Quest For Life - 24

Swami Vivekananda was the first to roar that Indian women must achieve greatness in every field. He gave many valuable ideas for developing women’s education, courage, culture, confidence, and character.

Indian women have already shown their strength in several fields.

In Operation Sindhoor, female pilots of the Indian Air Force bravely entered Pakistan and completed their mission successfully.

At ISRO, women scientists are leading many vital technical departments.

Continuing in the same spirit, our Indian Women’s Cricket Team has now lifted the World Cup this year!

Earlier, people believed that Asian players, being smaller in size, could not match the physical power of European or Australian teams. But now, our Indian women have broken that myth forever.

Team captain Harmanpreet Kaur said that this victory is not the success of individuals, but the triumph of the entire team. Swami Vivekananda would have been proud to see Indians working together with such unity and strength.

Lessons to Learn from the World Cup

Even after narrowly losing three league matches, the team did not lose confidence - they stayed calm and focused. Cometh the hour, cometh the woman! - one rose, Jemimah to play an inning of a lifetime against the invincible Australian team.

Some of the Indian players who shone in the final match hadn’t even played earlier games. Yet, when chance came, they made full use of it. When opportunity knocks, those who are ready shine; those who waste it, suffer.

Player Pratika Rawal batted brilliantly but later fractured her leg. Still, the team kept her emotionally included in every moment - that is true teamwork.

When the team won the Cup, the captain invited senior players like Mithali Raj, who had struggled for years, and honoured them. It was a touching moment showing deep gratitude to those who paved the way.

Staying true to our Dharma, the players showed respect to their coach by touching his feet. The coach himself had never represented the country but inspired the girls to deliver on the world stage. Great indeed.

Rejoice in Victory, Yet Prepare for a Greater One

After the World Cup victory, the players met the Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was a meeting that inspired the nation. He did not merely praise them or host a tea party; he personally asked about their experiences — on and off the field — and appreciated each player’s unique qualities. This is how a true leader behaves — focusing not only on success but on growth in mind, spirit, and character. He subtly reminded them not to fall into pride, laziness, or overconfidence after success.

Lessons from Past Failures

History gives us valuable lessons. India won the 1983 Cricket World Cup at Lord’s on June 25, 1983, defeating the mighty West Indies. But soon after, in the next ODI series, in the West Indies, early 1983–84, India lost 5–0 — a complete whitewash.

In 2017, though the Indian Women’s Cricket Team could not win the World Cup, they met the Prime Minister of India soon after. Instead of consoling them with sympathy, he encouraged them with strength. He told them to forget the defeat of the past and to focus all their energy on preparing for the next victory.

Many of those players carried his words deep in their hearts and worked with renewed determination. Later, when they recalled that meeting, they said that the Prime Minister had reminded them of a timeless truth:

“Live in the present. That is the foundation of success.”

Those words became a guiding force. The team learned that true winners do not dwell in the past or worry about the future - they give their best now. And that attitude, born from the fire of failure, later led them to blazing victory.

Stop Not, the Message

During their meeting in 2025, the Prime Minister once again lifted their minds from mere celebration to a higher purpose. He encouraged the players to visit their old schools and inspire young students. By doing so, both the students and the players would gain renewed energy.

He also invited them to support the Fit India Movement, motivating people to stay healthy and strong. Through his words and actions, he silently showed what true leadership means.

A great victory is never permanent; what truly matters is keeping a winner’s attitude always - never stumbling upon pride or negligence.

Let the immortal message of Swami Vivekananda echo in their hearts:

“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”

Yes, “Stop Not” is a timeless message for all, from the Great Messenger, Swami Vivekananda.