I was in Std. VIII and was new to this school as my father had started a new business in this new city.

Although I was always at the top in academics, I had little exposure in extra-curricular activities in my previous school. So, when I was asked to participate in impromptu activities, I would freeze. But this did not stop my teachers from putting my name in the list of participants whether it was a debate or GD.

Gradually, I started participating in various events and also gained a few accolades but a new situation arose when an Inter-school Hindi Debate Competition was about to be held. All knew that there were students who could participate in English debates but there were none when it came to Hindi.

I was approached by our ex-Hindi teacher to participate in this event, being organized by the Rotary Club. I nodded half-heartedly as the event was scheduled for the next day and I was in no mood to prepare for a debate on such a short notice. I thought I would get away with some excuse the next day.

The next day, as the school bell rung, I picked up my bag and started proceeding towards my school bus. But the teacher blocked my path and asked me to stay back. As shocked as I was, I tried to convince her that I was not at all prepared for the event and it was no use going there unprepared. It would only lead us to embarassment.

But, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. So, there we were. My classmate and myself in the bus, with the teacher, going for a debate on the topic “Nuclear weapons and disarmament”. I was scared to core but I couldn’t do anything.

Soon, people started arriving and my worst nightmare came true. My name was announced and I proceeded to the stage with just a few points in mind I had reflected upon during my journey. I spoke for 7-10 minutes and faced rebuttal with an opponent for another 5 minutes. At the end of the debate, I gave a huge sigh of relief and decided to forget it forever. But, God had different plans. When I went to school the next day, my friend approached me with extreme delight in her voice.

She told me that I had won the “First Prize” for that Debate Competition. In utter disbelief, I told her that it was impossible. Only I knew in my heart that I was totally unprepared for the event and I could have never achieved any reward for it.

But, surprisingly she was right. My ex-Hindi teacher approached me with twinkle in her eyes and confirmed the news. She congratulated me for the obvious success.

Today, when I think of it, it comes across as #Littlemeinspiringme.