Power of One

 “A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” – Dr. Daisaku Ikeda

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Here are two powerful thoughts, coming from two different individuals (One Japanese the other Indian), converging on the same idea - the power of ‘one’ individual to effect change in society; the fact that when one person changes and decides to stand up then the impossible can be achieved; Change happens when one individual rises with great determination and others follow. Change begins with each one of us.

This isn’t a new idea I introduce to you. We have all heard this before and yet interestingly very few of us actually believe in the power of one individual; Least of all in our own power and ability to bring about change. We lack the conviction to believe that any of us, ordinary human beings can make a difference to society. We feel too small and insignificant to achieve anything worthwhile. And yet history is fraught with examples of one individual rising with courage and making a huge difference. What we do not realise is that ‘one’ individual can be you or me. Yes any of us – the common man. Even if we do realise this we wait for others to change and then think of changing ourselves. That doesn’t work. It is certainly the other way round - when we change; things around us begin to change too.

The two names I mentioned above are people who did exactly that. They were ordinary people like us who went on to achieve the extraordinary. They faced their share of struggle but turned every obstacle into opportunity for growth. And not only did they do it for themselves, but worked to uplift a whole cross-section of society. They imparted hope and courage to countless individuals. What really sets them apart from us? One word answer – their determination to change things.

If they could do it, then surely any of us can do it too. Like I said, what we need is single minded determination and the desire to take up responsibility. Why leave it up to others when indeed each one of us can contribute in our own unique ways – Taking the example of the most pressing issue making headlines every other day – Anna Hazare’s fast to get a green signal for the Jan Lokpal Bill. While I am not totally convinced by his methodology for doing this (I do not want to get into the reasons for it here) I do support him in the sense that he has drawn attention to an important issue and placed it on the table for discussion. I do give the man credit for doing that. But I still have my concern - Even if the Jan Lokpal Bill is cleared things will certainly not change unless each one of us resolves to end corruption at whatever level we might be practising it. Only then will we have a corruption free society. This is just one example where each one of us can make a difference.

The list is huge – if each one of us stops littering the streets, we will be living in a cleaner and greener country. If we stop wasting water, it will definitely quench the thirst of many others. (Ditto with food) If we save electricity, it will light up the homes of others who are still waiting for a bulb to illuminate their homes. These are areas each one of us can contribute towards. All it needs is a little thoughtfulness towards those who are deprived of the things we take for granted.

It is high time we stop passing the buck, blaming the government and everyone else for all the chaos we see around us today. We need to change ourselves and then awaken each individual to the power and potential inherent within their lives. This can be the only solution towards a better, happier and peaceful world. The power of one will then ultimately encompass the power of many.