World full of inspirational people

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavour."

This quote by Henry David Thoreau felt unbelievably true when I passed by Abdullah, the caretaker of our building.

My mother had struck up a tête-à-tête with him earlier that day and was left fighting back tears after the conversation.

She related his life's story to me right after he left.

Nine years ago, young Abdullah's life was something like this: a sick unemployed father, a mother, three uneducated elder sisters and a little brother - back in his hometown in Bangladesh.

With seven mouths to feed, they were in a pretty bad situation. Abdullah had just completed his tenth year in school. An advertisement calling Bangladeshi men for building maintenance work in the UAE led to hours of discussion, worried looks and unabated tears.

Finally, Abdullah took the family's burden on to his shoulders and caught the next flight to Sharjah.

Today, Abdullah has generated enough income to pay for the marriage of his three sisters, provide for his brother's education and ensure his father gets his required medication on time.

All this through sheer hard work, refusing to accept even a fils extra as tip for the odd jobs he carries out for people. High on the honesty scale, he has never resorted to the convenient mantra of beg, borrow or steal, for which I'm sure he will be rewarded someday.

Then there is Qasim, a friend's housekeeper. Recently, his first son bagged the first rank in his district in Hyderabad, India, in his board exams, for which he was going to receive a prize from a local official.

This is quite an achievement, what with a father living away, a hapless mother and no proper tuition at school.

The shock came when Qasim surprised us with the news that he was not going to India to attend his son's special occasion.

When asked why, this was his explanation: "I've always dreamt of getting my son into a better school. For that, even two days' work matters."

People look up to great men, presidents, chief executive officers, motivational speakers, actors and school toppers for inspiration. Why?

Can't we find strength of will and inspiration in these people?

I reflected on my life, the status of my being, the luxuries I enjoy. I find that I'm nowhere near these men. To Abdullah and all other brave hearts who've taught me how important our time and lives are - I salute you.

The writer is a university student and Gulf News reader