When this issue of the journal reaches you, the Olympic Games would have begun in London. Sportsmen, athletes from all over the world would be putting their best foot forward, competing fiercely but fairly to win laurels wearing national pride on their sleeve.
The Olympics held every four years is a mega event. It is a celebration of various qualities of human beings, grit, determination, endurance and many others. When an athlete climbs onto the victory stand a medal adorning his chest swelled with pride, and the national anthem is played, a dream is fulfilled.
While achieving success in sporting events is undoubtedly important, the games mean much more. It is a time that athletes representing different countries mingle with each other and respect for others is built. One of our fellow countrymen who is facing criminal action for alleged corruption in sport wanted to remain present at the games. He had been “invited”, by the organisers. For once, our judicial system acted swiftly and he was prevented from representing our country at the game’s opening ceremony. The person may be disappointed but the Institution he once headed, maintained its track record, with our sportsmen complaining about their substandard equipment and shabby attire just before the games.
Each of the Olympic Games has a motto and this time it is” inspire a generation”. The motto set me thinking. I attempted to list down living individuals, particularly Indians who would fit into the class that would inspire an entire generation, and the difficulty in finding such people was a cause for concern.
In every area – culture, art, sports, professions, science, social service and of course politics if one is to identify titans one has to travel back for at least three to four decades if not more.
Every Maharashtra leader worth his salt praises Shivaji an icon, but one cannot forget that the Maratha warrior breathed his last more than 300 years ago. What has gone wrong? The answer lies within us. Leaders who inspire, those who will be lighthouses for a generation do not fall from heaven. They arise from amongst us. There are a number of individuals whose deeds should inspire their kith and kin, friends and associates may be not a generation. I still recall those images of a Bollywood celebrity being splashed across the front page pointing a finger at a security guard who stood his ground and blew the whistle. In the glare of the media that person and his adherence to the call of duty was quickly forgotten. From that humble security guard to the jawan who stands in biting icy weather at the peak of the Himalayas, there are many such inspiring individuals.
We need to appreciate those who show intrinsic human qualities like honesty, determination and courage albeit in a small measure. For too long have we permitted society to use materialistic parameters to judge the success of a person. If you look at the news which is displayed among all forms of media be it print or electronic, there is great adulation about those who achieve economic success. To borrow a phrase from my last editorial, most of us are concerned at how much wealth a person has earned but we do not bother to question how.
It is true, that it is not easy to find persons whom we can all look up to. But let us look around amongst us and we will find a number of such examples. Let us give them the recognition, respect and the social status they deserve. Once that is done their breed will grow. Man is a social animal. If society starts rewarding those who show some courage in upholding human values however small the deed may be the numbers will swell. Great leaders swim against the tide. But if such leaders are not in sight, let us build small dams so that the tide can be stemmed, the current diverted.
It is because we have drifted from the emphasis on basic human values and embraced materialistic goals that we find a dearth of role models. To conclude, there is no point in sitting back and lamenting that there are no leaders who can inspire. We may not be able to find shining stars but will definitely be able to locate small lights which will show us the path. A candle cannot dispel darkness but it is enough to show the next step. If we sit back waiting for someone to inspire us we will get nowhere. Yes the goal can be quickly reached if we run behind torch bearer, but if there is none, even a small step at a time will also lead us to the destination. When your house is on fire, it is better to use the stairs rather than the elevator. I am sure those working in Mumbai’s Mantralaya will agree. Let us inspire those around us and if we all do so, the future generation will definitely be inspired!
