MONDAY MUSINGS SEASON 2 - EPISODE 366

18th May 2026

#PurposeOfLife

What is the ultimate purpose of life? Philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders have debated this question for centuries, leading to a few primary perspectives.

From the ancient Greek concept of Eudaimonia (human flourishing) to modern teachings, many view the ultimate goal as cultivating inner peace, joy, and emotional fulfilment. Let us see a few perspectives on purpose, starting from the ancient Existentialism.

#Existentialism

Albert Camus, the French-Algerian philosopher, held a very contrarian view of Purpose. He took the mythological story of Sisyphus toiling to roll the boulder up the hill, only to see it roll down, as an allegory of life. He argued that life, in its essence, is meaningless. There is no inherent purpose or grand design.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement asserting that life has no inherent meaning. It emphasizes that humans are entirely free and responsible for creating their own purpose. Rather than accepting predetermined destinies, individuals must define who they are through their choices, actions, and lived experiences.

This largely coincides with the philosophy of the #BhagavadGita.

#Man'sSearchForMeaning by #ViktorFrankl.

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, promotes the idea that even in the face of the worst adversity, individuals can find meaning and purpose in their lives and the purpose keeps them motivated in life. Frankl argues that the primary drive in life is not pleasure but the pursuit of meaning. This meaning can be different for each of us, and we can achieve it through our work, relationships, experiences, and our sufferings.

#Eudaimonia

Eudaimonia is an ancient Greek word commonly translated as "happiness" or "welfare". However, its true meaning centres on human flourishing, living well, and fulfilling one's true potential

Eudaimonia focuses on living a life of meaning, purpose, virtue, and rational activity, in contrast to Hedonism, which focuses on momentary pleasures, feeling good, or avoiding pain.

Do you see some connection with Bhagavad Gita 18.37 and 18.38. Happiness will be permanent if there is a purpose, and that is true happiness, even if it brings initial moments of unhappiness. Momentary pleasures are not happiness; they are happiness in the mode of passion.

Angela Duckworth’s GRIT

Some pointers on Purpose from the book GRIT by #AngelaDuckworth:

• Purpose is different from passion. Passion is something we love to pursue, while purpose gives our life meaning.
• Purpose is not something we find, but something we create. It is based on our values, interests, and experiences.
• Purpose is essential for grit. People with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to persevere in the face of challenges.
• Purpose is not static. It can change and evolve over time.
• Purpose is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It is what gives our lives meaning and direction.

Ikigai, Japanese concept of meaningful life, encourages people to discover their purpose in life and live with joy and purpose.

The purpose of an individual is deeply personal and there is no universal answer. We need to embark on our own path and seek out our destination and discover what our life has to offer.

“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” George Bernard Shaw on Purpose

__________________________________________________________________________

#PositiveNewsPage

Adapted from newindianexpress.com

When Andekar Nagaratnam joined the government school in Sai Reddyguda village of Kandukur Mandal in Rangareddy district in 2018, he found an institution struggling with several challenges. Instead of cribbing, he began investing his own money into improving the campus. To mobilise additional funds, he even worked as a newspaper delivery boy outside school hours.

“To provide better education in a government school and encourage more students to enrol, I started working towards improving the institution. My wife also supported me in this effort. With my own funds and support from a few like-minded people, we were able to gradually develop the school,” Nagaratnam told.

Over the years, support from donors, local well-wishers and members of the community helped reshape the campus. Proper fencing was arranged, classrooms were renovated, play materials and furniture were added and sanitation facilities were upgraded.

The changes soon began to be reflected in student enrolment as well. From just 17 students when Nagaratnam joined, the school’s strength rose to 72 during the previous academic year. Since the school functions only up to Class V, several students were later promoted to higher classes and the present enrolment stands at 41.

The focus, however, extends beyond infrastructure. Around 22 innovative activities are now being implemented regularly to improve attendance, classroom participation and confidence among children. A Student Council has also been introduced to encourage leadership and responsibility among the students.

To widen children’s exposure beyond textbooks, educational visits to institutions such as the court and district collectorate are also being organised. Additional tuition support is also being provided with support from the local foundations to strengthen learning outcomes among students.

The school’s transformation has drawn attention beyond the village as well. A UNICEF-London team that recently visited the campus appreciated the innovative practices being implemented at the institution.

Now, the journey of MPPS Sai Reddyguda reflects the impact one educator can create beyond the classroom and shows how quality education in rural government schools is possible through effort, innovation and community participation.

#AndekarNagaratnam discovered his purpose in life and, in doing so, his happiness.

___________________________________________________________________

Conceived, compiled and posted as a weekly motivational newsletter #MondayMusings by Jaganathan T (www,authorjaganathan.com) every Monday.

___________________________________________________________________

PROMOTIONS