The Ordinary and The VIPs (Very Important People)


Many times in the social context one juggles with these two identities. At times one finds an immense comfort and solace in not having any power or status of being a VIP.

Being one amongst the crowd is not having a face to show sitting in a corner with all the substantive-ness you may have.

Ordinariness is also about the choice one makes in life irrespective of the competent and resourceful individual one may be.

The VIP always looks for power and authority even in small things of life. He always wants to be first in the line, first in a row, and everywhere the first person to talk. His views and status are imposed on others in any social context or gatherings.

At times, he pushes himself so much that others get humiliated and pressurized with his demands. He is also the person whom people laugh at behind his back.

The ordinary people get all the work done through their own efforts, ability, and a silent power that they have on others. He is not flashy in his outlook yet very powerful because of the sober nature and authority which he possesses.

Many a time in life it is important that I juggle between these two options in life. When I crave for the first row in aeroplane is not because of the status but because of the comfort it provides me. I like to travel business class not because of its attached label of power to it but because it is definitely a more comfortable mode of travel.

But, when people pay extra money to be in the first row in temples or get a private darshan of the gods my heart bleeds. I would never go to a temple by paying extra money to stand in the first row.

However, if there is a medical emergency or legal crisis or a social crisis, I would do everything possible to be the VIP and gain advantage.

Hence, I think this option is also very situational and valued based. When something is very significant to me and is almost like a crisis I don’t mind being a VIP. But it is only for a social status that makes me feel more important than the rest of the world, I would rather be the ordinary person sitting in the corner.

So each one of us makes a choice based on personal values and personal needs in a particular context. I am nobody to pass a judgment. Yet it is a reflection that one can be aware of. 

Author:-Dr. Nayana Shah (Ph.D.)

           Director, Manthan

             Ahmedabad

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