The recently concluded IPL matches in Guwahati provided much to discuss, but one peculiar aspect stood out—the lack of enthusiastic support for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in what was supposed to be their home ground, and more strikingly, the subdued backing for their stand-in captain, Assam’s very own Riyan Parag. While the crowd's overwhelming cheer for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) could be attributed to the legendary MS Dhoni’s fan following, the indifference towards Riyan Parag raises an uncomfortable question: Why do we fail to celebrate our own?
Despite a commendable performance in the match against CSK—scoring a crucial 37 runs, taking a game-changing catch, and displaying astute leadership—Riyan Parag did not receive the hero’s welcome one would expect for a hometown cricketer. Instead, sections of the media chose to highlight a trivial incident where he casually tossed a fan’s phone back after taking a selfie, portraying it as arrogance rather than a moment of harmless nonchalance. This apparent hostility and lack of local support demand deeper introspection.
The Psychology of Envy: “Kekura Mentality”
In Assam, there exists a patois —"kekura mentality" or crab mentality—which describes a phenomenon where individuals pull down those among them who rise above the rest, instead of lifting them up. Like crabs in a bucket, where any crab attempting to escape is dragged back by the others, society too sometimes refuses to celebrate its own achievers, often driven by envy, resentment, and insecurity.
Let me be frank here - this behaviour is not unique to Assam - but is deeply ingrained in human psychology. Various theories explain this destructive mindset:
1. Envy and Resentment: When someone from a familiar background achieves something significant, it creates a stark contrast with those who feel they haven’t reached similar heights. Instead of feeling inspired, they develop malicious envy, wanting to see the individual stumble rather than succeed.
2. Cognitive Dissonance: People who struggle to accept their own lack of success often justify their emotions by attributing another’s achievements to arrogance, luck, or undue advantage rather than genuine talent and hard work.
3. Tall Poppy Syndrome: This cultural phenomenon describes the tendency to cut down those who stand out. Instead of admiring their growth, some individuals attempt to undermine them through undue criticism.
4. Schadenfreude: There exists an unsettling human tendency to derive pleasure from the struggles or failures of successful individuals, as it provides a temporary ego boost to those who feel inferior.
5. Self-Serving Bias: Instead of introspecting on their own limitations, people prefer to blame the system, external circumstances, or the achiever’s so-called “privileged” position.
6. Status Anxiety: A successful individual’s rise can make others feel insecure about their own stagnation, leading them to view that person as a threat rather than an inspiration.
Riyan Parag: A Symbol of Assam’s Sporting Aspirations
Riyan Parag’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. An Under-19 World Cup winner in 2018, he became the youngest IPL half-centurion at 17 years and 175 days, a record-breaking feat. His consistent performances in domestic cricket and a breakout IPL season in 2024, where he amassed 573 runs, finally showcased his true potential. Moreover, he became the first male cricketer from Assam to don the Indian team colours—a moment of pride for the entire state.
Yet, despite these accolades, he continues to be a polarising figure among his own people. While many celebrate his achievements, others remain sceptical, questioning his success rather than appreciating his dedication and perseverance. It is disheartening to see an individual who has carried Assam’s cricketing dreams on his shoulders being met with indifference and even hostility by his own people.
Shedding the Crab Mentality: A Call for Change!
The time has come to break free from the shackles of crab mentality and cultivate a culture of encouragement and appreciation. Assam has long been a land of immense potential, producing icons in various fields. However, unless we rally behind our own, celebrate their triumphs, and support them through their struggles, we risk stifling the very talent we hope to nurture.
Riyan Parag’s success should be seen as a beacon of hope, an example for aspiring young cricketers across Assam who dream of making it big on the national and international stage. His journey proves that talent from the Northeast can shine on the grandest platforms, provided we create an ecosystem that supports and uplifts its own achievers.
If we continue to allow envy and baseless criticism to dictate our reactions to success stories, we will only perpetuate a cycle of mediocrity. It is high time we shift our mindset from resentment to inspiration, from cynicism to support.
A Future of Collective Growth:
As a society, we must acknowledge and rectify this damaging attitude. The younger generation looks up to achievers like Riyan Parag, and the way we treat him sets a precedent for how future talents will be received. We must ask ourselves—do we want to be the crabs pulling our best down, or do we want to be the wind beneath their wings?
It is imperative to foster a culture where success is celebrated, not envied. Where a young athlete’s journey is met with applause, not scepticism. Where Assam stands united in pride for its own, rather than divided by misplaced resentments.
The success of one should be seen as the success of all. Let us rise above the crab mentality and create an environment where more Riyan Parag’s can emerge, bringing glory not just to Assam but to the entire nation.
(All views and opinions expressed are author’s own)
