For generations, Indian parents have drilled into their children’s heads the golden mantra: “Work hard, and success will follow!” It’s an uplifting thought, often packaged with bedtime stories of ants carrying food grains, labourers sweating under the sun, and that one distant uncle who studied under a streetlight and became an IAS officer. Hard work, indeed, remains a crucial foundation for success, shaping discipline, resilience, and perseverance. However, in today’s India, while effort is indispensable, success also depends on networking, access to resources, and adaptability. And of course, the occasional stroke of luck!
Hard work has always been a powerful tool for success. Our grandparents take pride in how they overcame adversity, earned their degrees, secured stable jobs, and built homes through sheer dedication. While these values remain relevant, modern India presents a more dynamic landscape where additional factors like strategy, adaptability, and access to opportunities play a critical role in determining success.
A farmer’s dedication to his land remains unwavering, yet his income may fluctuate based on market prices, government policies, and unpredictable monsoons. Meanwhile, digital entrepreneurs and influencers have leveraged new-age platforms to create opportunities that were unimaginable a decade ago. This is not to say that hard work has lost its value—rather, its application has evolved in a world driven by technology, networking, and innovation.
Gone are the days when academic toppers alone automatically secured the best jobs. Today, building meaningful relationships and expanding one’s network can open doors that talent and effort alone might struggle to unlock. For instance, access to resources, is definitely the multiplier of hard work. Consider two students preparing for IIT-JEE. One has access to premier coaching institutes, extensive online resources, and mentorship, while the other relies on self-study with borrowed books and patchy internet. Both put in immense effort, but the former has a clear advantage due to superior resources and guidance.
In today’s India, adaptability is just as critical as effort. Auto-rickshaw drivers who embraced ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber saw increased earnings, while street vendors who adopted online delivery models during the pandemic managed to sustain their livelihoods. Those who upskilled in emerging fields like AI, digital marketing, and data science found new career paths, proving that evolving with the times is key to long-term success.
Does hard work still matter? Absolutely—it remains the bedrock of any meaningful achievement. But in today’s fast-changing world, success is shaped by a blend of effort, strategic thinking, social capital, and resourcefulness. While challenges like unequal access to opportunities persist, inspiring stories of self-made achievers continue to emerge, proving that perseverance, adaptability, and smart decision-making can bridge many gaps.
So, should we work hard? Without a doubt. But let’s also work smart—seizing opportunities, building meaningful connections, and staying open to change. After all, success today is not just about the hours we put in, but how effectively we channel our efforts. And who knows—maybe that perfect mix of dedication and strategy could even turn someone into India’s next top influencer.
Dr Benazir Patil is the Chief Executive Officer of a non-profit organization called SCHOOL that works for ensuring good health & well-being.
