Winning Essay Showcase (3)

 

We organized an Essay Writing Competition on the topic "Channeling my Inner Durga," and our winners have amazed us once again so today we are going to showcase their essays in front of you so that you can also witness the magic of their writing wrapped in devotion. 

2nd Place Winner - 

Munvi Bhandari 

Every year, we celebrate the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. We admire her courage, bow before her divine power, and rejoice in the triumph of good over evil. We worship her ten hands, each holding a weapon or an object that represents her extraordinary strength.

But have we ever paused to wonder what those ten hands could teach us about the battles we fight within ourselves?

We often speak of Ravana’s ten heads as representations of human weaknesses and vices. Each head reminds us of a flaw that, when left unchecked, can lead us towards our own downfall. But what if we looked at Goddess Durga’s ten hands as a reminder of the ten strengths we can cultivate to overcome those weaknesses?

I do not believe that the weapons in Goddess Durga’s hands are merely instruments of destruction. They can also inspire us to discover the strengths we need to navigate the complexities of life. Each weapon offers an opportunity to reflect on a virtue, a weakness, and an action that can transform the way we live.

The Trishul, or trident, reminds me of courage. It inspires me to confront my fears rather than allow them to control my decisions. Courage does not mean that I must never feel afraid; it means that fear should not have the final say in determining my future.

The Sudarshan Chakra reminds me of wisdom. In a world filled with opinions, assumptions, and confusion, I must learn to distinguish right from wrong, question what I have always believed, and make decisions guided by understanding rather than impulse. Wisdom allows me to see beyond appearances and recognise the truth.

The Shankha, or conch, reminds me of the power of my voice. There are moments when silence is wise, but there are also moments when silence allows injustice to continue. I must find the courage to speak when someone is being mistreated, to stand up for my convictions, and to express what is right even when my voice trembles.

The bow and arrow remind me of determination. Dreams cannot be achieved through wishes alone. They require focus, discipline, and the willingness to persevere when the journey becomes difficult. Like an arrow directed towards its target, my efforts must have purpose and direction.

The sword reminds me to cut through ignorance and prejudice. It encourages me to challenge false beliefs, question unfair traditions, and recognise when my own assumptions prevent me from understanding others. Sometimes, the most important battle is against the narrowness of our own thinking.

The lotus reminds me of resilience. A difficult environment need not determine the person I become. Life may bring disappointment, rejection, and failure, but I must learn to rise without allowing bitterness to take root in my heart. I can emerge from difficult experiences wiser, stronger, and more compassionate.

The gada, or mace, reminds me of the strength to stand for what is right. Strength is not meant to intimidate or dominate others. It should give me the courage to defend those who are vulnerable, challenge unfairness, and use whatever influence I possess to make a difference.

The pasha, or noose, reminds me of self-control. Not every emotion deserves an immediate reaction, and not every provocation deserves an argument. I must learn to restrain my anger, ego, and impulses before they begin to govern me. True strength lies not in controlling others, but in learning to govern myself.

The ankush, or elephant goad, reminds me of discipline and restraint. Just as powerful forces need direction, my thoughts and emotions need guidance. Impatience can make me reckless, and impulsiveness can make me regretful. I must learn to pause, reflect, and choose my response wisely.

And the gesture of fearlessness, the Abhaya Mudra, reminds me of compassion and reassurance. Strength is not only about protecting myself; it is also about helping others feel safe. I must learn to offer kindness without judgment, support those who are struggling, and become a source of courage for someone who feels powerless.

These ten powers remind me that channeling my inner Durga is not about becoming invincible, but about consciously choosing the person I wish to become. It is about choosing courage when fear holds me back, wisdom when confusion clouds my judgment, compassion when hatred tempts me, and self-respect when I feel compelled to seek approval. It is about standing for what is right without losing my kindness, remaining resilient without becoming bitter, and exercising strength without allowing it to turn into aggression. I may not possess ten divine hands, but I can carry their lessons into my thoughts, my decisions, and my actions. Every time I choose these virtues over my weaknesses, I take a step towards awakening the power within me.

The goddess I worship is the strength I strive to awaken within myself.