I was born in a country that boasts of being a Secular Republic. I was nurtured by a family who laid great emphasis on my moral education first, followed by the academic aspect. The importance of human values was understood then, and that became the founding stones of my personality, developing with each step taken by me towards achieving academic, moral and professional pinnacle.
I am not a philosopher, but I understand what my morals are. I am not religious fanatic, but I believe in maintaining my dignity, and not reel in front of the quick but short success. The policy of ‘Do unto others what you would want unto you’ was taught to me early in life.
Today, I understand what the lessons of honesty and integrity meant. The B-school I study in is trying its best to land me a good job. The interviewer that I face is trying hard to understand me beyond what I project. As he readies himself to write my destiny (for time unspecific), I think of the near future. The commercialization of my knowledge in the coming years would require for me to take some drastic steps, some to which the world will not agree, and some which will prick my conscience forever. As I steady myself to ride the roller–coaster professional life in the coming years, I pray. I pray for the power to retain my patience with other people, I pray to be saved from the venom of my ambitions, and I seek peace in the thought that as long as I have kept my values in the forefront, there is little to fear.
When a tiny hand wraps my finger as I walk, I feel the warmth. I miss this warmth while shaking hands at a client meeting. As I compare the difference, I notice the purity of heart behind the clasp of those feeble fingers, and then feel ashamed to have compared that purity with my own motives of landing the business deal during the client handshake.
My experience with the people has made me realize the paramount importance of human values. The term is far deeper than the words can echo. However, the global village stinks of foul practices and impatience among people. As I commute with the morning newspaper in hand, I notice the frustration among people, and wonder how strong an organization can be, if it stands on the shoulders of such a tired lot. It seems that this feeling of helplessness has put to rest the excitement of life, and while the human remains, the values diminish.
The solution is not very difficult. All it would require is a compassionate approach. It vital for us to understand that mere recognition of an employees’ effort would not only enhance his/her professional spirit, but also would send out a signal that you respect the one committed to excellence.
The dictionary tells me that the human values comprise of love, peace, truth and non-violence and many similar words. I do not doubt that, but have one question in mind; “Will the peace and love sustain when all I would be focusing on would be to land a business deal? And that too, when my manager’s words ‘get it by hook or crook’ echo in my ears?” The idea of todays corporate and traditional ‘care for each man’ philosophy going hand in hand may have issues, but there is hope.
Generation Y has displayed a considerable interest towards social issues. It gives me immense pleasure when I notice that today’s generation resents authority. The feeling of freedom inculcates the sense of not bullying others, and this ripple effect would lay foundation to a great human utopia.
After all, the challenge is not to win once; it is to maintain your winning performance.
