‘AND MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP…’
~ROBERT FROST
As teenagers, full of energy and zeal, we often plan to do a lot of things in life but gradually with time, overburdened with responsibilities, we end up being a part of the crowd. Is life all about securing a job and settling down? Everyone in this world is born ordinary, that’s fine, but shall they die the same or do something extraordinary and build their own distinct irreplaceable identity among billions to be reminisced forever. I’ve a firm desire to become a widely familiar face in the world, to not lead a typical life and to leave this world with a place in people’s memory and heart. But when I actually caught this bug? Interested in knowing?
Being a meritorious student right from childhood, I’d remained quite a well-known name among classmates and teachers. But did this idea strike right at that age? Of course not! I was as happy go lucky and playful as kids of my age, along with being sincere towards studies. My tenth board result although got me a spot in the local newspaper but future plans were very ordinary at that point of time, just to hold a good and respectable status in society and make my parents proud. After matriculation, I’d seriously decided to go for civil services, become an IAS Officer and work for society. The idea was uncommon as all of my fellow classmates were gearing up for IIT. But I did stick to my target, not paying heed to any of the stereotypes. Having done my graduation, I kicked off my IAS preparation. Meanwhile got a job in a state government department; I was reluctant to join at first but considering the financial scenario of my family, I took up the job. It was at the early age of 22. There I got to see politicians enjoying huge publicity and officers including District Collector engaged in making arrangements for them. What annoyed me the most was, the officers who are actually making policy implementation successful at grass-root levels have no worth. People hardly recognize even the district collector, forget others. Working under intense pressure, compromising on my studies yet getting minimal recognition, I found myself lost somewhere in the mob of individuals just struggling for bread. I’d always wished to be in public service but was also greatly fond of being in public eye. That very moment I promised myself not to get restricted only to one job rather be versatile and gain as much fame as I can. Before embarking upon this journey, did good amount of research surfing over the internet, read loads of stuff about the lives of like-minded civil servants, held several rounds of deliberations with friends and intellectuals on “How to Get Famous”, gone through days of perplex on, even depression. I’ve always been immensely influenced by Dr Abdul Kalam sir, an epitome of versatility and in dubiously one of the most eminent public figures, but one thing I’ve always kept in my mind in this endeavor is that the story of my life is different from the people I admire and therefore I’ve to work on it my way, not to replicate them. Hence was consistent with my IAS preparation mindful of the fact that this profession is about service before self, name and fame being only its by-products. I began contemplating upon something that doesn’t clash with my would-be profession. In cultural arena, music had remained extremely close to my heart ever since and when it came to sports it was javelin throw. Music was fascinating especially when it came to grabbing attention and love of public but not at all a viable option in my case. Hence had to drop it off from the list. Besides it, among the few ideas which I had in my brain box for gaining international popularity were:
- Work as a SCIENTIST, discover something mind boggling and become a NOBEL LAUREATEOR,
- Participate in OLYMPICS and fetch a gold medal for the country OR,
- Join politics and become PRIMEMINISTER of the country OR,
- Get my name in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS by some never-attempted-before task
The first alternative was relatively feasible as while graduating, I developed profound interest in Physics subject. I made a choice to go with the second one but only after clearing IAS. Noteworthy here is people do their job passionately and become popular but I was looking now for something that could make me popular. Did this tickle your funny bone a bit? Never mind!
I strived to be famous in present job along with making future plans. This way three years passed on in the same department,managed to garner popularity but only on local level. Finding hard to balance my office tasks and studies, Idecided to quit my job and devote my time completely for civil services exam preparation. Indeed it was the toughest phase of my life, thanksto my relatives all around.After a year-long struggleand with constant support from parents,I aced the exam with flying colors.Media rushed in from aroundfor interviewand I could actually get the feel I was longing for “The feel of CELEBRITY”.Warmwishes and sweets from all over,I was overwhelmedwith delight to catchmy snap in the national daily and my interviews on national news channels.Thus, finally I’d managed to get a place among lakhs but, to be specific,at national level.In spite of being in limelight for appreciable number of days, I was continually looking forward to proceed with my next target i.e., Olympics. Till date, one word I often get to hear suffixed to my name is “MAD”. Well I won’t completely disagree as I’m a normal creature with an abnormal mindset.
After successfully completing my training, I was posted as Sub Divisional Magistrate in a district. I was gratified as I’d become perfectly capable to bring smile on people’s face through my work. My parents wanted me to get married but obviously I can’t as the craving for limelight is still alive. After months of posting, I hired a coach for javelin throw and started practicing vigorously on a regular basis. The game wasn’t all of a new venture for me as prior to this I had played it during school and college days; was quite doubtful initially as this time the target is Olympics, still it’s always better to give something a “START” optimistically rather than keeping the same in the pipeline, eventually giving it up. Since the way to Olympics was a long one and being aware of the truth that people are going to keep you in their memory till the time you’ve the caliber to prove your presence in some or the other way, I pondered over to refresh my name in media. The registrations for the high rated quiz show “KAUN BANEGA CROREPATI” were on and I being an ardent fan of the same, thought to give it a shot. Fortunately got a call from the team and after rounds of interview I was there on “HOT SEAT” in front of the legendary actor Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, harnessed my knowledge acquired during IAS studies and won heavy prize money. Once again, with my name and picture being in the spotlight, I became a widely acclaimed figure in my family and acquaintances; pleased to watch myself winning mammoth amount on national television. But after few days of glamour, again the same question started haunting me “How long people are going to remember my name?” Probably not for a very longtime. So preparation for olympics is on track and will keep going till the goal is accomplished.
So, I think by now it can be comprehendedwhy I’ve quoted the magnificent lines of Sir Frost’s poem at the inception of my story. I’m still not sure whether I’ll make it to Olympics podium one day but will certainly get my name inscribed in golden letters in history before going into eternal sleep.
Lately, I’ve acknowledged the reality that no fame in this world is perpetual. If one wants his identity to remain everlasting in public, one should never take a back seat in life rather keep on moving like a river.
By: POOJA TIWARI
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