The Society That Makes Merit Bow Before Money Is Doomed to Die

The day Dronacharya took the thumb of Ekalavya, India’s destiny plummeted into an abyss of poverty and backwardness. This act, emblematic of a society that prioritizes allegiance and wealth over merit and talent, casts a long shadow over India's journey. The sacrifice of Ekalavya, a young archer boy of immense potential who gave up his thumb, the precision finger for archery, to please his guru, to ensure that his guru's favourite student Arjuna eventually becomes the greatest archer in the world; serves as a haunting reminder of how the powerful can stifle the dreams of the deserving. In a society where financial power often overshadows merit, the fates of exceptional individuals—like Dr. Subhas Mukherjee and John Nash—become poignant reflections of a grim reality: a society that makes merit bow before money is doomed to die.

The Contrast of Lives

Dr. Subhas Mukherjee, an extraordinary Bengali Indian scientist and pioneer of the world’s first successful human test-tube baby, epitomizes the struggles of brilliant minds in a system that often neglects true talent. His relentless pursuit of scientific innovation was marred by bureaucratic indifference and a lack of institutional support. Despite his groundbreaking contributions, he faced significant challenges in gaining recognition from the the communist West Bengal and Indian governments and the Indian scientific community.

In stark contrast stands John Nash, a brilliant American mathematician celebrated for his work on game theory, who was embraced by an academic framework that acknowledged and rewarded his genius. Nash’s journey from battling mental health issues to winning a Nobel Prize serves as a testament to how financial resources and institutional validation can facilitate success.

While Nash was lauded for his contributions, Mukherjee's achievements remained largely unrecognized, underlining how societal structures can favour those with financial clout over those with inherent talent yet working in the same field his Bristish Counter parts got Nobel Prize.

SEE THE DIFFERENCE: IN INDIA DR. MUKHERJEE IS STIFLED TO DEATH FOR PIONEERING NEW KNOWLEDGE WHEREAS IN THE WESTERN WORLD DR. ROBERT EDWARDS A BRITISH PHYSIOLOGIST IS AWRDED NOBEL PRIZE IN 2010 IN MEDICINE FOR THE SAME DISCOVERY I.E. DEVELOPMENT OF IN VITRO FERTILISATION (IVF).

The Erosion of Merit

When a society prioritizes wealth over merit, it creates an environment where true talent can remain unrecognized. The experiences of Mukherjee and Nash serve as harrowing examples of this phenomenon:

1. Marginalization of Talent: Dr. Mukherjee’s story reveals how remarkable talent can be marginalized without the support of financial resources or institutional power. His unwavering commitment to advancing reproductive biology was undermined by a system that failed to value his genius.
2. Financial Privilege and Opportunity: John Nash’s journey illustrates how financial privilege can open doors to opportunities that foster success. Nash thrived in an environment that not only recognized but celebrated his intellect, allowing him to make significant contributions to mathematics and economics.

The Psychological Toll of Inequity

The contrasting experiences of Mukherjee and Nash also highlight the psychological toll that an inequitable society can impose on gifted individuals. When the contributions of deserving individuals go unnoticed, it breeds disillusionment and despair:

1. Disillusionment with Society: Dr. Mukherjee’s quest for recognition can lead to a profound sense of betrayal. Despite dedicating his life to his work, the lack of acknowledgment from a system that values wealth over merit can result in a crippling loss of motivation and hope. Finally the tragedy of losing him to despair led to brain drain from India, crippling Indian medical science forever.
2. Identity and Self-Worth: John Nash’s story reveals that financial and societal success does not insulate individuals from personal struggles. His eventual recognition came at great personal cost, underscoring that fulfilment often transcends monetary achievement.

The Path to Redemption: Reclaiming Merit

To avert the doom of a society that prioritizes money over merit, we must reclaim the values that promote equality, opportunity, and recognition of true talent.

1. Promoting Inclusive Education: Reforming educational systems to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and ethical behaviour is essential. Merit must be recognized and celebrated across all strata of society, providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of their financial background.
2. Fostering a Culture of Recognition: Institutions must prioritise recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals like Dr. Mukherjee, who have the potential to revolutionise industries but lack the financial means or institutional backing.
3. Celebrating Diverse Achievements: By acknowledging a broad spectrum of achievements in fields like science, arts, and community service, society can shift its focus from merely financial success to valuing meaningful contributions.

In conclusion, the day Dronacharya took the thumb of Ekalavya marked a tragic turning point for India, one that resonates deeply in the stories of Dr. Subhas Mukherjee and John Nash. Their contrasting lives illustrate the grave consequences of allowing merit to bow before money or political allegiance or the clout of lobbyists. A society that neglects true talent in favour of power or pelf not only sacrifices innovation and progress but also risks alienating its most capable individuals.

To prevent our society from falling into decay, we must reclaim and champion meritocracy, ensuring that talent is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated, regardless of financial circumstances. By fostering a culture that values contributions over capital, we can pave the way for a future where true merit shines brightly, leading to a thriving and equitable society.

LET BENGAL AND INDIA REMIND THEMSELVES THAT THEY DID NOT WIN A SINGLE NOBEL PRIZE IN MEDICINE SINCE ITS INCEPTION. IN THE DEATH OF DR.SUBHAS MUKHERJEE INDIA AND BENGAL NOT ONLY LOST A TRUE PIONEER WHO COULD HAVE WON A NOBEL PRIZE AND LEAD MEDICAL RESEARCH IN THE YOUNG INDEPENDENT NATION BUT INDIA AND BENGAL ALSO EARNED AN INDELIBLE STIGMA OF SHAME THAT HAS MOTIVATED COUNTLESS BRILLIANT MINDS TO MIGRATE OUT INDIA TO THE ANGLOSPHERE WHERE MERIT IS RESPECTED ABOVE MONEY; WITHERING THE INDIA SCIENCTIFIC SOCIETY.