The most heard word in my ears was “zero.” I was confined in a cage of fear. I was exhausted from accepting the definitions that others gave me. I didn’t know my true potential. I believed I wasn’t even fit to do a small task neatly and perfectly. I was emotionally drained and had lost the confidence to even look people in the face or speak. I was not capable of doing even small work independently because of the fear that I would fail, and this fear also stopped me from attempting new tasks, keeping me trapped in my own limitations.
My peers would mock me what I knew to do, and teachers and students would never respect me. Because they suppressed me, I remained silent. But they did not know that the chains of my silence would one day be broken by the keys of my writing.
One day, I thought of questioning the social issues around me. On that same day, my school announced that they were going to publish a school magazine, so I decided to express my voice through writing. I created my first article about women’s roles in society. That night, I worked very hard to complete my poem, but I didn’t know that this writing was going to change my life. I did not wait for any opportunities for my articles to be published, nor did I think about reaching great heights. But deep inside, I held a small belief that one day my article would be published.
Months passed, and my work finally caught the attention of a magazine editor. He asked me to give him my article and told me that he would publish it. To my surprise, most of the people who wrote for the magazine were aged 35 and above. When I saw that, I felt something completely new—at such a young age, I had a voice against illegal activities and social issues. That realisation motivated me the most and made me believe that age can never limit the power of one’s thoughts, something that even my peers are not doing now.
March 8: My voice was printed on the pages of a book. I found the purpose of my life. I realised my own definition. Many winds had blown through my life, but this single wind pushed me to a place I never imagined—a beautiful place where I stepped into the palace of confidence and self-belief. Everyone wondered how a small wooden piece like me could have such sharp edges.
The day I published my article, most of the readers congratulated me and encouraged me to continue writing. One teacher asked me, “Really, did you do this?” She was shocked and said, “At this age, your writing about women is great.” For the first time, confidence flowed through my heart, and I tasted the sweetness of success in my life. I finally realised my own definition and understood that even irregular threads can be woven into a beautiful dress. I did not have a proper relationship with my teachers before, but this writing acted as a catalyst to improve it. My Maths teacher, Mr. Srinivasan, encouraged me greatly; even when I was not very eager to get my next article published, he was always eager to see my work in print.
Just as there are always weeds when crops grow, I too received negative comments accusing me of plagiarism. But I did not care and continued writing. Within two months, the very people who accused me of plagiarism asked in wonder, “How are you doing this great work? How is it possible?” Today, I have broken the false belief that even a small insect can make the skin swell when it believes in its own strength.
To others, it may seem small, but to me, it means everything. Today, I proudly say that I am a writer. This once-worthless girl has now found her talent and is the composer of her own voice.
Before, I was made to believe that I was a small bush and fit for nothing. But today, I have broken the false belief that even a small bush cannot grow into a tall tree when it believes in itself, just as even a small insect can make the skin swell. Self-belief and confidence are the two most powerful weapons—you do not need atomic bombs, swords, or anything else. With these two, you can fight the war of your life.
Today, when I walk, I am filled with boldness because I have found the love of my life—writing. Will I ever find a more powerful medium than writing to express my voice?
I understood that everyone is unique, and everyone has a turning point in life. There is beauty in everything, and there is a hidden pearl in everyone.
Even if it may be a small glass, it has the ability to contain life-giving water. Similarly, your work can give life to yourself and others.
Just as birds and animals are kept in cages because people fear how high they might fly if set free, I, too, was once confined. Never let yourself be trapped by the illusions others create for you. Rise above them and shine brighter.