Competition: A Sick Culture

Let's consider a scenario: In a school class, there are 50 students. Among them, Kamal achieved the highest score in the exam, while Boltu, even though he didn't fail, ended up at the bottom. Naturally, the first student is elated, and the next few are somewhat disappointed.

After completing formal education, Kamal excelled in engineering after passing the Buet entrance exam. But Boltu somehow graduated with a third division and did not get a job anywhere.

However, Boltu graduated in a different field without finding a job. He was forced to gather a modest sum with a heavy heart and start a small business. After a decade of hard work and a stroke of luck, he became a successful entrepreneur. Five years later, when Kamal's previous institution closed down, he got a job at Boltu's establishment.

In other words, Kamal, who joined the school as the first student, ended up as the last student. This situation is not entirely unexpected. In Finland's schools, there are no exams. The environment is designed for thought. No one in the world possesses unique qualities. Those interested in higher education will establish formal institutions. Those who are uninterested will pick their career paths at a young age. Some might become musicians, actors, or skilled mechanics. It's possible that someone will be a musician, actor, or skilled mechanic and find contentment in their choices without ever feeling regret.

Upon careful consideration, it becomes evident that students don't perform poorly in exams due to a lack of intelligence but rather due to a lack of interest. Furthermore, art is not a competitive field. It's about creation and enjoyment. So, when a music or photography competition is announced, it can be distressing and discouraging. The country's renowned musicians did not emerge from competitions. Similarly, S.M. Sultan or Humayun Faridi did not come from competitions. Visual artists like Steve McCurry, Mario Testino, or Cindy Sherman did not arise from competitions. They all became accomplished in their respective fields because of their deep passion, love, and dedication to their art.

The original article was authored by a bird enthusiast named Quazi Sanjeed and has been translated from Bengali to English.