TO BE A JUDGE OR NOT ?

I always used to think that judging or to be a judge is so easy. You just have to sit on a separate chair away from all but center of attraction of everybody as everyone’s eyes are on you and like a king give your opinion.

But I soon came out of my delusions and I realized that Judging is totally a different experience. (And worth all the anxieties also)

Actually today I was asked to judge a painting competition and a Jodi No 1
couple) competition in some women’s social group

I was very apprehensive whether I will be able to do justice to the honour which has been bestowed on me?

Whether I will be able to do impartial judgement?

What if I miss out on some aspect?

What if the contestants are not happy with my judgement (everyone has their own preferences?)

What if someone criticizes my results?

I was sure it is going to be a nightmarish experience.

While I was musing over this, I was reminded of a Hindi classic story “PANCH PARMESHWAR BY MUNSHI PREMCHAND (I am sure no one from the present generation would have heard of him , just Google and see ). This is the famous story of two friends. Algu is the village chief and when it comes to do the justice, he doesn't spare his best friend Jumman. Since Jumman did not get Algu's favour, friends become foes. But at the end, when Jumman gets the chance to sit on the judgement seat, the realization comes now when the tables are turned and finally "Justice" wins. And then everyone says that the one who sits on the chair of judge cannot do injustice.

So taking inspiration from this story I went for the challenging job of judging. All the way to the venue I was continuously chanting that when you hold a position then certainly some responsibilities comes along with it which may defer you from being prejudiced towards any particular.

Luckily for me I knew none of the contestants but to adjudge fellow human beings, that too elderly ladies, all superseding one another it was a herculean task.

I was completely baffled as there was no clear cut out rules to select the best. I went on cutting and overwriting the marks, changing my opinions after the exit of each contestant. My writing pad was a complete mess. I was busy hiding it from the probing eyes of others (what will they think of me? such a messy lady)

(Hats off to all those judges who sit so confidently, calmly, patiently with smiles on their faces during all those beauty contests and reality shows)

Any ways to cut the whole thing short it finally got over and also came up with the same stereotyped speech that everyone was good and it was very difficult to select the best but I have tried my best etc etc.

Before the program I had vowed that I will never take this post again

BUT after the program I think that it was not all that bad experience and I may take another shot at it.