The Folly of Pride in Birth and the Power of Personal Achievement

 In a country as diverse and culturally rich as India, identity often shapes how we see ourselves and others. From caste and religion to ethnicity, social class, and even physical appearance, many take pride in traits they inherit at birth. But what if this pride is misplaced? What if the things we hold dear—our fair skin, our upper-caste status, our ancestral lineage—are merely the luck of the draw? This article explores why we, especially in India where such thinking is yet to permeate the mainstream, should rethink pride in inherited traits and instead celebrate what we achieve through effort, values, and growth.

The Illusion of Inherited Pride

Let’s start with a simple truth: none of us choose our birth. You didn’t decide to be born into a Brahmin family, a Dalit household, or a wealthy clan. You didn’t pick your religion—be it Hinduism, Islam, or Sikhism—nor your ethnicity, whether Ancestral North Indian (ANI), Ancestral South Indian (ASI), or Australo-Melanesian (AASI). Your gender, your mother tongue, your skin tone, or your social class? All handed to you by the cosmic lottery of genetics and circumstance.

So why take pride in these? If your parents are rich, you’re rich. If they’re upper caste, so are you. If they have fair skin, chances are you do too. But what did you do to earn these traits? Nothing. They’re not achievements; they’re inheritances. Taking pride in them is like boasting about winning a lottery you didn’t even buy a ticket for.

This mindset is especially pervasive in India, where caste, religion, and skin color often dictate social hierarchies. Fair skin is celebrated, with fairness creams flooding the market. Upper-caste surnames open doors, while lower-caste ones invite prejudice. Religious identity can spark both unity and division. Yet, these are all accidents of birth. You could just as easily have been born into a poor family, a marginalized caste, or with darker skin. The arrogance that sometimes accompanies these inherited traits—looking down on others for their caste, color, or class—is not just unfair; it’s illogical.

Pride in inherited traits doesn’t just fuel personal arrogance; it perpetuates systemic harm. It reinforces casteism, colorism, and classism, dividing communities and justifying discrimination. If we recognize that these traits are mere luck, we can begin to dismantle the hierarchies they uphold.

What Deserves Pride?

If we shouldn’t take pride in what we’re born with, what should we celebrate? The answer lies in what we do—the choices we make, the effort we put in, and the values we embody. Here are qualities and achievements that truly merit pride, because they reflect who we are, not what we were given:

1. Overcoming Adversity
   Facing hardship—be it poverty, discrimination, or personal trauma—and coming out stronger is a testament to resilience. In India, where systemic barriers like caste and economic inequality persist, rising above these challenges is a profound achievement.
2. Kindness and Empathy
   Choosing to treat others with compassion, especially in a society where divisions run deep, is a quiet but powerful act. Helping a stranger, standing up for the marginalized, or simply listening with care—these are choices that define character.
3. Hard Work and Discipline
   Whether it’s studying for years to crack a competitive exam, mastering a skill, or grinding through a tough job, consistent effort deserves recognition. In a country of 1.4 billion, where competition is fierce, discipline sets you apart.
4. Creativity
   Writing a poem, painting a mural, inventing a solution, or expressing yourself uniquely is a gift to the world. India’s rich artistic heritage—from classical dance to modern cinema—shows the power of creative achievement.
5. Self-Improvement
   Breaking bad habits, prioritizing mental health, or building physical fitness takes courage and commitment. In a society where stigma around mental health persists, seeking therapy or practicing self-care is a bold step.
6. Helping Others
   From volunteering in your community to mentoring a child, making a positive impact is invaluable. India’s tradition of seva (selfless service) reminds us that helping others is a universal good.
7. Moral Courage
   Standing up for what’s right—whether it’s calling out casteism, challenging corruption, or defending a minority—requires guts. In a complex society like India’s, moral courage is rare and precious.
8. Independence and Responsibility
   Taking care of yourself, supporting your family, or being a reliable friend reflects maturity. For many Indians, shouldering responsibilities early in life is a badge of honor.
9. Learning from Failure
   Admitting mistakes, adapting, and moving forward is a sign of strength. In a culture that often fears failure, embracing it as a teacher is revolutionary.
10. Building Something Meaningful
    Starting a business, raising a family, or launching a community project—anything that adds value to the world—is worth celebrating. India’s entrepreneurial spirit and tight-knit communities thrive on such efforts.

Why This Matters in India

In India, inherited identities like caste, religion, and skin color are deeply ingrained. They shape marriages, job prospects, and social interactions. While these identities can foster community and belonging, they also breed division and entitlement when tied to pride. The upper-caste individual who feels superior, the fair-skinned person who looks down on darker tones, the wealthy who dismiss the poor—these attitudes stem from a flawed belief that inherited traits reflect personal worth.

By shifting pride to personal achievements, we can build a more equitable society. Imagine an India where people are celebrated for their kindness, their hard work, their courage—not their caste, color, or class. This mindset doesn’t erase cultural heritage; it reframes it. You can cherish your language, your traditions, your roots, but recognize them as gifts, not trophies.

A Call to Reflect

Next time you feel a surge of pride in your caste, your fair skin, or your family’s wealth, pause. Ask yourself: Did I earn this? If the answer is no, let that pride soften into gratitude. Be thankful for the advantages you’ve been given, but don’t let them define your worth. Instead, channel your energy into what you can control—your actions, your growth, your impact.

In a country as vibrant and complex as India, let’s redefine pride. Let’s celebrate the student who studies by candlelight, the worker who supports their family, the activist who fights for justice. These are the stories that matter. These are the achievements that endure.

So, what are you proud of? Not what you were born with, but what you’ve done. Share your story, and let’s inspire each other to focus on what truly counts.