The movie Hidden Figures (2016) is about three women mathematicians who contributed to NASA’s space programmes during the space race with Russia. The emotions that I felt during the watch were anger regarding the inequality, helplessness of quietly proving multiple times despite no help from anyone, strength of standing tall and steady in the face of injustice, resilience that no matter what, keep doing your work even if not recognised, and most importantly, the passion towards their work.
This story is set back in the 1960s, where racial and gender discrimination was very much prevalent and may not even seem quite relevant today, even though there are still a few cases that fall under this bias. But for me, this movie was not about the discrimination and biases. The movie was also not about the struggles of the characters or them being demotivated every time they are pushed back to the ground. This movie is about passion. People with passion often tend to keep themselves quiet and endure all the wrongdoings from others. They give themselves away too much and don’t even care about the credits. I have come across so many passionate people who simply love to do their work and just want to explore more of it rather than focusing on climbing the ladder or financial growth—these are the least of their concerns.
Such are the hardworking people. However, in today’s world, everyone seems to be in a race to be smart. Being smart isn’t a bad thing—it’s a personal choice—but undermining hard work is disheartening. Take Katherine from the movie, for instance. She was passionate about Analytical Geometry, and the report she prepared had both her name and Stafford’s. It wasn’t because she wanted to take his place or climb higher up the ladder but because the calculations were hers, and she was accountable for them.
You’ll encounter many Katherines in life—individuals who are deeply passionate about their work—and just as many Staffords, whose insecurities often weigh heavily on those like Katherine. Passionate people are often misunderstood, labeled as “oversmart” simply for being dedicated and curious. They go above and beyond, not to outshine others, but to learn, grow, and explore new possibilities. Unfortunately, these insecurities from others can either stifle their desire to put in extra effort or, worse, cost them their jobs.
This movie perfectly exemplifies the second situation mentioned above. All three protagonists held steadfast to their love and passion for their work, quietly yet persistently pushing the boundaries to secure their place at NASA. Their unwavering determination eventually led things to fall into place for them. As a beautiful Hindi saying goes, “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke khuda bande se puche, bol teri raza kya hai”—elevate yourself to such heights that even God asks, “What is it that you desire?”
Passion has an unparalleled power to transform dreams into reality, no matter how impossible they may seem. It drives people to persevere, to rise above challenges, and to keep moving forward even when the odds are stacked against them. The journey may be tough, riddled with setbacks and misunderstandings, but those who stay true to their passion ultimately carve a path for themselves. Hidden Figures is a testament to this truth—showing us that unwavering dedication, coupled with relentless effort, can lead to the fulfillment of even the most improbable dreams. Passion is not just a driving force; it is the bridge between vision and victory.
The Narrative Muse 
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