To quote Rancho from 3 Idiots:
"Pursue
Excellence, and success will follow."
Too often, students of various disciplines, be it art, business or engineering, or most importantly,
life, are engrossed in the pursuit of grades (a.k.a SUCCESS). The struggle to be the top scorer, best student, dean's list etc. is experienced by majority of the students of the modern world.
Why?
The lure and promise of money, social status, comfort, recognition and power. Nothing but materialistic desires or wants that nobody can bring to the grave, or inspire the world, although some do opt for a majestic looking tombstone or nice patch of well-gardened grass growing out of the pile of dirt covering their earthly body. Perhaps when we die and become a soul (theoretically speaking), looking at a nicely "furnished house" from above is more pleasant, fulfilling our earthly and materialistic desire of being
successful. Maybe?
Having watched 3 Idiots 3 to 4 times, it never fails to bring tears to my eyes or inspires me to be more than I can be. Obviously, it being centered at the subject of studying to be an engineer has its attraction, but the life lessons imparted by the movie are so important. Utterly important. Yet, unheeded by most.
People asked and said, "You WONG mar, no problem!" or "You are smart mar!" or even better, "You WONG wei!" It sounds very nice to the ears, really. I am a proud person and seek recognition from others as well. But, when I sit down on my own, in the corner of room, or on my bed, these words ring loudly in my ears, as if they are pushing me around and telling me, "You really think you are good? Good enough? Dream on!" I know myself, my limits and abilities, quite well. And I know the answer to that rhetoric question.
I had been led to believe grades are king once. I pried myself away from that path, yet stumbling back into the old route every now and then. Re-watching the movie allows me to rethink my priorities and responsibilities. Yes, success is important, but so is excellence! Excellence in many forms, in character, in understanding concepts, in moral values, in communication etc. Instead of blindly pursuing goals that materialistically mean a lot to others, that please others, why not pursue excellence in your passion and interest and let them come to you for what you are worth? As my good friend Yoke Meng said when I was playing PES 2012, "Let them come to you. Don't go after them." Although it was meant for the game, yet it clicked with something in my head.
Be excellent, in righteous and deserving matters, in passion and interest, in loving and caring, and you shall be successful.
The opening song in the movie is bloody meaningful.
Behti Hawa Sa Tha Woh
He was like a flowing windHe was like a soaring kiteWhere he vanished, lets find himWhile the paths always lead usHe always made his path
Sometimes fell, sometimes balanced but always went ahead cheerfully
We were always worried about tomorrowHe always celebrated todayHe lived every minute fullyFrom where did he comeWhere did he vanished, touching our heartsHe was like shade in scorching sunHe was like an oasis in a vast desertHe was like the medicine for wounded heartWe were limited to wellHe will do somersault in the riverHe used to swim against the waterfallHe was like a carefree cloudHe was our friendWhere he vanished, lets find him
Yes, celebrate today and make your own path. Be honest and righteous with yourself.
Then, perhaps, when we hover above our graves or the sea in the afterlife, we would know that we have done what we want in this life, no regrets. If we are lucky, we may be remembered for who we are and inspire others.
Vivre la vie.
