a deep chord? Be it Steve Jobs’ Stanford University speech or Obama’s victory speech at Iowa, and back home J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah’s emotional speech in Parliament in 2008 — these remain etched in our memory.
So when BJP spokesman Tarun Vijay recently demanded that Jobs’ Stanford University speech should become part of school curriculum in the country, we asked youngsters to share the most iconic speeches of our times that have inspired them and become a guiding light in their life.
Without pausing to think, advertising professional Avinash Nair says he was moved by Sachin Tendulkar’s speech after he surpassed Brian Lara’s record in 2008 in Mohali and became the highest run getter in test cricket. “He conveyed so much in few words, ‘When stones are thrown at you, you can turn them into milestones’ — it continues to inspire me. Sachin is known for his batting rather than words, but the Master Blaster has shown how effectively he can convey a message without sounding arrogant.”
For Khalid Nabi, who works with an MNC, Steve Jobs’ “Stay hungry, stay foolish” speech helped him tide through difficult times. “Three stories in one speech — sum up for me what life is all about. ‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life’ shook me from within and helped me take charge of my life. The man was a genius and his vision will continue to inspire the coming generations too. Poet Allama Iqbal is another person who has inspired millions. Jis khet se dahqan ko mayassar nahin rozi, us khet ke har khosha-e-gandum ko jala do. (A land that cannot provide food to a farmer, it’s better to burn it down) Such words have the power to transform lives.”
Some seek inspiration from heroes of the past, Sarvjeet Singh, who works with a government organisation, says, “My idols are Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Rani Lakshmi Bai. They are real heroes who believed in doing rather than weaving words and fought for our freedom. So-called modern geniuses are not selfless. They have surely helped advance the society, but have immensely benefitted personally as well. They are not the heroes of today.”
BBA student Shweta Sharma counts former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s speech in IIT Hyderabad and Omar Abdullah’s speech moments before the trust vote in Parliament in 2008 as her favourites. “A.P.J. Kalam’s words ‘Ask what we can do for India and do what has to be done to make India what America and other Western countries are today’ give me goosebumps even today. Similarly, Omar’s impromptu speech voicing his opinion about the nucler deal is his best speech ever.”
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