International Left-Hander’s Day 2018: 7 Indian Celebs You Didn’t Know Were Lefties

August 13 of every year is observed as International Left-Hander’s Day, dedicated to the 10 percent of our population who have a dominant left hand instead of the right. Sadly for left-handers or lefties as we affectionately call them, they have the unenviable job of navigating a world made mainly for right-handers. While there is its share of disadvantages, being left-handed also comes with some neat benefits like a sharper mind and quicker reflexes. That’s not all. Some of the most accomplished people in the world, like Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Laksmi Mittal, etc., are left-handers. To all the Indian southpaws who feel left out (no pun intended), here is a list of five Indian celebs – all titans in their respective fields – who are left-handed like you.

1 Narendra Modi

The Prime Minister of the country Narendra Modi is a lefty. He joins the ranks of many world leaders like Obama, Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan who are left-handed. In fact, a large number of left-handers become leaders despite representing just ten percent of the population. And perhaps there’s a reason why some neuroscientists believe that left-handed people may be naturally better at oratory and leadership.

2 Mother Teresa

There’s a reason why “Mother Teresa” is one of the most popular answers to the question “Whom do you admire the most?” The Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic saint had dedicated her life to the service of the destitute. And much to the delight of lefties all over the world, Mother Teresa was also left-handed.

3 Sachin Tendulkar

The “God” of cricket Sachin Tendulkar takes pride in his left-handedness. The legend tweeted today, saying that while he may be a left-hander, he is always right! We have to agree.

Like Sachin, many legendary athletes like Martina Navratilova, Rafael Nadal and Lionel Messi are all left-handed. Studies suggest that left-handers may have an advantage over their right-handed counterparts at sports due to their faster reaction time facilitated by better connection between their left and right brain hemispheres.

4 Amitabh Bachchan

India’s biggest movie star Amitabh Bachchan is left-handed. It’s not uncommon to find lefties in the creative field. It is postulated that left-handers may be more gifted when it comes to creativity.

5 Asha Bhonsle

Only a few Indian voices can rival the mellifluous quality of that of Asha Bhonsale. One of the most celebrated singers in the country who has lent her voice to actresses across generations, Asha is also left-handed.

6 Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata, the chairman of Tata Sons, once said that his left-handedness made it difficult for him to learn the piano. But it sure didn’t affect his business sense as he steered the conglomerate from strength to strength. Today, Tata Trusts also gives away scholarships to Indian students under the Indian Left-Hander Club.

7 Lakshmi Mittal

Keen business acumen seems to be a common quality that binds all the lefties of the world. Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, CEO of ArcelorMittal, the biggest steelmaker in the world, is also left-handed.

Although left-handers are in the minority, a disproportionate number of them become industrialists, sportspersons, actors, singers and leaders. This makes one wonder whether there happens to some actual connection between left-handedness and intellect.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2018 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).