The other day I was talking to my brother that I was once recognized by the same newspaper that I am often used to reading. It is not a matter of amount but it’s the push to boost one’s morale. If one keeps on writing but gets no appreciation then it’s the end of the chapter. This shows how appreciation is important to motivate oneself to do more and more. My brother reminded me about a particular State-level function at MSD School in Bathinda, where the World Cup hockey team manager Balbir Singh Sr. and coach Gurcharan Singh Bodhi were present on the stage. My brother though a young lad, was very good at imitating the voice of the great commentator Sardar Jasdev Singh. So he was given a chance to show this talent on the stage. Balbir Singh Sr. was so happy that he gave him Rs 20 as a token of appreciation. Then Mr Bodhi also got up and gave Rs 5 to him. Though now it sounds strange, in the year 1975, it was a prized sum.
The above reminded me of a prize distribution function at Government Rajindra College, Bathinda where I had bagged many positions in athletics. To my surprise, when my name was announced and I went up on the stage to receive the prize from the-then DC Ms. Poonam Khetarpal and had never expected that I would be given a plastic ‘tokri’ and simple things like torches etc., as prizes. Actually, I used to feel pretty embarrassed to receive such prizes from the Deputy Commissioner at such a well-known college in Punjab.Once when I topped the History exam and was asked to go to the library and choose one book that I would get as a prize. I still remember the sense of joy and pride I had felt. I used to get many prizes on the 15 August and 26 January Relay races in my hometown too. There also we used to get T-shirts, bed sheets, towels, etc., which speaks volumes of the actual state of the Sports Department. Once my uncle and aunt were appreciating my medals, which I had won while studying at the PU campus, in Chandigarh. Seeing my gold medals my aunt was awestruck and unable to control herself, simply asked if they were made of pure gold, much to the amusement of everyone present. I remember once I was also rewarded by Punjabi University, Patiala Sports Department for my achievements in various sports disciplines.
Now when I see my cups, medals, trophies, college and University Colours, I feel proud of my achievements. When one is on a winning spree, one does not have time to think, but later on, one understands why the students are awarded or rewarded, no matter how big or small the prize is.
Rewards tend to create a feeling of pride and achievement among students thus motivating them to be more productive. But if one is not recognized it demoralises also.