Healthy Competition: A Lifelong Teacher

Rivalries raise the stakes in any field. In sports, the world has witnessed the debates around Messi and Ronaldo. Cinema captured it memorably in Rush, the story of Niki Lauda and James Hunt. A line often quoted says it best:

A wise man learns more from his enemies than a fool from his friends.

The Early Shift

I was a mediocre student right up to 6th grade. Those were the days of landline calls, and I spent hours after school calling friends just to chat.

That year, our classroom’s bench allocations were by height. I was seated next to Charles David . To this day, I still remember his landline number by heart. Charlie, if you read this, I haven’t forgotten it.

Whenever I called him, he was either studying or doing something productive. No wonder he was among the class toppers. That made me think that if Charles could give so much attention to education, why couldn’t I? I tried, and for the first time I broke into the top 10, finishing 10th in the finals. For me, it was like standing on cloud nine. That moment changed my approach, and from then on academics became a strength.

Friends Who Were Competitors

Through school, I had peers like Abhaykumar Mehta and Akash Shah , who pushed me to perform better. Later in college, it was Binoy Parikh and Jayraj Pandya . We competed fiercely, but we also grew together. These friendships, shaped by competition, turned into some of the most enduring relationships I have.

The realisation came gradually: academic competition eventually ends, but the journey of learning never does. Over time, I have come to value this cycle: competition raising the bar, and friendship sustaining the journey.

Professional Parallels

The same applies in professional life. I have been fortunate to have peers who encourage me to go further, think sharper, and grow continuously. When ethics and intentions align, competition builds trust rather than rivalry.

Closing Thought

Healthy competition is foundational for moving beyond comfort zones. It pushes limits, widens horizons, and when met in the right spirit, creates lifelong bonds.

If you have watched Rush, you know the beauty of its ending. Find it here: https://youtu.be/6bvzVOZlXu4?si=hYBwiUFaJusBJ-y4

If not, I would say enjoy the film first before searching for the last scene.