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The Sports Day at a kindergarten annually showcased many colourful drills, a march past and races. The aim was not about winning or losing; it was seen more as fun and an opportunity for interaction between parents, children and teachers. Children absorb every new experience, and outdoor activity shapes them well beyond books.
Every year, teachers and staff dug deep and worked on all the detailing, and the efficient teamwork ensured no stone was left unturned for the event’s success. From the time of their arrival, the parents captured every angle and move on their cameras.
The excitement reached its peak when their children lined up on the start line of the race. Right from the word ‘Go’, parents followed the little champs. Their loud cheering could be heard ringing all around the arena. Towards the finish, parents were again busy adjusting the camera, capturing the little steps into the winning frame. With their adrenaline pumping high, the race ended amidst millions of clicks.
Calming themselves, parents then eagerly awaited the results. When results were announced, a few parents objected to this outcome and started to argue. In the aftermath, things led to an ugly fight and discontentment. When things began to get out of control, management decided to step in, and eventually, the battle snowballed into the principal’s office for reviewing the nail-biting finish in a 50 m race.
After a lot of discussions and dialogues, all contenders were given prizes. This disgruntled victory may have tasted sweet to a few parents, but the bitterness of that incident can still be felt by many parents. After that year the school closed its doors for parents on sports day, making it an ‘in-house’ affair. ‘Success tastes sweet when its secret is sweat.’ Winning that race was not the end of the road; it was more as if the egos were at stake. A Buddhist quote reads, “Expecting and accepting are two different things in life. Where expecting ends in tears, accepting may bring some cheer.”
Success won on a battleground cannot guarantee happiness. After winning the great battle of Kurukshetra against their own cousins, the Pandavas never felt victorious or celebrated their success. The battle fought for righteousness and dharma witnessed only death and destruction, as war had consumed too many souls. Ultimately, they renounced the mortal world and moved beyond to the heavenly abode.