Being from the training profession, I am always on the lookout for videos and other sources of material for inspiration. Several years ago, a senior colleague shared a video that left an indelible mark on my mind. And, recently life brought me at a juncture, where somone needed some answers and that video, immediately flashed before my eyes – reiterating its key message effortlessly, giving me a sense of calm and validation.

I spent the next couple of days looking for that video, but to my luck- it was untraceable, compelling me to write the story in my own words. Here goes nothing…

A young army officer, undergoing training as a gunner had immense talent. His composure, ability to focus and hit the target with precision were par excellence. Word of his exceptional skill even reached a senior army official, who was visiting the academy. Curious, the official decided to observe the officer in action during a live practice session.

As the offical looked on, the young officer readied himself. Eager to impress, he took position, steadied his arm, aimed with his usual confidence, and fired. But, to his shock, the shot misfired. He stood there stunned and in disbelief!

The next day, the senior official returned, intrigued to see if the officer would be able to redeem himself. The young officer, determined like never before, stepped forward again. His grip tightened on the gun, his breath steady as he locked onto the target. But once more, the shot misfired.

On the third day, the officer was visibly tense, his confidence shaken. However, he was adamant to prove himself no matter what. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, the third shot misfired too. The weight of disappointment bore him down. His spirit was visibly crushed. Burdened by endlessless questions, conflicting emotions and self-doubt, he retreated to his quarters that evening. He sat alone and made a resolute decision to step down. At that very moment, his coach, a seasoned havildar, knocked on his door. The officer reluctantly opened the door and let him in. The havildar smiled and said…

“Saab ji,” he began speaking with his usual charm and warmth in his tone, “in every gunner’s life, there are three shots that misfire. You cannot control these shots. They are the ones that humble you, teach you, and prepare you for the fight ahead. Saab ji, why are you dejected, you should be grateful that your three misfires happened here, during training, and not on the line of fire. Saab ji, you haven’t failed, you have completed the lesson that every gunner must learn. His kind words hit the mark, and the young officer felt the chains of disappointment slowly shatter – setting him free.

The following day, the officer went to the training field with a renewed sense of purpose. When called upon by the havildar to take his shot, he walked forward with humility. As he got ready – the havildar’s uplifting words echoed in his mind – making him realise that what he had experienced was not failure, but in reality, helped break the thin veil of ego, offering him an opportunity to grow, become resilient for future challenges. He opened his eyes, his breath steady, he aimed at the target, which appeared clearer than ever before and fired – a perfect bullseye. The senior official, his peers and havildar stood in the background, watching him in absolute awe.

I do not know if the story is real or fictional, who the young officer or havildar were – it really did not matter after a point. What mattered was the beautiful lesson the video offered. Reminding me to, get up, gather my strength and conquer – kar har maidaan fateh!