The well-known Indian politician Sharad Pawar frequently uses anecdotes from his early years to illustrate how he overcame obstacles in his life to become the leader he is today. One such tale concerns his time as a young college student in Pune.

Pawar, who grew up in a village, was not used to speaking English confidently or fluently. This became especially difficult when he was surrounded by students from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom were from urban areas and spoke English fluently. He felt out of place and insecure about his skills because of the sharp contrast between his rural upbringing and the international environment of his college.

Consider yourself a fish out of water. Pawar felt unprepared for the social dynamics and linguistic demands of city life, much like a fish is not able to breathe on land. He was clearly uncomfortable, particularly when it came to interacting with college girls. He felt even more inadequate because many of them were Parsis who were fluent in English.

In spite of these early setbacks, Pawar's perseverance ultimately enabled him to adjust and fit in at college. He gained the self-assurance to participate more fully and get past his language obstacles over time. His life's larger theme—the value of tenacity and fortitude in conquering challenges—is reflected in this personal journey.

Sharad Pawar uses this story to show how even leaders who seem self-assured now had serious difficulties in the beginning. It acts as motivation for people who are uncomfortable or insecure in particular circumstances, reminding them that overcoming initial challenges and venturing outside of one's comfort zone are frequently the paths to personal development.