Classes of People

Classes of People: Is it a Birthright, a Badge of Honour, or a Myth?

Introduction

Classes in society are often identified by wealth. This system categorizes people based on their economic status, which often correlates with occupations and education levels. We typically see divisions like upper class, middle class, and lower class.

Society can also be categorized by caste, tribe, or religion. Within these classifications exist further divisions, such as ruling classes, nobles, bureaucracies, and priests.

While addressing people by their class can be rude, sociologists and economists study these classifications to understand social dynamics and mobility. This knowledge also helps governments create appropriate policies.

 Beyond Class: The Class of Achievers

Despite the classifications, there exists a special class that transcends them: the class of achievers. These are individuals admired for their deeds, not their wealth or background.

The Story of Sudha Murthy

Recently, I watched a talk show featuring Mrs. Sudha Murthy, chairperson of the Infosys Foundation and wife of billionaire N.R. Narayana Murthy. During the show, she shared an encounter at Heathrow Airport in London.

She was standing in the business class line with her sister waiting to board her flight. An Indian couple behind her mistook them for economy class passengers. Despite their immense wealth, Mrs. Murthy’s attire did not reflect their social status. She lives a simple life. The man, assuming they were in the wrong line said, ‘This isn’t your line, Bahenji. There’s another line for economy class. Go over there.'” The man directed her to the economy class line.

Sudha Murthy ignored him. The man again asked her to leave the business class line. “See,” he said to his wife when she didn’t respond, “these are cattle class people. They don’t know how much it costs to travel business class. The flight attendant will come and send them back there.”

The flight attendant arrived and seated everyone. After Sudha Murthy and all the passengers were settled, she approached the man and asked, “What exactly is ‘cattle class’?”

She then schooled him, saying, “Real class doesn’t come from wealth, but from one’s achievements.”  She used the example of Manjul Bhargava, a renowned mathematician who had won the prestigious Fields Medal, the highest award in mathematics.

The Class We Aspire To

This is the class we should strive for – a class that every nation aspires to have. Individuals like Mother Teresa and Abdus Sattar Edhi, who dedicated their lives to helping deprived and helpless, belong to this class. So do Prince Sultan bin Salman, the first Arab in space, and Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi woman to travel to the International Space Station. Philanthropist Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi, who donated his $7.7 billion fortune, and mathematical genius S. Ramanujan are also part of this class. Scientists who make discoveries, inventors who create new things, medical researchers who achieve breakthroughs, and Nobel Prize winners – all belong to this esteemed class.

A Class for All

This class is not defined by wealth, caste, or religion. It’s a class built on actions, a shared aspiration for every community. Every family, every nation can cultivate and take pride in this class. No matter your background – upper class, middle class, or any religious affiliation – there’s a place for you here.

Conclusion

The traditional class system may exist, but it’s the class of achievers that truly deserves recognition. This class transcends social divisions and inspires us all.