Price of Success & Cost of Failure
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: May 29, 2012 -

Just after the declaration of results of any examination, whether it be class X Board examination or other competitive examinations at all India level, it has become almost a norm in Manipur today for many well-wishers to announce incentive awards for toppers.

It is but human nature to appreciate the success of someone in their respective fields or feels abhorrence towards even the thought of a failure crossing our path. But this mad rush for honouring the toppers was not so much in vogue around two decades back.

Understandably, such recognitions and honours are intended to encourage the toppers to strive harder in their future endeavours. But there have instances in which such overwhelming responses acted as spoil-sport in the career growth of many a topper.

Instead of the intended good, such unrestraint accolades prove disastrous, and the answer should not be far to seek for any right thinking person.

Given the grinding routine that every topper, especially those coming from poor family background, had to go through while trying to outshine their co-competitors, onrush of incentive awards and recognitions flummox the tender mind. And if they could not handle the spotlight, then it would be the end of a story before its commencement.

However, this does not meant that the trend of giving incentive rewards to toppers in examinations or honouring them in public functions should be done away with completely.

In fact, such recognitions can sharpen the competitive spirit of not only the toppers but also of others who could not make the cut.

What is needed is a wee bit of caution from going overboard and understanding of the ground situation. It is natural that out of every thousand students appearing in any examination, only a handle of them would be securing the top slots.

But it is the toppers that the whole world would be talking about while relegating the rest to the background. A predicament which is even worse than this has been reserved for the failure.

There is none by their side to console or boost up their spirit. The world we live in a place not only for the handful toppers but also for the outnumbering failures, who may possibly go on to become the real cause of concern in the development of the society.

So, along with singing paean for toppers, we also need to evolve ways and means of helping the failures to overcoming their weaknesses. Only then, there can be lasting peace and progress in the society.

After all, it has been stated, "Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed. To comprehend a nectar requires sorest need."

Would it be too idealistic to hope for special category schools or colleges in Manipur which admit only second or third divisioners and cater to their needs?