Swear by your roots and be there for the needy: Nick Vujicic

HYDERABAD: Nicholas James Vujicic, more popularly known as Nick Vujicic, is a synonym for inspiration, having fought all odds of life since being born without fully formed limbs and with one toe the size of a chicken drumstick. His inspirational story has won him over millions of fans worldwide.

In the city recently, Vuijicic interacted with Deccan Chronicle and narrated his life saga, the highs and lows, the bouts of depression, a suicide attempt and how reading a newspaper article changed his outlook about life.

Despite the disability, the 40-year-old manages to hold a pen, with a tiny part of his body.

“I too went through depressions and failures because of which in 2021 I underwent counseling. I am not a superhero, but it is people’s genuine love that brought me closer to everyone,” he says.

Vujicic pointed out that India was one of the 40 countries that he wished to visit.

Q: How do you feel being in Hyderabad?

A: I was overwhelmed seeing the enthusiasm of the students who had read about me and were now seeing me in flesh and blood. It felt fantastic addressing such gatherings. The seeds of hope revitalized me. I have so much to learn from the younger generation.

Q: You mentioned succeeding in life and giving something back to society. What were those numbers that you referred to and which drew loud applause from students?

A: India’s population is 1.4 billion. There are around 2.7 million Indians living in the United States. If every one of them pledges to send two dollars for a noble cause to India and not to his family or friends, just imagine what a massive difference it could make. The students assembled for my lecture promised to contribute at least five dollars to a noble cause once they succeed in life. If such a thing happens, I am sure a lot of suffering can be removed.

Q: What are your suggestions for Indians living abroad?

A: Since my childhood, I have been told not to forget one’s roots. I firmly believe in this. Make sure you give something back to the society and the best thing is to make life better in the place you come from. I always tell people that generosity makes for a profound expression.

Q: How do you see India from a western point of view?

A: I am a global citizen. I see India from a social and entrepreneurial level. With its technological advances and economic progress, I am quite optimistic about the future of the next generation of Indians.

Q: Suicidal tendencies stemming from depression are rising alarmingly in India. How do you view this?

A: It is happening globally. The numbers have been multiplying since the outbreak of Covid, which has isolated people. There are many things that affect medical health. People should nurture hope and a life purpose to keep them going