Knowing what one is good at, that is, knowing one’s plus points affects one’s opinion of oneself. But there are other factors that also affect our self-image. For example, we are affected by what others feel about us and what they say to us. In the story we saw how Zohra had become depressed by the criticism that she had to face.

Sometimes our talents are not immediately appreciated or not even seen as talents. Often we concentrate on what we cannot do or are not good at and feel bad about that – just as Babu’s poor performance in studies blinds him and others to his many good qualities.

Very often our self-confidence is affected by conventional ideas and stereotypes. Sometimes, we feel, that we are just ordinary, that there is nothing special about us.

What this means is that all of us have strengths and weaknesses which we need to identify. Instead of feeling depressed and angry about our shortcomings, we need to work towards rectifying them. On the other hand, we need to appreciate the things that are good about us and strengthen them