Ever since our childhood days, I am sure every one of us were encouraged that “Participation is everything and not winning”. Teacher, friends and parents have always used these words to pacify the situation whenever there is a difference between friends, classmates and siblings. But I for one never understood the logic behind such a stand. It is agreed that these words are very soothing to the majority because everybody can’t win in the same competition. I always felt how bad it would be for the winner who is instantly deprived of the elation the winner feels. Though I was never an activist in my life, I always wished if there is anybody who can stand up for all the winners in this world and yell at the top of their voice that “Winning is Everything”. A recent TV talk show has 2 take-aways. The first one has fulfilled my wish where as the second one was a completely pragmatic observation.
1. It’s always the losers who believe and say that “Winning is not everything and participation is more important”.
2. It’s usually either the rich or a complete loser who continuously brag that “Money is not the only important thing in life”.
How many of us would really pardon him if MS Dhoni says the same about world cup?
I guess it’s time for winners to completely stand up and take the entire credit even if it hurts the majority/losers. When everybody talks about India being a super power, it has to be imbibed in its culture. I was badly disappointed when many measures were initiated to de-stress the students by replacing ranks with grades in schools. I strongly believe that students should be taught about how to handle the pressure rather than completely removing the pressure.
So Winners…Next time make sure you take a bow and enjoy the moment…
