‘The Greatest Discovery of All Time Is That a Person Can Change His Future by Merely Changing His Attitude.'

Good afternoon fellow students, esteemed faculty members, and distinguished guests. Imagine for a moment, a world where every individual possesses the power to shape their own destiny, where the barriers of circumstance and adversity are overcome by the sheer force of one's attitude. It is within this realm of infinite possibility that I invite you to join me today. I stand before you, not merely as a speaker, but as a storyteller, ready to weave a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power that lies within each and every one of us.
My name is <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON> and I stand here today as a testament to the remarkable journey of self-transformation. Growing up in Australia, I experienced firsthand the harsh reality of racial abuse that plagued my daily life. The hurtful words, the mocking gestures, and the exclusionary actions targeted at me were constant reminders of the color of my skin. I was subjected to derogatory slurs, stereotypes, and belittling remarks that cut deep into my sense of self-worth. It was not just my peers who perpetuated this racial abuse; even their parents, with their prejudices and biases, added fuel to the fire of discrimination. It came to the point where I tried rubbing the ‘blackness’ of my skin to see if I could turn white. However, through those painful experiences, I eventually came to understand that true acceptance begins within ourselves, It is our attitude towards ourselves that matters the most, and it is through self-acceptance that we can find strength to rise above the ignorance and prejudice of others.
In my innocence, I believed that shedding my Indian identity and adopting a Westernised name, like Neil, would grant me acceptance and a sense of belonging. I yearned to fit in, to be like the other children around me, whose name effortlessly rolled off their tongues without raising eyebrows or questions. To me, Neil represented a fresh start, an opportunity to redefine myself on my own terms. I believed by adopting this name, I could transcend the boundaries of my Indian heritage and find greater acceptance in the Western world. 
However, it was through the disapproval I faced from my mother that I began to question the authenticity of my desire. Her resistance acted as a catalyst for introspection, prompting me to reevaluate my motivations. I realise now that my longing to be called Neil was a reflection of my inner turmoil, a conflict between who I thought I should be and who I truly am. It took time and self-reflection to understand that embracing one’s identity is a source of strength and pride, not something  to be ashamed of.
In my search for acceptance and belonging, I discovered solace and unity through unexpected avenues. One such avenue was the game of cricket. Cricket, as a sport, has the remarkable ability to transcend cultural divides and bring people together. It provided a platform where individuals from diverse backgrounds could unite and connect through a shared passion. Through cricket, I found a sense of belonging, a space where differences faded away, and where we were all equal participants in the game.
However, it wasn't until a defining moment when my mother unveiled the true origins of my name, that my entire perspective underwent a profound shift. In that extraordinary revelation , the pieces of my identity fell into place, serving as a turning point that sparked a newfound sense of purpose and acceptance within me. I learned that my name was derived from the revered Lord Shiva, an embodiment of strength, wisdom, and divinity. In that moment, I realised that my name was not just a random assortment of syllables, but a profound link to a heritage that stretched far beyond my individual existence. Pride swelled within me, and I realized that my uniqueness was a cause for celebration, not an obstacle to overcome. I embraced my heritage and began to accept myself as an Indian-Australian, or rather, an Australian-Indian.
Of course, my journey towards self-acceptance was not without setbacks. When I traveled to Bangalore with my future wife, I discovered that my name meant "dark one." It was a moment of doubt, but I had already evolved enough to understand that labels do not define us. What truly matters is how we choose to interpret and embrace those labels. I refused to let my name become a burden, and instead, I saw it as a testament to the richness of my heritage.
My fellow students, it is through my personal experiences that I have come to understand the power of attitude. The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future by merely changing their attitude. Our attitude shapes our perception of ourselves and the world around us. It determines whether we see obstacles as opportunities or limitations. It empowers us to overcome adversity, to embrace our uniqueness, and to strive for greatness.
As we navigate through life, let us remember that we have the power to shape our destinies. By cultivating a positive attitude, we can unlock doors of opportunity, foster personal growth, and inspire others to do the same. Embrace your identity, celebrate your uniqueness, and remember that your attitude can pave the way to a future filled with success, fulfillment, and happiness.
Thank you, and may our shared commitment to change pave the way for a brighter future.


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