This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On a fateful day in October 2019, a ship was caught in a storm, breaking apart in the deep ocean. While some crew members managed to reach the shore safely, others were not so fortunate. One crew member, clinging to a wooden remnant of the ship, was washed ashore on a deserted island.
Days turned into months, and his family back home had lost all hope of finding him. The castaway had to create a makeshift tent using local materials and survive on the island, praying for rescue every day. But as the days went by, his hopes were shattered, and he felt defeated.
One day, feeling despondent, he stood on the beach, watching the horizon for a ship to appear. But instead, he saw his tent catch fire and burn rapidly. He rushed to the scene, but it was too late. He cursed his fate and thought this was the end of his shattered hopes.
He walked towards the ocean, ready to give up his life. But as he entered the water, he saw a distant ship approaching. The sailors rescued him, and back on the ship, he asked the captain how they had learned of his plight. The captain replied, "We saw the fire and smoke rising from the island. We sent a boat expecting someone to be there."
This unexpected rescue was all he had been hoping for. The story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest hour, our star can shine brightest. We can spot the stars only in the dark, and we shine better when we fight with the darkness within and surrounding us.
As Mr. Bharatam, the founder and chief mentor of Kuza Biashara Limited, so aptly puts it, "Hope is the most powerful weapon. Never give up the most powerful weapon."
