Sheer Hard Work

she was able to write in English. She submitted her work to various magazines, but got no response from them except rejection slips. The manuscript of her first book lay on her bookshelf for eight long years. She was reduced to a state of despair. Finally, events took a turn for the better and her articles started to be welcomed by foreign magazines. Despite having no formal degree, she has become known at the international level as a writer in English, and teaches the subject of creative writing at an American University (The Times of India, February 25, 1990). All learning is acquired in the school of hard work; all progress is achieved at the price of unflagging effort. Perseverance is a virtue which can be practised at all times, even by one who is crippled by disease, and even by one who has failed to obtain a university degree. Hard work, in fact, is the brightest jewel in the crown of human virtues. PURPOSEFULNESS I n Delhi, there was a young Muslim man who grew up in poverty. He never had the chance for formal education, but he was strong and capable. As he got older, he felt there was no respectable work open to him. Eventually, he drifted into a life of thuggery. Fighting, quarrels, and looting became his trade, and people began to call him a gangster.