Article by: Aaradhana Umesh, Std. 9, Porur.

In a world where dreams seem distant and success appears reserved for the privileged, two remarkable incidents last week have beautifully showcased that it’s not where you come from, but the unwavering determination within, that truly defines your journey. The tales of Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the runner-up of the 2023 FIDE World Cup, and the dedicated scientists behind Chandrayaan-3, bear testament to the fact that our backgrounds do not define us, our determination does.
At just 18, Indian chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa stood as the runner-up in the 2023 FIDE World Cup. As the youngest international master at the age of 10 and the second-youngest grandmaster at 12, Praggnanandhaa’s story is a testament to the fact that with passion and dedication, one can overcome any obstacle.
This talented boy hails from the quiet suburb of Padi in Chennai. Despite his father Ramesh Babu’s struggle with Polio, worked tirelessly at the Tamil Nadu State Corporation Bank, while his mother remained unwaveringly supportive. Praggnanandhaa’s journey vividly illustrates that success isn’t determined by your starting point, but by the strength of your determination to reach your goals.
As the world anticipates the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s southern pole, it’s not just the mission that captures attention but the inspiring stories of the ISRO scientists like ISRO Chairman S. Somnath, P. Veeramuthuvel, Project Director of  Chandrayaan-3 ,  Unnikrishnan Nair, Director Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and so many others  behind it. India’s ambitious moon mission, stands as another testament to the power of determination. The brilliant minds behind this mission, many of whom hail from remote and developing villages like Thurvoor, Villupuram, Panavally are rewriting history with their dedication and ingenuity. These scientists, through their determination, have proven that passion, hard work, and innovation know no barriers. They have come together to place India on the global space exploration map, serving as an inspiration for generations to come. ISRO scientist’s journey echoes the sentiment that it’s not about where you come from, but where you are determined to go. 
In a world that often categorizes individuals based on their origins and backgrounds, the stories of Praggnanandhaa and the Chandrayaan-3 scientists shine as beacons of hope. These incidents vividly illustrate how your journey is determined by your inner fire and determination not by where you came from. Let us be inspired by these tales as we forge our own pathways, realising that no matter how small our beginnings, we have the capacity to reach great heights through pure willpower.