Theory
A “principle” is acceptance of something as truth or a belief that a certain
standard or rule is not up for debate. Principles are the absolute rules and
standards agreed upon by the society. A “value” is a person’s personal belief for
or against something. A value may be inherently right or wrong. Principles are
objective, factual, impersonal and self-evident whereas values are subjective,
emotional, personal and arguable .It is always better to develop values that align
with the principles. The consequences of our life are governed by principles. Say if
we lie to someone, they will not trust us. We can build better relationship through
trust only if we speak the truth with others. So, if we go by the principle of
speaking truth, the consequence is people will trust us and we will have better
relationship with people. Honesty, reliability, commitment are certain examples
of principles. Lasting success comes in life by adherence to principles.
Story
It dates a few years back in the rustic part of northern India, when Charan, the
farmer after a hard day’s toil was on his way from the farm to his home. Charan
had a lovely small family, including his wife and his daughter Sumathi. Sumathi
was hardly 10 years old. Charan was working hard those days to see that his
daughter could be given better education, better dress, better food and the
better of everything he could afford to.
On his way back that day, he was reminded of the fact that his daughter was set
to go for an excursion the next day from school. He knew that his daughter did
not have a new dress and hence decided to buy a new one for her with the left
over money. So he headed towards the market, only to meet with an accident. He
was rushed to the hospital by a villager in a rickshaw. The villager had never seen
Charan before. Charan was hit down by a carelessly passing lorry. He had fallen
down and was bleeding profusely. The doctor on admission of Charan, said that
blood needs to be arranged for Charan. The villager ran pillar to post to arrange
blood for Charan. Charan was still not in the best of the consciousness and was
finding it difficult to come to terms or understand as to what was going on.
Hence, there was no way for the villager to talk to Charan and inform about the
accident to Charan’s family members. However, the villager stayed back in the
hospital that night, while Charan was in the hospital ICU. The villager was
informed about the development and medications being given to Charan.
However, one of the house- keeping staff in the hospital recognized Charan, who
was in the ICU and informed about the same to Charan’s brother. Charan’s
brother who was really worried about the missing Charan came rushing to
hospital. The house-keeping staff informed the villager that Charan’s brother has
come to take care of him and Charan was recovering. The villager felt happy and
as Charan was in the ICU, and as he knew that he could not meet Charan in the
ICU, he left the hospital to get back to his home in the village.
The villager went back and shared the story with his family members.
Charan who got discharged from the hospital also shared his story with his family
members. However, he never had any clue about the villager who was his saviour.
Charan every day would be expressing his deep desire to know and meet the
villager; however, there appeared to be no way.
Once, a story telling competition was organized in Sumathi’s school.
Sumathi narrated the story of her father’s accident with suspense about the
unknown villager who had saved the life of Sumathi’s father. Students took their
turns and presented their stories. Then, it was the turn of Harsh her classmate to
turn up. He put an end to the suspense of Sumathi’s story by telling the story of
his father Bhagwan, who had turned up to save the life of Charan.
That evening there was happiness in both the houses, and the next day
Charan along with his daughter Sumathi and wife visited her classmate Harsh’s
house to meet Bhagwan, the saviour from the village.
Bhagwan’s story as well that of Charan’s lingers in many a minds of the village as
an epitome of commitment.
Activity
1. Write down certain great principles
a._____________________________________________________
b._____________________________________________________
c.______________________________________________________
d.______________________________________________________
e.______________________________________________________
2. Which among the above principles do you consider as your core values?
a.________________________________________________________
b.________________________________________________________
c._________________________________________________________
d._________________________________________________________
Quote
“Change your opinions, keep to your principles, change your leaves, keep intact
your roots”- Victor Hugo.
Take Away
1. Lasting success comes in life by adherence to principles.
2. Develop values in your life that align with the principles.