Lessons from the movie "3 Idiots" - Tips for Every Scholar

I have a story to share with you. Before we get to that, let me say that knowledge is power and one of the most powerful tools in the hands of the wise. It is invaluable.

Some years ago, I met a young man, Jonah, an engineering student. He was unique in his approach to life and studies. While most other colleagues of his were studying to pass their examinations, Jonah studied and was ready to learn. He enrolled as an apprentice with an 'electrician', paid monthly fees for added knowledge. He did not live in luxury. While people were jiving and rocking, he spent his meager resources on books, breadboards, and electronic components. In his antepenultimate year, he was already good enough to assist in the design of projects for the finalists (people much his senior). Engineering was his passion.

His story is not far from that in the "3 idiots".

Here in the School of Engineering, Rancho, Farhan, and Raju coincidentally were webbed together as roommates. Farhan Qureshi loved wildlife photography, but due to pressure, went to study Engineering; Raju Rastogi loved Engineering but was filled with the fear of failure. He wore more charms and holy rings than he studied. Ranchhoddas Chanchad was different. Others studied physics, he applied it. Engineering was his passion. Rancho questioned and challenged conventions at every stage. He believed that man should not be robots, which follow a professor's every command blindly: that for sure did not go down well with the professors. He constantly was thrown out of classes. When thrown out of one, he would slip into another. He said, “first year or forth year, it's knowledge. Just grab it!" He loved machines. Whenever he spotted them, he opened them. Some he could re-assemble, some he could not. There was another just like him - Joy Lobo. He was also good but the variation was in their attitudes to life. Lobo could not stand the pressure. He hung himself with the inscription, "I QUIT".

Rancho had a rival in school. Chatur was a great student also. His methods were different. All he wanted was to make good grades and get a good job. His dreams came true. He was the second best in school. He graduated, got a nice job, married a beautiful woman (dream of every young man), lived in a great mansion ($3.5m), and bought a brand new Lambhorghini 6496. Life was sweet according to him. In his case, Rancho (actually Wangdu) was not just successful, he excelled. Rancho did not work for companies, he owned companies; he was an innovator. He became a great scientist with over 400 patents. Great men from far and near came to seek favor (that includes Chatur for sure). Note that true success is all about influence. Rancho affected more lives than just buying cars and houses. I see him as a complete success. 

The high point of this post is this: "Follow Excellence and Success will Chase you Pants Down". I bet you, that's a movie to see - 3 idiots. Now let's look at some of the philosophies of the act Rancho. Rancho believed in the acquisition of skills and knowledge. In other words, when we study, we should do that with all our hearts but not just for grades. We study not for affluence, but to be accomplished. That tells us that the essence of study is not just to pass examinations, but to acquire knowledge. Most times, people approach education not with the mindset to learn something new, but to obtain good grades, get the certificate and earn a living. It is not uncommon for a student to get an 'A' in a course and forget the content of the course after only a few months. Little wonder some people argue that examination, as it is called, is not a true test of knowledge. 

The last thing I want to point out here is that "when passion is made to be the profession, then work becomes fun". Work can be enjoyed if we do what we love. It does not appear tedious when it is enjoyed. That means that we need to find the area we are passionate about, and then pursue a career therein. When we are done, we would find more fulfillment in life. Though we may earn a little less and drive smaller cars, but we will be truly happy. That satisfaction is what matters. That is what success is. Take note however that if you excel in your profession, success without fail will follow you... See you at the top.