Why the tortoise wins? | PARUL SINGH | TEDxBistupur Women

The speaker draws a parallel from the parable of the tortoise and the hare, emphasizing that the tortoise won not because the hare faltered, but through its own indomitable refusal to yield. This principle, of silent, resilient beginnings, is illustrated through personal anecdotes. In one instance, intelligence about girls being trafficked led the speaker to choose to lead from within, rather than from a distance. Entering a dangerous room with only five people, including bodyguards and a driver, they faced armed bouncers and a loud, chaotic environment. The speaker attempted to record the scene but was confronted by a bouncer. Feigning a phone call home, the speaker retrieved their mobile, realizing the extreme danger of their situation. A silent signal to a bodyguard, a raised eyebrow, conveyed the need for action, demonstrating the team's complete faith and understanding. The bodyguard seamlessly blended in, creating a diversion by laughing, dancing, and throwing money. The team waited 20 minutes for reinforcements, a period of intense fear and uncertainty. The speaker maintained a plastered smile, knowing that any sign of fear from the leader would jeopardize the mission. When a bouncer challenged the speaker to dance, despite trembling hands and feet, the speaker appeared to be dancing, which the bouncer misinterpreted as overconfidence. This moment of distraction allowed the reinforcements to burst in, securing the girls and arresting the criminals. The experience reinforced the lesson of the tortoise: observe, plan, decide, and move slowly and steadily. Fear is natural, but action is a choice. The speaker then shares another story about mentoring a young woman who had failed medical entrance exams twice. Despite her mother's insistence on pursuing a B.Sc., the speaker encouraged the daughter to secretly continue her medical preparations, emphasizing that failure is not the end and that one should keep trying until destiny itself subjugates. Two years later, the daughter qualified for MBBS, having pursued her dream in silence. The core message is to outlast doubt, incarnate fortitude, and create mettle. When faced with fear and challenges, the mantra is "I will still do it. Still I proceed." This steadfastness, like the tortoise, ultimately leads to triumph.