Thepfulhoukho Kuotsu
Imagine yourself a die-hard football fan. Let us suppose that FIFA, out of the blue, has decided to conduct the next World Cup Final in your hometown. What would your reaction be like? Wow! Give me five – a thousand times. Certainly, there would be a sense of incredulity. I guess the expressions will be priceless. No wonder in this part of the world, the beautiful game has caught the attention of the beholder’s eye, young and old alike. Perhaps, the game is never boring. Unlike the never ending cricket test match, football requires a little more than an hour. This is good enough for anyone to relax and watch it.
As we know, football is an art. With individual brilliance as an exception, it requires solid team work in the pitch, i.e., from goal keeping to playmaker till the striking position. Of course the philosophy and method of play differs significantly from one team to another. The managing coach remains an integral part of the team. Not to mention the decision of match officials and referees who ensure safety of the game within a given rule. So far so good, the mercurial fans are an icing on the cake.
Over the years and decades, the game has produced extraordinary players and legends. With the presence of gifted players such as Maradona, Pele, Cruff, Zidane, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Neymar, five times Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and host of others, the game is always turning more special than ever. Their unique styles and signature moves have not ceased to amaze the audience across the footballing world.
The story of the beautiful game, however, does not end here. Indeed, as in movie, there is a shift in the plot. The intended shift is more of a metaphor or an analogy where the focus is obsessively not on the football game per se. Rather, it is just a passing reference to something more engaging as we revisit our societal context today. While not forgetting the beautiful game, I think, there is a need to raise questions pertaining to issues that concerns us.
Consider ourselves, including our immediate associates– fellow tribe, fellowship, political group, business partner, office and professional colleague, farming folk, clubbed in the same team. Here, the imaginary team is referred to society. Would we not try to do everything possible in order to bring the best outcome? In saying this, I would not advocate the kind of result-oriented action or adhere to strict legality. For any scheme of things or act driven by result alone can be both misleading and devastating. For in doing so the decency and the sanctity of the beautiful game often stand at a losing end. Sadly, this phenomenon is costing us dearly as we increasingly surge our pursuit towards such direction. Therefore, couple of questions arise. How do we know that we are in a critical phase of history? How can we adequately address this precarious situation we are in? I suppose there is no readymade guidebook or easy explanation to it. Today, it is quite understandable that a society in transition faces scores of unprecedented turmoil, public frustration and social discontent. At the heart of such crisis, and under the vicious system, the ultimate victims are the people themselves. Reflecting on the seasons that have gone by, we often find ourselves at lost in the face of such predicaments. Amidst the tumultuous events, a great deal of reasoning is embarked upon. The ever widening gap within the society is an alarming threat to the good human life. Where do we go now? Surely, there must be a password to unlock the dilemma. On this note, I wish to bring the “beautiful game” in perspective so as to draw a lesson.
Noticeably, the Catalan experiment is one of its kinds. The Catalan club, FC Barcelona, has firmly established itself as a powerhouse over the past few decades. The reason behind this is pretty simple. Set a foundation or perhaps, an academy that revolves around a sound philosophy. Apparently, Johan Cruff has been credited to have propounded the “Total football.” The idea is to play a free flowing football in the pitch. The manifestation of this philosophy is popularly called “tiki taka” or one touch pass. It is true that the club has achieved so much success in terms of winning trophies and accolades. Besides winning, they continue to exhibit one of the most attractive footballing styles which remain uniquely beautiful.
Let alone the beautiful game, there is the social world which is even more spirited. Plainly speaking, however, the social world is also subjected to multiple complexities. Nonetheless, the basic objective of a given society is to figure out the values, virtues and the philosophy or worldview with which it can embrace. Only then can a society exhibit a decent and free flowing encompassing life. Undoubtedly, there are traces and footprints that help us rediscover the flourishing life amidst the roaring tidal waves.
It is true that we have been living under our own stereotypical shadow for too long. It is true that we are barred from exhibiting the good life because of the sustained injuries we have suffered for seasons together. It is true that we have faced the brunt of injustices. It is true that we are obliged to carry the age old baggage. It is true that the misplaced influences have made our life difficult to strike a balance. In my observation, these are some of the blind spots obstructing the society’s vision.
Well, a new season has arrived. The time has come for us to defy the odds. The Catalan experiment is a useful tool here. Stay resolute to one’s hard earned values, hold fast the virtues, and build a society upon sound philosophy. The rest history will say. Likewise, are we prepared for such change? Could we collectively reason together? Remember, a thing of beauty is a joy forever. Behold! We live in an extraordinary time.
The author is a Research Student at JNU, New Delhi. Feedbacks and comments can be sent to akhojnu@gmail.com or teizeipfii.blogspot.in
