Gone are the days of the cave men: who made wheels, exchanged ape-like grins and pretty much stopped right there. Today, we need more. In this complex genetic milieu, the newest life form is the Me-Too aspirant. S/he lives in feverish obeisance to their hallowed commandment: Follow thy neighbour. To IIM or Timbuktu.
Cramming for grades only because they heard that someone heard someone (… to n levels) say that grades might count.
Ditching mass-bunks because their cousin’s relative’s old classmate may have lost a seat at B because of (hold your breath) low attendance.
Solving mock-CATs because we all need smart sals and even smarter matrimonial ads.
(Even old darling The Economic Times, is reborn in its rehashed Gadag and Shetty avatar.) Mugging up company balance sheets, earnings reports… the works because hey, you are never too ready for the interviews.
Reading Jeffrey Archer because the topper at the 4th best institute recommended it in Competition Success Review.
Solving crossies because it takes care of part of a 5000-word list.
Going fast because one needs a head start.
Going slow because one shouldn’t ‘peak early’.
Living, breathing and existing because of the neighbour.