I ONLY WANT WHAT IS MINE!!

Recently one of my Friends who is a teacher in a school invited me to be a judge for one of the flagship events in the Institute. Judging a singing event! Well, it was not a big deal for me as it was just another event, But wait, there was a twist here. Out of all the events that I have been to as a judge, this event was a little unusual. I was supposed to assess and rate the singing of young kids below 4 years!

The very thought of being the decider for such a small age group seemed challenging to me. Weeping kids, nervous children, cries, and shouts around… all these thoughts and the confused views, induced me to say a big NO to my friend. However, eavesdropping to my heart I accepted the invitation assuming that it would be a nice experience as I remembered reading somewhere recently that being amidst the kids can rejuvenate and revitalize the stress that we undergo.

On the day of the event, I witnessed some extraordinary talent from the young angels. Some kids imitating their mothers who were on the opposite side, and some children forcing their parents to stand next to them while singing… all this naughtiness backed with innocence was just a feast to witness.

After marking the final scores, I handed over the marksheet to the coordinator of the event who took it forward for the valedictory ceremony.

During the valedictory, I was invited to collect a ‘Thank-you memento’ on the stage for judging the event after which I came down and sat among the audience. It was the time to announce the prizes and as the names were announced for different events, I could see the tiny tots running on the stage to collect the prizes. The happiness on their faces was irreplaceable and more than them I could see the bliss and joy on the face of their respective parents. As the list was being read, winners from different categories were eagerly waiting near the stage to collect the prizes.

My focus and attention from the stage was suddenly distracted when I felt someone holding and pulling my trousers. A little troubled and annoyed, I looked at the person preparing myself to fire, but the moment I saw the person my irk changed into a broad smile. It was a little participant aged about 4 years from one of the singing categories.

Bending down a little, I lent an ear to her, who seemed very sad.

“I did not get any prize” – were the words that pierced my subconscious mind.

My heart sank when I heard her statement. Convincing the little girl, I made her understand that she sang very well and that she would win in future competitions soon. But she was continuously repeating the same assertion which was making me feel more guilty.

I kept on saying that her name would be announced, and she would need to collect her prize, which did not happen.

I started regretting myself for accepting my role as a decider. Yes, everyone had sung well but the competition must have some winners and some others have to try better next time. If she was a grown-up kid, I would have somehow convinced her. But the smaller ones are tougher to handle!

I looked around for my friend who had brought me here to be part of the event expecting to help me somehow to come out of the situation, but she was busy running around the stage. What to do? How do I convince this little girl?

Suddenly something flashed in my mind. I handed over the memento, which was given to me, quite bigger than the prizes that were distributed on the stage to the little one. To make her happier I even handed over the gift cheque that was given to me saying – take this prize. See Now you have a bigger prize than everyone out there.

But the reply that came from the mouth of the little girl was just impossible for anyone out here to imagine –?this is not my prize. I want MY prize that is being given on the stage!

For a moment I was stuck with no words hearing the reply. I kept on requesting her to accept the ‘thank you memento’, but she was adamant with only one thought -?I only want what is mine!

An ordinary certificate outdid the greater crystal memento today.

What a selfless lesson this girl taught me today! Accepting what belongs to you without compromising for anything else even when the alternative is of superior nature or higher class, is a hard skill. I was reminded of my primary English teacher who had taught us the same through ‘The Honest Woodcutter’ from Aesop’s Fables. I am sure all of you might have also learned the valuable lesson of uprightness through this great story in the English Textbook of yesteryears. This small Girl’s answer made me recall the honesty and integrity of the woodcutter who accepted only the iron axe even though he was offered the silver and golden axe by the river Goddess.

Today as we look around, there is a high need to value a selfless attitude within, without any materialism which otherwise can lead to increased negativity and toxicity in the environment in which we work/ live. Too much voracity or ravenousness can lead to malaise which further can result in amassing redundant stress. One needs to be very focused on what he/she wants without creating any imbalance in the system. Aiming for self-development without eyeing or pinching others whether in personal or professional life can take us a long way ahead in the journey of life. Accepting what is ours with a smile and letting others grow parallelly is an outstanding trait which needs to be endured by all.

Are you ready to accept what is only meant to be yours?

KEEP LEARNING…..KEEP GROWING!

#KLKG

(As I write this article, I would like to thank my friend Sharon Dsouza @ Trinity Central School for inviting me to be a part of the event, the experience of which helped me to create this article. I also thank my English teacher Ms.Deepa Bhandary for imbibing the right values through the Fables and narratives during my School days at St.Mary's English Medium School, Udupi.)

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