Legends around us

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Legends Around Us

Legends are not distant figures carved in stone; they live among us. Too often, we underestimate their stories as old and simple, forgetting that greatness is born not from fame but from resilience, sacrifice, and vision.

When I look at the lives of my grandparents and my father-in-law, I see true legends. They stepped forward with what little they had, and through courage and wisdom, they made a difference.

Maternal Grandfather �" Komuraiah Meripelli
A man of talent and intelligence, he became a businessman, a freedom fighter, and a Hindi Pandit. He excelled in every field he touched. During his youth, he joined the struggle for independence. Later, when my great-grandmother asked him not to leave home for work, he turned his energy toward building a homegrown business. He opened a retail grocery shop, supplying kerosene and ration to lower middle-class families. He saw what others missed �" the demand for essentials in his village �" and met it with foresight.
Lesson learned: Study the market, understand what is necessary, and build where demand meets need.

Paternal Grandfather �" Laxmi Narasiah Mekala
A man of sheer hard work, he labored in Singareni coal mines and secured jobs for his siblings there too. He became a leader, guiding people through the communist party, and managed goat, sheep, and cow farming alongside. With no formal education, he still built a life not only for himself but for others. As the eldest, he understood the importance of steady work even when agricultural lands were flourishing.
Lesson learned: Leadership is not about titles; it is about lifting others and creating opportunities.

Father-in-law
Smart and determined, he analyzed business ideas with clarity and foresight. With limited knowledge of the oil and gas field, he built a sustainable empire from scratch. Even when cheated or betrayed, he rebuilt, proving that resilience is stronger than failure. His success came not from luck but from knowing his path and refusing to fall when pushed.
Lesson learned: When you truly know what you are doing, no obstacle can break you.

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Reflection

These stories remind us that legends are not far away. They are our grandparents, our parents, our elders �" people who lived with courage, vision, and humility. Their lives teach us that greatness lies in perseverance, leadership, and resilience.

We honor them not by merely remembering, but by carrying forward their lessons: to study wisely, to lead selflessly, and to stand firm in the face of trials.

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