A few days ago, I met a young boy of about 22 years. He lived in the vicinity and a casual chat told me that it would be an instructive conversation. His parents live modestly and he has a brother who is differently challenged. He had been a bright student and had always achieved above 85% aggregates throughout his education. It had recently culminated with his masters in computer application. This description would bode well for any reviewer and his resume should ideally find many takers. But the dice rolled a snake yet. He is yet to be employed.
His interests were chiefly directed towards the study of mathematics. I thought it best to end the conversation there. My interest and ability in that subject never meandered beyond the preface part of the text book. I would read that enviously, wondering how on earth did the stupid author come up with such complex problems. This was a thought I had when I was in the fourth grade. As I went up the grades, I found that even reading the preface text of the maths textbook was getting harder and more complex!!!
His greatest inspiration came from the great mathematicianRamanujam. I gulped and tried hard to smile and nod. He mentioned that he had worked on some algebraic problems that Ramanujam had laid out in one of his historical papers and was close to solving a few. He mentioned that he had worked out multiple short cuts to some questions. Apparently he had sent his solutions to a certain university to get accreditation and a position as a scientist! Well, I am sure some of you have seen the cartoon character Dexter. I have got nothing in common with his genius. The only thing I shared that day was his blink.
Yet, for all his genius, he stood there talking to me with barely enough to last him that week. It was humbling. With far lesser abilities and skills, the dice had rolled well for me. I am not discounting the hardwork I have put in to get where I am at. However, it is almost painful that such intelligence does not get instant gratification. I assured him of all help and provided some avenues which could help him to get employed and provide a better life for his people. He was very thankful. May be in time, he will rise in life. I certainly will not be surprised if he does so.
There are many stories around all of us like this. We notice some and many go unnoticed. We are all in this game. At different boxes. We got there because we rolled the dice. With luck, confidence and efforts we moved up the boxes. Our efforts yield the occasional ladders, our mistakes invites the sting of the snake. As you look around other boxes, you will see different kinds of people. The boxes below you will have stories of great struggle and determination. They fight for every move ahead and never give up. Around you, you will see boxes which are filled with people who have seen that struggle like you and are looking further up. Their ambitions have grown in desire and shed in modesty. Occasionally you will also find some who have been stung and have had to come down from their high perch. They are the ones who learnt a bitter lesson in life.
The top boxes are almost always filled with content people. They have achieved what they needed to. As they complete the game, they know that only a grave mistake will send them tumbling down again. Often times, a few get lucky and complete the game in quick time. I believe that it perhaps robs the element of struggle that is crucial to the development of character.
Whatever be the roll of the dice, that afternoon, I felt that I was talking to one who occupied a few boxes below me, but was capable of overtaking me at his will. I made a silent prayer for a favoured dice to credit his destiny. As for me, I have taken a sting. It pretty much brought me back to the beginning. With some luck, the dice has rolled again and a few steps have been taken in the direction forward. This time I will be more wary of the snakes!
Did you roll your dice today?
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