When Aishwarya Rai spoke about winning Miss World 1994: ‘What’s most incredible…’

Reflecting on her statement, Subhash HJ, counsellor and mental health educator, Vasavi Hospitals, Bengaluru, said that winning while representing a country invokes more pride than winning for oneself.

“It satisfies our core psychological need for belongingness, and our identity of self. As much as individual identity, our brains are wired for social connections and collective identity,” said Subhash.

Here’s what to consider (Photo: Freepik)

Whenever we represent a country, such wins impact positively on the group of people we identify with. According to Subhash, this also results in large public affection, greater love and support from fellow citizens, and the community we belong to.

“The key factor here is also the ‘hero narrative’ one gets after winning for a country, triggering a dopamine surge in our brains, which isn’t the same as individual gains. This can often become a part of their core identity and make their life more purpose-driven and responsible,” said Subhash.

Calling humans as “meaning makers,” the counsellor continued, “Whenever we derive a meaning and purpose out of our actions, we feel a greater motivation and resilience in challenging tasks. So, while representing a country, we feel that our actions are more significant than they actually are. This positively impacts our performance and gives greater joy when achieved.”

In the end, representing and winning a crown for our country is not just about the flag, the anthem, or the medal; it’s fuelled by our brain’s deep need for purpose, meaning, and belongingness to the nation.