A Tale of Two Eras

By Pragya Pandey

3rd Year, BA Sociology Honours

"Those were the days, my friend... when life was a playground, and worries were few." I let out a deep breath thinking about it while embodying the weight of student life at my college library, surrounded by piles upon piles of textbooks. Laughter and wild imagination came rushing to the forefront as I found myself drifting towards the more casual instances of my childhood.

One of the Panchatantra tales featuring a witty animal and a wise one beat many of my childhood memories and it is titled 'The Monkey and the Crocodile’. It was a delight to see the manipulative crocodile face off against a cunning monkey, and in my defense the first time I came across this particular story, I was enthralled - I recall even chuckling audibly at the end of it.

However, as I meditated on this story, I came to the conclusion that my life had turned out to be an indefinite battle against a much more subtle opponent: the need to meet high expectations, the pressure to perform, and endless worries about an unpredictable future. "The rat race," I muttered, shaking my head. "When did college life become so complicated?"

I was the monkey, vigilant all the time as if I were going to be grabbed and gobbled by the crocodile of deadlines, anxiety, and the burden of high expectations. "Missing out on things..., trying to keep up with the rest... it's a mistake world!" I said feeling down and out as if there was no way.

Yet, recollection of the wise aphorisms from my childhood became my guide: "The monkey that thinks best is also the smartest one." At this moment, I was able to feel a sense of determination that had been hidden inside of me. I wanted to stop being in the rat race and become more loving and empathetic- things that are not just apart from academic recognition but also provide joy of creating and relating to others.

I sat there, gaining a greater sense of clarity as I absorbed the scene. It was then that I understood how abhorrent being an "automated slave" to "the system" really was. I not only could follow my passion of combining the pursuit of my academic goals with my principles and values, but I could make my own path as well.

I shut my laptop and stood up with a firm step. I took a deep breath, feeling like a heavy pack off my back, and thought that I did not notice it was gone. It was my time now to be strong enough to face life and not become one of the individuals who are involved in a rat race rather than enjoy the pleasure of reflecting and experiencing the thrill of creating for themselves.

The monkey's problem was solved through the power of self-discovery and determination. It was time for me to unleash my internal strength and shape a brighter future that would be authentic, mindful, and truly my own.