“India woke up today to the heartbreaking news of Sir Ratan Tata’s passing, and it’s certainly a great loss for the entire nation. His kindness and down to earth nature, even after achieving such remarkable heights, taught me the importance of staying grounded.
One of his quotes that resonates deeply with me is, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together.” This philosophy has guided me throughout my journey. Back in 2017, when I was building my team in Hyderabad, it was this spirit of collaboration that drove us to contribute positively to sports and our community.
In my own life, I’ve always had a passion for the Rubik’s Cube. It started with a simple fascination in 2010 when I solved my first cube. I was amazed at how quickly I picked up the techniques, and I soon realized I had a knack for speedcubing. I entered my first competition in Mumbai while still studying Engineering, and it was a challenge that pushed me beyond my limits.
By 2013, I became World No. 1 in 3×3 speedcubing and achieved a 100% success rate in the blindfolded category. Being invited by the World Cube Association to become a delegate was a great honor that I still cherish.
In August 2017, I started Deccan Cubing to teach others how to solve Rubik’s Cubes. The support from the community has been overwhelming, reinforcing my belief that this is my true calling. One of my proudest moments was creating a mosaic of Sir Ratan Tata, along with my brother which allowed us to express our admiration for his contributions to society. We displayed it at various events to celebrate his legacy and inspire others.
As young people in India, we have so much to learn from Sir Ratan Tata’s life. His dedication to philanthropy and education reminds us that true success isn’t just about personal gain; it’s about uplifting those around us. Each of us has a role in shaping a better India. Let’s honor Sir Ratan Tata’s legacy by embodying these values and working together for a brighter future for everyone.”
- Pavan Kumar Akula, Speed Cuber