“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently” -Maya Angelou.

These words can inspire most but it is my mother, Mrs. Madhu Panjwani, who is courage personified. She is a brave woman from whom I draw my inner strength. Since her childhood she had to face many struggles but instead of complaining about life and situations, she decided to face them fearlessly. An example of her courage was when during her middle school days, my grandparents had to move to a different city due to a transferable job, leaving behind their three children to live with the rest of the joint family. The eldest but just 11, my mother took charge of her siblings. Though my grandparents used to send them pocket money, but it was not enough. Thus, to save money for her younger siblings, she walked to school every day instead of taking a bus. Surely, not every child can be as hard working and selfless as she was at such a tender age. But, her generosity and integrity cannot be mistaken for compromises. In fact she is a true leader to us and in every role (a sister, wife, mother, sister-in-law, mother-in-law and so on) that she has played. Seeing her is like experiencing the most amazing leader with greatest qualities that cannot be matched up by any male!

My mother motivates me to be courageous, hardworking, honest, sincere, compassionate and selfless in life. She encourages me to live life to the fullest and empowers me to deliver my best each and every day. She is a true inspiration!