Former HCL CEO, Vineet Nayar, has shared a thought-provoking post on LinkedIn about the significance of the CBSE board exams. Nayar, who is now the founder of Sampark Foundation, suggests that parents and students should stop treating these exams like the Oscars of their lives. He emphasizes that nobody cares about one’s marks, and they are not a defining factor in determining success or achievements. Nayar uses the analogy of Bollywood item songs, comparing marks to a supporting actor who may be important at the time but is ultimately irrelevant to the overall plot.
Nayar also notes that top performers in his batch, who were excellent students, did not always achieve success in life. He points out that these high-achievers burned out quickly, while those who were not top performers are now doing well. This highlights the fact that life is like a Netflix series, with ups and downs, rather than a 3-hour Bollywood blockbuster.
Nayar’s message is clear: parents should stop putting pressure on their children, and students should not define their worth by their marks. Instead, they should focus on their story, journey, and abilities, and shape their own futures. He cautions that grades don’t define a person, and it’s up to individuals to create their own path. By shifting the focus from marks to individual stories, Nayar believes that students and parents can develop a healthier and more realistic approach to life.