Father's Labour Lost

I chanced to meet colonel Malik few years back during a seminar. Over three days we became friends. What impressed me was his stout, enviable body structure and visible physical strength at 55. Colonel had just retired.

Col Malik told me that he had a pilot son in the Indian Navy. "You are a lucky father", I said. Every father aspires that his children achieve higher than he did. You must be feeling proud. "There will be few fathers like you", I comented.
"My wife contributed more than me. She would not sleep during the nights while he was preparing for National Defense Academy; just to make coffee for him every hour," Col told me.

"That’s great. What did you do?"

"I had planned right from his childhood that he would become a commissioned officer. I used to study his books for hours to teach him".

"Then"
"I sent him to Army School. When he asked for hundred bucks I sent him 200," Col Malik added.

"Here I differ from you. We shouldn’t give children more than what they need", I said.

"Well, there was a reason behind it. My father was a poor farmer. When I asked him for ten ruppees he gave me two. Many times I couldn’t buy books. I hated poverty. To compensate I gave my son double."

"You are retired now, Why do you stay alone in Delhi? You can join him" I said.
"Forget about that. He dislikes me" Added colonel sadly. "He comes for a month in one year. Picks up the car after breakfast and returns late night. He doesn’t give me even five minutes at a stretch," Col Malik had become emotional.

"But why" ? "You have given him the best. I don’t think a father can do more than that."

"He says I made him spendthrift by giving too much money. And I did everything for him right from opening a bank account to filling up college forms. I overprotected him…… I don’t want to be called his father. I am not dependent on anybody. Let him ignore me," this time colonel was all tears. "Whatever you do for the kids is less".

"I am happy alone. There are people without children. I have enough strength left to fight. Why should I look for shelter. I learning. That’s why I joined this course".

The lunch time was over. We were again inside the hall. I knew I wasn’t listening to the speaker.

Power and Worth of a Teacher

I joined teaching profession by compulsion to earn. I discovered there was not much money or social recognition compared to other professions. But value added returns were far more satisfying.

Helen Keller, whose name makes every American feel proud, was problem child of her parents. Meningitis attack in her childhood left her dumb and blind. It was impossible to handle her. But as the saying goes, when disciple is ready, the teacher arrives. In Helen’s case disciple wasn’t ready but the teacher was.

Her teacher, Annie devised ways to teach her alphabets by a unique method of writing then on hands and feeling the breath of the sound. Helen made hell of her life. Parents were fed up. The teacher didn’t give up. Helen had to learn alphabets and words.

Helen Keller became first dumb and blind person to complete her graduation. She learned music. Her autobiography became bestseller. She wrote twelve more books and numerous articles. Every American president during her lifetime met her. Annie lived with Helen life long. She died at the age of 88.The money Helen Keller earned from her books was converted into a foundation which still works for the welfare of the deaf and blind world over.

Has any emperor on this earth achieved greater victory than her teacher. She made a celebrity out of a notorious, undesirable child. That is the might of a teacher’s intentions. Let all teachers be like that. Hats off to all teachers.

Supporting the Weaker Link of the Family

One thing I like about the family setup here in India is the support system. Let me explain.

We are three brothers and one sister, the eldest sister being 55 and big brother touching 52. Politely and humbly if I can call, he is the weakest link. Ever since I and my middle brother got the job we have been helping him wherever we can and it is such a satisfaction. In past few months I lost job and had difficult time, my brother silently sent me 25,000 bucks without caring to know when and how I should return. I didn’t even had to acknowledge or say thanks. There are friends as well who have extended support.

I wonder, if everyone could practice such a system how intact and secure the society would be. God hasn’t made everybody self sufficient and smart enough to live independently. I never understand His scheme of things. But we, as his units can always take care of each other. I feel every child should be brought up with an instinct to help the less fortunate. Even if we can take care of the near and dears, the community is going to enjoy the collective happiness.

Father's Day Message

Dear father

It gives me such a pride thinking of you today. Your unconditional love and affection have always filled me with a sense of completeness. You are a friend, mentor, guide – a lighthouse for my life.

The values you have given me are helping me live a life of significance. What else could I have expected from God. I wish every child was lucky enough to get such gift. Your inexhaustible source of knowledge has enriched my intellectual thinking so much. You always had intelligent answers to my silly questions.

You are like a gardener who nourishes the plant, guards against the weeds and strong sunshine. The earth is a better place with you. You are a god ordained natural friend. I don’t know ways how to be more thankful to you. Happy Father’s Day!

Love from me

Great Birthday Messages

Tired of writing those old messages appearing in the cards? Here are some very innovative pieces you’d love to send.

Dear loved one
There is a rumor heard by me that you were born today. Great happening. How your arrival made this earth a happy place to be for me. May you live long and all the joys be yours! How sweet to think of you. Happy birthday!!

Dear Friend
Let me be the first to be proud of your being. May your life be illuminated by a million lucky stars! May all the flowers lay on your way spreading fragrance and beauty everywhere. May the bright sunlight of the morning touch your doorstep gently with some good news. May God bless you with nicest things of life!

My dear friend
Today is your birthday! Divine intervention – ask me why? You are the most beautiful woman on earth. Envy of all the beautiful things. What the gentle breeze is whispering into my ears. It is in the chirruping of the birds. The street roads are thankful that you walked on them. God’s perfect work of art. A poetry in space. You are incomparable.