‘Bow and Arrow’ are favourite toys for many and a passion for a few. Archery, as it is called, is one of the sports that requires focus and constant practice. When it is traced back to history everyone would say that the best archer would be Arjuna, who is one of the Pandavas in the epic ‘The Mahabharata’. But most of us forget about another important figure who had the talent to surpass Arjuna itself. It is none other than Ekalavya, though a mythological character, he still can inspire millions of aspiring sports personalities.
WHO WAS THIS YOUNG ARCHER?
In olden days, archery was used as a war technique in battles. A young boy was determined to be a great archer. He was a young prince who belonged to the Nishada tribe, which is a tribe of hunters. He was also the son of the chief of hunters in the forest of Hastinapur. He was none other than Ekalavya whose only ambition was to be a great archer and a brave warrior. He wanted to learn archery from Dronacharya who is the best teacher in the field of archery.
THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE: CASTE
Ekalavya, expressed his desire to be the student of Dronacharya to his father. But there was one obstacle, in olden days there was a prevalent norm that only people belonging to the Brahmin caste, which was considered the highest of castes and Kshatriyas, the warrior caste were only taught warfare technique and archery. Ekalavya, belonging to the hunter’s tribe, was a Shudra, the lowest caste. But still Ekalavya believed that Dronacharya being a learned man would accept him as his student but he received only rejection and insult. The caste system has killed his dreams and is still killing many people’s dreams. The biggest question that arises is why caste is required to fulfil someone’s dreams.
EKLAVYA’S UNDYING DETERMINATION:
Ekalavya was dejected by the rejection but he did not lose hope. Instead, he built a statue of Dronacharya with mud and began to practice archery in front of it faithfully. He had a firm belief that if he practices continuously, then definitely, he will become a successful archer. He with determination and hard work slowly began to master the art of archery. Ekalavya through his actions gives some important lesson for every sports personality to know,
‘DON’T GIVE UP WHEN FAILURE ATTACKS YOU’
‘NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION, NEVER LOSE HOPE’
‘YOU SHOULD BELIEVE IN YOUR DREAMS’
‘DETERMINATION AND HARDWORK ARE GOLDEN KEYS TO FULFIL YOUR PASSION’
‘DISCIPLINE AND PRACTICE, A PERFECT WAY TO ACHIEVE MASTERY IN YOUR FIELD’
THE MIRACLE:
One day, when the Pandavas along with Dronacharya were practising in the forest, they heard a dog bark. Suddenly, the noise was getting fader and fader and finally it became silent. When the Pandavas reached the spot, they found that someone had successfully shot seven arrows in the mouth of the dog without injuring it. When they found out about who had done this, they were shocked and amazed about his skill in archery. It was none other than Ekalavya.
THE BRUTAL INJUSTICE OF ALL TIME:
Ekalavya idolized Dronacharya and acquired such a mastery in the field of archery. Dronacharya feels that Ekalavya’s excellence would make him the greatest archer than Arjuna who he has personally trained. He devises a plan. It was a norm in the olden days that a student has to repay his teacher with something after completing his education, which is called ‘guru dakshina’. Dronacharya asks for guru dakshina from Ekalavya. It was the most unjust act for a teacher to do. He asked for Ekalavya’s right thumb, because without it an archer can never shoot an arrow.
DISABILITY CANNOT STOP YOU FROM YOUR DREAMS:
Ekalavya was only grateful that his teacher has recognized him as his student and happily took a knife and cut off his right thumb and placed it at his Guru’s feet. Everyone was marvelled at Ekalavya’s courage. Dronacharya was humbled and he blessed Ekalavya that he will be the greatest archer even without his thumb and also, he will be remembered as the greatest student for his loyalty towards his teacher. After that Ekalavya learnt to shoot with his forefinger and middle finger. His disability did not deter his determination to achieve his dreams. In sports, it is common for sportspersons to meet with injuries during practice and games. Ekalavya gives an extraordinary lesson that disabilities or injuries cannot stop one from achieving his dreams.
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE:
As said earlier, Arjuna was praised as the best archer in history. Even Karna praises his skills in the epic. But let’s view it in a different perspective. Arjuna became a skilled archer just because he got an opportunity and also, because of his caste and power. Likewise, if Ekalavya would have got the same opportunity he would not have been praised as the best archer. Maybe the same situation prevails even today not only in the sport’s field but in all the fields. Every person with dreams, especially the underprivileged, are longing for opportunities to prove themselves rather than wanting to have recognition. As a nation, if we want to acquire more laurels, we must give proper opportunities to the people with real talent who have fire in them to make their dreams come true.
EKALAVYA AWARD: A WORTHY RECOGNITION IN EKALAVYA’S NAME
Every year, the Karnataka Government gives Ekalavya awards for the persons who has given outstanding performances in the field of sports.
The life story of Eklavya gives a lesson which is suitable for any sports person in any field even for many more generations to come.
THE LESSON
I HAD A DREAM
BUT CASTE CAME AS AN OBSTACLE.
STILL IT DID NOT DETER MY DETERMINATION.
I CREATED MY OWN OPPORTUNITIES.
BELIEF, HARDWORK AND PRACTICE
HELPED ME ACHIEVE MY DREAMS.
BUT THEN I LOST MY RIGHT THUMB.
ITS FINE, I HAVE MY OTHER FINGERS.
I JUST WANT TO TELL
NEVER LOSE HOPE
UNLESS YOU ACCEPT YOUR DEFEAT
NONE CAN DEFEAT YOU.
By Samyuktha R
Woww!! Your vision is simply superb♥️