Nothing succeeds like success!

Paltu and Puttan were taking a leisurely stroll after their lunch on a May Sunday afternoon. More than cousins they were the best of buddies. Generally every week on Saturdays they would visit each other and then stay back for a sleepover. Both their fathers were sepoys in the Indian army and were posted in Meerut.

Now any one who has stayed in northern India during summers knows how hot it can be. Afternoons can be killing! Even birds and animals think twice before venturing out in the blazing sun. But not these boys. Come rain or shine - nothing could discourage them from spending time with each other. They simply loved to hang out together.

Suddenly a black Mercedes Benz E class zips past them. For a moment none could move. They were speechless with awe. After a moment Paltu tells Puttan " You know what Puttan, at times I wish my father had studied hard and was more successful. At least we would have settled for a Pajero!"

So this is how today's generation defines success. A multinational job, bigger car, spacious house, fatter paycheck, foreign travel. You become the toast and envy of your inner circle if you have all of these to boot. Hmm...don't trust me; please pick up any Sunday newspaper and read the matrimonial section. "Professionally qualified match for 6ft, 28yrs teetotaller IIT/IIM grad.;working in USA, earning 75lakhs/annum. Only IITs/IIMs need apply. Girl should be willing to relocate to US. Early marriage preferred." Poor girl! She seems to be buying a husband.

No doubt Paltu and Puttan and many more of their ilk are dazzled by the razzmatazz of the glitzy life that money provides. Everyone seems to be running after money, success, name and fame without even thinking if its worth it!

But is this success? Some one told me the other day " If you think money can't buy happiness then go to the right shop". No doubt money can buy everything today. From surrogate mothers to designer babies everything can be provided for. Recently there was this story about the multi-millionaire in the US who ordered the most expensive coffin for himself. Ever wonder about the multitude of people who cannot even afford a shelter over their head when they are alive. Who cares what happens when one dies?

So is this success? And what about the scores of people who died fighting for a cause?  No one remembers them.  There were thousands who did not hesitate to lay down their lives believing in a just cause. Gong by today's standards they cannot be called successful, can they? What will my so called successful friends say about Subhash Chandra Bose or Che Guevara?  Each lived and died for a cause. A cause they fiercely believed in. A cause for which each moved heaven and earth. A cause which finally consumed them.

And what about Paltu and Puttan's parents?  Dare they call themselves successful! You see they have no big car to flaunt. The blood, toil and tears which they shed everyday trying to stay put in a unjust world cannot be qualified as success. Eking out a living, providing a shelter for their families, a decent education for their children, saving a portion of the meagre they earn so that their daughters can be married properly - is this success? No their success parameters have already been defined by their own children!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door." I have always known that better mouse trap is believing in a right cause even if one has to give up his life, loving till it hurts, caring for aged parents, bringing up a child with special needs, planting a tree, going for the early morning walk, expressing your love to your spouse or partner, watching the sunset, starting out on your own with nothing but hope in your heart, tending to the plants in your garden, giving birth to a healthy baby or simply leaving the world a bit better.  Remember you might not walk this path again!

Please do not misunderstand me. Earning money is not an anathema. But measuring the quality of your life with the amount of money you earn is. There can be no limit to what you earn. The quality of your dreams cannot be guaranteed by a silken night gown. A hard surface and a clear conscience can give you a better night's sleep than Valium! What is the guarantee that a Mercedes will fulfil all wishes? It will soon be replaced by a Bentley which will be replaced by a chopper. A chopper will soon give way to a private jet. A few days with the jet will pave the way for space travel. So what is the deal?

Poor Paltu ! He could never tell his parents that he loves theatre so much that he wants to pursue stage as a career.  That is his first love. And Puttan - he could never muster the courage to tell his father how crazy he is to take up a fine art course after school. Their filial obedience. They do not  have the heart to see the dreams of their parents shattered. Who cares if in the bargain their hopes and aspirations are lost? 

Paltu and Puttan will be successful one day. They will have everything that money can buy. A big mansion on an upmarket street and a big car in their garage. Their children will go to the most expensive school in the country. They will travel to the most exotic locale for their vacation and each might present their spouse the best gift money can buy. But they will not be the real Paltu or Puttan. For the real Paltu and Puttan will never grow up.This money minded and success oriented world will never let them grow up.

Meanwhile the Mercedes returns back. This time it screeches to a halt in front of the two starry eyed teenagers. A strapping six foot tall man with gelled hair steps out. He swears by Prada and Gucci. Politely he asks Paltu and Puttan if he could take them on a joy ride. 

Well tighten your seat belts Paltu and Puttan. Your journey on the success highway has just begun!

Hope to see you successful one day!