In the spirit of competition

Its a innate human tendency, we're always in a state of competition, if not with others, then at least with ourselves. Maybe its the Rourkela weather, or the lacklusture attitude of the natives, who seem to think that afternoon is a good time for a nap rather than to keep their shops open, which I found, after a lot of questioning, was a common habit in Orissa, but competition doesn't seem to hold that much of an importance as it used to. 

In fact, I would go on to say that the spirit of competition has been stategically and systematically excorcised from our souls by this place, this National Institute of Technology. The "are yaar kaun karega" attitude has paralysed our ability to even lift a finger and get out of our rooms and participate in "institute" activities. If you've not been bitten by that bug yet, theres always your roomate or your "helpful" neighbour who suggests that you play that one last game of Counter strike instead of going out and wasting time in what will be a "pakao" event.

The perpetaution of a lazy mentality has resulted in this, the inability to take effort to participate, the capacity to harbour no other competitive thoughts other than an egoistic hatred of the other rival club. There is no competition in debates, or in quizzes; even in the electoral process to the student body there is no competition, as people get voted to power uncontested. The extra-cirricular activites are so less in number that there is no competition of value worth winning to us, other than probably an eating contest. 

Existance of competition does not alone determine whether the spirit of competition is present, for there will always be competition between two entities no matter how disjoint. It is the value associated with victory that is important in this case, the value that manifests itself in fame, pride and recognition and if lucky, cash. In this place, this "institute", there exists no such value. Even in academic pursuits where there should be a competition, no matter how nerdy that may sound, there exists no value in excelling. Even the house system, and now the inter-hall system, set up to nurture that spirit of competition, goes to waste with probably 3/4th of the hall who would not be able to name at least two players on their hall team. No value given to competition means no spoils to the victors, hence no impetus to compete in the first place.

Its a pathetic situation really. The whole reason behind competition, behind setting up these house teams and clubs is to allow us to channel our energy into these other activities. It would work out well for the institute, because it would foster kinship on the basis of these associations rather than zonal friendships, which is why they are encouraging such activities. Competition is thus an important part of the process of our change, into a more dynamic, open minded people. The message is targeted to especially first years. You are full of enthusiasm and eagerness to learn now. Do not let that enthusiasm wane. Participate in extracirricular activities, take in all the experiences that life in an insititute can offer, not only the ones that will get you a better job. 

I see people leaving clubs instead to pursue a one sided development. I observe an unrelenting stubborness in some to look at anything other than what will benefit him in the exam.

Be aware that as seniors we've also participated in a lot of extracirricular activites and we manage to balance both sides. So the message is simple, change the way you think, embrace competition, and teach your juniors to embrace it next year. Do not continue to perpetuate the lazy mentality and prevent those who do from doing so. Take initative and convince others to participate in that initiative as well.