We all know that the life in real world is inherently risky. Those who are not willing to take the risks always settle for the ordinary, and the life also rewards them with what they settle for - the ordinary. On the other hand, those who take the risks, and jump off the cliffs, find that they build their wings on the way down. Life rewards these risk-takers and cliff-jumpers with Success that is beyond any measures - the extraordinary. That's why, in my view, the difference between a successful person and a failure is not one having best ideas or better abilities, but the courage one demonstrates by taking a risk to take a risk and win. History remembers these risk-takers and their extraordinary accomplishments, and forgets the squeamish non-achievers. Never be afraid to take the risks, and diving into unknown oceans. After all, pearls don't lie on the seashore, and you must dive for it into deep ocean if you want one. Go on, take a leap into uncertainty, and you'll see your wings opening on your way down. You may see a net appearing too, but you must take that leap first. Never settle for anything less. You won't regret, because only those who take risks win in this world. All the best!

More Quotes by Deodatta V. Shenai-Khatkhate

Sharing a strange experience from my student years at Manchester, England, during late 1970's. I had just arrived in England from India, and was searching for an accommodation, basically a room to rent. I always used to call the English landlords by phnoe first, to ensure that a room was available, and then visit those addresses, located miles away, by taking the bus or a train. Upon my arrival, I was always told that either there was no room at all or that the room was just rented. After a dozen or so such frustrating experiences, it became clear to me that the room was always available - but those English landlords and landladies were reluctant to rent it to someone like me, an Indian or a non-white person. Interestingly, the room was always available to my voice on the phone, because my voice could not reveal either my skin color, or my race, or my national origin. The mystery was thus dispelled, and yet that realization was surely a rude awakening to the true color of English society. It was my first encounter with prejudice and discrimination, and the most shocking moment that shatters one's innocence completely - especially after coming from a noble culture and the best upbringing that takes pride in Equality. I shall always remain thankful to England for the best education that I received during my M.S. and Ph.D., as much as for such exposure to the dark side of the real world. Years later, after coming to America, I realized that America is a whole new wonderful world that welcomes all, and treats everyone with respect and dignity they deserve. God Bless America!