March 16, 2007

The Goddess of Wealth

Brahmins in India should rest assured. Across the border, Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth – is being worshipped by some with equal fervour. Indeed, the ardor for avarice is becoming a persuasive factor.
It has been announced that the World Cup–bound Pakistan Cricket squad would be showered with money if they win the tournament or do reasonably well.
It is an indictment of our times that cash inducements are being seen as an incentive for the national team to do its duty. There was a time when playing and fighting for Pakistan was by itself enough.
The current Pakistan Cricket Team should be made to trudge to the humble abode of Pakistan’s legendary sportsman, Fazal Mahmood, who ran through the batting might of India, England, Australia, and West Indies, often single-handedly. Despite being a high-ranking police officer, he chose to live the life of a dervish. His most prized possession at his Garhi Shahu house at Lahore was a black couch gifted by Allama Iqbal to his father, Professor Ghulam Hussain of Islamia College.
The cash-for-cricket scheme could be broadened and applied to others for just doing their job. Cash incentives could also be announced for the following: policemen for registering FIRs; judges for giving a fair hearing; bureaucrats for not taking bribes; employees for not embezzling; ministers for attending their offices; restaurants for not serving stale and adulterated food; journalists for reporting accurately; pharmacists for not selling fake medicine; and surgeons for not killing their patients in the operating theatre. Where is the line drawn?
What if there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Would it justify a sub-standard effort?
On the flip side, what happens if they don’t win or do well enough? Is there a threat of a shoe-beating to the team and its management to gratify the ire of an enraged and disappointed public?
It is a given that any team that brings laurels to the nation gets plenty of material rewards. Outstanding effort has to be recognized. To proclaim it before-hand only highlights the obvious and does nothing for morale and motivation.
It creates the unnecessary pressure of playing for a plot of land instead of for the homeland. To quote the French-Algerian writer, Albert Camus: “The struggle itself for the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart.”
Lust for lucre has been a problem. The fate of fallen idols underscores this point and, so too, the soiled reputations of many others.
When Tariq ibn-Ziyad in 711 AD landed with his troops in Gibraltar for the conquest of Spain, and ordered the burning of his boats, he inspired his men through his immortal call to arms: “Behind you is the sea, before you, the enemy. You have left now only the hope of your courage and your constancy.” His message was clear. There is no option but to march forward to victory.