### The Sweet Rewards of Higher Aspirations: Lessons from Nature and Life

Beyond the Low-Hanging Fruit: Striving for Higher Goals

During my tenure in Bhopal, I had the privilege of staying in an official bungalow that boasted a large courtyard filled with fruit-bearing trees—mango, guava, and jackfruit. During guava season, I noticed an interesting phenomenon. The guavas within easy reach were not particularly sweet, while the birds seemed to enjoy the guavas perched high up on the branches. Curious, I had those higher guavas plucked and found them to be much sweeter than the lower ones. It struck me that the guavas at higher branches were getting more sun and air compared to the ones on the inner or lower branches.

This observation led me to a broader reflection on life and effort. While low-hanging fruit, representing minimal effort, can yield quick results and keep us motivated, the true rewards often lie higher up, requiring more effort and perseverance. This principle is not only evident in nature but also in various facets of life, including professional achievements, personal growth, and societal progress. Here, I illustrate this premise with examples from the Indian context.

 Education and Career Advancement

In India, education has long been seen as the gateway to better opportunities. For many, the initial goal is to secure a basic education, akin to plucking low-hanging fruit. However, the competitive landscape demands higher aspirations. Take the example of Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google. Pichai's journey from a modest upbringing in Chennai to the helm of one of the world's leading tech companies exemplifies the pursuit of higher branches. His determination to pursue engineering at IIT Kharagpur, followed by advanced studies at Stanford University and the Wharton School, required significant effort and perseverance but ultimately led to unparalleled success.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Indian startup ecosystem offers another vivid example. While establishing a small business can provide immediate returns and satisfaction, the most impactful innovations often require venturing beyond the obvious. For instance, Flipkart, founded by Sachin and Binny Bansal, started as an online bookstore. The initial success was the low-hanging fruit, but their ambition to transform Flipkart into a comprehensive e-commerce platform akin to Amazon required navigating complex logistics, technology challenges, and fierce competition. Today, Flipkart is a leading e-commerce giant in India, thanks to their willingness to reach higher.

Social and Environmental Initiatives

In the realm of social and environmental progress, the story of Dr. Arunachalam Muruganantham is particularly inspiring. Known as the "Pad Man," he revolutionized menstrual hygiene in rural India by developing affordable sanitary pads. Initially, it would have been easier to accept the status quo or make minor improvements, akin to picking low-hanging fruit. Instead, Muruganantham aimed higher, conducting extensive research, developing a low-cost machine, and fighting societal taboos to empower women across India. His efforts have had a profound impact on health and gender equality.

Conclusion

The lessons from my courtyard in Bhopal underscore a universal truth: while low-hanging fruit offers immediate gratification, true fulfillment and significant achievements lie in reaching higher. Whether in education, career, entrepreneurship, or social change, the effort to aim higher and persevere yields sweeter rewards. In the Indian context, this principle is exemplified by individuals and initiatives that have transformed challenges into opportunities, pushing beyond the obvious to achieve greatness. As we navigate our own paths, let us be inspired to look beyond the immediate and strive for the higher branches, where the ripest and sweetest fruits await.