Victory! This word has some power, rather so much power that I am experiencing vibration in my mind and body as I imagine and write about Victory. People are ready to do anything for Victory, even adopt the path of violence by waging wars.
I remember Churchill’s war speech – one of the best ever captured in the annals of history, when as Prime Minister, he assures the house of commons “To form an administration of this scale and complexity is a serious undertaking in itself, but it must be remembered that we are in the preliminary stage of one of the greatest battles in history, that we are in action at many points in Norway and in Holland, that we have to be prepared in the Mediterranean, that the air battle is continuous and that many preparations have to be made here at home.” And thunders “I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this government: I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” Followed by “You ask, What is our aim? I can answer with one word: Victory - victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.”
And goes ahead to conclude with “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say, ‘This was their finest hour’.”
Even today, this speech gives me the goose bumps. I am yet to hear a finer speech about fearlessness and Victory.
In fact, Britain entered into a pact with Indians to join them in the battle, and in return promised them independence. Post-war, Great Britain was not yet ready or willing to surrender her position in India.
Back home, Gandhi waged a war of different kind by insisting on showing the other cheek when the British slaps, instead of slapping back – Non-Violence. “An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind” was how Gandhi articulated the need to abstain from the use of violence. He further counseled his countrymen “Nothing is so aggravating than calmness” and “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” Well, he did shake the world and Britain handed India’s independence and much was owed to this man who personified simplicity with his loincloth and long marches. India emerged victorious. Gandhian principle of non-violence was hailed as the key proponent in securing freedom and echoed the victory cry.
That was history with war as backdrop. Flip over pages that pass through decades and century since then. Times have changed and modernization touched momentous scale – the war still continues. It has extended to newer spheres including business, hurting and harming not just the human beings but also the whole eco-system.
I feel it should be replaced with business battles that are more on a benevolent benchmark to better mankind and make this planet and the people inhabit a better place to live. Holistically, this war is waged to make a dream come true, nurture an idea and make it a reality; harness human capital to the hilt. As a serial entrepreneur I have had the privilege in associating with my people around the globe who aspires to be successful entrepreneurs and believe me people, it’s a different kind of war waged with strategies and smart play. These wars are akin to the one Gandhi preached and practiced. Coming to the crux of the issue, how do you emerge victorious in your Business while upholding self-growth, upbringing society, undertaking to nourish environment and uncompromising on the principles?
Recalling from my personal experience, the key to any business venture is the vision. Someone said, “Knowing your destination is half the journey.” Always have a vision – it can be an aim, ambition, aspiration – anything or anyone that you want to become. That’s why Gandhi urged, “if you know your ends, you will achieve your means” - like boarding the vehicle after having determined the destination. Once the journey has begun, the vehicle gains pace, picking up in momentum. Remember, the direction of the momentum is the same as the direction of the vehicle’s velocity. The vehicle must be steered efficiently so as to sustain the speed and still maintain its stability. That’s the strength – or in other words Vigor. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will” said Gandhi. Align Vision, Velocity and Vigor in the same logical sequence and Victory is yours. That’s your destination!
“Bring Vision, Velocity & Vigor together to experience Victory.” – Naveen Lakkur
