To React Or Respond…?
Saturday, August 10th, 2013
To React Or Respond…what would you prefer, encountering a tricky situation? …Most of us often fail to respond, ending up reacting. Can’t we remain composed, ‘responding instead of reacting’ thinking “what would Baba like me to do?” Ajay Pant from Lucknow sought to do so, when faced up to a tricky situation, ending up sacrificing something, only to gain much more… Read on a small but significant incident during his college days in Lucknow. Extracted from Sanathana Sarathi July, 1980.
The incident that I write about may be small but, it is, I believe, significant for me and for all young men faced with similar situations. On 27, 28 and 29 March 1980, a college in Lucknow had arranged a festival called “Bonanza 80.” I had also been deputed to represent my University in the Fancy Dress Competition. I was aware that it would be a tough job, for nine teams were competing, including I. I. T. from Delhi and Kanpur. I slogged hard and perfected my item.
Originally, only one entry was allotted to each institution, but, later, two were allowed to participate. So, another student joined our team. The programme for the bonanza indicated that he had to go first on the stage and I had to follow him. But, when he was called, he was not ready with his fancy dress and so, I was sent first on the stage by the person in charge of the programme.
Pardon me, for telling you the fact. My performance brought the roof down; the applause of appreciation was so thunderous. The photographers clicked again and again. Reporters surrounded me when I came down and plied me with questions.
Next day, the papers praised my item very much. But, the name below the photograph was not mine! Since my team mate’s name appeared first in the schedule that was distributed, though my item was the first, the name beneath the photograph was that of the student who performed after me!
The distribution of prizes was to take place that evening, during the concluding function of the Bonanza. I was very much upset. I was told by the college authorities that my entering the stage first had led to the confusion. I found that the other person was put down as the prize winner. His name was so announced on the Notice Board. I received a shock at all this blunder.
On my way back from the college, I came across the other fellow! He was on top of the world, literally jumping with joy! At this, I thought twice… what would Baba like me to do. I wondered… can I make this fellow sad? No, I decided. The prize for me can be only a nine days’ wonder. But for him, it promises to be tremendous encouragement and coveted honour. I have earned the distinction of winning a prize, whenever I appear on the stage. So, it was a very difficult decision but I am glad I made it.
I must confess that had I not met Sathya Sai Baba at Brindavan, Whitefield, and listened to Him during the Summer Course in Indian Culture and Spirituality, I would never have decided so. He was the inspiration that led me to think, “Which is the prize you should seek—your companion’s happiness, or, the thing the Organiser’s give?” and to arrive at the conclusion, “Give up and Gain.”
Posted in Sai Spiritual Showers |
