The phenomenal Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was a prominent name in the list of speakers in a media interaction hosted by MTV as a part of its Youth Marketing Forum 2016. Aptly titled the ‘MTV Many Me Project’, the research project seeks to explore the multifaceted life of today’s youth. The research delves into the manifestations of the new-age gender definitions and its impact on the nature of relationships between friends and family.
The south-paw from Punjab also feels this could potentially be an important motivator to the massive youth population taking into account the level of diversity present in the nation. “It is important that not only the younger generation but everyone understand that a man and a women are equal. Everyone should be treated equally and there should be love and harmony,” he states.
The story of the former ODI Vice-captain’s struggle and recovery against lung cancer serves as an inspiration to the youth of today’s India. It stands to reason that his uphill battle against the deadly disease trumps his list of achievements including his six sixers in an over, which paved the way for an Indian victory in the T20 World Cup in 2007. However, it was only after the victorious World Cup Campaign in 2011 when the cancer grew in his left lung that he stopped his cricket and started taking treatments from early 2012.
“Hurdles can come in any form. It can be a disease; it can be a family obstacle or even a business problem. The lesson to learn is to always be prepared for all challenges and to face them. It is important to pick yourself up when you fall and always keep moving forward,” said the seasoned batsman when asked what the key is to overcome obstacles and fulfilling ones dreams.
Soon, he made his comeback for India in the T-20 series against New Zealand in April 2012. He is still seen as an inspiration and is considered a national icon amongst the youth of the country.
The survey says the youth of today are anything but mundane and simple. Although they are raring doesn’t imply they are impatient. The concept that good things come to those who wait, plan, and act accordingly is not lost on the generation that moulds the future. They are optimistic, smart-thinkers who are driven, creative and resourceful. However, failure is the fog through which we glimpse triumphs. Yuvraj is a person who strongly believes in this. “It’s not going to be easy,” he states. “If you have a dream, you might fall 40 or 50 times but if you truly believe in yourself and continue on, you will achieve it.”
“Adversities will always come. A lot of young people are going to fall because that is the way of learning in life,” says the survivor. “I try to motivate a lot of people with my story. The important aspect is that one should never give up. Every time you fall, the point is to learn from your mistakes and just keep getting better.”
