A Beautiful Tomorrow

By Rabbilal Ballyraj

This book captures one’s imagination regarding social issues, individual issues and more especially, gender inequality and mental health. Mainly, it’s about empowerment, motivation and inspiration.
Living on the streets is one of the worst things that can happen to a person. There are ways that society tries to help these people but at times the help is too little or too late. A society can be judged by how it takes care of its most vulnerable people.
There are two commonly known powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power, stronger than both, and that is the power of women. Every boy or girl has the power to change the world and all he or she needs is a chance to create a better tomorrow. All of us should work together to empower especially the youth to make education and empowerment a true priority.
No matter what happens in your life, it can change for the better? If you have been struggling of late or are disappointed with your lot in life, you are encouraged to hang in there. It is amazing how, if you stay the course through the bad times, it is not long before the good times emerge and you will be better equipped to handle both the good and the bad going forward.
Risk, ask, fall and fail. Never let anyone tell you that your dreams can’t come true. Always strive for a better life; a beautiful tomorrow. This is the message carried through in the book...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rabbilal Ballyraj
• Release date: Jul 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005749774

Book preview

A Beautiful Tomorrow

A BEAUTIFUL TOMORROW

Rabbilal Ballyraj

Copyright © 2022 Rabbilal Ballyraj

Published by Rabbilal Ballyraj Publishing at Smashwords

First edition 2022

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without permission from the copyright holder.

The Author has made every effort to trace and acknowledge sources/resources/individuals. In the event that any images/information have been incorrectly attributed or credited, the Author will be pleased to rectify these omissions at the earliest opportunity.

Published by Rabbilal Ballyraj using Reach Publishers’ services,

P O Box 1384, Wandsbeck, South Africa, 3631

Edited by Colleen Figg for Reach Publishers

Cover designed by Reach Publishers

Website: www.reachpublishers.org

E-mail: [e-mail]

Rabbilal Ballyraj

[e-mail]

Table of Contents

Dedication

Preface

Foreword

Introduction

Acknowledgements

How to Use the Book

1. Social and Individual Issues

Individual Issues

2. Gender Inequality

3. Empowerment Through Education

4. Empowerment Through Skills

5. Employment

6. Inspiration

7. Motivation

8. Family, Spirituality and Strong Values

9. Health, Fitness, Beauty, Film and Music

10. Sport and Sporting Icons

11. The Winning Attitude

Conclusion

About the Author

Notes/References

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my wife, Vasantha, who has always been

and will always be my pillar of strength in my life.

Preface

This is my first novel. Whilst I was in high school, we did what we then called ‘free writing’. I was fortunate that my Afrikaans teacher, Mr Swaminathan, published one of my articles in the school magazine. I felt very proud when I read my article and my interest in reading and writing grew from there onwards, but I never took writing seriously after high school.

My goal in choosing to write A Beautiful Tomorrow is that, firstly, there is so much poverty and unemployment in the world, I thought that it would be fantastic if I could create some hope, motivate and inspire people, albeit in a small way. Secondly, I am a keen reader of motivational and inspirational books. Presently, there are not many new books coming through in this range in the public library and I felt that it would be great if I could write my own book and share information as I gained so much pleasure from reading books from outstanding authors. Furthermore, it will be a great way of giving back to society.

There are two commonly known powers in the world; one is the sword, and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both is that of women. I believe that each boy or girl has the power to change the world and all he or she needs is a chance to create a better tomorrow. All of us should work together to empower especially the youth to make education and empowerment a true priority.

The title of the book was thought about for a long period and the goal was for it to be encouraging, motivational and inspiring; it must help create a better future. I started to gather information, mostly articles from newspapers, magazines and books a long time ago which inspired and motivated me, and I could use to write. When I first started to write this book, I wrote seriously for a month or two in 2015 and then put it away. Recently, I found some time, so I decided to go for it and finish the book.

Foreword

By Rodgers Arumugam

Rabbi is my best friend. I recall we first met in January 1973, when both of us were transferred from primary school to high school (Westcliff Secondary) in Chatsworth. We came from very humble backgrounds. I must say that I found Rabbi to be very talented both in academics and sport.

We all have defining moments in our lives, and it is important that we choose correctly. He loved soccer more than anything else but had a difficult choice to make, i.e., whether to follow his dream of playing soccer or find a job. He chose the latter because back then there was a remote chance of success in playing international soccer. The ‘takeaway’ from the defining moment was that he has been very honest and realistic in his choice. Indeed, he did rise above his circumstances and became an accountant and an outstanding soccer player which gave him immense pleasure.

The book is divided into eleven parts to give the reader a better understanding of the contents. The intention of the book is to help individuals to become inspired and motivated and pursue their dreams. The beauty of this book is that it captures not only the achievements of those icons that inspired the world but also the achievements and dreams of ordinary people who, because of their striving despite their circumstances, have become extraordinary. This book draws from the knowledge, motivation and inspiration of many authors and their books. Some of these books and authors are listed under Notes/Bibliography.

I also have the firm belief that we can have a beautiful tomorrow if we all are motivated and inspired to work hard. We need to accept each other and embrace our different cultures. We have a lot to contribute and to learn from one another. We need to commit ourselves to achieving higher levels of growth and help our countries to fulfil their potential.

Introduction

I bet you are like me and have more questions than answers. Do you have all the freedom to do what you like? Are you the best version of yourself? Is your state of mind preventing you from living your life as happy and loving and getting the most out of all your gifts?

Most of the time, a lack of motivation (demotivation) contributes to you not being the best version of yourself that you can be. Did you ever wonder why there are so many complaints and unhappiness throughout the world? What were the past generations doing about it and what is the present generation doing? Some politicians and academics want you to believe that things are fine and normal. This brings me to the question, are people sufficiently inspired and motivated to do the things that are required of them? My answer to the question, is ‘I don’t think so’.

As you are aware, the population is divided into people who have and those that have not. This divide is increasing, and it is a worry that those who have not might remain the way they are for even many more decades to come. Who is going to improve their lives and how it is going to take place? I think the best place to start is the people themselves. The only way to create a better tomorrow is if one chooses to uplift oneself by working on oneself. By that, I mean inspiring and motivating themselves.

There is nothing wrong with copying people who are successful. Read about their success stories. If they are living, go talk to them and find out. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that some of them are such outstanding human beings that they will actually assist you to develop and grow. But don’t forget, after you make it, help others to develop and grow.

My success is writing this, my first book embraces all people who want to be inspired and motivated and in so doing, build confidence. It captures the achievements of ordinary people and of icons in public life, industry and sports. You may be a person who struggled to make it in the world because of poverty or illness. You might have lost hope and confidence. I hope that this book will help restore your confidence and give you a chance to get back to where you are meant to be. It is also aimed at those people who are in a place of influence, to help and give others a chance to succeed.

I get to socialise with people with different skills such as accountants, lawyers, football coaches, and the world’s finest spiritual teachers and leaders. And like most of you reading this book, my life started in a very average way. I was born in Brighton Beach, Durban. As a result of the Group Areas Act of 1963, we were forced to go and live in Chatsworth, Durban South, where I grew up. My dad worked as a handyman and made very little money. My mother was a home executive.

When I completed matric after a very hard struggle—I recall, at times I could not afford school fees, I secured a university entry pass but did not have money to further my studies. I started by doing volunteer work for a bookkeeper for three months. I started work in 1978 for the government. Whilst working, I studied for my degree on a part-time basis and funded myself. I was successful in making it to be an accountant.

I am aware that people may have discouraged you from achieving your goals. They said you were not good enough. I am hoping that this book will give you the lift so that you can challenge those remarks but at the same time having retained the dignity not to hate people who were perhaps too hasty and incorrect in passing judgement.

Sometimes, everyone needs reassurance and support and in the pure-hearted words of Dr Seuss, You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes and can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You may be feeling unsure of which way to move those feet. Yet, none of us knows of a path until we tread it.

How badly do you want what you want? Actually, let’s put that in a different way because the word ‘badly’ has negative implications. How deeply? How truly? How sincerely? You don’t have to burn or yawn. You do have to aspire to your desire. You have to maintain a consistent commitment, and you have to apply a little self-discipline.

Learn that you can come from behind. Don’t listen to the voice inside those talks about your age, your IQ, your life history, or anything that it can use to slow you down. Don’t be seduced. You can start a highly motivated life right now by increasing the challenges you give your brain.

As we reflect on empowering ourselves, to make the world a better place, here’s a truth that everyone can relate to: Before we take care of anyone else in our lives, we all need to take care of ourselves a little more. I would go so far as to say we need to learn how to be selfish—the right kind of selfish.

An American businessman, author and columnist, Farrah Gray, once said: Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.

We need to draw inspiration from great leaders and ordinary people who are setting examples and take forward the dream of a future that is better than our past. We need to demonstrate that despite our challenges, we can become prosperous people.

Whether you are a CEO, a parent, or merely a person who wants to make a difference, you probably wish you had more influence over the people in your life. But most of us stop trying to make change happen because we believe it is too difficult, if not impossible. We develop complicated coping strategies when we should be learning the tools and techniques of the world’s most influential people. We can uplift an impoverished community if we act.

It is incumbent upon the present generation to inspire the new generation. This book is about inspiration, motivation, compassion, principles and success stories. It is hoped that it will motivate and inspire people who want to create a successful life about which they dream and those hungry for more wisdom, insights and understanding of life and its challenges. I hope it will help change your life for the better

Acknowledgements

Although one of the most important principles I learnt is the importance of giving thanks, I can’t thank everyone who helped me, because practically every person I know has given me some insight.

The books I read have had a profound influence on me during my life. I would like to express my deep gratitude to those who have shared their messages of wisdom with me and particularly those whose work has influenced me to write this book.

First, to my family, namely my wife, Vasantha Ballyraj, son Ryan, daughter Nastassia, son-in-law Paul, daughter-in-law Deshni, and grandson Skylar Blake. My family taught me a lot of things beyond the reach of textbooks such as patience, tolerance and manners. My heartfelt thanks to family, for their love, support and understanding. Secondly, thanks to the staff and colleagues of the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. You are living proof that other people are our greatest resource. A special thank you to my dear friend, Mr Larry Bird for providing the beautiful bird picture for the front cover of this book

The subject matter is close to my heart, and I would like to see everybody being successful. One of the most enjoyable things about writing this book is coming into contact with eye-opening books, newspapers and articles. I have tried to reference all of these in endnotes, which provide further reading for those who wish to delve a little deeper.

I hope that reading A Beautiful Tomorrow will encourage you to motivate and inspire yourself first and then all others with whom you come in contact. The best way to learn is to teach. If you really want to own this material, it is essential that you teach it to others. This will serve two purposes, first, it will help you to integrate the knowledge, and second, it will help others around you remember who they truly are.

Charlie ‘Tremendous’ Jones, Member of the National Speakers Hall of Fame, said, You will be the same today as you will be in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read. Thank you for picking up this book. I hope it delivers all you seek from it.

I want to acknowledge in this book all those courageous men and women who dared to step out of a culture of resignation and mediocrity and endeavour to create the life of their dreams. I hope that the words on the pages give you strength, courage, and most of all, hope. There will be a day when the dark clouds clear and the sun will be shining, a beautiful tomorrow. I wish you immense blessings.

How to Use the Book

Everyone learns differently, and you probably know how you learn best. There are many ways you can read this book. I like to suggest a way that may be helpful.

The material is presented in eleven parts to facilitate reading and understanding.

You can read through the book to gain an overall view, motivation and inspiration. Those chapters that really inspire you, you need to refer to from time to time to remind you of what is possible. Also, if you’re feeling down, read the book, it could give you the lift you are so yearning for.

Just reading this book will not necessarily improve your life. To truly maximise your potential, you must study the principles/cases, take them to heart, integrate them into your mentality and apply them as an integral part of your approach to every aspect of your life.

Part 1

Social and Individual Issues

These are some common challenges facing society all over the world. We should make it our goal to deal with the challenges to create a better future.

Social issues are problems that affect many people in society, rather than problems that affect a few. Common examples of social issues are:

Poverty and Homelessness

Poverty and homelessness are worldwide problems. According to Habitat for Humanity, one quarter of the world’s population live in conditions that harm their health and safety; many do not have shelter, a basic human need for survival. This social issue also goes beyond the 25% of the population directly affected. Because of the lack of shelter for this vulnerable population, there is greater stress on the government to provide.

Climate Change

Overpopulation

Civil Rights and Racial Discrimination

Gender Inequality

Health Care Availability

Childhood Obesity

Poor Leadership

Individual Issues

Life on the Streets

This is one of the worst things that happen to a person. There are ways that society tries to help these people but at times the help is too little or too late. A society can be judged by how it takes care of its most vulnerable people.

A homeless person is generally one who lost his job and eventually starts living on the street(s).

They usually survive on the streets by:

• Collecting old newspapers.

• Finding a place to sleep.

• Finding practical clothes.

• Keeping themselves warm.

• Making sure they appear clean.

• Recycling their things.

• Finding a companion.

• Keeping their things close by.

New research found that the average homeless person has a life expectancy of 47, compared to 77 for the rest of the population: a startling difference of 30 years. The life expectancy for women was even lower, at just 43 years.

Most people believe some folks would choose to be homeless so that they can freely engage in drug and substance abuse. In some cases, they take to the streets because they are abused at home. With no one to defend them, they run to the streets where they feel safe from this type of abuse. They feel that their pursuer cannot follow them there.

A case manager had the opportunity to systematically ask women participating in a dinner programme for homeless women, what is it like to be homeless? 

Their responses make the need for affordable housing painfully evident.  It’s become difficult to pay rent, they said. They’re right. The lack of affordable housing is a national crisis for everyone i.e. college students, the working poor, lower and middle-class individuals experiencing unexpected catastrophes, and people on fixed incomes. All are swelling the ranks of the homeless. Social scientists say the average person would be out on the street within two months of losing his or her job or source of income. 

Homelessness is not just a problem of substance abusers, the physically handicapped or people with mental illness. It can happen to anyone. The women spoke about being evicted, about how humiliating and emotionally shattering it is to watch all your belongings, family heirlooms,