November 2008

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RW DGM' s MESSAGE FOR NOVEMBER 2008

TALENT AND CHARACTER

We are in the midst of the cricket frenzy, what with Test Matches, Twenty-Twenty competitions, and the national celebrations attending upon Tendulkar’s ascent to the Everest of run-getting, in Test Match Cricket of 12,000 runs.

Tendulkar the Cricketer has proved undoubtedly over almost two decades that he is a rare cricketing talent, and one that is seen perhaps once in a life-time. More than his talent which is god-like, it is his character and persona that is truly singular and worthy of emulation, and of our awe-filled respect.

Many have talents, in all sorts of activities and fields, but it is very rarely that Talent is backed up by character and moral fibre. Often enough, huge talent even in sportsmen is exposed to corruption and degradation over time, because of an inability to deal with the fame, pomp and circumstance that their exploits deliver to them. It would be unkind to name names but a moment’s reflection on anyone’s part will bring forth examples of the falling from grace, of many sportspersons and others who have been blessed, with prodigious talent.

Therefore, we need to address this problem, as it were, to protect the talented, from embryo to full development, by providing the various inputs necessary to breed character. Coaches of various kinds – from parents to teachers, to the professional sports mentors, all need to pay a great deal of attention to building character in their wards. Sportspersons particularly, arrive at great riches and popular worship at a relatively tender age, when if improperly prepared, they can succumb to the various temptations that such sudden success can bring in its wake.

Tendulkar obviously had a very strong moral under-pinning provided by his middle-class parents who instilled in him the values which his persona today exemplifies in his attitudes and humble acceptance of his enormous success. His coach, Achrekar, to whom he himself often refers, was obviously another provider of moral imperatives, to add to his sporting inputs.

Our Brotherhood provides enough scope for focusing upon elements of character – to those amongst us, especially those who are talented in their various avocations. Freemasonry provides all the lessons required to deal with both success and the occasional failure, as well. To stress a point, we have many talented ritualists but what about developing Men of strong (Masonic) character ? Our Mentoring program should try to provide answers to this question.

With all the fear-ful fireworks going off in financial markets world-wide, we hope you have all, nevertheless, had a festive and bright Diwali and a Happy New Year to follow.