Today, social media platforms like Instagram allow a few influencers to earn a lot of money by showcasing their lifestyles and charm. This situation contrasts sharply with the lives of professionals like Doctors, engineers, educators, and legal practitioners.
These professionals fulfil essential societal functions but frequently need equivalent visibility. As a result, the importance of education and hard work is being overshadowed.
A recent example highlights this issue. A well-known influencer posted a photo pretending to be a bookworm, smiling while holding "The Diary of a Young Girl." This book is a severe account of Anne Frank’s life during the Holocaust, and the influencer’s smile showed a lack of understanding about its content. Such incidents demonstrate how influencers, often more celebrated for their looks than their knowledge, can set poor examples for their followers. Young people may believe superficial qualities are more important than education and learning.
Consider the story of "MBA Chaiwala," who gained fame and wealth by selling tea. He used his MBA knowledge for clever marketing instead of pursuing a traditional business career. While his entrepreneurial success is impressive, it’s troubling that he gains more recognition and money than many professionals who have spent years studying and working hard. This situation sends a misleading message: that being good at marketing or social media is more valuable than hard work and expertise.
The situation in education adds to this problem. For example, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the decision by West Bengal to pass all students due to the pandemic show how academic standards can be lowered. While meant to help, these decisions can make education seem less critical. When students are passed too quickly, it undermines those who work hard and the teachers who strive to maintain high standards.
Our society often values visibility and charm over hard work and actual knowledge. Influencers can set poor standards, while essential professionals need to be adequately recognised. We need to change this by celebrating achievements and ensuring education remains necessary. By doing so, we can create a culture that respects knowledge, hard work, and tangible accomplishments in both professional and academic fields.